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8-K - FORM 8-K - iHeartMedia, Inc.d8k.htm
EX-99.1 - EXCERPTS FROM CONFIDENTIAL PRELIMINARY OFFERING CIRCULAR - iHeartMedia, Inc.dex991.htm

Exhibit 99.2

Revised Item 6. Selected Financial Data; Revised Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations; Revised Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data; Revised Item 15. Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules; Revised Exhibit 11 – Computation of Per Share Earnings (Loss); Revised Exhibit 23 – Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm – Ernst and Young LLP.

PART II

 

ITEM 6. Selected Financial Data

The following tables set forth our summary historical consolidated financial and other data as of the dates and for the periods indicated. The summary historical financial data are derived from our audited consolidated financial statements. Historical results are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for future periods. Acquisitions and dispositions impact the comparability of the historical consolidated financial data reflected in this schedule of Selected Financial Data.

The summary historical consolidated financial and other data should be read in conjunction with “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” and our consolidated financial statements and the related notes thereto appearing elsewhere in this Form 10-K.

 

(In thousands)    For the Years ended December 31,  
     2008 (1)     2007 (2)     2006 (3)     2005     2004  
     Combined     Pre-merger     Pre-merger     Pre-merger     Pre-merger  

Results of Operations Information:

          

Revenue

   $ 6,688,683      $ 6,921,202      $ 6,567,790      $ 6,126,553      $ 6,132,880   

Operating expenses:

          

Direct operating expenses (excludes depreciation and amortization)

     2,904,444        2,733,004        2,532,444        2,351,614        2,216,789   

Selling, general and administrative expenses (excludes depreciation and amortization)

     1,829,246        1,761,939        1,708,957        1,651,195        1,644,251   

Depreciation and amortization

     696,830        566,627        600,294        593,477        591,670   

Corporate expenses (excludes depreciation and amortization)

     227,945        181,504        196,319        167,088        163,263   

Merger expenses

     155,769        6,762        7,633                 

Impairment charge (4)

     5,268,858                               

Other operating income – net

     28,032        14,113        71,571        49,656        43,040   
                                        

Operating income (loss)

     (4,366,377     1,685,479        1,593,714        1,412,835        1,559,947   

Interest expense

     928,978        451,870        484,063        443,442        367,511   

Gain (loss) on marketable securities

     (82,290     6,742        2,306        (702     46,271   

Equity in earnings of nonconsolidated affiliates

     100,019        35,176        37,845        38,338        22,285   

Other income (expense) - net

     126,393        5,326        (8,593     11,016        (30,554
                                        

Income (loss) before income taxes, discontinued operations and cumulative effect of a change in accounting principle

     (5,151,233     1,280,853        1,141,209        1,018,045        1,230,438   

Income tax benefit (expense)

     524,040        (441,148     (470,443     (403,047     (471,504
                                        

Income (loss) before discontinued operations and cumulative effect of a change in accounting principle

     (4,627,193     839,705        670,766        614,998        758,934   

Income from discontinued operations, net (5)

     638,391        145,833        52,678        338,511        94,467   
                                        

Income (loss) before cumulative effect of a change in accounting principle

     (3,988,802     985,538        723,444        953,509        853,401   

Cumulative effect of a change in accounting principle, net of tax of, $2,959,003 in 2004 (6)

                                 (4,883,968
                                        

Consolidated net income (loss)

     (3,988,802     985,538        723,444        953,509        (4,030,567

Amount attributable to noncontrolling interest

     16,671        47,031        31,927        17,847        7,602   
                                        

Net income (loss) attributable to the Company

   $ (4,005,473   $ 938,507      $ 691,517      $ 935,662      $ (4,038,169
                                        

 

1


     Post-merger
For the five
Months ended

December 31,
2008
    Pre-merger
For the seven
Months ended

July 30,
2008
   For the Pre-merger Years ended December 31,  
          2007 (2)    2006 (3)    2005    2004  

Net income (loss) per common share:

                

Basic:

                

Income (loss) attributable to the Company before discontinued operations and cumulative effect of a change in accounting principle

   $ (62.04 )        $ .80    $ 1.59    $ 1.27    $ 1.09    $ 1.26   

Discontinued operations

     (.02     1.29      .30      .11      .62      .16   
                                            

Income (loss) attributable to the Company before cumulative effect of a change in accounting principle

     (62.06     2.09      1.89      1.38      1.71      1.42   

Cumulative effect of a change in accounting principle

                                (8.19
                                            

Net income (loss) attributable to the Company

   $ (62.06   $ 2.09    $ 1.89    $ 1.38    $ 1.71    $ (6.77
                                            

Diluted:

                  

Income (loss) attributable to the Company before discontinued operations and cumulative effect of a change in accounting principle

   $ (62.04   $ .80    $ 1.59    $ 1.27    $ 1.09    $ 1.26   

Discontinued operations

     (.02     1.29      .29      .11      .62      .15   
                                            

Income (loss) attributable to the Company before cumulative effect of a change in accounting principle

     (62.06     2.09      1.88      1.38      1.71      1.41   

Cumulative effect of a change in accounting principle

                                (8.16
                                            

Net income (loss) attributable to the Company

   $ (62.06   $ 2.09    $ 1.88    $ 1.38    $ 1.71    $ (6.75
                                            

Dividends declared per share

   $      $    $ .75    $ .75    $ .69    $ .45   
                                            

 

(In thousands)    As of December 31,
     2008     2007 (2)    2006 (3)    2005    2004
     Post-merger     Pre-merger    Pre-merger    Pre-merger    Pre-merger

Balance Sheet Data:

             

Current assets

   $ 2,066,555      $ 2,294,583    $ 2,205,730    $ 2,398,294    $ 2,269,922

Property, plant and equipment – net, including discontinued operations (7)

     3,548,159        3,215,088      3,236,210      3,255,649      3,328,165

Total assets

     21,125,463        18,805,528      18,886,455      18,718,571      19,959,618

Current liabilities

     1,845,946        2,813,277      1,663,846      2,107,313      2,184,552

Long-term debt, net of current maturities

     18,940,697        5,214,988      7,326,700      6,155,363      6,941,996

Shareholders’ equity (deficit)

     (2,916,231     9,233,851      8,391,733      9,116,824      9,551,378

 

(1) The statement of operations for the year ended December 31, 2008 is comprised of two periods: post-merger and pre-merger. We applied preliminary purchase accounting adjustments to the opening balance sheet on July 31, 2008 as the merger occurred at the close of business on July 30, 2008. The merger resulted in a new basis of accounting beginning on July 31, 2008. Please refer to the consolidated financial statements located in Item 8 of this Form 10-K for details on the post-merger and pre-merger periods.
(2) Effective January 1, 2007, the Company adopted FASB Interpretation No. 48, Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes, or FIN 48. In accordance with the provisions of FIN 48, the effects of adoption were accounted for as a cumulative-effect adjustment recorded to the balance of retained earnings on the date of adoption. The adoption of FIN 48 resulted in a decrease of $0.2 million to the January 1, 2007 balance of “Retained deficit”, an increase of $101.7 million in “Other long term-liabilities” for unrecognized tax benefits and a decrease of $123.0 million in “Deferred income taxes”.

 

2


(3) Effective January 1, 2006, the Company adopted FASB Statement No. 123(R), Share-Based Payment. In accordance with the provisions of Statement 123(R), the Company elected to adopt the standard using the modified prospective method.
(4) We recorded a non-cash impairment charge of $5.3 billion in 2008 as a result of the global economic slowdown which adversely affected advertising revenues across our businesses in recent months, as discussed more fully in Item 7.
(5) Includes the results of operations of our live entertainment and sports representation businesses, which we spun-off on December 21, 2005, our television business which we sold on March 14, 2008 and certain of our non-core radio stations.
(6) We recorded a non-cash charge of $4.9 billion, net of deferred taxes of $3.0 billion, in 2004 as a cumulative effect of a change in accounting principle during the fourth quarter of 2004 as a result of the adoption of EITF Topic D-108, Use of the Residual Method to Value Acquired Assets other than Goodwill.
(7) Excludes the property, plant and equipment – net of our live entertainment and sports representation businesses, which we spun-off on December 21, 2005.

 

3


ITEM 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

Consummation of Merger

We were formed in May 2007 by private equity funds sponsored by Bain and THL for the purpose of acquiring the business of Clear Channel Communications, Inc., or Clear Channel. The acquisition was completed pursuant to the Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated November 16, 2006, as amended on April 18, 2007, May 17, 2007 and May 13, 2008. As a result of the merger, each issued and outstanding share of Clear Channel, other than shares held by certain of our principals that were rolled over and exchanged for shares of our Class A common stock, were either exchanged for (i) $36.00 in cash consideration, without interest, or (ii) one share of our Class A common stock.

We accounted for our acquisition of Clear Channel as a purchase business combination in conformity with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 141, Business Combinations, and Emerging Issues Task Force Issue 88-16, Basis in Leveraged Buyout Transactions. We have preliminarily allocated a portion of the consideration paid to the assets and liabilities acquired at their initial estimated respective fair values with the remaining portion recorded at the continuing shareholders’ basis. Excess consideration after this preliminary allocation was recorded as goodwill.

We estimated the preliminary fair value of the acquired assets and liabilities as of the merger date utilizing information available at the time the financial statements were prepared. These estimates are subject to refinement until all pertinent information is obtained. We are currently in the process of obtaining third-party valuations of certain of the acquired assets and liabilities and will complete our purchase price allocation in 2009. The final allocation of the purchase price may be different than the initial allocation.

Impairment Charge

The global economic slowdown has adversely affected advertising revenues across our businesses in recent months. As a result, we performed an impairment test in the fourth quarter of 2008 on our indefinite-lived FCC licenses, indefinite-lived permits and goodwill.

Our FCC licenses and permits are valued using the direct valuation approach, with the key assumptions being market revenue growth rates, market share, profit margin, duration and profile of the build-up period, estimated start-up capital costs and losses incurred during the build-up period, the risk-adjusted discount rate and terminal values. This data is populated using industry normalized information representing an average asset within a market.

The estimated fair value of FCC licenses and permits was below their carrying values. As a result, we recognized a non-cash impairment charge of $1.7 billion on our FCC licenses and permits. The United States and global economies are undergoing a period of economic uncertainty, which has caused, among other things, a general tightening in the credit markets, limited access to the credit market, lower levels of liquidity and lower consumer and business spending. These disruptions in the credit and financial markets and the continuing impact of adverse economic, financial and industry conditions on the demand for advertising negatively impacted the key assumptions in the discounted cash flow models used to value our FCC licenses and permits.

The goodwill impairment test requires us to measure the fair value of our reporting units and compare the estimated fair value to the carrying value, including goodwill. Each of our reporting units is valued using a discounted cash flow model which requires estimating future cash flows expected to be generated from the reporting unit, discounted to their present value using a risk-adjusted discount rate. Terminal values were also estimated and discounted to their present value. Assessing the recoverability of goodwill requires us to make estimates and assumptions about sales, operating margins, growth rates and discount rates based on our budgets, business plans, economic projections, anticipated future cash flows and marketplace data. There are inherent uncertainties related to these factors and management’s judgment in applying these factors.

The estimated fair value of our reporting units was below their carrying values, which required us to compare the implied fair value of each reporting units’ goodwill with its carrying value. As a result, we recognized a non-cash impairment charge of $3.6 billion to reduce our goodwill. The macroeconomic factors discussed above had an adverse effect on our estimated cash flows and discount rates used in the discounted cash flow model.

While we believe we had made reasonable estimates and utilized reasonable assumptions to calculate the fair value of our FCC licenses, permits and reporting units, it is possible a material change could occur to the estimated fair value of these assets. If our actual results are not consistent with our estimates, we could be exposed to future impairment losses that could be material to our results of operations.

 

4


Restructuring Program

On January 20, 2009 we announced that we commenced a restructuring program targeting a reduction of fixed costs by approximately $350 million on an annualized basis. As part of the program, we eliminated approximately 1,850 full-time positions representing approximately 9% of total workforce. The restructuring program will also include other actions, including elimination of overlapping functions and other cost savings initiatives. The program is expected to result in restructuring and other non-recurring charges of approximately $200 million, although additional costs may be incurred as the program evolves. The cost savings initiatives are expected to be fully implemented by the end of the first quarter of 2010. No assurance can be given that the restructuring program will be successful or will achieve the anticipated cost savings in the timeframe expected or at all. In addition, we may modify or terminate the restructuring program in response to economic conditions or otherwise.

As of December 31, 2008 we had recognized approximately $95.9 million of expenses related to our restructuring program. These expenses primarily related to severance of approximately $83.3 million and $12.6 million related to professional fees.

Sale of Non-core Radio Stations

We determined that each radio station market in Clear Channel’s previously announced non-core radio station sales represents a disposal group consistent with the provisions of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 144, Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of Long-lived Assets (“Statement 144”). Consistent with the provisions of Statement 144, we classified these assets that are subject to transfer under the definitive asset purchase agreements as discontinued operations for all periods presented. Accordingly, depreciation and amortization associated with these assets was discontinued. Additionally, we determined that these assets comprise operations and cash flows that can be clearly distinguished, operationally and for financial reporting purposes, from the rest of the Company. We determined that the estimated fair value less costs to sell attributable to these assets was in excess of the carrying value of their related net assets held for sale.

Sale of the Television Business

On March 14, 2008, Clear Channel completed the sale of its television business to Newport Television, LLC for $1.0 billion, adjusted for certain items including proration of expenses and adjustments for working capital. As a result, Clear Channel recorded a gain of $662.9 million as a component of “Income from discontinued operations, net” in our consolidated statement of operations during the quarter ended March 31, 2008. Additionally, net income and cash flows from the television business were classified as discontinued operations in the consolidated statements of operations and the consolidated statements of cash flows, respectively, in 2008 through the date of sale and for all of 2007 and 2006. The net assets related to the television business were classified as discontinued operations as of December 31, 2007.

Format of Presentation

Our consolidated balance sheets, statements of operations, statements of cash flows and shareholders’ equity are presented for two periods: post-merger and pre-merger. Prior to the acquisition, we had not conducted any activities, other than activities incident to our formation and in connection with the acquisition, and did not have any assets or liabilities, other than as related to the acquisition. We applied preliminary purchase accounting to the opening balance sheet on July 31, 2008 as the merger occurred at the close of business on July 30, 2008 and the results of operations subsequent to this date reflect the impact of the new basis of accounting. The merger resulted in a new basis of accounting beginning on July 31, 2008 and the financial reporting periods are presented as follows:

 

   

The period from July 31 through December 31, 2008 includes the post-merger period. Subsequent to the acquisition, Clear Channel became an indirect, wholly-owned subsidiary of ours and our business became that of Clear Channel and its subsidiaries.

 

   

The period from January 1 through July 30, 2008 includes the pre-merger period of Clear Channel. Prior to the consummation of our acquisition of Clear Channel, we had not conducted any activities, other than activities incident to our formation and in connection with the acquisition, and did not have any assets or liabilities, other than as related to the acquisition.

 

   

The 2007 and 2006 periods presented are pre-merger. The consolidated financial statements for all pre-merger periods were prepared using the historical basis of accounting for Clear Channel. As a result of the merger and the associated preliminary purchase accounting, the consolidated financial statements of the post-merger periods are not comparable to periods preceding the merger.

 

5


The discussion in this MD&A is presented on a combined basis of the pre-merger and post-merger periods for 2008. The 2008 post-merger and pre-merger results are presented but are not discussed separately. We believe that the discussion on a combined basis is more meaningful as it allows the results of operations to be analyzed to 2007 and 2006.

Management’s discussion and analysis of our results of operations and financial condition should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and related footnotes. Our discussion is presented on both a consolidated and segment basis. Our reportable operating segments are Radio Broadcasting, or radio, which includes our national syndication business, Americas Outdoor Advertising, or Americas, and International Outdoor Advertising, or International. Included in the “other” segment are our media representation business, Katz Media, as well as other general support services and initiatives.

We manage our operating segments primarily focusing on their operating income, while Corporate expenses, Merger expenses, Impairment charge, Other operating income - net, Interest expense, Gain (loss) on marketable securities, Equity in earnings (loss) of nonconsolidated affiliates, Other income (expense) - net, and Income tax benefit (expense) are managed on a total company basis and are, therefore, included only in our discussion of consolidated results.

Radio Broadcasting

Our radio business has been adversely impacted and may continue to be adversely impacted by the difficult economic conditions currently present in the United States. The weakening economy in the United States has, among other things, adversely affected our clients’ need for advertising and marketing services thereby reducing demand for our advertising spots. Continuing weakening demand for these services could materially affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Our revenue is derived from selling advertising time, or spots, on our radio stations, with advertising contracts typically less than one year in duration. The programming formats of our radio stations are designed to reach audiences with targeted demographic characteristics that appeal to our advertisers. Management monitors average advertising rates, 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. The size of the market influences rates as well, with larger markets typically receiving higher rates than smaller markets. Also, our advertising rates are influenced by the time of day the advertisement airs, with morning and evening drive-time hours typically the highest. Management monitors yield per available minute in addition to average rates because yield allows management to track revenue performance across our inventory. Yield is defined by management as revenue earned divided by commercial capacity available.

Management monitors macro level indicators to assess our radio operations’ performance. Due to the geographic diversity and autonomy of our markets, we have a multitude of market specific advertising rates and audience demographics. Therefore, management reviews average unit rates across all of our stations.

Management looks at our radio operations’ overall revenue as well as local advertising, which is sold predominately in a station’s local market, and national advertising, which is sold across multiple markets. Local advertising is sold by each radio station’s sales staffs while national advertising is sold, for the most part, through our national representation firm. Local advertising, which is our largest source of advertising revenue, and national advertising revenues are tracked separately, because these revenue streams have different sales forces and respond differently to changes in the economic environment.

Management also looks at radio revenue by market size, as defined by Arbitron. Typically, larger markets can reach larger audiences with wider demographics than smaller markets. Additionally, management reviews our share of target demographics listening to the radio in an average quarter hour. This metric gauges how well our formats are attracting and retaining listeners.

A portion of our radio segment’s expenses vary in connection with changes in revenue. These variable expenses primarily relate to costs in our sales department, such as salaries, commissions and bad debt. Our programming and general and administrative departments incur most of our fixed costs, such as talent costs, rights fees, utilities and office salaries. Lastly, our highly discretionary costs are in our marketing and promotions department, which we primarily incur to maintain and/or increase our audience share.

Americas and International Outdoor Advertising

Our outdoor advertising business has been, and may continue to be, adversely impacted by the difficult economic conditions currently present in the United States and other countries in which we operate. The continuing weakening economy has, among other things, adversely affected our clients’ need for advertising and marketing services, resulted in increased cancellations and non-renewals by our clients, thereby reducing our occupancy levels and could require us to lower our rates in order to remain competitive, thereby reducing our yield, or affect our client’s solvency. Any one or more of these effects could materially affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Our revenue is derived from selling advertising space on the displays we own or operate in key markets worldwide consisting primarily of billboards, street furniture and transit displays. We own the majority of our advertising displays, which typically are located on sites that we either lease or own or for which we have acquired permanent easements. Our advertising contracts typically outline the number of displays reserved, the duration of the advertising campaign and the unit price per display.

 

6


Our advertising rates are based on a number of different factors including location, competition, size of display, illumination, market and gross ratings points. Gross ratings points are the total number of impressions delivered, expressed as a percentage of a market population, of a display or group of displays. The number of impressions delivered by a display is measured by the number of people passing the site during a defined period of time and, in some international markets, is weighted to account for such factors as illumination, proximity to other displays and the speed and viewing angle of approaching traffic. Management typically monitors our business by reviewing the average rates, average revenue per display, or yield, occupancy, and inventory levels of each of our display types by market. In addition, because a significant portion of our advertising operations are conducted in foreign markets, the largest being France and the United Kingdom, management reviews the operating results from our foreign operations on a constant dollar basis. A constant dollar basis allows for comparison of operations independent of foreign exchange movements.

The significant expenses associated with our operations include (i) direct production, maintenance and installation expenses, (ii) site lease expenses for land under our displays and (iii) revenue-sharing or minimum guaranteed amounts payable under our billboard, street furniture and transit display contracts. Our direct production, maintenance and installation expenses include costs for printing, transporting and changing the advertising copy on our displays, the related labor costs, the vinyl and paper costs and the costs for cleaning and maintaining our displays. Vinyl and paper costs vary according to the complexity of the advertising copy and the quantity of displays. Our site lease expenses include lease payments for use of the land under our displays, as well as any revenue-sharing arrangements or minimum guaranteed amounts payable that we may have with the landlords. The terms of our site leases and revenue-sharing or minimum guaranteed contracts generally range from one to 20 years.

In our International business, normal market practice is to sell billboards and street furniture as network packages with contract terms typically ranging from one to two weeks, compared to contract terms typically ranging from four weeks to one year in the U.S. In addition, competitive bidding for street furniture and transit contracts, which constitute a larger portion of our International business, and a different regulatory environment for billboards, result in higher site lease cost in our International business compared to our Americas business. As a result, our margins are typically less in our International business than in the Americas.

Our street furniture and transit display contracts, the terms of which range from three to 20 years, generally require us to make upfront investments in property, plant and equipment. These contracts may also include upfront lease payments and/or minimum annual guaranteed lease payments. We can give no assurance that our cash flows from operations over the terms of these contracts will exceed the upfront and minimum required payments.

Our 2008 and 2007 results of operations include the full year results of operations of Interspace Airport Advertising, or Interspace, and our results of operations for 2006 include a partial year of the results of operations of Interspace, which we acquired in July 2006.

FAS 123(R), Share-Based Payments

As of December 31, 2008, there was $130.3 million of unrecognized compensation cost, net of estimated forfeitures, related to unvested share-based compensation arrangements that will vest based on service conditions. This cost is expected to be recognized over four years. In addition, as of December 31, 2008, there was $80.2 million of unrecognized compensation cost, net of estimated forfeitures, related to unvested share-based compensation arrangements that will vest based on market, performance and service conditions. This cost will be recognized when it becomes probable that the performance condition will be satisfied.

Vesting of certain Clear Channel stock options and restricted stock awards was accelerated upon the closing of the merger. As a result, holders of stock options, other than certain executive officers and holders of certain options that could not, by their terms, be cancelled prior to their stated expiration date, received cash or, if elected, an amount of Company stock, in each case equal to the intrinsic value of the awards based on a market price of $36.00 per share while holders of restricted stock awards received, with respect to each share of restricted stock, $36.00 per share in cash, without interest or, if elected, a share of Company stock. Approximately $39.2 million of share-based compensation was recognized in the 2008 pre-merger period as a result of the accelerated vesting of stock options and restricted stock awards and is included in the table below.

 

7


The following table details compensation costs related to share-based payments for the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006:

 

     Year Ended December 31,
(In millions)    2008    2007    2006

Radio Broadcasting

        

Direct Operating Expenses

   $ 17.2    $ 10.0    $ 11.1

SG&A

     20.6      12.2      14.1

Americas Outdoor Advertising

        

Direct Operating Expenses

   $ 6.3    $ 5.7    $ 3.4

SG&A

     2.1      2.2      1.3

International Outdoor Advertising

        

Direct Operating Expenses

   $ 1.7    $ 1.2    $ 0.9

SG&A

     0.4      0.5      0.4

Other

        

Direct Operating Expenses

   $ 0.5    $    $ 0.7

SG&A

     0.8           1.0

Corporate

   $ 28.9    $ 12.2    $ 9.1

 

8


THE COMPARISON OF YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2008 TO YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2007 IS AS FOLLOWS:

 

(In thousands)    Post-merger     Pre-merger     Combined  
     Period from July 31
through December 31,
2008
    Period from
January 1 through
July 30,

2008
    Year ended
December 31,
2008
 

Revenue

   $ 2,736,941         $ 3,951,742      $ 6,688,683   

Operating expenses:

        

Direct operating expenses (excludes depreciation and amortization)

     1,198,345        1,706,099        2,904,444   

Selling, general and administrative expenses (excludes depreciation and amortization)

     806,787        1,022,459        1,829,246   

Depreciation and amortization

     348,041        348,789        696,830   

Corporate expenses (excludes depreciation and amortization)

     102,276        125,669        227,945   

Merger expenses

     68,085        87,684        155,769   

Impairment charge

     5,268,858               5,268,858   

Other operating income – net

     13,205        14,827        28,032   
                        

Operating income (loss)

     (5,042,246     675,869        (4,366,377

Interest expense

     715,768        213,210        928,978   

Gain (loss) on marketable securities

     (116,552     34,262        (82,290

Equity in earnings of nonconsolidated affiliates

     5,804        94,215        100,019   

Other income (expense) – net

     131,505        (5,112     126,393   
                        

Income (loss) before income taxes and discontinued operations

     (5,737,257     586,024        (5,151,233

Income tax benefit (expense):

        

Current

     76,729        (27,280     49,449   

Deferred

     619,894        (145,303     474,591   
                        

Income tax benefit (expense)

     696,623        (172,583     524,040   
                        

Income (loss) before discontinued operations

     (5,040,634     413,441        (4,627,193

Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net

     (1,845     640,236        638,391   
                        

Consolidated net income (loss)

     (5,042,479     1,053,677        (3,988,802

Amount attributable to noncontrolling interest

     (481     17,152        16,671   
                        

Net income (loss) attributable to the Company

   $ (5,041,998   $ 1,036,525      $ (4,005,473
                        

 

9


(In thousands)    Year Ended December 31,        
     2008
Combined
    2007
Pre-merger
    % Change
2008 v. 2007
 

Revenue

   $ 6,688,683      $ 6,921,202      (3 )% 

Operating expenses:

      

Direct operating expenses (excludes depreciation and amortization)

     2,904,444        2,733,004      6

Selling, general and administrative expenses (excludes depreciation and amortization)

     1,829,246        1,761,939      4

Depreciation and amortization

     696,830        566,627      23

Corporate expenses (excludes depreciation and amortization)

     227,945        181,504      26

Merger expenses

     155,769        6,762     

Impairment charge

     5,268,858            

Other operating income - net

     28,032        14,113     
                  

Operating income (loss)

     (4,366,377     1,685,479     

Interest expense

     928,978        451,870     

Gain (loss) on marketable securities

     (82,290     6,742     

Equity in earnings of nonconsolidated affiliates

     100,019        35,176     

Other income (expense) - net

     126,393        5,326     
                  

Income (loss) before income taxes and discontinued operations

     (5,151,233     1,280,853     

Income tax benefit (expense):

      

Current

     49,449        (252,910  

Deferred

     474,591        (188,238  
                  

Income tax expense

     524,040        (441,148  
                  

Income (loss) before discontinued operations

     (4,627,193     839,705     

Income from discontinued operations, net

     638,391        145,833     
                  

Consolidated net income (loss)

     (3,988,802     985,538     

Amount attributable to noncontrolling interest

     16,671        47,031     
                  

Net income (loss) attributable to the Company

   $ (4,005,473   $ 938,507     
                  

Consolidated Results of Operations

Revenue

Our consolidated revenue decreased $232.5 million during 2008 compared to 2007. Revenue growth during the first nine months of 2008 was offset by a decline of $254.0 million in the fourth quarter. Revenue declined $264.7 million during 2008 compared to 2007 from our radio business associated with decreases in both local and national advertising. Our Americas outdoor revenue also declined approximately $54.8 million attributable to decreases in poster and bulletin revenues associated with cancellations and non-renewals from major national advertisers. The declines were partially offset by an increase from our international outdoor revenue of approximately $62.3 million, with roughly $60.4 million from movements in foreign exchange.

Direct Operating Expenses

Our consolidated direct operating expenses increased approximately $171.4 million during 2008 compared to 2007. Our international outdoor business contributed $90.3 million to the increase primarily from an increase in site lease expenses and $39.5 million related to movements in foreign exchange. Our Americas outdoor business contributed $57.0 million to the increase primarily from new contracts. These increases were partially offset by a decline in direct operating expenses in our radio segment of approximately $3.6 million related to a decline in programming expenses.

Selling, General and Administrative Expenses (SG&A)

Our SG&A increased approximately $67.3 million during 2008 compared to 2007. Approximately $48.3 million of this increase occurred during the fourth quarter primarily as a result of an increase in severance. Our international outdoor business contributed approximately $41.9 million to the increase primarily from movements in foreign exchange of $11.2 million and an increase in severance in 2008 associated with our restructuring plan of approximately $20.1 million. Our Americas outdoor business’ SG&A

 

10


increased approximately $26.4 million largely from increased bad debt expense of $15.5 million and an increase in severance in 2008 associated with our restructuring plan of $4.5 million. SG&A expenses in our radio business decreased approximately $7.5 million primarily from reduced marketing and promotional expenses and a decline in commissions associated with the decline in revenues, partially offset by increase in severance in 2008 associated with our restructuring plan of approximately $32.6 million.

Depreciation and Amortization

Depreciation and amortization expense increased $130.2 million in 2008 compared to 2007 primarily due to $86.0 million in additional depreciation and amortization associated with the preliminary purchase accounting adjustments to the acquired assets, $29.3 million of accelerated depreciation in our Americas and International outdoor segments from billboards that were removed and approximately $11.3 million related to impaired advertising display contracts in our international segment.

Corporate Expenses

The increase in corporate expenses of $46.4 million in 2008 compared to 2007 primarily relates to a $16.7 million increase in non-cash compensation related to awards that vested at closing of the merger, a $6.3 million management fee to the Sponsors in connection with the management and advisory services provided following the merger, and $6.2 million related to outside professional services.

Merger Expenses

Merger expenses for 2008 were $155.8 million and include accounting, investment banking, legal and other expenses.

Impairment Charge

The global economic slowdown has adversely affected advertising revenues across our businesses in recent months. As discussed above, we performed an impairment test in the fourth quarter of 2008 and recognized a non-cash impairment charge to our indefinite-lived intangible assets and goodwill of $5.3 billion.

Other Operating Income - Net

The $28.0 million income for 2008 consists of a gain of $3.3 million from the sale of sports broadcasting rights, a $7.0 million gain on the disposition of a representation contract, a $4.0 million gain on the sale of property, plant and equipment, a $1.7 million gain on the sale of international street furniture and $9.6 million from the favorable settlement of a lawsuit. The $14.1 million income in 2007 related primarily to $8.9 million gain from the sale of street furniture assets and land in our international outdoor segment as well as $3.4 million from the disposition of assets in our radio segment.

Interest Expense

The increase in interest expense for 2008 over 2007 is the result of the increase in our average debt outstanding after the merger. Our outstanding debt was $19.5 billion and $6.6 billion at December 31, 2008 and 2007, respectively.

Gain (Loss) on Marketable Securities

During the fourth quarter of 2008, we recorded a non-cash impairment charge to certain available-for-sale securities. The fair value of these available-for-sale securities was below their cost each month subsequent to the closing of the merger. As a result, we considered the guidance in SAB Topic 5M and reviewed the length of the time and the extent to which the market value was less than cost and the financial condition and near-term prospects of the issuer. After this assessment, we concluded that the impairment was other than temporary and recorded a $116.6 million impairment charge. This loss was partially offset by a net gain of $27.0 million recorded in the second quarter of 2008 on the unwinding of our secured forward exchange contracts and the sale of our American Tower Corporation, or AMT, shares.

The $6.7 million gain on marketable securities for 2007 primarily related to changes in fair value of the shares of AMT held by Clear Channel and the related forward exchange contracts.

Other Income (Expense) – Net

Other income of $126.4 million in 2008 relates to an aggregate gain of $124.5 million on the fourth quarter 2008 tender of certain of Clear Channel’s outstanding notes, a $29.3 million foreign exchange gain on translating short-term intercompany notes, an $8.0 million dividend received, partially offset by a $29.8 million loss on the third quarter 2008 tender of certain of Clear Channel’s outstanding notes and a $4.7 million impairment of our investment in a radio partnership and $0.9 million of various other items.

Other income of $5.3 million in 2007 primarily relates to a foreign exchange gain on translating short-term intercompany notes.

 

11


Equity in Earnings of Nonconsolidated Affiliates

Equity in earnings of nonconsolidated affiliates increased $64.8 million in 2008 compared to 2007 primarily from a $75.6 million gain recognized in the first quarter 2008 on the sale of Clear Channel’s 50% interest in Clear Channel Independent, a South African outdoor advertising company. We also recognized a gain of $9.2 million on the disposition of 20% of Grupo ACIR Comunicaciones. These gains were partially offset by a $9.0 million impairment charge to one of our international outdoor equity method investments and declines in equity in income from our investments in certain international radio broadcasting companies as well as the loss of equity in earnings from the disposition of Clear Channel Independent.

Income Taxes

Current tax expense for 2008 decreased $302.4 million compared to 2007 primarily due to a decrease in “income (loss) before income taxes and discontinued operations” of $1.2 billion which excludes the non-tax deductible impairment charge of $5.3 billion recorded in 2008. In addition, current tax benefits of approximately $74.6 million were recorded during 2008 related to the termination of Clear Channel’s cross currency swap. Also, we recognized additional tax depreciation deductions as a result of the bonus depreciation provisions enacted as part of the Economic Stimulus Act of 2008. These current tax benefits were partially offset by additional current tax expense recorded in 2008 related to currently non deductible transaction costs as a result of the merger.

The effective tax rate for the year ended December 31, 2008 decreased to 10.2% as compared to 34.4% for the year ended December 31, 2007, primarily due to the impairment charge that resulted in a $5.3 billion decrease in “income (loss) before income taxes and discontinued operations” and tax benefits of approximately $648.2 million. Partially offsetting this decrease to the effective rate were tax benefits recorded as a result of the release of valuation allowances on the capital loss carryforwards that were used to offset the taxable gain from the disposition of Clear Channel’s investment in AMT and Grupo ACIR Comunicaciones. Additionally, Clear Channel sold its 50% interest in Clear Channel Independent in 2008, which was structured as a tax free disposition. The sale resulted in a gain of $75.6 million with no current tax expense. Further, in 2008 valuation allowances were recorded on certain net operating losses generated during the period that were not able to be carried back to prior years. Due to the lack of earnings history as a merged company and limitations on net operating loss carryback claims allowed, the Company cannot rely on future earnings and carryback claims as a means to realize deferred tax assets which may arise as a result of future period net operating losses. Pursuant to the provision of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 109, Accounting for Income Taxes, deferred tax valuation allowances would be required on those deferred tax assets.

For the year ended December 31, 2008, deferred tax expense decreased $662.8 million as compared to 2007 primarily due to the impairment charge recorded in 2008 related to the tax deductible intangibles. This decrease was partially offset by increases in deferred tax expense in 2008 related to recording of valuation allowances on certain net operating losses as well as the termination of the cross currency swap and the additional tax depreciation deductions as a result of the bonus depreciation provisions enacted as part of the Economic Stimulus Act of 2008 mentioned above.

Noncontrolling Interest

The decline in noncontrolling interest of $30.4 million in 2008 compared to 2007 relates to the decline for the same period in net income of our subsidiary, Clear Channel Outdoor Holdings, Inc.

Discontinued Operations

Income from discontinued operations of $638.4 million recorded during 2008 primarily relates to a gain of $631.9 million, net of tax, related to the sale of our television business and radio stations.

Radio Broadcasting Results of Operations

Our radio broadcasting operating results were as follows:

 

(In thousands)    Years Ended December 31,       
     2008
Combined
   2007
Pre-merger
   % Change
2008 v. 2007
 

Revenue

   $ 3,293,874    $ 3,558,534    (7 )% 

Direct operating expenses

     979,324      982,966    (0 )% 

Selling, general and administrative expense

     1,182,607      1,190,083    (1 )% 

Depreciation and amortization

     152,822      107,466    42
                

Operating income

   $ 979,121    $ 1,278,019    (23 )% 
                

Our radio broadcasting revenue declined approximately $264.7 million during 2008 compared to 2007, with approximately 43% of the decline occurring during the fourth quarter. Our local revenues were down $205.6 million in 2008 compared to 2007.

 

12


National revenues declined as well. Both local and national revenues were down as a result of overall weakness in advertising. Our radio revenue experienced declines across advertising categories including automotive, retail and entertainment advertising categories. For the year ended December 31, 2008, our total minutes sold and average minute rate declined compared to 2007.

