iHeartMedia Inc
For the period ended Sep 30, 2024. Filed Nov 7, 2024.
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Sep 30, 2024 · Filed Nov 7, 2024
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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
NOTE 1 –BASIS OF PRESENTATION
Preparation of Interim Financial Statements
All references in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q to the “Company,” “we,” “us” and “our” refer to iHeartMedia, Inc. and its consolidated subsidiaries. The accompanying consolidated financial statements were prepared by the Company pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) and, in the opinion of management, include all normal and recurring adjustments necessary to present fairly the results of the interim periods shown. Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) have been condensed or omitted pursuant to such SEC rules and regulations. Management believes that the disclosures made are adequate to make the information presented not misleading. The financial statements contained herein should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023.
The Company reports based onthree reportable segments:
the Multiplatform Group, which includes the Company's Broadcast radio, Networks and Sponsorships and Events businesses;
the Digital Audio Group, which includes all of the Company's Digital businesses, including Podcasting; and
the Audio & Media Services Group, which includes Katz Media Group (“Katz Media”), a full-service media representation business, and RCS Sound Software ("RCS"), a provider of scheduling and broadcast software and services.
The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its subsidiaries. Also included in the consolidated financial statements are entities for which the Company has a controlling interest or is the primary beneficiary. Investments in companies which the Company does not control but exercises significant influence over operating and financial policies of the company are accounted for under the equity method. All significant intercompany transactions are eliminated in the consolidation process.
Economic Conditions
The Company's advertising revenue, cash flows, and cost of capital are impacted by changes in economic conditions. Higher interest rates and inflation have contributed to a challenging macroeconomic environment since 2022. This challenging environment has led to broader market uncertainty which has impacted the Company's revenues and cash flows. The current market uncertainty and macroeconomic conditions, a recession, or a downturn in the U.S. economy could have a significant impact on the Company's ability to generate revenue and cash flows.
The challenging environment has resulted in lower advertising spending by businesses and has delayed our expected recovery. In addition, this economic uncertainty has had a significant impact on the trading values of the Company's debt and equity securities for a sustained period. The Company therefore performed an interim impairment test as of June 30, 2024 on the goodwill recorded in its reporting units, as well as its indefinite-lived Federal Communication Commission ("FCC") licenses. The June 30, 2024 testing resulted in non-cash impairment charges of $616.1 million and $304.1 million to reduce the goodwill and FCC license balances, respectively. The Company performs its annual impairment test on goodwill and indefinite-lived FCC licenses, as of July 1 of each year. No impairment was required in the third quarter as part of the 2024 annual impairment testing.
As of September 30, 2024, the Company had approximately $431.8 million in cash and cash equivalents, and the $450.0 million senior secured asset-based revolving credit facility entered into on May 17, 2022 (the "ABL Facility") had a facility size of $450.0 million, no outstanding borrowings and $23.7 million of outstanding letters of credit, resulting in $426.3 million of borrowing base availability. The Company's total available liquidity as of September 30, 2024 was $858.1 million. Based on current available liquidity, the Company expects to be able to meet its obligations as they become due over the coming year.
Reclassifications
Certain prior period amounts have been reclassified to conform to the 2024 presentation.
Restricted Cash
As of September 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023, the Company did not have any restricted cash balances on the Consolidated Balance Sheets.
Certain Relationships and Related Party Transactions
From time to time, certain companies in which the Company holds minority equity interests, purchase advertising in the ordinary course. None of these ordinary course transactions have had a material impact on the Company.
New Accounting Pronouncements Not Yet Adopted
In December 2023, the FASB issued Update 2023-07 - Segment Reporting (Topic 280): Improvements to Reportable Segment Disclosures, which requires disclosure of the title and position of the Chief Operating Decision Maker (“CODM”), an explanation of how the CODM uses the reported measure of segment profit or loss in assessing segment performance and deciding how to allocate resources, and disclosure of expenses provided to the CODM that are included within the reported measure of segment profit or loss. The amendments of ASU 2023-07 are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2023, and interim periods within fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2024. Early adoption is permitted, and should be applied retrospectively to all periods presented. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of this standard on our disclosures.
In December 2023, the FASB issued Update 2023-09 - Income Taxes (Topic 740): Improvements to Income Tax Disclosures, which enhances the disclosure requirements for income tax rate reconciliation, domestic and foreign income taxes, and unrecognized tax benefits. The amendments of ASU 2023-09 are effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2024. Early adoption is permitted, and should be applied prospectively. We are currently evaluating the impact of this standard on our annual disclosures, including timing of adoption.
