Townsquare Media, Inc.

Previous wording

This report includes estimates, projections, statements relating to our business plans, objectives and expected operating results that are “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act"). Forward-looking statements often discuss our current expectations and projections relating to our financial condition, results of operations, plans, objectives, future performance and business. You can identify forward-looking statements by the fact that they do not relate strictly to historical or current facts. These statements may include words such as “aim,” “anticipate,” “estimate,” “expect,” “forecast,” “outlook,” “potential,” “project,” “projection,” “plan,” “intend,” “seek,” “believe,” “may,” “could,” “would,” “will,” “should,” “can,” “can have,” “likely,” the negatives thereof and other words and terms. Actual events or results may differ materially from the results anticipated in these forward-looking statements as a result of a variety of factors. While it is impossible to identify all such factors, factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those estimated by us include the impact of general economic conditions in the United States, or in the specific markets in which we currently do business including supply chain disruptions, inflation, labor shortages and the effect on advertising activity, industry conditions, including existing competition and future competitive technologies, the popularity of radio as a broadcasting and advertising medium, cancellations, disruptions or postponements of advertising schedules in response to national or world events, our ability to develop and maintain digital technologies and hire and retain technical and sales talent, our dependence on key personnel, our capital expenditure requirements, our continued ability to identify suitable acquisition targets, and consummate and integrate any future acquisitions, legislative or regulatory requirements, risks and uncertainties relating to our leverage and changes in interest rates, our ability to obtain financing at times, in amounts and at rates considered appropriate by us, our ability to access the capital markets as and when needed and on terms that we consider favorable to us and other factors discussed in this section entitled “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” in this report and under “Risk Factors” in our 2023 Annual Report on Form 10-K, as well as other risks discussed from time to time in our filings with the SEC. Many of these factors are beyond our ability to predict or control. In addition, as a result of these and other factors, our past financial performance should not be relied on as an indication of future performance. The cautionary statements referred to in this section also should be…

Excerpt shortened here; the source contains the full paragraph.

Current wording

This report includes estimates, projections, statements relating to our business plans, objectives and expected operating results that are “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act"). Forward-looking statements often discuss our current expectations and projections relating to our financial condition, results of operations, plans, objectives, future performance and business. You can identify forward-looking statements by the fact that they do not relate strictly to historical or current facts. These statements may include words such as “aim,” “anticipate,” “estimate,” “expect,” “forecast,” “outlook,” “potential,” “project,” “projection,” “plan,” “intend,” “seek,” “believe,” “may,” “could,” “would,” “will,” “should,” “can,” “can have,” “likely,” the negatives thereof and other words and terms. Actual events or results may differ materially from the results anticipated in these forward-looking statements as a result of a variety of factors. While it is impossible to identify all such factors, factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those estimated by us include the impact of general economic conditions in the United States, or in the specific markets in which we currently do business including supply chain disruptions, inflation, labor shortages, tariffs, and the effect on advertising activity, industry conditions, including existing competition and future competitive technologies, the popularity of radio as a broadcasting and advertising medium, cancellations, disruptions or postponements of advertising schedules in response to national or world events, our ability to develop and maintain digital technologies and hire and retain technical and sales talent, our dependence on key personnel, our capital expenditure requirements, our continued ability to identify suitable acquisition targets, and consummate and integrate any future acquisitions, legislative or regulatory requirements, risks and uncertainties relating to our leverage and changes in interest rates, our ability to obtain financing at times, in amounts and at rates considered appropriate by us, our ability to access the capital markets as and when needed and on terms that we consider favorable to us and other factors discussed in this section entitled “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” in this report and under “Risk Factors” in our 2024 Annual Report on Form 10-K, as well as other risks discussed from time to time in our filings with the SEC. Many of these factors are beyond our ability to predict or control. In addition, as a result of these and other factors, our past financial performance should not be relied on as an indication of future performance. The cautionary statements referred to in this section also…

Excerpt shortened here; the source contains the full paragraph.