Direct operating expenses declined approximately $3.6 million. Decreases in programming expenses of approximately $21.2 million from our radio markets were partially offset by an increase in programming expenses of approximately $16.3 million in our national syndication business. The increase in programming expenses in our national syndication business was mostly related to contract talent payments. SG&A expenses decreased approximately $7.5 million primarily from reduced marketing and promotional expenses and a decline in commission expenses associated with the revenue decline. Partially offsetting the decline in SG&A expenses was an increase in severance in 2008 associated with our restructuring plan of approximately $32.6 million and an increase in bad debt expense of approximately $17.3 million.

Depreciation and amortization increased approximately $45.4 million mostly as a result of additional amortization associated with the preliminary purchase accounting adjustments to the acquired intangible assets.

Americas Outdoor Advertising Results of Operations

Our Americas outdoor advertising operating results were as follows:

 

(In thousands)    Years Ended December 31,    % Change
2008 v. 2007
 
     2008
Combined
   2007
Pre-merger
  

Revenue

   $ 1,430,258    $ 1,485,058    (4 )% 

Direct operating expenses

     647,526      590,563    10

Selling, general and administrative expense

     252,889      226,448    12

Depreciation and amortization

     207,633      189,853    9
                

Operating income

   $ 322,210    $ 478,194    (33 )% 
                

Revenue decreased approximately $54.8 million during 2008 compared to 2007, with the entire decline occurring in the fourth quarter. Driving the decline was approximately $87.4 million attributable to poster and bulletin revenues associated with cancellations and non-renewals from major national advertisers, partially offset by an increase of $46.2 million in airport revenues, digital display revenues and street furniture revenues. Also impacting the decline in bulletin revenue was decreased occupancy while the decline in poster revenue was affected by a decrease in both occupancy and rate. The increase in airport and street furniture revenues was primarily driven by new contracts while digital display revenue growth was primarily the result of an increase in the number of digital displays. Other miscellaneous revenues also declined approximately $13.6 million.

Our Americas direct operating expenses increased $57.0 million primarily from higher site lease expenses of $45.2 million primarily attributable to new taxi, airport and street furniture contracts and an increase of $2.4 million in severance. Our Americas SG&A expenses increased $26.4 million largely from increased bad debt expense of $15.5 million and an increase of $4.5 million in severance in 2008 associated with our restructuring plan.

Depreciation and amortization increased approximately $17.8 million mostly as a result of $6.6 million related to additional depreciation and amortization associated with preliminary purchase accounting adjustments to the acquired assets and $11.3 million of accelerated depreciation from billboards that were removed.

International Outdoor Results of Operations

Our international operating results were as follows:

 

(In thousands)    Years Ended December 31,    % Change
2008 v. 2007
 
     2008
Combined
   2007
Pre-merger
  

Revenue

   $ 1,859,029    $ 1,796,778    3

Direct operating expenses

     1,234,610      1,144,282    8

Selling, general and administrative expense

     353,481      311,546    13

Depreciation and amortization

     264,717      209,630    26
                

Operating income

   $ 6,221    $ 131,320    (95 )% 
                

Revenue increased approximately $62.3 million, with roughly $60.4 million from movements in foreign exchange. The remaining revenue growth was primarily attributable to growth in China, Turkey and Romania, partially offset by revenue declines in France and the United Kingdom. China and Turkey benefited from strong advertising environments. We acquired operations in Romania at the end of the second quarter of 2007, which also contributed to revenue growth in 2008. The decline in France was primarily driven by the loss of a contract to advertise on railways and the decline in the United Kingdom was primarily driven by weak advertising demand.

 

13


During the fourth quarter of 2008, revenue declined approximately $88.6 million compared to the fourth quarter of 2007, of which approximately $51.8 million was attributable to movements in foreign exchange and the remainder primarily the result of a decline in advertising demand.

Direct operating expenses increased $90.3 million. Included in the increase is approximately $39.5 million related to movements in foreign exchange. The remaining increase in direct operating expenses was driven by an increase in site lease expenses. SG&A expenses increased $41.9 million in 2008 over 2007 with approximately $11.2 million related to movements in foreign exchange and $20.1 million related to severance in 2008 associated with our restructuring plan.

Depreciation and amortization expenses increased $55.1 million with $18.8 million related to additional depreciation and amortization associated with the preliminary purchase accounting adjustments to the acquired assets, approximately $18.0 million related to an increase in accelerated depreciation from billboards to be removed, approximately $11.3 million related to impaired advertising display contracts and $4.9 million related to an increase from movements in foreign exchange.

Reconciliation of Segment Operating Income (Loss)

 

(In thousands)    Years Ended December 31,  
     2008     2007  

Radio Broadcasting

   $ 979,121      $ 1,278,019   

Americas Outdoor Advertising

     322,210        478,194   

International Outdoor Advertising

     6,221        131,320   

Other

     (31,419     (11,659

Impairment charge

     (5,268,858     —     

Other operating income - net

     28,032        14,113   

Merger expenses

     (155,769     (6,762

Corporate

     (245,915     (197,746
                

Consolidated operating income (loss)

   $ (4,366,377   $ 1,685,479   
                

 

14


THE COMPARISON OF YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2007 TO YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2006 IS AS FOLLOWS:

 

(In thousands)    Years Ended December 31,     % Change
2007 v. 2006
 
     2007    2006    

Revenue

   $ 6,921,202    $ 6,567,790      5

Operating expenses:

       

Direct operating expenses (excludes depreciation and amortization)

     2,733,004      2,532,444      8

Selling, general and administrative expenses (excludes depreciation and amortization)

     1,761,939      1,708,957      3

Depreciation and amortization

     566,627      600,294      (6 )% 

Corporate expenses (excludes depreciation and amortization)

     181,504      196,319      (8 )% 

Merger expenses

     6,762      7,633     

Other operating income - net

     14,113      71,571     
                 

Operating income

     1,685,479      1,593,714      6

Interest expense

     451,870      484,063     

Gain (loss) on marketable securities

     6,742      2,306     

Equity in earnings of nonconsolidated affiliates

     35,176      37,845     

Other income (expense) - net

     5,326      (8,593  
                 

Income before income taxes and discontinued operations

     1,280,853      1,141,209     

Income tax expense:

       

Current

     252,910      278,663     

Deferred

     188,238      191,780     
                 

Income tax expense

     441,148      470,443     
                 

Income before discontinued operations

     839,705      670,766     

Income from discontinued operations, net

     145,833      52,678     
                 

Consolidated net income

     985,538      723,444     

Amount attributable to noncontrolling interest

     47,031      31,927     
                 

Net income attributable to the Company

   $ 938,507    $ 691,517     
                 

Consolidated Results of Operations

Revenue

Our consolidated revenue increased $353.4 million during 2007 compared to 2006. Our International revenue increased $240.4 million, including approximately $133.3 million related to movements in foreign exchange and the remainder associated with growth across inventory categories. Our Americas revenue increased $143.7 million driven by increases in bulletin, street furniture, airports and taxi display revenues as well as $32.1 million from Interspace. Our radio revenue was essentially flat. Declines in local and national advertising revenue were partially offset by an increase in our syndicated radio programming, traffic and on-line businesses. These increases were also partially offset by declines from operations classified in our “other” segment.

Direct Operating Expenses

Our direct operating expenses increased $200.6 million in 2007 compared to 2006. International direct operating expenses increased $163.8 million principally from $88.0 million related to movements in foreign exchange. Americas direct operating expenses increased $56.2 million primarily attributable to increased site lease expenses associated with new contracts and the increase in transit revenue as well as approximately $14.9 million from Interspace. Partially offsetting these increases was a decline in our radio direct operating expenses of approximately $11.7 million primarily from a decline in programming and expenses associated with non-traditional revenue.

Selling, General and Administrative Expenses (SG&A)

Our SG&A expenses increased $53.0 million in 2007 compared to 2006. International SG&A expenses increased $31.9 million primarily related to movements in foreign exchange. Americas SG&A expenses increased $19.1 million mostly attributable to sales expenses associated with the increase in revenue and $6.7 million from Interspace. Our radio SG&A expenses increased $4.3 million for the comparative periods primarily from an increase in our marketing and promotions department which was partially offset by a decline in bonus and commission expenses.

 

15


Depreciation and Amortization

Depreciation and amortization expense decreased approximately $33.7 million primarily from a decrease in the radio segments fixed assets and a reduction in amortization from international outdoor contracts.

Corporate Expenses

Corporate expenses decreased $14.8 million during 2007 compared to 2006 primarily related to a decline in radio bonus expenses.

Merger Expenses

We entered into the Merger Agreement, as amended, in the fourth quarter of 2006. Expenses associated with the merger were $6.8 million and $7.6 million for the years ended December 31, 2007 and 2006, respectively, and include accounting, investment banking, legal and other expenses.

Other Operating Income - Net

Other operating income – net of $14.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2007 related primarily to $8.9 million gain from the sale of street furniture assets and land in our international outdoor segment as well as $3.4 million from the disposition of assets in our radio segment.

Other operating income - net of $71.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2006 mostly related to $34.6 million in our radio segment primarily from the sale of stations and programming rights and $13.2 million in our Americas outdoor segment from the exchange of assets in one of our markets for the assets of a third party located in a different market.

Interest Expense

Interest expense declined $32.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2007 compared to the same period of 2006. The decline was primarily associated with the reduction in our average outstanding debt during 2007.

Gain (Loss) on Marketable Securities

The $6.7 million gain on marketable securities for 2007 primarily related to changes in fair value of our American Tower Corporation, or AMT, shares and the related forward exchange contracts. The gain of $2.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2006 related to a $3.8 million gain from terminating our secured forward exchange contract associated with our investment in XM Satellite Radio Holdings, Inc. partially offset by a loss of $1.5 million from the change in fair value of AMT securities that are classified as trading and the related secured forward exchange contracts associated with those securities.

Other Income (Expense) - Net

Other income of $5.3 million recorded in 2007 primarily relates to foreign exchange gains while other expense of $8.6 million recorded in 2006 primarily relates to foreign exchange losses.

Income Taxes

Current tax expense decreased $25.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2007 as compared to the year ended December 31, 2006 primarily due to current tax benefits of approximately $45.7 million recorded in 2007 related to the settlement of several tax positions with the Internal Revenue Service for the 1999 through 2004 tax years. In addition, we recorded current tax benefits of approximately $14.6 million in 2007 related to the utilization of capital loss carryforwards. The 2007 current tax benefits were partially offset by additional current tax expense due to an increase in Income before income taxes of $139.6 million.

Deferred tax expense decreased $3.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2007 as compared to the year ended December 31, 2006 primarily due to additional deferred tax benefits of approximately $8.3 million recorded in 2007 related to accrued interest and state tax expense on uncertain tax positions. In addition, we recorded deferred tax expense of approximately $16.7 million in 2006 related to the uncertainty of our ability to utilize certain tax losses in the future for certain international operations. The changes noted above were partially offset by additional deferred tax expense recorded in 2007 as a result of tax depreciation expense related to capital expenditures in certain foreign jurisdictions.

Noncontrolling Interest

Noncontrolling interest increased $15.1 million in 2007 compared to 2006 primarily from an increase in net income attributable to our subsidiary Clear Channel Outdoor Holdings, Inc.

 

16


Discontinued Operations

We closed on the sale of 160 stations in 2007 and 5 stations in 2006. The gain on sale of assets recorded in discontinued operations for these sales was $144.6 million and $0.3 million in 2007 and 2006, respectively. The remaining $1.2 million and $52.4 million are associated with the net income from radio stations and our television business that are recorded as income from discontinued operations for 2007 and 2006, respectively.

Radio Broadcasting Results of Operations

Our radio broadcasting operating results were as follows:

 

(In thousands)    Years Ended December 31,    % Change
2007 v. 2006
 
     2007    2006   

Revenue

   $ 3,558,534    $ 3,567,413    0

Direct operating expenses

     982,966      994,686    (1 )% 

Selling, general and administrative expense

     1,190,083      1,185,770    0

Depreciation and amortization

     107,466      125,631    (14 )% 
                

Operating income

   $ 1,278,019    $ 1,261,326    1
                

Our radio revenue was essentially flat. Declines in local and national revenues were partially offset by increases in network, traffic, syndicated radio and on-line revenues. Local and national revenues were down partially as a result of overall weakness in advertising as well as declines in automotive, retail and political advertising categories. During 2007, our average minute rate declined compared to 2006.

Our radio broadcasting direct operating expenses declined approximately $11.7 million in 2007 compared to 2006. The decline was primarily from a $14.8 million decline in programming expenses partially related to salaries, a $16.5 million decline in non-traditional expenses primarily related to fewer concert events sponsored by us in the current year and $5.1 million in other direct operating expenses. Partially offsetting these declines were increases of $5.7 million in traffic expenses and $19.1 million in internet expenses associated with the increased revenues in these businesses. SG&A expenses increased $4.3 million during 2007 as compared to 2006 primarily from an increase of $16.2 million in our marketing and promotions department partially offset by a decline of $9.5 million in bonus and commission expenses.

Americas Outdoor Advertising Results of Operations

Our Americas outdoor advertising operating results were as follows:

 

(In thousands)    Years Ended December 31,    % Change
2007 v. 2006
 
     2007    2006   

Revenue

   $ 1,485,058    $ 1,341,356    11

Direct operating expenses

     590,563      534,365    11

Selling, general and administrative expenses

     226,448      207,326    9

Depreciation and amortization

     189,853      178,970    6
                

Operating income

   $ 478,194    $ 420,695    14
                

Americas revenue increased $143.7 million, or 11%, during 2007 as compared to 2006 with Interspace contributing approximately $32.1 million to the increase. The growth occurred across our inventory, including bulletins, street furniture, airports and taxi displays. The revenue growth was primarily driven by bulletin revenue attributable to increased rates and airport revenue which had both increased rates and occupancy. Leading advertising categories during the year were telecommunications, retail, automotive, financial services and amusements. Revenue growth occurred across our markets, led by Los Angeles, New York, Washington/Baltimore, Atlanta, Boston, Seattle and Minneapolis.

Our Americas direct operating expenses increased $56.2 million primarily from an increase of $46.6 million in site lease expenses associated with new contracts and the increase in airport, street furniture and taxi revenues. Interspace contributed $14.9 million to the increase. Our Americas SG&A expenses increased $19.1 million primarily from bonus and commission expenses associated with the increase in revenue and from Interspace, which contributed approximately $6.7 million to the increase.

Depreciation and amortization increased $10.9 million during 2007 compared to 2006 primarily associated with $5.9 million from Interspace.

 

17


International Outdoor Results of Operations

Our international operating results were as follows:

 

(In thousands)    Years Ended December 31,    % Change
2007 v. 2006
 
     2007    2006   

Revenue

   $ 1,796,778    $ 1,556,365    15

Direct operating expenses

     1,144,282      980,477    17

Selling, general and administrative expenses

     311,546      279,668    11

Depreciation and amortization

     209,630      228,760    (8 )% 
                

Operating income

   $ 131,320    $ 67,460    95
                

International revenue increased $240.4 million, or 15%, in 2007 as compared to 2006. Included in the increase was approximately $133.3 million related to movements in foreign exchange. Revenue growth occurred across inventory categories including billboards, street furniture and transit, driven by both increased rates and occupancy. Growth was led by increased revenues in France, Italy, Australia, Spain and China.

Our international direct operating expenses increased approximately $163.8 million in 2007 compared to 2006. Included in the increase was approximately $88.0 million related to movements in foreign exchange. The remaining increase in direct operating expenses was primarily attributable to an increase in site lease expenses associated with the increase in revenue. SG&A expenses increased $31.9 million in 2007 over 2006 from approximately $23.4 million related to movements in foreign exchange and an increase in selling expenses associated with the increase in revenue. Additionally, we recorded a $9.8 million reduction to SG&A expenses in 2006 as a result of the favorable settlement of a legal proceeding.

Depreciation and amortization declined $19.1 million during 2007 compared to 2006 primarily from contracts which were recorded at fair value in purchase accounting in prior years and became fully amortized at December 31, 2006.

Reconciliation of Segment Operating Income (Loss)

 

(In thousands)    Years Ended December 31,  
     2007     2006  

Radio Broadcasting

   $ 1,278,019      $ 1,261,326   

Americas Outdoor Advertising

     478,194        420,695   

International Outdoor Advertising

     131,320        67,460   

Other

     (11,659     (4,225

Other operating income – net

     14,113        71,571   

Merger expenses

     (6,762     (7,633

Corporate

     (197,746     (215,480
                

Consolidated operating income

   $ 1,685,479      $ 1,593,714   
                

 

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LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

Cash Flows

 

(In thousands)          Period from
July 31

through
December 31,
    Period from
January 1 to July 30,
    Years ended December 31,  
     2008     2008     2008     2007     2006  
     Combined     Post-merger     Pre-merger     Pre-merger     Pre-merger  

Cash provided by (used in):

          

Operating activities

   $ 1,281,284      $ 246,026      $ 1,035,258      $ 1,576,428      $ 1,748,057   

Investing activities

   $ (18,127,954   $ (17,711,703   $ (416,251   $ (482,677   $ (607,011

Financing activities

   $ 15,907,798      $ 17,554,739      $ (1,646,941   $ (1,431,014   $ (1,178,610

Discontinued operations

   $ 1,033,570      $ 2,429      $ 1,031,141      $ 366,411      $ 69,227   

Operating Activities

2008

Net cash flow from operating activities for 2008 primarily reflects a loss before discontinued operations of $4.6 billion plus a non-cash impairment charge of $5.3 billion, depreciation and amortization of $696.8 million, the amortization of deferred financing charges of approximately $106.4 million, and share-based compensation of $78.6 million, partially offset by a deferred tax benefit of $474.6 million.

2007

Net cash flow from operating activities during 2007 primarily reflected income before discontinued operations of $839.7 million plus depreciation and amortization of $566.6 million and deferred taxes of $188.2 million.

2006

Net cash flow from operating activities of $1.7 billion for the year ended December 31, 2006 principally reflects income before discontinued operations of $670.8 million and depreciation and amortization of $600.3 million. Net cash flows from operating activities also reflects an increase of $190.2 million in accounts receivable as a result of the increase in revenue and a $390.4 million federal income tax refund related to restructuring our international businesses consistent with our strategic realignment and the utilization of a portion of the capital loss generated on the spin-off of Live Nation, Inc.

Investing Activities

2008

Net cash used in investing activities during 2008 principally reflects cash used in the acquisition of Clear Channel of $17.5 billion and the purchase of property, plant and equipment of $430.5 million.

2007

Net cash used in investing activities of $482.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2007 principally reflects the purchase of property, plant and equipment of $363.3 million.

2006

Net cash used in investing activities of $607.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2006 principally reflects capital expenditures of $336.7 million related to purchases of property, plant and equipment and $341.2 million primarily related to acquisitions of operating assets, partially offset by proceeds from the sale of other assets of $99.7 million.

Financing Activities

2008

Net cash used in financing activities for 2008 principally reflected $15.4 billion in debt proceeds used to finance the acquisition of Clear Channel, an equity contribution of $2.1 billion used to finance the acquisition of Clear Channel, $1.9 billion primarily for the redemptions of certain of our subsidiaries’ notes and $93.4 million in dividends paid.

 

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2007

Net cash used in financing activities for the year ended December 31, 2007 principally reflects $372.4 million in dividend payments, decrease in debt of $1.1 billion, partially offset by the proceeds from the exercise of stock options of $80.0 million.

2006

Net cash used in financing activities for the year ended December 31, 2006 principally reflects $1.4 billion for shares repurchased, $382.8 million in dividend payments, partially offset by the net increase in debt of $601.3 million and proceeds from the exercise of stock options of $57.4 million.

Discontinued Operations

During 2008, we completed the sale of our television business to Newport Television, LLC for $1.0 billion and completed the sales of certain radio stations for $110.5 million. The cash received from these sales was recorded as a component of cash flows from discontinued operations during 2008.

The proceeds from the sale of five stations in 2006 and 160 stations in 2007 are classified as cash flows from discontinued operations in 2006 and 2007 respectively. Additionally, the cash flows from these stations are classified as discontinued operations for all periods presented.

Anticipated Cash Requirements

Our primary source of liquidity is cash flow from operations, which has been adversely affected by the global economic slowdown. The risks associated with our businesses become more acute in periods of a slowing economy or recession, which may be accompanied by a decrease in advertising. Expenditures by advertisers tend to be cyclical, reflecting overall economic conditions and budgeting and buying patterns. The current global economic slowdown has resulted in a decline in advertising and marketing services among our customers, resulting in a decline in advertising revenues across our businesses. This reduction in advertising revenues has had an adverse effect on our revenue, profit margins, cash flow and liquidity, particularly during the second half of 2008. The continuation of the global economic slowdown may continue to adversely impact our revenue, profit margins, cash flow and liquidity.

In January 2009, in response to the deterioration in general economic conditions and the resulting negative impact on our business, we commenced a restructuring program targeting a reduction of fixed costs by approximately $350 million on an annualized basis. As part of the program, we eliminated approximately 1,850 full-time positions representing approximately 9% of total workforce. The program is expected to result in restructuring and other non-recurring charges of approximately $200 million, although additional costs may be incurred as the program evolves. The cost savings initiatives are expected to be fully implemented by the end of the first quarter of 2010. No assurance can be given that the restructuring program will be successful or will achieve the anticipated cost savings in the timeframe expected or at all.

Based on our current and anticipated levels of operations and conditions in our markets, we believe that cash flow from operations as well as cash on hand (including amounts drawn or available under our senior secured credit facilities) will enable us to meet our working capital, capital expenditure, debt service and other funding requirements for at least the next 12 months.

Continuing adverse securities and credit market conditions could significantly affect the availability of equity or credit financing. While there is no assurance in the current economic environment, we believe the lenders participating in our credit agreements will be willing and able to provide financing in accordance with the terms of their agreements. In this regard, on February 6, 2009 we borrowed the approximately $1.6 billon of remaining availability under our $2.0 billion revolving credit facility to improve our liquidity position in light of continuing uncertainty in credit market and economic conditions. We expect to refinance our $500.0 million 4.25% notes due May 15, 2009 with a draw under the $500.0 million delayed draw term loan facility that is specifically designated for this purpose. The remaining $69.5 million of indebtedness maturing in 2009 will either be refinanced or repaid with cash flow from operations or on hand.

We expect to be in compliance with the covenants under our senior secured credit facilities in 2009. However, our anticipated results are subject to significant uncertainty and there can be no assurance that actual results will be in compliance with the covenants. In addition, our ability to comply with the covenants in our financing agreements may be affected by events beyond our control, including prevailing economic, financial and industry conditions. The breach of any covenants set forth in our financing agreements would result in a default thereunder. An event of default would permit the lenders under a defaulted financing agreement to declare all indebtedness thereunder to be due and payable prior to maturity. Moreover, the lenders under the revolving credit facility under our senior secured credit facilities would have the option to terminate their commitments to make further extensions of revolving credit thereunder. If we are unable to repay our obligations under any senior secured credit facilities or the receivables based credit facility, the lenders under such senior secured credit facilities or receivables based credit facility could proceed against any assets that were pledged to secure such senior secured credit facilities or receivables based credit facility. In addition, a default or acceleration under any of our financing agreements could cause a default under other of our obligations that are subject to cross-default and cross-acceleration provisions.

 

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Our corporate credit and issue-level ratings were downgraded on February 20, 2009 by Standard & Poor’s Ratings Services. Our corporate credit and issue-level ratings were lowered to “B-”. These ratings remain on credit watch with negative implications. Additionally, Moody’s Investors Service has placed our credit ratings on review for possible downgrade from “B2.” These ratings are significantly below investment grade. These ratings and any additional reductions in our credit ratings could further increase our borrowing costs and reduce the availability of financing to us. In addition, deteriorating economic conditions, including market disruptions, tightened credit markets and significantly wider corporate borrowing spreads, may make it more difficult or costly for us to obtain financing in the future. A credit rating downgrade does not constitute a default under any of our debt obligations.

Our ability to fund our working capital needs, debt service and other obligations, and to comply with the financial covenants under our financing agreements depends on our future operating performance and cash flow, which are in turn subject to prevailing economic conditions and other factors, many of which are beyond our control. If our future operating performance does not meet our expectation or our plans materially change in an adverse manner or prove to be materially inaccurate, we may need additional financing. Continuing adverse securities and credit market conditions could significantly affect the availability of equity or credit financing. Consequently, there can be no assurance that such financing, if permitted under the terms of our financing agreements, will be available on terms acceptable to us or at all. The inability to obtain additional financing in such circumstances could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and on our ability to meet our obligations.

Sources of Capital

As of December 31, 2008 and 2007, we had the following indebtedness outstanding:

 

(In millions)    Post-merger
December 31,
2008
   Pre-merger
December 31,
2007

Term Loan A

   $ 1,331.5      —  

Term Loan B

     10,700.0      —  

Term Loan C

     695.9      —  

Delayed Draw Facility

     532.5      —  

Receivables Based Facility

     445.6      —  

Revolving Credit Facility (a)

     220.0      —  

Secured Subsidiary Debt

     6.6      8.3
             

Total Secured Debt

     13,932.1      8.3

Senior Cash Pay Notes

     980.0      —  

Senior Toggle Notes

     1,330.0      —  

Clear Channel $1.75 billion credit facility

     —        174.6

Clear Channel Senior Notes (b)

     3,192.3      5,646.4

Clear Channel Subsidiary Debt (c)

     69.3      745.9
             

Total Debt

     19,503.7      6,575.2

Less: Cash and cash equivalents

     239.8      145.1
             
   $ 19,263.9    $ 6,430.1
             

 

(a) Subsequent to December 31, 2008, we borrowed the approximately $1.6 billion of remaining availability under this facility.
(b) Includes $1.1 billion at December 31, 2008 in unamortized fair value purchase accounting discounts related to our merger with Clear Channel. Includes an $11.4 million increase related to fair value adjustments for interest rate swap agreements and a $15.0 million decrease related to original issue discounts at December 31, 2007.
(c) Includes $3.2 million at December 31, 2007 in unamortized fair value purchase accounting adjustment premiums related to Clear Channel’s merger with AMFM.

We may utilize available funds for general working capital purposes including funding capital expenditures and acquisitions. We may also from time to time seek to retire or purchase our outstanding debt or equity securities or obligations through cash purchases, prepayments and/or exchanges for debt or equity securities or obligations, in open market purchases, privately negotiated transactions or otherwise. Such uses, repurchases, prepayments or exchanges, if any, will depend on prevailing market conditions, our liquidity requirements, contractual restrictions and other factors. The amounts involved may be material.

 

21


Indebtedness Incurred in Connection with the Merger

The following is a summary of the terms of our indebtedness incurred in connection with the merger:

 

   

a $1.33 billion term loan A facility, with a maturity in July 2014;

 

   

a $10.7 billion term loan B facility with a maturity in January 2016;

 

   

a $695.9 million term loan C - asset sale facility, with a maturity in January 2016;

 

   

a $750.0 million delayed draw term loan facility with a maturity in January 2016 which may be drawn to purchase or redeem Clear Channel’s outstanding 7.65% senior notes due 2010, of which $532.5 million was drawn as of December 31, 2008;

 

   

a $500.0 million delayed draw term loan facility with a maturity in January 2016 may be drawn to purchase or redeem Clear Channel’s outstanding 4.25% senior notes due 2009, of which none was drawn as of December 31, 2008;

 

   

a $2.0 billion revolving credit facility with a maturity in July 2014, including a letter of credit sub-facility and a swingline loan sub-facility. As of February 27, 2009, the outstanding balance on this facility was $1.8 billion and, taking into account letters of credit of $171.9 million, $18.1 million was available to be drawn;

 

   

a $783.5 million receivables based credit facility with a maturity in July 2014 providing revolving credit commitments in an amount equal to the initial borrowing of $533.5 million on the merger closing date plus $250 million, subject to a borrowing base, of which $445.6 million was drawn as of December 31, 2008, which was the maximum available under the borrowing base. As of February 27, 2009, the outstanding balance on this facility had declined to $365.5 million which was the maximum available under the borrowing base; and

 

   

$980.0 million aggregate principal amount of 10.75% senior cash pay notes due 2016 and $1.33 billion aggregate principal amount of 11.00%/11.75% senior toggle notes due 2016.

Each of the proceeding obligations are between Clear Channel, our wholly owned subsidiary, and each lender from time to time party to the credit agreements or senior cash pay and senior toggle notes. The following references to “our”, us” or “we” in the discussion of the credit agreements, senior cash pay notes and senior toggle notes are in respect to Clear Channel’s obligations under the credit agreements, senior cash pay and senior toggle notes.

Senior Secured Credit Facilities

Borrowings under the senior secured credit facilities bear interest at a rate equal to an applicable margin plus, at our option, either (i) a base rate determined by reference to the higher of (A) the prime lending rate publicly announced by the administrative agent and (B) the federal funds effective rate from time to time plus 0.50%, or (ii) a Eurocurrency rate determined by reference to the costs of funds for deposits for the interest period relevant to such borrowing adjusted for certain additional costs.

The margin percentages applicable to the term loan facilities and revolving credit facility are the following percentages per annum:

 

   

with respect to loans under the term loan A facility and the revolving credit facility, (i) 2.40% in the case of base rate loans and (ii) 3.40% in the case of Eurocurrency rate loans subject to downward adjustments if our leverage ratio of total debt to EBITDA decreases below 7 to 1; and

 

   

with respect to loans under the term loan B facility, term loan C - asset sale facility and delayed draw term loan facilities, (i) 2.65%, in the case of base rate loans and (ii) 3.65%, in the case of Eurocurrency rate loans subject to downward adjustments if our leverage ratio of total debt to EBITDA decreases below 7 to 1.

We are required to pay each revolving credit lender a commitment fee in respect of any unused commitments under the revolving credit facility, which is 0.50% per annum. We are required to pay each delayed draw term facility lender a commitment fee in respect of any undrawn commitments under the delayed draw term facilities, which initially is 1.825% per annum until the delayed draw term facilities are fully drawn or commitments thereunder terminated.

The senior secured credit facilities require us to prepay outstanding term loans, subject to certain exceptions, with:

 

   

50% (which percentage will be reduced to 25% and to 0% based upon our leverage ratio) of our annual excess cash flow (as calculated in accordance with the senior secured credit facilities), less any voluntary prepayments of term loans and revolving credit loans (to the extent accompanied by a permanent reduction of the commitment) and subject to customary credits;

 

   

100% (which percentage will be reduced to 75% and 50% based upon our leverage ratio) of the net cash proceeds of sales or other dispositions by us or our wholly-owned restricted subsidiaries (including casualty and condemnation events) of assets other than specified assets subject to reinvestment rights and certain other exceptions; and

 

   

100% of the net cash proceeds of any incurrence of certain debt, other than debt permitted under the senior secured credit facilities.

The foregoing prepayments with the net cash proceeds of certain incurrences of debt and annual excess cash flow will be applied (i) first to the term loans other than the term loan C - asset sale facility loans (on a pro rata basis) and (ii) second to the term loan

 

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C - asset sale facility loans, in each case to the remaining installments thereof in direct order of maturity. The foregoing prepayments with the net cash proceeds of the sale of assets (including casualty and condemnation events) will be applied (i) first to the term loan C - asset sale facility loans and (ii) second to the other term loans (on a pro rata basis), in each case to the remaining installments thereof in direct order of maturity.

We may voluntarily repay outstanding loans under our senior secured credit facilities at any time without premium or penalty, other than customary “breakage” costs with respect to Eurocurrency rate loans.

We are required to repay the loans under our term loan facilities as follows:

 

   

the term loan A facility will amortize in quarterly installments commencing on the first interest payment date after the second anniversary of the closing date of the merger in annual amounts equal to 5% of the original funded principal amount of such facility in years three and four, 10% thereafter, with the balance being payable on the final maturity date of such term loans; and

 

   

the term loan B facility, term loan C - asset sale facility and delayed draw term loan facilities will amortize in quarterly installments on the first interest payment date after the third anniversary of the closing date of the merger, in annual amounts equal to 2.5% of the original funded principal amount of such facilities in years four and five and 1% thereafter, with the balance being payable on the final maturity date of such term loans.

The senior secured credit facilities are guaranteed by each of our existing and future material wholly-owned domestic restricted subsidiaries, subject to certain exceptions.

All obligations under the senior secured credit facilities, and the guarantees of those obligations, are secured, subject to permitted liens and other exceptions, by:

 

   

a first-priority lien on the capital stock of Clear Channel;

 

   

100% of the capital stock of any future material wholly-owned domestic license subsidiary that is not a “Restricted Subsidiary” under the indenture governing the Clear Channel senior notes;

 

   

certain assets that do not constitute “principal property” (as defined in the indenture governing the Clear Channel senior notes);

 

   

certain assets that constitute “principal property” (as defined in the indenture governing the Clear Channel senior notes) securing obligations under the senior secured credit facilities up to the maximum amount permitted to be secured by such assets without requiring equal and ratable security under the indenture governing the Clear Channel senior notes; and

 

   

a second-priority lien on the accounts receivable and related assets securing our receivables based credit facility.

The obligations of any foreign subsidiaries that are borrowers under the revolving credit facility will also be guaranteed by certain of their material wholly-owned restricted subsidiaries, and secured by substantially all assets of all such borrowers and guarantors, subject to permitted liens and other exceptions.

The senior secured credit facilities require us to comply on a quarterly basis with a maximum consolidated senior secured net debt to adjusted EBITDA (as calculated in accordance with the senior secured credit facilities) ratio. This financial covenant becomes effective on March 31, 2009 (maximum of 9.5:1) and will become more restrictive over time beginning in the second quarter of 2013. Secured leverage, defined as secured debt, net of cash, divided by the trailing 12-month consolidated EBITDA was 6.4:1 at December 31, 2008. Our consolidated EBITDA is calculated as the trailing twelve months operating income before depreciation, amortization, impairment charge, non-cash compensation, other operating income - net and merger expenses of $1.8 billion adjusted for certain items, including: (i) an increase for expected cost savings (limited to $100.0 million in any twelve month period) of $100.0 million; (ii) an increase of $43.1 million for cash received from nonconsolidated affiliates; (iii) an increase of $17.0 million for non-cash items; (iv) an increase of $95.9 million related to expenses incurred associated with our restructuring program; and (v) an increase of $82.4 million of various other items.

In addition, the senior secured credit facilities include negative covenants that, subject to significant exceptions, limit our ability and the ability of our restricted subsidiaries to, among other things:

 

   

incur additional indebtedness;

 

   

create liens on assets;

 

   

engage in mergers, consolidations, liquidations and dissolutions;

 

   

sell assets;

 

   

pay dividends and distributions or repurchase its capital stock;

 

   

make investments, loans, or advances;

 

   

prepay certain junior indebtedness;

 

23


   

engage in certain transactions with affiliates;

 

   

amend material agreements governing certain junior indebtedness; and

 

   

change our lines of business.

The senior secured credit facilities include certain customary representations and warranties, affirmative covenants and events of default, including payment defaults, breach of representations and warranties, covenant defaults, cross-defaults to certain indebtedness, certain events of bankruptcy, certain events under ERISA, material judgments, the invalidity of material provisions of the senior secured credit facilities documentation, the failure of collateral under the security documents for the senior secured credit facilities, the failure of the senior secured credit facilities to be senior debt under the subordination provisions of certain of our subordinated debt and a change of control. If an event of default occurs, the lenders under the senior secured credit facilities will be entitled to take various actions, including the acceleration of all amounts due under the senior secured credit facilities and all actions permitted to be taken by a secured creditor.

Receivables Based Credit Facility

The receivables based credit facility of $783.5 million provides revolving credit commitments in an amount equal to the initial borrowing of $533.5 million on the closing date plus $250 million, subject to a borrowing base. The borrowing base at any time equals 85% of our and certain of our subsidiaries’ eligible accounts receivable. The receivables based credit facility includes a letter of credit sub-facility and a swingline loan sub-facility.