NOTE 2 –REVENUE
Disaggregation of Revenue
The following tables show revenue streams for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023:
| (In thousands) | Multiplatform Group | Digital Audio Group | Audio & Media Services Group | Eliminations | Consolidated |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Three Months Ended September 30, 2024 | |||||
| Revenue from contracts with customers: | |||||
| Broadcast Radio(1) | $448,808 | $— | $— | $— | $448,808 |
| Networks(2) | 115,310 | — | — | — | 115,310 |
| Sponsorship and Events(3) | 50,329 | — | — | — | 50,329 |
| Digital, excluding Podcast(4) | — | 186,996 | — | (1,189) | 185,807 |
| Podcast(5) | — | 114,045 | — | — | 114,045 |
| Audio & Media Services(6) | — | — | 90,050 | (1,313) | 88,737 |
| Other(7) | 4,978 | — | — | — | 4,978 |
| Total | 619,425 | 301,041 | 90,050 | (2,502) | 1,008,014 |
| Revenue from leases(8) | 119 | — | — | — | 119 |
| Revenue, total | $619,544 | $301,041 | $90,050 | $(2,502) | $1,008,133 |
| Three Months Ended September 30, 2023 | |||||
| Revenue from contracts with customers: | |||||
| Broadcast Radio(1) | $455,103 | $— | $— | $— | $455,103 |
| Networks(2) | 116,334 | — | — | — | 116,334 |
| Sponsorship and Events(3) | 49,500 | — | — | — | 49,500 |
| Digital, excluding Podcast(4) | — | 164,559 | — | (1,222) | 163,337 |
| Podcast(5) | — | 102,663 | — | — | 102,663 |
| Audio & Media Services(6) | — | — | 61,979 | (1,373) | 60,606 |
| Other(7) | 5,210 | — | — | — | 5,210 |
| Total | 626,147 | 267,222 | 61,979 | (2,595) | 952,753 |
| Revenue from leases(8) | 236 | — | — | — | 236 |
| Revenue, total | $626,383 | $267,222 | $61,979 | $(2,595) | $952,989 |
| (In thousands) | Multiplatform Group | Digital Audio Group | Audio & Media Services Group | Eliminations | Consolidated |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nine Months Ended September 30, 2024 | |||||
| Revenue from contracts with customers: | |||||
| Broadcast Radio(1) | $1,233,636 | $— | $— | $— | $1,233,636 |
| Networks(2) | 323,952 | — | — | — | 323,952 |
| Sponsorship and Events(3) | 117,279 | — | — | — | 117,279 |
| Digital, excluding Podcast(4) | — | 516,433 | — | (3,549) | 512,884 |
| Podcast(5) | — | 309,190 | — | — | 309,190 |
| Audio & Media Services(6) | — | — | 229,300 | (4,025) | 225,275 |
| Other(7) | 13,503 | — | — | — | 13,503 |
| Total | 1,688,370 | 825,623 | 229,300 | (7,574) | 2,735,719 |
| Revenue from leases(8) | 544 | — | — | — | 544 |
| Revenue, total | $1,688,914 | $825,623 | $229,300 | $(7,574) | $2,736,263 |
| Nine Months Ended September 30, 2023 | |||||
| Revenue from contracts with customers: | |||||
| Broadcast Radio(1) | $1,267,493 | $— | $— | $— | $1,267,493 |
| Networks(2) | 346,456 | — | — | — | 346,456 |
| Sponsorship and Events(3) | 120,297 | — | — | — | 120,297 |
| Digital, excluding Podcast(4) | — | 475,291 | — | (3,627) | 471,664 |
| Podcast(5) | — | 276,181 | — | — | 276,181 |
| Audio & Media Services(6) | — | — | 189,134 | (4,077) | 185,057 |
| Other(7) | 15,719 | — | — | — | 15,719 |
| Total | 1,749,965 | 751,472 | 189,134 | (7,704) | 2,682,867 |
| Revenue from leases(8) | 1,375 | — | — | — | 1,375 |
| Revenue, total | $1,751,340 | $751,472 | $189,134 | $(7,704) | $2,684,242 |
(1)Broadcast Radio revenue is generated through the sale of advertising time on the Company’s domestic radio stations.
(2)Networks revenue is generated through the sale of advertising on the Company’s Premiere and Total Traffic & Weather network programs and through the syndication of network programming to other media companies.
(3)Sponsorship and events revenue is generated through local events and major nationally-recognized tent pole events and include sponsorship and other advertising revenue, ticket sales, and licensing, as well as endorsement and appearance fees generated by on-air talent.
(4)Digital, excluding Podcast revenue is generated through the sale of streaming and display advertisements on digital platforms and through subscriptions to iHeartRadio streaming services.
(5)Podcast revenue is generated through the sale of advertising on the Company's podcast network.
(6)Audio & Media Services revenue is generated by services provided to broadcast industry participants through the Company’s Katz Media and RCS businesses. As a media representation firm, Katz Media generates revenue via commissions on media sold on behalf of the radio and television stations that it represents, while RCS generates revenue by providing broadcast software and media streaming, along with research services for radio stations, broadcast television stations, cable channels, record labels, ad agencies and Internet stations worldwide.
(7)Other revenue represents fees earned for miscellaneous services, including on-site promotions, activations, and local marketing agreements.
(8)Revenue from leases is primarily generated by the lease of towers to other media companies, which are all categorized as operating leases.
Trade and Barter
Trade and barter transactions represent the exchange of advertising spots for merchandise, services, advertising and promotion or other assets in the ordinary course of business. The transaction price for these contracts is measured at the estimated fair value of the non-cash consideration received unless this is not reasonably estimable, in which case the consideration is measured based on the standalone selling price of the advertising spots promised to the customer. The revenues and expenses may not be recognized in the same period depending on the timing of the services, advertising or promotion received in exchange for advertising spots. Trade and barter revenues and expenses, which are included in consolidated revenue and selling, general and administrative expenses, respectively, were as follows:
| Three Months EndedSeptember 30, | Nine Months EndedSeptember 30, | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| (In thousands) | 2024 | 2023 | 2024 | 2023 |
| Trade and barter revenues | $87,768 | $77,228 | $198,350 | $175,492 |
| Trade and barter expenses | 67,243 | 49,995 | 159,210 | 128,902 |
In addition to the trade and barter revenue in the table above, the Company recognized $13.3 million and $9.7 million during the three months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023, respectively, and $28.8 million and $21.4 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023, respectively, in connection with investments made in companies in exchange for advertising services.
