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Table of Contents

 

 

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

 

 

FORM 10-Q

 

 

 

x Quarterly Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

For the quarterly period ended March 31, 2011

or

 

¨ Transition Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

For the transition period from             to             

Commission file number: 333-02302

 

 

ALLBRITTON COMMUNICATIONS COMPANY

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

 

 

Delaware   74-1803105

(State or other jurisdiction of

incorporation or organization)

 

(I.R.S. Employer

Identification no.)

1000 Wilson Boulevard

Suite 2700

Arlington, VA 22209

(Address of principal executive offices, including zip code)

(703) 647-8700

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

 

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.    Yes  ¨    No  x (1)

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).    Yes  ¨    No  ¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

 

Large accelerated filer   ¨    Accelerated filer   ¨
Non-accelerated filer   x (Do not check if a smaller reporting company)    Smaller reporting company   ¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).    Yes  ¨    No  x

Number of shares of Common Stock outstanding as of May 12, 2011: 20,000 shares.

 

(1) Although the Company has not been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days, it has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months. Pursuant to Section 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Company’s duty to file reports is automatically suspended as a result of having fewer than 300 holders of record of each class of its debt securities outstanding as of October 1, 2010, but the Company has agreed under the terms of certain long-term debt to continue these filings in the future.

 

 

 


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CAUTIONARY NOTICE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

THIS QUARTERLY REPORT ON FORM 10-Q, INCLUDING ITEM 2 “MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS,” CONTAINS FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS WITHIN THE MEANING OF SECTION 21E OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934, AS AMENDED, THAT ARE NOT HISTORICAL FACTS AND INVOLVE A NUMBER OF RISKS AND UNCERTAINTIES. THERE ARE A NUMBER OF FACTORS THAT COULD CAUSE OUR ACTUAL RESULTS TO DIFFER MATERIALLY FROM THOSE PROJECTED IN SUCH FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS. THESE FACTORS INCLUDE, WITHOUT LIMITATION, OUR OUTSTANDING INDEBTEDNESS AND OUR HIGH DEGREE OF LEVERAGE; THE RESTRICTIONS IMPOSED ON US BY THE TERMS OF OUR INDEBTEDNESS; THE HIGH DEGREE OF COMPETITION FROM BOTH OVER-THE-AIR BROADCAST STATIONS AND PROGRAMMING ALTERNATIVES SUCH AS CABLE TELEVISION, WIRELESS CABLE, IN-HOME SATELLITE DISTRIBUTION SERVICE, PAY-PER-VIEW SERVICES, INTERNET VIDEO AND HOME VIDEO AND ENTERTAINMENT SERVICES; THE IMPACT OF NEW TECHNOLOGIES; CHANGES IN FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION (“FCC”) REGULATIONS; FCC LICENSE RENEWAL REQUIREMENTS; DECREASES IN THE DEMAND FOR ADVERTISING DUE TO WEAKNESS IN THE ECONOMY; AND THE VARIABILITY OF OUR QUARTERLY RESULTS AND OUR SEASONALITY.

ALL WRITTEN OR ORAL FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS ATTRIBUTABLE TO THE COMPANY ARE EXPRESSLY QUALIFIED BY THE FOREGOING CAUTIONARY STATEMENTS. ALSO REFER TO THE RISKS DISCUSSED UNDER THE HEADING “RISK FACTORS” AND OTHER CAUTIONARY LANGUAGE IN OUR ANNUAL REPORT ON FORM 10-K FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2010. READERS ARE CAUTIONED NOT TO PLACE UNDUE RELIANCE ON THESE FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS WHICH REFLECT MANAGEMENT’S VIEW ONLY AS OF THE DATE HEREOF.


Table of Contents

ALLBRITTON COMMUNICATIONS COMPANY

FORM 10-Q

FOR THE QUARTERLY PERIOD ENDED MARCH 31, 2011

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

          PAGE  

PART I

   FINANCIAL INFORMATION   

Item 1.

   Financial Statements:   
   Consolidated Statements of Operations and Retained Earnings for the Three and Six Months Ended March 31, 2010 and 2011      1   
   Consolidated Balance Sheets as of September 30, 2010 and March 31, 2011      2   
   Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Six Months Ended March 31, 2010 and 2011      3   
   Notes to Interim Consolidated Financial Statements      4   

Item 2.

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

Item 3.

   Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk      15   

Item 4.

   Controls and Procedures      15   

PART II

   OTHER INFORMATION   

Item 1.

   Legal Proceedings      16   

Item 6.