All borrowings under the receivables based credit facility are subject to the absence of any default, the accuracy of representations and warranties and compliance with the borrowing base. If at any time, borrowings, excluding the initial borrowing, under the receivables based credit facility following the closing date will be subject to compliance with a minimum fixed charge coverage ratio of 1.0:1.0 if excess availability under the receivables based credit facility is less than $50 million, or if aggregate excess availability under the receivables based credit facility and revolving credit facility is less than 10% of the borrowing base.

Borrowings under the receivables based credit facility bear interest at a rate equal to an applicable margin plus, at our option, either (i) a base rate determined by reference to the higher of (A) the prime lending rate publicly announced by the administrative agent and (B) the federal funds effective rate from time to time plus 0.50%, or (ii) a Eurocurrency rate determined by reference to the costs of funds for deposits for the interest period relevant to such borrowing adjusted for certain additional costs.

The margin percentage applicable to the receivables based credit facility which is (i) 1.40%, in the case of base rate loans and (ii) 2.40% in the case of Eurocurrency rate loans subject to downward adjustments if our leverage ratio of total debt to EBITDA decreases below 7 to 1.

We are required to pay each lender a commitment fee in respect of any unused commitments under the receivables based credit facility, which is 0.375% per annum subject to downward adjustments if our leverage ratio of total debt to EBITDA decreases below 6 to 1.

If at any time the sum of the outstanding amounts under the receivables based credit facility (including the letter of credit outstanding amounts and swingline loans thereunder) exceeds the lesser of (i) the borrowing base and (ii) the aggregate commitments under the receivables based credit facility, we will be required to repay outstanding loans and cash collateralize letters of credit in an aggregate amount equal to such excess.

We may voluntarily repay outstanding loans under the receivables based credit facility at any time without premium or penalty, other than customary “breakage” costs with respect to Eurocurrency rate loans.

The receivables based credit facility is guaranteed by, subject to certain exceptions, the guarantors of the senior secured credit facilities. All obligations under the receivables based credit facility, and the guarantees of those obligations, are secured by a perfected first priority security interest in all of our and all of the guarantors’ accounts receivable and related assets and proceeds thereof, subject to permitted liens and certain exceptions.

The receivables based credit facility includes negative covenants, representations, warranties, events of default, conditions precedent and termination provisions substantially similar to those governing our senior secured credit facilities.

Senior Notes

We have outstanding $980.0 million aggregate principal amount of 10.75% senior cash pay notes due 2016 (the “senior cash pay notes”) and $1.3 billion aggregate principal amount of 11.00%/11.75% senior toggle notes due 2016 (the “senior toggle notes” and, together with the senior cash pay notes, the “notes”).

 

24


The senior toggle notes mature on August 1, 2016 and may require a special redemption on August 1, 2015. We may elect on each interest election date to pay all or 50% of such interest on the senior toggle notes in cash or by increasing the principal amount of the senior toggle notes or by issuing new senior toggle notes (such increase or issuance, “PIK Interest”). Interest on the senior toggle notes payable in cash will accrue at a rate of 11.00% per annum and PIK Interest will accrue at a rate of 11.75% per annum.

On January 15, 2009, we made a permitted election under the indenture governing the senior toggle notes to pay interest under the senior toggle notes for the semi-annual interest period commencing February 1, 2009 entirely in kind (“PIK Interest”). For subsequent interest periods, no later than 10 business days prior to the beginning of such interest period, we must make an election regarding whether the applicable interest payment on the senior toggle notes will be made entirely in cash, entirely through PIK Interest or 50% in cash and 50% in PIK Interest. In the absence of such an election for any interest period, interest on the senior toggle notes will be payable according to the election for the immediately preceding interest period. As a result, the PIK Interest election is now the default election for future interest periods unless and until we elect otherwise.

We may redeem some or all of the notes at any time prior to August 1, 2012 at a price equal to 100% of the principal amount of such notes plus accrued and unpaid interest thereon to the redemption date and a “make-whole premium,” as described in the notes. We may redeem some or all of the notes at any time on or after August 1, 2012 at the redemption prices set forth in notes. In addition, we may redeem up to 40% of any series of the outstanding notes at any time on or prior to August 1, 2011 with the net cash proceeds raised in one or more equity offerings. If we undergo a change of control, sells certain of our assets, or issue certain debt offerings, we may be required to offer to purchase notes from holders.

The notes are senior unsecured debt and rank equal in right of payment with all of our existing and future senior debt. Guarantors of obligations under the senior secured credit facilities and the receivables based credit facility guarantee the notes with unconditional guarantees that are unsecured and equal in right of payment to all existing and future senior debt of such guarantors, except that the guarantees are subordinated in right of payment only to the guarantees of obligations under the senior secured credit facilities and the receivables based credit facility. In addition, the notes and the guarantees are structurally senior to Clear Channel’s senior notes and existing and future debt to the extent that such debt is not guaranteed by the guarantors of the notes. The notes and the guarantees are effectively subordinated to the existing and future secured debt and that of the guarantors to the extent of the value of the assets securing such indebtedness and are structurally subordinated to all obligations of subsidiaries that do not guarantee the notes.

Clear Channel Credit Facility

Clear Channel had a multi-currency revolving credit facility in the amount of $1.75 billion. This facility was terminated in connection with the closing of the merger.

Dispositions and Other

Clear Channel received proceeds of $110.5 million related to the sale of radio stations recorded as investing cash flows from discontinued operations and recorded a gain of $28.8 million as a component of “income from discontinued operations, net” during 2008. Clear Channel received proceeds of $1.0 billion related to the sale of its television business recorded as investing cash flows from discontinued operations and recorded a gain of $662.9 million as a component of “income from discontinued operations, net” during 2008.

In addition, Clear Channel sold its 50% interest in Clear Channel Independent and recognized a gain of $75.6 million in “Equity in earnings of nonconsolidated affiliates” based on the fair value of the equity securities received in the pre-merger period.

Clear Channel sold a portion of its investment in Grupo ACIR Comunicaciones for approximately $47.0 million on July 1, 2008 and recorded a gain of $9.2 million in equity in earnings of nonconsolidated affiliates. Effective January 30, 2009 we sold 57% of our remaining 20% interest in Grupo ACIR Comunicaciones for approximately $23.5 million and recorded a loss of approximately $2.2 million.

Uses of Capital

Dividends

Clear Channel declared a $93.4 million dividend on December 3, 2007 payable to shareholders of record on December 31, 2007 and paid on January 15, 2008.

We currently do not intend to pay regular quarterly cash dividends on the shares of our common stock. Clear Channel’s debt financing arrangements include restrictions on its ability to pay dividends, which in turn affects our ability to pay dividends.

 

25


Tender Offers

On August 7, 2008, Clear Channel announced that it commenced a cash tender offer and consent solicitation for the outstanding $750.0 million principal amount of 7.65% senior notes due 2010. The tender offer and consent payment expired on September 9, 2008. The aggregate principal amount of 7.65% senior notes validly tendered and accepted for payment was $363.9 million.

On November 24, 2008, Clear Channel announced that it commenced another cash tender offer to purchase its outstanding 7.65% Senior Notes due 2010. The tender offer and consent payment expired on December 23, 2008. The aggregate principal amount of 7.65% senior notes validly tendered and accepted for payment was $252.4 million.

Clear Channel also announced on November 24, 2008 that its indirect wholly-owned subsidiary, CC Finco, LLC, commenced cash tender offers for Clear Channel’s outstanding 6.25% Senior Notes due 2011 (“6.25 Notes”), Clear Channel’s outstanding 4.40% Senior Notes due 2011 (“4.40% Notes”), Clear Channel’s outstanding 5.00% Senior Notes due 2012 (“5.00% Notes”) and Clear Channel’s outstanding 5.75% Senior Notes due 2013 (“5.75% Notes”). The tender offers and consent payments expired on December 23, 2008. The aggregate principal amounts of the 6.25% Notes, 4.40% Notes, 5.00% Notes and 5.75% Notes validly tendered and accepted for payment pursuant to the tender offers was $27.1 million, $26.7 million, $24.2 million and $24.3 million, respectively, and CC Finco, LLC purchased and currently holds such tendered notes.

Debt Maturities and Other

On January 15, 2008, Clear Channel redeemed its 4.625% senior notes at their maturity for $500.0 million plus accrued interest with proceeds from its bank credit facility.

On June 15, 2008, Clear Channel redeemed its 6.625% senior notes at their maturity for $125.0 million with available cash on hand.

Clear Channel terminated its cross currency swaps on July 30, 2008 by paying the counterparty $196.2 million from available cash on hand.

Clear Channel repurchased $639.2 million aggregate principal amount of the AMFM Operating Inc. 8% senior notes pursuant to a tender offer and consent solicitation in connection with the merger. The remaining 8% senior notes were redeemed at maturity on November 1, 2008.

Capital Expenditures

Capital expenditures, on a combined basis for the year ended December 31, 2008 was $430.5 million. Capital expenditures were $363.3 million in the year ended December 31, 2007.

 

(In millions)    Combined Year Ended December 31, 2008 Capital Expenditures
     Radio    Americas
Outdoor
Advertising
   International
Outdoor
Advertising
   Corporate and
Other
   Total

Non-revenue producing

   $ 61.5    $ 40.5    $ 44.9    $ 10.7    $ 157.6

Revenue producing

     —        135.3      137.6      —        272.9
                                  
   $ 61.5    $ 175.8    $ 182.5    $ 10.7    $ 430.5
                                  

Acquisitions

We acquired FCC licenses in our radio segment for $11.7 million in cash during 2008. We acquired outdoor display faces and additional equity interests in international outdoor companies for $96.5 million in cash during 2008. Our national representation business acquired representation contracts for $68.9 million in cash during 2008.

Certain Relationships with the Sponsors

In connection with the merger, we paid certain affiliates of the Sponsors $87.5 million in fees and expenses for financial and structural advice and analysis, assistance with due diligence investigations and debt financing negotiations and $15.9 million for reimbursement of escrow and other out-of-pocket expenses. This amount was preliminarily allocated between merger expenses, debt issuance costs or included in the overall purchase price of the merger.

 

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We have agreements with certain affiliates of the Sponsors pursuant to which such affiliates of the Sponsors will provide management and financial advisory services to us until 2018. The agreements require us to pay management fees to such affiliates of the Sponsors for such services at a rate not greater than $15.0 million per year, with any additional fees subject to approval by our board of directors. For the post-merger period of 2008, we recognized Sponsors’ management fees of $6.3 million.

Commitments, Contingencies and Guarantees

There are various lawsuits and claims pending against us. Based on current assumptions, we have accrued an estimate of the probable costs for the resolution of these claims. Future results of operations could be materially affected by changes in these assumptions.

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. We will continue to accrue additional amounts related to such contingent payments if and when it is determinable that the applicable financial performance targets will be met. The aggregate of these contingent payments, if performance targets are met, would not significantly impact our financial position or results of operations.

In addition to our scheduled maturities on our debt, we have future cash obligations under various types of contracts. We lease office space, certain broadcast facilities, equipment and the majority of the land occupied by our outdoor advertising structures under long-term operating leases. 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 have minimum franchise payments associated with non-cancelable contracts that enable us to display advertising on such media as buses, taxis, trains, bus shelters and terminals. The majority of these contracts contain rent provisions that are calculated as the greater of a percentage of the relevant advertising revenue or a specified guaranteed minimum annual payment. Also, we have non-cancelable 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.

The scheduled maturities of our senior secured credit facilities, receivables based facility, senior cash pay and senior toggle notes, other long-term debt outstanding, future minimum rental commitments under non-cancelable lease agreements, minimum payments under other non-cancelable contracts, payments under employment/talent contracts, capital expenditure commitments, and other long-term obligations as of December 31, 2008 are as follows:

 

(In thousands)    Payments due by Period

Contractual Obligations

   Total    2009    2010 -2011    2012-2013    Thereafter

Long-term Debt

              

Senior Secured Debt

   $ 13,932,092      677      249,748      745,115      12,936,552

Senior Cash Pay and Senior Toggle Notes (1)

     2,310,000      —        —        —        2,310,000

Clear Channel Senior Notes

     4,306,440      500,000      1,329,901      751,539      1,725,000

Other Long-term Debt

     69,260      68,850      410      —        —  

Interest payments on long-term debt (2)

     9,136,049      1,151,824      2,077,657      1,899,257      4,007,311

Non-Cancelable Operating Leases

     2,745,110      383,568      627,884      468,084      1,265,574

Non-Cancelable Contracts

     2,648,262      673,900      859,061      471,766      643,535

Employment/Talent Contracts

     599,363      196,391      220,040      112,214      70,718

Capital Expenditures

     151,663      76,760      62,426      9,336      3,141

Other long-term obligations (3)

     159,805      —        26,489      9,233      124,083
                                  

Total (4)

   $ 36,058,044    $ 3,051,970    $ 5,453,616    $ 4,466,544    $ 23,085,914
                                  

 

(1) On January 15, 2009, we made a permitted election under the indenture governing the senior toggle notes to pay PIK Interest. For subsequent interest periods, we must make an election regarding whether the applicable interest payment on the senior toggle notes will be made entirely in cash, entirely through PIK Interest or 50% in cash and 50% in PIK Interest. In the absence of such an election for any interest period, interest on the senior toggle notes will be payable according to the election for the immediately preceding interest period. As a result, the PIK Interest election is now the default election for future interest periods unless and until we elect otherwise. Therefore, the interest payments on the senior toggle notes assume that the PIK Interest election remains the default election over the term of the notes.
(2) Interest payments on the senior secured credit facilities, other than the revolving credit facility, assume the obligations are repaid in accordance with the amortization schedule included in the credit agreement and the interest rate is held constant over the remaining term based on the weighted average interest rate at December 31, 2008 on the senior secured credit facilities.

 

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Interest payments related to the revolving credit facility assume the balance and interest rate as of December 31, 2008 is held constant over the remaining term. On February 6, 2009, we borrowed the approximately $1.6 billion of remaining availability under our $2.0 billion revolving credit facility. Assuming the balance on the facility after the draw on February 6, 2009 and weighted average interest rate are held constant over the remaining term, interest payments would have increased by approximately $60.2 million per year.

Interest payments on $6.0 billion of the Term Loan B facility are effectively fixed at interest rates between 2.6% and 4.4%, plus applicable margins, per annum, as a result of an aggregate of $6.0 billion notional amount of interest rate swap agreements.

(3) Other long-term obligations consist of $55.6 million related to asset retirement obligations recorded pursuant to Financial Accounting Standards No. 143, Accounting for Asset Retirement Obligations, which assumes the underlying assets will be removed at some period over the next 50 years. Also included are $50.8 million of contract payments in our syndicated radio and media representation businesses and $53.4 million of various other long-term obligations.
(4) Excluded from the table is $423.1 million related to various obligations with no specific contractual commitment or maturity, $267.8 million of which relates to unrecognized tax benefits recorded pursuant to Financial Accounting Standards Board Interpretation No. 48, Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes. Approximately $1.0 million of the benefits are recorded as current liabilities.

Market Risk

Interest Rate Risk

After the merger a significant amount of our long-term debt bears interest at variable rates. Accordingly, our earnings will be affected by changes in interest rates. At December 31, 2008 we had interest rate swap agreements with a $6.0 billion notional amount that effectively fixes interest at rates between 2.6% and 4.4%, plus applicable margins, per annum. The fair value of these agreements at December 31, 2008 was a liability of $118.8 million. At December 31, 2008, approximately 39% of our aggregate principal amount of long-term debt, including taking into consideration debt on which we have entered into pay-fixed rate receive floating rate swap agreements, bears interest at floating rates.

Assuming the current level of borrowings and interest rate swap contracts and assuming a 200 basis point change in LIBOR, it is estimated that our interest expense for the post-merger period ended December 31, 2008 would have changed by approximately $66.0 million.

In the event of an adverse change in interest rates, management may take actions to further mitigate its exposure. However, due to the uncertainty of the actions that would be taken and their possible effects, this interest rate 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.

Equity Price Risk

The carrying value of our available-for-sale equity securities is affected by changes in their quoted market prices. It is estimated that a 20% change in the market prices of these securities would change their carrying value at December 31, 2008 by $5.4 million and would change comprehensive income by $3.2 million. At December 31, 2008, we also held $6.4 million of investments that do not have a quoted market price, but are subject to fluctuations in their value.

Foreign Currency

We have operations in countries throughout the world. Foreign operations are measured in their local currencies except in hyper-inflationary countries in which we operate. As a result, our financial results could be affected by factors such as changes in foreign currency exchange rates or weak economic conditions in the foreign markets in which we have operations. We believe we mitigate a small portion of our exposure to foreign currency fluctuations with a natural hedge through borrowings in currencies other than the U.S. dollar. Our foreign operations reported a net loss of approximately $135.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2008. We estimate a 10% change in the value of the U.S. dollar relative to foreign currencies would have changed our net income for the year ended December 31, 2008 by approximately $13.5 million.

Our earnings are also affected by fluctuations in the value of the U.S. dollar as compared to foreign currencies as a result of our equity method investments in various countries. It is estimated that the result of a 10% fluctuation in the value of the dollar relative to these foreign currencies at December 31, 2008 would change our equity in earnings of nonconsolidated affiliates by $10.0 million and would change our net income by approximately $5.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2008.

 

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This analysis does not consider the implications that such fluctuations could have on the overall economic activity that could exist in such an environment in the U.S. or the foreign countries or on the results of operations of these foreign entities.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 141(R), Business Combinations (“Statement 141(R)”), was issued in December 2007. Statement 141(R) requires that upon initially obtaining control, an acquirer will recognize 100% of the fair values of acquired assets, including goodwill, and assumed liabilities, with only limited exceptions, even if the acquirer has not acquired 100% of its target. Additionally, contingent consideration arrangements will be fair valued at the acquisition date and included on that basis in the purchase price consideration and transaction costs will be expensed as incurred. Statement 141(R) also modifies the recognition for preacquisition contingencies, such as environmental or legal issues, restructuring plans and acquired research and development value in purchase accounting. Statement 141(R) amends Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 109, Accounting for Income Taxes, to require the acquirer to recognize changes in the amount of its deferred tax benefits that are recognizable because of a business combination either in income from continuing operations in the period of the combination or directly in contributed capital, depending on the circumstances. Statement 141(R) is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2008. Adoption is prospective and early adoption is not permitted. We adopted Statement 141(R) on January 1, 2009. Statement 141(R)’s impact on accounting for business combinations is dependent upon the nature of future acquisitions.

Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 160, Noncontrolling Interests in Consolidated Financial Statements - an amendment of ARB No. 51 (“Statement 160”), was issued in December 2007. Statement 160 clarifies the classification of noncontrolling interests in consolidated statements of financial position and the accounting for and reporting of transactions between the reporting entity and holders of such noncontrolling interests. Under Statement 160 noncontrolling interests are considered equity and should be reported as an element of consolidated equity, net income will encompass the total income of all consolidated subsidiaries and there will be separate disclosure on the face of the income statement of the attribution of that income between the controlling and noncontrolling interests, and increases and decreases in the noncontrolling ownership interest amount will be accounted for as equity transactions. Statement 160 is effective for the first annual reporting period beginning on or after December 15, 2008, and earlier application is prohibited. Statement 160 is required to be adopted prospectively, except for reclassifying noncontrolling interests to equity, separate from the parent’s shareholders’ equity, in the consolidated statement of financial position and recasting consolidated net income (loss) to include net income (loss) attributable to both the controlling and noncontrolling interests, both of which are required to be adopted retrospectively. We adopted Statement 160 on January 1, 2009 which resulted in a reclassification of approximately $463.9 million of noncontrolling interests to shareholders’ equity.

On March 19, 2008, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Statement No. 161, Disclosures about Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities (“Statement 161”). Statement 161 requires additional disclosures about how and why an entity uses derivative instruments, how derivative instruments and related hedged items are accounted for and how derivative instruments and related hedged items effect an entity’s financial position, results of operations and cash flows. It is effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years and interim periods beginning after November 15, 2008, with early application encouraged. We will adopt the disclosure requirements beginning January 1, 2009.

In April 2008, the FASB issued FASB Staff Position No. FAS 142-3, Determination of the Useful Life of Intangible Assets (“FSP FAS 142-3”). FSP FAS 142-3 amends the factors an entity should consider in developing renewal or extension assumptions used in determining the useful life of recognized intangible assets under FASB Statement No. 142, Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (“Statement 142”). FSP FAS 142-3 removes an entity’s requirement under paragraph 11 of Statement 142 to consider whether an intangible asset can be renewed without substantial cost or material modifications to the existing terms and conditions. It is effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2008, and early adoption is prohibited. We adopted FSP FAS 142-3 on January 1, 2009. FSP FAS 142-3’s impact is dependent upon future acquisitions.

In June 2008, the FASB issued FASB Staff Position Emerging Issues Task Force 03-6-1 Determining Whether Instruments Granted in Share-Based Payment Transactions Are Participating Securities (“FSP EITF 03-6-1”). FSP EITF 03-6-1 clarifies that unvested share-based payment awards with a right to receive nonforfeitable dividends are participating securities. Guidance is also provided on how to allocate earnings to participating securities and compute basic earnings per share using the two-class method. This FSP is effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2008, and early adoption is prohibited. We adopted FSP EITF 03-6-1 on January 1, 2009. The impact of adopting FSP EITF 03-6-1 decreased previously reported basic earnings per share by $.01 for the pre-merger year ended December 31, 2007.

Critical Accounting Estimates

The preparation of our financial statements in conformity with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles 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

 

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believed to be reasonable under the circumstances. The result of these evaluations forms the basis for making judgments about the carrying 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. Our significant accounting policies are discussed in the notes to our consolidated financial statements, included in Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K. Management believes that the following accounting estimates are the most critical to aid in fully understanding and evaluating our reported financial results, and they require management’s most difficult, subjective or complex judgments, resulting from the need to make estimates about the effect of matters that are inherently uncertain. The following narrative describes these critical accounting estimates, the judgments and assumptions and the effect if actual results differ from these assumptions.

Allowance for Doubtful Accounts

We evaluate the collectability of our accounts receivable based on a combination of factors. In circumstances where we are aware of a specific customer’s inability to meet its financial obligations, we record a specific reserve to reduce the amounts recorded to what we believe will be collected. For all other customers, we recognize reserves for bad debt based on historical experience of bad debts as a percent of revenue for each business unit, adjusted for relative improvements or deteriorations in the agings and changes in current economic conditions.

If our allowance were to change 10%, it is estimated that our 2008 bad debt expense would have changed by $9.7 million and our 2008 net income would have changed by $6.0 million.

Long-Lived Assets

Long-lived assets, such as property, plant and equipment and definite-lived intangibles are reviewed for impairment when events and circumstances indicate that depreciable and amortizable long-lived assets might be impaired and the undiscounted cash flows estimated to be generated by those assets are less than the carrying amount of those assets. When specific assets are determined to be unrecoverable, the cost basis of the asset is reduced to reflect the current fair market value.

We use various assumptions in determining the current fair market value of these assets, including future expected cash flows, industry growth rates and discount rates, as well as future salvage values. Our impairment loss calculations require management to apply judgment in estimating future cash flows, including forecasting useful lives of the assets and selecting the discount rate that reflects the risk inherent in future cash flows.

Using the impairment review described, we recorded an impairment charge of approximately $33.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2008. If actual results are not consistent with our assumptions and judgments used in estimating future cash flows and asset fair values, we may be exposed to future impairment losses that could be material to our results of operations.

Indefinite-lived Assets

Indefinite-lived assets are reviewed annually for possible impairment using the direct valuation method as prescribed in SEC Staff Announcement No. D-108, Use of the Residual Method to Value Acquired Assets Other Than Goodwill. 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, market share, profit margin, duration and profile of the build-up period, estimated start-up capital costs and losses incurred during the build-up period, the risk-adjusted discount rate and terminal values. This data is populated using industry normalized information representing an average asset within a market.

In accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 142, Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets, or Statement 142, we performed an interim impairment test as of December 31, 2008. The estimated fair value of our FCC licenses and permits was below their carrying values. As a result, we recognized a non-cash impairment charge of $1.7 billion in 2008 on our indefinite-lived FCC licenses and permits as a result of the impairment test. The United States and global economies are undergoing a period of economic uncertainty, which has caused, among other things, a general tightening in the credit markets, limited access to the credit markets, lower levels of liquidity and lower consumer and business spending. These disruptions in the credit and financial markets and the continuing impact of adverse economic, financial and industry conditions on the demand for advertising negatively impacted the key assumptions in the discounted cash flow models used to value our FCC licenses and permits.

 

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While we believe we had made reasonable estimates and utilized reasonable assumptions to calculate the fair value of our FCC license and permits, it is possible a material change could occur. If our future results are not consistent with our estimates, we could be exposed to future impairment losses that could be material to our results of operations. The following table shows the impact on the fair value of our FCC licenses and billboard permits of a 100 basis point decline in our long-term revenue growth rate, profit margin, and discount rate assumptions, respectively:

 

(In thousands)                 

Indefinite-lived intangible

   Revenue growth rate     Profit margin     Discount rates

FCC licenses

   $ (285,900   $ (121,670   $ 524,900

Billboard permits

   $ (508,300   $ (84,000   $ 770,200

Goodwill

Goodwill represents the excess of the purchase price over the fair value of identifiable net assets acquired in business combinations. We review goodwill for potential impairment annually using a discounted cash flow model to determine the fair value of our reporting units. 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 discounted cash flow approach we use for valuing goodwill involves estimating future cash flows expected to be generated from the related assets, discounted to their present value using a risk-adjusted discount rate. Terminal values were also estimated and discounted to their present value. In accordance with Statement 142, we performed an interim impairment test as of December 31, 2008 on goodwill.

The estimated fair value of our reporting units was below their carrying values, which required us to compare the implied fair value of each reporting units’ goodwill with its carrying value. As a result, we recognized a non-cash impairment charge of $3.6 billion to reduce our goodwill. The macroeconomic factors discussed above had an adverse effect on our estimated cash flows and discount rates used in the discounted cash flow model.

While we believe we had made reasonable estimates and utilized reasonable assumptions to calculate the 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 impairment charges in the future. The following table shows the impact on the fair value of each of our reportable segments of a 100 basis point decline in our long-term revenue growth rate, profit margin, and discount rate assumptions, respectively:

 

(In thousands)                 

Reportable segment

   Revenue growth rate     Profit margin     Discount rates

Radio Broadcasting

   $ (960,000   $ (240,000   $ 1,090,000

Americas Outdoor

   $ (380,000   $ (90,000   $ 420,000

International Outdoor

   $ (190,000   $ (160,000   $ 90,000

Tax Accruals

The IRS and other taxing authorities routinely examine our tax returns. From time to time, the IRS challenges certain of our tax positions. We believe our tax positions comply with applicable tax law and we would vigorously defend these positions if challenged. The final disposition of any positions challenged by the IRS could require us to make additional tax payments. We believe that we have adequately accrued for any foreseeable payments resulting from tax examinations and consequently do not anticipate any material impact upon their ultimate resolution.

Our estimates of income taxes and the significant items giving rise to the deferred assets and liabilities are shown in the notes to our consolidated financial statements and reflect our assessment of actual future taxes to be paid on items reflected in the financial statements, giving consideration to both timing and probability of these estimates. Actual income taxes could vary from these estimates due to future changes in income tax law or results from the final review of our tax returns by federal, state or foreign tax authorities.

We have considered these potential changes in accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 109, Accounting for Income Taxes and Financial Interpretation No. 48, Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes, which requires us to record reserves for estimates of probable settlements of federal and state tax audits.

Litigation Accruals

We are currently involved in certain legal proceedings and, as required, have accrued our estimate of the probable costs for the resolution of these claims.

 

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Management’s estimates used 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.

Insurance Accruals

We are currently self-insured beyond certain retention amounts for various insurance coverages, including general liability and property and casualty. Accruals are recorded based on estimates of actual claims filed, historical payouts, existing insurance coverage and projections of future development of costs related to existing claims.

Our self-insured liabilities contain uncertainties because management must make assumptions and apply judgment to estimate the ultimate cost to settle reported claims and claims incurred but not reported as of December 31, 2008.

If actual results are not consistent with our assumptions and judgments, we may be exposed to gains or losses that could be material. A 10% change in our self-insurance liabilities at December 31, 2008, would have affected net income by approximately $3.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2008.

Shared-based Payments

Under the fair value recognition provisions of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 123(R), Share-Based Payment, stock based compensation cost is measured at the grant date based on the value of the award. For awards that vest based on service conditions, this cost is recognized as expense on a straight-line basis over the vesting period. For awards that will vest based on market, performance and service conditions, this cost will be recognized when it becomes probable that the performance conditions will be satisfied. Determining the fair value of share-based awards at the grant date requires assumptions and judgments about expected volatility and forfeiture rates, among other factors. If actual results differ significantly from these estimates, our results of operations could be materially impacted.

Inflation

Inflation has affected our performance in terms of higher costs for wages, salaries and equipment. Although the exact impact of inflation is indeterminable, we believe we have offset these higher costs by increasing the effective advertising rates of most of our broadcasting stations and outdoor display faces.

Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges

 

Period from

July 31 through
December 31,

  Period from
January 1 through
July 30,
  Years Ended December 31,
Post-merger   Pre-merger   Pre-merger   Pre-merger   Pre-merger   Pre-merger
2008   2008   2007   2006   2005   2004
N/A   2.06   2.38   2.27   2.24   2.76

The ratio of earnings to fixed charges was computed on a total enterprise basis. Earnings represent income from continuing operations before income taxes less equity in undistributed net income (loss) of unconsolidated affiliates plus fixed charges. Fixed charges represent interest, amortization of debt discount and expense, and the estimated interest portion of rental charges. We had no preferred stock outstanding for any period presented. Earnings, as adjusted, were not sufficient to cover fixed charges by approximately $5.7 billion for the post merger period from July 31 through December 31, 2008.

 

ITEM 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

 

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Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

The Board of Directors and Shareholders

CC Media Holdings, Inc.

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheet of CC Media Holdings, Inc. (Holdings) as of December 31, 2008, the accompanying consolidated balance sheet of Clear Channel Communications, Inc. (Clear Channel) as of December 31, 2007, the related consolidated statements of operations, shareholders’ equity, and cash flows of Holdings for the period from July 31, 2008 through December 31, 2008, and the related consolidated statements of operations, shareholders’ equity, and cash flows of Clear Channel for the period from January 1, 2008 through July 30, 2008, and each of the two years in the period ended December 31, 2007. These financial statements are the responsibility of Holdings’ management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits.

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the consolidated financial position of Holdings at December 31, 2008, the consolidated financial position of Clear Channel at December 31, 2007, the consolidated results of Holdings’ operations and cash flows for the period from July 31, 2008 through December 31, 2008, and the consolidated results of Clear Channel’s operations and cash flows for the period from January 1, 2008 through July 30, 2008, and each of the two years in the period ended December 31, 2007, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.

As discussed in Note L to the consolidated financial statements, in 2007 Clear Channel changed its method of accounting for income taxes, and as discussed in Note A to the consolidated financial statements, in 2006 Clear Channel changed its method of accounting for stock-based compensation, and as discussed in Note U to the consolidated financial statements, effective January 1, 2009, Holdings retrospectively adopted the presentation and disclosure requirements of Financial Accounting Standards Board Statement No. 160, “Noncontrolling Interests in Consolidated Financial Statements, an amendment of ARB No. 51” and Financial Accounting Standards Board Staff Position Emerging Issues Task Force 03-6-1 “Determining Whether Investments Guaranteed in Share-Based Payment Transactions Are Participating Securities.”