The following tables show the Company’s deferred revenue balance from contracts with customers:
| Three Months EndedSeptember 30, | Nine Months EndedSeptember 30, | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| (In thousands) | 2024 | 2023 | 2024 | 2023 |
| Deferred revenue from contracts with customers: | ||||
| Beginning balance(1) | $181,883 | $184,827 | $181,899 | $157,910 |
| Revenue recognized, included in beginning balance | (63,013) | (73,407) | (115,463) | (102,588) |
| Additions, net of revenue recognized during period, and other | 64,627 | 84,600 | 117,061 | 140,698 |
| Ending balance | $183,497 | $196,020 | $183,497 | $196,020 |
(1) Deferred revenue from contracts with customers, which excludes other sources of deferred revenue that are not related to contracts with customers, is included within deferred revenue and other long-term liabilities on the Consolidated Balance Sheets, depending upon when revenue is expected to be recognized.
The Company’s contracts with customers generally have terms of one year or less; however, as of September 30, 2024, the Company expects to recognize $246.2 million of revenue in future periods for remaining performance obligations from current contracts with customers that have an original expected duration greater than one year, with substantially all of this amount to be recognized over the next five years. Commissions related to the Company’s media representation business have been excluded from this amount as they are contingent upon future sales.
Revenue from Leases
As of September 30, 2024, the future lease payments to be received by the Company are as follows:
| (In thousands) | |
|---|---|
| 2024 | $100 |
| 2025 | 149 |
| 2026 | 82 |
| 2027 | 41 |
| 2028 | 25 |
| Thereafter | 5 |
| Total | $402 |
NOTE 3 –LEASES
The Company enters into operating lease contracts for land, buildings, structures and other equipment. Arrangements are evaluated at inception to determine whether such arrangements contain a lease. Operating leases primarily include land and building lease contracts and leases of radio towers. Arrangements to lease building space consist primarily of the rental of office space, but may also include leases of other equipment, including automobiles and copiers. Operating leases are reflected on the Company's balance sheet within Operating lease right-of-use assets ("ROU assets") and the related short-term and long-term liabilities are included within Current and Noncurrent operating lease liabilities, respectively.
The Company's finance leases are included within Property, plant and equipment with the related liabilities included within Long-term debt.
ROU assets represent the right to use an underlying asset for the lease term, and lease liabilities represent the obligation to make lease payments arising from the lease. Operating lease ROU assets and liabilities are recognized at commencement date based on the present value of lease payments over the respective lease term. Lease expense is recognized on a straight-line basis over the lease term.
On September 29, 2023, the Company completed the sale of 122 of our broadcast tower sites and related assets for $45.3 million and entered into operating leases for the use of space on 121 of the broadcast tower sites and related assets sold. The Company realized a net loss of $3.2 million on the sale, which was recorded in Other Operating Expense, net in the Statement of Comprehensive Loss. The leases are for an initial term often years and include four optional five-year renewal periods. In connection with the transaction, the Company recorded ROU assets and lease liabilities with aggregate values of $26.3 million related to these leases.
The Company tests for impairment of assets whenever events and circumstances indicate that such assets might be impaired. During the nine months ended September 30, 2024, the Company recognized non-cash impairment charges of $1.5 million due to changes in sublease assumptions for ROU assets related to certain operating leases for which management has made proactive decisions to abandon and sublease in connection with strategic actions to streamline the Company’s real estate footprint. There wereno lease impairments recognized during the three months ended September 30, 2024. During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2023, the Company recognized non-cash impairment charges of $0.6 million and $6.1 million, respectively, due to changes in sublease assumptions for ROU assets.
The implicit rate within the Company's lease agreements is generally not determinable. As such, the Company uses the incremental borrowing rate ("IBR") to determine the present value of lease payments at the commencement of the lease. The IBR, as defined in ASC 842, is"the rate of interest that a lessee would have to pay to borrow on a collateralized basis over a similar term an amount equal to the lease payments in a similar economic environment."
The following table provides supplemental cash flow information related to leases for the periods presented:
| Nine Months Ended September 30, | ||
|---|---|---|
| (In thousands) | 2024 | 2023 |
| Cash paid for amounts included in measurement of operating lease liabilities | $112,468 | $104,784 |
| Lease liabilities arising from obtaining right-of-use assets(1) | 15,542 | 37,736 |
(1)Lease liabilities from obtaining right-of-use assets include new leases entered into during the nine months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023, respectively.
The Company reflects changes in the lease liability and changes in the ROU asset on a net basis in the Statements of Cash Flows. The non-cash operating lease expense was $16.2 million and $16.4 million for the three months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023, respectively. The non-cash operating lease expense was $47.7 million and $50.9 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023, respectively.
