CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY (DEFICIT)
(UNAUDITED)
(In thousands, except share data)
Controlling Interest
Common Shares(1)
Non- controlling Interest
Common Stock
Additional Paid-in Capital
Accumulated Deficit
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss
Treasury Stock
Class A Shares
Class B Shares
Special Warrants
Total
Balances at
December 31, 2023
124,299,288
21,347,363
5,101,870
$
9,397
$
146
$
2,947,096
$
(3,330,142)
$
(1,128)
$
(10,127)
$
(384,758)
Net income (loss)
9
—
—
(1,041,431)
—
—
(1,041,422)
Vesting of restricted stock and other
2,921,441
—
3
(3)
—
—
(785)
(785)
Share-based compensation
—
—
21,920
—
—
—
21,920
Dividends declared and paid to noncontrolling interests
(4,170)
—
—
—
—
—
(4,170)
Conversion of Special Warrants to Class A and Class B Shares
62,547
(62,547)
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
Conversion of Class B Shares to Class A Shares
61,449
(61,449)
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
Other comprehensive loss
—
—
—
—
(206)
—
(206)
Balances at
September 30, 2024
127,344,725
21,285,914
5,039,323
$
5,236
$
149
$
2,969,013
$
(4,371,573)
$
(1,334)
$
(10,912)
$
(1,409,421)
(In thousands, except share data)
Controlling Interest
Common Shares(1)
Non- controlling Interest
Common Stock
Additional Paid-in Capital
Accumulated Deficit
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss
Treasury Stock
Class A Shares
Class B Shares
Special Warrants
Total
Balances at
December 31, 2022
122,370,425
21,477,181
5,111,312
$
9,609
$
144
$
2,912,500
$
(2,227,482)
$
(1,331)
$
(8,934)
$
684,506
Net income (loss)
1,469
—
—
(1,115,783)
—
—
(1,114,314)
Vesting of restricted stock and other
1,764,225
—
2
(2)
—
—
(1,181)
(1,181)
Share-based compensation
—
—
26,833
—
—
—
26,833
Dividends declared and paid to noncontrolling interests
(2,210)
—
—
—
—
—
(2,210)
Conversion of Special Warrants to Class A and Class B Shares
9,383
59
(9,442)
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
Conversion of Class B Shares to Class A Shares
129,877
(129,877)
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
Other comprehensive loss
—
—
—
—
(455)
—
(455)
Balances at
September 30, 2023
124,273,910
21,347,363
5,101,870
$
8,868
$
146
$
2,939,331
$
(3,343,265)
$
(1,786)
$
(10,115)
$
(406,821)
(1) The Company's Preferred Stock is not presented in the data above as there were no shares issued and outstanding in 2024, 2023 or 2022.
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
4
IHEARTMEDIA, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(UNAUDITED)
(In thousands)
Nine Months Ended September 30,
2024
2023
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net loss
$
(1,041,422)
$
(1,114,314)
Reconciling items:
Impairment charges
922,144
965,087
Depreciation and amortization
310,849
323,028
Deferred taxes
(67,239)
(107,089)
Provision for doubtful accounts
13,774
22,914
Amortization of deferred financing charges and note discounts, net
5,247
5,026
Share-based compensation
21,920
26,833
Loss on disposal of operating and other assets
1,090
1,706
(Gain) Loss on investments
(91,479)
19,924
Equity in loss of nonconsolidated affiliates
2,693
3,518
Gain on extinguishment of debt
—
(51,474)
Barter and trade income
(28,779)
(21,419)
Other reconciling items, net
273
800
Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net of effects of acquisitions and dispositions:
Decrease in accounts receivable
128,433
30,769
Increase in prepaid & other current assets
(46,938)
(56,835)
Decrease in other long-term assets
347
401
Increase (Decrease) in accounts payable
4,229
(60,748)
Increase (Decrease) in accrued expenses
(57,051)
43,107
Decrease in accrued interest
(10,451)
(11,539)
Increase in deferred revenue
2,048
42,497
Increase (Decrease) in other long-term liabilities
529
(3,234)
Cash provided by operating activities
70,217
58,958
Cash flows from investing activities:
Proceeds from sale of investments
101,756
3,106
Purchases of property, plant and equipment
(72,174)
(90,456)
Proceeds from disposal of assets
254
54,101
Change in other, net
(6,319)
(6,742)
Cash provided by (used for) investing activities
23,517
(39,991)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Payments on long-term debt and credit facilities
(586)
(138,565)
Dividends and other payments to noncontrolling interests
(4,170)
(2,210)
Change in other, net
(3,687)
(1,182)
Cash used for financing activities
(8,443)
(141,957)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash
91
(192)
Net increase (decrease) in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash
85,382
(123,182)
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at beginning of period
346,382
336,661
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at end of period
$
431,764
$
213,479
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURES:
Cash paid for interest
$
301,900
$
304,216
Cash paid for income taxes
3,675
13,254
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
5
IHEARTMEDIA, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(UNAUDITED)
NOTE 1 – BASIS OFPRESENTATION
Preparation of Interim Financial Statements
All references in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q to the “Company,” “we,” “us” and “our” refer to iHeartMedia, Inc. and its consolidated subsidiaries. The accompanying consolidated financial statements were prepared by the Company pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) and, in the opinion of management, include all normal and recurring adjustments necessary to present fairly the results of the interim periods shown. Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) have been condensed or omitted pursuant to such SEC rules and regulations. Management believes that the disclosures made are adequate to make the information presented not misleading. The financial statements contained herein should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023.
The Company reports based on three reportable segments:
▪the Multiplatform Group, which includes the Company's Broadcast radio, Networks and Sponsorships and Events businesses;
▪the Digital Audio Group, which includes all of the Company's Digital businesses, including Podcasting; and
▪the Audio & Media Services Group, which includes Katz Media Group (“Katz Media”), a full-service media representation business, and RCS Sound Software ("RCS"), a provider of scheduling and broadcast software and services.
The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its subsidiaries. Also included in the consolidated financial statements are entities for which the Company has a controlling interest or is the primary beneficiary. Investments in companies which the Company does not control but exercises significant influence over operating and financial policies of the company are accounted for under the equity method. All significant intercompany transactions are eliminated in the consolidation process.
Economic Conditions
The Company's advertising revenue, cash flows, and cost of capital are impacted by changes in economic conditions. Higher interest rates and inflation have contributed to a challenging macroeconomic environment since 2022. This challenging environment has led to broader market uncertainty which has impacted the Company's revenues and cash flows. The current market uncertainty and macroeconomic conditions, a recession, or a downturn in the U.S. economy could have a significant impact on the Company's ability to generate revenue and cash flows.
The challenging environment has resulted in lower advertising spending by businesses and has delayed our expected recovery. In addition, this economic uncertainty has had a significant impact on the trading values of the Company's debt and equity securities for a sustained period. The Company therefore performed an interim impairment test as of June 30, 2024 on the goodwill recorded in its reporting units, as well as its indefinite-lived Federal Communication Commission ("FCC") licenses. The June 30, 2024 testing resulted in non-cash impairment charges of $616.1 million and $304.1 million to reduce the goodwill and FCC license balances, respectively. The Company performs its annual impairment test on goodwill and indefinite-lived FCC licenses, as of July 1 of each year. No impairment was required in the third quarter as part of the 2024 annual impairment testing.
As of September 30, 2024, the Company had approximately $431.8 million in cash and cash equivalents, and the $450.0 million senior secured asset-based revolving credit facility entered into on May 17, 2022 (the "ABL Facility") had a facility size of $450.0 million, no outstanding borrowings and $23.7 million of outstanding letters of credit, resulting in $426.3 million of borrowing base availability. The Company's total available liquidity as of September 30, 2024 was $858.1 million. Based on current available liquidity, the Company expects to be able to meet its obligations as they become due over the coming year.
Reclassifications
Certain prior period amounts have been reclassified to conform to the 2024 presentation.
6
IHEARTMEDIA, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(UNAUDITED)
Restricted Cash
As of September 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023, the Company did not have any restricted cash balances on the Consolidated Balance Sheets.
Certain Relationships and Related Party Transactions
From time to time, certain companies in which the Company holds minority equity interests, purchase advertising in the ordinary course. None of these ordinary course transactions have had a material impact on the Company.
New Accounting Pronouncements Not Yet Adopted
In December 2023, the FASB issued Update 2023-07 - Segment Reporting (Topic 280): Improvements to Reportable Segment Disclosures, which requires disclosure of the title and position of the Chief Operating Decision Maker (“CODM”), an explanation of how the CODM uses the reported measure of segment profit or loss in assessing segment performance and deciding how to allocate resources, and disclosure of expenses provided to the CODM that are included within the reported measure of segment profit or loss. The amendments of ASU 2023-07 are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2023, and interim periods within fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2024. Early adoption is permitted, and should be applied retrospectively to all periods presented. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of this standard on our disclosures.
In December 2023, the FASB issued Update 2023-09 - Income Taxes (Topic 740): Improvements to Income Tax Disclosures, which enhances the disclosure requirements for income tax rate reconciliation, domestic and foreign income taxes, and unrecognized tax benefits. The amendments of ASU 2023-09 are effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2024. Early adoption is permitted, and should be applied prospectively. We are currently evaluating the impact of this standard on our annual disclosures, including timing of adoption.
7
IHEARTMEDIA, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(UNAUDITED)
NOTE 2 – REVENUE
Disaggregation of Revenue
The following tables show revenue streams for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023:
(In thousands)
Multiplatform Group
Digital Audio Group
Audio & Media Services Group
Eliminations
Consolidated
Three Months Ended September 30, 2024
Revenue from contracts with customers:
Broadcast Radio(1)
$
448,808
$
—
$
—
$
—
$
448,808
Networks(2)
115,310
—
—
—
115,310
Sponsorship and Events(3)
50,329
—
—
—
50,329
Digital, excluding Podcast(4)
—
186,996
—
(1,189)
185,807
Podcast(5)
—
114,045
—
—
114,045
Audio & Media Services(6)
—
—
90,050
(1,313)
88,737
Other(7)
4,978
—
—
—
4,978
Total
619,425
301,041
90,050
(2,502)
1,008,014
Revenue from leases(8)
119
—
—
—
119
Revenue, total
$
619,544
$
301,041
$
90,050
$
(2,502)
$
1,008,133
Three Months Ended September 30, 2023
Revenue from contracts with customers:
Broadcast Radio(1)
$
455,103
$
—
$
—
$
—
$
455,103
Networks(2)
116,334
—
—
—
116,334
Sponsorship and Events(3)
49,500
—
—
—
49,500
Digital, excluding Podcast(4)
—
164,559
—
(1,222)
163,337
Podcast(5)
—
102,663
—
—
102,663
Audio & Media Services(6)
—
—
61,979
(1,373)
60,606
Other(7)
5,210
—
—
—
5,210
Total
626,147
267,222
61,979
(2,595)
952,753
Revenue from leases(8)
236
—
—
—
236
Revenue, total
$
626,383
$
267,222
$
61,979
$
(2,595)
$
952,989
8
IHEARTMEDIA, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(UNAUDITED)
(In thousands)
Multiplatform Group
Digital Audio Group
Audio & Media Services Group
Eliminations
Consolidated
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2024
Revenue from contracts with customers:
Broadcast Radio(1)
$
1,233,636
$
—
$
—
$
—
$
1,233,636
Networks(2)
323,952
—
—
—
323,952
Sponsorship and Events(3)
117,279
—
—
—
117,279
Digital, excluding Podcast(4)
—
516,433
—
(3,549)
512,884
Podcast(5)
—
309,190
—
—
309,190
Audio & Media Services(6)
—
—
229,300
(4,025)
225,275
Other(7)
13,503
—
—
—
13,503
Total
1,688,370
825,623
229,300
(7,574)
2,735,719
Revenue from leases(8)
544
—
—
—
544
Revenue, total
$
1,688,914
$
825,623
$
229,300
$
(7,574)
$
2,736,263
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2023
Revenue from contracts with customers:
Broadcast Radio(1)
$
1,267,493
$
—
$
—
$
—
$
1,267,493
Networks(2)
346,456
—
—
—
346,456
Sponsorship and Events(3)
120,297
—
—
—
120,297
Digital, excluding Podcast(4)
—
475,291
—
(3,627)
471,664
Podcast(5)
—
276,181
—
—
276,181
Audio & Media Services(6)
—
—
189,134
(4,077)
185,057
Other(7)
15,719
—
—
—
15,719
Total
1,749,965
751,472
189,134
(7,704)
2,682,867
Revenue from leases(8)
1,375
—
—
—
1,375
Revenue, total
$
1,751,340
$
751,472
$
189,134
$
(7,704)
$
2,684,242
(1)Broadcast Radio revenue is generated through the sale of advertising time on the Company’s domestic radio stations.
(2)Networks revenue is generated through the sale of advertising on the Company’s Premiere and Total Traffic & Weather network programs and through the syndication of network programming to other media companies.
(3)Sponsorship and events revenue is generated through local events and major nationally-recognized tent pole events and include sponsorship and other advertising revenue, ticket sales, and licensing, as well as endorsement and appearance fees generated by on-air talent.
(4)Digital, excluding Podcast revenue is generated through the sale of streaming and display advertisements on digital platforms and through subscriptions to iHeartRadio streaming services.
(5)Podcast revenue is generated through the sale of advertising on the Company's podcast network.