/s/ Ernst & Young LLP

San Antonio, Texas

March 2, 2009

except for Note U, as to which the date is

December 8, 2009

 

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CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

ASSETS

(In thousands)

 

     Post-merger
December 31,
2008
   Pre-merger
December 31,
2007
CURRENT ASSETS      

Cash and cash equivalents

   $ 239,846    $ 145,148

Accounts receivable, net of allowance of $97,364 in 2008 and $59,169 in 2007

     1,431,304      1,693,218

Prepaid expenses

     133,217      116,902

Other current assets

     262,188      243,248

Current assets from discontinued operations

     —        96,067
             

Total Current Assets

     2,066,555      2,294,583
PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT      

Land, buildings and improvements

     614,811      840,832

Structures

     2,355,776      3,901,941

Towers, transmitters and studio equipment

     353,108      600,315

Furniture and other equipment

     242,287      527,714

Construction in progress

     128,739      119,260
             
     3,694,721      5,990,062

Less accumulated depreciation

     146,562      2,939,698
             
     3,548,159      3,050,364

Property, plant and equipment from discontinued operations, net

     —        164,724
INTANGIBLE ASSETS      

Definite-lived intangibles, net

     2,881,720      485,870

Indefinite-lived intangibles – licenses

     3,019,803      4,201,617

Indefinite-lived intangibles – permits

     1,529,068      251,988

Goodwill

     7,090,621      7,210,116

Intangible assets from discontinued operations, net

     —        219,722
OTHER ASSETS      

Notes receivable

     11,633      12,388

Investments in, and advances to, nonconsolidated affiliates

     384,137      346,387

Other assets

     560,260      303,791

Other investments

     33,507      237,598

Other assets from discontinued operations

     —        26,380
             

Total Assets

   $ 21,125,463    $ 18,805,528
             

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

34


LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY (DEFICIT)

(In thousands, except share data)

 

     Post-merger
December 31,
2008
    Pre-merger
December 31,
2007
 
CURRENT LIABILITIES     

Accounts payable

   $ 155,240      $ 165,533   

Accrued expenses

     793,366        912,665   

Accrued interest

     181,264        98,601   

Accrued income taxes

     —          79,973   

Current portion of long-term debt

     562,923        1,360,199   

Deferred income

     153,153        158,893   

Current liabilities from discontinued operations

     —          37,413   
                

Total Current Liabilities

     1,845,946        2,813,277   

Long-term debt

     18,940,697        5,214,988   

Other long-term obligations

     —          127,384   

Deferred income taxes

     2,679,312        793,850   

Other long-term liabilities

     575,739        567,848   

Long-term liabilities from discontinued operations

     —          54,330   

Commitments and contingent liabilities (Note J)

    
SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY (DEFICIT)     

Noncontrolling interest

     426,220        464,551   

Class A Common Stock, par value $.001 per share, authorized 400,000,000 shares, issued 23,605,923 shares in 2008

     23        —     

Class B Common Stock, par value $.001 per share, authorized 150,000,000 shares, issued 555,556 shares in 2008

     1        —     

Class C Common Stock, par value $.001 per share, authorized 100,000,000 shares, issued 58,967,502 shares in 2008

     58        —     

Common Stock, par value $.10 per share, authorized 1,500,000,000 shares, issued 498,075,417 shares in 2007

     —          49,808   

Additional paid-in capital

     2,100,995        26,858,079   

Retained deficit

     (5,041,998     (18,489,143

Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)

     (401,529     355,507   

Cost of shares (81 in 2008 and 157,744 in 2007) held in treasury

     (1     (4,951
                

Total Shareholders’ Equity (Deficit)

     (2,916,231     9,233,851   
                

Total Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity (Deficit)

   $ 21,125,463      $ 18,805,528   
                

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

35


CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

 

(In thousands, except per share data)   

Period from

July 31

through December 31,

         Period from
January 1
through July 30,
    Year Ended December 31,  
     2008          2008     2007     2006  
     Post-merger          Pre-merger     Pre-merger     Pre-merger  

Revenue

   $ 2,736,941           $ 3,951,742      $ 6,921,202      $ 6,567,790   

Operating expenses:

             

Direct operating expenses (excludes depreciation and amortization)

     1,198,345             1,706,099        2,733,004        2,532,444   

Selling, general and administrative expenses (excludes depreciation and amortization)

     806,787             1,022,459        1,761,939        1,708,957   

Depreciation and amortization

     348,041             348,789        566,627        600,294   

Corporate expenses (excludes depreciation and amortization)

     102,276             125,669        181,504        196,319   

Merger expenses

     68,085             87,684        6,762        7,633   

Impairment charge

     5,268,858             —          —          —     

Other operating income - net

     13,205             14,827        14,113        71,571   
                                     

Operating income (loss)

     (5,042,246          675,869        1,685,479        1,593,714   

Interest expense

     715,768             213,210        451,870        484,063   

Gain (loss) on marketable securities

     (116,552          34,262        6,742        2,306   

Equity in earnings of nonconsolidated affiliates

     5,804             94,215        35,176        37,845   

Other income (expense) - net

     131,505             (5,112     5,326        (8,593
                                     

Income (loss) before income taxes and discontinued operations

     (5,737,257          586,024        1,280,853        1,141,209   

Income tax benefit (expense):

             

Current

     76,729             (27,280     (252,910     (278,663

Deferred

     619,894             (145,303     (188,238     (191,780
                                     

Income tax benefit (expense)

     696,623             (172,583     (441,148     (470,443
                                     

Income (loss) before discontinued operations

     (5,040,634          413,441        839,705        670,766   

Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net

     (1,845          640,236        145,833        52,678   
                                     

Consolidated net income (loss)

     (5,042,479          1,053,677        985,538        723,444   

Amount attributable to noncontrolling interest

     (481          17,152        47,031        31,927   
                                     

Net income (loss) attributable to the Company

   $ (5,041,998        $ 1,036,525      $ 938,507      $ 691,517   
                                     
 

Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:

             

Foreign currency translation adjustments

     (382,760          46,679        105,574        98,345   

Unrealized holding gain (loss) on marketable securities

     (95,669          (52,460     (8,412     (60,516

Unrealized holding gain (loss) on cash flow derivatives

     (75,079          —          (1,688     76,132   

Reclassification adjustments for realized (gain) loss on securities and derivatives included in net income

     102,766             (29,791     —          —     
                                     

Comprehensive income (loss)

     (5,492,740          1,000,953        1,033,981        805,478   

Amount attributable to noncontrolling interest

     (49,212          19,210        30,369        19,834   
                                     

Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to the Company

   $ (5,443,528        $ 981,743      $ 1,003,612      $ 785,644   
                                     

Net income (loss) per common share:

             

Income (loss) attributable to the Company before discontinued operations– Basic

   $ (62.04        $ .80      $ 1.59      $ 1.27   

Discontinued operations – Basic

     (.02          1.29        .30        .11   
                                     

Net income (loss) attributable to the Company – Basic

   $ (62.06        $ 2.09      $ 1.89      $ 1.38   
                                     

Weighted average common shares – Basic

     81,242             495,044        494,347        500,786   

Income (loss) attributable to the Company before discontinued operations – Diluted

   $ (62.04        $ .80      $ 1.59      $ 1.27   

Discontinued operations – Diluted

     (.02          1.29        .29        .11   
                                     

Net income (loss) attributable to the Company – Diluted

   $ (62.06        $ 2.09      $ 1.88      $ 1.38   
                                     

Weighted average common shares – Diluted

     81,242             496,519        495,784        501,639   

Dividends declared per share

   $ —             $ —        $ .75      $ .75   

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

36


CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

(In thousands, except share data)

 

            Common
Shares
Issued
    Noncontrolling
Interest
    Common
Stock
    Additional
Paid-in
Capital
    Retained
(Deficit)
    Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Income (Loss)
    Treasury
Stock
    Total  

Pre-merger Balances at December 31, 2005

      538,287,763      $ 290,638      $ 53,829      $ 27,945,725      $ (19,371,411   $ 201,652      $ (3,609   $ 9,116,824   

Net income

            31,927            691,517            723,444   

Dividends declared

                  (374,471         (374,471

Subsidiary common stock issued for a business acquisition

            20,517          67,873              88,390   

Purchase of common shares

                      (1,371,462     (1,371,462

Treasury shares retired and cancelled

      (46,729,900       (4,673     (1,367,032         1,371,705        —     

Exercise of stock options and other

      2,424,988        2,179        243        60,139            11        62,572   

Amortization and adjustment of deferred compensation

            5,297          38,982              44,279   

Currency translation adjustment

            19,834              78,511          98,345   

Unrealized gains on cash flow derivatives

                    76,132          76,132   

Other

            (6,426           (5,378       (11,804

Unrealized (losses) on investments

                    (60,516       (60,516
                                                                 

Pre-merger Balances at December 31, 2006

      493,982,851        363,966        49,399        26,745,687        (19,054,365     290,401        (3,355     8,391,733   

Cumulative effect of FIN 48 adoption

                  (152         (152

Net income

            47,031            938,507            985,538   

Dividends declared

                  (373,133         (373,133

Subsidiary common stock issued for a business acquisition

            5,084                  5,084   

Exercise of stock options and other

      4,092,566        10,780        409        74,827            (1,596     84,420   

Amortization and adjustment of deferred compensation

            9,370          37,565              46,935   

Currency translation adjustment

            30,368              75,206          105,574   

Other

            (2,048               (2,048

Unrealized (losses) on cash flow derivatives

                    (1,688       (1,688

Unrealized (losses) on investments

                    (8,412       (8,412
                                                                 

Pre-merger Balances at December 31, 2007

      498,075,417        464,551        49,808        26,858,079        (18,489,143     355,507        (4,951     9,233,851   

Net income

            17,152            1,036,525            1,053,677   

Exercise of stock options and other

      82,645          30        4,963            (2,024     2,969   

Amortization and adjustment of deferred compensation

            10,767          57,855              68,622   

Currency translation adjustment

            22,367              24,312          46,679   

Other

            (39,813           33,383          (6,430

Reclassification adjustments

            (32           (3,762       (3,794

Unrealized (losses) on investments

            (3,125           (49,335       (52,460

Realized (losses) on investments

                    (25,997       (25,997
                                                                 

Pre-merger Balances at July 30, 2008

      498,158,062        471,867        49,838        26,920,897        (17,452,618     334,108        (6,975     10,317,117   
                                                                 

Elimination of pre-merger equity

      (498,158,062     (471,867     (49,838     (26,920,897     17,452,618        (334,108     6,975        (10,317,117
    Class C
Shares
  Class B
Shares
  Class A
Shares
                                           

Post-merger Balances at July 31, 2008

  58,967,502   555,556   21,718,569        471,867        81        2,089,266        —          —          —          2,561,214   

Net (loss)

            (481         (5,041,998         (5,042,479

Issuance of restricted stock awards and other

      1,887,354          1              (1     —     

Amortization and adjustment of deferred compensation

            4,182          11,729              15,911   

Currency translation adjustment

            (50,010           (332,750       (382,760

Unrealized (losses) on cash flow derivatives

                    (75,079       (75,079

Other

            (136           1          (135

Reclassification adjustments

            7,654              94,555          102,209   

Unrealized (losses) on investments

            (6,856           (88,813       (95,669

Reclassification adjustment for realized loss included in net income

                    557          557   
                                                                     

Post-merger Balances at December 31, 2008

  58,967,502   555,556   23,605,923      $ 426,220      $ 82      $ 2,100,995      $ (5,041,998   $ (401,529   $ (1   $ (2,916,231
                                                                     

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

37


CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

 

    (In thousands)    Period from
July 31
through
December 31,
         Period from
January 1
through July 30,
    Year Ended December 31,  
   2008          2008     2007     2006  
     Post-merger          Pre-merger     Pre-merger     Pre-merger  

CASH FLOWS PROVIDED BY (USED IN)

OPERATING ACTIVITIES:

             

Consolidated net income (loss)

   $ (5,042,479        $ 1,053,677      $ 985,538      $ 723,444   

Less: Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net

     (1,845          640,236        145,833        52,678   
                                     

Net income (loss) from continuing operations

     (5,040,634          413,441        839,705        670,766   
 

Reconciling Items:

             

Depreciation

     197,702             290,454        461,598        449,624   

Amortization of intangibles

     150,339             58,335        105,029        150,670   

Impairment charge

     5,268,858             —          —          —     

Deferred taxes

     (619,894          145,303        188,238        191,780   

Provision for doubtful accounts

     54,603             23,216        38,615        34,627   

Amortization of deferred financing charges, bond premiums and accretion of note discounts, net

     102,859             3,530        7,739        3,462   

Share-based compensation

     15,911             62,723        44,051        42,030   

(Gain) on sale of operating and fixed assets

     (13,205          (14,827     (14,113     (71,571

Loss on forward exchange contract

     —               2,496        3,953        18,161   

(Gain) loss on securities

     116,552             (36,758     (10,696     (20,467

Equity in earnings of nonconsolidated affiliates

     (5,804          (94,215     (35,176     (37,845

Gain (loss) on extinguishment of debt

     (116,677          13,484        —          —     

Increase (decrease) other, net

     12,089             9,133        (91     9,027   
 

Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net of effects of acquisitions and dispositions:

             

Decrease (increase) in accounts receivable

     158,142             24,529        (111,152     (190,191

Decrease (increase) in prepaid expenses

     6,538             (21,459     5,098        (23,797

Decrease (increase) in other current assets

     156,869             (29,329     694        (2,238

Increase (decrease) in accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities

     (130,172          190,834        27,027        86,887   

Federal income tax refund

     —               —          —          390,438   

Increase (decrease) in accrued interest

     98,909             (16,572     (13,429     14,567   

Increase (decrease) in deferred income

     (54,938          51,200        26,013        6,486   

Increase (decrease) in accrued income taxes

     (112,021          (40,260     13,325        25,641   
                                     
 

Net cash provided by operating activities

     246,026             1,035,258        1,576,428        1,748,057   

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

38


    

Period from
July 31

through
December 31,

         Period from
January 1
through July 30,
    Years Ended December 31,  
   2008          2008     2007     2006  
     Post-merger          Pre-merger     Pre-merger     Pre-merger  

CASH FLOWS PROVIDED BY (USED IN)

INVESTING ACTIVITIES:

             

Decrease (increase) in notes receivable, net

     741             336        (6,069     1,163   

Decrease in investments in, and advances to nonconsolidated affiliates - net

     3,909             25,098        20,868        20,445   

Cross currency settlement of interest

     —               (198,615     (1,214     1,607   

Purchase of other investments

     (26          (98     (726     (520

Proceeds from sale of other investments

     —               173,467        2,409        —     

Purchases of property, plant and equipment

     (190,253          (240,202     (363,309     (336,739

Proceeds from disposal of assets

     16,955             72,806        26,177        99,682   

Acquisition of operating assets

     (23,228          (153,836     (122,110     (341,206

(Increase) in other - net

     (47,342          (95,207     (38,703     (51,443

Cash used to purchase equity

     (17,472,459          —          —          —     
                                     
 

Net cash used in investing activities

     (17,711,703          (416,251     (482,677     (607,011
 

CASH FLOWS PROVIDED BY (USED IN)

FINANCING ACTIVITIES:

             

Draws on credit facilities

     180,000             692,614        886,910        3,383,667   

Payments on credit facilities

     (128,551          (872,901     (1,705,014     (2,700,004

Proceeds from long-term debt

     557,520             5,476        22,483        783,997   

Payments on long-term debt

     (579,089          (1,282,348     (343,041     (866,352

Debt used to finance the merger

     15,382,076             —          —          —     

Equity contribution used to finance the merger

     2,142,830             —          —          —     

Payment to terminate forward exchange contract

     —               (110,410     —          (83,132

Proceeds from exercise of stock options, stock purchase plan and common stock warrants

     —               17,776        80,017        57,452   

Dividends paid

     —               (93,367     (372,369     (382,776

Payments for purchase of common shares

     (47          (3,781     —          (1,371,462
                                     
 

Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities

     17,554,739             (1,646,941     (1,431,014     (1,178,610
 

CASH FLOWS PROVIDED BY (USED IN)

DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS:

             
 

Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities

     2,429             (67,751     33,832        99,265   

Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities

     —               1,098,892        332,579        (30,038

Net cash provided by financing activities

     —               —          —          —     
                                     

Net cash provided by discontinued operations

     2,429             1,031,141        366,411        69,227   
 

Net increase in cash and cash equivalents

     91,491             3,207        29,148        31,663   
 

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period

     148,355             145,148        116,000        84,337   
                                     

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period

   $ 239,846           $ 148,355      $ 145,148      $ 116,000   
                                     
 
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURE:              

Cash paid during the year for:

             

Interest

   $ 527,083           $ 231,163      $ 462,181      $ 461,398   

Income taxes

     37,029             138,187        299,415        —     

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

39


NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

NOTE A - SUMMARY OF

SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Nature of Business

CC Media Holdings, Inc. (the “Company”) was formed in May 2007 by private equity funds sponsored by Bain Capital Partners, LLC and Thomas H. Lee Partners, L.P. (the “Sponsors”) for the purpose of acquiring the business of Clear Channel Communications, Inc., a Texas company (“Clear Channel”). The acquisition was completed on July 30, 2008 pursuant to the Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated November 16, 2006, as amended on April 18, 2007, May 17, 2007 and May 13, 2008 (the “Merger Agreement”).

As a result of the merger, each issued and outstanding share of Clear Channel, other than shares held by certain principals of the Company that were rolled over and exchanged for Class A common stock of the Company, were either exchanged for (i) $36.00 in cash consideration, without interest, or (ii) one share of Class A common stock of the Company.

The purchase price was approximately $23 billion including $94 million in capitalized transaction costs. The merger was funded primarily through a $3 billion equity contribution, including the rollover of Clear Channel shares, and $20.8 billion in debt financing, including the assumption of $5.1 billion aggregate principal amount of Clear Channel debt.

The transaction was accounted for as a purchase in accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 141, Business Combinations (“Statement 141”), and Emerging Issues Task Force Issue 88-16, Basis in Leveraged Buyout Transactions (“EITF 88-16”). The Company preliminarily allocated a portion of the consideration paid to the assets and liabilities acquired at their respective initially estimated fair values with the remaining portion recorded at the continuing shareholders basis. Excess consideration after this preliminary allocation was recorded as goodwill.

The Company has initially estimated the fair value of the acquired assets and liabilities as of the merger date utilizing information available at the time the Company’s financial statements were prepared. These estimates are subject to refinement until all pertinent information is obtained. The Company is currently in the process of obtaining third-party valuations of certain of the acquired assets and liabilities and will finalize its purchase price allocation in 2009. The final allocation of the purchase price may be different than the initial allocation.

The merger is more fully discussed in Note B.

Liquidity and Asset Impairments

The Company’s primary source of liquidity is cash flow from operations, which has been adversely affected by the global economic slowdown. The risks associated with the Company’s businesses become more acute in periods of a slowing economy or recession, which may be accompanied by a decrease in advertising. Expenditures by advertisers tend to be cyclical, reflecting overall economic conditions and budgeting and buying patterns. The current global economic slowdown has resulted in a decline in advertising and marketing services among the Company’s customers, resulting in a decline in advertising revenues across its businesses. This reduction in advertising revenues has had an adverse effect on the Company’s revenue, profit margins, cash flow and liquidity, particularly during the second half of 2008. The continuation of the global economic slowdown may continue to adversely impact the Company’s revenue, profit margins, cash flow and liquidity.

In January 2009, in response to the deterioration in general economic conditions and the resulting negative impact on the Company’s business, it commenced a restructuring program targeting a reduction of fixed costs by approximately $350 million on an annualized basis. As part of the program, the Company eliminated approximately 1,850 full-time positions representing approximately 9% of total workforce. The program is expected to result in restructuring and other non-recurring charges of approximately $200 million, although additional costs may be incurred as the program evolves. The cost savings initiatives are expected to be fully implemented by the end of the first quarter of 2010. No assurance can be given that the restructuring program will be successful or will achieve the anticipated cost savings in the timeframe expected or at all.

Based on the Company’s current and anticipated levels of operations and conditions in its markets, it believes that cash flow from operations as well as cash on hand (including amounts drawn or available under the senior secured credit facilities) will enable the Company to meet its working capital, capital expenditure, debt service and other funding requirements for at least the next 12 months.

Continuing adverse securities and credit market conditions could significantly affect the availability of equity or credit financing. While there is no assurance in the current economic environment, the Company believes the lenders participating in its credit

 

40


agreements will be willing and able to provide financing in accordance with the terms of their agreements. In this regard, on February 6, 2009 the Company borrowed the approximately $1.6 billion of remaining availability under its $2.0 billion revolving credit facility to improve its liquidity position in light of continuing uncertainty in credit market and economic conditions. The Company expects to refinance its $500.0 million 4.25% notes due May 15, 2009 with a draw under the $500.0 million delayed draw term loan facility that is specifically designated for this purpose. The remaining $69.5 million of indebtedness maturing in 2009 will either be refinanced or repaid with cash flow from operations or on hand.

The Company expects to be in compliance with the covenants under its senior secured credit facilities in 2009. However, the Company’s anticipated results are subject to significant uncertainty and there can be no assurance that actual results will be in compliance with the covenants. In addition, the Company’s ability to comply with the covenants in its financing agreements may be affected by events beyond its control, including prevailing economic, financial and industry conditions. The breach of any covenants set forth in the financing agreements would result in a default thereunder. An event of default would permit the lenders under a defaulted financing agreement to declare all indebtedness thereunder to be due and payable prior to maturity. Moreover, the lenders under the revolving credit facility under the senior secured credit facilities would have the option to terminate their commitments to make further extensions of revolving credit thereunder. If the Company is unable to repay its obligations under any senior secured credit facilities or the receivables based credit facility, the lenders under such senior secured credit facilities or receivables based credit facility could proceed against any assets that were pledged to secure such senior secured credit facilities or receivables based credit facility. In addition, a default or acceleration under any of the Company’s financing agreements could cause a default under other of its obligations that are subject to cross-default and cross-acceleration provisions.

The Company performed an interim impairment test on its indefinite-lived intangible assets as of December 31, 2008 as a result of the current global economic slowdown and its negative impact on the Company’s business. The estimated fair value of the Company’s FCC licenses and permits was below their carrying values, which resulted in a non-cash impairment charge of $1.7 billion. As discussed, the United States and global economies are undergoing a period of economic uncertainty, which has caused, among other things, a general tightening in the credit markets, limited access to the credit market, lower levels of liquidity and lower consumer and business spending. These disruptions in the credit and financial markets and the continuing impact of adverse economic, financial and industry conditions on the demand for advertising negatively impacted the key assumptions in the discounted cash flow models used to value FCC licenses and permits.

The Company also performed an interim goodwill impairment test as of December 31, 2008. The estimated fair value of the reporting units was below their carrying values, which required the Company to compare the implied fair value of each reporting units’ goodwill with its carrying value. As a result, the Company recognized a non-cash impairment charge of $3.6 billion to reduce goodwill. The macroeconomic factors discussed above had an adverse effect on the estimated cash flows and discount rates used in the discounted cash flow model.

Format of Presentation

The accompanying consolidated balance sheets, statements of operations, statements of cash flows and shareholders’ equity are presented for two periods: post-merger and pre-merger. The Company applied preliminary purchase accounting pursuant to the aforementioned standards to the opening balance sheet on July 31, 2008 as the merger occurred at the close of business on July 30, 2008. The merger resulted in a new basis of accounting beginning on July 31, 2008 and the financial reporting periods are presented as follows:

 

   

The period from July 31 through December 31, 2008 includes the post-merger period of the Company, reflecting the merger of the Company and Clear Channel. Subsequent to the acquisition, Clear Channel became an indirect, wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company and the business of the Company became that of Clear Channel and its subsidiaries.

 

   

The period from January 1 through July 30, 2008 includes the pre-merger period of Clear Channel. Prior to the consummation of its acquisition of Clear Channel, the Company had not conducted any activities, other than activities incident to its formation and in connection with the acquisition, and did not have any assets or liabilities, other than as related to the acquisition.

 

   

The 2007 and 2006 periods presented are pre-merger. The consolidated financial statements for all pre-merger periods were prepared using the historical basis of accounting for Clear Channel. As a result of the merger and the associated preliminary purchase accounting, the consolidated financial statements of the post-merger periods are not comparable to periods preceding the merger.

Principles of Consolidation

The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its subsidiaries. Significant intercompany accounts have been eliminated in consolidation. Investments in nonconsolidated affiliates are accounted for using the equity method of accounting.

 

41


The Company owns stations that were placed in a trust in order to bring the merger into compliance with the FCC’s media ownership rules. The Company will have to divest these stations. The trust is terminated if at any time the stations may be owned by the Company under the then current FCC media ownership rules. The trust agreement stipulates that the Company must fund any operating shortfalls of the trust activities and any excess cash flow generated by the trust is distributed to the Company. The Company is also the beneficiary of proceeds from the sale of stations held in the trust. The Company consolidates the trust in accordance with Financial Accounting Standards Board Interpretation No. 46(R), Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities (“FIN 46R”), as the trust was determined to be a variable interest entity and the Company is its primary beneficiary.

Cash and Cash Equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents include all highly liquid investments with an original maturity of three months or less.

Allowance for Doubtful Accounts

The Company evaluates the collectibility of its accounts receivable based on a combination of factors. In circumstances where it is aware of a specific customer’s inability to meet its financial obligations, it records a specific reserve to reduce the amounts recorded to what it believes will be collected. For all other customers, it recognizes reserves for bad debt based on historical experience of bad debts as a percent of revenue for each business unit, adjusted for relative improvements or deteriorations in the agings and changes in current economic conditions. The Company believes its concentration of credit risk is limited due to the large number and the geographic diversification of its customers.

Land Leases and Other Structure Licenses

Most of the Company’s outdoor advertising structures are located on leased land. Americas outdoor land rents are typically paid in advance for periods ranging from one to twelve months. International outdoor land rents are paid both in advance and in arrears, for periods ranging from one to twelve months. Most international street furniture display faces are operated through contracts with the municipalities for up to 20 years. The street furniture contracts often include a percent of revenue to be paid along with a base rent payment. Prepaid land leases are recorded as an asset and expensed ratably over the related rental term and license and rent payments in arrears are recorded as an accrued liability.

Purchase Accounting

The Company accounts for its business acquisitions under the purchase method of accounting. The total cost of acquisitions is allocated to the underlying identifiable net assets, based on their respective estimated fair values. The excess of the purchase price over the estimated fair values of the net assets acquired is recorded as goodwill. Determining the fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed requires management’s judgment and often involves the use of significant estimates and assumptions, including assumptions with respect to future cash inflows and outflows, discount rates, asset lives and market multiples, among other items. Various acquisition agreements may include contingent purchase consideration based on performance requirements of the investee. The Company accrues these payments under the guidance in Emerging Issues Task Force issue 95-8: Accounting for Contingent Consideration Paid to the Shareholders of an Acquired Enterprise in a Purchase Business Combination, after the contingencies have been resolved.

Property, Plant and Equipment

Property, plant and equipment are stated at cost. Depreciation is computed using the straight-line method at rates that, in the opinion of management, are adequate to allocate the cost of such assets over their estimated useful lives, which are as follows:

Buildings and improvements - 10 to 39 years

Structures - 5 to 40 years

Towers, transmitters and studio equipment - 7 to 20 years

Furniture and other equipment - 3 to 20 years

Leasehold improvements - shorter of economic life or lease term assuming renewal periods, if appropriate

For assets associated with a lease or contract, the assets are depreciated at the shorter of the economic life or the lease or contract term, assuming renewal periods, if appropriate. Expenditures for maintenance and repairs are charged to operations as incurred, whereas expenditures for renewal and betterments are capitalized.

The Company tests for possible impairment of property, plant, and equipment whenever events or changes in circumstances, such as a reduction in operating cash flow or a dramatic change in the manner for which the asset is intended to be used indicate that the carrying amount of the asset may not be recoverable. If indicators exist, the Company compares the estimated undiscounted future cash flows

 

42


related to the asset to the carrying value of the asset. If the carrying value is greater than the estimated undiscounted future cash flow amount, an impairment charge is recorded in depreciation and amortization expense in the statement of operations for amounts necessary to reduce the carrying value of the asset to fair value. The impairment loss calculations require management to apply judgment in estimating future cash flows and the discount rates that reflect the risk inherent in future cash flows.

Intangible Assets

The Company classifies intangible assets as definite-lived, indefinite-lived or goodwill. Definite-lived intangibles include primarily transit and street furniture contracts, talent and representation contracts, customer and advertiser relationships, and site-leases, all of which are amortized over the respective lives of the agreements, or over the period of time 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 assets. These assets are stated at cost. The Company’s indefinite-lived intangibles include broadcast FCC licenses in its radio broadcasting segment and billboard permits in its Americas outdoor advertising segment. The excess cost over fair value of net assets acquired is classified as goodwill. The indefinite-lived intangibles and goodwill are not subject to amortization, but are tested for impairment at least annually. The Company tests for possible impairment of definite-lived intangible assets whenever events or changes in circumstances, such as a reduction in operating cash flow or a dramatic change in the manner for which the asset is intended to be used indicate that the carrying amount of the asset may not be recoverable. If indicators exist, the Company compares the undiscounted cash flows related to the asset to the carrying value of the asset. If the carrying value is greater than the undiscounted cash flow amount, an impairment charge is recorded in amortization expense in the statement of operations for amounts necessary to reduce the carrying value of the asset to fair value.

The Company performs its annual impairment test for its FCC licenses and permits using a direct valuation technique as prescribed by the Emerging Issues Task Force (“EITF”) Topic D-108, Use of the Residual Method to Value Acquired Assets Other Than Goodwill (“D-108”). Certain assumptions are used under the Company’s direct valuation technique, including market revenue growth rates, market share, profit margin, duration and profile of the build-up period, estimated start-up cost and losses incurred during the build-up period, the risk adjusted discount rate and terminal values. The Company utilizes Mesirow Financial Consulting LLC, a third party valuation firm, to assist the Company in the development of these assumptions and the Company’s determination of the fair value of its FCC licenses and permits.

As previously discussed, the Company performed an interim impairment test as of December 31, 2008 which resulted in a non-cash impairment charge of $1.7 billion on its indefinite-lived FCC licenses and permits.

At least annually, the Company performs its impairment test for each reporting unit’s goodwill using a discounted cash flow model to determine if the carrying value of the reporting unit, including goodwill, is less than the fair value of the reporting unit. The Company identified its reporting units under the guidance in Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 142, Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (“Statement 142”) and EITF D-101, Clarification of Reporting Unit Guidance in Paragraph 30 of FASB Statement No. 142. The Company’s reporting units for radio broadcasting and Americas outdoor advertising are the reportable segments. The Company determined that each country in its International outdoor segment constitutes a reporting unit.

Each of the Company’s reporting units is valued using a discounted cash flow model which requires estimating future cash flows expected to be generated from the reporting unit, discounted to their present value using a risk-adjusted discount rate. Terminal values were also estimated and discounted to their present value. Assessing the recoverability of goodwill requires the Company to make estimates and assumptions about sales, operating margins, growth rates and discount rates based on its budgets, business plans, economic projections, anticipated future cash flows and marketplace data. There are inherent uncertainties related to these factors and management’s judgment in applying these factors. The Company utilizes Mesirow Financial Consulting LLC, a third party valuation firm, to assist the Company in the development of these assumptions and the Company’s determination of the fair value of its reporting units.

As previously discussed, the Company performed an interim impairment test as of December 31, 2008 and recognized a non-cash impairment charge of $3.6 billion to reduce its goodwill.

Other Investments

Other investments are composed primarily of equity securities. These securities are classified as available-for-sale or trading and are carried at fair value based on quoted market prices. Securities are carried at historical value when quoted market prices are unavailable. The net unrealized gains or losses on the available-for-sale securities, net of tax, are reported as a separate component of shareholders’ equity. The net unrealized gains or losses on the trading securities are reported in the statement of operations. In addition, the Company holds investments that do not have quoted market prices. The Company periodically reviews the value of available-for-sale, trading and non-marketable securities and records impairment charges in the statement of operations for any decline in value that is determined to be other-than-temporary. The average cost method is used to compute the realized gains and losses on sales of equity securities.

 

43


The Company assessed the value of its available-for-sale securities at December 31, 2008. After this assessment, the Company concluded that an other-than-temporary impairment existed and recorded a $116.6 million impairment charge on the statement of operations in “Gain (loss) on marketable securities”.

Nonconsolidated Affiliates

In general, investments in which the Company owns 20 percent to 50 percent of the common stock or otherwise exercises significant influence over the investee are accounted for under the equity method. The Company does not recognize gains or losses upon the issuance of securities by any of its equity method investees. The Company reviews the value of equity method investments and records impairment charges in the statement of operations for any decline in value that is determined to be other-than-temporary.

Financial Instruments

Due to their short maturity, the carrying amounts of accounts and notes receivable, accounts payable, accrued liabilities, and short-term borrowings approximated their fair values at December 31, 2008 and 2007.

Income Taxes

The Company accounts for income taxes using the liability method. Under this method, deferred tax assets and liabilities are determined based on differences between financial reporting bases and tax bases of assets and liabilities and are measured using the enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the periods in which the deferred tax asset or liability is expected to be realized or settled. Deferred tax assets are reduced by valuation allowances if the Company believes it is more likely than not that some portion or the entire asset will not be realized. As all earnings from the Company’s foreign operations are permanently reinvested and not distributed, the Company’s income tax provision does not include additional U.S. taxes on foreign operations. It is not practical to determine the amount of federal income taxes, if any, that might become due in the event that the earnings were distributed.

Revenue Recognition

Radio broadcasting revenue is recognized as advertisements or programs are broadcast and is generally billed monthly. Outdoor advertising contracts typically cover periods of up to three years and are generally billed monthly. Revenue for outdoor advertising space rental is recognized ratably over the term of the contract. Advertising revenue is reported net of agency commissions. Agency commissions are calculated based on a stated percentage applied to gross billing revenue for the Company’s broadcasting and outdoor operations. Payments received in advance of being earned are recorded as deferred income.

Barter transactions represent the exchange of airtime or display space for merchandise or services. These transactions are generally recorded at the fair market value of the airtime or display space or the fair value of the merchandise or services received. Revenue is recognized on barter and trade transactions when the advertisements are broadcasted or displayed. Expenses are recorded ratably over a period that estimates when the merchandise or service received is utilized or the event occurs. Barter and trade revenues and expenses from continuing operations are included in consolidated revenue and selling, general and administrative expenses, respectively. Barter and trade revenues and expenses from continuing operations were:

 

(In millions)   

Post-merger period

ended December 31,

        Pre-merger period
ended July 30,
   Years ended December 31,
   2008         2008    2007    2006
     Post-merger         Pre-merger    Pre-merger    Pre-merger
 

Barter and trade revenues

   $ 33.7         $ 40.2    $ 70.7    $ 77.8

Barter and trade expenses

     35.0           38.9      70.4      75.6

Share-Based Payments

The Company adopted Financial Accounting Standard No. 123 (R), Share-Based Payment (“Statement 123(R)”), on January 1, 2006 using the modified-prospective-transition method. Under the fair value recognition provisions of this statement, stock based compensation cost is measured at the grant date based on the fair value of the award. For awards that vest based on service conditions, this cost is recognized as expense on a straight-line basis over the vesting period. For awards that will vest based on market, performance and service conditions, this cost will be recognized when it becomes probable that the performance conditions will be satisfied. Determining the fair value of share-based awards at the grant date requires assumptions and judgments about expected volatility and forfeiture rates, among other factors. If actual results differ significantly from these estimates, the Company’s results of operations could be materially impacted.

 

44


Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities

Financial Accounting Standard No. 133, Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities, (“Statement 133”), requires the Company to recognize all of its derivative instruments as either assets or liabilities in the consolidated balance sheet at fair value. The accounting for changes in the fair value of a derivative instrument depends on whether it has been designated and qualifies as part of a hedging relationship, and further, on the type of hedging relationship. For derivative instruments that are designated and qualify as hedging instruments, the Company must designate the hedging instrument, based upon the exposure being hedged, as a fair value hedge, cash flow hedge or a hedge of a net investment in a foreign operation. The Company formally documents all relationships between hedging instruments and hedged items, as well as its risk management objectives and strategies for undertaking various hedge transactions. The Company formally assesses, both at inception and at least quarterly thereafter, whether the derivatives that are used in hedging transactions are highly effective in offsetting changes in either the fair value or cash flows of the hedged item. If a derivative ceases to be a highly effective hedge, the Company discontinues hedge accounting. The Company accounts for its derivative instruments that are not designated as hedges at fair value, with changes in fair value recorded in earnings. The Company does not enter into derivative instruments for speculation or trading purposes.

Foreign Currency

Results of operations for foreign subsidiaries and foreign equity investees are translated into U.S. dollars using the average exchange rates during the year. The assets and liabilities of those subsidiaries and investees, other than those of operations in highly inflationary countries, are translated into U.S. dollars using the exchange rates at the balance sheet date. The related translation adjustments are recorded in a separate component of shareholders’ equity, “Accumulated other comprehensive income”. Foreign currency transaction gains and losses, as well as gains and losses from translation of financial statements of subsidiaries and investees in highly inflationary countries, are included in operations.

Advertising Expense

The Company records advertising expense as it is incurred. Advertising expenses from continuing operations was:

 

(In millions)    Post-merger period
ended December 31,
        Pre-merger period
ended July 30,
   Years ended December 31,
   2008         2008    2007    2006
     Post-merger         Pre-merger    Pre-merger    Pre-merger
 

Advertising expenses

   $ 51.8         $ 56.1    $ 138.5    $ 130.4

Use of Estimates

The preparation of the consolidated financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates, judgments, and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes including, but not limited to, legal, tax and insurance accruals. The Company bases its estimates on historical experience and on various other assumptions that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

Certain Reclassifications

The historical financial statements and footnote disclosures have been revised to reflect the reclassification of amounts related to the Company’s television business and certain radio stations from continuing operations to discontinued operations.

New Accounting Pronouncements

Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 141(R), Business Combinations (“Statement 141(R)”), was issued in December 2007. Statement 141(R) requires that upon initially obtaining control, an acquirer will recognize 100% of the fair values of acquired assets, including goodwill, and assumed liabilities, with only limited exceptions, even if the acquirer has not acquired 100% of its target. Additionally, contingent consideration arrangements will be fair valued at the acquisition date and included on that basis in the purchase price consideration and transaction costs will be expensed as incurred. Statement 141(R) also modifies the recognition for preacquisition contingencies, such as environmental or legal issues, restructuring plans and acquired research and development value in purchase accounting. Statement 141(R) amends Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 109, Accounting for Income Taxes, to require the acquirer to recognize changes in the amount of its deferred tax benefits that are recognizable because of a business combination either in income from continuing operations in the period of the combination or directly in contributed capital, depending on the circumstances. Statement 141(R) is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2008. Adoption is prospective and early adoption is not permitted. The Company will adopt Statement 141 (R) on January 1, 2009. Statement 141R’s impact on accounting for business combinations is dependent upon the nature of future acquisitions.

 

45


Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 160, Noncontrolling Interests in Consolidated Financial Statements - an amendment of ARB No. 51 (“Statement 160”), was issued in December 2007. Statement 160 clarifies the classification of noncontrolling interests in consolidated statements of financial position and the accounting for and reporting of transactions between the reporting entity and holders of such noncontrolling interests. Under Statement 160 noncontrolling interests are considered equity and should be reported as an element of consolidated equity, net income will encompass the total income of all consolidated subsidiaries and there will be separate disclosure on the face of the income statement of the attribution of that income between the controlling and noncontrolling interests, and increases and decreases in the noncontrolling ownership interest amount will be accounted for as equity transactions. Statement 160 is effective for the first annual reporting period beginning on or after December 15, 2008, and earlier application is prohibited. Statement 160 is required to be adopted prospectively, except for reclassifying noncontrolling interests to equity, separate from the parent’s shareholders’ equity, in the consolidated statement of financial position and recasting consolidated net income (loss) to include net income (loss) attributable to both the controlling and noncontrolling interests, both of which are required to be adopted retrospectively. The Company will adopt Statement 160 on January 1, 2009 which will result in a reclassification of approximately $463.9 million of noncontrolling interests to shareholders’ equity.

On March 19, 2008, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued Statement No. 161, Disclosures about Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities (”Statement 161”). Statement 161 requires additional disclosures about how and why an entity uses derivative instruments, how derivative instruments and related hedged items are accounted for and how derivative instruments and related hedged items effect an entity’s financial position, results of operations and cash flows. It is effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years and interim periods beginning after November 15, 2008, with early application encouraged. The Company will adopt the disclosure requirements beginning January 1, 2009.