Previous wording

Townsquare is a community-focused digital media and subscription digital marketing solutions company with market leading local radio stations, principally focused outside the top 50 markets in the United States. Our integrated and diversified products and solutions enable local, regional and national advertisers to target audiences across multiple platforms, including digital, mobile, social, video, streaming, e-commerce, radio and events. Our assets include a subscription digital marketing solutions business (“Townsquare Interactive”), providing a business management platform, website design, creation and hosting, search engine optimization, social platforms and online reputation management as well as other monthly digital services for small to medium sized businesses; a robust digital advertising division (“Townsquare Ignite,” or “Ignite”), a powerful combination of a) an owned and operated portfolio of more than 400 local news and entertainment websites and mobile apps along with a network of leading national music and entertainment brands, collecting valuable first party data and b) a proprietary digital programmatic advertising technology stack with an in-house demand and data management platform; and a portfolio of 349 local terrestrial radio stations in 74 U.S. markets strategically situated outside the Top 50 markets in the United States. Our portfolio includes local media brands such as WYRK.com, WJON.comand NJ101.5.com, and premier national music brands such as XXLmag.com, TasteofCountry.com, UltimateClassicRock.com, and Loudwire.com.

Current wording

Townsquare is a community-focused digital and broadcast media and marketing solutions company principally focused outside the top 50 markets in the U.S. Townsquare Ignite, our robust digital advertising division, specializes in helping businesses of all sizes connect with their target audience through data-driven, results based strategies, by utilizing a) our proprietary digital programmatic advertising technology stack with an in-house demand and data management platform and b) our owned and operated portfolio of more than 400 local news and entertainment websites and mobile apps along with a network of leading national music and entertainment brands, collecting valuable first party data. Townsquare Interactive, our subscription digital marketing services business, partners with small and medium-sized businesses (“SMBs”) to help manage their digital presence by providing a SAAS business management platform, website design, creation and hosting, search engine optimization and other digital services. And through our portfolio of local radio stations strategically situated outside the Top 50 markets in the United States, we provide effective advertising solutions for our clients and relevant local content for our audiences.

Previous wording

The Company has identified three operating segments, which are Subscription Digital Marketing Solutions, Digital Advertising and Broadcast Advertising. The remainder of our business is reported in the Other category.

Current wording

The Company has identified three segments, which are Digital Advertising, Subscription Digital Marketing Solutions, and Broadcast Advertising, and the remainder of our business is reported in an Other category.

Previous wording

Our Digital Advertising segment, marketed externally as Townsquare Ignite, is a combination of our owned and operated digital properties, our proprietary digital programmatic advertising platform, and an in-house demand and data management platform collecting valuable first party data.

Current wording

Our Digital Advertising segment, marketed externally as Townsquare Ignite, is a combination of our proprietary digital programmatic advertising platform and our owned and operated digital properties, and an in-house demand and data management platform collecting valuable first party data.

Previous wording

Our Subscription Digital Marketing Solutions segment encompasses Townsquare Interactive, our subscription digital marketing solutions business. Townsquare Interactive offers digital marketing solutions, on a subscription basis, to small and medium-sized business (“SMBs”) in markets outside the top 50 across the United States, including but importantly not limited to the markets in which we operate radio stations. We offer a variety of digital marketing solutions, which enables SMBs to choose the optimal features for their specific business.

Current wording

Our Subscription Digital Marketing Solutions segment encompasses Townsquare Interactive, our subscription digital marketing solutions business. Townsquare Interactive offers digital marketing solutions, on a subscription basis, to SMBs in markets outside the top 50 across the United States, including but importantly not limited to the markets in which we operate radio stations. We offer a variety of digital marketing solutions, which enables SMBs to choose the optimal features for their specific business.