   Exhibits      16   

Signatures

        17   

Exhibit Index

     18   


Table of Contents

PART I FINANCIAL INFORMATION

 

Item 1. Financial Statements

ALLBRITTON COMMUNICATIONS COMPANY

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS AND RETAINED EARNINGS

(Dollars in thousands)

(unaudited)

 

     Three Months Ended
March 31,
    Six Months Ended
March 31,
 
     2010     2011     2010     2011  

Operating revenues, net

   $ 45,354      $ 44,701      $ 100,626      $ 102,445   
                                

Television operating expenses, excluding depreciation and amortization

     26,706        28,477        53,630        57,916   

Depreciation and amortization

     2,070        2,239        4,078        4,386   

Corporate expenses

     1,407        1,739        2,861        3,503   
                                
     30,183        32,455        60,569        65,805   
                                

Operating income

     15,171        12,246        40,057        36,640   
                                

Nonoperating income (expense)

        

Interest income related party

     60        —          110        —     

Interest expense

     (9,194     (9,297     (18,401     (18,617

Other, net

     (93     (489     1,000        (900
                                
     (9,227     (9,786     (17,291     (19,517
                                

Income from continuing operations before income taxes

     5,944        2,460        22,766        17,123   

Provision for income taxes

     2,359        959        8,838        6,581   
                                

Income from continuing operations

     3,585        1,501        13,928        10,542   

Income from discontinued operations, net of income taxes (Note 6)

     —          —          1,641        —     
                                

Net income

     3,585        1,501        15,569        10,542   

Retained earnings, beginning of period

     33,187        55,416        28,332        46,375   

Distribution of Politico, net (Note 6)

     —          —          (7,129     —     
                                

Retained earnings, end of period

   $ 36,772      $ 56,917      $ 36,772      $ 56,917   
                                

See accompanying notes to interim consolidated financial statements.

 

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ALLBRITTON COMMUNICATIONS COMPANY

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(Dollars in thousands except share information)

 

     September 30,
2010
    March 31,
2011
(unaudited)
 

Assets

    

Current assets

    

Cash and cash equivalents

   $ 2,879      $ 2,318   

Accounts receivable, net

     38,082        37,250   

Program rights

     10,534        5,216   

Deferred income taxes

     1,346        1,346   

Other

     2,240        3,031   
                

Total current assets

     55,081        49,161   

Property, plant and equipment, net

     38,494        39,464   

Intangible assets, net

     11,590        11,590   

Cash surrender value of life insurance

     13,656        13,786   

Program rights

     475        298   

Deferred income taxes

     2,402        74   

Deferred financing costs and other

     10,658        9,911   
                
   $ 132,356      $ 124,284   
                

Liabilities and Stockholder’s Investment

    

Current liabilities

    

Accounts payable

   $ 3,173      $ 2,922   

Accrued interest payable

     15,390        13,846   

Program rights payable

     12,913        7,599   

Accrued employee benefit expenses

     5,362        4,605   

Other accrued expenses

     5,221        3,259   
                

Total current liabilities

     42,059        32,231   

Long-term debt

     470,000        464,500   

Program rights payable

     843        588   

Accrued employee benefit expenses

     489        503   

Deferred rent and other

     7,681        9,080   
                

Total liabilities

     521,072        506,902   
                

Stockholder’s investment

    

Preferred stock, $1 par value, 1,000 shares authorized, none issued

     —          —     

Common stock, $.05 par value, 20,000 shares authorized, issued and outstanding

     1        1   

Capital in excess of par value

     49,631        49,631   

Retained earnings

     46,375        56,917   

Distributions to owners, net (Note 5)

     (484,723     (489,167
                

Total stockholder’s investment

     (388,716     (382,618
                
   $ 132,356      $ 124,284   
                

See accompanying notes to interim consolidated financial statements.

 

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ALLBRITTON COMMUNICATIONS COMPANY

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(Dollars in thousands)

(unaudited)

 

     Six Months Ended
March 31,
 
     2010     2011  

Cash flows from operating activities:

    

Net income

   $ 15,569      $ 10,542   
                

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:

    

Depreciation and amortization

     4,091        4,386   

Other noncash charges

     756        743   

Provision for doubtful accounts

     426        332   

(Gain) loss on disposal of assets

     (1,628     104   

Tax effect of Politico distribution

     (1,766     —     

Change in taxes due under tax sharing agreement

     3,468        556   

Changes in assets and liabilities:

    

(Increase) decrease in assets:

    

Accounts receivable

     (7,119     500   

Program rights

     5,403        5,495   

Other current assets

     (1,161     (791

Deferred income taxes

     2,258        2,328   

Other noncurrent assets

     (200     (126

Increase (decrease) in liabilities:

    

Accounts payable

     677        (251

Accrued interest payable

     (18     (1,544

Program rights payable

     (6,166     (5,569

Accrued employee benefit expenses

     512        (743

Other accrued expenses

     (1,209     (1,962

Deferred rent and other liabilities

     (317     1,399   
                
     (1,993     4,857   
                

Net cash provided by operating activities

     13,576        15,399   
                

Cash flows from investing activities:

    

Capital expenditures

     (2,413     (5,506

Proceeds from disposal of assets

     28        46   
                

Net cash used in investing activities

     (2,385     (5,460
                

Cash flows from financing activities:

    

Repayments under line of credit, net

     (9,500     (5,500

Deferred financing costs

     (332     —     

Distributions to owners

     —          (5,000
                

Net cash used in financing activities

     (9,832     (10,500
                

Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents

     1,359        (561

Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period

     2,164        2,879   
                

Cash and cash equivalents, end of period

   $ 3,523      $ 2,318   
                

See accompanying notes to interim consolidated financial statements.