In April 2008, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued FASB Staff Position No. FAS 142-3, Determination of the Useful Life of Intangible Assets (“FSP FAS 142-3”). FSP FAS 142-3 amends the factors an entity should consider in developing renewal or extension assumptions used in determining the useful life of recognized intangible assets under FASB Statement No. 142, Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (“Statement 142”). FSP FAS 142-3 removes an entity’s requirement under paragraph 11 of Statement 142 to consider whether an intangible asset can be renewed without substantial cost or material modifications to the existing terms and conditions. It is effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2008, and early adoption is prohibited. The Company will adopt FSP FAS 142-3 on January 1, 2009. FSP FAS 142-3’s impact is dependent upon future acquisitions.

The Company adopted Financial Accounting Standards Board Statement No. 159, The Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities (“Statement 159”), which permits entities to measure many financial instruments and certain other items at fair value at specified election dates that are not currently required to be measured at fair value. Unrealized gains and losses on items for which the fair value option has been elected should be reported in earnings at each subsequent reporting date. The provisions of Statement 159 were effective as of January 1, 2008. The Company did not elect the fair value option under this standard upon adoption.

In June 2008, the FASB issued FASB Staff Position Emerging Issues Task Force 03-6-1 Determining Whether Instruments Granted in Share-Based Payment Transactions Are Participating Securities (“FSP EITF 03-6-1”). FSP EITF 03-6-1 clarifies that unvested share-based payment awards with a right to receive nonforfeitable dividends are participating securities. Guidance is also provided on how to allocate earnings to participating securities and compute basic earnings per share using the two-class method. This FSP is effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2008, and early adoption is prohibited. The Company will adopt FSP EITF 03-6-1 on January 1, 2009. The impact of adopting FSP EITF 03-6-1 decreased previously reported basic earnings per share by $.01 for the pre-merger year ended December 31, 2007.

NOTE B - BUSINESS ACQUISITIONS

2008 Acquisitions

The Company completed its acquisition of Clear Channel on July 30, 2008. The transaction was accounted for as a purchase in accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 141, Business Combinations (“Statement 141”), and Emerging Issues Task Force Issue 88-16, Basis in Leveraged Buyout Transactions (“EITF 88-16”). The Company preliminarily allocated a portion of the consideration paid to the assets and liabilities acquired at their respective initially estimated fair values with the remaining portion recorded at the continuing shareholders basis. Excess consideration after this preliminary allocation was recorded as goodwill.

The Company has initially estimated the fair value of the acquired assets and liabilities as of the merger date utilizing information available at the time the Company’s financial statements were prepared. These estimates are subject to refinement until all pertinent information is obtained. The Company is currently in the process of obtaining third-party valuations of certain of the acquired assets and liabilities and will finalize its purchase price allocation in 2009. The final allocation of the purchase price may be different than the initial allocation.

 

46


The opening balance sheet presented as of July 31, 2008 reflected the preliminary allocation of purchase price, based on available information and certain assumptions management believed reasonable. Following is a summary of the preliminary purchase price allocations, adjusted for additional information management has obtained:

 

(In thousands)    Preliminary
July 31, 2008
    Adjustments     Adjusted
July 31, 2008
 

Consideration paid

   $ 18,082,938        $ 18,082,938   

Debt assumed

     5,136,929          5,136,929   

Historical carryover basis

     (825,647       (825,647
                  
   $ 22,394,220        $ 22,394,220   
                  

Total current assets

     2,311,777        5,041        2,316,818   

PP&E – net

     3,745,422        125,357        3,870,779   

Intangible assets – net

     20,634,499        (764,472     19,870,027   

Long-term assets

     1,079,704        44,787        1,124,491   

Current liabilities

     (1,219,033     (13,204     (1,232,237

Long-term liabilities

     (4,158,149     602,491        (3,555,658
                        
   $ 22,394,220      $ —        $ 22,394,220   
                        

The adjustments to PP&E – net primarily relate to fair value appraisals received for land and buildings. The adjustments to intangible assets – net primarily relate to an aggregate $3.6 billion adjustment to lower the estimated fair value of the Company’s FCC licenses and permits based on appraised values, partially offset by a $1.5 billion fair value adjustment to recognize advertiser relationships and trade names in the Company’s radio segment based on appraised values, a $240.6 million fair value adjustment to advertising contracts in the Company’s Americas and International outdoor segments based on appraised values and an increase of $1.0 billion to goodwill. The adjustment to long-term liabilities primarily relates to the deferred tax effects of the fair value adjustments.

The adjustments related to the Company’s FCC licenses, permits and goodwill were recorded prior to the Company’s interim impairment test.

The following unaudited supplemental pro forma information reflects the consolidated results of operations of the Company as if the merger had occurred on January 1, 2007. The historical financial information was adjusted to give effect to items that are (i) directly attributed to the merger, (ii) factually supportable, and (iii) expected to have a continuing impact on the consolidated results. Such items include depreciation and amortization expense associated with preliminary valuations of property, plant and equipment and definite-lived intangible assets, corporate expenses associated with new equity based awards granted to certain members of management, expenses associated with the accelerated vesting of employee share based awards upon closing of the merger, interest expense related to debt issued in conjunction with the merger and the fair value adjustment to Clear Channel’s existing debt and the related tax effects of these items. This unaudited pro forma information should not be relied upon as necessarily being indicative of the historical results that would have been obtained if the merger had actually occurred on that date, nor of the results that may be obtained in the future.

 

(In thousands)    Pre-merger     Pre-merger    Pre-merger  
     Period from January 1
through July 30,

2008
    Year ended
December 31,
2007
   Year ended
December 31,
2006
 

Revenue

   $ 3,951,742      $ 6,921,202    $ 6,567,790   

Income (loss) before discontinued operations

   $ (18,466   $ 4,179    $ (127,620

Net income (loss) attributable to the Company

   $ 621,790      $ 150,012    $ (74,942

Earnings (loss) per share - basic

   $ 7.65      $ 1.85    $ (.92

Earnings (loss) per share - diluted

   $ 7.65      $ 1.85    $ (.92

 

47


The Company also acquired assets in its operating segments in addition to the merger described above. The Company acquired FCC licenses in its radio segment for $11.7 million in cash during 2008. The Company acquired outdoor display faces and additional equity interests in international outdoor companies for $96.5 million in cash during 2008. The Company’s national representation business acquired representation contracts for $68.9 million in cash during 2008.

2007 Acquisitions

Clear Channel acquired domestic outdoor display faces and additional equity interests in international outdoor companies for $69.1 million in cash during 2007. Clear Channel’s national representation business acquired representation contracts for $53.0 million in cash during 2007.

2006 Acquisitions

Clear Channel acquired radio stations for $16.4 million and a music scheduling company for $44.3 million in cash plus $10.0 million of deferred purchase consideration during 2006. Clear Channel also acquired Interspace Airport Advertising, Americas and international outdoor display faces and additional equity interests in international outdoor companies for $242.4 million in cash. Clear Channel exchanged assets in one of its Americas outdoor markets for assets located in a different market and recognized a gain of $13.2 million in “Other operating income - net”. In addition, Clear Channel’s national representation firm acquired representation contracts for $38.1 million in cash.

Acquisition Summary

The following is a summary of the assets and liabilities acquired and the consideration given for acquisitions made during 2007 and 2006:

 

(In thousands)             
     2007     2006  

Property, plant and equipment

   $ 28,002      $ 49,641   

Accounts receivable

     —          18,636   

Definite lived intangibles

     55,017        177,554   

Indefinite-lived intangible assets

     15,023        32,862   

Goodwill

     41,696        253,411   

Other assets

     3,453        6,006   
                
     143,191        538,110   

Other liabilities

     (13,081     (64,303

Noncontrolling interest

     —          (15,293

Deferred tax

     —          (21,361

Subsidiary common stock issued, net of noncontrolling interest

     —          (67,873
                
     (13,081     (168,830

Less: fair value of net assets exchanged in swap

     (8,000     (28,074
                

Cash paid for acquisitions

   $ 122,110      $ 341,206   
                

The Company has entered into certain agreements relating to acquisitions that provide for purchase price adjustments and other future contingent payments based on the financial performance of the acquired company. The Company will continue to accrue additional amounts related to such contingent payments if and when it is determinable that the applicable financial performance targets will be met. The aggregate of these contingent payments, if performance targets were met, would not significantly impact the Company’s financial position or results of operations.

NOTE C – DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS

Sale of non-core radio stations

The Company determined that each radio station market in Clear Channel’s previously announced non-core radio station sales represents a disposal group consistent with the provisions of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 144, Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of Long-lived Assets (“Statement 144”). Consistent with the provisions of Statement 144, the Company classified these assets that are subject to transfer under the definitive asset purchase agreements as discontinued operations for all periods presented. Accordingly, depreciation and amortization associated with these assets was discontinued. Additionally, the Company determined that these assets comprise operations and cash flows that can be clearly distinguished, operationally and for financial reporting purposes, from the rest of the Company.

 

48


Sale of the television business

On March 14, 2008, Clear Channel completed the sale of its television business to Newport Television, LLC for $1.0 billion, adjusted for certain items including proration of expenses and adjustments for working capital. As a result, Clear Channel recorded a gain of $662.9 million as a component of “Income from discontinued operations, net” in its consolidated statement of operations during the first quarter of 2008. Additionally, net income and cash flows from the television business were classified as discontinued operations in the consolidated statements of operations and the consolidated statements of cash flows, respectively, in 2008 through the date of sale and for the years ended December 31, 2007 and 2006. The net assets related to the television business were classified as discontinued operations as of December 31, 2007.

Summarized Financial Information of Discontinued Operations

Summarized operating results for the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006 from these businesses are as follows:

 

(In thousands)    Five months ended     Seven months     
   December 31,     ended July 30,    Years ended December 31,
     2008     2008    2007    2006
     Post-merger     Pre-merger    Pre-merger    Pre-merger

Revenue

   $ 1,364      $ 74,783    $ 442,263    $ 531,621

Income (loss) before income taxes

     (3,160 )        $ 702,698    $ 209,882    $ 84,969

Included in income from discontinued operations, net is an income tax benefit of $1.3 million for the period July 31 through December 31, 2008. Included for the period from January 1 through July 30, 2008 is income tax expense of $62.4 million and a gain of $695.8 million related to the sale of Clear Channel’s television business and certain radio stations. The Company estimates utilization of approximately $585.3 million of capital loss carryforwards to offset a portion of the taxes associated with these gains. The Company had approximately $699.6 million, before valuation allowance, in capital loss carryforwards remaining as of December 31, 2008.

Included in income from discontinued operations, net are income tax expenses of $64.0 million and $32.3 million for the years ended December 31, 2007 and 2006, respectively. Also included in income from discontinued operations for the years ended December 31, 2007 and 2006 are gains on the sale of certain radio stations of $144.6 million and $0.3 million, respectively.

The following table summarizes the carrying amount at December 31, 2007 of the major classes of assets and liabilities of the businesses classified as discontinued operations.

 

(In thousands)

Assets

   Pre-merger
December 31,
2007
  

Liabilities

   Pre-merger
December 31,
2007

Accounts receivable, net

   $ 76,426    Accounts payable and accrued expenses    $ 10,565

Other current assets

     19,641    Film liability      18,027
            

Total current assets

   $ 96,067    Other current liabilities      8,821
                
      Total current liabilities    $ 37,413
            

Land, buildings and improvements

   $ 73,138      

Transmitter and studio equipment

     207,230      

Other property, plant and equipment

     22,781    Film liability    $ 19,902

Less accumulated depreciation

     138,425    Other long-term liabilities      34,428
                

Property, plant and equipment, net

   $ 164,724    Total long-term liabilities    $ 54,330
                

Definite-lived intangibles, net

   $ 283      

Licenses

     107,910      

Goodwill

     111,529      
            

Total intangible assets

   $ 219,722      
            

Film rights

   $ 18,042      

Other long-term assets

     8,338      
            

Total other assets

   $ 26,380      
            

 

49


NOTE D – INTANGIBLE ASSETS AND GOODWILL

Definite-lived intangible assets

The Company has transit and street furniture contracts, site-leases and other contractual rights in its Americas and International outdoor segments (with an estimated 6 year weighted average useful life at the date of the Company’s acquisition of Clear Channel), talent and program right contracts in its radio segment (with an estimated 8 year weighted average useful life at the date of the Company’s acquisition of Clear Channel), advertiser and customer relationships in its radio segment (with an estimated 10 year weighted average useful life at the date of the Company’s acquisition of Clear Channel) and contracts for non-affiliated radio and television stations in the Company’s media representation operations (with an estimated 6 year weighted average useful life at the date of the Company’s acquisition of Clear Channel). These definite-lived intangible assets are amortized over the shorter of either the respective lives of the agreements or over the period of time the assets are expected to contribute directly or indirectly to the Company’s future cash flows.

The following table presents the gross carrying amount and accumulated amortization for each major class of definite-lived intangible assets at December 31, 2008 and 2007:

 

(In thousands)    Post-merger    Pre-merger
     December 31, 2008    December 31, 2007
     Gross Carrying
Amount
   Accumulated
Amortization
   Gross Carrying
Amount
   Accumulated
Amortization

Transit, street furniture, and other outdoor contractual rights

   $ 883,130    $ 49,818    $ 867,283    $ 613,897

Customer / advertiser relationships

     1,210,205      49,970      —        —  

Talent contracts

     161,644      7,479      —        —  

Representation contracts

     216,955      21,537      400,316      212,403

Other

     548,180      9,590      84,004      39,433
                           

Total

   $ 3,020,114    $ 138,394    $ 1,351,603    $ 865,733
                           

Total amortization expense from continuing operations related to definite-lived intangible assets was:

 

(In millions)    Five months ended     Seven months ended     
     December 31,     July 30,    Years ended December 31,
   2008     2008    2007    2006
     Post-merger     Pre-merger    Pre-merger    Pre-merger

 

Amortization expense

  

 

$

 

150.3

 

     

  $ 58.3    $ 105.0    $ 150.7

As acquisitions and dispositions occur in the future and as purchase price allocations are finalized, amortization expense may vary. 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)     

2009

   $ 339,443

2010

     316,413

2011

     301,721

2012

     287,174

2013

     267,096

Indefinite-lived Intangibles

The Company’s indefinite-lived intangible assets consist of Federal Communications Commission (“FCC”) broadcast licenses and billboard permits. FCC broadcast licenses are granted to both radio and television stations for up to eight years under the Telecommunications Act of 1996. The Act requires the FCC to renew a broadcast license if: it finds that the station has served the public interest, convenience and necessity; there have been no serious violations of either the Communications Act of 1934 or the FCC’s rules and regulations by the licensee; and there have been no other serious violations which taken together constitute a pattern of abuse. The licenses may be renewed indefinitely at little or no cost. The Company does not believe that the technology of wireless broadcasting will be replaced in the foreseeable future. The Company’s billboard permits are issued in perpetuity by state and local

 

50


governments and are transferable or renewable at little or no cost. Permits typically include the location which allows the Company the right to operate an advertising structure. The Company’s permits are located on either owned or leased land. In cases where the Company’s permits are located on leased land, the leases are typically from 10 to 20 years and renew indefinitely, with rental payments generally escalating at an inflation based index. If the Company loses its lease, the Company will typically obtain permission to relocate the permit or bank it with the municipality for future use.

The Company does not amortize its FCC broadcast licenses or billboard permits. The Company tests these indefinite-lived intangible assets for impairment at least annually using a direct valuation method. This direct valuation method assumes 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.

Under the direct valuation method, the Company aggregates its indefinite-lived intangible assets at the market level for purposes of impairment testing. The Company’s key assumptions using the direct valuation method are market revenue growth rates, market share, profit margin, duration and profile of the build-up period, estimated start-up capital costs and losses incurred during the build-up period, the risk-adjusted discount rate and terminal values. This data is populated using industry normalized information.

The Company performed an impairment test as of December 31, 2008. As a result, the Company recognized a non-cash impairment charge of $1.7 billion on its indefinite-lived FCC licenses and permits. The United States and global economies are undergoing a period of economic uncertainty, which has caused, among other things, a general tightening in the credit markets, limited access to the credit markets, lower levels of liquidity and lower consumer and business spending. These disruptions in the credit and financial markets and the continuing impact of adverse economic, financial and industry conditions on the demand for advertising negatively impacted the key assumptions in the discounted cash flow models used to value our FCC licenses and permits.

Goodwill

The Company tests goodwill for impairment using a two-step process. The first step, used to screen for potential impairment, compares the fair value of the reporting unit with its carrying amount, including goodwill. The second step, used to measure the amount of the impairment loss, compares the implied fair value of the reporting unit goodwill with the carrying amount of that goodwill. The Company’s reporting units for radio broadcasting and Americas outdoor advertising are the reportable segments. The Company determined that each country in its International outdoor segment constitutes a reporting unit. Goodwill of approximately $10.8 billion resulted from the merger, $896.5 million of which is expected to be deductible for tax purposes.

 

(In thousands)    Radio     Americas
Outdoor
    International
Outdoor
    Other    Total  

Pre-merger

           

Balance as of December 31, 2006

     6,140,613        667,986        425,630        6      7,234,235   

Acquisitions

     5,608        20,361        13,733        1,994      41,696   

Dispositions

     (3,974     —          —          —        (3,974

Foreign currency

     —          78        35,430        —        35,508   

Adjustments

     (96,720     (89     (540     —        (97,349
                                       

Balance as of December 31, 2007

   $ 6,045,527      $ 688,336      $ 474,253      $ 2,000    $ 7,210,116   

Acquisitions

     7,051        —          12,341        —        19,392   

Dispositions

     (20,931     —          —          —        (20,931

Foreign currency

     —          (293     28,596        —        28,303   

Adjustments

     (423     (970     —          —        (1,393
                                       

Balance as of July 30, 2008

   $ 6,031,224      $ 687,073      $ 515,190      $ 2,000    $ 7,235,487   

In 2007, the Company recorded a $97.3 million adjustment to its balance of goodwill related to tax positions established as part of various radio station acquisitions for which the IRS audit periods have now closed.

 

51


(In thousands)    Radio     Americas
Outdoor
    International
Outdoor
    Other    Total  

Post-merger

           

Balances at July 31, 2008

   $ —        $ —        $ —        $ —      $ —     

Preliminary purchase price allocation

     6,335,220        2,805,780        603,712        60,115      9,804,827   

Purchase price adjustments - net

     356,040        438,025        (76,116     271,175      989,124   

Impairment

     (1,115,033     (2,321,602     (173,435     —        (3,610,070

Acquisitions

     3,486        —          —          —        3,486   

Foreign exchange

     —          (29,605     (63,519     —        (93,124

Other

     (523     —          (3,099     —        (3,622
                                       

Balance as of December 31, 2008

   $ 5,579,190      $ 892,598      $ 287,543      $ 331,290    $ 7,090,621   
                                       

The Company performed an interim impairment test as of December 31, 2008. The estimated fair value of the Company’s reporting units was below their carrying values, which required it to compare the implied fair value of each reporting units’ goodwill with its carrying value. As a result, the Company recognized a non-cash impairment charge of $3.6 billion to reduce its goodwill. The macroeconomic factors discussed above had an adverse effect on the estimated cash flows and discount rates used in the discounted cash flow model.

NOTE E – INVESTMENTS

The Company’s most significant investments in nonconsolidated affiliates are listed below:

Australian Radio Network

The Company owns a fifty-percent (50%) interest in Australian Radio Network (“ARN”), an Australian company that owns and operates radio stations in Australia and New Zealand.

Grupo ACIR Comunicaciones

Clear Channel sold a portion of its investment in Grupo ACIR Comunicaciones (“ACIR”) for approximately $47.0 million on July 1, 2008 and recorded a gain of $9.2 million in “equity in earnings of nonconsolidated affiliates” during the pre-merger period ended July 30, 2008. As a result, the Company now owns a twenty-percent (20%) interest in ACIR. ACIR owns and operates radio stations throughout Mexico.

All Others

Included within the “All Others” category in the table below at December 31, 2007 was Clear Channel’s 50% interest in Clear Channel Independent, a South African outdoor advertising company. Clear Channel sold its 50% interest in Clear Channel Independent in the pre-merger period ended July 30, 2008. The sale resulted in a gain of $75.6 million recorded in “Equity in earnings of nonconsolidated affiliates” based on the fair value of the equity securities received. The equity securities received are classified as available-for-sale and recorded as a component of “Other investments” on the Company’s consolidated balance sheets at December 31, 2008.

Summarized Financial Information

The following table summarizes the Company’s investments in nonconsolidated affiliates:

 

(In thousands)    ARN     ACIR     All
Others
    Total  

At December 31, 2007

   $ 165,474      $ 72,905      $ 108,008      $ 346,387   

Acquisition (disposition) of investments, net

     —          (47,559     (117,577     (165,136

Cash advances (repayments)

     (16,164     28        (8,962     (25,098

Equity in net earnings (loss)

     12,108        11,264        70,843        94,215   

Foreign currency transaction adjustment

     (1,454     —          —          (1,454

Foreign currency translation adjustment

     3,519        2,481        (4,392     1,608   
                                

At July 30, 2008

   $ 163,483      $ 39,119      $ 47,920      $ 250,522   
                                

Fair value adjustments

     167,683        7,085        3,797        178,565   

Balances at July 31, 2008

     331,166        46,204        51,717        429,087   

Acquisition (disposition) of investments, net

     —          —          500        500   

Cash advances (repayments)

     (11,188     27        6,752        (4,409

Equity in net earnings (loss)

     7,397        517        (2,110     5,804   

Foreign currency transaction adjustment

     11,179        —          —          11,179   

Foreign currency translation adjustment

     (47,746     (5,230     (5,048     (58,024
                                

At December 31, 2008

   $ 290,808      $ 41,518      $ 51,811      $ 384,137   
                                

 

52


The investments in the table above are not consolidated, but are accounted for under the equity method of accounting, whereby the Company records its investments in these entities in the balance sheet as “Investments in, and advances to, nonconsolidated affiliates.” The Company’s interests in their operations are recorded in the statement of operations as “Equity in earnings of nonconsolidated affiliates”. Accumulated undistributed earnings included in retained deficit for these investments were $3.6 million, $133.6 million and $112.8 million for December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006, respectively.

The fair value adjustments to the Company’s investment in ARN primarily relate to the Company’s proportionate share of indefinite-lived intangible assets and equity method goodwill.

Other Investments

Other investments of $33.5 million and $237.6 million at December 31, 2008 and 2007, respectively, include marketable equity securities and other investments classified as follows:

 

(In thousands)

Investments

   Fair
Value
   Cost

2008

     

Available-for sale

   $ 27,110    $ 27,110

Other cost investments

     6,397      6,397
             

Total

   $ 33,507    $ 33,507
             

 

     Fair
Value
   Unrealized
Gains
   Realized
(Losses)
   Cost

2007

           

Available-for sale

   $ 140,731    $ 104,996    $ —      $ 35,735

Trading

     85,649      78,391      —        7,258

Other cost investments

     11,218      —        —        11,218
                           

Total

   $ 237,598    $ 183,387    $ —      $ 54,211
                           

The accumulated net unrealized gain on available-for-sale securities, net of tax, of $69.4 million was recorded in shareholders’ equity in “Accumulated other comprehensive income” at December 31, 2007. The Company sold its American Tower Corporation securities in the second quarter of 2008 and recorded a gain of $30.4 million on the statement of operations in “Gain (loss) on marketable securities”. The net unrealized gain (loss) on trading securities of $10.7 million and $20.5 million for the years ended December 31, 2007 and 2006, respectively, is recorded on the statement of operations in “Gain (loss) on marketable securities”. Other cost investments include various investments in companies for which there is no readily determinable market value.

The fair value of certain of the Company’s available-for-sale securities were below their cost each month subsequent to the closing of the merger. As a result, the Company considered the guidance in SAB Topic 5M and reviewed the length of the time and the extent to which the market value was less than cost and the financial condition and near-term prospects of the issuer. After this assessment, the Company concluded that the impairment was other than temporary and recorded a $116.6 million impairment charge on the statement of operations in “Gain (loss) on marketable securities”.

NOTE F – ASSET RETIREMENT OBLIGATION

The Company’s asset retirement obligation is reported in “Other long-term liabilities” and relates to its obligation to dismantle and remove outdoor advertising displays from leased land and to reclaim the site to its original condition upon the termination or non- renewal

 

53


of a lease. The liability is capitalized as part of the related long-lived assets’ carrying value. Due to the high rate of lease renewals over a long period of time, the calculation assumes that all related assets will be removed at some period over the next 50 years. An estimate of third-party cost information is used with respect to the dismantling of the structures and the reclamation of the site. The interest rate used to calculate the present value of such costs over the retirement period is based on an estimated risk adjusted credit rate for the same period.

The following table presents the activity related to the Company’s asset retirement obligation:

 

(In thousands)    Post-merger     Pre-merger     Pre-merger
December 31,
2007
 
     Period from
July 31 to
December 31, 2008
    Period from
January 1 to

July 30, 2008
   

Beginning balance

   $ 59,278      $ 70,497      $ 59,280   

Adjustment due to change in estimate of related costs

     (3,123     1,853        8,958   

Accretion of liability

     2,233        3,084        4,236   

Liabilities settled

     (2,796     (2,558     (1,977
                        

Ending balance

   $ 55,592      $ 72,876      $ 70,497   
                        

The Company decreased the liability by $13.6 million as a result of a change in the discount rate used to fair value the liability in purchase accounting.

 

54


NOTE G – LONG-TERM DEBT

Long-term debt at December 31, 2008 and 2007 consisted of the following:

 

(In thousands)    Post-merger     Pre-merger  
     December 31,
2008
    December 31,
2007
 

Senior Secured Credit Facilities:

    

Term loan A

   $ 1,331,500      $ —     

Term loan B

     10,700,000        —     

Term loan C

     695,879        —     

Revolving Credit Facility

     220,000        —     

Delayed Draw Facility

     532,500        —     

Receivables Based Facility

     445,609        —     

Other Secured Long-term Debt

     6,604        8,297   
                

Total Consolidated Secured Debt

     13,932,092        8,297   

Senior Cash Pay Notes

     980,000        —     

Senior Toggle Notes

     1,330,000        —     

Clear Channel Senior Notes:

    

4.625% Senior Notes Due 2008

     —          500,000   

6.625% Senior Notes Due 2008

     —          125,000   

4.25% Senior Notes Due 2009

     500,000        500,000   

7.65% Senior Notes Due 2010

     133,681        750,000   

4.5% Senior Notes Due 2010

     250,000        250,000   

6.25% Senior Notes Due 2011

     722,941        750,000   

4.4% Senior Notes Due 2011

     223,279        250,000   

5.0% Senior Notes Due 2012

     275,800        300,000   

5.75% Senior Notes Due 2013

     475,739        500,000   

5.5% Senior Notes Due 2014

     750,000        750,000   

4.9% Senior Notes Due 2015

     250,000        250,000   

5.5% Senior Notes Due 2016

     250,000        250,000   

6.875% Senior Debentures Due 2018

     175,000        175,000   

7.25% Senior Debentures Due 2027

     300,000        300,000   

Subsidiary level notes

     —          644,860   

Other long-term debt

     69,260        97,822   

$1.75 billion multi-currency revolving credit facility

     —          174,619   

Purchase accounting adjustments and original issue (discount) premium

     (1,114,172     (11,849

Fair value adjustments related to interest rate swaps

     —          11,438   
                
     19,503,620        6,575,187   

Less: current portion

     562,923        1,360,199   
                

Total long-term debt

   $ 18,940,697      $ 5,214,988   
                

The Company’s weighted average interest rate at December 31, 2008 was 6.0%. The aggregate market value of the Company’s debt based on quoted market prices for which quotes were available was approximately $17.2 billion and $5.9 billion at December 31, 2008 and 2007, respectively.

The following is a summary of the terms of the Company’s debt incurred in connection with the merger:

 

   

a $1.33 billion term loan A facility, with a maturity in July 2014;

 

   

a $10.7 billion term loan B facility with a maturity in January 2016;

 

55


   

a $695.9 million term loan C - asset sale facility, with a maturity in January 2016;

 

   

a $750.0 million delayed draw term loan facility with a maturity in January 2016 which may be drawn to purchase or redeem Clear Channel’s outstanding 7.65% senior notes due 2010, of which $532.5 million was drawn as of December 31, 2008;

 

   

a $500.0 million delayed draw term loan facility with a maturity in January 2016 may be drawn to purchase or redeem Clear Channel’s outstanding 4.25% senior notes due 2009, of which none was drawn as of December 31, 2008;

 

   

a $2.0 billion revolving credit facility with a maturity in July 2014, including a letter of credit sub-facility and a swingline loan sub-facility. At December 31, 2008, the outstanding balance on this facility was $220.0 million and, taking into account letters of credit of $304.1 million, $1.5 billion was available for future borrowings. Interest rates on this facility varied from 3.9% to 4.6%;

 

   

a $783.5 million receivables based credit facility with a maturity in July 2014 providing revolving credit commitments in an amount equal to the initial borrowing of $533.5 million on the merger closing date plus $250.0 million, subject to a borrowing base. At December 31, 2008 the outstanding balance on this facility was $445.6 million, which was the maximum available under the borrowing base; and

 

   

$980.0 million aggregate principal amount of 10.75% senior cash pay notes due 2016 and $1.33 billion aggregate principal amount of 11.00%/11.75% senior toggle notes due 2016.

Each of the proceeding obligations are among Clear Channel Communications, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company, and each lender from time to time party to the credit agreements or senior cash pay and senior toggle notes. The following references to the Company in the discussion of the credit agreements, senior cash pay notes and senior toggle notes are in respect to Clear Channel Communications, Inc.’s obligations under the credit agreements, senior cash pay and senior toggle notes.

Senior Secured Credit Facilities

Borrowings under the senior secured credit facilities bear interest at a rate equal to an applicable margin plus, at the Company’s option, either (i) a base rate determined by reference to the higher of (A) the prime lending rate publicly announced by the administrative agent and (B) the federal funds effective rate from time to time plus 0.50%, or (ii) a Eurocurrency rate determined by reference to the costs of funds for deposits for the interest period relevant to such borrowing adjusted for certain additional costs.

The margin percentages applicable to the term loan facilities and revolving credit facility are the following percentages per annum:

 

   

with respect to loans under the term loan A facility and the revolving credit facility, (i) 2.40% in the case of base rate loans and (ii) 3.40% in the case of Eurocurrency rate loans, subject to downward adjustments if the Company’s leverage ratio of total debt to EBITDA decreases below 7 to 1; and

 

   

with respect to loans under the term loan B facility, term loan C - asset sale facility and delayed draw term loan facilities, (i) 2.65% in the case of base rate loans and (ii) 3.65% in the case of Eurocurrency rate loans subject to downward adjustments if the Company’s leverage ratio of total debt to EBITDA decreases below 7 to 1.

The Company is required to pay each revolving credit lender a commitment fee in respect of any unused commitments under the revolving credit facility, which is 0.50% per annum. The Company is required to pay each delayed draw term facility lender a commitment fee in respect of any undrawn commitments under the delayed draw term facilities, which initially is 1.825% per annum until the delayed draw term facilities are fully drawn or commitments thereunder terminated.

The senior secured credit facilities require the Company to prepay outstanding term loans, subject to certain exceptions, with:

 

   

50% (which percentage will be reduced to 25% and to 0% based upon the Company’s leverage ratio) of the Company’s annual excess cash flow (as calculated in accordance with the senior secured credit facilities), less any voluntary prepayments of term loans and revolving credit loans (to the extent accompanied by a permanent reduction of the commitment) and subject to customary credits;

 

   

100% (which percentage will be reduced to 75% and 50% based upon the Company’s leverage ratio) of the net cash proceeds of sales or other dispositions by the Company or its wholly-owned restricted subsidiaries (including casualty and condemnation events) of assets subject to reinvestment rights and certain other exceptions; and

 

   

100% of the net cash proceeds of any incurrence of certain debt, other than debt permitted under the senior secured credit facilities.

The foregoing prepayments with the net cash proceeds of certain incurrences of debt and annual excess cash flow will be applied (i) first to the term loans other than the term loan C - asset sale facility loans (on a pro rata basis) and (ii) second to the term loan C - asset sale facility loans, in each case to the remaining installments thereof in direct order of maturity. The foregoing prepayments with the net cash proceeds of the sale of assets (including casualty and condemnation events) will be applied (i) first to the term loan C - asset sale facility loans and (ii) second to the other term loans (on a pro rata basis), in each case to the remaining installments thereof in direct order of maturity.

 

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The Company may voluntarily repay outstanding loans under its senior secured credit facilities at any time without premium or penalty, other than customary “breakage” costs with respect to Eurocurrency rate loans.

The Company is required to repay the loans under its term loan facilities as follows:

 

   

the term loan A facility will amortize in quarterly installments commencing on the first interest payment date after the second anniversary of the closing date of the merger in annual amounts equal to 5% of the original funded principal amount of such facility in years three and four, 10% thereafter, with the balance being payable on the final maturity date of such term loans; and

 

   

the term loan B facility, term loan C - asset sale facility and delayed draw term loan facilities will amortize in quarterly installments on the first interest payment date after the third anniversary of the closing date of the merger, in annual amounts equal to 2.5% of the original funded principal amount of such facilities in years four and five and 1% thereafter, with the balance being payable on the final maturity date of such term loans.

The senior secured credit facilities are guaranteed by each of the Company’s existing and future material wholly-owned domestic restricted subsidiaries, subject to certain exceptions.

All obligations under the senior secured credit facilities, and the guarantees of those obligations, are secured, subject to permitted liens and other exceptions, by:

 

   

a first-priority lien on the capital stock of Clear Channel;

 

   

100% of the capital stock of any future material wholly-owned domestic license subsidiary that is not a “Restricted Subsidiary” under the indenture governing the Clear Channel senior notes;

 

   

certain assets that do not constitute “principal property” (as defined in the indenture governing the Clear Channel senior notes);

 

   

certain assets that constitute “principal property” (as defined in the indenture governing the Clear Channel senior notes) securing obligations under the senior secured credit facilities up to the maximum amount permitted to be secured by such assets without requiring equal and ratable security under the indenture governing the Clear Channel senior notes; and

 

   

a second-priority lien on the accounts receivable and related assets securing our receivables based credit facility.

The obligations of any foreign subsidiaries that are borrowers under the revolving credit facility will also be guaranteed by certain of their material wholly-owned restricted subsidiaries, and secured by substantially all assets of all such borrowers and guarantors, subject to permitted liens and other exceptions.

The senior secured credit facilities require the Company to comply on a quarterly basis with a maximum consolidated senior secured net debt to adjusted EBITDA (as calculated in accordance with the senior secured credit facilities) ratio. This financial covenant becomes effective on March 31, 2009 (maximum of 9.5:1) and will become more restrictive over time. The Company’s senior secured debt consists of the senior secured facilities, the receivables based facility and certain other secured subsidiary debt. Secured leverage, defined as secured debt, net of cash, divided by the trailing 12-month consolidated EBITDA was 6.4:1 at December 31, 2008. The Company’s consolidated EBITDA is calculated as its trailing twelve months operating income before depreciation, amortization, impairment charge, non-cash compensation, other operating income—net and merger expenses of $1.8 billion adjusted for certain items, including: (i) an increase for expected cost savings (limited to $100.0 million in any twelve month period) of $100.0 million; (ii) an increase of $43.1 million for cash received from nonconsolidated affiliates; (iii) an increase of $17.0 million for non-cash items; (iv) an increase of $95.9 million related to expenses incurred associated with our restructuring program; and (v) an increase of $82.4 million for various other items.

In addition, the senior secured credit facilities include negative covenants that, subject to significant exceptions, limit the Company’s ability and the ability of its restricted subsidiaries to, among other things:

 

   

incur additional indebtedness;

 

   

create liens on assets;

 

   

engage in mergers, consolidations, liquidations and dissolutions;

 

   

sell assets;

 

   

pay dividends and distributions or repurchase its capital stock;

 

   

make investments, loans, or advances;

 

   

prepay certain junior indebtedness;

 

   

engage in certain transactions with affiliates;

 

   

amend material agreements governing certain junior indebtedness; and

 

57


   

change its lines of business.

