Condensed Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)
1
.
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
As used in the Condensed Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, the terms “Scripps,” “Company,” “we,” “our,” or “us” may, depending on the context, refer to The E.W. Scripps Company, to one or more of its consolidated subsidiary companies or to all of them taken as a whole.
Basis of Presentation —
The condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America for interim financial information and with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Rule 10-01 of Regulation S-X. The interim financial statements should be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements, including the notes thereto included in our
2016
Annual Report on Form 10-K. In management's opinion, all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring accruals) necessary for a fair presentation of the interim periods have been made.
Results of operations are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for future interim periods or for the full year.
Nature of Operations —
We are a media enterprise with a portfolio of television, radio and digital media brands. All of our media businesses provide content and advertising services via digital platforms, including the Internet, smartphones and tablets. Our media businesses are organized into the following reportable business segments: television, radio, digital, and syndication and other. Additional information for our business segments is presented in the Condensed Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
Use of Estimates —
Preparing financial statements in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires us to make a variety of decisions that affect the reported amounts and the related disclosures. Such decisions include the selection of accounting principles that reflect the economic substance of the underlying transactions and the assumptions on which to base accounting estimates. In reaching such decisions, we apply judgment based on our understanding and analysis of the relevant circumstances, including our historical experience, actuarial studies and other assumptions.
Our financial statements include estimates and assumptions used in accounting for our defined benefit pension plans; the periods over which long-lived assets are depreciated or amortized; the fair value of long-lived assets, goodwill and indefinite lived assets; the liability for uncertain tax positions and valuation allowances against deferred income tax assets; the fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed in business combinations; and self-insured risks.
While we re-evaluate our estimates and assumptions on an ongoing basis, actual results could differ from those estimated at the time of preparation of the financial statements.
Revenue Recognition —
We recognize revenue when persuasive evidence of a sales arrangement exists, delivery occurs or services are rendered, the sales price is fixed or determinable and collectability is reasonably assured. When a sales arrangement contains multiple elements, such as the sale of advertising and other services, we allocate revenue to each element based upon its relative fair value. We report revenue net of sales and other taxes collected from our customers.
Our primary sources of revenue are from the sale of broadcast and digital advertising, as well as retransmission fees received from cable operators, telecommunications companies and satellite carriers.
The revenue recognition policies for each source of revenue are described in our
2016
Annual Report on Form 10-K.
Share-Based Compensation —
We have a Long-Term Incentive Plan (the “Plan”) which is described more fully in our
2016
Annual Report on Form 10-K. The Plan provides for the award of incentive and nonqualified stock options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock units (RSUs), restricted and unrestricted Class A Common shares and performance units to key employees and non-employee directors.
Share-based compensation costs totaled
$6.1 million
and
$5.0 million
for the
first quarter
of
2017
and
2016
, respectively.
Earnings Per Share (“EPS”) —
Unvested awards of share-based payments with rights to receive dividends or dividend equivalents, such as our RSUs, are considered participating securities for purposes of calculating EPS. Under the two-class method, we allocate a portion of net income to these participating securities and therefore exclude that income from the calculation of EPS for common stock. We do not allocate losses to the participating securities.
The following table presents information about basic and diluted weighted-average shares outstanding:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Three Months Ended
March 31,
|
(in thousands)
|
|
2017
|
|
2016
|
|
|
|
|
|
Numerator
(for basic and diluted earnings per share)
|
|
|
|
|
Net (loss) income
|
|
$
|
(1,939
|
)
|
|
$
|
4,888
|
|
Less income allocated to RSUs
|
|
—
|
|
|
(53
|
)
|
Numerator for basic and diluted earnings per share
|
|
$
|
(1,939
|
)
|
|
$
|
4,835
|
|
Denominator
|
|
|
|
|
Basic weighted-average shares outstanding
|
|
82,079
|
|
|
83,965
|
|
Effect of dilutive securities:
|
|
|
|
|
Stock options held by employees and directors
|
|
—
|
|
|
260
|
|
Diluted weighted-average shares outstanding
|
|
82,079
|
|
|
84,225
|
|
Anti-dilutive securities
(1)
|
|
1,397
|
|
|
—
|
|
(1)
Amount outstanding at balance sheet date, before application of the treasury stock method and not weighted for period outstanding.
For the quarter ended March 31, 2017, we incurred a net loss and the inclusion of RSUs and stock options held by employees and directors would have been anti-dilutive, and accordingly, the diluted EPS calculation for the period excludes those common share equivalents.
Derivative Financial Instruments —
It is our policy that derivative transactions are executed only to manage exposures arising in the normal course of business and not for the purpose of creating speculative positions or trading. Derivative financial instruments are utilized to manage interest rate risks. We do not hold derivative financial instruments for trading purposes. All derivatives must be recorded on the balance sheet at fair value. Each derivative is designated as a cash flow hedge or remains undesignated. Changes in the fair value of derivatives that are designated and effective as cash flow hedges are recorded in other comprehensive income and reclassified into earnings in the same period or periods during which the hedged transactions affected earnings. These changes are offset in earnings to the extent the hedge was effective by fair value changes related to the risk being hedged on the hedged item. Changes in the fair value of undesignated hedges are recognized currently in earnings. All ineffective changes in derivative fair values are recognized currently in earnings.
All designated hedges are formally documented as to the relationship with the hedged item as well as the risk-management strategy. Both at inception and on an ongoing basis, the hedging instrument is assessed as to its effectiveness, when applicable. If and when a derivative is determined not to be highly effective as a hedge, the underlying hedged transaction is no longer likely to occur, the hedge designation is removed, or the derivative is terminated, the hedge accounting discussed above is discontinued.
2
.
Recently Adopted and Issued Accounting Standards
Recently Adopted Accounting Standards —
In March 2017, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued new guidance on the presentation of net periodic benefit cost in the financial statements. It requires entities to disaggregate the current service cost component from the other components of net benefit cost. The total for service cost is to be presented with other current compensation costs in the income statement, while the total of the other components is to be presented outside of income from operations. We elected to early adopt this guidance as of January 1, 2017. We do not have a service cost associated with our net benefit cost, as such, the impact of adopting this new guidance was to reclassify our defined benefit pension plan expense out of operating costs and expenses and to classify it as a non-operating expense below operating income.
In January 2017, the FASB issued new guidance to simplify the measurement of goodwill impairments by eliminating Step 2 from the impairment test. Instead, if the carrying amount of a reporting unit exceeds its fair value, an impairment loss is
recognized in an amount equal to that excess, limited to the total amount of goodwill allocated to the reporting unit. We have elected to early adopt this guidance as of the beginning of 2017.
In November 2016, the FASB issued new guidance to clarify the classification and presentation of restricted cash in the statement of cash flows. Under the new guidance, restricted cash and restricted cash equivalents are included in the cash and cash equivalent balances in the statement of cash flows. Additionally, changes in restricted cash and restricted cash equivalents are no longer presented as a financing cash flow activity within the statement of cash flows. We elected to early adopt this guidance as of December 31, 2016, and retrospectively applied the guidance to prior periods. The impact of adopting the new guidance was to increase cash and cash equivalents by
$5.5 million
and
$6.6 million
at March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015, respectively, due to the reclassification from restricted cash.
In March 2016, the FASB issued new guidance which simplifies the accounting for share-based compensation arrangements, including the related income tax consequences and classification on the statement of cash flows. We elected to early adopt this guidance effective January 1, 2016. The adoption used the modified retrospective transition method which had no impact on prior years. The impact of adopting this guidance was to record
$14.7 million
of previously unrecognized tax benefits, increasing deferred tax assets and retained earnings as of December 31, 2015. Additionally, we elected to adopt a policy of recording actual forfeitures, the impact of which was not material to current or prior periods.
Recently Issued Accounting Standards
—
In January 2017, the FASB issued new guidance to clarify the definition of a business in ASC 805 with the intent to make application of the guidance more consistent and cost-efficient. The guidance is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim periods therein, and must be applied prospectively. We do not expect the adoption of this guidance to affect the treatment of future acquisitions or dispositions.