Previous wording

Our Broadcast Advertising segment includes our portfolio of 349 local terrestrial radio stations. Our primary source of Broadcast Advertising net revenue is the sale of advertising on our local radio stations primarily to local and regional spot advertisers and, to a lesser extent, national spot and national network advertisers. We believe we are the largest and best-capitalized owner and operator of radio stations focused solely on markets outside the top 50 markets in the United States. Given the stability of radio’s audience, its broad reach and its relatively low cost as compared to competing advertising media such as television, we believe radio continues to offer an attractive value proposition to advertisers. The price point for radio advertising on a cost per thousand basis is lower than most other local media that deliver similar scale. This makes radio more affordable and accessible for the type of small and mid-sized businesses typically found in our local markets outside the top 50 markets in the U.S.

Current wording

Our Broadcast Advertising segment includes our portfolio of 342 local terrestrial radio stations. Our primary source of Broadcast Advertising net revenue is the sale of advertising on our local radio stations primarily to local and regional spot advertisers and, to a lesser extent, national spot and national network advertisers. We believe we are the largest and best-capitalized owner and operator of radio stations focused solely on markets outside the top 50 markets in the United States. Given the stability of radio’s audience, its broad reach and its relatively low cost as compared to competing advertising media such as television, we believe radio continues to offer an attractive value proposition to advertisers. The price point for radio advertising on a cost per thousand basis is lower than most other local media that deliver similar scale. This makes radio more affordable and accessible for the type of small and mid-sized businesses typically found in our local markets outside the top 50 markets in the U.S.

Previous wording

We report the remainder of our revenue in the Other category, and it includes revenue from our live events. Our primary source of live events net revenue is ticket sales. Our live events also generate substantial revenue through the sale of sponsorships, food and other concessions, merchandise and other ancillary products and services.

Current wording

We report the remainder of our revenue in the Other category, and it includes revenue from our live events, which includes concerts, expositions, and other experiential events. Our live events portfolio includes iconic local events such as WYRK’s Taste of Country, the Boise Music Festival, the Red Dirt BBQ & Music Festival and Taste of Fort Collins. Our primary source of live events net revenue is ticket sales. Our live events also generate revenue through the sale of sponsorships, food and other concessions, merchandise and other ancillary products and services.

Previous wording

Current economic challenges, including high and sustained inflation and interest rates have caused and could continue to cause economic uncertainty and volatility. These factors could result in advertising and subscription digital marketing solutions cancellations, declines in the purchase of new advertising by our clients, declines in the addition of new digital marketing solutions subscribers, and increases to our operating expenses. We monitor economic conditions closely, and in response to observed or anticipated reductions in revenue, we may institute precautionary measures to address the potential impact to our consolidated financial position, consolidated results of operations, and liquidity, including wage reduction efforts and controlling non-essential capital expenditures.

Current wording

Current economic challenges, including high and sustained inflation and interest rates, and proposed and enacted tariffs have caused and could continue to cause economic uncertainty and volatility. These factors could result in advertising and subscription digital marketing solutions cancellations, declines in the purchase of new advertising by our clients, declines in the addition of new digital marketing solutions subscribers, and increases to our operating expenses. We monitor economic conditions closely, and in response to observed or anticipated reductions in revenue, we may institute precautionary measures to address the potential impact to our consolidated financial position, consolidated results of operations, and liquidity, including wage reduction efforts and controlling non-essential capital expenditures.

Previous wording

•Operating income increased $11.6 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2024, primarily due to a $29.4 million decrease in non-cash impairment charges, partially offset by a $7.8 million increase in stock-based compensation, $6.3 million decrease in net revenue, and a $2.9 million increase in transaction and business realignment costs.

Current wording

•Operating income increased $0.5 million, or 7.4%, for the three months ended March 31, 2025. The increase was primarily due to a $1.6 million decrease in non-cash impairment charges and a $1.1 million decrease in direct operating expenses, partially offset by the $1.0 million decrease in net revenue and a $1.3 million increase in stock-based compensation.