The senior secured credit facilities include certain customary representations and warranties, affirmative covenants and events of default, including payment defaults, breach of representations and warranties, covenant defaults, cross-defaults to certain indebtedness, certain events of bankruptcy, certain events under ERISA, material judgments, the invalidity of material provisions of the senior secured credit facilities documentation, the failure of collateral under the security documents for the senior secured credit facilities, the failure of the senior secured credit facilities to be senior debt under the subordination provisions of certain of the Company’s subordinated debt and a change of control. If an event of default occurs, the lenders under the senior secured credit facilities will be entitled to take various actions, including the acceleration of all amounts due under the senior secured credit facilities and all actions permitted to be taken by a secured creditor.

Receivables Based Credit Facility

The receivables based credit facility of $783.5 million provides revolving credit commitments in an amount equal to the initial borrowing of $533.5 million on the closing date plus $250 million, subject to a borrowing base. The borrowing base at any time equals 85% of the eligible accounts receivable for certain subsidiaries of the Company. The receivables based credit facility includes a letter of credit sub-facility and a swingline loan sub-facility.

All borrowings under the receivables based credit facility are subject to the absence of any default, the accuracy of representations and warranties and compliance with the borrowing base. If at any time, borrowings, excluding the initial borrowing, under the receivables based credit facility following the closing date will be subject to compliance with a minimum fixed charge coverage ratio of 1.0:1.0 if excess availability under the receivables based credit facility is less than $50 million, or if aggregate excess availability under the receivables based credit facility and revolving credit facility is less than 10% of the borrowing base.

Borrowings under the receivables based credit facility bear interest at a rate equal to an applicable margin plus, at the Company’s option, either (i) a base rate determined by reference to the higher of (A) the prime lending rate publicly announced by the administrative agent and (B) the federal funds effective rate from time to time plus 0.50%, or (ii) a Eurocurrency rate determined by reference to the costs of funds for deposits for the interest period relevant to such borrowing adjusted for certain additional costs.

The margin percentage applicable to the receivables based credit facility which is (i) 1.40% in the case of base rate loans and (ii) 2.40% in the case of Eurocurrency rate loans subject to downward adjustments if the Company’s leverage ratio of total debt to EBITDA decreases below 7 to 1.

The Company is required to pay each lender a commitment fee in respect of any unused commitments under the receivables based credit facility, which is 0.375% per annum subject to downward adjustments if the Company’s leverage ratio of total debt to EBITDA decreases below 6 to 1.

If at any time the sum of the outstanding amounts under the receivables based credit facility (including the letter of credit outstanding amounts and swingline loans thereunder) exceeds the lesser of (i) the borrowing base and (ii) the aggregate commitments under the receivables based credit facility, the Company will be required to repay outstanding loans and cash collateralize letters of credit in an aggregate amount equal to such excess.

The Company may voluntarily repay outstanding loans under the receivables based credit facility at any time without premium or penalty, other than customary “breakage” costs with respect to Eurocurrency rate loans.

The receivables based credit facility is guaranteed by, subject to certain exceptions, the guarantors of the senior secured credit facilities. All obligations under the receivables based credit facility, and the guarantees of those obligations, are secured by a perfected first priority security interest in all of the Company’s and all of the guarantors’ accounts receivable and related assets and proceeds thereof, subject to permitted liens and certain exceptions.

The receivables based credit facility includes negative covenants, representations, warranties, events of default, conditions precedent and termination provisions substantially similar to those governing our senior secured credit facilities.

Senior Notes

The Company has outstanding $980.0 million aggregate principal amount of 10.75% senior cash pay notes due 2016 (the “senior cash pay notes”) and $1.3 billion aggregate principal amount of 11.00%/11.75% senior toggle notes due 2016 (the “senior toggle notes” and, together with the senior cash pay notes, the “notes”).

The senior toggle notes mature on August 1, 2016 and may require a special redemption on August 1, 2015. The Company may elect on each interest election date to pay all or 50% of such interest on the senior toggle notes in cash or by increasing the principal amount of the senior toggle notes or by issuing new senior toggle notes (such increase or issuance, “PIK Interest”). Interest on the senior toggle notes payable in cash will accrue at a rate of 11.00% per annum and PIK Interest will accrue at a rate of 11.75% per annum.

 

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The Company may redeem some or all of the notes at any time prior to August 1, 2012, at a price equal to 100% of the principal amount of such notes plus accrued and unpaid interest thereon to the redemption date and a “make-whole premium,” as described in the notes. The Company may redeem some or all of the notes at any time on or after August 1, 2012 at the redemption prices set forth in notes. In addition, the Company may redeem up to 40% of any series of the outstanding notes at any time on or prior to August 1, 2011 with the net cash proceeds raised in one or more equity offerings. If the Company undergoes a change of control, sells certain of its assets, or issues certain debt offerings, it may be required to offer to purchase notes from holders.

The notes are senior unsecured debt and rank equal in right of payment with all of the Company’s existing and future senior debt. Guarantors of obligations under the senior secured credit facilities and the receivables based credit facility guarantee the notes with unconditional guarantees that are unsecured and equal in right of payment to all existing and future senior debt of such guarantors, except that the guarantees are subordinated in right of payment only to the guarantees of obligations under the senior secured credit facilities and the receivables based credit facility. In addition, the notes and the guarantees are structurally senior to Clear Channel’s senior notes and existing and future debt to the extent that such debt is not guaranteed by the guarantors of the notes. The notes and the guarantees are effectively subordinated to the existing and future secured debt and that of the guarantors to the extent of the value of the assets securing such indebtedness and are structurally subordinated to all obligations of subsidiaries that do not guarantee the notes.

Subsidiary Level Notes

AMFM Operating Inc. (“AMFM”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company, had outstanding 8% senior notes due 2008. An aggregate principal amount of $639.2 million of the 8% senior notes was repurchased pursuant to a tender offer and consent solicitation in connection with the merger and a loss of $8.0 million was recorded in “Other income (expense) – net” in the pre-merger consolidated income statement. The remaining 8% senior notes were redeemed at maturity on November 1, 2008.

Debt Maturities

On January 15, 2008, Clear Channel redeemed its 4.625% senior notes at their maturity for $500.0 million plus accrued interest with proceeds from its bank credit facility.

On June 15, 2008, Clear Channel redeemed its 6.625% Senior Notes at their maturity for $125.0 million with available cash on hand.

Clear Channel’s $1.75 billion multi-currency revolving credit facility was terminated in connection with the closing of the merger. There was no outstanding balance on the facility on the date it was terminated.

Tender Offers

On August 7, 2008, Clear Channel announced that it commenced a cash tender offer and consent solicitation for its outstanding $750.0 million principal amount of 7.65% senior notes due 2010. The tender offer and consent payment expired on September 9, 2008. The aggregate principal amount of 7.65% senior notes validly tendered and accepted for payment was $363.9 million. Clear Channel recorded a loss of $21.8 million in “Other income (expense) – Net” during the pre-merger period as a result of the tender.

On November 24, 2008, Clear Channel announced that it commenced another cash tender offer to purchase its outstanding 7.65% Senior Notes due 2010. The tender offer and consent payment expired on December 23, 2008. The aggregate principal amount of 7.65% senior notes validly tendered and accepted for payment was $252.4 million. The Company recorded a gain of $74.7 million in “Other income (expense) – Net” during the post-merger period as a result of the tender.

Clear Channel also announced on November 24, 2008 that its indirect wholly-owned subsidiary, CC Finco, LLC, commenced a cash tender offers for Clear Channel’s outstanding 6.25% Senior Notes due 2011 (“6.25 Notes”), Clear Channel’s outstanding 4.40% Senior Notes due 2011 (“4.40% Notes”), Clear Channel’s outstanding 5.00% Senior Notes due 2012 (“5.00% Notes”) and Clear Channel’s outstanding 5.75% Senior Notes due 2013 (“5.75% Notes”). The tender offers and consent payments expired on December 23, 2008. The aggregate principal amounts of the 6.25% Notes, 4.40% Notes, 5.00% Notes and 5.75% Notes validly tendered and accepted for payment pursuant to the tender offers was $27.1 million, $26.7 million, $24.2 million and $24.3 million, respectively, and CC Finco, LLC purchased and currently holds such tendered notes. The Company recorded an aggregate gain of $49.7 million in “Other income (expense) – Net” during the post-merger period as a result of the tenders.

Other

All purchase accounting fair value adjustments to debt, fees and initial offering discounts are being amortized as interest expense over the life of the respective notes.

 

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Future maturities of long-term debt at December 31, 2008 are as follows:

 

(In thousands)     

2009

   $ 569,527

2010

     417,779

2011

     1,162,280

2012

     674,282

2013

     822,372

Thereafter

     16,971,552
      

Total (1)

   $ 20,617,792
      

 

(1)

Excludes a negative purchase accounting fair value adjustment of $1.1 billion, which is amortized through interest expense over the life of the underlying debt obligations.

NOTE H - FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

The Company has entered into $6.0 billion aggregate notional amount of interest rate swaps. The Company continually monitors its positions with, and credit quality of, the financial institutions which are counterparties to its interest rate swaps. The Company is exposed to credit loss in the event of nonperformance by the counterparties to the interest rate swaps. However, the Company considers this risk to be low.

Interest Rate Swaps

The Company’s aggregate $6.0 billion notional amount interest rate swap agreements are designated as a cash flow hedge and the effective portion of the gain or loss on the swap is reported as a component of other comprehensive income. The Company entered into the swaps to effectively convert a portion of its floating-rate debt to a fixed basis, thus reducing the impact of interest-rate changes on future interest expense. The aggregate fair value of these interest rate swaps of $118.8 million was recorded on the balance sheet as “Other long-term liabilities” at December 31, 2008. Accumulated other comprehensive income is adjusted to reflect the change in the fair value of the swaps. The balance in other comprehensive income was $75.1 million at December 31, 2008. No ineffectiveness was recorded in earnings related to these interest rate swaps.

Clear Channel had $1.1 billion of interest rate swaps at December 31, 2007 that were designated as fair value hedges of the underlying fixed-rate debt obligations. On December 31, 2007, the fair value of the interest rate swap agreements was recorded on the balance sheet as “Other long-term assets” with the offset recorded in “Long-term debt” of approximately $11.4 million. Clear Channel terminated these interest rate swaps effective July 10, 2008 and received proceeds of approximately $15.4 million. These interest rate swaps were recorded on the balance sheet at fair value, which was equivalent to the proceeds received.

Secured Forward Exchange Contracts

In 2001, Clear Channel Investments, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Clear Channel, entered into two ten-year secured forward exchange contracts that monetized 2.9 million shares of its investment in American Tower Corporation (“AMT”). The AMT contracts had a value of $17.0 million recorded in “Other long term liabilities” at December 31, 2007. These contracts were not designated as a hedge of the Clear Channel’s cash flow exposure of the forecasted sale of the AMT shares. During the years ended December 31, 2007 and 2006, Clear Channel recognized losses of $6.7 million and $22.0 million, respectively, in “Gain (loss) on marketable securities” related to the change in the fair value of these contracts. To offset the change in the fair value of these contracts, Clear Channel recorded AMT shares as trading securities. During the years ended December 31, 2007 and 2006, Clear Channel recognized income of $10.7 million and $20.5 million, respectively, in “Gain (loss) on marketable securities” related to the change in the fair value of the shares. Clear Channel terminated the contracts effective June 13, 2008, receiving net proceeds of $15.2 million. A net gain of $27.0 million was recorded in the pre-merger period in “Gain on marketable securities” related to terminating the contracts and selling the underlying AMT shares.

Foreign Currency Rate Management

Clear Channel held two United States dollar — Euro cross currency swaps with an aggregate Euro notional amount of €706.0 million and a corresponding aggregate U.S. dollar notional amount of $877.7 million. These cross currency swaps had a value of $127.4 million at December 31, 2007 and were recorded in “Other long-term obligations”. Clear Channel designated the cross currency swaps as a hedge of its net investment in Euro denominated assets. Clear Channel recorded all changes in the fair value of the cross currency swaps and the semiannual cash payments as a cumulative translation adjustment in other comprehensive income (loss). As of December 31, 2007, a $73.5 million loss, net of tax, was recorded as a cumulative translation adjustment to “Other comprehensive income (loss)” related to the cross currency swaps. Clear Channel terminated its cross currency swap contracts on July 30, 2008 by paying the counterparty $196.2 million from available cash on hand. The contracts were recorded on the balance sheet at fair value, which was equivalent to the cash paid to terminate them. The related fair value adjustments in other comprehensive income were deleted when the merger took place.

 

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NOTE I – FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS

The Company adopted Financial Accounting Standards Board Statement No. 157, Fair Value Measurements (“Statement 157”) on January 1, 2008 and began to apply its recognition and disclosure provisions to its financial assets and financial liabilities that are remeasured at fair value at least annually. Statement 157 establishes a three-tier fair value hierarchy, which prioritizes the inputs used in measuring fair value. These tiers include: Level 1, defined as observable inputs such as quoted prices in active markets; Level 2, defined as inputs other than quoted prices in active markets that are either directly or indirectly observable; and Level 3, defined as unobservable inputs in which little or no market data exists, therefore requiring an entity to develop its own assumptions.

The Company’s marketable equity securities and interest rate swaps are measured at fair value on each reporting date.

The marketable equity securities are measured at fair value using quoted prices in active markets. Due to the fact that the inputs used to measure the marketable equity securities at fair value are observable, the Company has categorized the fair value measurements of the securities as Level 1. The fair value of these securities at December 31, 2008 was $27.1 million.

The Company’s aggregate $6.0 billion notional amount of interest rate swap agreements are designated as a cash flow hedge and the effective portion of the gain or loss on the swap is reported as a component of other comprehensive income. The Company entered into the swaps to effectively convert a portion of its floating-rate debt to a fixed basis, thus reducing the impact of interest-rate changes on future interest expense. Due to the fact that the inputs to the model used to estimate fair value are either directly or indirectly observable, the Company classified the fair value measurements of these agreements as Level 2. The aggregate fair value of the interest rate swaps at December 31, 2008 was a liability of $118.8 million.

NOTE J – COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

The Company accounts for its rentals that include renewal options, annual rent escalation clauses, minimum franchise payments and maintenance related to displays under the guidance in EITF 01-8, Determining Whether an Arrangement Contains a Lease (“EITF 01-8”), Financial Accounting Standards No. 13, Accounting for Leases, Financial Accounting Standards No. 29, Determining Contingent Rentals an amendment of FASB Statement No. 13 (“Statement 29”) and FASB Technical Bulletin 85-3, Accounting for Operating Leases with Scheduled Rent Increases (“FTB 85-3”).

The Company considers its non-cancelable contracts that enable it to display advertising on buses, taxis, trains, bus shelters, etc. to be leases in accordance with the guidance in EITF 01-8. These contracts may contain minimum annual franchise payments which generally escalate each year. The Company accounts for these minimum franchise payments on a straight-line basis in accordance with FTB 85-3. If the rental increases are not scheduled in the lease, for example an increase based on the CPI, those rents are considered contingent rentals and are recorded as expense when accruable. Other contracts may contain a variable rent component based on revenue. The Company accounts for these variable components as contingent rentals under Statement 29, and records these payments as expense when accruable.

The Company accounts for annual rent escalation clauses included in the lease term on a straight-line basis under the guidance in FTB 85-3. The Company considers renewal periods in determining its lease terms if at inception of the lease there is reasonable assurance the lease will be renewed. Expenditures for maintenance are charged to operations as incurred, whereas expenditures for renewal and betterments are capitalized.

The Company leases office space, certain broadcasting facilities, equipment and the majority of the land occupied by its outdoor advertising structures under long-term operating leases. The Company accounts for these leases in accordance with the policies described above.

The Company’s contracts with municipal bodies or private companies relating to street furniture, billboard, transit and malls generally require the Company to build bus stops, kiosks and other public amenities or advertising structures during the term of the contract. The Company owns these structures and is generally allowed to advertise on them for the remaining term of the contract. Once the Company has built the structure, the cost is capitalized and expensed over the shorter of the economic life of the asset or the remaining life of the contract.

Certain of the Company’s contracts contain penalties for not fulfilling its commitments related to its obligations to build bus stops, kiosks and other public amenities or advertising structures. Historically, any such penalties have not materially impacted the Company’s financial position or results of operations.

 

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As of December 31, 2008, the Company’s future minimum rental commitments under non-cancelable operating lease agreements with terms in excess of one year, minimum payments under non-cancelable contracts in excess of one year, and capital expenditure commitments consist of the following:

 

(In thousands)    Non-Cancelable
Operating Leases
   Non-Cancelable
Contracts
   Capital
Expenditures

2009

   $ 383,568    $ 673,900    $ 76,760

2010

     337,654      454,402      44,776

2011

     290,230      404,659      17,650

2012

     247,364      265,011      4,666

2013

     220,720      206,755      4,670

Thereafter

     1,265,574      643,535      3,141
                    

Total

   $ 2,745,110    $ 2,648,262    $ 151,663
                    

Rent expense charged to continuing operations for the post-merger period ended December 31, 2008 was $526.6 million. Rent expense charged to continuing operations for the pre-merger period ended July 30, 2008 was $755.4 million. Rent expense charged to continuing operations for the pre-merger periods 2007 and 2006 was $1.2 billion and $1.1 billion, respectively.

In November 2006 Plaintiff Grantley Patent Holdings, Ltd. sued Clear Channel and nine of its subsidiaries for patent infringement in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Texas, as described in more detail in the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed November 10, 2008 for the quarter ended September 30, 2008. On December 29, 2008, the parties entered into a settlement agreement. The settlement is on terms that are not material to us and does not constitute an admission of wrongdoing or liability by us.

The Company is currently involved in certain legal proceedings and, as required, has accrued its estimate of the probable costs for the resolution of these claims. 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.

In various areas in which the Company operates, outdoor advertising is the object of restrictive and, in some cases, prohibitive zoning and other regulatory provisions, either enacted or proposed. The impact to the Company of loss of displays due to governmental action has been somewhat mitigated by federal and state laws mandating compensation for such loss and constitutional restraints.

Certain acquisition agreements include deferred consideration payments based on performance requirements by the seller typically involving the completion of a development or obtaining appropriate permits that enable the Company to construct additional advertising displays. At December 31, 2008, the Company believes its maximum aggregate contingency, which is subject to performance requirements by the seller, is approximately $35.0 million. As the contingencies have not been met or resolved as of December 31, 2008, these amounts are not recorded. If future payments are made, amounts will be recorded as additional purchase price.

The Company is a party to various put agreements that may require additional investments to be made by the Company in the future. The put values are contingent upon the financial performance of the investee and are typically based on the investee meeting certain EBITDA targets, as defined in the agreement. The Company will continue to accrue additional amounts related to such contingent payments if and when it is determinable that the applicable financial performance targets will be met. The aggregate of these contingent payments, if performance targets are met, would not significantly impact the financial position or results of operations of the Company.

NOTE K – GUARANTEES

At December 31, 2008, the Company guaranteed $39.8 million of credit lines provided to certain of its international subsidiaries by a major international bank. Most of these credit lines related to intraday overdraft facilities covering participants in the Company’s European cash management pool. As of December 31, 2008, no amounts were outstanding under these agreements.

As of December 31, 2008, the Company had outstanding commercial standby letters of credit and surety bonds of $367.6 million and $211.4 million, respectively. Letters of credit in the amount of $154.8 million are collateral in support of surety bonds and these amounts would only be drawn under the letters of credit in the event the associated surety bonds were funded and the Company did not honor its reimbursement obligation to the issuers.

 

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These letters of credit and surety bonds relate to various operational matters including insurance, bid, and performance bonds as well as other items.

NOTE L – INCOME TAXES

Significant components of the provision for income tax expense (benefit) are as follows:

 

(In thousands)    Post-merger
period ended
December 31,
2008
         Pre-merger
period ended
July 30,

2008
    Pre-merger
2007
    Pre-merger
2006
 

Current - federal

   $ (100,578        $ (6,535   $ 187,700      $ 211,444   

Current - foreign

     15,755             24,870        43,776        40,454   

Current - state

     8,094             8,945        21,434        26,765   
                                     

Total current (benefit) expense

     (76,729          27,280        252,910        278,663   

Deferred - federal

     (555,679          145,149        175,524        185,053   

Deferred - foreign

     (17,762          (12,662     (1,400     (9,134

Deferred - state

     (46,453          12,816        14,114        15,861   
                                     

Total deferred (benefit) expense

     (619,894          145,303        188,238        191,780   
                                     

Income tax (benefit) expense

   $ (696,623        $ 172,583      $ 441,148      $ 470,443   
                                     

Significant components of the Company’s deferred tax liabilities and assets as of December 31, 2008 and 2007 are as follows:

 

(In thousands)          
     2008    2007

Deferred tax liabilities:

     

Intangibles and fixed assets

   $ 2,332,924    $ 921,497

Long-term debt

     352,057      —  

Unrealized gain in marketable securities

     —        20,715

Foreign

     87,654      7,799

Equity in earnings

     27,872      44,579

Investments

     15,268      17,585

Deferred Income

     —        4,940

Other

     25,836      11,814
             

Total deferred tax liabilities

     2,841,611      1,028,929

Deferred tax assets:

     

Accrued expenses

     129,684      91,080

Long-term debt

     —        56,026

Unrealized gain in marketable securities

     29,438      —  

Net operating loss/Capital loss carryforwards

     319,530      521,187

Bad debt reserves

     28,248      14,051

Deferred Income

     976      —  

Other

     17,857      90,511
             

Total gross deferred tax assets

     525,733      772,855

Valuation allowance

     319,530      516,922
             

Total deferred tax assets

     206,203      255,933
             

Net deferred tax liabilities

   $ 2,635,408    $ 772,996
             

For the year ended December 31, 2008, the Company recorded approximately $2.5 billion in additional deferred tax liabilities associated with the applied purchase accounting adjustments resulting from the acquisition of Clear Channel. The additional deferred tax liabilities primarily relate to differences between the purchase accounting adjusted book basis and the historical tax basis of the Company’s intangible assets. During the post-merger period ended December 31, 2008, the Company recorded an impairment charge to its FCC licenses, permits and tax deductible goodwill resulting in a decrease of approximately $648.2 million in recorded deferred tax liabilities. Included in the Company’s net deferred tax liabilities are $43.9 million and $20.9 million of current net deferred tax assets for 2008 and 2007, respectively. The Company presents these assets in “Other current assets” on its consolidated balance sheets. The remaining $2.7 billion and $793.9 million of net deferred tax liabilities for 2008 and 2007, respectively, are presented in “Deferred tax liabilities” on the consolidated balance sheets.

 

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At December 31, 2008, net deferred tax liabilities include a deferred tax asset of $16.1 million relating to stock-based compensation expense under Statement 123(R). Full realization of this deferred tax asset requires stock options to be exercised at a price equaling or exceeding the sum of the grant price plus the fair value of the option at the grant date and restricted stock to vest at a price equaling or exceeding the fair market value at the grant date. Accordingly, there can be no assurance that the stock price of the Company’s common stock will rise to levels sufficient to realize the entire tax benefit currently reflected in its balance sheet.

The deferred tax liability related to intangibles and fixed assets primarily relates to the difference in book and tax basis of acquired FCC licenses, permits and tax deductible goodwill created from the Company’s various stock acquisitions. In accordance with Statement 142, the Company no longer amortizes FCC licenses and permits. As a result, this deferred tax liability will not reverse over time unless the Company recognizes future impairment charges related to its FCC licenses, permits and tax deductible goodwill or sells its FCC licenses or permits. As the Company continues to amortize its tax basis in its FCC licenses, permits and tax deductible goodwill, the deferred tax liability will increase over time.

During 2005, Clear Channel recognized a capital loss of approximately $2.4 billion as a result of the spin-off of Live Nation. Of the $2.4 billion capital loss, approximately $734.5 million was used to offset capital gains recognized in 2002, 2003 and 2004 and Clear Channel received the related $257.0 million tax refund on October 12, 2006. During 2008, Clear Channel used $585.3 million of the capital loss to offset the gain on sale of its television business and certain radio stations. As of December 31, 2008, the remaining capital loss carryforward is approximately $699.6 million and it can be used to offset future capital gains through 2009. The Company has recorded an after tax valuation allowance of $257.4 million related to the capital loss carryforward due to the uncertainty of the ability to utilize the carryforward prior to its expiration. If the Company is able to utilize the capital loss carryforward in future years, the valuation allowance will be released and be recorded as a current tax benefit in the year the losses are utilized.

The reconciliation of income tax computed at the U.S. federal statutory tax rates to income tax expense (benefit) is:

 

(In thousands)    Post-merger period ended
December 31, 2008
         Pre-merger period
ended July 30, 2008
    2007     2006  
     Amount     Percent          Amount     Percent     Amount     Percent     Amount    Percent  

Income tax expense (benefit) at statutory rates

   $ (2,008,040   35        $ 205,108      35   $ 448,298      35   $ 399,423    35

State income taxes, net of federal tax benefit

     (38,359   1          21,760      4     35,548      3     42,626    4

Foreign taxes

     95,478      (2 )%           (29,606   (5 )%      (8,857   (1 )%      6,391    1

Nondeductible items

     1,591      (0 )%           2,464      0     6,228      0     2,607    0

Changes in valuation allowance and other estimates

     53,877      (1 )%           (32,256   (6 )%      (34,005   (3 )%      16,482    1

Impairment charge

     1,194,182      (21 )%           —        —          —        —          —      —     

Other, net

     4,648      (0 )%           5,113      1     (6,064   (0 )%      2,914    0
                                            
   $ (696,623   12        $ 172,583      29   $ 441,148      34   $ 470,443    41
                                            

A tax benefit was recorded for the post-merger period ended December 31, 2008 of 12% and reflects the Company’s ability to recover a limited amount of the Company’s prior period tax liabilities through certain net operating loss carrybacks. Due to the lack of earnings history as a merged company and limitations on net operating loss carryback claims allowed; the Company cannot rely on future earnings and carryback claims as a means to realize deferred tax assets which may arise as a result of future period net operating losses. Pursuant to the provision of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 109, Accounting for Income Taxes, deferred tax valuation allowances would be required on those deferred tax assets. The effective tax rate for the post-merger period was primarily impacted due to the impairment charge. In addition, the Company recorded a valuation allowance on certain net operating losses generated during the post-merger period that are not able to be carried back to prior years. The effective tax rate for the pre-merger period was primarily impacted by the tax effect of the disposition of certain radio broadcasting assets and investments.

During 2007, Clear Channel utilized approximately $2.2 million of net operating loss carryforwards, the majority of which were generated by certain acquired companies prior to their acquisition by Clear Channel. The utilization of the net operating loss carryforwards reduced current taxes payable and current tax expense for the year ended December 31, 2007. Clear Channel’s effective income tax rate for 2007 was 34.4% as compared to 41.2% for 2006. For 2007, the effective tax rate was primarily affected by the recording of current tax benefits of approximately $45.7 million related to the settlement of several tax positions with the Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) for the 1999 through 2004 tax years and deferred tax benefits of approximately $14.6 million related to the release of valuation allowances for the use of certain capital loss carryforwards. These tax benefits were partially offset by additional current tax expense being recorded in 2007 due to an increase in Income before income taxes of $139.6 million.

 

64


During 2006, Clear Channel utilized approximately $70.3 million of net operating loss carryforwards, the majority of which were generated during 2005. The utilization of the net operating loss carryforwards reduced current taxes payable and current tax expense for the year ended December 31, 2006. In addition, current tax expense was reduced by approximately $22.1 million related to the disposition of certain operating assets and the filing of an amended tax return during 2006. As discussed above, the Company recorded a capital loss on the spin-off of Live Nation. During 2006 the amount of capital loss carryforward and the related valuation allowance was adjusted to the final amount reported on our 2005 filed tax return.

The remaining federal net operating loss carryforwards of $168.8 million expires in various amounts from 2009 to 2028.

The Company adopted Financial Accounting Standard Board Interpretation No. 48, Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes (“FIN 48”) on January 1, 2007. FIN 48 clarifies the accounting for uncertainty in income taxes recognized in the financial statements. FIN 48 prescribes a recognition threshold for the financial statement recognition and measurement of a tax position taken or expected to be taken within an income tax return. The adoption of FIN 48 resulted in a decrease of $0.2 million to the January 1, 2007 balance of “Retained deficit”, an increase of $101.7 million in “Other long term-liabilities” for unrecognized tax benefits and a decrease of $123.0 million in “Deferred income taxes”. The total amount of unrecognized tax benefits at January 1, 2007 was $416.1 million, inclusive of $89.6 million for interest.

The Company continues to record interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits in current income tax expense. The total amount of interest accrued at December 31, 2008 and 2007 was $53.5 million and $43.0 million, respectively. The total amount of unrecognized tax benefits and accrued interest and penalties at December 31, 2008 and 2007 was $267.8 million and $237.1 million, respectively, and is recorded in “Other long-term liabilities” on the Company’s consolidated balance sheets. Of this total, $250.0 million at December 31, 2008 represents the amount of unrecognized tax benefits and accrued interest and penalties that, if recognized, would favorably affect the effective income tax rate in future periods.

 

Unrecognized Tax Benefits (In thousands)

 

   Post-merger period
ended December 31,
2008
         Pre-merger period
ended July 30,
2008
    Pre-merger
2007
 

Balance at beginning of period

   $ 207,884           $ 194,060      $ 326,478   

Increases for tax position taken in the current year

     35,942             8,845        18,873   

Increases for tax positions taken in previous years

     3,316             7,019        45,404   

Decreases for tax position taken in previous years

     (20,564          (1,764     (175,036

Decreases due to settlements with tax authorities

     (9,975          (276     (21,200

Decreases due to lapse of statute of limitations

     (2,294          —          (459
                             

Balance at end of period

   $ 214,309           $ 207,884      $ 194,060   
                             

The Company and its subsidiaries file income tax returns in the United States federal jurisdiction and various state and foreign jurisdictions. As stated above, the Company settled several federal tax positions with the Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) during the year ended December 31, 2007. As a result of the settlement the Company reduced its balance of unrecognized tax benefits by $246.2 million. During 2008, the Company favorably settled certain issues in foreign jurisdictions that resulted in the decrease in unrecognized tax benefits. In addition, as a result of the currency fluctuations during 2008, the balance of unrecognized tax benefits decreased approximately $12.0 million. The IRS is currently auditing the Company’s 2005 and 2006 tax years. The Company does not expect to resolve any material federal tax positions within the next twelve months. Substantially all material state, local, and foreign income tax matters have been concluded for years through 2000.

NOTE M – SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

In connection with the merger, the Company issued approximately 23.6 million shares of Class A common stock, approximately 0.6 million shares of Class B common stock and approximately 59.0 million shares of Class C common stock. Every holder of shares of Class A common stock is entitled to one vote for each share of Class A common stock. Every holder of shares of Class B common stock is entitled to a number of votes per share equal to the number obtained by dividing (a) the sum of the total number of shares of Class B common stock outstanding as of the record date for such vote and the number of shares of Class C common stock outstanding as of the record date for such vote by (b) the number of shares of Class B common stock outstanding as of the record date for such vote. Except as otherwise required by law, the holders of outstanding shares of Class C common stock are not entitled to any votes upon any matters presented to our stockholders.

Except with respect to voting as described above, and as otherwise required by law, all shares of Class A common stock, Class B common stock and Class C common stock have the same powers, privileges, preferences and relative participating, optional or other special rights, and the qualifications, limitations or restrictions thereof, and will be identical to each other in all respects.

 

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Vesting of certain Clear Channel stock options and restricted stock awards was accelerated upon closing of the merger. As a result, except for certain executive officers and holders of certain options that could not, by their terms, be cancelled prior to their stated expiration date, holders of stock options received cash or, if elected, an amount of Company stock, in each case equal to the intrinsic value of the awards based on a market price of $36.00 per share. Holders of restricted stock awards received $36.00 per share in cash, without interest, if elected, or a share of Company stock per share of Clear Channel restricted stock. Approximately $39.2 million of share-based compensation was recognized in the pre-merger period as a result of the accelerated vesting of the stock options and restricted stock awards.

Dividends

Clear Channel’s Board of Directors declared quarterly cash dividends as follows.

(In millions, except per share data)

 

Declaration

Date

   Amount
per
Common
Share
  

Record Date

   Payment Date    Total
Payment

2007:

           

February 21, 2007

   0.1875   

March 31, 2007

   April 15, 2007    $ 93.0

April 19, 2007

   0.1875   

June 30, 2007

   July 15, 2007      93.4

July 27, 2007

   0.1875   

September 30, 2007

   October 15, 2007      93.4

December 3, 2007

   0.1875   

December 31, 2007

   January 15, 2008      93.4

Clear Channel did not declare dividends in 2008. The Company currently does not intend to pay regular quarterly cash dividends on the shares of its Class A common stock. Clear Channel’s debt financing arrangements include restrictions on its ability to pay dividends thereby limiting the Company’s ability to pay dividends.

Share-Based Payments

Stock Options

Prior to the merger, Clear Channel granted options to purchase its common stock to its employees and directors and its affiliates under its various equity incentive plans typically at no less than the fair value of the underlying stock on the date of grant. These options were granted for a term not exceeding ten years and were forfeited, except in certain circumstances, in the event the employee or director terminated his or her employment or relationship with Clear Channel or one of its affiliates. Prior to acceleration, if any, in connection with the merger, these options vested over a period of up to five years. All equity incentive plans contained anti-dilutive provisions that permitted an adjustment of the number of shares of Clear Channel’s common stock represented by each option for any change in capitalization.

At July 30, 2008, immediately prior to the effectiveness of the merger, there were 23,433,092 outstanding Clear Channel stock options held by Clear Channel’s employees and directors under Clear Channel’s equity incentive plans. Of these Clear Channel stock options, 7,407,103 had an exercise price below $36.00, and were considered “in the money.” Each Clear Channel stock option that was outstanding and unexercised as of the date of the merger, other than certain stock options described below, whether vested or unvested, automatically became fully vested and converted into the right to receive a cash payment or equity in the Company equal to the value of the product of the excess, if any, of the $36.00 over the exercise price per share of the Clear Channel stock option. Following the merger, Clear Channel stock options automatically ceased to exist and are no longer outstanding and, following the receipt of the cash payment or equity, if any, described in the preceding sentence, the holders thereof ceased to have any rights with respect to Clear Channel stock options.

Some of the outstanding “in the money” Clear Channel stock options held by certain executive officers were not converted into the right to receive a cash payment or equity in the Company based on their intrinsic value on the date of the merger, but rather were converted into options to purchase shares of the Company following the merger. Such conversions were based on the fair market value of Company stock on the merger date and also preserved the aggregate spread value of the converted options. An aggregate of 1,749,075 shares of Clear Channel stock options held by these executive officers with a weighted average exercise price of $32.63 per share were converted into vested stock options to purchase 235,393 shares of the Company’s Class A common stock with a weighted average exercise price of $10.99 per share. Additionally, vested options to acquire 170,329 shares of Clear Channel common stock at a weighted average exercise price of $57.28 on the date of the merger could not, by their terms, be cancelled prior to their stated expiration date. These stock options were converted, on a one-for-one basis, into stock options to acquire shares of the Company’s Class A common stock.

 

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The following table presents a summary of Clear Channel’s stock options outstanding at and stock option activity during the pre-merger period from January 1 through July 30, 2008 (“Price” reflects the weighted average exercise price per share):

 

(In thousands, except per share data)           
     Options     Price

Outstanding, January 1, 2008

   30,643      $ 43.56

Granted

   —          n/a

Exercised (a)

   (438     30.85

Forfeited

   (298     31.47

Expired

   (22,330     47.61

Settled at merger (b)

   (5,658     32.16

Converted into options in the Company

   (1,919     34.82
        

Outstanding, July 30, 2008

   0        n/a
        

 

(a) Cash received from option exercises during the pre-merger period from January 1 through July 30, 2008 was $13.5 million, and Clear Channel received an income tax benefit of $0.9 million relating to the options exercised during the pre-merger period from January 1 through July 30, 2008. The cash flows from the tax benefits resulting from tax deductions in excess of the compensation cost recognized for those options (excess tax benefits) is to be classified as financing cash flows. The excess tax benefit that is required to be classified as a financing cash inflow is not material. The total intrinsic value of options exercised during the pre-merger period from January 1 through July 30, 2008 was $1.7 million.
(b) Clear Channel received an income tax benefit of $8.1 million relating to the options settled upon the closing of the merger.