In August 2016, the FASB issued new guidance related to classification of certain cash receipts and payments in the statement of cash flows. This new guidance was issued with the objective of reducing diversity in practice around eight specific types of cash flows. The new guidance is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2017, with early adoption permitted. We are currently evaluating the impact of this guidance on our consolidated statements of cash flows.
In June 2016, the FASB issued new guidance that changes the impairment model for most financial assets and certain other instruments. For trade and other receivables, held-to-maturity debt securities, loans and other instruments, entities will be required to use a new forward-looking “expected loss” model that will replace today’s “incurred loss” model and generally will result in the earlier recognition of allowances for losses. For available-for-sale debt securities with unrealized losses, entities will measure credit losses in a manner similar to current practice, except that the losses will be recognized as an allowance. The guidance is effective in 2020 with early adoption permitted in 2019. We are currently evaluating the impact of this guidance on our financial statements and the timing of adoption.
In February 2016, the FASB issued new guidance on the accounting for leases. Under this guidance, lessees will be required to recognize a lease liability and a right-of-use asset for all leases (with the exception of short-term leases) at the commencement date. The new guidance is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2018. Early adoption is permitted. We are currently evaluating the impact of this guidance on our consolidated financial statements.
In January 2016, the FASB issued new guidance on the recognition and measurement of financial instruments. This guidance primarily affects the accounting for equity method investments, financial liabilities under the fair value option and the presentation and disclosure requirements for financial instruments. The standard is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2017. We are currently evaluating the impact of this guidance on our consolidated financial statements.
In May 2014, the FASB issued new guidance on revenue recognition. Under this new standard, an entity shall recognize revenue when it transfers promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. The standard creates a five-step process that requires entities to exercise judgment when considering the terms of the contract(s) and all relevant facts and circumstances. This standard permits the use of either the retrospective or cumulative effect transition method and will be effective for us beginning in 2018. We are currently assessing the impact this new guidance will have on our consolidated financial statements and have not yet determined a transition method. We are progressing in our process of adopting the new guidance and are working to identify all performance obligations and changes, if any, that the new guidance will have on the timing and amounts of revenue recorded. To date we are evaluating the impact, if any, that the new guidance might have on the revenue recognition for our
retransmission consent agreements as well as our broadcast advertising arrangements. We are also evaluating the impact the new guidance has on our programming barter arrangements.
3
.
Acquisitions
Stitcher
On June 6, 2016, we completed the acquisition of Stitcher for a cash purchase price of
$4.5 million
. Stitcher is a popular podcast listening service which facilitates discovery and streaming for more than
65,000
podcasts. Stitcher now operates as part of Midroll Media, which significantly broadens Midroll's consumer base and technological capabilities. Of the
$4.5 million
purchase price,
$2.9 million
was allocated to intangible assets, the majority of which was technological software with an estimated amortization period of
3
years. The remainder of the purchase price was allocated to goodwill.
Cracked
On April 12, 2016, we acquired the multi-platform humor and satire brand Cracked, which informs and entertains millennial audiences with a website, original digital video, social media and a popular podcast. The purchase price was
$39 million
in cash.
The final fair values of the assets acquired were
$9.6 million
of intangibles and
$29.4 million
of goodwill. Of the
$9.6 million
allocated to intangible assets,
$7.6 million
was for trade names with an estimated amortization period of
20
years. The remaining balance of
$2.0 million
was allocated to content library with an estimated amortization period of
3
years.
The goodwill of
$29 million
arising from the transaction consists largely of the benefit we derive from being able to expand our presence and digital brands on the web, in over-the-top video and audio and on other emerging platforms. We allocated the goodwill to our digital segment. We treated the transaction as an asset acquisition for income tax purposes with a step-up in the assets acquired. The goodwill is deductible for income tax purposes.
Pro forma results of operations
Individually or in the aggregate, the impact of the Cracked and Stitcher acquisitions is not material to prior year results of operations and therefore no pro forma information has been provided.
4
.
Income Taxes
We file a consolidated federal income tax return, consolidated unitary tax returns in certain states and other separate state income tax returns for our subsidiary companies.
The income tax provision for interim periods is generally determined based upon the expected effective income tax rate for the full year and the tax rate applicable to certain discrete transactions in the interim period. To determine the annual effective income tax rate, we must estimate both the total income (loss) before income tax for the full year and the jurisdictions in which that income (loss) is subject to tax. The actual effective income tax rate for the full year may differ from these estimates if income (loss) before income tax is greater than or less than what was estimated or if the allocation of income (loss) to jurisdictions in which it is taxed is different from the estimated allocations. We review and adjust our estimated effective income tax rate for the full year each quarter based upon our most recent estimates of income (loss) before income tax for the full year and the jurisdictions in which we expect that income will be taxed.
The effective income tax rate for the
three months ended March 31,
2017
and
2016
was
73%
and
(19)%
, respectively. The primary reason for the difference between these rates and the U.S. federal statutory rate of
35%
is the impact of state taxes, non-deductible expenses and excess tax benefits on share-based compensation (
$2.3 million
and
$1.9 million
in 2017 and 2016, respectively).
Deferred tax assets relating to our state jurisdictions totaled
$9.6 million
at
March 31, 2017
, which includes the tax effect of state net operating loss carryforwards. We recognize state net operating loss carryforwards as deferred tax assets, subject to valuation allowances. At each balance sheet date, we estimate the amount of carryforwards that are not expected to be used prior to expiration of the carryforward period. The tax effect of the carryforwards that are not expected to be used prior to their expiration is included in the valuation allowance.
5
.
Restricted Cash
At
March 31, 2017
and
December 31, 2016
, our cash and cash equivalents included
$5.1 million
and
$5.5 million
, respectively, held in a restricted cash account on deposit with our insurance carrier. This account serves as collateral, in place of an irrevocable stand-by letter of credit, to provide financial assurance that we will fulfill our obligations with respect to cash requirements associated with our workers' compensation self-insurance. This cash is to remain on deposit with the carrier until all claims have been paid or we provide a letter of credit in lieu of the cash deposit.
6
.
Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets
Goodwill was as follows:
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|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(in thousands)
|
|
Television
|
|
Radio
|
|
Digital
|
|
Total
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Gross balance as of December 31, 2016
|
|
$
|
681,535
|
|
|
$
|
41,000
|
|
|
$
|
132,159
|
|
|
$
|
854,694
|
|
Accumulated impairment losses
|
|
(215,414
|
)
|
|
—
|
|
|
(22,500
|
)
|
|
(237,914
|
)
|
Net balance as of December 31, 2016
|
|
$
|
466,121
|
|
|
$
|
41,000
|
|
|
$
|
109,659
|
|
|
$
|
616,780
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Gross balance as of March 31, 2017
|
|
$
|
681,535
|
|
|
$
|
41,000
|
|
|
$
|
132,159
|
|
|
$
|
854,694
|
|
Accumulated impairment losses
|
|
(215,414
|
)
|
|
—
|
|
|
(22,500
|
)
|
|
(237,914
|
)
|
Net balance as of March 31, 2017
|
|
$
|
466,121
|
|
|
$
|
41,000
|
|
|
$
|
109,659
|
|
|
$
|
616,780
|
|
Other intangible assets consisted of the following:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(in thousands)
|
|
As of
March 31,
2017
|
|
As of
December 31,
2016
|
|
|
|
|
|
Amortizable intangible assets:
|
|
|
|
|
Carrying amount:
|
|
|
|
|
Television network affiliation relationships
|
|
$
|
248,444
|
|
|
$
|
248,444
|
|
Customer lists and advertiser relationships
|
|
56,100
|
|
|
56,100
|
|
Other
|
|
26,923
|
|
|
26,923
|
|
Total carrying amount
|
|
331,467
|
|
|
331,467
|
|
Accumulated amortization:
|
|
|
|
|
Television network affiliation relationships
|
|
(40,354
|
)
|
|
(37,019
|
)
|
Customer lists and advertiser relationships
|
|
(25,600
|
)
|
|
(24,380
|
)
|
Other
|
|
(7,167
|
)
|
|
(5,987
|
)
|
Total accumulated amortization
|
|
(73,121
|
)
|
|
(67,386
|
)
|
Net amortizable intangible assets
|
|
258,346
|
|
|
264,081
|
|
Indefinite-lived intangible assets — FCC licenses
|
|
203,815
|
|
|
203,815
|
|
Total other intangible assets
|
|
$
|
462,161
|
|
|
$
|
467,896
|
|
Estimated amortization expense of intangible assets for each of the next
five years
is
$16.3 million
for the remainder of
2017
,
$21.6 million
in
2018
,
$19.9 million
in
2019
,
$18.5 million
in
2020
,
$16.2 million
in
2021
,
$16.1 million
in
2022
, and
$149.7 million
in later years.