NOTE 4 –PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT, INTANGIBLE ASSETS AND GOODWILL
Property, Plant and Equipment
The Company’s property, plant and equipment consisted of the following classes of assets:
| (In thousands) | September 30,2024 | December 31,2023 |
|---|---|---|
| Land, buildings and improvements | $328,606 | $316,655 |
| Towers, transmitters and studio equipment | 205,035 | 195,609 |
| Computer equipment and software | 708,795 | 685,417 |
| Furniture and other equipment | 55,726 | 47,684 |
| Construction in progress | 27,849 | 16,473 |
| 1,326,011 | 1,261,838 | |
| Less: accumulated depreciation | 825,840 | 702,973 |
| Property, plant and equipment, net | $500,171 | $558,865 |
Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets
The Company’s indefinite-lived intangible assets consist of FCC broadcast licenses in its Multiplatform Group segment.
The Company performs its annual impairment test on goodwill and indefinite-lived FCC licenses, as of July 1 of each year. In addition, the Company tests for impairment of intangible assets whenever events and circumstances indicate that such assets might be impaired.
As discussed in Note 1, Basis of Presentation, economic uncertainty due to inflation and higher interest rates since 2022 has resulted in, among other things, lower advertising spending by businesses. This economic uncertainty has had an adverse impact on the Company's revenues, cash flows and trading values of the Company's debt and equity securities for a sustained period. As a result, the Company performed an interim impairment test as of June 30, 2024 on its FCC licenses, which resulted in a non-cash impairment charge of $304.1 million in the second quarter of 2024. No impairment was identified related to our FCC licenses as part of the 2024 annual impairment test performed during the third quarter of 2024.
Other Intangible Assets
Other intangible assets consists of definite-lived intangible assets, which primarily include customer and advertiser relationships, talent and representation contracts, trademarks and tradenames and other contractual rights, all of which are amortized over the shorter of either the respective lives of the agreements or over the period of time that the assets are expected to contribute directly or indirectly to the Company’s future cash flows. The Company periodically reviews the appropriateness of the amortization periods related to its definite-lived intangible assets. These assets are recorded at amortized cost.
The Company tests for possible impairment of other intangible assets whenever events and circumstances indicate that they might be impaired. When specific assets are determined to be unrecoverable, the cost basis of the asset is reduced to reflect the current fair market value.
In connection with its impairment testing, the Company also assessed its other intangible assets. Based on the Company's assessment, no impairment indicators were identified related to the definite-lived intangible assets.
The following table presents the gross carrying amount and accumulated amortization for each major class of other intangible assets.
| (In thousands) | September 30, 2024 | December 31, 2023 | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gross Carrying Amount | Accumulated Amortization | Gross Carrying Amount | Accumulated Amortization | |
| Customer / advertiser relationships | $1,652,623 | $(925,798) | $1,652,623 | $(800,377) |
| Talent and other contracts | 338,900 | (235,320) | 338,900 | (203,479) |
| Trademarks and tradenames | 335,912 | (181,955) | 335,912 | (156,468) |
| Other | 18,003 | (13,565) | 18,003 | (11,904) |
| Total | $2,345,438 | $(1,356,638) | $2,345,438 | $(1,172,228) |
Total amortization expense related to definite-lived intangible assets for the Company for the three months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023 was $61.2 million and $61.7 million, respectively. Total amortization expense related to definite-lived intangible assets for the Company for the nine months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023 was $184.3 million and $185.3 million, respectively.
The following table presents the Company’s estimate of amortization expense for each of the five succeeding fiscal years for definite-lived intangible assets:
| (In thousands) | |
|---|---|
| 2025 | $213,758 |
| 2026 | 201,512 |
| 2027 | 176,171 |
| 2028 | 160,395 |
| 2029 | 121,622 |
Goodwill
The following table presents the changes in the carrying amount of goodwill:
| (In thousands) | Multiplatform Group | Digital Audio Group | Audio & Media Services Group | Consolidated |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Balance as of December 31, 2023(1) | $1,340,459 | $311,426 | $69,598 | $1,721,483 |
| Impairment | (608,958) | — | (7,127) | (616,085) |
| Foreign currency | — | (73) | 22 | (51) |
| Balance as of September 30, 2024 | $731,501 | $311,353 | $62,493 | $1,105,347 |
| Cumulative Impairment | $1,954,895 | $439,383 | $41,642 | $2,435,920 |
(1) Beginning goodwill balance is presented net of prior accumulated impairment losses of $1.3 billion related to our Multiplatform Group, $439.4 million related to our Digital Audio Group and $34.5 million related to our Audio & Media Services Group.
Goodwill Impairment
The Company performs its impairment test for each reporting unit’s goodwill as of July 1 of each year. The Company also tests goodwill at interim dates if events or changes in circumstances indicate that goodwill might be impaired.
As discussed above, economic uncertainty has had a significant impact on the Company's revenue, cash flows, and the trading values of the Company's debt and equity securities for a sustained period. As a result, the Company performed an interim impairment test as of June 30, 2024 on its goodwill, resulting in a non-cash impairment charge of $616.1 million in the second quarter of 2024. No impairment was identified related to our goodwill balance as part of the 2024 annual impairment test performed during the third quarter of 2024.