(6)Audio & Media Services revenue is generated by services provided to broadcast industry participants through the Company’s Katz Media and RCS businesses. As a media representation firm, Katz Media generates revenue via commissions on media sold on behalf of the radio and television stations that it represents, while RCS generates revenue by providing broadcast software and media streaming, along with research services for radio stations, broadcast television stations, cable channels, record labels, ad agencies and Internet stations worldwide.
(7)Other revenue represents fees earned for miscellaneous services, including on-site promotions, activations, and local marketing agreements.
(8)Revenue from leases is primarily generated by the lease of towers to other media companies, which are all categorized as operating leases.
9
IHEARTMEDIA, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(UNAUDITED)
Trade and Barter
Trade and barter transactions represent the exchange of advertising spots for merchandise, services, advertising and promotion or other assets in the ordinary course of business. The transaction price for these contracts is measured at the estimated fair value of the non-cash consideration received unless this is not reasonably estimable, in which case the consideration is measured based on the standalone selling price of the advertising spots promised to the customer. The revenues and expenses may not be recognized in the same period depending on the timing of the services, advertising or promotion received in exchange for advertising spots. Trade and barter revenues and expenses, which are included in consolidated revenue and selling, general and administrative expenses, respectively, were as follows:
Three Months Ended September 30,
Nine Months Ended September 30,
(In thousands)
2024
2023
2024
2023
Trade and barter revenues
$
87,768
$
77,228
$
198,350
$
175,492
Trade and barter expenses
67,243
49,995
159,210
128,902
In addition to the trade and barter revenue in the table above, the Company recognized $13.3 million and $9.7 million during the three months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023, respectively, and $28.8 million and $21.4 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023, respectively, in connection with investments made in companies in exchange for advertising services.
The following tables show the Company’s deferred revenue balance from contracts with customers:
Three Months Ended September 30,
Nine Months Ended September 30,
(In thousands)
2024
2023
2024
2023
Deferred revenue from contracts with customers:
Beginning balance(1)
$
181,883
$
184,827
$
181,899
$
157,910
Revenue recognized, included in beginning balance
(63,013)
(73,407)
(115,463)
(102,588)
Additions, net of revenue recognized during period, and other
64,627
84,600
117,061
140,698
Ending balance
$
183,497
$
196,020
$
183,497
$
196,020
(1) Deferred revenue from contracts with customers, which excludes other sources of deferred revenue that are not related to contracts with customers, is included within deferred revenue and other long-term liabilities on the Consolidated Balance Sheets, depending upon when revenue is expected to be recognized.
The Company’s contracts with customers generally have terms of one year or less; however, as of September 30, 2024, the Company expects to recognize $246.2 million of revenue in future periods for remaining performance obligations from current contracts with customers that have an original expected duration greater than one year, with substantially all of this amount to be recognized over the next five years. Commissions related to the Company’s media representation business have been excluded from this amount as they are contingent upon future sales.
10
IHEARTMEDIA, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(UNAUDITED)
Revenue from Leases
As of September 30, 2024, the future lease payments to be received by the Company are as follows:
(In thousands)
2024
$
100
2025
149
2026
82
2027
41
2028
25
Thereafter
5
Total
$
402
NOTE 3 – LEASES
The Company enters into operating lease contracts for land, buildings, structures and other equipment. Arrangements are evaluated at inception to determine whether such arrangements contain a lease. Operating leases primarily include land and building lease contracts and leases of radio towers. Arrangements to lease building space consist primarily of the rental of office space, but may also include leases of other equipment, including automobiles and copiers. Operating leases are reflected on the Company's balance sheet within Operating lease right-of-use assets ("ROU assets") and the related short-term and long-term liabilities are included within Current and Noncurrent operating lease liabilities, respectively.
The Company's finance leases are included within Property, plant and equipment with the related liabilities included within Long-term debt.
ROU assets represent the right to use an underlying asset for the lease term, and lease liabilities represent the obligation to make lease payments arising from the lease. Operating lease ROU assets and liabilities are recognized at commencement date based on the present value of lease payments over the respective lease term. Lease expense is recognized on a straight-line basis over the lease term.
On September 29, 2023, the Company completed the sale of 122 of our broadcast tower sites and related assets for $45.3 million and entered into operating leases for the use of space on 121 of the broadcast tower sites and related assets sold. The Company realized a net loss of $3.2 million on the sale, which was recorded in Other Operating Expense, net in the Statement of Comprehensive Loss. The leases are for an initial term of ten years and include four optional five-year renewal periods. In connection with the transaction, the Company recorded ROU assets and lease liabilities with aggregate values of $26.3 million related to these leases.
The Company tests for impairment of assets whenever events and circumstances indicate that such assets might be impaired. During the nine months ended September 30, 2024, the Company recognized non-cash impairment charges of $1.5 million due to changes in sublease assumptions for ROU assets related to certain operating leases for which management has made proactive decisions to abandon and sublease in connection with strategic actions to streamline the Company’s real estate footprint. There were no lease impairments recognized during the three months ended September 30, 2024. During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2023, the Company recognized non-cash impairment charges of $0.6 million and $6.1 million, respectively, due to changes in sublease assumptions for ROU assets.
The implicit rate within the Company's lease agreements is generally not determinable. As such, the Company uses the incremental borrowing rate ("IBR") to determine the present value of lease payments at the commencement of the lease. The IBR, as defined in ASC 842, is "the rate of interest that a lessee would have to pay to borrow on a collateralized basis over a similar term an amount equal to the lease payments in a similar economic environment."
11
IHEARTMEDIA, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(UNAUDITED)
The following table provides supplemental cash flow information related to leases for the periods presented:
Nine Months Ended September 30,
(In thousands)
2024
2023
Cash paid for amounts included in measurement of operating lease liabilities
$
112,468
$
104,784
Lease liabilities arising from obtaining right-of-use assets(1)
15,542
37,736
(1) Lease liabilities from obtaining right-of-use assets include new leases entered into during the nine months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023, respectively.
The Company reflects changes in the lease liability and changes in the ROU asset on a net basis in the Statements of Cash Flows. The non-cash operating lease expense was $16.2 million and $16.4 million for the three months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023, respectively. The non-cash operating lease expense was $47.7 million and $50.9 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023, respectively.
NOTE 4 – PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT, INTANGIBLE ASSETS AND GOODWILL
Property, Plant and Equipment
The Company’s property, plant and equipment consisted of the following classes of assets:
(In thousands)
September 30, 2024
December 31, 2023
Land, buildings and improvements
$
328,606
$
316,655
Towers, transmitters and studio equipment
205,035
195,609
Computer equipment and software
708,795
685,417
Furniture and other equipment
55,726
47,684
Construction in progress
27,849
16,473
1,326,011
1,261,838
Less: accumulated depreciation
825,840
702,973
Property, plant and equipment, net
$
500,171
$
558,865
Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets
The Company’s indefinite-lived intangible assets consist of FCC broadcast licenses in its Multiplatform Group segment.
The Company performs its annual impairment test on goodwill and indefinite-lived FCC licenses, as of July 1 of each year. In addition, the Company tests for impairment of intangible assets whenever events and circumstances indicate that such assets might be impaired.
As discussed in Note 1, Basis of Presentation, economic uncertainty due to inflation and higher interest rates since 2022 has resulted in, among other things, lower advertising spending by businesses. This economic uncertainty has had an adverse impact on the Company's revenues, cash flows and trading values of the Company's debt and equity securities for a sustained period. As a result, the Company performed an interim impairment test as of June 30, 2024 on its FCC licenses, which resulted in a non-cash impairment charge of $304.1 million in the second quarter of 2024. No impairment was identified related to our FCC licenses as part of the 2024 annual impairment test performed during the third quarter of 2024.
12
IHEARTMEDIA, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(UNAUDITED)
Other Intangible Assets
Other intangible assets consists of definite-lived intangible assets, which primarily include customer and advertiser relationships, talent and representation contracts, trademarks and tradenames and other contractual rights, all of which are amortized over the shorter of either the respective lives of the agreements or over the period of time that the assets are expected to contribute directly or indirectly to the Company’s future cash flows. The Company periodically reviews the appropriateness of the amortization periods related to its definite-lived intangible assets. These assets are recorded at amortized cost.
The Company tests for possible impairment of other intangible assets whenever events and circumstances indicate that they might be impaired. When specific assets are determined to be unrecoverable, the cost basis of the asset is reduced to reflect the current fair market value.
In connection with its impairment testing, the Company also assessed its other intangible assets. Based on the Company's assessment, no impairment indicators were identified related to the definite-lived intangible assets.
The following table presents the gross carrying amount and accumulated amortization for each major class of other intangible assets.
(In thousands)
September 30, 2024
December 31, 2023
Gross Carrying Amount
Accumulated Amortization
Gross Carrying Amount
Accumulated Amortization
Customer / advertiser relationships
$
1,652,623
$
(925,798)
$
1,652,623
$
(800,377)
Talent and other contracts
338,900
(235,320)
338,900
(203,479)
Trademarks and tradenames
335,912
(181,955)
335,912
(156,468)
Other
18,003
(13,565)
18,003
(11,904)
Total
$
2,345,438
$
(1,356,638)
$
2,345,438
$
(1,172,228)
Total amortization expense related to definite-lived intangible assets for the Company for the three months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023 was $61.2 million and $61.7 million, respectively. Total amortization expense related to definite-lived intangible assets for the Company for the nine months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023 was $184.3 million and $185.3 million, respectively.
The following table presents the Company’s estimate of amortization expense for each of the five succeeding fiscal years for definite-lived intangible assets:
(In thousands)
2025
$
213,758
2026
201,512
2027
176,171
2028
160,395
2029
121,622
13
IHEARTMEDIA, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(UNAUDITED)
Goodwill
The following table presents the changes in the carrying amount of goodwill:
(In thousands)
Multiplatform Group
Digital Audio Group
Audio & Media Services Group
Consolidated
Balance as of December 31, 2023(1)
$
1,340,459
$
311,426
$
69,598
$
1,721,483
Impairment
(608,958)
—
(7,127)
(616,085)
Foreign currency
—
(73)
22
(51)
Balance as of September 30, 2024
$
731,501
$
311,353
$
62,493
$
1,105,347
Cumulative Impairment
$
1,954,895
$
439,383
$
41,642
$
2,435,920
(1) Beginning goodwill balance is presented net of prior accumulated impairment losses of $1.3 billion related to our Multiplatform Group, $439.4 million related to our Digital Audio Group and $34.5 million related to our Audio & Media Services Group.
Goodwill Impairment
The Company performs its impairment test for each reporting unit’s goodwill as of July 1 of each year. The Company also tests goodwill at interim dates if events or changes in circumstances indicate that goodwill might be impaired.
As discussed above, economic uncertainty has had a significant impact on the Company's revenue, cash flows, and the trading values of the Company's debt and equity securities for a sustained period. As a result, the Company performed an interim impairment test as of June 30, 2024 on its goodwill, resulting in a non-cash impairment charge of $616.1 million in the second quarter of 2024. No impairment was identified related to our goodwill balance as part of the 2024 annual impairment test performed during the third quarter of 2024.
NOTE 5 – LONG-TERM DEBT
Long-term debt outstanding for the Company consisted of the following:
(In thousands)
September 30, 2024
December 31, 2023
Term Loan Facility due 2026
$
1,864,032
$
1,864,032
Incremental Term Loan Facility due 2026
401,220
401,220
Asset-based Revolving Credit Facility due 2027(1)
—
—
6.375% Senior Secured Notes due 2026
800,000
800,000
5.25% Senior Secured Notes due 2027
750,000
750,000
4.75% Senior Secured Notes due 2028
500,000
500,000
Other secured subsidiary debt(2)
3,076
3,367
Total consolidated secured debt
4,318,328
4,318,619
8.375% Senior Unsecured Notes due 2027
916,357
916,357
Other unsecured subsidiary debt
2,191
—
Original issue discount
(5,213)
(7,558)
Long-term debt fees
(9,816)
(12,268)
Total debt
5,221,847
5,215,150
Less: Current portion
1,059
340
Total long-term debt
$
5,220,788
$
5,214,810
(1)As of September 30, 2024, the ABL Facility had a facility size of $450.0 million, no outstanding borrowings and $23.7 million of outstanding letters of credit, resulting in $426.3 million of borrowing base availability.
(2)Other secured subsidiary debt consists of finance lease obligations maturing at various dates from 2025 through 2045.
14
IHEARTMEDIA, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(UNAUDITED)
The Company’s weighted average interest rate was 7.1% and 7.3% as of September 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023, respectively. The aggregate market value of the Company’s debt based on market prices for which quotes were available was approximately $3.9 billion and $4.2 billion as of September 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023, respectively. Under the fair value hierarchy established by ASC 820-10-35, the market value of the Company’s debt is classified as either Level 1 or Level 2. As of September 30, 2024, the Company was in compliance with all covenants related to our debt agreements.
On June 15, 2023, iHeartCommunications, Inc. ("iHeartCommunications"), a wholly-owned subsidiary of iHeartMedia, entered into an amendment to the credit agreement governing its term loan credit facilities (the "Term Loan Facility"). The amendment replaces the prior Eurocurrency interest rate, based upon LIBOR, with the Secured Overnight Financing Rate (“SOFR”) successor rate plus a SOFR adjustment as specified in the credit agreement. The Term Loan Facility margins remain the same with the Term Loan Facility due 2026 containing margins of 3.00% for Term SOFR Loans (as defined in the credit agreement) and 2.00% for Base Rate Loans (as defined in the credit agreement), and the incremental Term Loan Facility due 2026 containing margins of 3.25% for Term SOFR Loans with a floor of 0.50% and 2.25% for Base Rate Loans with a floor of 1.50%.