7
.
Long-Term Debt
Long-term debt consisted of the following:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(in thousands)
|
|
As of
March 31,
2017
|
|
As of
December 31,
2016
|
|
|
|
|
|
Variable rate credit facility
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
Term loan B
|
|
389,542
|
|
|
390,521
|
|
Debt issuance costs on term loan B
|
|
(2,479
|
)
|
|
(2,648
|
)
|
Net term loan B
|
|
387,063
|
|
|
387,873
|
|
Unsecured subordinated notes payable
|
|
5,312
|
|
|
5,312
|
|
Long-term debt
|
|
392,375
|
|
|
393,185
|
|
Current portion of long-term debt
|
|
2,656
|
|
|
6,571
|
|
Long-term debt, less current portion
|
|
$
|
389,719
|
|
|
$
|
386,614
|
|
Fair value of long-term debt *
|
|
$
|
398,650
|
|
|
$
|
395,514
|
|
* Fair value of the term loan was estimated based on quoted private market transactions and is classified as Level 1 in the fair value hierarchy. The fair value of the unsecured promissory notes is determined based on a discounted cash flow analysis using current market interest rates of comparable instruments and is classified as Level 2 in the fair value hierarchy.
Financing Agreement
Until April 28, 2017, we had a
$500 million
revolving credit and term loan agreement ("Financing Agreement"). Under the Financing Agreement, we had a
$400 million
term loan B that matured in November 2020 and a
$100 million
revolving credit facility that matured in November 2018. On April 28 2017, we amended our revolving credit facility and we repaid the term loan B with the proceeds of a new financing (See "New Financing" section below). As a result of the repayment of our term loan B with the proceeds of the New Financing, the entire balance of the term loan B has been classified as long-term.
The Financing Agreement included the maintenance of a net leverage ratio if we borrowed more than
20%
on the revolving credit facility. The term loan B required that if we borrow additional amounts or made a permitted acquisition that we could not exceed a stated net leverage ratio on a pro forma basis at the date of the transaction.
The Financing Agreement allowed us to make restricted payments (dividends and share repurchases) up to
$70 million
plus additional amounts based on our financial results and condition. We could also make additional stock repurchases equal to the amount of proceeds that we receive from the exercise of stock options held by our employees. Additionally, we could make acquisitions as long as the pro forma net leverage ratio is less than
4.5
to 1.0 of assets.
Under the terms of the Financing Agreement, we granted the lenders mortgages on certain of our real property, pledges of our equity interests in our subsidiaries and security interests in substantially all other personal property including cash, accounts receivables, and equipment.
Interest was payable on the term loan B at rates based on LIBOR plus a fixed margin of
2.5%
. Prior to December 2016, interest was payable at rates based on LIBOR, with a
0.75%
floor, plus a fixed margin of
2.75%
. Interest was payable on the revolving credit facility at rates based on LIBOR plus a margin based on our leverage ratio ranging from
2.25%
to
2.75%
. As of
March 31, 2017
and
December 31, 2016
, the interest rate was
3.49%
and
3.27%
, respectively, on the term loan B. The weighted-average interest rate on the term loan B was
3.28%
and
3.50%
for the
three months ended March 31,
2017
and
2016
, respectively.
Commitment fees of
0.30%
to
0.50%
per annum, based on our leverage ratio, of the total unused commitment are payable under the revolving credit facility.
As of
March 31, 2017
and
December 31, 2016
, we had outstanding letters of credit totaling
$0.8 million
.
Unsecured Subordinated Notes Payable
The unsecured subordinated promissory notes bear interest at a rate of
7.25%
per annum payable quarterly. The notes are payable in annual installments of
$2.7 million
through 2018, with no prepayment right.
New Financings
On April 28, 2017, we issued
$400 million
of senior unsecured notes, which bear interest at a rate of
5.125%
per annum and mature on May 15, 2025 ("the Senior Notes"). The proceeds of the Senior Notes were used to repay our term loan B, for the payment of the related issuance costs and for general corporate purposes. The Senior Notes were priced at
100%
of par value and interest is payable semi-annually on May 15 and November 15, commencing on November 15, 2017. Prior to May 15, 2020, we may redeem the Senior Notes, in whole or in part, at any time or from time to time at a price equal to
100%
of the principal amount of the Senior Notes plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to the date of redemption, plus a “make-whole” premium as set forth in the Senior Notes indenture. In addition, on or prior to May 15, 2020, we may redeem up to
40%
of the Senior Notes, using proceeds of certain equity offerings. If we sell certain of our assets or have a change of control, the holders of the Senior Notes may require us to repurchase some or all of the notes. The Senior Notes are secured by substantially all of our assets and those of substantially all of our subsidiaries. The Senior Notes are also guaranteed by us and substantially all of our subsidiaries. The Senior Notes contain covenants with which we must comply that are typical for borrowing transactions of this nature. There are no registration rights associated with the Senior Notes. We incurred approximately
$6.0
million of deferred financing costs in connection with the issuance of the Senior Notes, which will be amortized over the life of the Senior Notes.
On April 28, 2017, we also amended and restated our
$100 million
revolving credit facility ("Revolving Credit Facility") increasing its capacity to
$125 million
and extending the maturity to April 2022. Interest will be payable on the Revolving Credit Facility at rates based on LIBOR plus a margin based on our leverage ratio, ranging from
1.75%
to
2.50%
.
In connection with the new financings, in the second quarter of 2017 we expect to write off to interest expense approximately
$3.6 million
of deferred financing cost associated with the old Financing Agreement.
8
.
Other Liabilities
Other liabilities consisted of the following:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(in thousands)
|
|
As of
March 31,
2017
|
|
As of
December 31,
2016
|
|
|
|
|
|
Employee compensation and benefits
|
|
$
|
19,524
|
|
|
$
|
18,356
|
|
Liability for pension benefits
|
|
234,330
|
|
|
232,788
|
|
Liabilities for uncertain tax positions
|
|
2,479
|
|
|
2,416
|
|
Other
|
|
16,350
|
|
|
20,393
|
|
Other liabilities (less current portion)
|
|
$
|
272,683
|
|
|
$
|
273,953
|
|
9
.
Supplemental Cash Flow Information
The following table presents additional information about the change in certain working capital accounts:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Three Months Ended
March 31,
|
(in thousands)
|
|
2017
|
|
2016
|
|
|
|
|
|
Accounts and notes receivable
|
|
$
|
2,421
|
|
|
$
|
(892
|
)
|
Accounts payable
|
|
3,535
|
|
|
(970
|
)
|
Accrued employee compensation and benefits
|
|
(13,290
|
)
|
|
(14,932
|
)
|
Other accrued liabilities
|
|
718
|
|
|
(2,424
|
)
|
Other, net
|
|
(1,336
|
)
|
|
(1,983
|
)
|
Total
|
|
$
|
(7,952
|
)
|
|
$
|
(21,201
|
)
|
10
.
Employee Benefit Plans
We sponsor
two
noncontributory defined benefit pension plans as well as
two
non-qualified Supplemental Executive Retirement Plans ("SERPs"). Both of the defined benefit plans and the SERPs have frozen the accrual of future benefits.