NOTE 5 –LONG-TERM DEBT
Long-term debt outstanding for the Company consisted of the following:
| (In thousands) | September 30, 2024 | December 31, 2023 |
|---|---|---|
| Term Loan Facility due 2026 | $1,864,032 | $1,864,032 |
| Incremental Term Loan Facility due 2026 | 401,220 | 401,220 |
| Asset-based Revolving Credit Facility due 2027(1) | — | — |
| 6.375% Senior Secured Notes due 2026 | 800,000 | 800,000 |
| 5.25% Senior Secured Notes due 2027 | 750,000 | 750,000 |
| 4.75% Senior Secured Notes due 2028 | 500,000 | 500,000 |
| Other secured subsidiary debt(2) | 3,076 | 3,367 |
| Total consolidated secured debt | 4,318,328 | 4,318,619 |
| 8.375% Senior Unsecured Notes due 2027 | 916,357 | 916,357 |
| Other unsecured subsidiary debt | 2,191 | — |
| Original issue discount | (5,213) | (7,558) |
| Long-term debt fees | (9,816) | (12,268) |
| Total debt | 5,221,847 | 5,215,150 |
| Less: Current portion | 1,059 | 340 |
| Total long-term debt | $5,220,788 | $5,214,810 |
(1)As of September 30, 2024, the ABL Facility had a facility size of $450.0 million, no outstanding borrowings and $23.7 million of outstanding letters of credit, resulting in $426.3 million of borrowing base availability.
(2)Other secured subsidiary debt consists of finance lease obligations maturing at various dates from 2025 through 2045.
The Company’s weighted average interest rate was 7.1% and 7.3% as of September 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023, respectively. The aggregate market value of the Company’s debt based on market prices for which quotes were available was approximately $3.9 billion and $4.2 billion as of September 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023, respectively. Under the fair value hierarchy established by ASC 820-10-35, the market value of the Company’s debt is classified as either Level 1 or Level 2. As of September 30, 2024, the Company was in compliance with all covenants related to our debt agreements.
On June 15, 2023, iHeartCommunications, Inc. ("iHeartCommunications"), a wholly-owned subsidiary of iHeartMedia, entered into an amendment to the credit agreement governing its term loan credit facilities (the "Term Loan Facility"). The amendment replaces the prior Eurocurrency interest rate, based upon LIBOR, with the Secured Overnight Financing Rate (“SOFR”) successor rate plus a SOFR adjustment as specified in the credit agreement. The Term Loan Facility margins remain the same with the Term Loan Facility due 2026 containing margins of 3.00% for Term SOFR Loans (as defined in the credit agreement) and 2.00% for Base Rate Loans (as defined in the credit agreement), and the incremental Term Loan Facility due 2026 containing margins of 3.25% for Term SOFR Loans with a floor of 0.50% and 2.25% for Base Rate Loans with a floor of 1.50%.
As further described under Note 10, Subsequent Events, on November 6, 2024, the Company entered into a transaction support agreement (the "TSA") pursuant to which, among other transactions described in Note 10, certain lenders and holders (or their managers, advisors, or sub-advisors) of iHeartCommunications' outstanding notes and term loans (collectively, the "Supporting Holders") have agreed to the terms of, and to support, (i) exchange offer transactions that will be offered to all holders of the Company's Existing Debt (as defined in Note 10), consisting of two alternative exchange transaction structures, each of which will extend the maturity of the Existing Debt tendered in the exchange offer transactions by three years, and (ii) concurrent consent solicitations to amend certain provisions in the indentures and credit agreement governing the Existing Debt. In the first transaction structure, if certain thresholds of holder participation are met, iHeartCommunications will issue new secured debt in exchange for the Existing Debt held by participating holders. Alternatively, if certain thresholds of holder participation are not met, newly-formed subsidiaries of the Company holding certain transferred assets and an intercompany note (to be issued by iHeartMedia + Entertainment, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of iHeartCommunications) will issue new secured debt in exchange for the Existing Debt held by participating holders.
Concurrently with entry into the TSA and as further described under Note 10, the Company also entered into an amendment to the ABL Facility to, among other things, permit both exchange transaction alternative and other related transactions, amend certain provisions and increase the interest rate on the ABL Facility by (a) if the first transaction is consummated,0.50%, and (b) if the alternative transaction is consummated,1.00%. Such amendments will become effective upon the satisfaction or waiver of certain conditions.
Surety Bonds and Letters of Credit
As of September 30, 2024, the Company and its subsidiaries had outstanding surety bonds and commercial standby letters of credit of $8.9 million and $23.7 million, respectively. These surety bonds and letters of credit relate to various operational matters including insurance, lease and performance bonds as well as other items.
NOTE 6 –COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
The Company and its subsidiaries are involved in certain legal proceedings arising in the ordinary course of business and, as required, have accrued an estimate of the probable costs for the resolution of those claims for which the occurrence of loss is probable and the amount can be reasonably estimated. These estimates have been developed in consultation with counsel and are based upon an analysis of potential results, assuming a combination of litigation and settlement strategies. It is possible, however, that future results of operations for any particular period could be materially affected by changes in the Company’s assumptions or the effectiveness of its strategies related to these proceedings. Additionally, due to the inherent uncertainty of litigation, there can be no assurance that the resolution of any particular claim or proceeding would not have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial condition or results of operations.