As further described under Note 10, Subsequent Events, on November 6, 2024, the Company entered into a transaction support agreement (the "TSA") pursuant to which, among other transactions described in Note 10, certain lenders and holders (or their managers, advisors, or sub-advisors) of iHeartCommunications' outstanding notes and term loans (collectively, the "Supporting Holders") have agreed to the terms of, and to support, (i) exchange offer transactions that will be offered to all holders of the Company's Existing Debt (as defined in Note 10), consisting of two alternative exchange transaction structures, each of which will extend the maturity of the Existing Debt tendered in the exchange offer transactions by three years, and (ii) concurrent consent solicitations to amend certain provisions in the indentures and credit agreement governing the Existing Debt. In the first transaction structure, if certain thresholds of holder participation are met, iHeartCommunications will issue new secured debt in exchange for the Existing Debt held by participating holders. Alternatively, if certain thresholds of holder participation are not met, newly-formed subsidiaries of the Company holding certain transferred assets and an intercompany note (to be issued by iHeartMedia + Entertainment, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of iHeartCommunications) will issue new secured debt in exchange for the Existing Debt held by participating holders.
Concurrently with entry into the TSA and as further described under Note 10, the Company also entered into an amendment to the ABL Facility to, among other things, permit both exchange transaction alternative and other related transactions, amend certain provisions and increase the interest rate on the ABL Facility by (a) if the first transaction is consummated, 0.50%, and (b) if the alternative transaction is consummated, 1.00%. Such amendments will become effective upon the satisfaction or waiver of certain conditions.
Surety Bonds and Letters of Credit
As of September 30, 2024, the Company and its subsidiaries had outstanding surety bonds and commercial standby letters of credit of $8.9 million and $23.7 million, respectively. These surety bonds and letters of credit relate to various operational matters including insurance, lease and performance bonds as well as other items.
15
IHEARTMEDIA, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(UNAUDITED)
NOTE 6 – COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
The Company and its subsidiaries are involved in certain legal proceedings arising in the ordinary course of business and, as required, have accrued an estimate of the probable costs for the resolution of those claims for which the occurrence of loss is probable and the amount can be reasonably estimated. These estimates have been developed in consultation with counsel and are based upon an analysis of potential results, assuming a combination of litigation and settlement strategies. It is possible, however, that future results of operations for any particular period could be materially affected by changes in the Company’s assumptions or the effectiveness of its strategies related to these proceedings. Additionally, due to the inherent uncertainty of litigation, there can be no assurance that the resolution of any particular claim or proceeding would not have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial condition or results of operations.
Although the Company is involved in a variety of legal proceedings in the ordinary course of business, a large portion of the Company’s litigation arises in the following contexts: commercial/contract disputes; defamation matters; employment and benefits related claims; intellectual property claims; real estate matters; governmental investigations; and tax disputes.
Alien Ownership Restrictions and FCC Declaratory Ruling
The Communications Act of 1934, as amended (the "Communications Act") and FCC regulation prohibit foreign entities and individuals from having direct or indirect ownership or voting rights of more than 25 percent in a corporation controlling the licensee of a radio broadcast station unless the FCC finds greater foreign ownership to be in the public interest. On November 5, 2020, the FCC issued a declaratory ruling, which permits the Company to be up to 100% foreign owned, subject to certain conditions (the "2020 Declaratory Ruling").
NOTE 7 – INCOME TAXES
The Company’s income tax benefit (expense) consisted of the following components:
(In thousands)
Three Months Ended September 30,
Nine Months Ended September 30,
2024
2023
2024
2023
Current tax expense
$
(23,066)
$
(38,930)
$
(43,453)
$
(77,576)
Deferred tax benefit
2,231
48,191
67,239
107,089
Income tax benefit (expense)
$
(20,835)
$
9,261
$
23,786
$
29,513
The effective tax rates for the Company for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2024 were (101.7)% and 2.2%, respectively. The three month effective tax rate was primarily impacted by changes in the forecasted increase in valuation allowances recorded against certain deferred assets, related primarily to disallowed interest expense carryforwards due to uncertainty regarding the Company's ability to utilize those assets in future periods. The nine month effective tax rate was primarily impacted by impairment charges to non-deductible goodwill recorded during the second quarter of 2024, as discussed in Note 4, Property, Plant, and Equipment, Intangibles, and Goodwill as well as the valuation allowance changes noted above.
The effective tax rates for the Company for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2023 were 50.8% and 2.6%, respectively. The three month effective tax rate was primarily impacted by the forecasted increase in valuation allowance against certain deferred tax assets, related primarily to disallowed interest expense carryforwards, due to uncertainty regarding the Company’s ability to utilize those assets in future periods. The nine month effective tax rate was primarily impacted by impairment charges to non-deductible goodwill recorded during the second quarter of 2023.
NOTE 8 – STOCKHOLDERS' DEFICIT
Pursuant to the Company's 2019 Equity Incentive Plan (the "2019 Plan"), the Company historically granted restricted stock units and options to purchase shares of the Company's Class A common stock to certain key individuals. On April 21, 2021, the 2021 Long-Term Incentive Award Plan (the “2021 Plan”) was approved by stockholders and replaced the 2019 Plan. Pursuant
16
IHEARTMEDIA, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(UNAUDITED)
to the 2021 Plan, the Company will continue to grant equity awards covering shares of the Company's Class A common stock to certain key individuals.
Share-based Compensation
Share-based compensation expenses are recorded in Selling, general and administrative expenses in the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Loss. The Company periodically issues restricted stock units ("RSUs") and performance-based RSUs ("Performance RSUs") to certain key employees, some of which are settled in cash. The RSUs vest solely due to continued service over time. The Performance RSUs generally vest upon the achievement of certain market goals, performance goals, and continued service. The majority of these awards are being measured over an approximately 3-year period from the date of issuance, while certain Performance RSUs are measured over a 50-month period from the date of issuance.
The following table presents the Company's total share based compensation expense by award type:
(In thousands)
Three Months Ended September 30,
Nine Months Ended September 30,
2024
2023
2024
2023
RSUs
$
5,636
$
5,112
$
15,647
$
16,750
Performance RSUs
2,150
2,288
6,351
6,520
Options
477
791
1,965
4,285
Total Share Based Compensation Expense(1)
$
8,263
$
8,191
$
23,963
$
27,555
(1) Total share based compensation expense includes $1.5 million and $2.0 million of expense from cash settled awards for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2024, respectively. Total share based compensation expense includes $0.4 million and $0.7 million of expense from cash settled awards for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2023, respectively.
As of September 30, 2024, there was $38.1 million of unrecognized compensation cost related to share-based compensation arrangements. This cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of approximately 1.6 yearsand assumes Performance RSUs will be fully earned at target.
Special Warrants
Each Special Warrant issued under the special warrant agreement entered into in connection with the Company's emergence from bankruptcy in 2019 may be exercised by its holder to purchase one share of Class A common stock or Class B common stock at an exercise price of $0.001 per share, unless the Company in its sole discretion believes such exercise would, alone or in combination with any other existing or proposed ownership of common stock, result in, subject to certain exceptions, (a) such exercising holder owning more than 4.99 percent of the Company's outstanding Class A common stock, (b) more than 22.5 percent of the Company's capital stock or voting interests being owned directly or indirectly by foreign individuals or entities, (c) the Company exceeding any other applicable foreign ownership threshold or (d) violation of any provision of the Communications Act or restrictions on ownership or transfer imposed by the Company's certificate of incorporation or the decisions, rules and policies of the FCC. Any holder exercising Special Warrants must complete and timely deliver to the warrant agent the required exercise forms and certifications required under the special warrant agreement. The Communications Act and FCC regulations prohibit foreign entities or individuals from indirectly (i.e., through a parent company) owning or voting more than 25 percent of a licensee’s equity, unless the FCC determines that greater indirect foreign ownership is in the public interest. As mentioned in Note 6 above, on November 5, 2020, the FCC issued the2020 Declaratory Ruling, which permits the Company to be up to 100% foreign owned.
During the three months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023 there were 3,984 and 9,185 Special Warrants, respectively, exercised for shares of Class A common stock. During the three months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023 there were no Special Warrants exercised for Class B common stock.
During the nine months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023, there were 62,547 and 9,383 Special Warrants, respectively, exercised for shares of Class A common stock. During the nine months ended September 30, 2023, there were 59 Special Warrants exercised for Class B common stock. There were no Special Warrants exercised for Class B common stock during the nine months ended September 30, 2024.
17
IHEARTMEDIA, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(UNAUDITED)
During the three months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023 stockholders converted 58,476 and no shares, respectively, of the Class B common stock into Class A common stock. During the nine months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023, stockholders converted 61,449 and 129,877 shares, respectively, of the Class B common stock into Class A common stock.
Computation of Loss per Share
(In thousands, except per share data)
Three Months Ended September 30,
Nine Months Ended September 30,
2024
2023
2024
2023
NUMERATOR:
Net loss attributable to the Company – common shares
$
(41,265)
$
(9,053)
$
(1,041,431)
$
(1,115,783)
DENOMINATOR(1):
Weighted average common shares outstanding - basic
151,990
149,695
150,978
149,084
Stock options and restricted stock(2):
—
—
—
—
Weighted average common shares outstanding - diluted
151,990
149,695
150,978
149,084
Net loss attributable to the Company per common share:
Basic
$
(0.27)
$
(0.06)
$
(6.90)
$
(7.48)
Diluted
(0.27)
(0.06)
(6.90)
(7.48)
(1) All of the outstanding Special Warrants are included in both the basic and diluted weighted average common shares outstanding of the Company for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023.
(2) Outstanding equity service awards representing 14.8 million and 14.6 million shares of Class A common stock of the Company for the three months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023, respectively, and 15.2 million and 13.3 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023, respectively, were not included in the computation of diluted earnings per share because to do so would have been antidilutive.
NOTE 9 – SEGMENT DATA
The Company’s primary businesses are included in its Multiplatform Group and Digital Audio Group segments. Revenue and expenses earned and charged between Multiplatform Group, Digital Audio Group, Audio & Media Services Group, and Corporate are eliminated in consolidation. The Multiplatform Group provides media and entertainment services via broadcast delivery and also includes the Company’s events and national syndication businesses. The Digital Audio Group provides media and entertainment services via digital delivery. The Audio & Media Services Group provides other audio and media services, including the Company’s media representation business (Katz Media) and its provider of scheduling and broadcast software (RCS). Corporate includes infrastructure and support, including executive, information technology, human resources, legal, finance, and administrative functions for the Company’s businesses.
18
IHEARTMEDIA, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(UNAUDITED)
The following tables present the Company's segment results:
Segments
(In thousands)
Multiplatform Group
Digital Audio Group
Audio & Media Services Group
Corporate and other reconciling items
Eliminations
Consolidated
Three Months Ended September 30, 2024
Revenue
$
619,544
$
301,041
$
90,050
$
—
$
(2,502)
$
1,008,133
Operating expenses(1)
489,672
201,035
45,641
69,702
(2,502)
803,548
Segment Adjusted EBITDA(2)
$
129,872
$
100,006
$
44,409
$
(69,702)
$
—
$
204,585
Depreciation and amortization
(101,331)
Impairment charges
(412)
Other operating expense, net
(1,092)
Restructuring expenses
(16,767)
Share-based compensation expense
(8,263)
Operating income
$
76,720
Intersegment revenues
$
—
$
1,189
$
1,313
$
—
$
—
$
2,502
Capital expenditures
13,615
5,924
1,376
8,505
—
29,420
Share-based compensation expense
—
—
—
8,263
—
8,263
Segments
(In thousands)
Multiplatform Group
Digital Audio Group
Audio & Media Services Group
Corporate and other reconciling items
Eliminations
Consolidated
Three Months Ended September 30, 2023
Revenue
$
626,383
$
267,222
$
61,979
$
—
$
(2,595)
$
952,989
Operating expenses(1)
463,939
173,565
45,003
69,295
(2,595)
749,207
Segment Adjusted EBITDA(2)
$
162,444
$
93,657
$
16,976
$
(69,295)
$
—
$
203,782
Depreciation and amortization
(106,451)
Impairment charges
(570)
Other operating expense, net
(3,378)
Restructuring expenses
(16,227)
Share-based compensation expense
(8,191)
Operating income
$
68,965
Intersegment revenues
$
—
$
1,222
$
1,373
$
—
$
—
$
2,595
Capital expenditures
10,822
6,069
1,509
10,118
—
28,518
Share-based compensation expense
—
—
—
8,191
—
8,191
19
IHEARTMEDIA, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(UNAUDITED)
Segments
(In thousands)
Multiplatform Group
Digital Audio Group
Audio & Media Services Group
Corporate and other reconciling items
Eliminations
Consolidated
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2024
Revenue
$
1,688,914
$
825,623
$
229,300
$
—
$
(7,574)
$
2,736,263
Operating expenses(1)
1,377,597
565,620
137,347
203,864
(7,574)
2,276,854
Segment Adjusted EBITDA(2)
$
311,317
$
260,003
$
91,953
$
(203,864)
$
—
$
459,409
Depreciation and amortization
(310,849)
Impairment charges
(922,144)
Other operating expense, net
(2,180)
Restructuring expenses
(67,928)
Share-based compensation expense
(23,963)
Operating loss
$
(867,655)
Intersegment revenues
$
—
$
3,549
$
4,025
$
—
$
—
$
7,574
Capital expenditures
38,214
17,043
5,800
11,117
—
72,174
Share-based compensation expense
—
—
—
23,963
—
23,963
Segments
(In thousands)
Multiplatform Group
Digital Audio Group
Audio & Media Services Group
Corporate and other reconciling items
Eliminations
Consolidated
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2023
Revenue
$
1,751,340
$
751,472
$
189,134
$
—
$
(7,704)
$
2,684,242
Operating expenses(1)
1,339,441
519,115
138,315
206,689
(7,704)
2,195,856
Segment Adjusted EBITDA(2)
$
411,899
$
232,357
$
50,819
$
(206,689)
$
—
$
488,386
Depreciation and amortization
(323,028)
Impairment charges
(965,087)
Other operating expense, net
(3,338)
Restructuring expenses
(46,469)
Share-based compensation expense
(27,555)
Operating loss
$
(877,091)
Intersegment revenues
$
—
$
3,627
$
4,077
$
—
$
—
$
7,704
Capital expenditures
52,116
17,348
6,300
14,692
—
90,456
Share-based compensation expense
—
—
—
27,555
—
27,555
(1) Operating expenses consist of Direct operating and SG&A expenses, excluding Restructuring and share-based compensation expenses.