We sponsor a defined contribution plan covering substantially all non-union and certain union employees. We match a portion of employees' voluntary contributions to this plan.
Other union-represented employees are covered by defined benefit pension plans jointly sponsored by us and the union, or by union-sponsored multi-employer plans.
The components of the expense consisted of the following:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Three Months Ended
March 31,
|
(in thousands)
|
|
2017
|
|
2016
|
|
|
|
|
|
Interest cost
|
|
$
|
6,486
|
|
|
$
|
6,770
|
|
Expected return on plan assets, net of expenses
|
|
(4,360
|
)
|
|
(4,597
|
)
|
Amortization of actuarial loss
|
|
1,084
|
|
|
998
|
|
Total for defined benefit plans
|
|
3,210
|
|
|
3,171
|
|
Multi-employer plans
|
|
74
|
|
|
43
|
|
SERPs
|
|
257
|
|
|
279
|
|
Defined contribution plan
|
|
2,904
|
|
|
2,188
|
|
Net periodic benefit cost
|
|
$
|
6,445
|
|
|
$
|
5,681
|
|
We contributed
$0.2 million
to fund current benefit payments for our SERPs and
$1.1 million
for our defined benefit pension plans during the
three months ended March 31, 2017
. During the remainder of
2017
, we anticipate contributing an additional
$1.4 million
to fund the SERPs' benefit payments and an additional
$16.4 million
to fund our qualified defined benefit pension plans.
11
.
Segment Information
We determine our business segments based upon our management and internal reporting structures. Our reportable segments are strategic businesses that offer different products and services.
Our television segment includes
15
ABC affiliates,
five
NBC affiliates,
two
FOX affiliates and
two
CBS affiliates. We also have
two
MyTV affiliates,
one
CW affiliate,
one
independent station and
four
Azteca America Spanish-language affiliates. Our television stations reach approximately
18%
of the nation’s television households based on audience reach.
Television stations earn revenue primarily from the sale of advertising time to local, national and political advertisers and retransmission fees received from cable operators and satellite carriers.
Our radio segment consists of
34
radio stations in
eight
markets. We operate
28
FM stations and
six
AM stations. Our radio stations earn revenue primarily from the sale of advertising to local advertisers.
Our digital segment includes the digital operations of our local television and radio businesses. It also includes the operations of our national digital businesses of Midroll, a podcast industry leader, Newsy, an over-the-top ("OTT") video news service and Cracked, a multi-platform humor and satire brand. Our digital operations earn revenue primarily through the sale of advertising, marketing services and agency commissions.
Syndication and other primarily includes the syndication of news features and comics and other features for the newspaper industry.
We allocate a portion of certain corporate costs and expenses, including information technology, certain employee benefits and shared services, to our business segments. The allocations are generally amounts agreed upon by management, which may differ from an arms-length amount. Corporate assets are primarily cash and cash equivalents, restricted cash, property and equipment primarily used for corporate purposes, and deferred income taxes.
Our chief operating decision maker evaluates the operating performance of our business segments and makes decisions about the allocation of resources to our business segments using a measure called segment profit.
Segment profit excludes interest, defined benefit pension plan expense, income taxes, depreciation and amortization, impairment charges, divested operating units, restructuring activities, investment results and certain other items that are included in net income (loss) determined in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.
Information regarding our business segments is as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Three Months Ended
March 31,
|
(in thousands)
|
|
2017
|
|
2016
|
|
|
|
|
|
Segment operating revenues:
|
|
|
|
|
Television
|
|
$
|
179,798
|
|
|
$
|
179,904
|
|
Radio
|
|
13,996
|
|
|
14,603
|
|
Digital
|
|
15,357
|
|
|
12,326
|
|
Syndication and other
|
|
1,850
|
|
|
2,665
|
|
Total operating revenues
|
|
$
|
211,001
|
|
|
$
|
209,498
|
|
Segment profit (loss):
|
|
|
|
|
Television
|
|
$
|
34,715
|
|
|
$
|
41,687
|
|
Radio
|
|
1,608
|
|
|
2,143
|
|
Digital
|
|
(6,177
|
)
|
|
(3,133
|
)
|
Syndication and other
|
|
318
|
|
|
893
|
|
Shared services and corporate
|
|
(14,164
|
)
|
|
(14,292
|
)
|
Acquisition and related integration costs
|
|
—
|
|
|
(578
|
)
|
Depreciation and amortization of intangibles
|
|
(14,724
|
)
|
|
(14,411
|
)
|
(Losses) gains, net on disposal of property and equipment
|
|
(87
|
)
|
|
4
|
|
Interest expense
|
|
(4,195
|
)
|
|
(4,579
|
)
|
Defined benefit pension plan expense
|
|
(3,467
|
)
|
|
(3,450
|
)
|
Miscellaneous, net
|
|
(879
|
)
|
|
(191
|
)
|
(Loss) income from operations before income taxes
|
|
$
|
(7,052
|
)
|
|
$
|
4,093
|
|
Depreciation:
|
|
|
|
|
Television
|
|
$
|
7,826
|
|
|
$
|
7,465
|
|
Radio
|
|
598
|
|
|
537
|
|
Digital
|
|
16
|
|
|
54
|
|
Syndication and other
|
|
67
|
|
|
64
|
|
Shared services and corporate
|
|
482
|
|
|
536
|
|
Total depreciation
|
|
$
|
8,989
|
|
|
$
|
8,656
|
|
Amortization of intangibles:
|
|
|
|
|
Television
|
|
$
|
3,873
|
|
|
$
|
4,239
|
|
Radio
|
|
265
|
|
|
265
|
|
Digital
|
|
1,259
|
|
|
913
|
|
Shared services and corporate
|
|
338
|
|
|
338
|
|
Total amortization of intangibles
|
|
$
|
5,735
|
|
|
$
|
5,755
|
|
Additions to property and equipment:
|
|
|
|
|
Television
|
|
$
|
3,947
|
|
|
$
|
3,111
|
|
Radio
|
|
187
|
|
|
233
|
|
Digital
|
|
11
|
|
|
4
|
|
Syndication and other
|
|
—
|
|
|
15
|
|
Shared services and corporate
|
|
99
|
|
|
58
|
|
Total additions to property and equipment
|
|
$
|
4,244
|
|
|
$
|
3,421
|
|
No
single customer provides more than
10%
of our revenue.
12
.
Capital Stock
Capital Stock —
We have
two
classes of common shares, Common Voting shares and Class A Common shares. The Class A Common shares are only entitled to vote on the election of the greater of
three
or one-third of the directors and other matters as required by Ohio law.
Share Repurchase Plan —
Shares may be repurchased from time to time at management's discretion, either in the open market, through pre-arranged trading plans or in privately negotiated block transactions. In May 2014, our Board of Directors authorized a repurchase program of up to
$100 million
of our Class A Common shares through December 2016. For the
three months ended March 31, 2016
, we repurchased
$10.1 million
of shares at prices ranging from
$16.01
to
$19.51
per share under this authorization. Before this authorization expired at the end of 2016,
$0.5 million
of shares were repurchased but not settled until 2017.
No
additional shares may be repurchased under this program.
In November 2016, our Board of Directors authorized a repurchase program of up to
$100 million
of our Class A Common shares through December 2018. For the
three months ended March 31, 2017
, we repurchased
$1.3 million
of shares at prices ranging from
$22.39
to
$23.01
per share under this authorization. At
March 31, 2017
,
$98.7 million
remained under this authorization.
13
.