Previous wording

•Broadcast Advertising reported operating income of $12.7 million for the three months ended September 30, 2024, as compared to an operating loss of $13.1 million for the three months ended September 30, 2023. The increase of $25.8 million is primarily due to a decrease in non-cash impairment charges of $26.5 million, partially offset by an increase in direct operating expenses of $1.1 million. The Digital Advertising segment reported operating income of $10.4 million for the three months ended September 30, 2024, which represents a decrease of $1.0 million as compared to operating income of $11.4 million for the same period in 2023. The decrease is primarily due to an increase of $2.8 million in direct operating expenses, partially offset by a $1.9 million increase in net revenue. Subscription Digital Marketing Solutions reported operating income of $4.4 million, a decrease of $0.9 million from the three months ended September 30, 2023 due to a $1.2 million decrease in net revenue, partially offset by a $0.5 million decrease in direct operating expenses.

Current wording

•Digital Advertising segment reported operating income of $7.6 million for the three months ended March 31, 2025, which represents an increase of $0.8 million as compared to operating income of $6.7 million for the same period in 2024. The increase is primarily due to a $2.6 million increase in net revenue partially offset by an increase of $1.8 million in direct operating expenses. Subscription Digital Marketing Solutions reported operating income of $5.7 million, an increase of $1.4 million from the three months ended March 31, 2024 due to a $0.8 million increase in net revenue and a $0.4 million decrease in direct operating expenses. Broadcast Advertising reported operating income of $5.5 million for the three months ended March 31, 2025, essentially flat to operating income for the three months ended March 31, 2024.

Previous wording

Direct operating expenses for the three months ended September 30, 2024 increased by $2.5 million, or 3.0%, as compared to the same period in 2023. Our Digital Advertising direct operating expenses increased $2.8 million, or 10.2%, due to higher inventory costs and bad debt. Our Broadcast Advertising direct operating expenses increased $1.1 million, or 2.8%, primarily driven by higher bad debt and employee benefits expenses. These increases were partially offset by a $0.8 million, or 39.9%, decrease in Other direct operating expenses due to a decrease in live events during the period and a $0.5 million, or 3.7%, decrease in Our Subscription Digital Marketing Solutions direct operating expenses due to lower compensation, partially offset by higher software costs, each as compared to the same period a year ago.

Current wording

Direct operating expenses for the three months ended March 31, 2025 decreased by $1.1 million, or 1.4%, as compared to the same period in 2024. Our Broadcast Advertising direct operating expenses decreased by $2.3 million, or 6.6%, primarily driven by lower compensation and music license fees. Our Subscription Digital Marketing Solutions direct operating expenses decreased by $0.4 million, or 2.7%, due to lower compensation, partially offset by higher software costs, each as compared to the same period a year ago. These decreases were partially offset by a $1.8 million, or 6.5%, increase in our Digital Advertising direct operating expenses due to higher compensation and inventory costs, partially offset by lower bad debt as compared to the same period in 2024.

Previous wording

Stock-based compensation expense for three months ended September 30, 2024 increased $0.5 million, or 22.0%, as compared to the same period in 2023, primarily due to $0.9 million expense recognized for the stock bonus program, partially offset by stock option grants that vested prior to the third quarter of 2024. For further discussion, see Note 9, Stockholders' Equity, in the Notes to Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements.

Current wording

Stock-based compensation expense for three months ended March 31, 2025 increased $1.3 million, or 45.9%, as compared to the same period in 2024, primarily due to $0.9 million of expense recognized for the stock bonus program and grants issued during the first quarter of 2025. For further discussion, see Note 9, Stockholders' Deficit, in the Notes to Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements.

Previous wording

The Company incurred no impairment charges related to its FCC licenses during the three months ended September 30, 2024, as compared to impairment charges of $23.6 million in 24 of our 74 local markets in the same period a year ago.

Current wording

The Company incurred no impairment charges related to its FCC licenses during the three months ended March 31, 2025, as compared to impairment charges of $1.3 million in one of our 74 local markets in the same period a year ago.