(2) For a definition of Adjusted EBITDA for the consolidated company and a reconciliation to Operating income (loss), the most closely comparable GAAP measure, and to Net loss, please see "Reconciliation of Operating income (loss) to Adjusted EBITDA" and "Reconciliation of Net loss to EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA" in Item 2 of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.
20
IHEARTMEDIA, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(UNAUDITED)
NOTE 10 – SUBSEQUENT EVENTS
Transaction Support Agreement and Exchange Offer
On November 6, 2024, the Company entered into the TSA with the Supporting Holders of iHeartCommunications' outstanding notes and term loans. The Supporting Holders represent approximately 77% of the aggregate principal amount of iHeartCommunications’ outstanding senior secured notes due 2026, 79% of the aggregate principal amount of its outstanding senior secured notes due 2027, 38% of the aggregate principal amount of its outstanding senior secured notes due 2028, 71% of the aggregate principal amount of its outstanding senior unsecured notes due 2027, and 92% of the aggregate principal amount of its outstanding term loans (collectively, the “Existing Debt”).
The Company and the Supporting Holders have agreed to the terms of, and to support, (i) exchange offer transactions that will be offered to all holders of the Existing Debt, consisting of two alternative exchange transaction structures, each of which will extend the maturity of the Existing Debt tendered in the exchange offer transactions by three years, and (ii) concurrent consent solicitations to amend certain provisions in the indentures and credit agreement governing the Existing Debt. In the first transaction structure, if certain thresholds of holder participation are met, iHeartCommunications will issue new secured debt in exchange for the Existing Debt held by participating holders. Alternatively, if certain thresholds of holder participation are not met, newly-formed subsidiaries of the Company holding certain transferred assets and an intercompany note (to be issued by iHeartMedia + Entertainment, Inc.) will issue new secured debt in exchange for the Existing Debt held by participating holders.
The TSA may be terminated under various circumstances, including if the exchange offer transactions are not consummated on or before December 31, 2024, unless such date is extended pursuant to the terms of the TSA.
Concurrently with entry into the TSA, the Company also entered into an amendment to its ABL Facility (the “ABL Amendment”) to, among other things, permit both exchange transaction alternatives and other transactions related to the exchange, amend certain of the covenants, default provisions contained therein, and increase the interest rate on the ABL Facility by (a) if the first transaction is consummated, 0.50%, and (b) if the alternative transaction is consummated, 1.00%. The amendments contained in the ABL Amendment will become effective upon the satisfaction or waiver of certain conditions, including the consummation of one of the transactions contemplated by the TSA. The Company anticipates commencing the exchange offer in the near term.
21
ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
Format of Presentation
Management’s discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations (“MD&A”) should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and related footnotes contained in Part I, Item 1 of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of iHeartMedia, Inc. (the "Company," "iHeartMedia," "we," "our," or "us").
We report based on three reporting segments:
▪the Multiplatform Group, which includes our Broadcast radio, Networks and Sponsorships and Events businesses;
▪the Digital Audio Group, which includes our Digital businesses, including Podcasting; and
▪the Audio & Media Services Group, which includes Katz Media Group (“Katz Media”), our full-service media representation business, and RCS Sound Software ("RCS"), a provider of scheduling and broadcast software and services.
These reporting segments reflect how senior management operates the Company. This structure provides visibility into the underlying performance, results, and margin profiles of our distinct businesses and enables senior management to monitor trends at the operational level and address opportunities or issues as they arise via regular review of segment-level results and forecasts with operational leaders.
Our segment profitability metric is Segment Adjusted EBITDA, which is reported to the Company's Chief Operating Decision Maker for purposes of making decisions about allocation of resources to, and assessing performance of, each reportable segment. Segment Adjusted EBITDA is calculated as Revenue less operating expenses, excluding Restructuring expenses (as defined below) and share-based compensation expenses.
We believe the presentation of our results by segment provides insight into our broadcast radio business and our digital business. We believe that our ability to generate cash flow from operations from our businesses and our current cash on hand will provide sufficient resources to fund and operate our business, fund capital expenditures and other obligations and make interest payments on our long-term debt for at least the next twelve months.
Description of our Business
Our strategy centers on delivering entertaining and informative content where our listeners want to find us across our various platforms.
Multiplatform Group
The primary source of revenue for our Multiplatform Group is from selling local and national advertising time on our radio stations, with contracts typically less than one year in duration. The programming formats of our radio stations are designed to reach audiences with targeted demographic characteristics. We work closely with our advertising and marketing partners to develop tools and leverage data to enable advertisers to effectively reach their desired audiences. Our Multiplatform Group also generates revenue from network syndication, nationally recognized events and other miscellaneous transactions.
Management looks at our Multiplatform Group's operations’ overall revenue as well as the revenue from each revenue stream including Broadcast Radio, Networks, and Sponsorship and Events. We periodically review and refine our selling structures in all regions and markets in an effort to maximize the value of our offering to advertisers and, therefore, our revenue.
Management also looks at Multiplatform Group's revenue by region and market size. Typically, larger markets can reach larger audiences with wider demographics than smaller markets. Additionally, management reviews our share of audio advertising revenues in markets where such information is available, as well as our share of target demographics listening in an average quarter hour. This metric gauges how well our formats are attracting and retaining listeners.
Management also monitors revenue generated through our programmatic ad-buying platform, and our data analytics advertising product, to measure the success of our enhanced marketing optimization tools. We have made significant
22
investments so we can provide the same ad-buying experience that once was only available from digital-only companies and enable our clients to better understand how our assets can successfully reach their target audiences.
Management monitors average advertising rates and cost per mille, the cost of every 1,000 advertisement impressions, which are principally based on the length of the spot and how many people in a targeted audience listen to our stations, as measured by an independent ratings service. In addition, our advertising rates are influenced by the time of day the advertisement airs, with morning and evening drive-time hours typically priced the highest. Our price and yield information systems enable our station managers and sales teams to adjust commercial inventory and pricing based on local market demand, as well as to manage and monitor different commercial durations in order to provide more effective advertising for our customers at what we believe are optimal prices given market conditions. Yield is measured by management in a variety of ways, including revenue earned divided by minutes of advertising sold.
A portion of our Multiplatform Group segment’s expenses vary in connection with changes in revenue. These variable expenses primarily relate to costs in our programming and sales departments, including profit sharing fees, and commissions.
Digital Audio Group
The primary source of revenue in the Digital Audio Group segment is the sale of advertising on our podcast network, iHeartRadio mobile application and website, and station websites. Revenues for digital advertising are recognized over time based on impressions delivered or time elapsed, depending upon the terms of the contract. Digital Audio Group’s contracts with advertisers are typically a year or less in duration and are generally billed monthly upon satisfaction of the performance obligations.
Through our Digital Audio Group, we continue to expand the choices for listeners. We derive revenue in this segment by developing and delivering our content and selling advertising across multiple digital distribution channels, including via our iHeartRadio mobile application, our station websites and other digital platforms that reach national, regional and local audiences.
Our strategy has enabled us to extend our leadership in the growing podcasting sector, and iHeartMedia is the number one podcast publisher in America. Our reach now extends across more than 500 platforms and thousands of different connected devices, and our digital business is comprised of podcasting, streaming, subscription, display advertisements, and other content that is disseminated over digital platforms.
A portion of our Digital Audio Group segment’s expenses vary in connection with changes in revenue. These variable expenses primarily relate to our content costs including profit sharing fees and third-party content costs, as well as sales commissions. Certain of our content costs, including digital music performance royalties, vary with the volume of listening hours on our digital platforms.
Audio & Media Services Group
Audio & Media Services Group revenue is generated by services provided to broadcast industry participants through our Katz Media and RCS businesses. As a media representation firm, Katz Media generates revenue via commissions on media sold on behalf of the radio and television stations that it represents, while RCS generates revenue by providing broadcast software and media streaming, along with research services for radio stations, broadcast television stations, cable channels, record labels, ad agencies and Internet stations worldwide.
Economic Conditions
Our advertising revenue, cash flows, and cost of capital are impacted by changes in economic conditions. Higher interest rates and inflation have contributed to a challenging macroeconomic environment since 2022. This challenging environment has led to broader market uncertainty which has impacted our revenues and cash flows. The current market uncertainty and macroeconomic conditions, a recession, or a downturn in the U.S. economy could have a significant impact on our ability to generate revenue and cash flows.
Cost Savings Initiatives
In the first three quarters of 2024, we implemented operating expense savings initiatives to change and streamline our organization, increase automation and use of technology, examine our sourcing strategies, and leverage our scale to drive
23
greater efficiency. We have incurred certain costs in connection with executing on these initiatives and we continue to explore opportunities for further efficiencies.
Impairment Charges
Economic uncertainty due to inflation and higher interest rates since 2022 has resulted in, among other things, lower advertising spending by businesses. This economic uncertainty has delayed our expected recovery and has had an adverse impact on the Company's revenues, cash flows, and the trading values of the Company's debt and equity securities for a sustained period. This challenging environment could continue to have a significant impact on our financial results. We therefore performed interim impairment tests as of June 30, 2024 on our indefinite-lived Federal Communication Commission ("FCC") licenses and goodwill. The June 30, 2024 testing resulted in non-cash impairment charges of $304.1 million and $616.1 million to reduce the FCC license and goodwill balances, respectively.
We perform our annual impairment test on goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets, including FCC licenses, as of July 1 of each year. No impairment was required as part of the 2024 or 2023 annual impairment testing.
24
Executive Summary
Consolidated revenues for the third quarter of 2024 increased due to a continued increase in demand for digital advertising and increased political revenues as 2024 is a presidential election year, partially offset by lower spending on radio advertising as a result of continued uncertain market conditions.
The key developments that impacted our business during the quarter are summarized below:
•Consolidated Revenue of $1,008.1 million increased $55.1 million, or 5.8%, during the quarter ended September 30, 2024 compared to Consolidated Revenue of $953.0 million in the prior year's third quarter.
•Multiplatform Group Revenue decreased $6.8 million, or 1.1%, and Segment Adjusted EBITDA decreased $32.6 million, or 20.1%, compared to the prior year's third quarter, respectively.
•Digital Audio Group Revenue increased $33.8 million, or 12.7%, and Segment Adjusted EBITDA increased $6.3 million, or 6.8%, compared to the prior year's third quarter, respectively.
•Audio & Media Services Group Revenue increased $28.1 million, or 45.3%, and Segment Adjusted EBITDA increased $27.4 million, or 161.6%, compared to the prior year's third quarter, respectively, primarily driven by an increase in political revenue.
•Operating income of $76.7 million increased $7.7 million from $69.0 million in the prior year’s third quarter.
•Net loss of $41.3 million increased $32.3 million from $9.0 million in the prior year's third quarter.
•Cash flows provided by operating activities of$102.8 million increased from cash flow provided by operating activities of $96.2 million in the prior year's third quarter.
•Adjusted EBITDA(1) of $204.6 million, was up $0.8 million from $203.8 million in prior year's third quarter.
•Free cash flow(2) of $73.3 million increased from $67.7 million in the prior year's third quarter.
The table below presents a summary of our historical results of operations for the periods presented:
(In thousands)
Three Months Ended September 30,
2024
2023
Revenue
$
1,008,133
$
952,989
Operating income
76,720
68,965
Net loss
(41,325)
(8,969)
Cash provided by operating activities
102,765
96,169
Adjusted EBITDA(1)
$
204,585
$
203,782
Free cash flow(2)
73,345
67,651
(1) For a definition of Adjusted EBITDA and a reconciliation to Operating income, the most closely comparable U.S. generally accepted accounting principles ("GAAP") measure, and to Net loss, please see "Reconciliation of Operating income to Adjusted EBITDA" and "Reconciliation of Net loss to EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA" in this MD&A.
(2) For a definition of Free cash flow and a reconciliation to Cash provided by operating activities, the most closely comparable GAAP measure, please see “Reconciliation of Cash provided by operating activities to Free cash flow” in this MD&A.