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss
Changes in accumulated other comprehensive loss ("AOCL") by component, including items reclassified out of AOCL, were as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Three Months Ended March 31, 2017
|
(in thousands)
|
|
Gains and Losses on Derivatives
|
|
Defined Benefit Pension Items
|
|
Other
|
|
Total
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Beginning balance, December 31, 2016
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
|
$
|
(93,676
|
)
|
|
$
|
329
|
|
|
$
|
(93,347
|
)
|
Other comprehensive income before reclassifications
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other
comprehensive loss
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Actuarial gain (loss), net of tax of $423
(b)
|
|
—
|
|
|
695
|
|
|
(16
|
)
|
|
679
|
|
Net current-period other comprehensive income (loss)
|
|
—
|
|
|
695
|
|
|
(16
|
)
|
|
679
|
|
Ending balance, March 31, 2017
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
|
$
|
(92,981
|
)
|
|
$
|
313
|
|
|
$
|
(92,668
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Three Months Ended March 31, 2016
|
(in thousands)
|
|
Gains and Losses on Derivatives
|
|
Defined Benefit Pension Items
|
|
Other
|
|
Total
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Beginning balance, December 31, 2015
|
|
$
|
(242
|
)
|
|
$
|
(89,740
|
)
|
|
$
|
180
|
|
|
$
|
(89,802
|
)
|
Other comprehensive income before reclassifications
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other
comprehensive loss
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Interest rate swap, net of tax of $37
(a)
|
|
59
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
59
|
|
Actuarial gain (loss), net of tax of $396
(b)
|
|
—
|
|
|
642
|
|
|
(7
|
)
|
|
635
|
|
Net current-period other comprehensive income (loss)
|
|
59
|
|
|
642
|
|
|
(7
|
)
|
|
694
|
|
Ending balance, March 31, 2016
|
|
$
|
(183
|
)
|
|
$
|
(89,098
|
)
|
|
$
|
173
|
|
|
$
|
(89,108
|
)
|
(a)
Interest rate swap amortization is included in interest expense in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations
(b)
Actuarial gain (loss) is included in defined benefit pension plan expense in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
This discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations is based upon the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements and the Condensed Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements. You should read this discussion in conjunction with those financial statements.
Forward-Looking Statements
Certain forward-looking statements related to our businesses are included in this discussion. Those forward-looking statements reflect our current expectations. Forward-looking statements are subject to certain risks, trends and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from the expectations expressed in the forward-looking statements. A detailed discussion of principal risks and uncertainties which may cause actual results and events to differ materially from such forward-looking statements is included in the section titled "Risk Factors" in our 2016 Annual Report on Form 10-K and as may be described in subsequently filed quarterly reports on Form 10-Q. The words "believe," "expect," "anticipate," "estimate," "intend" and similar expressions identify forward-looking statements. You should evaluate our forward-looking statements, which are as of the date of this filing, with the understanding of their inherent uncertainty. We undertake no obligation to update any forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date the statement is made.
Executive Overview
The E.W. Scripps Company ("Scripps") is a media enterprise, serving audiences and businesses through a portfolio of television, radio and digital media brands. Scripps is one of the nation’s largest independent TV station ownership groups, with 33 television stations in 24 markets and a reach of nearly one in five U.S. television households. We have affiliations with all of the "Big Four" television networks. We also own 34 radio stations in eight markets. We operate an expanding collection of local and national digital journalism and information businesses including our podcast business, Midroll, over-the-top ("OTT") video news service, Newsy, and the multi-platform humor and satire brand, Cracked. We also produce television programming, run an award-winning investigative reporting newsroom in Washington, D.C., and serve as the longtime steward of the nation's largest, most successful and longest-running educational programs, the Scripps National Spelling Bee.
Results of Operations
The trends and underlying economic conditions affecting the operating performance and future prospects differ for each of our business segments. Accordingly, you should read the following discussion of our consolidated results of operations in conjunction with the discussion of the operating performance of our business segments that follows.
Consolidated Results of Operations
Consolidated results of operations were as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Three Months Ended
March 31,
|
(in thousands)
|
|
2017
|
|
Change
|
|
2016
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Operating revenues
|
|
$
|
211,001
|
|
|
0.7
|
%
|
|
$
|
209,498
|
|
Employee compensation and benefits
|
|
(102,615
|
)
|
|
7.0
|
%
|
|
(95,885
|
)
|
Programs and program licenses
|
|
(46,371
|
)
|
|
14.3
|
%
|
|
(40,568
|
)
|
Other expenses
|
|
(45,715
|
)
|
|
(0.1
|
)%
|
|
(45,747
|
)
|
Acquisition and related integration costs
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
|
(578
|
)
|
Depreciation and amortization of intangibles
|
|
(14,724
|
)
|
|
|
|
(14,411
|
)
|
(Losses) gains, net on disposal of property and equipment
|
|
(87
|
)
|
|
|
|
4
|
|
Operating income
|
|
1,489
|
|
|
|
|
12,313
|
|
Interest expense
|
|
(4,195
|
)
|
|
|
|
(4,579
|
)
|
Defined benefit pension plan expense
|
|
(3,467
|
)
|
|
|
|
(3,450
|
)
|
Miscellaneous, net
|
|
(879
|
)
|
|
|
|
(191
|
)
|
(Loss) income from operations before income taxes
|
|
(7,052
|
)
|
|
|
|
4,093
|
|
Benefit for income taxes
|
|
5,113
|
|
|
|
|
795
|
|
Net (loss) income
|
|
$
|
(1,939
|
)
|
|
|
|
$
|
4,888
|
|
Cracked was acquired on April 12, 2016 and is referred to as the "Cracked acquisition." The inclusion of operating results from this business for the periods subsequent to its acquisition impacts the comparability of our consolidated and segment operating results.
Operating revenues increased
0.7%
in the
first quarter
of
2017
compared to 2016. The first quarter of 2017 included a $12.6 million increase in retransmission revenue and increased revenues from our local digital operations and Midroll. These increases were offset by $8 million of lower political revenues from our television segment in a non-political year and lower local and national television revenues.
Retransmission revenues increased due to the renewal of retransmission agreements with higher rates and contractual rate increases. Rate increases from the renewal of contracts covering three million subscribers were effective in the fourth quarter of 2016.
Employee compensation and benefits increased
7.0%
in the
first quarter
of
2017
, primarily driven by the expansion of our national digital brands and the impact of the Cracked acquisition.
Programs and program licenses expense increased
14%
for the
three months ended March 31, 2017
, primarily due to higher network affiliation fees. Network affiliation fees increased primarily due to contractual rate increases.
Other expenses include the following:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Three Months Ended
March 31,
|
(in thousands)
|
|
2017
|
|
Change
|
|
2016
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Facilities rent and maintenance
|
|
$
|
9,578
|
|
|
2.7
|
%
|
|
$
|
9,322
|
|
Ratings and consumer research services
|
|
5,685
|
|
|
2.9
|
%
|
|
5,524
|
|
Purchased news and content
|
|
2,982
|
|
|
34.1
|
%
|
|
2,223
|
|
Marketing and promotion
|
|
3,693
|
|
|
26.3
|
%
|
|
2,925
|
|
Miscellaneous costs
|
|
23,777
|
|
|
(7.7
|
)%
|
|
25,753
|
|
Total other expenses
|
|
$
|
45,715
|
|
|
(0.1
|
)%
|
|
$
|
45,747
|
|
Other expenses were flat year over year.
Depreciation and amortization increased year-over-year as a result of incremental amortization from the Cracked acquisition.
Interest expense decreased in the
three months ended March 31, 2017
, due to lower miscellaneous interest.
The effective income tax rate was
73%
and
(19)%
for the
three months ended March 31,
2017
and
2016
, respectively. State taxes and non-deductible expenses impacted our effective rate. In addition, the provision for the 2017 and 2016 quarters included
$2.3 million
and
$1.9 million
, respectively, of excess tax benefits from the exercise and vesting of share-based compensation awards.
Business Segment Results —
As discussed in the Condensed Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, our chief operating decision maker evaluates the operating performance of our business segments using a measure called segment profit.
Segment profit excludes interest, defined benefit pension plan expense, income taxes, depreciation and amortization, impairment charges, divested operating units, restructuring activities, investment results and certain other items that are included in net income (loss) determined in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.