Previous wording

In February of 2024, one of the Company’s investees announced the completion of its acquisition. The Company recognized a $4.0 million gain on this transaction during the nine months ended September 30, 2024. During the nine months ended September 30, 2023, one of the Company's investments was acquired in a private transaction. The Company recognized a $5.2 million gain on the transaction.

Current wording

In February of 2024, one of the Company’s investees announced the completion of its acquisition. The Company recognized a $4.0 million gain on this transaction during the three months ended March 31, 2024.

Previous wording

Provision (benefit) provision for income taxes

Current wording

(Benefit) provision for income taxes

Previous wording

We recognized a benefit for income taxes of $5.1 million for the three months ended September 30, 2024, as compared to an income tax provision of $17.5 million for the same period in 2023. Our effective tax rate for the three months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023 was approximately 82.6% and 91.9%, respectively. The effective tax rate and income tax provision for the three months ended September 30, 2024 is driven by the valuation allowance for interest expense carryforwards resulting from non-cash impairment charges and an increase in certain non-deductible compensation costs recorded during the three months ended September 30, 2024.

Current wording

We recognized a benefit for income taxes of $3.0 million for the three months ended March 31, 2025, as compared to an income tax provision of $0.2 million for the same period in 2024. Our effective tax rate for the three months ended March 31, 2025 and 2024 was approximately 66.8% and 11.8%, respectively. The effective tax rate and income tax provision is driven by the valuation allowance for interest expense carryforwards and an increase in non-deductible compensation costs recorded during the three months ended March 31, 2025.

Previous wording

Net cash provided by operating activities was $20.6 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2024, as compared to $39.0 million for the same period in 2023. This decrease was primarily due to changes in working capital balances, particularly prepaid and accrued expenses.

Current wording

Net cash used in operating activities was approximately $0.1 million for the three months ended March 31, 2025, as compared to net cash provided by operating activities of $1.7 million for the same period in 2024. This decrease was primarily due to net changes in working capital balances, particularly accrued expenses and accounts receivable.

Previous wording

Net cash used in investing activities was $7.6 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2024 as compared to net cash used in investing activities of $0.4 million for the same period in 2023. The increase in net cash used in investing activities was primarily due to cash proceeds of $3.0 million related to the sales of digital assets in 2023 that did not reoccur in 2024, a $2.4 million increase in purchases of property and equipment and a $1.4 million decrease in proceeds from the sale of assets and investment related transactions.

Current wording

Net cash used in investing activities was $4.3 million for the three months ended March 31, 2025 as compared to net cash used in investing activities of $0.3 million for the same period in 2024. The increase in net cash used in investing activities was primarily due to cash proceeds of $4.0 million related to the acquisition of one of the Company's investments in 2024 that did not reoccur in 2025.

Previous wording

Net cash used in financing activities was $52.2 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2024, as compared to $44.0 million for the same period in 2023. The increase in net cash used in financing activities was primarily due to higher repurchases of common stock in the amount of $6.9 million and a $3.0 million increase in dividend payments for the nine months ended September 30, 2024, as compared to the same period a year ago. These increases were partially offset by a $1.8 million increase in proceeds from the exercise of stock options for the nine months ended September 30, 2024, as compared to the same period in 2023.

Current wording

Net cash used in financing activities was $22.7 million for the three months ended March 31, 2025, as compared to $5.8 million for the same period in 2024. The increase in net cash used in financing activities was primarily due to the repayment of $467.4 million of principal amount of the 2026 Notes, offset by proceeds from the Term Loan of $441.8 million, net of fees and expenses, and net borrowings on the Revolver of $7.0 million. This activity was partially offset by $4.3 million for repurchases of common stock during the three months ended March 31, 2024, compared to $1.4 million of shares repurchased to cover employee tax withholdings on restricted stock that vested during the three months ended March 31, 2025.

Previous wording

As of September 30, 2024, we had $476.7 million of outstanding indebtedness, net of deferred financing costs of $2.2 million.

Current wording

As of March 31, 2025, we had $448.4 million of outstanding indebtedness, net of unamortized discount and deferred financing costs of $28.6 million.