25
Results of Operations
The table below presents the comparison of our historical results of operations:
(In thousands)
Three Months Ended September 30,
Nine Months Ended September 30,
2024
2023
2024
2023
Revenue
$
1,008,133
$
952,989
$
2,736,263
$
2,684,242
Operating expenses:
Direct operating expenses (excludes depreciation and amortization)
409,745
379,997
1,133,154
1,079,678
Selling, general and administrative expenses (excludes depreciation and amortization)
418,833
393,628
1,235,591
1,190,202
Depreciation and amortization
101,331
106,451
310,849
323,028
Impairment charges
412
570
922,144
965,087
Other operating expense
1,092
3,378
2,180
3,338
Operating income (loss)
76,720
68,965
(867,655)
(877,091)
Interest expense, net
95,715
99,509
286,807
293,659
Gain (loss) on investments, net
(103)
(7,381)
91,479
(19,924)
Equity in loss of nonconsolidated affiliates
(2,587)
(3,514)
(2,693)
(3,518)
Gain on extinguishment of debt
—
23,947
—
51,474
Other income (expense), net
1,195
(738)
468
(1,109)
Loss before income taxes
(20,490)
(18,230)
(1,065,208)
(1,143,827)
Income tax benefit (expense)
(20,835)
9,261
23,786
29,513
Net loss
(41,325)
(8,969)
(1,041,422)
(1,114,314)
Less amount attributable to noncontrolling interest
(60)
84
9
1,469
Net loss attributable to the Company
$
(41,265)
$
(9,053)
$
(1,041,431)
$
(1,115,783)
The table below presents the comparison of our revenue streams for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2024 to the three and nine months ended September 30, 2023:
(In thousands)
Three Months Ended September 30,
%
Nine Months Ended September 30,
%
2024
2023
Change
2024
2023
Change
Broadcast Radio
$
448,808
$
455,103
(1.4)
%
$
1,233,636
$
1,267,493
(2.7)
%
Networks
115,310
116,334
(0.9)
%
323,952
346,456
(6.5)
%
Sponsorship and Events
50,329
49,500
1.7
%
117,279
120,297
(2.5)
%
Other
5,097
5,446
(6.4)
%
14,047
17,094
(17.8)
%
Multiplatform Group
619,544
626,383
(1.1)
%
1,688,914
1,751,340
(3.6)
%
Digital, excluding Podcast
186,996
164,559
13.6
%
516,433
475,291
8.7
%
Podcast
114,045
102,663
11.1
%
309,190
276,181
12.0
%
Digital Audio Group
301,041
267,222
12.7
%
825,623
751,472
9.9
%
Audio & Media Services Group
90,050
61,979
45.3
%
229,300
189,134
21.2
%
Eliminations
(2,502)
(2,595)
(7,574)
(7,704)
Revenue, total
$
1,008,133
$
952,989
5.8
%
$
2,736,263
$
2,684,242
1.9
%
26
Consolidated results for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2024 compared to the consolidated results for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2023 were as follows:
Revenue
Consolidated revenue increased $55.1 million during the three months ended September 30, 2024 compared to the same period of 2023 primarily due to increases in Digital Audio Group revenue and political revenue as 2024 is a presidential election year. Multiplatform Group revenue decreased $6.8 million, or 1.1%, primarily resulting from a decrease in broadcast advertising in connection with continued uncertain market conditions, partially offset by increases in political revenues and non-cash trade revenues. Digital Audio Group revenue increased $33.8 million, or 12.7%, driven primarily by continuing increases in demand for digital advertising. Audio & Media Services revenue increased $28.1 million, or 45.3%, primarily as a result of higher political revenue and an increase in digital revenue.
Consolidated revenue increased $52.0 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2024 compared to the same period of 2023. Multiplatform Group revenue decreased $62.4 million, or 3.6%, primarily resulting from a decrease in broadcast advertising in connection with continued uncertain market conditions, partially offset by increases in political revenues as 2024 is a presidential election year, and non-cash trade revenues. Digital Audio Group revenue increased $74.2 million, or 9.9%, driven primarily by continuing increases in demand for digital advertising, including podcast. Audio & Media Services revenue increased $40.2 million, or 21.2%, primarily as a result of higher political revenue, as well as digital revenue and contract termination fees earned by Katz Media.
Direct Operating Expenses
Consolidated direct operating expenses increased $29.7 million, or 7.8%, during the three months ended September 30, 2024 compared to the same period of 2023. The increase was primarily driven by higher variable content costs, including higher third-party digital costs and podcast profit sharing expenses related to the increase in digital revenues.
Consolidated direct operating expenses increased $53.5 million, or 5.0%, during the nine months ended September 30, 2024 compared to the same period of 2023. The increase was primarily driven by higher variable content costs, including higher podcast profit sharing expenses and third-party digital costs related to the increase in digital revenues.
Selling, General and Administrative (“SG&A”) Expenses
Consolidated SG&A expenses increased $25.2 million, or 6.4%, during the three months ended September 30, 2024 compared to the same period of 2023. The increase was driven primarily by higher non-cash trade expense related to the 2024 Summer Olympics and the 2024 iHeartRadio Music Festival and an increase in costs incurred in connection with executing on our cost savings initiatives.
Consolidated SG&A expenses increased $45.4 million, or 3.8%, during the nine months ended September 30, 2024 compared to the same period of 2023. The increase was driven primarily by higher non-cash trade expense related to the 2024 iHeartRadio Music Awards, the 2024 Summer Olympics, and the 2024 iHeartRadio Music Festival, as well as an increase in certain costs incurred in connection with executing on our cost savings initiatives, partially offset by lower bonus expense based on results and lower bad debt expense.
Depreciation and Amortization
Depreciation and amortization decreased $5.1 million and $12.2 million during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2024 compared to the same periods of 2023, respectively, primarily as a result of a lower fixed asset base due to lower levels of capital expenditures.
27
Impairment Charges
During the nine months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023, we recorded non-cash impairment charges of $922.1 million and $965.1 million, respectively, primarily to reduce the carrying values of our indefinite-lived FCC licenses and our goodwill to their estimated fair values as a result of the interim impairment assessments performed in the second quarter of 2024 and 2023, respectively. The impairment charges resulted from the economic uncertainty due to inflation and higher interest rates that has had an adverse impact on our results and has resulted in a significant decrease in the trading values of our debt and equity securities for a sustained period.
We perform our annual impairment test on our goodwill and FCC licenses as of July 1 of each year. No impairment was required as part of the 2024 or 2023 annual impairment tests for our goodwill or FCC licenses.
Interest Expense, net
Interest expense decreased $3.8 million and $6.9 million during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2024 compared to the same periods of 2023 primarily as a result of the lower outstanding aggregate principal of iHeartCommunications, Inc.'s 8.375% Senior Unsecured Notes due 2027 due to the repurchases of $204.0 million of the notes for $147.3 million in cash during 2023.
Gain (Loss) on Investments, Net
During the nine months ended September 30, 2024, we recognized a gain on investments, net of $91.5 million, primarily due to the $101.4 million gain recognized on the sale of our investment in Broadcast Music, Inc. ("BMI") in the first quarter of 2024, partially offset by declines in the value of certain investments.
During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2023, we recognized a loss on investments, net of $7.4 million and $19.9 million, respectively, related to declines in the value of certain investments.
Gain on Extinguishment of Debt
During the three months ended September 30, 2023, we recognized a gain on extinguishment of debt of $23.9 million in connection with the open market repurchases of $89.1 million aggregate principal amount of iHeartCommunications, Inc.'s 8.375% Senior Unsecured Notes due 2027 for $65.2 million in cash. During the nine months ended September 30, 2023, we recognized a gain on extinguishment of debt of $51.5 million in connection with the open market repurchases of $189.0 million aggregate principal amount of iHeartCommunications, Inc.'s 8.375% Senior Unsecured Notes due 2027 for $137.5 million in cash. There were no repurchases during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2024.
Income Tax Benefit (Expense)
The effective tax rates for the Company for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2024 were (101.7)% and 2.2%, respectively. The three month effective tax rate was primarily impacted by changes in the forecasted increase in valuation allowances recorded against certain deferred tax assets, related primarily to disallowed interest expense carryforwards due to uncertainty regarding the Company’s ability to utilize those assets in future periods. The nine month effective tax rate was primarily impacted by impairment charges to non-deductible goodwill recorded during the second quarter of 2024, as discussed in Note 4, Property, Plant and Equipment, Intangible Assets and Goodwill.
The effective tax rates for the Company for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2023 were 50.8% and 2.6%, respectively. The three month effective tax rate was primarily impacted by the forecasted increase in valuation allowance against certain deferred tax assets, related primarily to disallowed interest expense carryforwards, due to uncertainty regarding the Company's ability to utilize those assets in future periods. The nine month effective tax rate was primarily impacted by impairment charges to non-deductible goodwill recorded in the second quarter of 2023.
28
Net Loss Attributable to the Company
Net loss attributable to the Company of $41.3 million during the three months ended September 30, 2024 reflected an increase of $32.2 million compared to Net loss attributable to the Company of $9.1 million during the three months ended September 30, 2023, primarily due to changes in the valuation allowances recorded against certain deferred tax assets as discussed above.
Net loss attributable to the Company of $1,041.4 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2024 reflected an improvement of $74.4 million compared to Net loss attributable to the Company of $1,115.8 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2023, primarily due to the $101.4 million gain recognized on the sale of our investment in BMI in the first quarter of 2024.
Multiplatform Group Results
(In thousands)
Three Months Ended September 30,
%
Nine Months Ended September 30,
%
2024
2023
Change
2024
2023
Change
Revenue
$
619,544
$
626,383
(1.1)
%
$
1,688,914
$
1,751,340
(3.6)
%
Operating expenses(1)
489,672
463,939
5.5
%
1,377,597
1,339,441
2.8
%
Segment Adjusted EBITDA
$
129,872
$
162,444
(20.1)
%
$
311,317
$
411,899
(24.4)
%
Segment Adjusted EBITDA margin
21.0
%
25.9
%
18.4
%
23.5
%
(1) Operating expenses consist of Direct operating expenses and Selling, general and administrative expenses, excluding Restructuring expenses.
Three Months
Revenue from our Multiplatform Group decreased $6.8 million compared to the prior year primarily due to a decrease in broadcast advertisingin connection with continued uncertain market conditions, partially offset by an increase in political revenues and non-cash trade revenue. Broadcast revenue declined $6.3 million, or 1.4%, year-over-year, driven by lower spot revenue, partially offset by an increase in political advertising and non-cash trade revenues. Networks declined $1.0 million, or 0.9%, year-over-year. Revenue from Sponsorship and Events increased $0.8 million, or 1.7%, year-over-year.
Operating expenses increased $25.7 million, driven primarily by higher non-cash trade expense related to the 2024 Summer Olympics and the 2024 iHeartRadio Music Festival, an increase in broadcast music license fees, and an increase in tower rent as a result of the tower sale leaseback transaction completed at the end of the third quarter of 2023.
Nine Months
Revenue from our Multiplatform Group decreased $62.4 million compared to the prior year primarily due to a decrease in broadcast advertising in connection withcontinued uncertain market conditions, partially offset by an increase in political and non-cash trade revenues. Broadcast revenue declined $33.9 million, or 2.7%, year-over-year, driven by lower spot revenue, partially offset by an increase in political advertising and non-cash trade revenues. Networks declined $22.5 million, or 6.5%, year-over-year due primarily to the impact of non-returning advertisers. Revenue from Sponsorship and Events decreased $3.0 million, or 2.5%, year-over-year.
Operating expenses increased $38.2 million, driven primarily by higher non-cash trade expense related to the 2024 Summer Olympics, the 2024 iHeartRadio Music Festival, and the 2024 iHeartRadio Music Awards, as well as higher broadcast music license fees, and an increase in tower rent as a result of the tower sale leaseback transaction completed at the end of the third quarter of 2023.
29
Digital Audio Group Results
(In thousands)
Three Months Ended September 30,
%
Nine Months Ended September 30,
%
2024
2023
Change
2024
2023
Change
Revenue
$
301,041
$
267,222
12.7
%
$
825,623
$
751,472
9.9
%
Operating expenses(1)
201,035
173,565
15.8
%
565,620
519,115
9.0
%
Segment Adjusted EBITDA
$
100,006
$
93,657
6.8
%
$
260,003
$
232,357
11.9
%
Segment Adjusted EBITDA margin
33.2
%
35.0
%
31.5
%
30.9
%
(1) Operating expenses consist of Direct operating expenses and Selling, general and administrative expenses, excluding Restructuring expenses.
Three Months
Revenue from our Digital Audio Group increased $33.8 million compared to the prior year, driven by Digital, excluding Podcast revenue, which grew $22.4 million, or 13.6% year-over-year, primarily due to an increase in demand for digital advertising, and Podcast revenue which increased by $11.4 million, or 11.1% year-over-year, primarily due to the continued increase in demand for podcasting from advertisers.
Operating expenses increased $27.5 million, primarily driven by higher variable content costs, including higher podcast profit sharing and third-party digital costs related to the increase in revenues.
Nine Months
Revenue from our Digital Audio Group increased $74.2 million compared to the prior year, driven by Digital, excluding Podcast revenue, which increased $41.1 million, or 8.7% year-over-year, primarily due to an increase in demand for digital advertising, partially offset by a decrease in COVID-19 related advertisers, and Podcast revenue which increased by $33.0 million, or 12.0% year-over-year, primarily due to a continued increase in demand for podcasting from advertisers.
Operating expenses increased $46.5 million, primarily driven by higher variable content costs, including higher podcast profit sharing and third-party digital costs related to the increase in revenues.