Items excluded from segment profit generally result from decisions made in prior periods or from decisions made by corporate executives rather than the managers of the business segments. Depreciation and amortization charges are the result of decisions made in prior periods regarding the allocation of resources and are therefore excluded from the measure. Generally, our corporate executives make financing, tax structure and divestiture decisions. Excluding these items from measurement of our business segment performance enables us to evaluate business segment operating performance based upon current economic conditions and decisions made by the managers of those business segments in the current period.
We allocate a portion of certain corporate costs and expenses, including information technology, certain employee benefits and shared services to our business segments. The allocations are generally amounts agreed upon by management, which may differ from an arms-length amount. Corporate assets are primarily cash and cash equivalents, restricted cash, property and equipment primarily used for corporate purposes and deferred income taxes.
Information regarding the operating performance of our business segments and a reconciliation of such information to the consolidated financial statements is as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Three Months Ended
March 31,
|
(in thousands)
|
|
2017
|
|
Change
|
|
2016
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Segment operating revenues:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Television
|
|
$
|
179,798
|
|
|
(0.1
|
)%
|
|
$
|
179,904
|
|
Radio
|
|
13,996
|
|
|
(4.2
|
)%
|
|
14,603
|
|
Digital
|
|
15,357
|
|
|
24.6
|
%
|
|
12,326
|
|
Syndication and other
|
|
1,850
|
|
|
(30.6
|
)%
|
|
2,665
|
|
Total operating revenues
|
|
$
|
211,001
|
|
|
0.7
|
%
|
|
$
|
209,498
|
|
Segment profit (loss):
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Television
|
|
$
|
34,715
|
|
|
(16.7
|
)%
|
|
$
|
41,687
|
|
Radio
|
|
1,608
|
|
|
(25.0
|
)%
|
|
2,143
|
|
Digital
|
|
(6,177
|
)
|
|
97.2
|
%
|
|
(3,133
|
)
|
Syndication and other
|
|
318
|
|
|
(64.4
|
)%
|
|
893
|
|
Shared services and corporate
|
|
(14,164
|
)
|
|
(0.9
|
)%
|
|
(14,292
|
)
|
Acquisition and related integration costs
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
|
(578
|
)
|
Depreciation and amortization of intangibles
|
|
(14,724
|
)
|
|
|
|
(14,411
|
)
|
(Losses) gains, net on disposal of property and equipment
|
|
(87
|
)
|
|
|
|
4
|
|
Interest expense
|
|
(4,195
|
)
|
|
|
|
(4,579
|
)
|
Defined benefit pension plan expense
|
|
(3,467
|
)
|
|
|
|
(3,450
|
)
|
Miscellaneous, net
|
|
(879
|
)
|
|
|
|
(191
|
)
|
(Loss) income from operations before income taxes
|
|
$
|
(7,052
|
)
|
|
|
|
$
|
4,093
|
|
Television —
Our television segment includes 15 ABC affiliates, five NBC affiliates, two FOX affiliates and two CBS affiliates. We also have two MyTV affiliates, one CW affiliate, one independent station and four Azteca America Spanish-language affiliates. Our television stations reach approximately 18% of the nation’s television households based on audience reach.
Our television stations earn revenue primarily from the sale of advertising time to local, national and political advertisers and retransmission fees received from cable operators, telecommunications companies and satellite carriers.
National television networks offer affiliates a variety of programs and sell the majority of advertising within those programs. In addition to network programs, we broadcast locally and nationally internally produced programs, syndicated programs, sporting events, and other programs of interest in each station's market. News is the primary focus of our locally-produced programming.
The operating performance of our television group is most affected by local and national economic conditions, particularly conditions within the automotive, services and retail categories, and by the volume of advertising time purchased by campaigns for elective office and political issues. The demand for political advertising is significantly higher in the third and fourth quarters of even-numbered years.
Operating results for our television segment were as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Three Months Ended
March 31,
|
(in thousands)
|
|
2017
|
|
Change
|
|
2016
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Segment operating revenues:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Local
|
|
$
|
77,571
|
|
|
(3.3
|
)%
|
|
$
|
80,257
|
|
National
|
|
31,016
|
|
|
(7.3
|
)%
|
|
33,445
|
|
Political
|
|
1,041
|
|
|
|
|
|
9,260
|
|
Retransmission
|
|
66,211
|
|
|
23.5
|
%
|
|
53,614
|
|
Other
|
|
3,959
|
|
|
19.0
|
%
|
|
3,328
|
|
Total operating revenues
|
|
179,798
|
|
|
(0.1
|
)%
|
|
179,904
|
|
Segment costs and expenses:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Employee compensation and benefits
|
|
66,887
|
|
|
1.7
|
%
|
|
65,767
|
|
Programs and program licenses
|
|
45,148
|
|
|
14.4
|
%
|
|
39,479
|
|
Other expenses
|
|
33,048
|
|
|
0.2
|
%
|
|
32,971
|
|
Total costs and expenses
|
|
145,083
|
|
|
5.0
|
%
|
|
138,217
|
|
Segment profit
|
|
$
|
34,715
|
|
|
(16.7
|
)%
|
|
$
|
41,687
|
|
Revenues
Total television revenues were flat for the
first quarter
of
2017
compared to 2016. Retransmission revenues increased by 24%, which was offset by lower political revenues in a non-presidential election year, as well as lower local and national revenues.
Retransmission revenues increased due to the renewal of retransmission agreements with higher rates and contractual rate increases. Rate increases from the renewal of contracts covering three million subscribers were effective in the fourth quarter of 2016.
The decline in our local and national revenues was due to weakness in our retail, media, insurance and banking categories.
Costs and expenses
Total costs and expenses increased
5.0%
in the
first quarter
of
2017
.
Employee compensation and benefits increased
1.7%
for the
first quarter
of
2017
, primarily from merit increases and higher benefit costs.
Programs and program licenses expense increased
14%
for the
three months ended March 31, 2017
, mainly due to higher network affiliation fees, which increased primarily due to contractual rate increases.
Other expenses were flat year-over-year.
Radio
— Our radio segment consists of
34
radio stations in
eight
markets. We operate
28
FM stations and
six
AM stations. Radio stations earn revenue primarily from the sale of advertising to local advertisers.
Our radio stations focus on providing targeted and relevant local programming that is responsive to the interest of the communities in which we serve, strengthening our brand identity and allowing us to provide effective marketing solutions for advertisers by reaching their targeted audiences.
Operating results for our radio segment were as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Three Months Ended
March 31,
|
(in thousands)
|
|
2017
|
|
Change
|
|
2016
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Segment operating revenues:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Advertising
|
|
$
|
13,460
|
|
|
(4.7
|
)%
|
|
$
|
14,122
|
|
Other
|
|
536
|
|
|
11.4
|
%
|
|
481
|
|
Total operating revenues
|
|
13,996
|
|
|
(4.2
|
)%
|
|
14,603
|
|
Segment costs and expenses:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Employee compensation and benefits
|
|
7,378
|
|
|
1.2
|
%
|
|
7,291
|
|
Programs
|
|
1,223
|
|
|
12.3
|
%
|
|
1,089
|
|
Other expenses
|
|
3,787
|
|
|
(7.2
|
)%
|
|
4,080
|
|
Total costs and expenses
|
|
12,388
|
|
|
(0.6
|
)%
|
|
12,460
|
|
Segment profit
|
|
$
|
1,608
|
|
|
(25.0
|
)%
|
|
$
|
2,143
|
|
Revenues
Total radio revenues decreased
4.2%
in the
2017
first quarter
due to weakness in two of our markets, as well as the absence of political revenues in a non-political year.
Costs and expenses
Total costs and expenses were flat year-over-year.
Digital
— Our digital segment includes the digital operations of our local television and radio businesses, as well as the operations of our national digital businesses of Midroll, Newsy and Cracked.
Our digital operations earn revenue primarily through the sale of advertising, marketing services and agency commissions.