Although the Company is involved in a variety of legal proceedings in the ordinary course of business, a large portion of the Company’s litigation arises in the following contexts: commercial/contract disputes; defamation matters; employment and benefits related claims; intellectual property claims; real estate matters; governmental investigations; and tax disputes.
Alien Ownership Restrictions and FCC Declaratory Ruling
The Communications Act of 1934, as amended (the "Communications Act") and FCC regulation prohibit foreign entities and individuals from having direct or indirect ownership or voting rights of more than 25 percent in a corporation controlling the licensee of a radio broadcast station unless the FCC finds greater foreign ownership to be in the public interest. On November 5, 2020, the FCC issued a declaratory ruling, which permits the Company to be up to 100% foreign owned, subject to certain conditions (the "2020 Declaratory Ruling").
NOTE 7 –INCOME TAXES
The Company’s income tax benefit (expense) consisted of the following components:
| (In thousands) | Three Months EndedSeptember 30, | Nine Months EndedSeptember 30, | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 2023 | 2024 | 2023 | |
| Current tax expense | $(23,066) | $(38,930) | $(43,453) | $(77,576) |
| Deferred tax benefit | 2,231 | 48,191 | 67,239 | 107,089 |
| Income tax benefit (expense) | $(20,835) | $9,261 | $23,786 | $29,513 |
The effective tax rates for the Company for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2024 were (101.7)% and 2.2%, respectively. The three month effective tax rate was primarily impacted by changes in the forecasted increase in valuation allowances recorded against certain deferred assets, related primarily to disallowed interest expense carryforwards due to uncertainty regarding the Company's ability to utilize those assets in future periods. The nine month effective tax rate was primarily impacted by impairment charges to non-deductible goodwill recorded during the second quarter of 2024, as discussed in Note 4, Property, Plant, and Equipment, Intangibles, and Goodwill as well as the valuation allowance changes noted above.
The effective tax rates for the Company for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2023 were 50.8% and 2.6%, respectively. The three month effective tax rate was primarily impacted by the forecasted increase in valuation allowance against certain deferred tax assets, related primarily to disallowed interest expense carryforwards, due to uncertainty regarding the Company’s ability to utilize those assets in future periods. The nine month effective tax rate was primarily impacted by impairment charges to non-deductible goodwill recorded during the second quarter of 2023.
NOTE 8 –STOCKHOLDERS' DEFICIT
Pursuant to the Company's 2019 Equity Incentive Plan (the "2019 Plan"), the Company historically granted restricted stock units and options to purchase shares of the Company's Class A common stock to certain key individuals. On April 21, 2021, the 2021 Long-Term Incentive Award Plan (the “2021 Plan”) was approved by stockholders and replaced the 2019 Plan. Pursuant to the 2021 Plan, the Company will continue to grant equity awards covering shares of the Company's Class A common stock to certain key individuals.
Share-based Compensation
Share-based compensation expenses are recorded in Selling, general and administrative expenses in the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Loss. The Company periodically issues restricted stock units ("RSUs") and performance-based RSUs ("Performance RSUs") to certain key employees, some of which are settled in cash. The RSUs vest solely due to continued service over time. The Performance RSUs generally vest upon the achievement of certain market goals, performance goals, and continued service. The majority of these awards are being measured over an approximately 3-year period from the date of issuance, while certain Performance RSUs are measured over a 50-month period from the date of issuance.
The following table presents the Company's total share based compensation expense by award type:
| (In thousands) | Three Months EndedSeptember 30, | Nine Months EndedSeptember 30, | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 2023 | 2024 | 2023 | |
| RSUs | $5,636 | $5,112 | $15,647 | $16,750 |
| Performance RSUs | 2,150 | 2,288 | 6,351 | 6,520 |
| Options | 477 | 791 | 1,965 | 4,285 |
| Total Share Based Compensation Expense(1) | $8,263 | $8,191 | $23,963 | $27,555 |
(1) Total share based compensation expense includes $1.5 million and $2.0 million of expense from cash settled awards for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2024, respectively. Total share based compensation expense includes$0.4 million and $0.7 million of expense from cash settled awards for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2023, respectively.
As of September 30, 2024, there was $38.1 million of unrecognized compensation cost related to share-based compensation arrangements. This cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of approximately 1.6 years and assumes Performance RSUs will be fully earned at target.
Special Warrants
Each Special Warrant issued under the special warrant agreement entered into in connection with the Company's emergence from bankruptcy in 2019 may be exercised by its holder to purchaseone share of Class A common stock or Class B common stock at an exercise price of $0.001 per share, unless the Company in its sole discretion believes such exercise would, alone or in combination with any other existing or proposed ownership of common stock, result in, subject to certain exceptions, (a) such exercising holder owning more than 4.99 percent of the Company's outstanding Class A common stock, (b) more than 22.5 percent of the Company's capital stock or voting interests being owned directly or indirectly by foreign individuals or entities, (c) the Company exceeding any other applicable foreign ownership threshold or (d) violation of any provision of the Communications Act or restrictions on ownership or transfer imposed by the Company's certificate of incorporation or the decisions, rules and policies of the FCC. Any holder exercising Special Warrants must complete and timely deliver to the warrant agent the required exercise forms and certifications required under the special warrant agreement. The Communications Act and FCC regulations prohibit foreign entities or individuals from indirectly (i.e., through a parent company) owning or voting more than 25 percent of a licensee’s equity, unless the FCC determines that greater indirect foreign ownership is in the public interest. As mentioned in Note 6 above, on November 5, 2020, the FCC issued the 2020 Declaratory Ruling, which permits the Company to be up to 100% foreign owned.