Previous wording

Based on the terms of our 2026 Notes, as of September 30, 2024, we expect our debt service requirements to be approximately $32.9 million over the next twelve months. See Note 7, Long-Term Debt, in our Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information related to our 2026 Notes.

Current wording

Based on the terms of our Senior Secured Credit Facility, as of March 31, 2025, we expect our debt service requirements to be approximately $55.8 million over the next twelve months. See Note 7, Long-Term Debt, in our Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information related to our Senior Secured Credit Facility.

Previous wording

As of September 30, 2024 we had $21.8 million of cash and cash equivalents, and $57.7 million of receivables from customers, which historically have had an average collection cycle of approximately 55 days. We had restricted cash of $0.5 million at September 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023, that was held as collateral in connection with certain agreements. From time to time, such restricted funds could be returned to us or we could be required to pledge additional cash.

Current wording

As of March 31, 2025 we had $5.5 million of cash and cash equivalents, and $51.6 million of receivables from customers, which historically have had an average collection cycle of approximately 50 days.

Previous wording

On July 22, 2024 the board of directors approved a dividend of $0.1975 per share. The $3.0 million dividend was paid on November 1, 2024. On October 28, 2024 the board of directors approved a dividend of $0.1975 per share. The dividend will be paid to holders of record as of January 21, 2025, on February 1, 2025.

Current wording

On October 28, 2024, the board of directors approved a dividend of $0.1975 per share. The dividend of $3.1 million was paid to holders of record as of January 21, 2025, on February 1, 2025.

Previous wording

Our anticipated uses of cash in the near term include working capital needs, interest payments, dividend payments, share repurchases, other obligations, and capital expenditures. The Company believes that the cash generated by its operations should be sufficient to meet its liquidity needs for at least the next 12 months. However, our ability to fund our working capital needs, debt payments, dividend payments, other obligations, capital expenditures, and to comply with financial covenants under our debt agreements, depends on our future operating performance and cash flow, which are in turn subject to prevailing economic conditions, increases or decreases in advertising spending, changes in the highly competitive industry in which we operate, which may be rapid, and other factors, many of which are beyond our control. To the extent that current and anticipated future sources of liquidity are insufficient to fund our future business activities and requirements, we may be required to seek additional equity or debt financing. The sale of additional equity would result in additional dilution to our stockholders, while the incurrence of debt financing would result in debt service obligations. Such debt instruments also could introduce covenants that might restrict our operations. We cannot assure you that we could obtain additional financing on favorable terms or at all.

Current wording

Our anticipated uses of cash in the near term include working capital needs, interest payments, dividend payments, excess cashflow payments that may be required under the terms of the Credit Agreement, other obligations, and capital expenditures. The Company believes that the cash generated by its operations should be sufficient to meet its liquidity needs for at least the next 12 months. However, our ability to fund our working capital needs, debt payments, dividend payments, other obligations, capital expenditures, and to comply with financial covenants under our debt agreements, depends on our future operating performance and cash flow, which are in turn subject to prevailing economic conditions, increases or decreases in advertising spending, changes in the highly competitive industry in which we operate, which may be rapid, and other factors, many of which are beyond our control. To the extent that current and anticipated future sources of liquidity are insufficient to fund our future business activities and requirements, we may be required to seek additional equity or debt financing. The sale of additional equity would result in additional dilution to our stockholders, while the incurrence of debt financing would result in debt service obligations. Such debt instruments could introduce covenants that might restrict our operations. We cannot assure you that we could obtain additional financing on favorable terms or at all.

Previous wording

We closely monitor the impact of capital and credit market conditions on our liquidity as it relates to our debt. We also routinely monitor the changes in the financial condition of our customers and the potential impact on our results of operations.

Current wording

We closely monitor the impact of capital and credit market conditions on our liquidity and our ability to refinance in the future. We also routinely monitor the changes in the financial condition of our customers and the potential impact on our results of operations.