A summary of Clear Channel’s unvested options at December 31, 2007, and changes during the pre-merger period from January 1 through July 30, 2008, is presented below:

 

(In thousands, except per share data)    Options     Weighted Average
Grant Date

Fair Value

Unvested, January 1, 2008

   6,817      $ 10.80

Granted

   —          n/a

Vested (a)

   (6,519     10.81

Forfeited

   (298     8.33
        

Unvested, July 30, 2008

   0        n/a
        

 

(a) The total fair value of options vested during the pre-merger period from January 1 through July 30, 2008 was $71.2 million. Upon closing of the merger, 4.1 million Clear Channel unvested stock options became vested. As a result, Clear Channel recorded $12.9 million in non-cash compensation expense on July 30, 2008.

In connection with, and prior to, the merger, the Company adopted a new equity incentive plan (“2008 Incentive Plan”), under which it grants options to purchase its Class A common stock to its employees and directors and its affiliates at no less than the fair value of the underlying stock on the date of grant. These options are granted for a term not exceeding ten years and are forfeited, except in certain circumstances, in the event the employee or director terminates his or her employment or relationship with the Company or one of its affiliates. The 2008 Incentive Plan contains antidilutive provisions that permit an adjustment of the number of shares of the Company’s common stock represented by each option for any change in capitalization.

On July 30, 2008, the Company granted 7,417,307 options to purchase Class A common stock to certain key executives at $36.00 per share under the 2008 Incentive Plan. Of these options, 3,166,830 will vest based solely on continued service over a period of up to five years with the remainder becoming eligible to vest over five years if certain predetermined performance targets are met. All options were granted for a term of ten years and will be forfeited, except in certain circumstances, in the event the employee terminates his or her employment or relationship with the Company. The fair value of the portion of options that vest based on continued service was estimated on the grant date using a Black-Scholes option-pricing model and the fair value of the remaining options which contain vesting provisions subject to service, market and performance conditions was estimated on the grant date using a Monte Carlo model. Expected volatilities were based on implied volatilities from traded options on peer companies, historical volatility on peer companies’ stock, and other factors. The expected life of the options granted represents the period of time that the options granted are expected to be outstanding. The Company used historical data to estimate option exercises and employee terminations within the valuation model. The risk free interest rate is based on the U.S. Treasury yield curve in effect at the time of grant for periods equal to the expected life of the option. The following assumptions were used to calculate the fair value of these options:

 

Expected volatility

   58

Expected life in years

   5.5 – 7.5   

Risk-free interest rate

   3.46% – 3.83

Dividend yield

   0

 

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The following table presents a summary of the Company’s stock options outstanding at and stock option activity during the post-merger period from July 31 through December 31, 2008 (“Price” reflects the weighted average exercise price per share):

 

(In thousands, except per share data)    Options     Price    Weighted Average
Remaining
Contractual Term
   Aggregate
Intrinsic
Value

Clear Channel options converted

   406      $ 30.42      

Granted (a)

   7,417        36.00      

Exercised

   —          n/a      

Forfeited

   (64     36.00      

Expired

   (8     46.32      
              

Outstanding, December 31, 2008

   7,751        35.70    9.28 years    $ 0
              

Exercisable

   397        30.05    3.73 years    $ 0

Expect to Vest

   3,004        36.00    9.58 years    $ 0

 

(a) The weighted average grant date fair value of options granted on July 30, 2008 was $21.20. Non-cash compensation expense has not been recorded with respect to 4.3 million shares of this grant as the vesting of these options is subject to performance conditions that have not yet been determined probable to meet.

A summary of the Company’s unvested options and changes during the post-merger period from July 31 through December 31, 2008, is presented below:

 

(In thousands, except per share data)    Options     Weighted Average
Grant Date

Fair Value

Granted

   7,417      $ 21.20

Vested

   —          n/a

Forfeited

   (63     20.73
        

Unvested, December 31, 2008

   7,354        21.20
        

Restricted Stock Awards

Prior to the merger, Clear Channel granted restricted stock awards to its employees and directors and its affiliates under its various equity incentive plans. These common shares held a legend which restricted their transferability for a term of up to five years and were forfeited, except in certain circumstances, in the event the employee or director terminated his or her employment or relationship with Clear Channel prior to the lapse of the restriction. Recipients of the restricted stock awards were entitled to all cash dividends as of the date the award was granted.

At July 30, 2008, there were 2,692,904 outstanding Clear Channel restricted stock awards held by Clear Channel’s employees and directors under Clear Channel’s equity incentive plans. Pursuant to the Merger Agreement, 1,876,315 of the Clear Channel restricted stock awards became fully vested and converted into the right to receive, with respect to each share of such restricted stock, a cash payment or equity in the Company equal to the value of $36.00 per share. The remaining 816,589 shares of Clear Channel restricted stock were converted on a one-for-one basis into restricted stock of the Company. These converted shares continue to vest in accordance with their original terms. Following the merger, Clear Channel restricted stock automatically ceased to exist and is no longer outstanding, and, following the receipt of the cash payment or equity, if any, described above, the holders thereof no longer have any rights with respect to Clear Channel restricted stock.

 

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The following table presents a summary of Clear Channel’s restricted stock outstanding at and restricted stock activity during the pre-merger period from January 1 through July 30, 2008 (“Price” reflects the weighted average share price at the date of grant):

 

(In thousands, except per share data)           
     Awards     Price

Outstanding, January 1, 2008

   3,301      $ 34.52

Granted

   —          n/a

Vested (restriction lapsed) (a)

   (470     36.58

Forfeited

   (138     33.60

Settled at merger (b)

   (1,876     32.53

Converted into restricted stock of the Company

   (817     38.06
        

Outstanding, July 30, 2008

   0        n/a
        

 

(a) Clear Channel received an income tax benefit of $6.5 million relating to restricted shares that vested during the pre-merger period from January 1 through July 30, 2008.
(b) Upon closing of the merger, 1.9 million shares of Clear Channel restricted stock became vested. As a result, Clear Channel recorded $26.3 million in non-cash compensation on July 30, 2008. Clear Channel received an income tax benefit of $25.4 million relating to the restricted shares settled upon closing of the merger, $23.2 million was recorded as a tax benefit on the consolidated statements of operations and $2.2 million was recorded to additional paid in capital.

On July 30, 2008, the Company granted 555,556 shares of restricted stock to each its Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer under its 2008 Incentive Plan. The aggregate fair value of these awards was $40.0 million, based on the market value of a share of the Company’s Class A common stock on the grant date, or $36.00 per share. These Class A common shares are subject to restrictions on their transferability, which lapse ratably over a term of five years and will be forfeited, except in certain circumstances, in the event the employee terminates his employment or relationship with the Company prior to the lapse of the restriction. The following table presents a summary of the Company’s restricted stock outstanding at and restricted stock activity during the post-merger period from July 31 through December 31, 2008 (“Price” reflects the weighted average share price at the date of grant):

 

(In thousands, except per share data)           
     Awards     Price

Clear Channel restricted stock converted

   817      $ 36.00

Granted

   1,111        36.00

Vested (restriction lapsed)

   (1     36.00

Forfeited

   (40     36.00
        

Outstanding, December 31, 2008

   1,887        36.00
        

Subsidiary Share-Based Awards

The Company’s subsidiary, Clear Channel Outdoor Holdings, Inc. (“CCO”), grants options to purchase shares of its Class A common stock to its employees and directors and its affiliates under its equity incentive plan typically at no less than the fair market value of the underlying stock on the date of grant. These options are granted for a term not exceeding ten years and are forfeited, except in certain circumstances, in the event the employee or director terminates his or her employment or relationship with CCO or one of its affiliates. These options vest over a period of up to five years. The incentive stock plan contains anti-dilutive provisions that permit an adjustment of the number of shares of CCO’s common stock represented by each option for any change in capitalization.

Prior to CCO’s IPO, CCO did not have any compensation plans under which it granted stock awards to employees. However, Clear Channel had granted certain of CCO’s officers and other key employees, stock options to purchase shares of Clear Channel’s common stock under its own equity incentive plans. Concurrent with the closing of CCO’s IPO, all such outstanding options to purchase shares of Clear Channel’s common stock held by CCO employees were converted using an intrinsic value method into options to purchase shares of CCO Class A common stock.

The fair value of each option awarded on CCO common stock is estimated on the date of grant using a Black-Scholes option-pricing model. Expected volatilities are based on implied volatilities from traded options on CCO’s stock, historical volatility on CCO’s stock, and other factors. The expected life of options granted represents the period of time that options granted are expected to be outstanding. CCO uses historical data to estimate option exercises and employee terminations within the valuation model. CCO includes estimated forfeitures in its compensation cost and updates the estimated forfeiture rate through the final vesting date of awards. The risk free interest rate is based on the U.S. Treasury yield curve in effect at the time of grant for periods equal to the expected life of the option. The following assumptions were used to calculate the fair value of CCO’s options on the date of grant:

 

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     Post-Merger    Pre-Merger  
   Period from
July 31
through
December 31,
   Period from
January 1
through

July 30,
    Year Ended
December 31,
    Year Ended
December 31,
 
   2008    2008     2007     2006  

Expected volatility

   n/a    27   27   27

Expected life in years

   n/a    5.5 – 7.0      5.0 – 7.0      5.0 – 7.5   

Risk-free interest rate

   n/a    3.24% – 3.38   4.76% – 4.89   4.58% – 5.08

Dividend yield

   n/a    0   0   0

The following table presents a summary of CCO’s stock options outstanding at and stock option activity during the year ended December 31, 2008 (“Price” reflects the weighted average exercise price per share):

 

(In thousands, except per share data)    Options     Price    Weighted
Average
Remaining
Contractual Term
   Aggregate
Intrinsic
Value
Pre-Merger           

Outstanding, January 1, 2008

   7,536      $ 23.08      

Granted (a)

   1,881        20.64      

Exercised (b)

   (233     18.28      

Forfeited

   (346     19.95      

Expired

   (548     30.62      
              

Outstanding, July 30, 2008

   8,290        22.30      
Post-Merger           

Granted

   —          n/a      

Exercised

   —          n/a      

Forfeited

   (49     19.87      

Expired

   (528     26.41      
              

Outstanding, December 31, 2008

   7,713        22.03    5.2 years    $ —  
              

Exercisable

   2,979        24.28    2.4 years      —  

Expect to vest

   4,734        20.62    6.9 years      —  

 

(a) The weighted average grant date fair value of CCO options granted during the pre-merger prior from January 1, 2008 through July 30, 2008 was $7.10. The weighted average grant date fair value of CCO options granted during the pre-merger years ended December 31, 2007 and 2006 was $11.05 and $6.76, respectively.
(b) Cash received from CCO option exercises during the pre-merger period from January 1, 2008 through July 30, 2008, was $4.3 million. Cash received from CCO option exercises during the pre-merger year ended December 31, 2007, was $10.8 million. The total intrinsic value of CCO options exercised during the pre-merger period from January 1, 2008 through July 30, 2008, was $0.7 million. The total intrinsic value of CCO options exercised during the pre-merger years ended December 31, 2007 and 2006 was $2.0 million and $0.3 million, respectively.

 

70


A summary of CCO’s nonvested options at and changes during the year ended December 31, 2008, is presented below:

 

(In thousands, except per share data)    Options     Weighted
Average
Grant Date
Fair Value
Pre-Merger     

Nonvested, January 1, 2008

   4,622      $ 7.01

Granted

   1,881        7.10

Vested (a)

   (978     5.81

Forfeited

   (346     7.01
        

Nonvested, July 31, 2008

   5,179        7.28
Post-Merger     

Granted

   —          n/a

Vested (a)

   (396     5.81

Forfeited

   (49     7.17
        

Nonvested, December 31, 2008

   4,734        7.40
        

 

(a) The total fair value of CCO options vested during the pre-merger period from January 1, 2008 through July 30, 2008 was $5.7 million. The total fair value of CCO options vested during the post-merger period from July 31 through December 31, 2008 was $2.3 million. The total fair value of CCO options vested during the pre-merger years ended December 31, 2007 and 2006, was $2.0 million and $1.6 million, respectively.

Restricted Stock Awards

CCO also grants restricted stock awards to employees and directors of CCO and its affiliates. These common shares hold a legend which restricts their transferability for a term of up to five years and are forfeited, except in certain circumstances, in the event the employee terminates his or her employment or relationship with CCO prior to the lapse of the restriction. Restricted stock awards are granted under the CCO equity incentive plan.

The following table presents a summary of CCO’s restricted stock outstanding at and restricted stock activity during the year ended December 31, 2008 (“Price” reflects the weighted average share price at the date of grant):

 

(In thousands, except per share data)           
     Awards     Price
Pre-Merger     

Outstanding, January 1, 2008

   491      $ 24.57

Granted

   —          n/a

Vested (restriction lapsed)

   (72     29.03

Forfeited

   (15     25.77
        

Outstanding, July 30, 2008

   404        23.76
Post-Merger     

Granted

   —          n/a

Vested (restriction lapsed)

   (46     18.00

Forfeited

   (7     21.34
        

Outstanding, December 31, 2008

   351        24.54
        

 

71


Share-based compensation cost

The share-based compensation cost is measured at the grant date based on the fair value of the award and is recognized as expense on a straight-line basis over the vesting period. The following table presents the amount of share-based compensation recorded during the five months ended December 31, 2008, the seven months ended July 30, 2008 and the years ended December 31, 2007 and 2006:

 

(In thousands)    Post-Merger        Pre-Merger
   July 31 –
December 31,
2008
       January 1 –
July 30,

2008
   Year Ended
December 31,
2007
   Year Ended
December 31,
2006

Direct Expense

   $ 4,631        $ 21,162    $ 16,975    $ 16,142

Selling, General & Administrative Expense

     2,687          21,213      14,884      16,762

Corporate Expense

     8,593          20,348      12,192      9,126
                               

Total Share Based Compensation Expense

   $ 15,911        $ 62,723    $ 44,051    $ 42,030
                               

As of December 31, 2008, there was $130.3 million of unrecognized compensation cost, net of estimated forfeitures, related to unvested share-based compensation arrangements that will vest based on service conditions. This cost is expected to be recognized over four years. In addition, as of December 31, 2008, there was $80.2 million of unrecognized compensation cost, net of estimated forfeitures, related to unvested share-based compensation arrangements that will vest based on market, performance and service conditions. This cost will be recognized when it becomes probable that the performance condition will be satisfied.

Reconciliation of Earnings (Loss) per Share

 

     Post-merger
period ended
         Pre-merger
period ended
         
(In thousands, except per share data)    December 31,
2008
As adjusted(1)
         July 30,
2008
As adjusted(1)
   Pre-merger
2007
As adjusted(1)
   Pre-merger
2006
As adjusted(1)

NUMERATOR:

               

Income (loss) attributable to the Company before discontinued operations

   $ (5,041,998        $ 1,036,525    $ 938,507    $ 691,517

Less: Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net

     (1,845          640,236      145,833      52,678
                                 

Net income (loss) from continuing operations attributable to the Company

     (5,040,153          396,289      792,674      638,839

Less: Income (loss) before discontinued operations attributable to the Company – Unvested Shares

     —               2,333      4,786      2,768
                                 

Net income (loss) before discontinued operations attributable to the Company per common share – basic and diluted

   $ (5,040,153        $ 393,956    $ 787,888    $ 636,071
                                 
 

DENOMINATOR:

               

Weighted average common shares – basic

     81,242             495,044      494,347      500,786
 

Effect of dilutive securities:

               

Stock options and common stock warrants (2)

     —               1,475      1,437      853
                                 

Denominator for net income (loss) per common share – diluted

     81,242             496,519      495,784      501,639
                                 
 

Net income (loss) per common share:

               

Income (loss) attributable to the Company before discontinued operations – basic

   $ (62.04        $ .80    $ 1.59    $ 1.27

Discontinued operations – basic

     (.02          1.29      .30      .11
                                 

Net income (loss) attributable to the Company – basic

   $ (62.06        $ 2.09    $ 1.89    $ 1.38
                                 
 

Income (loss) attributable to the Company before discontinued operations – diluted

   $ (62.04        $ .80    $ 1.59    $ 1.27

Discontinued operations – diluted

     (.02          1.29      .29      .11
                                 

Net income (loss) attributable to the Company – diluted

   $ (62.06        $ 2.09    $ 1.88    $ 1.38
                                 

 

72


 

(1) Reflects implementation of Financial Accounting Standards Board Staff Position Emerging Issues Task Force 03-6-1, Determining Whether Instruments Granted in Share-Based Payment Transactions Are Participating Securities. See Note U for additional information.
(2) 7.6 million, 7.8 million, 22.2 million and 24.2 million stock options were outstanding at July 30, 2008, December 31, 2008, December 31, 2007 and December 31, 2006 that were not included in the computation of diluted earnings per share because to do so would have been anti-dilutive as the respective options’ strike price was greater than the current market price of the shares.

NOTE N – EMPLOYEE STOCK AND SAVINGS PLANS

The Company has various 401(k) savings and other plans for the purpose of providing retirement benefits for substantially all employees. Under these plans, an employee can make pre-tax contributions and the Company will match a portion of such an employee’s contribution. Employees vest in these Company matching contributions based upon their years of service to the Company. Contributions from continuing operations to these plans of $12.4 million for the post-merger period ended December 31, 2008 and $17.9 million for the pre-merger period ended July 30, 2008 were charged to expense. Contributions from continuing operations to these plans of $39.1 million and $36.2 million were charged to expense for 2007 and 2006, respectively.

Clear Channel sponsored a non-qualified employee stock purchase plan for all eligible employees. Under the plan, employees were provided with the opportunity to purchase shares of the Clear Channel’s common stock at 95% of the market value on the day of purchase. During each calendar year, employees were able to purchase shares having a value not exceeding 10% of their annual gross compensation or $25,000, whichever was lower. During 2006, employees purchased 144,444 shares at weighted average share price of $28.56. The Company stopped accepting contributions to this plan, effective January 1, 2007, as a condition of its Merger Agreement. Clear Channel terminated this plan upon the closing of the merger and each share held under the plan was converted into the right to receive a cash payment equal to the value of $36.00 per share.

Clear Channel offered a non-qualified deferred compensation plan for its highly compensated executives, under which such executives were able to make an annual election to defer up to 50% of their annual salary and up to 80% of their bonus before taxes. Clear Channel accounted for the plan in accordance with the provisions of EITF No. 97-14, Accounting for Deferred Compensation Arrangements Where Amounts Earned are Held in a Rabbi Trust and Invested. The asset and liability under the nonqualified deferred compensation plan at December 31, 2007 were approximately $39.5 million recorded in “Other assets” and $40.9 million recorded in “Other long-term liabilities”, respectively. Clear Channel terminated this plan upon the closing of the merger and the related asset and liability of approximately $38.4 million were settled.

The Company offers a non-qualified deferred compensation plan for its highly compensated executives, under which such executives are able to make an annual election to defer up to 50% of their annual salary and up to 80% of their bonus before taxes. The Company accounts for the plan in accordance with the provisions of EITF No. 97-14, Accounting for Deferred Compensation Arrangements Where Amounts Earned are Held in a Rabbi Trust and Invested. Matching credits on amounts deferred may be made in the Company’s sole discretion and the Company retains ownership of all assets until distributed. Participants in the plan have the opportunity to allocate their deferrals and any Company matching credits among different investment options, the performance of which is used to determine the amounts to be paid to participants under the plan. In accordance with the provisions of EITF No. 97-14, the assets and liabilities of the non-qualified deferred compensation plan are presented in “Other assets” and “Other long-term liabilities” in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets, respectively. The asset and liability under the deferred compensation plan at December 31, 2008 were approximately $2.5 million recorded in “Other assets” and $2.5 million recorded in Other long-term liabilities”, respectively.

 

73


NOTE O – OTHER INFORMATION

 

(In thousands)    Post-merger
period ended
December 31,
    Pre-merger
period ended
July 30,
    For the year ended
December 31,
 
     2008     2008     2007     2006  

The following details the components of “Other income (expense) – net”:

        

Foreign exchange gain (loss)

   $ 21,323      $ 7,960      $ 6,743      $ (8,130

Gain (loss) on early redemption of debt

     108,174        (13,484     —          —     

Other

     2,008        412        (1,417     (463
                                

Total other income (expense) – net

   $ 131,505      $ (5,112   $ 5,326      $ (8,593
                                

The following details the income tax expense (benefit) on items of other comprehensive income (loss):

        

Foreign currency translation adjustments

   $ (20,946   $ (24,894   $ (16,233   $ (22,012

Unrealized gain (loss) on securities and derivatives:

        

Unrealized holding gain (loss)

   $ —        $ (27,047   $ (5,155   $ (37,091

Unrealized gain (loss) on cash flow derivatives

   $ (43,706   $ —        $ (1,035   $ 46,662   

 

(In thousands)    As of December 31,
     2008    2007
     Post-merger    Pre-merger

The following details the components of “Other current assets”:

     

Inventory

   $ 28,012    $ 27,900

Deferred tax asset

     43,903      20,854

Deposits

     7,162      27,696

Other prepayments

     53,280      90,631

Income taxes receivable

     46,615      —  

Other

     83,216      76,167
             

Total other current assets

   $ 262,188    $ 243,248
             
(In thousands)    As of December 31,
     2008    2007
     Post-merger    Pre-merger

The following details the components of “Other assets”:

     

Prepaid expenses

   $ 125,768    $ 18,709

Deferred loan costs

     295,143      11,678

Deposits

     27,943      14,507

Prepaid rent

     92,171      74,077

Other prepayments

     16,685      70,265

Prepaid income taxes

     —        75,096

Non-qualified plan assets

     2,550      39,459
             

Total other assets

   $ 560,260    $ 303,791
             
(In thousands)    As of December 31,
     2008    2007
     Post-merger    Pre-merger

The following details the components of “Other long-term liabilities”:

     

FIN 48 unrecognized tax benefits

   $ 266,852    $ 237,085

Asset retirement obligation

     55,592      70,497

Non-qualified plan liabilities

     2,550      40,932

SAILS obligation

     —        103,849

Interest rate swap

     118,785      —  

Other

     131,960      115,485
             

Total other long-term liabilities

   $ 575,739    $ 567,848
             

 

74


     2008     2007
     Post-merger     Pre-merger

The following details the components of “Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)”:

    

Cumulative currency translation adjustment

   $ (332,750   $ 286,091

Cumulative unrealized gain (losses) on securities

     (88,813     67,693

Reclassification adjustments and other

     95,113        —  

Cumulative unrealized gain (losses) on cash flow derivatives

     (75,079     1,723
              

Total accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)

   $ (401,529   $ 355,507
              

NOTE P – SEGMENT DATA

The Company’s reportable operating segments, which it believes best reflects how the Company is currently managed, are radio broadcasting, Americas outdoor advertising and international outdoor advertising. Revenue and expenses earned and charged between segments are recorded at fair value and eliminated in consolidation. The radio broadcasting segment also operates various radio networks. The Americas outdoor advertising segment consists of our operations primarily in the United States, Canada and Latin America, with approximately 92% of its 2008 revenue in this segment derived from the United States. The international outdoor segment includes operations in Europe, Asia and Australia. The Americas and international display inventory consists primarily of billboards, street furniture displays and transit displays. The other category includes the Company’s media representation firm as well as other general support services and initiatives which are ancillary to the Company’s other businesses. Share-based payments are recorded by each segment in direct operating and selling, general and administrative expenses.

 

75


(In thousands)    Radio
Broadcasting
   Americas
Outdoor

Advertising
   International
Outdoor

Advertising
    Other     Corporate and
other

reconciling
items
    Eliminations     Consolidated  

Post-Merger Period from July 31, 2008 through December 31, 2008

  

Revenue

   $ 1,355,894    $ 587,427    $ 739,797      $ 97,975      $ —        $ (44,152   $ 2,736,941   

Direct operating expenses

     409,090      276,602      486,102        46,193        —          (19,642     1,198,345   

Selling, general and administrative expenses

     530,445      114,260      147,264        39,328        —          (24,510     806,787   

Depreciation and amortization

     90,166      90,624      134,089        24,722        8,440        —          348,041   

Corporate expenses

     —        —        —          —          102,276        —          102,276   

Merger expenses

     —        —        —          —          68,085        —          68,085   

Impairment charge

     —        —        —          —          5,268,858        —          5,268,858   

Other operating income – net

     —        —        —          —          13,205        —          13,205   
                                                      

Operating income (loss)

   $ 326,193    $ 105,941    $ (27,658   $ (12,268   $ (5,434,454   $ —        $ (5,042,246
                                                      

Intersegment revenues

   $ 15,926    $ 3,985    $ —        $ 24,241      $ —        $ —        $ 44,152   

Identifiable assets

   $ 11,905,689    $ 5,187,838    $ 2,409,652      $ 1,016,073      $ 606,211      $ —        $ 21,125,463   

Capital expenditures

   $ 24,462    $ 93,146    $ 66,067      $ 2,567      $ 4,011      $ —        $ 190,253   

Share-based payments

   $ 3,399    $ 3,012    $ 797      $ 110      $ 8,593      $ —        $ 15,911   

Pre-Merger Period from January 1, 2008 through July 30, 2008

  

Revenue

   $ 1,937,980    $ 842,831    $ 1,119,232      $ 111,990      $ —        $ (60,291   $ 3,951,742   

Direct operating expenses

     570,234      370,924      748,508        46,490        —          (30,057     1,706,099   

Selling, general and administrative expenses

     652,162      138,629      206,217        55,685        —          (30,234     1,022,459   

Depreciation and amortization

     62,656      117,009      130,628        28,966        9,530        —          348,789   

Corporate expenses

     —        —        —          —          125,669        —          125,669   

Merger expenses

     —        —        —          —          87,684        —          87,684   

Other operating income – net

     —        —        —          —          14,827        —          14,827   
                                                      

Operating income (loss)

   $ 652,928    $ 216,269    $ 33,879      $ (19,151   $ (208,056   $ —        $ 675,869   
                                                      

Intersegment revenues

   $ 23,551    $ 4,561    $ —        $ 32,179      $ —        $ —        $ 60,291   

Identifiable assets

   $ 11,667,570    $ 2,876,051    $ 2,704,889      $ 558,638      $ 656,616      $ —        $ 18,463,764   

Capital expenditures

   $ 37,004    $ 82,672    $ 116,450      $ 1,609      $ 2,467      $ —        $ 240,202   

Share-based payments

   $ 34,386    $ 5,453    $ 1,370      $ 1,166      $ 20,348      $ —        $ 62,723   

 

76


(In thousands)    Radio
Broadcasting
   Americas
Outdoor

Advertising
   International
Outdoor

Advertising
   Other     Corporate and
other
reconciling
items
    Eliminations     Consolidated

Pre-merger 2007

                 

Revenue

   $ 3,558,534    $ 1,485,058    $ 1,796,778    $ 207,704      $ —        $ (126,872   $ 6,921,202

Direct operating expenses

     982,966      590,563      1,144,282      78,513        —          (63,320     2,733,004

Selling, general and administrative expenses

     1,190,083      226,448      311,546      97,414        —          (63,552     1,761,939

Depreciation and amortization

     107,466      189,853      209,630      43,436        16,242        —          566,627

Corporate expenses

     —        —        —        —          181,504        —          181,504

Merger expenses

     —        —        —        —          6,762        —          6,762

Other operating income – net

     —        —        —        —          14,113        —          14,113
                                                   

Operating income (loss)

   $ 1,278,019    $ 478,194    $ 131,320    $ (11,659   $ (190,395   $ —        $ 1,685,479
                                                   

Intersegment revenues

   $ 44,666    $ 13,733    $ —      $ 68,473      $ —        $ —        $ 126,872

Identifiable assets

   $ 11,732,311    $ 2,878,753    $ 2,606,130    $ 736,037      $ 345,404      $ —        $ 18,298,635

Capital expenditures

   $ 78,523    $ 142,826    $ 132,864    $ 2,418      $ 6,678      $ —        $ 363,309

Share-based payments

   $ 22,226    $ 7,932    $ 1,701    $ —        $ 12,192      $ —        $ 44,051

Pre-merger 2006

                 

Revenue

   $ 3,567,413    $ 1,341,356    $ 1,556,365    $ 223,929      $ —        $ (121,273   $ 6,567,790

Direct operating expenses

     994,686      534,365      980,477      82,372        —          (59,456     2,532,444

Selling, general and administrative expenses

     1,185,770      207,326      279,668      98,010        —          (61,817     1,708,957

Depreciation and amortization

     125,631      178,970      228,760      47,772        19,161        —          600,294

Corporate expenses

     —        —        —        —          196,319        —          196,319

Merger expenses

     —        —        —        —          7,633        —          7,633

Other operating income – net

     —        —        —        —          71,571        —          71,571
                                                   

Operating income (loss)

   $ 1,261,326    $ 420,695    $ 67,460    $ (4,225   $ (151,542   $ —        $ 1,593,714
                                                   

Intersegment revenues

   $ 40,119    $ 10,536    $ —      $ 70,618      $ —        $ —        $ 121,273

Identifiable assets

   $ 11,873,784    $ 2,820,737    $ 2,401,924    $ 701,239      $ 360,440      $ —        $ 18,158,124

Capital expenditures

   $ 93,264    $ 90,495    $ 143,387    $ 2,603      $ 6,990      $ —        $ 336,739

Share-based payments

   $ 25,237    $ 4,699    $ 1,312    $ 1,656      $ 9,126      $ —        $ 42,030

Revenue of $799.8 million and identifiable assets of $2.6 billion derived from foreign operations are included in the data above for the post-merger period from July 31, 2008 through December 31, 2008. Revenue of $1.2 billion and identifiable assets of $2.9 billion derived from foreign operations are included in the data above for the pre-merger period from January 1, 2008 through July 30, 2008. Revenue of $1.9 billion and $1.7 billion derived from the Company’s foreign operations are included in the data above for the years ended December 31, 2007 and 2006. Identifiable assets of $2.9 billion and $2.7 billion derived from the Company’s foreign operations are included in the data above for the years ended December 31, 2007 and 2006, respectively.

 

77


NOTE Q – QUARTERLY RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (Unaudited)

(In thousands, except per share data)

 

     March 31,     June 30,     September 30,     December 31,  
     2008     2007     2008     2007     2008     2007     2008     2007  
     Pre-merger     Pre-merger     Pre-merger     Pre-merger     Combined(1)     Pre-merger     Post-merger     Pre-merger  

Revenue

   $ 1,564,207      $ 1,505,077      $ 1,831,078      $ 1,802,192      $ 1,684,593      $ 1,751,165      $ 1,608,805      $ 1,862,768   

Operating expenses:

                

Direct operating expenses

     705,947        627,879        743,485        676,255        730,405        689,681        724,607        739,189   

Selling, general and administrative expenses

     426,381        416,319        445,734        447,190        441,813        431,366        515,318        467,064   

Depreciation and amortization

     152,278        139,685        142,188        141,309        162,463        139,650        239,901        145,983   

Corporate expenses

     46,303        48,150        47,974        43,044        64,787        47,040        68,881        43,270   

Merger expenses

     389        1,686        7,456        2,684        79,839        2,002        68,085        390   

Impairment charge

     —          —          —          —          —          —          5,268,858        —     

Other operating income - net

     2,097        6,947        17,354        3,996        (3,782     678        12,363        2,492   
                                                                

Operating income (loss)

     235,006        278,305        461,595        495,706        201,504        442,104        (5,264,482     469,364   

Interest expense

     100,003        118,077        82,175        116,422        312,511        113,026        434,289        104,345   

Gain (loss) on marketable securities

     6,526        395        27,736        (410     —          676        (116,552     6,081   

Equity in earnings of nonconsolidated affiliates

     83,045        5,264        8,990        11,435        4,277        7,133        3,707        11,344   

Other income (expense) – net

     11,787        (12     (6,086     340        (21,727     (1,403     142,419        6,401   
                                                                

Income (loss) before income taxes and discontinued operations

     236,361        165,875        410,060        390,649        (128,457     335,484        (5,669,197     388,845   
                                                                

Income tax (expense) benefit

     (66,581     (70,466     (125,137     (159,786     52,344        (70,125     663,414        (140,771
                                                                

Income (loss) before discontinued operations

     169,780        95,409        284,923        230,863        (76,113     265,359        (5,005,783     248,074   

Discontinued operations

     638,262        7,089        5,032        20,097        (4,071     26,338        (832     92,309   
                                                                

Consolidated net income (loss)

     808,042        102,498        289,955        250,960        (80,184     291,697        (5,006,615     340,383   

Amount attributable to noncontrolling interest

     8,389        276        7,628        14,970        10,003        11,961        (9,349     19,824   
                                                                

Net income (loss) attributable to the Company

   $ 799,653      $ 102,222      $ 282,327      $ 235,990      $ (90,187   $ 279,736      $ (4,997,266   $ 320,559   
                                                                

Net income per common share:

                

Basic:

                

Income (loss) attributable to the Company before discontinued operations

   $ .33      $ .19      $ .56      $ .43        N.A.      $ .51      $ (61.50   $ .46   

Discontinued operations

     1.29        .02        .01        .04        N.A.        .06        (.01     .19   
                                                          

Net income (loss) attributable to the

Company

   $ 1.62      $ .21      $ .57      $ .47        N.A.      $ .57      $ (61.51   $ .65   
                                                          

Diluted:

                

Income (loss) before discontinued operations

   $ .32      $ .19      $ .56      $ .43        N.A.      $ .51      $ (61.50   $ .46   

Discontinued operations

     1.29        .02        .01        .04        N.A.        .05        (.01     .19   
                                                          

Net income (loss) attributable to the

Company

   $ 1.61      $ .21      $ .57      $ .47        N.A.      $ .56      $ (61.51   $ .65   
                                                          

Dividends declared per share

   $ —        $ .1875      $ —        $ .1875      $ —        $ .1875      $ —        $ .1875   

The Company’s Class A common shares are quoted for trading on the OTC Bulletin Board under the symbol CCMO.

 

78


(1) The third quarter results of operations contain two months of post-merger and one month of pre-merger results, which relate to the period succeeding the merger and the periods preceding the merger, respectively. The Company believes that the presentation on a combined basis is more meaningful as it allows the results of operations to be analyzed to comparable periods in 2007. The following table separates the combined results into the post-merger and pre-merger periods:

 

(In thousands)    Post-merger
Period from July 31
through

September 30,
2008
    Pre-merger
Period from July 1
through July 30,
2008
    Combined
Three Months ended
September 30,

2008
 

Revenue

   $ 1,128,136      $ 556,457      $ 1,684,593   

Operating expenses:

      

Direct operating expenses (excludes depreciation and amortization)

     473,738        256,667        730,405   

Selling, general and administrative expenses (excludes depreciation and amortization)

     291,469        150,344        441,813   

Depreciation and amortization

     108,140        54,323        162,463   

Corporate expenses (excludes depreciation and amortization)

     33,395        31,392        64,787   

Merger expenses

     —          79,839        79,839   

Gain (loss) on disposition of assets – net

     842        (4,624     (3,782
                        

Operating income (loss)

     222,236        (20,732     201,504   

Interest expense

     281,479        31,032        312,511   

Equity in earnings of nonconsolidated affiliates

     2,097        2,180        4,277   

Other income (expense) – net

     (10,914     (10,813     (21,727
                        

Income (loss) before income taxes and discontinued operations

     (68,060     (60,397     (128,457

Income tax benefit

     33,209        19,135        52,344   
                        

Income (loss) before discontinued operations

     (34,851     (41,262     (76,113

Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net

     (1,013     (3,058     (4,071
                        

Consolidated net income (loss)

     (35,864     (44,320     (80,184

Amount attributable to noncontrolling interest

     8,868        1,135        10,003   
                        

Net income (loss) attributable to the Company

   $ (44,732   $ (45,455   $ (90,187
                        

Net income (loss) per common share:

      

Income (loss) attributable to the Company before discontinued operations – Basic

   $ (.54   $ (.09  

Discontinued operations – Basic

     (.01     —       
                  

Net income (loss) attributable to the Company – Basic

   $ (.55   $ (.09  
                  

Weighted average common shares - Basic

     81,242        495,465     

Income (loss) attributable to the Company before discontinued operations – Diluted

   $ (.54   $ (.09  

Discontinued operations – Diluted

     (.01     —       
                  

Net income (loss) attributable to the Company - Diluted

   $ (.55   $ (.09  
                  

Weighted average common shares - Diluted

     81,242        495,465     

Dividends declared per share

   $ —        $ —       

 

79


NOTE R – CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

In connection with the merger, the Company paid certain affiliates of the Sponsors $87.5 million in fees and expenses for financial and structural advice and analysis, assistance with due diligence investigations and debt financing negotiations and $15.9 million for reimbursement of escrow and other out-of-pocket expenses. This amount was preliminarily allocated between merger expenses, debt issuance costs or included in the overall purchase price of the merger.