During the three months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023 there were 3,984 and 9,185 Special Warrants, respectively, exercised for shares of Class A common stock. During the three months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023 there were no Special Warrants exercised for Class B common stock.
During the nine months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023, there were 62,547 and 9,383 Special Warrants, respectively, exercised for shares of Class A common stock. During the nine months ended September 30, 2023, there were 59 Special Warrants exercised for Class B common stock. There wereno Special Warrants exercised for Class B common stock during the nine months ended September 30, 2024.
During the three months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023 stockholders converted 58,476 andno shares, respectively, of the Class B common stock into Class A common stock. During the nine months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023, stockholders converted 61,449 and 129,877 shares, respectively, of the Class B common stock into Class A common stock.
Computation of Loss per Share
| (In thousands, except per share data) | Three Months EndedSeptember 30, | Nine Months EndedSeptember 30, | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 2023 | 2024 | 2023 | |
| NUMERATOR: | ||||
| Net loss attributable to the Company – common shares | $(41,265) | $(9,053) | $(1,041,431) | $(1,115,783) |
| DENOMINATOR(1): | ||||
| Weighted average common shares outstanding - basic | 151,990 | 149,695 | 150,978 | 149,084 |
| Stock options and restricted stock(2): | — | — | — | — |
| Weighted average common shares outstanding - diluted | 151,990 | 149,695 | 150,978 | 149,084 |
| Net loss attributable to the Company per common share: | ||||
| Basic | $(0.27) | $(0.06) | $(6.90) | $(7.48) |
| Diluted | (0.27) | (0.06) | (6.90) | (7.48) |
(1) All of the outstanding Special Warrants are included in both the basic and diluted weighted average common shares outstanding of the Company for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023.
(2) Outstanding equity service awards representing 14.8 million and 14.6 million shares of Class A common stock of the Company for the three months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023, respectively, and 15.2 million and 13.3 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023, respectively, were not included in the computation of diluted earnings per share because to do so would have been antidilutive.
NOTE 9 –SEGMENT DATA
The Company’s primary businesses are included in its Multiplatform Group and Digital Audio Group segments. Revenue and expenses earned and charged between Multiplatform Group, Digital Audio Group, Audio & Media Services Group, and Corporate are eliminated in consolidation. The Multiplatform Group provides media and entertainment services via broadcast delivery and also includes the Company’s events and national syndication businesses. The Digital Audio Group provides media and entertainment services via digital delivery. The Audio & Media Services Group provides other audio and media services, including the Company’s media representation business (Katz Media) and its provider of scheduling and broadcast software (RCS). Corporate includes infrastructure and support, including executive, information technology, human resources, legal, finance, and administrative functions for the Company’s businesses.
The following tables present the Company's segment results:
| Segments | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| (In thousands) · Multiplatform Group · Digital Audio Group · Audio & Media Services Group · Corporate and other reconciling items · Eliminations · Consolidated | |||||||
| Three Months Ended September 30, 2024 | |||||||
| Revenue | $619,544 | $301,041 | $90,050 | $— | $(2,502) | $1,008,133 | |
| Operating expenses(1) | 489,672 | 201,035 | 45,641 | 69,702 | (2,502) | 803,548 | |
| Segment Adjusted EBITDA(2) | $129,872 | $100,006 | $44,409 | $(69,702) | $— | $204,585 | |
| Depreciation and amortization | (101,331) | ||||||
| Impairment charges | (412) | ||||||
| Other operating expense, net | (1,092) | ||||||
| Restructuring expenses | (16,767) | ||||||
| Share-based compensation expense | (8,263) | ||||||
| Operating income | $76,720 | ||||||
| Intersegment revenues | $— | $1,189 | $1,313 | $— | $— | $2,502 | |
| Capital expenditures | 13,615 | 5,924 | 1,376 | 8,505 | — | 29,420 | |
| Share-based compensation expense | — | — | — | 8,263 | — | 8,263 | |
| Segments | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| (In thousands) · Multiplatform Group · Digital Audio Group · Audio & Media Services Group · Corporate and other reconciling items · Eliminations · Consolidated | |||||||
| Three Months Ended September 30, 2023 | |||||||
| Revenue | $626,383 | $267,222 | $61,979 | $— | $(2,595) | $952,989 | |
| Operating expenses(1) | 463,939 | 173,565 | 45,003 | 69,295 | (2,595) | 749,207 | |
| Segment Adjusted EBITDA(2) | $162,444 | $93,657 | $16,976 | $(69,295) | $— | $203,782 | |
| Depreciation and amortization | (106,451) | ||||||
| Impairment charges | (570) | ||||||
| Other operating expense, net | (3,378) | ||||||
| Restructuring expenses | (16,227) | ||||||
| Share-based compensation expense | (8,191) | ||||||
| Operating income | $68,965 | ||||||
| Intersegment revenues | $— | $1,222 | $1,373 | $— | $— | $2,595 | |
| Capital expenditures | 10,822 | 6,069 | 1,509 | 10,118 | — | 28,518 | |