Audio & Media Services Group Results
(In thousands)
Three Months Ended September 30,
%
Nine Months Ended September 30,
%
2024
2023
Change
2024
2023
Change
Revenue
$
90,050
$
61,979
45.3
%
$
229,300
$
189,134
21.2
%
Operating expenses(1)
45,641
45,003
1.4
%
137,347
138,315
(0.7)
%
Segment Adjusted EBITDA
$
44,409
$
16,976
161.6
%
$
91,953
$
50,819
80.9
%
Segment Adjusted EBITDA margin
49.3
%
27.4
%
40.1
%
26.9
%
(1) Operating expenses consist of Direct operating expenses and Selling, general and administrative expenses, excluding Restructuring expenses.
Three Months
Revenue from our Audio & Media Services Group increased $28.1 million compared to the prior year period, primarily due to higher political revenue as 2024 is a presidential election year and increased demand for digital advertising, partially offset by decreases in broadcast advertising.
Operating expenses increased $0.6 million, primarily driven by higher sales commissions related to the increased demand for digital advertising.
30
Nine Months
Revenue from our Audio & Media Services Group increased $40.2 million compared to the prior year period primarily due to higher political revenue as 2024 is a presidential election year as well as the increased demand for digital advertising and contract termination fees earned by Katz Media.
Operating expenses decreased $1.0 million primarily as a result of our cost savings initiatives, partially offset by higher sales commissions related to increased demand for digital advertising.
Reconciliation of Operating income (loss) to Adjusted EBITDA
(In thousands)
Three Months Ended September 30,
Nine Months Ended September 30,
2024
2023
2024
2023
Operating income (loss)
$
76,720
$
68,965
$
(867,655)
$
(877,091)
Depreciation and amortization
101,331
106,451
310,849
323,028
Impairment charges
412
570
922,144
965,087
Other operating expense
1,092
3,378
2,180
3,338
Restructuring expenses
16,767
16,227
67,928
46,469
Share-based compensation expense
8,263
8,191
23,963
27,555
Adjusted EBITDA(1)
$
204,585
$
203,782
$
459,409
$
488,386
Reconciliation of Net loss to EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA
(In thousands)
Three Months Ended September 30,
Nine Months Ended September 30,
2024
2023
2024
2023
Net loss
$
(41,325)
$
(8,969)
$
(1,041,422)
$
(1,114,314)
Income tax (benefit) expense
20,835
(9,261)
(23,786)
(29,513)
Interest expense, net
95,715
99,509
286,807
293,659
Depreciation and amortization
101,331
106,451
310,849
323,028
EBITDA
$
176,556
$
187,730
$
(467,552)
$
(527,140)
(Gain) loss on investments, net
103
7,381
(91,479)
19,924
Gain on extinguishment of debt
—
(23,947)
—
(51,474)
Other (income) expense, net
(1,195)
738
(468)
1,109
Equity in loss of nonconsolidated affiliates
2,587
3,514
2,693
3,518
Impairment charges
412
570
922,144
965,087
Other operating expense
1,092
3,378
2,180
3,338
Restructuring expenses
16,767
16,227
67,928
46,469
Share-based compensation expense
8,263
8,191
23,963
27,555
Adjusted EBITDA(1)
$
204,585
$
203,782
$
459,409
$
488,386
(1)We define Adjusted EBITDA as consolidated Operating income (loss) adjusted to exclude restructuring expenses included within Direct operating expenses and SG&A expenses, and share-based compensation expenses included within SG&A expenses, as well as the following line items presented in our Statements of Operations: Depreciation and amortization, Impairment charges and Other operating expense. Alternatively, Adjusted EBITDA is calculated as Net loss, adjusted to exclude Income tax (benefit) expense, Interest expense, net, Depreciation and amortization, (Gain) loss on investments, net, Gain on extinguishment of debt, Other (income) expense, net, Equity in loss of nonconsolidated affiliates, Impairment charges, Other operating expense, Share-based compensation expense, and restructuring expenses. Restructuring expenses primarily include expenses incurred in connection with cost-saving initiatives, as well as certain expenses, which, in the view of management, are outside the ordinary course of business or otherwise not representative of the Company's operations during a normal business cycle. We use Adjusted EBITDA, among other measures, to evaluate the Company’s operating performance. This measure is among the primary measures used by management for the planning
31
and forecasting of future periods, as well as for measuring performance for compensation of executives and other members of management. We believe this measure is an important indicator of our operational strength and performance of our business because it provides a link between operational performance and operating income. It is also a primary measure used by management in evaluating companies as potential acquisition targets. We believe the presentation of this measure is relevant and useful for investors because it allows investors to view performance in a manner similar to the method used by management. We believe it helps improve investors’ ability to understand our operating performance and makes it easier to compare our results with other companies that have different capital structures or tax rates. In addition, we believe this measure is also among the primary measures used externally by our investors, analysts and peers in our industry for purposes of valuation and comparing our operating performance to other companies in our industry. Since Adjusted EBITDA is not a measure calculated in accordance with GAAP, it should not be considered in isolation of, or as a substitute for, operating loss or net loss as an indicator of operating performance and may not be comparable to similarly titled measures employed by other companies. Adjusted EBITDA is not necessarily a measure of our ability to fund our cash needs. Because it excludes certain financial information compared with operating income and compared with consolidated net income (loss), the most directly comparable GAAP financial measures, users of this financial information should consider the types of events and transactions which are excluded.
Reconciliation of Cash provided by operating activities to Free Cash Flow
(In thousands)
Three Months Ended September 30,
Nine Months Ended September 30,
2024
2023
2024
2023
Cash provided by operating activities
$
102,765
$
96,169
$
70,217
$
58,958
Purchases of property, plant and equipment
(29,420)
(28,518)
(72,174)
(90,456)
Free cash flow(1)
$
73,345
$
67,651
$
(1,957)
$
(31,498)
(1)We define Free cash flow ("Free Cash Flow") as Cash provided by operating activities less capital expenditures, which is disclosed as Purchases of property, plant and equipment in the Company's Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows. We use Free Cash Flow, among other measures, to evaluate the Company’s liquidity and its ability to generate cash flow. We believe that Free Cash Flow is meaningful to investors because we review cash flows generated from operations after taking into consideration capital expenditures due to the fact that these expenditures are considered to be a necessary component of ongoing operations. In addition, we believe that Free Cash Flow helps improve investors' ability to compare our liquidity with other companies. Since Free Cash Flow is not a measure calculated in accordance with GAAP, it should not be considered in isolation of, or as a substitute for, Cash provided by (used for) operating activities and may not be comparable to similarly titled measures employed by other companies. Free Cash Flow is not necessarily a measure of our ability to fund our cash needs.
Share-Based Compensation Expense
On April 21, 2021, our 2021 Long-Term Incentive Award Plan (the "2021 Plan") was approved by stockholders and replaced the prior plan. On February 23, 2023, our Board adopted an amendment to the 2021 Plan, which provided for an increase to the shares authorized for issuance under the 2021 Plan. At our 2023 Annual Meeting of Stockholders, the amendment was approved. Pursuant to our 2021 Plan, we may grant restricted stock units and options to purchase shares of the Company's Class A common stock to certain key individuals.
Share-based compensation expenses are recorded in SG&A expenses and were $8.3 million and $8.2 million for the three months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023, respectively. Share-based compensation expenses were $24.0 million and $27.6 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023, respectively.
As of September 30, 2024, there was $38.1 million of unrecognized compensation cost related to unvested share-based compensation arrangements with vesting based solely on service conditions. This cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of approximately 1.6 years and assumes Performance RSUs will be fully earned at target. See Note 8, Stockholders' Deficit, for more information.
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LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
Cash Flows
The following discussion highlights cash flow activities during the periods presented:
(In thousands)
Nine Months Ended September 30,
2024
2023
Cash provided by (used for):
Operating activities
$
70,217
$
58,958
Investing activities
23,517
(39,991)
Financing activities
(8,443)
(141,957)
Free Cash Flow(1)
(1,957)
(31,498)
(1) For a definition of Free Cash Flow and a reconciliation to Cash provided by operating activities, the most closely comparable GAAP measure, please see “Reconciliation of Cash provided by operating activities to Free Cash Flow” in this MD&A.
Operating Activities
Cash provided by operating activities was $70.2 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2024 compared to $59.0 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2023. The increase was primarily due to an improvement in the timing of receivable collections and timing of payable payments, largely offset by a decrease in revenue from our Multiplatform Group, and an increase in cash bonus payments in 2024 compared to 2023.
Investing Activities
Cash provided by investing activities of $23.5 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2024 primarily reflects $101.4 million of proceeds received from the sale of our investment in BMI, partially offset by $72.2 million in cash used for capital expenditures. For capital expenditures during the period, we spent $38.2 million in our Multiplatform Group segment primarily related to our IT infrastructure and real estate optimization initiatives, $17.0 million in our Digital Audio Group segment primarily related to IT infrastructure, $5.8 million in our Audio & Media Services Group segment, primarily related to software, and $11.1 million in Corporate primarily related to equipment and software purchases.
Cash used for investing activities of $40.0 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2023 primarily reflects $90.4 million in cash used for capital expenditures. For capital expenditures during the period, we spent $52.1 million in our Multiplatform Group segment primarily related to our real estate optimization initiatives, $17.3 million in our Digital Audio Group segment primarily related to IT infrastructure, $6.3 million in our Audio & Media Services Group segment, primarily related to software, and $14.7 million in Corporate primarily related to equipment and software purchases. This was partially offset by the proceeds from the disposal of assets, which mainly consisted of $45.3 million related to the sale of broadcast tower sites and related assets. We are leasing back space on the broadcast towers and related assets under long-term operating leases.
Financing Activities
Cash used for financing activities totaled $8.4 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2024 primarily due to distributions to noncontrolling interest holders.
Cash used for financing activities totaled $142.0 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2023 primarily due to the repurchases of $189.0 million aggregate principal amount of our 8.375% Senior Unsecured Notes due 2027 for $137.5 million in cash, reflecting a discounted purchase price from the face value of the notes.
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Sources of Liquidity and Anticipated Cash Requirements
Our primary sources of liquidity are cash on hand, which consisted of cash and cash equivalents of $431.8 million as of September 30, 2024, cash flows from operations and borrowing capacity under our $450.0 million senior secured asset-based revolving credit facility entered into on May 17, 2022 (as amended from time to time, the "ABL Facility"). As of September 30, 2024, iHeartCommunications had no amounts outstanding under the ABL Facility, a facility size of $450.0 million and $23.7 million in outstanding letters of credit, resulting in $426.3 million of borrowing base availability. Our total available liquidity1 as of September 30, 2024 was $858.1 million.
In September 2023, we sold 122 of our broadcast tower sites and related assets for net proceeds of $45.3 million. We simultaneously leased back space on 121 of the broadcast towers and related assets under long-term operating leases.
We regularly evaluate the impact of economic conditions on our business. A challenging macroeconomic environmenthas led to market uncertainty which has continued to negatively impact 2024 revenues and cash flows. For the nine months ended September 30, 2024, our consolidated revenues increased compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2023 primarily due to revenue growth in our Digital Audio Group, as well as political revenue, partially offset by lower revenue in our Multiplatform Group, among other factors discussed in the Results of Operations section of the MD&A. Although we cannot predict future economic conditions or the impact of any potential contraction of economic growth on our business, we believe that we have sufficient liquidity to continue to fund our operations for at least the next twelve months.
We are a party to many contractual obligations involving commitments to make payments to third parties. These obligations impact our short-term and long-term liquidity and capital resource needs. Certain contractual obligations are reflected on the Consolidated Balance Sheet as of September 30, 2024, while others are considered future commitments. Our contractual obligations primarily consist of long-term debt and related interest payments, commitments under non-cancelable operating lease agreements, and employment and talent contracts. In addition to our contractual obligations, we expect that our primary anticipated uses of liquidity in 2024 will be to fund our working capital and maintain operations, make interest and tax payments, fund capital expenditures, make voluntary debt repayments and pursue other strategic opportunities.
Assuming the current level of borrowings and interest rates in effect at September 30, 2024, we anticipate that we will have approximately $85.4 million of cash interest payments in the remainder of 2024 compared to $88.5 million of cash interest payments during the same period in 2023, primarily due to lower interest rates on our floating rate. Future increases in interest rates could have a significant impact on our cash interest payments.
We acknowledge the challenges posed by the market uncertainty as a result of global economic and geopolitical conditions, current levels of interest rates, the continuing impact of inflation on consumer spending and in turn, advertising spend, and other macroeconomic trends. However, we remain confident in our business, our employees and our strategy. Further, we believe our available liquidity will allow us to fund capital expenditures and other obligations and make interest payments on our long-term debt. If these sources of liquidity need to be augmented, additional cash requirements would likely be financed through the issuance of debt or equity securities; however, there can be no assurances that we will be able to obtain additional debt or equity financing on acceptable terms or at all in the future.
We frequently evaluate strategic opportunities. We expect from time to time to pursue other strategic opportunities such as acquisitions or disposals of certain businesses, which may or may not be material.
Transaction Support Agreement and Exchange Offer
On November 6, 2024, we entered into a Transaction Support Agreement (the “TSA”) with certain lenders and holders (or their managers, advisors, or sub-advisors) of iHeartCommunications' outstanding notes and term loans (collectively, the “Supporting Holders”). The Supporting Holders represent approximately 77% of the aggregate principal amount of iHeartCommunications’ outstanding senior secured notes due 2026, 79%of the aggregate principal amount of our outstanding senior secured notes due 2027, 38% of the aggregate principal amount of our outstanding senior secured notes due 2028, 71%of the aggregate principal amount of our outstanding senior unsecured notes due 2027, and 92% of the aggregate principal amount of our outstanding term loans (collectively, the “Existing Debt”).