Operating results for our digital segment were as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Three Months Ended
March 31,
|
(in thousands)
|
|
2017
|
|
Change
|
|
2016
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total operating revenues
|
|
$
|
15,357
|
|
|
24.6
|
%
|
|
$
|
12,326
|
|
Segment costs and expenses:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Employee compensation and benefits
|
|
13,312
|
|
|
34.8
|
%
|
|
9,877
|
|
Other expenses
|
|
8,222
|
|
|
47.3
|
%
|
|
5,582
|
|
Total costs and expenses
|
|
21,534
|
|
|
39.3
|
%
|
|
15,459
|
|
Segment loss
|
|
$
|
(6,177
|
)
|
|
97.2
|
%
|
|
$
|
(3,133
|
)
|
Our digital business Cracked was acquired on April 12, 2016 and the inclusion of operating results from this business for the period subsequent to the acquisition impacts the comparability of our digital segment operating results.
Revenues
Digital revenues increased
25%
or $3.0 million in the
first quarter
of
2017
. Excluding the results of Cracked, revenues increased 16% for the first quarter, primarily driven by increased revenues from Midroll.
Cost and Expenses
Digital costs and expenses increased
39%
in the
first quarter
of
2017
. Excluding the results of Cracked, expenses increased 25% for the first quarter, mainly due to promotion and other costs for our national digital brands.
Shared services and corporate
We centrally provide certain services to our business segments. Such services include accounting, tax, cash management, procurement, human resources, employee benefits and information technology. The business segments are allocated costs for such services at amounts agreed upon by management. Such allocated costs may differ from amounts that might be negotiated at arms-length. Costs for such services that are not allocated to the business segments are included in shared services and corporate costs. Shared services and corporate also includes unallocated corporate costs, such as costs associated with being a public company.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
Our primary source of liquidity is our available cash and borrowing capacity under our revolving credit facility.
Operating activities
Cash flows from operating activities for the
three months ended
March 31
are as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Three Months Ended
March 31,
|
(in thousands)
|
|
2017
|
|
2016
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash Flows from Operating Activities:
|
|
|
|
|
Net (loss) income
|
|
$
|
(1,939
|
)
|
|
$
|
4,888
|
|
Adjustments to reconcile net (loss) income to net cash flows from operating activities:
|
|
|
|
|
Depreciation and amortization
|
|
14,724
|
|
|
14,411
|
|
Deferred income taxes
|
|
(5,177
|
)
|
|
(123
|
)
|
Stock and deferred compensation plans
|
|
8,040
|
|
|
5,557
|
|
Pension expense, net of contributions
|
|
2,096
|
|
|
3,000
|
|
Other changes in certain working capital accounts, net
|
|
(7,952
|
)
|
|
(21,201
|
)
|
Miscellaneous, net
|
|
(315
|
)
|
|
(191
|
)
|
Net cash provided by operating activities
|
|
$
|
9,477
|
|
|
$
|
6,341
|
|
The
$3 million
increase in cash provided by operating activities was primarily attributable to changes in working capital in 2017 compared to 2016, offset by an $11 million year-over-year decrease in segment profit.
The primary factor affecting changes in working capital was the timing of payments of accounts payable and accrued expenses, which decreased working capital by $9 million in 2017.
Investing activities
Cash flows from investing activities for the
three months ended
March 31
are as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Three Months Ended
March 31,
|
(in thousands)
|
|
2017
|
|
2016
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash Flows from Investing Activities:
|
|
|
|
|
Additions to property and equipment
|
|
$
|
(4,103
|
)
|
|
$
|
(6,321
|
)
|
Purchase of investments
|
|
(609
|
)
|
|
(1,553
|
)
|
Miscellaneous, net
|
|
128
|
|
|
4
|
|
Net cash used in investing activities
|
|
$
|
(4,584
|
)
|
|
$
|
(7,870
|
)
|
In
2017
and
2016
, we used $4.6 million and $7.9 million, respectively, in cash for investing activities. The decrease was due to lower capital expenditures year-over-year.
Financing activities
Cash flows from financing activities for the
three months ended
March 31
are as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Three Months Ended
March 31,
|
(in thousands)
|
|
2017
|
|
2016
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash Flows from Financing Activities:
|
|
|
|
|
Payments on long-term debt
|
|
$
|
(979
|
)
|
|
$
|
(1,000
|
)
|
Repurchase of Class A Common shares
|
|
(1,760
|
)
|
|
(10,131
|
)
|
Proceeds from exercise of stock options
|
|
1,461
|
|
|
4,641
|
|
Tax payments related to shares withheld for RSU vesting
|
|
(3,287
|
)
|
|
(2,579
|
)
|
Miscellaneous, net
|
|
(2,412
|
)
|
|
(2,311
|
)
|
Net cash used in financing activities
|
|
$
|
(6,977
|
)
|
|
$
|
(11,380
|
)
|
For financing activities, we used
$7 million
in cash in 2017 and
$11 million
in 2016. The primary items included in our financing activities for the periods are described below.
Our current share repurchase program allows the purchase of up to $100 million of our Class A Common shares through December 2018. Shares may be repurchased from time to time at management's discretion, either in the open market, through pre-arranged trading plans or in privately negotiated block transactions. Under the current and prior authorizations, we repurchased $
1.8 million
of shares during the first three months of 2017 and $
10.1 million
of shares during the first three months of 2016. At
March 31, 2017
, we had
$98.7 million
remaining for share repurchases under our current authorization.
In
2017
, we received
$1.5 million
of proceeds from the exercise of employee stock options compared to
$4.6 million
in
2016
. We have not issued any stock options since 2008.
Until April 28, 2017, we had a
$500 million
revolving credit and term loan agreement ("Financing Agreement"), which included a
$400 million
term loan B and a
$100 million
revolving credit facility. There were no borrowings under the revolving credit agreement in any of the periods presented.
The Financing Agreement included certain financial covenants which we were in compliance with at
March 31, 2017
and
December 31, 2016
.
New Financing
On April 28, 2017, we issued $400 million of senior unsecured notes, which bear interest at a rate of 5.125% per annum and mature on May 15, 2025 ("the Senior Notes"). The proceeds of the Senior Notes were used to repay our term loan B, for the payment of the related issuance costs and for general corporate purposes. The Senior Notes were priced at 100% of their par value and interest is payable semi-annually on May 15 and November 15, commencing on November 15, 2017. Prior to May 15, 2020, we may redeem the Senior Notes, in whole or in part, at any time or from time to time at a price equal to 100% of the
principal amount of the Senior Notes plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to the date of redemption, plus a “make-whole” premium as set forth in the indenture. In addition, on or prior to May 15, 2020, we may redeem up to 40% of the Senior Notes, using proceeds of certain equity offerings. If we sell certain of our assets or experience specific kinds of changes of control, the holders of the Senior Notes may require us to repurchase some or all of the notes. There are no registration rights associated with the Senior Notes. We incurred approximately $6.0 million of deferred financing costs in connection with the issuance of the Senior Notes, which will be amortized over the life of the Senior Notes.
On April 28, 2017, we also amended and restated our $100 million revolving credit facility, increasing its capacity to $125 million and extending the maturity to April 2022. Interest will be payable on the revolving credit facility at rates based on LIBOR plus a margin based on our leverage ratio ranging from 1.75% to 2.50%.
Other
We have met our funding requirements for our defined benefit pension plans under the provisions of the Pension Funding Equity Act of 2004 and the Pension Protection Act of 2006. We expect to contribute approximately $18 million during the remainder of
2017
to fund our defined benefit pension plans and our SERPs.
We expect that our cash, cash from operating activities and available borrowing capacity will be sufficient to meet our operating and capital needs over the next 12 months.
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements and Contractual Obligations
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
There have been no material changes to the off-balance sheet arrangements disclosed in our 2016 Annual Report on Form 10-K.
Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates
The preparation of financial statements in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”) requires us to make a variety of decisions that affect reported amounts and related disclosures, including the selection of appropriate accounting principles and the assumptions on which to base accounting estimates. In reaching such decisions, we apply judgment based on our understanding and analysis of the relevant circumstances, including our historical experience, actuarial studies and other assumptions. We are committed to incorporating accounting principles, assumptions and estimates that promote the representational faithfulness, verifiability, neutrality and transparency of the accounting information included in the financial statements.