The Company has agreements with certain affiliates of the Sponsors pursuant to which such affiliates of the Sponsors will provide management and financial advisory services to the Company until 2018. The agreements require the Company to pay management fees to such affiliates of the Sponsors for such services at a rate not greater than $15.0 million per year, with any additional fees subject to approval by the Company’s board of directors. For the post-merger period ended December 31, 2008, the Company recognized Sponsors’ management fees of $6.3 million.

 

80


NOTE S – GUARANTOR SUBSIDIARIES

Certain of the Company’s domestic, wholly-owned subsidiaries (the “Guarantors”) have fully and unconditionally guaranteed on a joint and several basis certain of Clear Channel’s outstanding debt obligations. The following consolidating schedules present condensed financial information on a combined basis:

 

Post-merger    December 31, 2008  

(In thousands)

 

   Company, Clear
Channel and
Guarantor
Subsidiaries
    Non-Guarantor
Subsidiaries
   Eliminations     Consolidated  

Cash and cash equivalents

   $ 139,433      $ 100,413      $ 239,846   

Accounts receivable, net of allowance

     622,255        809,049        1,431,304   

Intercompany receivables

     15,061        431,641      (446,702     —     

Prepaid expenses

     62,752        70,465        133,217   

Other current assets

     109,347        154,474      (1,633     262,188   
                               

Total Current Assets

     948,848        1,566,042      (448,335     2,066,555   

Property, plant and equipment, net

     959,555        2,588,604        3,548,159   

Definite-lived intangibles, net

     1,869,528        1,012,192        2,881,720   

Indefinite-lived intangibles – licenses

     3,019,803        —          3,019,803   

Indefinite-lived intangibles – permits

     —          1,529,068        1,529,068   

Goodwill

     5,809,000        1,281,621        7,090,621   

Notes receivable

     8,493        3,140        11,633   

Intercompany notes receivable (a)

     2,500,000        —        (2,500,000     —     

Investments in, and advances to, nonconsolidated affiliates

     —          384,137        384,137   

Investment in subsidiaries

     3,765,342        —        (3,765,342     —     

Other assets

     438,909        145,805      (24,454     560,260   

Other investments

     10,089        23,418        33,507   
                               

Total Assets

   $ 19,329,567      $ 8,534,027    $ (6,738,131   $ 21,125,463   
                               

Accounts payable

   $ 36,732      $ 118,508    $        $ 155,240   

Accrued expenses

     295,402        497,964        793,366   

Accrued interest

     182,605        292      (1,633     181,264   

Intercompany payable

     432,422        14,280      (446,702     —     

Current portion of long-term debt (b)

     493,401        69,522        562,923   

Deferred income

     40,268        112,885        153,153   
                               

Total Current Liabilities

     1,480,830        813,451      (448,335     1,845,946   

Long-term debt (b)

     18,986,269        32,332      (77,904     18,940,697   

Intercompany long-term debt

     —          2,500,000      (2,500,000     —     

Deferred income taxes

     1,647,282        1,032,030        2,679,312   

Other long-term liabilities

     396,680        179,059        575,739   

Total member’s interest (deficit)

     (3,181,494     3,977,155      (3,711,892     (2,916,231
                               

Total Liabilities and Member’s Interest (Deficit)

   $ 19,329,567      $ 8,534,027    $ (6,738,131   $ 21,125,463   
                               

 

(a) Clear Channel has a note receivable in the original principal amount of $2.5 billion from Clear Channel Outdoor, Inc. which matures on August 2, 2010 and may be prepaid in whole at any time, or in part from time to time. The note accrues interest at a variable per annum rate equal to the weighted average cost of debt for Clear Channel, calculated on a monthly basis. This note is mandatorily payable upon a change of control of Clear Channel Outdoor, Inc. (as defined in the note) and, subject to certain exceptions, all net proceeds from debt or equity raised by Clear Channel Outdoor, Inc. must be used to prepay such note. At December 31, 2008, the interest rate on the $2.5 billion note was 6.0%.
(b) Clear Channel is the issuer of substantially all of the Company’s indebtedness.

 

81


Pre-merger    December 31, 2007

(In thousands)

 

   Company, Clear
Channel and
Guarantor
Subsidiaries
   Non-Guarantor
Subsidiaries
    Eliminations     Consolidated

Cash and cash equivalents

   $ 4,975    $ 140,173        $ 145,148

Accounts receivable, net of allowance

     762,932      930,286          1,693,218

Intercompany receivables

     —        264,365        (264,365     —  

Prepaid expenses

     30,869      86,033          116,902

Other current assets

     52,987      190,261          243,248

Current assets from discontinued operations

     93,257      2,810          96,067
                             

Total Current Assets

     945,020      1,613,928        (264,365     2,294,583

Property, plant and equipment, net

     804,670      2,245,694          3,050,364

Property, plant and equipment from discontinued operations, net

     164,672      52          164,724

Definite-lived intangibles, net

     228,552      257,318          485,870

Indefinite-lived intangibles – licenses

     4,201,617      —            4,201,617

Indefinite-lived intangibles – permits

     —        251,988          251,988

Goodwill

     6,047,037      1,163,079          7,210,116

Intangible assets from discontinued operations, net

     218,062      1,660          219,722

Notes receivable

     8,962      3,426          12,388

Intercompany notes receivable (a)

     2,500,000      —          (2,500,000     —  

Investments in, and advances to, nonconsolidated affiliates

     —        346,387          346,387

Investment in subsidiaries

     2,263,205      —          (2,263,205     —  

Other assets

     186,105      117,686          303,791

Other investments

     236,606      992          237,598

Other assets from discontinued operations

     26,380      —            26,380
                             

Total Assets

   $ 17,830,888    $ 6,002,210      $ (5,027,570   $ 18,805,528
                             

Accounts payable

   $ 25,692    $ 139,841        $ 165,533

Accrued expenses

     373,429      539,236          912,665

Accrued interest

     97,527      1,074          98,601

Accrued income taxes

     79,973      —            79,973

Intercompany payables

     264,365      —          (264,365     —  

Current portion of long-term debt (b)

     1,273,100      87,099          1,360,199

Deferred income

     34,391      124,502          158,893

Current liabilities from discontinued operations

     37,211      202          37,413
                             

Total Current Liabilities

     2,185,688      891,954        (264,365     2,813,277

Long-term debt (b)

     5,120,066      94,922          5,214,988

Intercompany long-term debt

     —        2,500,000        (2,500,000     —  

Other long-term obligations

     127,384      —            127,384

Deferred income taxes

     979,124      (185,274       793,850

Other long-term liabilities

     346,811      221,037          567,848

Long-term liabilities from discontinued operations

     53,828      502          54,330

Total member’s interest (deficit)

     9,017,987      2,479,069        (2,263,205     9,233,851
                             

Total Liabilities and Member’s Interest (Deficit)

   $ 17,830,888    $ 6,002,210      $ (5,027,570   $ 18,805,528
                             

 

(a) Clear Channel has a note receivable in the original principal amount of $2.5 billion from Clear Channel Outdoor, Inc. which matures on August 2, 2010 and may be prepaid in whole at any time, or in part from time to time. The note accrues interest at a variable per annum rate equal to the weighted average cost of debt for Clear Channel, calculated on a monthly basis. This note is mandatorily payable upon a change of control of Clear Channel Outdoor, Inc. (as defined in the note) and, subject to certain exceptions, all net proceeds from debt or equity raised by Clear Channel Outdoor, Inc. must be used to prepay such note. At December 31, 2008, the interest rate on the $2.5 billion note was 6.0%.

 

82


(b) Clear Channel is the issuer of substantially all of the Company’s indebtedness.

 

Post-merger    Period from July 31 through December 31, 2008  

(In thousands)

 

   Company, Clear
Channel and
Guarantor
Subsidiaries
    Non-Guarantor
Subsidiaries
    Eliminations    Consolidated  

Revenue

   $ 1,398,926      $ 1,338,015         $ 2,736,941   

Operating expenses:

         

Direct operating expenses

     438,170        760,175           1,198,345   

Selling, general and administrative expenses

     532,455        274,332           806,787   

Depreciation and amortization

     122,807        225,234           348,041   

Impairment charge

     2,051,209        3,217,649           5,268,858   

Corporate expenses

     70,595        31,681           102,276   

Merger expenses

     68,085        —             68,085   

Other operating income – net

     8,335        4,870           13,205   
                               

Operating income (loss)

     (1,876,060     (3,166,186        (5,042,246

Interest expense

     643,001        72,767           715,768   

Gain (loss) on marketable securities

     (56,709     (59,843        (116,552

Equity in earnings of nonconsolidated affiliates

     (2,999,344     5,804        2,999,344      5,804   

Other income (expense) – net

     55,736        22,320        53,449      131,505   
                               

Income before income taxes and discontinued operations

     (5,519,378     (3,270,672     3,052,793      (5,737,257
                               

Income tax benefit (expense)

     423,640        272,983           696,623   
                               

Income (loss) before discontinued operations

     (5,095,738     (2,997,689     3,052,793      (5,040,634

Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net

     (1,845     —             (1,845
                               

Consolidated net income (loss)

     (5,097,583     (2,997,689     3,052,793      (5,042,479

Amount attributable to noncontrolling interest

     (2,136     1,655           (481
                               

Net income (loss) attributable to the Company

   $ (5,095,447   $ (2,999,344   $ 3,052,793    $ (5,041,998
                               

 

83


Pre-merger    Period from January 1 through July 30, 2008  
(In thousands)    Company, Clear
Channel and
Guarantor
    Non-Guarantor              
     Subsidiaries     Subsidiaries     Eliminations     Consolidated  

Revenue

   $ 1,973,478      $ 1,978,264        $ 3,951,742   

Operating expenses:

        

Direct operating expenses

     579,094        1,127,005          1,706,099   

Selling, general and administrative expenses

     670,772        351,687          1,022,459   

Depreciation and amortization

     100,675        248,114          348,789   

Corporate expenses

     86,305        39,364          125,669   

Merger expenses

     87,684        —            87,684   

Other operating income – net

     3,849        10,978          14,827   
                                

Operating income (loss)

     452,797        223,072          675,869   

Interest (income) expense

     124,557        88,653          213,210   

Gain (loss) on marketable securities

     34,262        —            34,262   

Equity in earnings of nonconsolidated affiliates

     194,072        94,215        (194,072     94,215   

Other income (expense) – net

     (17,603     12,491          (5,112
                                

Income before income taxes and discontinued operations

     538,971        241,125        (194,072     586,024   
                                

Income tax benefit (expense)

     (120,464     (52,119       (172,583
                                

Income (loss) before discontinued operations

     418,507        189,006        (194,072     413,441   

Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net

     637,118        3,118          640,236   
                                

Consolidated net income (loss)

     1,055,625        192,124        (194,072     1,053,677   

Amount attributable to noncontrolling interest

     19,100        (1,948       17,152   
                                

Net income (loss) attributable to the Company

   $ 1,036,525      $ 194,072      $ (194,072   $ 1,036,525   
                                

 

84


Pre-merger    Year ended December 31, 2007  
(In thousands)    Company, Clear
Channel and
Guarantor
    Non-Guarantor              
     Subsidiaries     Subsidiaries     Eliminations     Consolidated  

Revenue

   $ 3,614,097      $ 3,307,105        $ 6,921,202   

Operating expenses:

        

Direct operating expenses

     993,464        1,739,540          2,733,004   

Selling, general and administrative expenses

     1,206,220        555,719          1,761,939   

Depreciation and amortization

     166,328        400,299          566,627   

Corporate expenses

     115,424        66,080          181,504   

Merger expenses

     6,762        —            6,762   

Other operating income – net

     2,289        11,824          14,113   
                                

Operating income (loss)

     1,128,188        557,291          1,685,479   

Interest expense

     294,170        157,700          451,870   

Gain on marketable securities

     6,742        —            6,742   

Equity in earnings of nonconsolidated affiliates

     277,420        35,176        (277,420     35,176   

Other income (expense) – net

     (3,222     8,548          5,326   
                                

Income before income taxes and discontinued operations

     1,114,958        443,315        (277,420     1,280,853   
                                

Income tax benefit (expense)

     (293,715     (147,433       (441,148
                                

Income (loss) before discontinued operations

     821,243        295,882        (277,420     839,705   

Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net

     145,034        799          145,833   
                                

Consolidated net income (loss)

     966,277        296,681        (277,420     985,538   

Amount attributable to noncontrolling interest

     27,770        19,261          47,031   
                                

Net income (loss) attributable to the Company

   $ 938,507      $ 277,420      $ (277,420   $ 938,507   
                                
Pre-merger    Year ended December 31, 2006  
(In thousands)    Company, Clear
Channel and
Guarantor
    Non-Guarantor              
     Subsidiaries     Subsidiaries     Eliminations     Consolidated  

Revenue

   $ 3,652,044      $ 2,915,746        $ 6,567,790   

Operating expenses:

        

Direct operating expenses

     1,013,267        1,519,177          2,532,444   

Selling, general and administrative expenses

     1,209,928        499,029          1,708,957   

Depreciation and amortization

     191,945        408,349          600,294   

Corporate expenses

     130,777        65,542          196,319   

Merger expenses

     7,633        —            7,633   

Other operating income – net

     48,752        22,819          71,571   
                                

Operating income (loss)

     1,147,246        446,468          1,593,714   

Interest expense

     321,686        162,377          484,063   

Gain (loss) on marketable securities

     2,306        —            2,306   

Equity in earnings of nonconsolidated affiliates

     184,449        37,845        (184,449     37,845   

Other income (expense) – net

     (9,016     423          (8,593
                                

Income before income taxes and discontinued operations

     1,003,299        322,359        (184,449     1,141,209   
                                

Income tax benefit (expense)

     (347,965     (122,478       (470,443
                                

Income (loss) before discontinued operations

     655,334        199,881        (184,449     670,766   

Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net

     52,595        83          52,678   
                                

Net income (loss)

     707,929        199,964        (184,449     723,444   

Amount attributable to noncontrolling interest

     16,412        15,515          31,927   
                                

Net income (loss) attributable to the Company

   $ 691,517      $ 184,449      $ (184,449   $ 691,517   
                                

 

85


Post-merger    Period from July 31 through December 31, 2008  
(In thousands)    Company, Clear
Channel and
Guarantor
    Non-Guarantor              
     Subsidiaries     Subsidiaries     Eliminations     Consolidated  

Cash flows from operating activities:

        

Consolidated net income (loss)

   $ (5,097,583   $ (2,997,689   $ 3,052,793      $ (5,042,479

Less: Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net

     (1,845     —          —          (1,845
                                
     (5,095,738     (2,997,689     3,052,793        (5,040,634

Reconciling items:

        

Depreciation and amortization

     122,807        225,234          348,041   

Impairment charge

     2,051,209        3,217,649          5,268,858   

Deferred taxes

     (349,560     (270,334       (619,894

Provision for doubtful accounts

     30,363        24,240          54,603   

Amortization of deferred financing charges, bond premiums, and accretion of note discounts

     102,859        —            102,859   

Share-based compensation

     11,728        4,183          15,911   

(Gain) loss on sale of operating assets

     (8,335     (4,870       (13,205

(Gain) loss on forward exchange contract

        

(Gain) loss on securities

     56,709        59,843          116,552   

Equity in earnings of nonconsolidated affiliates

     2,999,344        (5,804     (2,999,344     (5,804

(Gain) loss on debt extinguishment

     (63,228     —          (53,449     (116,677

Other reconciling items – net

     1,590        10,499          12,089   

Changes in operating assets and liabilities:

        

Changes in other operating assets and liabilities, net of effects of acquisitions and dispositions

     106,141        17,186          123,327   
                                

Net cash provided by operating activities

     (34,111     280,137          246,026   

Cash flows from investing activities:

        

Decrease (increase) in notes receivable – net

     572        169          741   

Decrease (increase) in investments in and advances to nonconsolidated affiliates – net

     —          3,909          3,909   

Purchase of other investments

     27,410        (27,436       (26

Proceeds from sales of other investments

     (788     788          —     

Purchases of property, plant and equipment

     (30,536     (159,717       (190,253

Proceeds from disposal of assets

     14,038        2,917          16,955   

Acquisition of operating assets

     (11,551     (11,677       (23,228

Decrease (increase) in other – net

     (33,353     (13,989       (47,342

Cash used to purchase equity

     (17,468,683     (3,776       (17,472,459
                                

Net cash used in investing activities

     (17,502,891     (208,812       (17,711,703

 

86


Post-merger    Period from July 31 through December 31, 2008  
(In thousands)    Company, Clear
Channel and
Guarantor
    Non-Guarantor              
     Subsidiaries     Subsidiaries     Eliminations     Consolidated  

Cash flows from financing activities:

        

Draws on credit facilities

     150,000        30,000          180,000   

Payments on credit facilities

     (127,891     (660       (128,551

Proceeds from long-term debt

     527,024        30,496          557,520   

Payments on long-term debt

     (562,510     (42,621   26,042        (579,089

Intercompany funding

     91,891        (91,891       —     

Debt proceeds used to finance the merger

     15,382,076        —            15,382,076   

Equity proceeds used to finance the merger

     2,142,830        26,042      (26,042     2,142,830   

Payments for purchase of common shares

     (2     (45       (47
                              

Net cash used in financing activities

     17,603,418        (48,679       17,554,739   

Cash flows from discontinued operations:

        

Net cash (used in) provided by operating activities

     2,429        —            2,429   

Net cash provided by investing activities

     —          —            —     

Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities

     —          —            —     
                              

Net cash provided by discontinued operations

     2,429        —            2,429   

Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents

     68,845        22,646          91,491   

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period

     70,590        77,765          148,355   
                              

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period

   $ 139,435      $ 100,411        $ 239,846   
                              

 

87


Pre-merger    Period from January 1 through July 30, 2008  
(In thousands)    Company, Clear
Channel and
Guarantor
    Non-Guarantor              
     Subsidiaries     Subsidiaries     Eliminations     Consolidated  

Cash flows from operating activities:

        

Consolidated net income (loss)

   $ 1,055,625      $ 192,124      $ (194,072   $ 1,053,677   

Less: Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net

     637,118        3,118        —          640,236   
                                
     418,507        189,006        (194,072     413,441   

Reconciling items:

        

Depreciation and amortization

     100,675        248,114          348,789   

Deferred taxes

     123,898        21,405          145,303   

Provision for doubtful accounts

     14,601        8,615          23,216   

Amortization of deferred financing charges, bond premiums, and accretion of note discounts

     3,530        —            3,530   

Share-based compensation

     56,218        6,505          62,723   

(Gain) loss on disposal of assets

     (3,849     (10,978       (14,827

(Gain) loss forward exchange contract

     2,496        —            2,496   

(Gain) loss on trading securities

     (36,758     —            (36,758

Equity in earnings of nonconsolidated affiliates

     (194,072     (94,215     194,072        (94,215

(Gain) loss on debt extinguishment

     13,484        —            13,484   

Other reconciling items – net

     4,697        4,436          9,133   

Changes in operating assets and liabilities:

        

Changes in other operating assets and liabilities, net of effects of acquisitions and dispositions

     194,605        (35,662       158,943   
                                

Net cash provided by operating activities

     698,032        337,226          1,035,258   

Cash flows from investing activities:

        

Decrease (increase) in notes receivable – net

     97        239          336   

Decrease (increase) in investments in and advances to nonconsolidated affiliates – net

     —          25,098          25,098   

Cross currency settlement of interest

     (198,615     —            (198,615

Purchase of other investments

     (48,347     48,249          (98

Proceeds from sales of other investments

     173,467        —            173,467   

Purchases of property, plant and equipment

     (40,642     (199,560       (240,202

Proceeds from disposal of assets

     34,176        38,630          72,806   

Acquisition of operating assets

     (69,015     (84,821       (153,836

Decrease (increase) in other – net

     (93,891     (1,316       (95,207

Cash used to purchase equity

     (3,776     3,776          —     
                                

Net cash used in investing activities

     (246,546     (169,705       (416,251

 

88


Pre-merger    Period from January 1 through July 30, 2008  
(In thousands)    Company, Clear
Channel and
Guarantor
    Non-Guarantor             
     Subsidiaries     Subsidiaries     Eliminations    Consolidated  

Cash flows from financing activities:

         

Draws on credit facilities

     620,464        72,150           692,614   

Payments on credit facilities

     (715,127     (157,774        (872,901

Proceeds from long term debt

     5,476        —             5,476   

Payments on long-term debt

     (1,283,162     814           (1,282,348

Intercompany funding

     153,135        (153,135        —     

Payments on forward exchange contract

     (110,410     —             (110,410

Proceeds from exercise of stock options and other

     13,515        4,261           17,776   

Dividends paid

     (93,367     —             (93,367

Payments for purchase of common shares

     (3,517     (264        (3,781
                             

Net cash used in financing activities

     (1,412,993     (233,948        (1,646,941

Cash flows from discontinued operations:

         

Net cash (used in) provided by operating activities

     (68,770     1,019           (67,751

Net cash provided by investing activities

     1,095,892        3,000           1,098,892   

Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities

     —          —             —     
                             

Net cash provided by discontinued operations

     1,027,122        4,019           1,031,141   

Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents

     65,615        (62,408        3,207   

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period

     4,975        140,173           145,148   
                             

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period

   $ 70,590      $ 77,765         $ 148,355   
                             

 

89


Pre-merger    Year ended December 31, 2007  
(In thousands)    Company, Clear
Channel and
Guarantor
    Non-Guarantor              
     Subsidiaries     Subsidiaries     Eliminations     Consolidated  

Cash flows from operating activities:

        

Consolidated net income (loss)

   $ 966,277      $ 296,681      $ (277,420   $ 985,538   

Less: Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net

     145,034        799        —          145,833   
                                
     821,243        295,882        (277,420     839,705   

Reconciling items:

        

Depreciation and amortization

     166,328        400,299          566,627   

Deferred taxes

     153,323        34,915          188,238   

Provision for doubtful accounts

     28,017        10,598          38,615   

Amortization of deferred financing charges, bond premiums, and accretion of note discounts

     7,739        —            7,739   

Share-based compensation

     34,681        9,370          44,051   

(Gain) loss on disposal of assets

     (2,289     (11,824       (14,113

(Gain) loss forward exchange contract

     3,953        —            3,953   

(Gain) loss on trading securities

     (10,696     —            (10,696

Equity in earnings of nonconsolidated affiliates

     (277,420     (35,176     277,420        (35,176

Other reconciling items – net

     404        (495       (91

Changes in operating assets and liabilities:

        

Changes in other operating assets and liabilities, net of effects of acquisitions and dispositions

     (45,702     (6,722       (52,424
                                

Net cash provided by operating activities

     879,581        696,847          1,576,428   

Cash flows from investing activities:

        

Decrease (increase) in notes receivable – net

     (5,835     (234       (6,069

Decrease (increase) in investments in and advances to nonconsolidated affiliates – net

     (2,353     23,221          20,868   

Cross currency settlement of interest

     (1,214     —            (1,214

Purchase of other investments

     (67     (659       (726

Proceeds from sales of other investments

     2,409        —            2,409   

Purchases of property, plant and equipment

     (86,683     (276,626       (363,309

Proceeds from disposal of assets

     8,856        17,321          26,177   

Acquisition of operating assets

     (53,051     (69,059       (122,110

Decrease (increase) in other – net

     (9,772     (28,931       (38,703
                                

Net cash used in investing activities

     (147,710     (334,967       (482,677

 

90


Pre-merger    Year ended December 31, 2007  
(In thousands)    Company, Clear
Channel and
Guarantor
    Non-Guarantor             
     Subsidiaries     Subsidiaries     Eliminations    Consolidated  

Cash flows from financing activities:

         

Draws on credit facilities

     780,138        106,772           886,910   

Payments on credit facilities

     (1,628,400     (76,614        (1,705,014

Proceeds from long-term debt

     —          22,483           22,483   

Payments on long-term debt

     (276,751     (66,290        (343,041

Intercompany funding

     335,508        (335,508        —     

Proceeds from exercise of stock options and other

     69,237        10,780           80,017   

Dividends paid

     (372,369     —             (372,369
                             

Net cash used in financing activities

     (1,092,637     (338,377        (1,431,014

Cash flows from discontinued operations:

         

Net cash (used in) provided by operating activities

     33,332        500           33,832   

Net cash provided by investing activities

     332,579        —             332,579   

Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities

     —          —             —     
                             

Net cash provided by discontinued operations

     365,911        500           366,411   

Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents

     5,145        24,003           29,148   

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period

     (170     116,170           116,000   
                             

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period

   $ 4,975      $ 140,173         $ 145,148   
                             

 

91


Pre-merger    Year ended December 31, 2006  
(In thousands)    Company, Clear
Channel and
Guarantor
    Non-Guarantor              
     Subsidiaries     Subsidiaries     Eliminations     Consolidated  

Cash flows from operating activities:

        

Consolidated net income (loss)

   $ 707,929      $ 199,964      $ (184,449   $ 723,444   

Less: Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net

     52,595        83        —          52,678   
                                
     655,334        199,881        (184,449     670,766   

Reconciling items:

        

Depreciation and amortization

     191,945        408,349          600,294   

Deferred taxes

     152,253        39,527          191,780   

Provision for doubtful accounts

     25,706        8,921          34,627   

Amortization of deferred financing charges, bond premiums, and accretion of note discounts

     3,462        —            3,462   

Share-based compensation

     36,734        5,296          42,030   

(Gain) loss on disposal of assets

     (48,725     (22,846       (71,571

(Gain) loss forward exchange contract

     18,161        —            18,161   

(Gain) loss on trading securities

     (20,467     —            (20,467

Equity in earnings of nonconsolidated affiliates

     (184,449     (37,845     184,449        (37,845

Other reconciling items - net

     14,782        (5,755       9,027   

Changes in operating assets and liabilities:

        

Changes in other operating assets and liabilities, net of effects of acquisitions and dispositions

     359,585        (51,792       307,793   
                                

Net cash provided by operating activities

     1,204,321        543,736          1,748,057   

Cash flows from investing activities:

        

Decrease (increase) in notes receivable - net

     (1,203     2,366          1,163   

Decrease (increase) in investments in and advances to nonconsolidated affiliates - net

     (1,725     22,170          20,445   

Cross currency settlement of interest

     1,607        —            1,607   

Purchase of other investments

     (520     —            (520

Proceeds from sales of other investments

     —          —            —     

Purchases of property, plant and equipment

     (102,527     (234,212       (336,739

Proceeds from disposal of assets

     84,231        15,451          99,682   

Acquisition of operating assets, net of cash acquired

     (96,225     (244,981       (341,206

Decrease (increase) in other - net

     (13,548     (37,895       (51,443
                                

Net cash used in investing activities

     (129,910     (477,101       (607,011

 

92


Pre-merger    Year ended December 31, 2006  
(In thousands)    Company,
Clear Channel
and Guarantor
    Non-Guarantor             
     Subsidiaries     Subsidiaries     Eliminations    Consolidated  

Cash flows from financing activities:

         

Draws on credit facilities

     3,264,800        118,867           3,383,667   

Payments on credit facilities

     (2,599,928     (100,076        (2,700,004

Proceeds from long-term debt

     746,762        37,235           783,997   

Payments on long-term debt

     (750,658     (115,694        (866,352

Intercompany funding

     15,287        (15,287        —     

Payments on forward exchange contract

     (83,132     —             (83,132

Proceeds from exercise of stock options and other

     55,276        2,176           57,452   

Dividends paid

     (382,776     —             (382,776

Payments for purchase of common shares

     (1,371,462     —             (1,371,462
                             

Net cash used in financing activities

     (1,105,831     (72,779        (1,178,610

Cash flows from discontinued operations:

         

Net cash (used in) provided by operating activities

     99,806        (541        99,265   

Net cash provided by investing activities

     (30,038     —             (30,038

Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities

     —          —             —     
                             

Net cash provided by (used in) discontinued operations

     69,768        (541        69,227   

Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents

     38,348        (6,685        31,663   

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period

     (38,518     122,855           84,337   
                             

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period

   $ (170   $ 116,170         $ 116,000   
                             

NOTE T – SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

On January 15, 2009, the Company made a permitted election under the indenture governing the senior toggle notes to pay PIK Interest. For subsequent interest periods, the Company must make an election regarding whether the applicable interest payment on the senior toggle notes will be made entirely in cash, entirely through PIK Interest or 50% in cash and 50% in PIK Interest. In the absence of such an election for any interest period, interest on the senior toggle notes will be payable according to the election for the immediately preceding interest period. As a result, the PIK Interest election is now the default election for future interest periods unless and until the Company elects otherwise.

Effective January 30, 2009 the Company sold 57% of its remaining interest in Grupo ACIR Comunicaciones for approximately $23.5 million and recorded a loss of approximately $2.2 million. As a result of the sale, the Company will no longer account for the investment under Accounting Principles Board No. 18, The Equity Method of Accounting for Investments in Common Stock.

On February 6, 2009, the Company borrowed the approximately $1.6 billion of remaining availability under the $2.0 billion revolving credit facility. The Company made the borrowing to improve its liquidity position in light of continuing uncertainty in credit market and economic conditions.

NOTE U – RECASTING FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE ADOPTION OF NEW ACCOUNTING STANDARDS

Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 160, Noncontrolling Interests in Consolidated Financial Statements - an amendment of ARB No. 51 (“Statement No. 160”), was issued in December 2007. Statement No. 160 clarifies the classification of noncontrolling interests in consolidated statements of financial position and the accounting for and reporting of transactions between the reporting entity and holders of such noncontrolling interests. Under Statement No. 160 noncontrolling interests are considered equity and should be reported as an element of consolidated equity, net income will encompass the total income of all consolidated subsidiaries and there

 

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will be separate disclosure on the face of the income statement of the attribution of that income between the controlling and noncontrolling interests, and increases and decreases in the noncontrolling ownership interest amount will be accounted for as equity transactions. Statement No. 160 is effective for the first annual reporting period beginning on or after December 15, 2008, and earlier application is prohibited. Statement No. 160 is required to be adopted prospectively, except for reclassifying noncontrolling interests to equity, separate from the parent’s shareholders’ equity, in the consolidated statement of financial position and recasting consolidated net income (loss) to include net income (loss) attributable to both the controlling and noncontrolling interests, both of which are required to be adopted retrospectively. The Company adopted Statement No. 160 on January 1, 2009, and these financial statements reclassify noncontrolling interests to equity, separate from the Company’s shareholders’ equity, in the consolidated balance sheets and recast consolidated net income (loss) and consolidated other comprehensive income to include net income (loss) attributable to both the Company and noncontrolling interests in the consolidated statements of operations. Note Q has also been recast to include consolidated net income (loss) attributable to both the Company and noncontrolling interests.

The Company retrospectively adopted Financial Accounting Standards Board Staff Position Emerging Issues Task Force 03-6-1 Determining Whether Instruments Granted in Share-Based Payment Transactions Are Participating Securities (“FSP EITF 03-6-1”) on January 1, 2009. FSP EITF 03-6-1 clarifies that unvested share-based payment awards with a right to receive nonforfeitable dividends are participating securities. Guidance is also provided on how to allocate earnings to participating securities and compute basic earnings per share using the two-class method. All prior-period earnings per share data presented shall be adjusted retrospectively (including interim financial statements, summaries of earnings, and selected financial data) to conform with the provisions of this FSP. The impact of adopting FSP EITF 03-6-1 decreased previously reported basic earnings per share by $.01 for the pre-merger year ended December 31, 2007.

 

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PART IV

 

ITEM 15. Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules

 

(a)1. Financial Statements.

The following consolidated financial statements are included in Item 8.

Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2008 and 2007

Consolidated Statements of Operations for the Years Ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006.

Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders’ Equity for the Years Ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006.

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Years Ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

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EXHIBIT 11 – Computation of Per Share Earnings (Loss)

 

(In thousands, except per share data)    Post-merger
period ended
December 31,
2008
   

Pre-merger
period ended
July 30,

2008

   Pre-merger
2007
   Pre-merger
2006
     As adjusted(*)     As adjusted(*)    As adjusted(*)    As adjusted(*)

NUMERATOR:

          

Income (loss) attributable to the Company before discontinued operations

   $ (5,041,998   $ 1,036,525    $ 938,507    $ 691,517

Less: Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net

     (1,845     640,236      145,833      52,678
                            

Net income (loss) from continuing operations attributable to the Company

     (5,040,153     396,289      792,674      638,839

Less: Income (loss) before discontinued operations attributable to the Company – Unvested Shares

     —          2,333      4,786      2,768
                            

Net income (loss) before discontinued operations attributable to the Company per common share – basic and diluted

   $ (5,040,153   $ 393,956    $ 787,888    $ 636,071
                            

DENOMINATOR:

          

Weighted average common shares - basic

     81,242        495,044      494,347      500,786

Effect of dilutive securities:

          

Stock options and common stock warrants

     —          1,475      1,437      853
                            

Denominator for net income (loss) per common share - diluted

     81,242        496,519      495,784      501,639
                            

Net income (loss) per common share:

          

Income (loss) attributable to the Company before discontinued operations - basic

   $ (62.04   $ .80    $ 1.59    $ 1.27

Discontinued operations - basic

     (.02     1.29      .30      .11
                            

Net income (loss) attributable to the Company - basic

   $ (62.06   $ 2.09    $ 1.89    $ 1.38
                            

Income (loss) attributable to the Company before discontinued operations - diluted

   $ (62.04   $ .80    $ 1.59    $ 1.27

Discontinued operations - diluted

     (.02     1.29      .29      .11
                            

Net income (loss) attributable to the Company - diluted

   $ (62.06   $ 2.09    $ 1.88    $ 1.38
                            

 

* Reflects implementation of Financial Accounting Standards Board Staff Position Emerging Issues Task Force 03-6-1, Determining Whether Instruments Granted in Share-Based Payment Transactions Are Participating Securities. See Note U in Item 8 of Part II of this Annual Report on Form 10-K for additional information.

 

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EXHIBIT 23 - CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM - ERNST & YOUNG LLP

Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

We consent to the incorporation by reference in the following Registration Statements:

 

1. Registration Statement (Form S-4 No. 333-151345) of CC Media Holdings, Inc.;

 

2. Registration Statement (Form S-8) pertaining to the Clear Channel 2008 Executive Incentive Plan; the Clear Channel 2008 Employee Investment Program; the Clear Channel Communications, Inc. 1997 Nonqualified Stock Option Plan; the Amended and Restated Clear Channel Communications, Inc. 1998 Stock Incentive Plan; the Amended and Restated Clear Channel Communications, Inc. 2001 Stock Incentive Plan; the Jacor Communications, Inc. 1997 Long-Term Incentive Stock Plan; the Marquee Group, Inc. 1996 Stock Option Plan, the SFX Entertainment, Inc. 1999 Stock Option and Restricted Stock Plan (No. 333-152647); and

 

3. Registration Statement (Form S-8) pertaining to the Clear Channel Nonqualified Deferred Compensation Plan (No. 333-152648);

of our report dated March 2, 2009 (except for Note U, as to which the date is December 8, 2009), with respect to the consolidated financial statements of CC Media Holdings, Inc. included in its Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

/s/ Ernst & Young LLP

San Antonio, Texas

December 8, 2009

 

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