We and the Supporting Holders have agreed to the terms of, and to support, (i) exchange offer transactions that will be offered to all holders of the Existing Debt, consisting of two alternative exchange transaction structures, each of which will extend the maturity of the Existing Debt tendered in the exchange offer transactions by three years, and (ii) concurrent consent solicitations to amend certain provisions in the indentures and credit agreement governing the Existing Debt. In the first
1 Total available liquidity is defined as cash and cash equivalents plus available borrowings under the ABL Facility. We use total available liquidity to evaluate our capacity to access cash to meet obligations and fund operations.
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transaction structure, if certain thresholds of holder participation are met, iHeartCommunications will issue new secured debt in exchange for the Existing Debt held by participating holders. Alternatively, if certain thresholds of holder participation are not met, newly-formed subsidiaries of the Company holding certain transferred assets and an intercompany note (to be issued by iHeartMedia + Entertainment, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of iHeartCommunications) will issue new secured debt in exchange for the Existing Debt held by participating holders. Completion of either exchange transaction will result in a strengthened financial position, providing us with additional flexibility to execute on our strategy and business initiatives.
The TSA may be terminated under various circumstances, including if the exchange offer transactions are not consummated on or before December 31, 2024, unless such date is extended pursuant to the terms of the TSA.
Concurrently with entry into the TSA, we also entered into an amendment to our ABL Facility (the “ABL Amendment”) to, among other things, permit both exchange transaction alternatives and other transactions related to the exchange, amend certain of the covenants, default provisions contained therein, and increase the interest rate on the ABL Facility by (a) if the first transaction is consummated, 0.50%, and (b) if the alternative transaction is consummated, 1.00%. The amendments contained in the ABL Amendment will become effective upon the satisfaction or waiver of certain conditions, including the consummation of one of the transactions contemplated by the TSA. We anticipate commencing the exchange offer in the near term.
The amount of anticipated cash payments will vary depending on the transaction structure and level of participation and will include partial cash consideration, accrued interest on participating debt, and transaction fees and expenses. We estimate total cash payments to range from $250 million to $295 million.
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Summary Debt Capital Structure
As of September 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023, we had the following debt outstanding, net of cash and cash equivalents:
(In thousands)
September 30, 2024
December 31, 2023
Term Loan Facility due 2026
$
1,864,032
$
1,864,032
Incremental Term Loan Facility due 2026
401,220
401,220
Asset-based Revolving Credit Facility due 2027
—
—
6.375% Senior Secured Notes due 2026
800,000
800,000
5.25% Senior Secured Notes due 2027
750,000
750,000
4.75% Senior Secured Notes due 2028
500,000
500,000
Other Secured Subsidiary Debt
3,076
3,367
Total Secured Debt
$
4,318,328
$
4,318,619
8.375% Senior Unsecured Notes due 2027
916,357
916,357
Other Subsidiary Debt
2,191
—
Original issue discount
(5,213)
(7,558)
Long-term debt fees
(9,816)
(12,268)
Total Debt
$
5,221,847
$
5,215,150
Less: Cash and cash equivalents
431,764
346,382
Net Debt1
$
4,790,083
$
4,868,768
1 Net Debt is a non-GAAP financial metric that is used by management and investors to assess our ability to meet financial obligations, including our ability to service our long-term debt obligations. We define Net Debt as Total Debt less Cash and cash equivalents.
Our ABL Facility contains a springing fixed charge coverage ratio that is effective if certain triggering events related to borrowing capacity under the ABL Facility occur. As of September 30, 2024, no triggering event had occurred and, as a result, we were not required to comply with any fixed charge coverage ratio as of or for the period ended September 30, 2024. Other than our ABL Facility, none of our long-term debt includes maintenance covenants that could trigger early repayment. As of September 30, 2024, we were in compliance with all covenants related to our debt agreements. For additional information regarding our debt, refer to Note 5, Long-Term Debt.
Our subsidiaries have from time to time repurchased certain debt obligations of iHeartCommunications, and may in the future, as part of various financing and investment strategies, purchase additional outstanding indebtedness of iHeartCommunications or its subsidiaries or our outstanding equity securities, in tender offers, open market purchases, privately negotiated transactions or otherwise. We or our subsidiaries may also sell certain assets, securities, or properties. These purchases or sales, if any, could have a material positive or negative impact on our liquidity available to repay outstanding debt obligations or on our consolidated results of operations. These transactions could also require or result in amendments to the agreements governing outstanding debt obligations or changes in our leverage or other financial ratios, which could have a material positive or negative impact on our ability to comply with the covenants contained in iHeartCommunications’ debt agreements. These transactions, if any, will depend on prevailing market conditions, our liquidity requirements, contractual restrictions and other factors. The amounts involved may be material.
Supplemental Financial Information under Debt Agreements
Pursuant to iHeartCommunications' material debt agreements, iHeartMedia Capital I, LLC ("Capital I"), the parent guarantor and a subsidiary of iHeartMedia, is permitted to satisfy its reporting obligations under such agreements by furnishing iHeartMedia’s consolidated financial information and an explanation of the material differences between iHeartMedia’s consolidated financial information, on the one hand, and the financial information of Capital I and its consolidated restricted subsidiaries, on the other hand. Because neither iHeartMedia nor iHeartMedia Capital II, LLC, a wholly-owned direct subsidiary of iHeartMedia and the parent of Capital I, have any operations or material assets or liabilities, there are no material differences between iHeartMedia’s consolidated financial information for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2024, and Capital I’s and its consolidated restricted subsidiaries’ financial information for the same period. Further, as of September 30, 2024, we were in compliance with all covenants related to our debt agreements.
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Commitments, Contingencies and Guarantees
We are currently involved in certain legal proceedings arising in the ordinary course of business and, as required, have accrued our estimate of the probable costs for resolution of those claims for which the occurrence of loss is probable and the amount can be reasonably estimated. These estimates have been developed in consultation with counsel and are based upon an analysis of potential results, assuming a combination of litigation and settlement strategies. It is possible, however, that future results of operations for any particular period could be materially affected by changes in our assumptions or the effectiveness of our strategies related to these proceedings. Please refer to “Legal Proceedings” in Part II, Item 1 of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.
Certain agreements relating to acquisitions provide for purchase price adjustments and other future contingent payments based on the financial performance of the acquired companies generally over a one to five-year period. The aggregate of these contingent payments, if performance targets are met, would not significantly impact our financial position or results of operations.
We have future cash obligations under various types of contracts. We lease office space, certain broadcast facilities and equipment. Some of our lease agreements contain renewal options and annual rental escalation clauses (generally tied to the consumer price index), as well as provisions for our payment of utilities and maintenance. We also have non-cancellable contracts in our radio broadcasting operations related to program rights and music license fees. In the normal course of business, our broadcasting operations have minimum future payments associated with employee and talent contracts. These contracts typically contain cancellation provisions that allow us to cancel the contract with good cause.
SEASONALITY
Typically, our businesses experience their lowest financial performance in the first quarter of the calendar year. We expect this trend to continue in the future. Due to this seasonality and certain other factors, the results for the interim periods may not be indicative of results for the full year. In addition, we are impacted by political cycles and generally experience higher revenues in congressional election years, and particularly in presidential election years. This may affect the comparability of results between years.
MARKET RISK
We are exposed to market risks arising from changes in market rates and prices, including movements in interest rates, foreign currency exchange rates and inflation.
Interest Rate Risk
A significant amount of our long-term debt bears interest at variable rates. Additionally, certain assumptions used within management's estimates are impacted by changes in interest rates. Accordingly, our earnings will be affected by changes in interest rates. As of September 30, 2024, approximately 43% of our aggregate principal amount of long-term debt bore interest at floating rates. Assuming the current level of borrowings and assuming a 100 bps change in floating interest rates, it is estimated that our interest expense for the nine months ended September 30, 2024 would have changed by $17.2 million.
In the event of an adverse change in interest rates, management may take actions to mitigate our exposure. However, due to the uncertainty of the actions that would be taken and their possible effects, the preceding interest rate sensitivity analysis assumes no such actions. Further, the analysis does not consider the effects of the change in the level of overall economic activity that could exist in such an environment.
Inflation
Inflation is a factor in our business, and we continue to seek ways to mitigate its effect. Inflation has affected our performance in terms of higher costs for employee compensation, equipment and third party services. Although we are unable to determine the exact impact of inflation, we believe the impact will continue to be immaterial considering the actions we may take in response to these higher costs that may arise as a result of inflation.
Critical Accounting Estimates
The preparation of our financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates, judgments and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amount of expenses during the reporting period. On an ongoing basis, we evaluate our estimates that are based on historical experience and on various other assumptions that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances. The result of these evaluations forms the basis for making judgments about the carrying
37
values of assets and liabilities and the reported amount of expenses that are not readily apparent from other sources. Because future events and their effects cannot be determined with certainty, actual results could differ from our assumptions and estimates, and such difference could be material. Other than the following, there have been no significant changes to our critical accounting policies and estimates disclosed in “Critical Accounting Estimates” of Item 7, Management’s Discussion and Analysis of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023.
Economic uncertainty due to higher interest rates since 2022 has resulted in, among other things, lower advertising spending by businesses. This challenging environment has led to broader market uncertainty, and has delayed our expected recovery and has had an adverse impact on our revenue and cash flows. This challenging environment has impacted and could further have a significant impact on our financial results. In addition, the economic uncertainty has had a significant impact on the trading values of our debt and equity securities for a sustained period. As a result, we performed an impairment test as of June 30, 2024 on our indefinite-lived FCC licenses and goodwill.
Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets
Indefinite-lived intangible assets, such as our FCC licenses, are reviewed for impairment using the direct valuation method as prescribed in ASC 805-20-S99. Under the direct valuation method, the estimated fair value of the indefinite-lived intangible assets was calculated at the market level as prescribed by ASC 350-30-35. Under the direct valuation method, it is assumed that rather than acquiring indefinite-lived intangible assets as a part of a going concern business, the buyer hypothetically obtains indefinite-lived intangible assets and builds a new operation with similar attributes from scratch. Thus, the buyer incurs start-up costs during the build-up phase which are normally associated with going concern value. Initial capital costs are deducted from the discounted cash flows model, which results in value that is directly attributable to the indefinite-lived intangible assets.
Our key assumptions using the direct valuation method are market revenue growth rates, profit margin, and the risk-adjusted discount rate as well as other assumptions including market share, duration and profile of the build-up period, estimated start-up costs and capital expenditures. This data is populated using industry normalized information representing an average asset within a market.
On June 30, 2024, we performed an interim impairment test in accordance with ASC 350-30-35 and we concluded that a $304.1 millionimpairment of the indefinite-lived intangible assets was required. In determining the fair value of our FCC licenses, the following key assumptions were used:
•Revenue forecasts published by BIA Financial Network, Inc. (“BIA”), varying by market, and revenue growth projections made by industry analysts were used for the initial five-year period;
•2.0% over-the-air revenue growth and 3.0% digital revenue growth was assumed beyond the initial five-year period and 1.0% revenue growth was assumed in the terminal period;
•Revenue was grown proportionally over a build-up period, reaching market revenue forecast by year 3;
•Operating margins of 8.0% in the first year gradually climb to the industry average margin in year 3 of up to 16.3%, depending on market size; and
•Assumed discount rates of 9.5% for large markets and 10.0% for small markets.
While we believe we have made reasonable estimates and utilized appropriate assumptions to calculate the fair value of our indefinite-lived intangible assets, it is possible a material change could occur. If future results are not consistent with our assumptions and estimates, we may be exposed to impairment charges in the future. The following table shows the decrease in the fair value of our indefinite-lived intangible assets that would result from a 100 basis point decline in our discrete and terminal period revenue growth rate and profit margin assumptions and a 100 basis point increase in our discount rate assumption:
Impact on the Fair Value of our FCC Licenses due to 100 bps Change in:
Revenue Growth Rate
Profit Margin
Discount Rate
(in thousands)
$
123,114
$
120,132
$
142,164
At June 30, 2024, the carrying value of our FCC licenses was $809.9 million after the impairment of $304.1 million. An increase in discount rates, a decrease in revenue growth rates or profit margins, or a decrease in BIA revenue forecasts could result in additional impairment to our FCC licenses.
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Goodwill
We test goodwill at interim dates if events or changes in circumstances indicate that goodwill might be impaired. The fair value of our reporting units is used to apply value to the net assets of each reporting unit. To the extent that the carrying amount of net assets would exceed the fair value, an impairment charge may be required to be recorded. The impairment testing performed as of June 30, 2024 has resulted in a decrease in the fair values of our reporting units. The carrying values of our Multiplatform and RCS reporting units exceeded their fair values. The fair values of our Digital and Katz reporting units exceeded their carrying values.
The valuation methodology we use for valuing goodwill involves considering the implied fair values of our reporting units based on market factors including the trading prices of our debt and equity securities, and estimating future cash flows expected to be generated from the related assets, discounted to their present values using a risk-adjusted discount rate. Terminal values are also estimated and discounted to their present values.
On June 30, 2024, we performed our interim impairment test in accordance with ASC 350-30-35, resulting in a $616.1 millionimpairment of goodwill. In determining the fair value of our reporting units, we considered industry and market factors including trading multiples of similar businesses and the trading prices of our debt and equity securities. For purposes of assessing the discounted future cash flows of our reporting units, we used the following assumptions:
•Expected cash flows underlying our business plans for the periods 2024 through 2028. Our cash flow assumptions are based on detailed, multi-year forecasts performed by each of our operating reporting units and reflect the current advertising outlook across our businesses.