Note 1 to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in our
2016
Annual Report on Form 10-K describes the significant accounting policies we have selected for use in the preparation of our financial statements and related disclosures. An accounting policy is deemed to be critical if it requires an accounting estimate to be made based on assumptions about matters that are highly uncertain at the time the estimate is made and if different estimates that reasonably could have been used or changes in estimates that are likely to occur could materially change the financial statements. We believe the accounting for acquisitions, goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets, income taxes and pension plans to be our most critical accounting policies and estimates. A detailed description of these accounting policies is included in the Critical Accounting Policies section of Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations included in our
2016
Annual Report on Form 10-K.
Recently Adopted Standards and Issued Accounting Standards
Recently Adopted Accounting Standards
—
In March 2017, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued new guidance on the presentation of net periodic benefit cost in the financial statements. It requires entities to disaggregate the current service cost component from the other components of net benefit cost. The total for service cost is to be presented with other current compensation costs in the income statement, while the total of the other components is to be presented outside of income from operations. We elected to early adopt this guidance as of January 1, 2017. We do not have a service cost associated with our net benefit cost, as such, the impact of adopting this new guidance was to reclassify our defined benefit pension plan expense out of operating costs and expenses and to classify it as a non-operating expense below operating income.
In January 2017, the FASB issued new guidance to simplify the measurement of goodwill impairments by eliminating Step 2 from the impairment test. Instead, if the carrying amount of a reporting unit exceeds its fair value, an impairment loss is recognized in an amount equal to that excess, limited to the total amount of goodwill allocated to the reporting unit. We have elected to early adopt this guidance as of the beginning of 2017.
In November 2016, the FASB issued new guidance to clarify the classification and presentation of restricted cash in the statement of cash flows. Under the new guidance, restricted cash and restricted cash equivalents are included in the cash and cash equivalent balances in the statement of cash flows. Additionally, changes in restricted cash and restricted cash equivalents are no longer presented as a financing cash flow activity within the statement of cash flows. We elected to early adopt this guidance as of December 31, 2016, and retrospectively applied the guidance to prior periods. The impact of adopting the new guidance was to increase cash and cash equivalents by
$5.5 million
and
$6.6 million
at March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015, respectively, due to the reclassification from restricted cash.
In March 2016, the FASB issued new guidance which simplifies the accounting for share-based compensation arrangements, including the related income tax consequences and classification on the statement of cash flows. We elected to early adopt this guidance effective January 1, 2016. The adoption used the modified retrospective transition method which had no impact on prior years. The impact of adopting this guidance was to record
$14.7 million
of previously unrecognized tax benefits, increasing deferred tax assets and retained earnings as of December 31, 2015. Additionally, we elected to adopt a policy of recording actual forfeitures, the impact of which was not material to current or prior periods.
Recently Issued Accounting Standards
—
In January 2017, the FASB issued new guidance to clarify the definition of a business in ASC 805 with the intent to make application of the guidance more consistent and cost-efficient. The guidance is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim periods therein, and must be applied prospectively. We do not expect the adoption of this guidance to affect the treatment of future acquisitions or dispositions.
In August 2016, the FASB issued new guidance related to classification of certain cash receipts and payments in the statement of cash flows. This new guidance was issued with the objective of reducing diversity in practice around eight specific types of cash flows. The new guidance is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2017, with early adoption permitted. We are currently evaluating the impact of this guidance on our consolidated statements of cash flows.
In June 2016, the FASB issued new guidance that changes the impairment model for most financial assets and certain other instruments. For trade and other receivables, held-to-maturity debt securities, loans and other instruments, entities will be required to use a new forward-looking “expected loss” model that will replace today’s “incurred loss” model and generally will result in the earlier recognition of allowances for losses. For available-for-sale debt securities with unrealized losses, entities will measure credit losses in a manner similar to current practice, except that the losses will be recognized as an allowance. The guidance is effective in 2020 with early adoption permitted in 2019. We are currently evaluating the impact of this guidance on our financial statements and the timing of adoption.
In February 2016, the FASB issued new guidance on the accounting for leases. Under this guidance, lessees will be required to recognize a lease liability and a right-of-use asset for all leases (with the exception of short-term leases) at the commencement date. The new guidance is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2018. Early adoption is permitted. We are currently evaluating the impact of this guidance on our consolidated financial statements.
In January 2016, the FASB issued new guidance on the recognition and measurement of financial instruments. This guidance primarily affects the accounting for equity method investments, financial liabilities under the fair value option and the presentation and disclosure requirements for financial instruments. The standard is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2017. We are currently evaluating the impact of this guidance on our consolidated financial statements.
In May 2014, the FASB issued new guidance on revenue recognition. Under this new standard, an entity shall recognize revenue when it transfers promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. The standard creates a five-step process that requires entities to exercise judgment when considering the terms of the contract(s) and all relevant facts and circumstances. This standard permits the use of either the retrospective or cumulative effect transition method and will be effective for us beginning in 2018. We are currently assessing the impact this new guidance will have on our consolidated financial statements and have not yet determined a transition method. We are progressing in our process of adopting the new guidance and are working to identify all performance obligations and changes, if any, that the new guidance will have on the timing and amounts of revenue recorded. To date we are evaluating the impact, if any, that the new guidance might have on the revenue recognition for our retransmission consent agreements as well as our broadcast advertising arrangements. We are also evaluating the impact the new guidance has on our programming barter arrangements.
Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
Earnings and cash flow can be affected by, among other things, economic conditions and interest rate changes. We are also exposed to changes in the market value of our investments.
Our objectives in managing interest rate risk are to limit the impact of interest rate changes on our earnings and cash flows and to reduce overall borrowing costs.
The following table presents additional information about market-risk-sensitive financial instruments:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
As of March 31, 2017
|
|
As of December 31, 2016
|
(in thousands)
|
|
Cost
Basis
|
|
Fair
Value
|
|
Cost
Basis
|
|
Fair
Value
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Financial instruments subject to interest rate risk:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Variable rate credit facility
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
Term loan B
|
|
389,542
|
|
|
393,438
|
|
|
390,521
|
|
|
390,521
|
|
Unsecured subordinated notes payable
|
|
5,312
|
|
|
5,212
|
|
|
5,312
|
|
|
4,993
|
|
Long-term debt, including current portion
|
|
$
|
394,854
|
|
|
$
|
398,650
|
|
|
$
|
395,833
|
|
|
$
|
395,514
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Financial instruments subject to market value risk:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Investments held at cost
|
|
$
|
11,022
|
|
|
(a)
|
|
|
$
|
10,774
|
|
|
(a)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(a) Includes securities that do not trade in public markets so the securities do not have readily determinable fair values. We estimate the fair value of these securities approximates their carrying value. There can be no assurance that we would realize the carrying value upon sale of the securities.
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Controls and Procedures
Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures
Scripps management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal controls designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”). The Company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that:
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1.
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pertain to the maintenance of records that in reasonable detail accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the Company;
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2.
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provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with GAAP, and that receipts and expenditures of the Company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and the directors of the Company; and
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3.
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provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use or disposition of the Company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.
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All internal control systems, no matter how well designed, have inherent limitations, including the possibility of human error, collusion and the improper overriding of controls by management. Accordingly, even effective internal control can only provide reasonable but not absolute assurance with respect to financial statement preparation. Further, because of changes in conditions, the effectiveness of internal control may vary over time.
The effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934) was evaluated as of the date of the financial statements. This evaluation was carried out under the supervision of and with the participation of management, including the Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer. Based upon that evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer concluded that the design and operation of these disclosure controls and procedures are effective. There were no changes to the Company's internal controls over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rule 13a-15(f)) during the period covered by this report that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company's internal control over financial reporting.
The E.W. Scripps Company