| Share-based compensation expense | — | — | — | 8,191 | — | 8,191 | |
| Segments | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| (In thousands) · Multiplatform Group · Digital Audio Group · Audio & Media Services Group · Corporate and other reconciling items · Eliminations · Consolidated | |||||||
| Nine Months Ended September 30, 2024 | |||||||
| Revenue | $1,688,914 | $825,623 | $229,300 | $— | $(7,574) | $2,736,263 | |
| Operating expenses(1) | 1,377,597 | 565,620 | 137,347 | 203,864 | (7,574) | 2,276,854 | |
| Segment Adjusted EBITDA(2) | $311,317 | $260,003 | $91,953 | $(203,864) | $— | $459,409 | |
| Depreciation and amortization | (310,849) | ||||||
| Impairment charges | (922,144) | ||||||
| Other operating expense, net | (2,180) | ||||||
| Restructuring expenses | (67,928) | ||||||
| Share-based compensation expense | (23,963) | ||||||
| Operating loss | $(867,655) | ||||||
| Intersegment revenues | $— | $3,549 | $4,025 | $— | $— | $7,574 | |
| Capital expenditures | 38,214 | 17,043 | 5,800 | 11,117 | — | 72,174 | |
| Share-based compensation expense | — | — | — | 23,963 | — | 23,963 | |
| Segments | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| (In thousands) · Multiplatform Group · Digital Audio Group · Audio & Media Services Group · Corporate and other reconciling items · Eliminations · Consolidated | |||||||
| Nine Months Ended September 30, 2023 | |||||||
| Revenue | $1,751,340 | $751,472 | $189,134 | $— | $(7,704) | $2,684,242 | |
| Operating expenses(1) | 1,339,441 | 519,115 | 138,315 | 206,689 | (7,704) | 2,195,856 | |
| Segment Adjusted EBITDA(2) | $411,899 | $232,357 | $50,819 | $(206,689) | $— | $488,386 | |
| Depreciation and amortization | (323,028) | ||||||
| Impairment charges | (965,087) | ||||||
| Other operating expense, net | (3,338) | ||||||
| Restructuring expenses | (46,469) | ||||||
| Share-based compensation expense | (27,555) | ||||||
| Operating loss | $(877,091) | ||||||
| Intersegment revenues | $— | $3,627 | $4,077 | $— | $— | $7,704 | |
| Capital expenditures | 52,116 | 17,348 | 6,300 | 14,692 | — | 90,456 | |
| Share-based compensation expense | — | — | — | 27,555 | — | 27,555 | |
(1) Operating expenses consist of Direct operating and SG&A expenses, excluding Restructuring and share-based compensation expenses.
(2)For a definition of Adjusted EBITDA for the consolidated company and a reconciliation to Operating income (loss), the most closely comparable GAAP measure, and to Net loss, please see "Reconciliation of Operating income (loss) to Adjusted EBITDA" and "Reconciliation of Net loss to EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA" in Item 2 of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.
NOTE 10 –SUBSEQUENT EVENTS
Transaction Support Agreement and Exchange Offer
On November 6, 2024, the Company entered into the TSA with the Supporting Holders of iHeartCommunications' outstanding notes and term loans. The Supporting Holders represent approximately 77% of the aggregate principal amount of iHeartCommunications’ outstanding senior secured notes due 2026,79% of the aggregate principal amount of its outstanding senior secured notes due 2027,38% of the aggregate principal amount of its outstanding senior secured notes due 2028,71% of the aggregate principal amount of its outstanding senior unsecured notes due 2027, and 92% of the aggregate principal amount of its outstanding term loans (collectively, the “Existing Debt”).
The Company and the Supporting Holders have agreed to the terms of, and to support, (i) exchange offer transactions that will be offered to all holders of the Existing Debt, consisting oftwo alternative exchange transaction structures, each of which will extend the maturity of the Existing Debt tendered in the exchange offer transactions bythree years, and (ii) concurrent consent solicitations to amend certain provisions in the indentures and credit agreement governing the Existing Debt. In the first transaction structure, if certain thresholds of holder participation are met, iHeartCommunications will issue new secured debt in exchange for the Existing Debt held by participating holders. Alternatively, if certain thresholds of holder participation are not met, newly-formed subsidiaries of the Company holding certain transferred assets and an intercompany note (to be issued by iHeartMedia + Entertainment, Inc.) will issue new secured debt in exchange for the Existing Debt held by participating holders.
The TSA may be terminated under various circumstances, including if the exchange offer transactions are not consummated on or before December 31, 2024, unless such date is extended pursuant to the terms of the TSA.
Concurrently with entry into the TSA, the Company also entered into an amendment to its ABL Facility (the “ABL Amendment”) to, among other things, permit both exchange transaction alternatives and other transactions related to the exchange, amend certain of the covenants, default provisions contained therein, and increase the interest rate on the ABL Facility by (a) if the first transaction is consummated,0.50%, and (b) if the alternative transaction is consummated,1.00%. The amendments contained in the ABL Amendment will become effective upon the satisfaction or waiver of certain conditions, including the consummation of one of the transactions contemplated by the TSA. The Company anticipates commencing the exchange offer in the near term.
The text of this filing, as the company filed it with the SEC, without its images or exhibits. This is not investment advice.