•Revenues beyond 2028 are projected to grow at a perpetual growth rate, which we estimated at 1.0% for our Multiplatform Reporting unit (beyond 2033), 3.0% for our Digital Audio Reporting unit (beyond 2032), and 2.0% for our RCS and Katz Media Reporting units.
•Profit margins beyond 2028 utilize the 2028 margin implied in the multi-year forecasts.
•In order to risk adjust the cash flow projections in determining fair value, we utilized discounts rates between 17% and 20% for each of our reporting units.
While we believe we have made reasonable estimates and utilized appropriate assumptions to calculate the estimated fair value of our reporting units, it is possible a material change could occur. If future results are not consistent with our assumptions and estimates, we may be exposed to additional impairment charges in the future. The following table shows the decline in the fair value of each of our reporting units that would result from a 100 basis point decline in our discrete and terminal period revenue growth rate and profit margin assumptions and a 100 basis point increase in our discount rate assumption:
(In thousands)
Impact on the Fair Value of our Goodwill due to 100bps Change in:
Reporting Unit
Revenue Growth Rate
Profit Margin
Discount Rate
Multiplatform
$
127,528
$
98,208
$
114,259
Digital
61,541
61,790
58,055
Katz Media
10,342
8,189
9,614
RCS
8,342
4,356
6,684
An increase in discount rates or a decrease in revenue growth rates or profit margins could result in additional impairment charges being required to be recorded for one or more of our reporting units.
The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 provides a safe harbor for forward-looking statements made by us or on our behalf. This report contains various forward-looking statements which represent our expectations or beliefs concerning future events, including, without limitation, our future operating and financial performance, financial position and results of operations, macroeconomic trends including inflation, interest rates and potential recessionary indicators, our expected costs, savings and timing of our modernization initiatives and other capital and operating expense reduction initiatives, the consummation of the transactions contemplated by the TSA, debt repurchases, our business plans, strategies and initiatives, benefits of acquisitions and dispositions, our expectations about certain markets and businesses, expected cash interest payments, future impairment charges and our anticipated financial performance and liquidity. Statements expressing expectations and projections with respect to future matters are forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. We caution that these forward-looking statements involve a number of risks and uncertainties and are subject to many variables which could impact our future performance. These statements are made on the basis of management’s views and assumptions, as of the time the statements are made, regarding future events and performance. There can be no assurance, however, that management’s expectations will necessarily come to pass. Actual future events and performance may differ materially from the expectations reflected in our forward-looking statements. We do not intend, nor do we undertake any duty, to update any forward-looking statements.
A wide range of factors could materially affect future developments and performance, including but not limited to:
•risks associated with weak or uncertain global economic and geopolitical conditions and their impact on the level of expenditures for advertising;
•risks related to the COVID-19 pandemic or other future pandemics, or public health crises and any related reduction in demand for advertising;
•intense competition including increased competition from alternative media platforms and technologies;
•dependence upon the performance of on-air talent, program hosts and management as well as maintaining or enhancing our master brand;
•fluctuations in operating costs and other factors within or beyond our control;
•technological changes and innovations;
•shifts in population and other demographics;
•the impact of our substantial indebtedness and our ability to consummate the transactions contemplated by the TSA on the timeline contemplated or at all, and our ability to realize the intended benefits thereof;
•the impact of acquisitions, dispositions and other strategic transactions;
•legislative or regulatory requirements;
•the impact of legislation, ongoing litigation or royalty audits on music licensing and royalties;
•regulations and consumer concerns regarding privacy and data protection, and breaches of information security measures;
•risks related to our Class A common stock;
•regulations impacting our business and the ownership of our securities; and
•certain other factors set forth in Part I, Item 1A, “Risk Factors” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023, as updated by other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”).
This list of factors that may affect future performance and the accuracy of forward-looking statements is illustrative and is not intended to be exhaustive. Accordingly, all forward-looking statements should be evaluated with the understanding of their inherent uncertainty.
ITEM 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
Required information is presented under “Market Risk” within Item 2 of this Part I.
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ITEM 4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
Disclosure Controls and Procedures
Limitations on Effectiveness of Controls and Procedures
In designing and evaluating our disclosure controls and procedures, management recognizes that any controls and procedures, no matter how well designed and operated, can provide only reasonable assurance of achieving the desired control objectives. In addition, the design of disclosure controls and procedures must reflect that there are resource constraints and that management is required to apply judgment in evaluating the benefits of possible controls and procedures relative to their costs.
Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures
Our management, with the participation of our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, conducted an evaluation of our disclosure controls and procedures (as such term is defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Exchange Act) as of September 30, 2024. Based on this evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective at the reasonable assurance level as of September 30, 2024.
Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting
There were no changes in our internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the quarter ended September 30, 2024 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.
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PART II-- OTHER INFORMATION
ITEM 1. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
We are involved in a variety of legal proceedings in the ordinary course of business and a large portion of our litigation arises in the following contexts: commercial/contract disputes; defamation matters; employment and benefits related claims; intellectual property claims; real estate matters; governmental investigations; and tax disputes. As required, we have accrued an estimate of the probable costs for the resolution of those claims for which the occurrence of loss is probable and the amount can be reasonably estimated. These estimates have been developed in consultation with counsel and are based upon an analysis of potential results, assuming a combination of litigation and settlement strategies. It is possible, however, that future results of operations for any particular period could be materially affected by changes in our assumptions or the effectiveness of our strategies related to these proceedings. Additionally, due to the inherent uncertainty of litigation, there can be no assurance that the resolution of any particular claim or proceeding would not have a material adverse effect on our financial condition or results of operations.
ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS
Other than the below, there have been no material changes in our risk factors from those disclosed in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023.
Our substantial indebtedness may adversely affect our financial health and operating flexibility. If we are unable to consummate the transactions contemplated by the Transaction Support Agreement, our financial condition and future operations may be adversely affected.
We currently have a $450.0 million undrawn senior secured asset-based revolving credit facility that matures in 2027, $4.3 billion in principal amount of secured debt, $3.1 billion of which matures in 2026, and $916.4 million in principal amount of unsecured debt that matures in 2027. This substantial amount of indebtedness could have important consequences to us, including:
•increasing our vulnerability to adverse general economic, industry, or competitive developments;
•requiring us to dedicate a more substantial portion of our cash flows from operations to payments on our indebtedness, thereby reducing the availability of our cash flows to fund working capital, investments, acquisitions, capital expenditures, and other general corporate purposes;
•limiting our ability to make required payments under our existing contractual commitments, including our existing long-term indebtedness;
•requiring us to sell certain assets;
•restricting us from making strategic investments, including acquisitions, or causing us to make non-strategic divestitures;
•limiting our flexibility in planning for, or reacting to, changes in our business and the industry in which we operate;
•placing us at a competitive disadvantage compared to our competitors that have less debt;
•causing us to incur substantial fees from time to time in connection with debt amendments or refinancings;
•increasing our exposure to rising interest rates because a substantial portion of our borrowings is at variable interest rates; and
•limiting our ability to borrow additional funds or to borrow on terms that are satisfactory to us.
On November 6, 2024, we entered into a Transaction Support Agreement (the “TSA”) with certain lenders and holders (or their managers, advisors, or sub-advisors) of iHeartCommunications' outstanding notes and term loans (collectively, the “Supporting Holders”). The Supporting Holders represent approximately 80% of the aggregate principal amount of iHeartCommunications’ outstanding notes and term loans (collectively, the “Existing Debt”).
We and the Supporting Holders have agreed to the terms of, and to support, (i) exchange offer transactions that will be offered to all holders of the Existing Debt, consisting of two alternative exchange transaction structures, each of which will extend the maturity of the Existing Debt tendered in the exchange offer transactions by three years and (ii) concurrent consent solicitations to amend certain provisions in the indentures and credit agreement governing the Existing Debt. In the first transaction structure, if certain thresholds of holder participation are met, iHeartCommunications will issue new secured debt in
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exchange for the Existing Debt held by participating holders. Alternatively, if certain thresholds of holder participation are not met, newly-formed subsidiaries of the Company holding certain transferred assets and an intercompany note (to be issued by iHeartMedia + Entertainment, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of iHeartCommunications) will issue new secured debt in exchange for the Existing Debt held by participating holders.
There can be no assurance that we will complete the transactions contemplated by the TSA and if we do, whether we will obtain the benefits we expect therefrom. If we are unable to consummate the transactions contemplated by the TSA or otherwise generate sufficient cash flow to repay or refinance our debt on favorable terms, it could significantly and adversely affect our financial condition and the value of our outstanding debt. Our ability to restructure or refinance our debt will depend on the condition of the capital markets and our financial condition. Any refinancing of our debt could be at higher interest rates and may require us to comply with more onerous covenants, which could further restrict our business operations.
The agreements governing the secured notes and term loans contemplated under the TSA will contain covenants restricting our or our subsidiaries’ ability to, among other things, incur additional indebtedness, create liens on assets, engage in mergers, consolidations, liquidations and dissolutions, sell assets, pay dividends and distributions, make investments, loans, or advances, prepay certain junior indebtedness, engage in certain transactions with affiliates, amend material agreements governing certain junior indebtedness, and change lines of business. Although the covenants in our financing agreements are subject to various exceptions, these covenants are more restrictive than under our current financing agreements and we cannot assure you that thesecovenants will not adversely affect our ability to finance future operations, capital needs, or to engage in other activities that may be in our best interest. In addition, in certain circumstances, our long-term debt may require us to maintain specified financial ratios, which may require that we take action to reduce our debt or to act in a manner contrary to our business objectives. A breach of any of these covenants could result in a default under our financing agreements.
In addition, we may be able to incur additional indebtedness in the future. To the extent we incur additional indebtedness, the risks associated with our leverage described above would increase.
The transactions contemplated by the TSA may not be consummated as scheduled or at all, and even if such transactions are consummated, we may not achieve their anticipated benefits.
We expect that the completion of the transactions contemplated by the TSA, if consummated, will result in a strengthened financial position, providing us with additional flexibility to execute on our strategy and business initiatives. However, transactions contemplated by the TSA are subject to the satisfaction of certain conditions and the TSA may be terminated under certain circumstances, including, among others, (i) a material breach by us or our subsidiaries party thereto of any of our representations, warranties, covenants or obligations set forth in the TSA that remains uncured within five business days after receipt of written notice; (ii) the occurrence and continuation, beyond any grace or cure period, of any events of default under our existing indentures and credit agreement; (iii) the occurrence of any event or condition (other than relating to the transactions or as contemplated under the TSA) that has had or would be reasonably expected to have a material adverse effect on our business, operations, assets or liabilities; or (iv) the issuance by any governmental authority of any final, unappealable ruling or order making illegal or otherwise permanently enjoining, preventing or prohibiting the consummation of a material portion of the transactions. In addition, if the closing date of the transactions contemplated by the TSA does not occur prior to December 31, 2024, unless such date is extended in accordance with the terms of the TSA, the TSA will automatically terminate.
As a result, any or all of the transactions may not be consummated as originally scheduled or at all. Accordingly, we may not be able to realize the expected benefits from these transactions on a timely basis or at all. Even if we are successful in completing the transactions contemplated by the TSA, we may not realize some or all of the expected benefits from such transactions. We have incurred, and will continue to incur, significant costs, expenses and fees for professional services and other transaction costs in connection with the transactions contemplated by the TSA, and these fees and costs are payable by us regardless of whether such transactions are consummated.
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ITEM 2. UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS
The following table sets forth our purchases of shares of our Class A common stock made during the quarter ended September 30, 2024:
Period
Total Number of Shares Purchased(1)
Average Price Paid per Share(1)
Total Number of Shares Purchased as Part of Publicly Announced Plans or Programs
Maximum Number (or Approximate Dollar Value) of Shares that May Yet Be Purchased Under the Plans or Programs
July 1 through July 31
1,005
$
1.62
—
$
—
August 1 through August 31
44,251
1.34
—
—
September 1 through September 30
3,973
1.67
—
—
Total
49,229
$
1.37
—
$
—
(1)The shares indicated consist of shares of our Class A common stock tendered by employees to us during the three months ended September 30, 2024 to satisfy the employees’ tax withholding obligation in connection with the vesting and release of restricted stock, which are repurchased by us based on their fair market value on the date the relevant transaction occurs.
ITEM 3. DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES
Not applicable.
ITEM 4. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES
Not applicable.
ITEM 5. OTHER INFORMATION
(a)None.
(b)None.
(c)During the three months ended September 30, 2024, no director or officer of the Company adopted or terminated a "Rule 10b5-1 trading arrangement" or "non-Rule 10b5-1 trading arrangement," as each term is defined in Item 408(a) of Regulation S-K.
Inline XBRL Instance Document - the instance document does not appear in the Interactive Data File because its XBRL tags are embedded within the Inline XBRL document.
Cover Page Interactive Data File (formatted as Inline XBRL and contained in Exhibit 101)
____________
* Filed herewith.
** Furnished herewith.
§ A management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement required to be filed as an exhibit pursuant to Item 601 of Regulation S-K.
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Signatures
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.
IHEARTMEDIA, INC.
Date:
November 7, 2024
/s/ SCOTT D. HAMILTON
Scott D. Hamilton
Senior Vice President, Chief Accounting Officer and Assistant Secretary