 

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ALLBRITTON COMMUNICATIONS COMPANY

NOTES TO INTERIM CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Dollars in thousands)

(unaudited)

NOTE 1 – The accompanying unaudited interim consolidated financial statements of Allbritton Communications Company (an indirectly wholly-owned subsidiary of Perpetual Corporation (“Perpetual”)) and its subsidiaries (collectively, the “Company”) have been prepared pursuant to instructions for Form 10-Q and Rule 10-01 of Regulation S-X. Accordingly, certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in financial statements prepared in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles have been omitted or condensed where permitted by regulation. In management’s opinion, the accompanying financial statements reflect all adjustments, which were of a normal recurring nature, and disclosures necessary for a fair presentation of the consolidated financial statements for the interim periods presented. The results of operations for the three and six months ended March 31, 2011 are not necessarily indicative of the results that can be expected for the entire fiscal year ending September 30, 2011. The interim consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements and notes thereto for the year ended September 30, 2010, which are contained in the Company’s Form 10-K.

NOTE 2 – The carrying amount of the Company’s cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, accounts payable, accrued expenses and program rights payable approximate fair value due to the short maturity of those instruments. The Company estimates the fair value of its long-term debt using quoted market prices. The Company estimated the fair value of its senior notes to be approximately $456,000 and $480,000 at September 30, 2010 and March 31, 2011, respectively. The carrying value of the Company’s senior credit facility approximates fair value as borrowings bear interest at market rates.

NOTE 3 – The carrying value of the Company’s indefinite lived intangible assets, consisting of its broadcast licenses, at September 30, 2010 and March 31, 2011 was $11,590. The Company’s other intangible assets, consisting of favorable terms on contracts and leases, had a gross carrying amount of $6,174 and no net carrying value at September 30, 2010 or March 31, 2011 as these intangible assets are fully amortized.

NOTE 4The FCC granted to Sprint Nextel Corporation (“Nextel”) the right to reclaim a portion of the spectrum in the 2 GHz band from broadcasters across the country. In order to claim this spectrum, Nextel was required to replace all of the broadcasters’ electronic newsgathering equipment using this spectrum with digital equipment capable of operating in the reformatted portion of the 2 GHz band retained by the broadcasters. This exchange of equipment was completed on a market by market basis. As the equipment was exchanged and placed into service in each of the Company’s markets, a gain was recorded to the extent that the fair market value of the equipment received exceeded the book value of the analog equipment exchanged.

During the six months ended March 31, 2010, the fair market value of the equipment received and placed into service was $1,610. This amount has been recorded as an addition to property, plant and

 

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equipment, but it is not included in capital expenditures in the accompanying consolidated statement of cash flows as no cash was involved in the exchange. The excess of fair market value as compared to the book value of equipment exchanged and placed into service of $1,610 for the six months ended March 31, 2010, was recorded as a non-cash gain in other, net nonoperating income in the accompanying consolidated financial statements. There were no exchanges during the six months ended March 31, 2011.

NOTE 5 – For the six months ended March 31, 2010 and 2011, distributions to owners and related activity consisted of the following:

 

     Distributions
to Owners

and  Dividends
     Federal and
Virginia State
Income Tax
Receivable
(Payable)
    Net
Distributions
to Owners
 

Balance as of September 30, 2009

   $ 478,818       $ (2,045   $ 476,773   

Cash advances to Perpetual

     —             —     

Repayment of cash advances from Perpetual

     —             —     

Charge for federal and state income taxes

        (8,833     (8,833

Payment of income taxes

        5,365        5,365   
                         

Balance as of March 31, 2010

   $ 478,818       $ (5,513   $ 473,305   
                         

Balance as of September 30, 2010

   $ 484,723       $ —        $ 484,723   

Cash advances to Perpetual

     5,000           5,000   

Repayment of cash advances from Perpetual

     —             —     

Charge for federal and state income taxes

        (3,993     (3,993

Payment of income taxes

        3,437        3,437   
                         

Balance as of March 31, 2011

   $ 489,723       $ (556   $ 489,167   
                         

The average amount of non-interest bearing advances outstanding was $473,818 and $481,014 during the six months ended March 31, 2010 and 2011, respectively.

NOTE 6 – On November 13, 2009, the equity interests of Politico, a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company, were distributed to Perpetual. As the operations of Politico constitute a component of the Company, the operating results of Politico through November 13, 2009 are presented as discontinued operations for all periods presented. The distribution of the equity interests of Politico was reflected as a distribution to owners at historical cost, or $5,363, in the accompanying statement of operations and retained earnings for the six months ended March 31, 2010. The $5,363 of equity interests of Politico distributed on November 13, 2009 consisted of current assets of $7,548, net property, plant and equipment of $258, current liabilities of $2,429 and non-current liabilities of $14. The distribution of Politico resulted in a current tax effect of $1,766 which was reflected as a reduction to stockholder’s investment during the three months ended December 31, 2009.

 

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Following is a summary of operating results for discontinued operations through November 13, 2009:

 

Operating revenues, net

   $  5,198   

Total expenses

     2,529   
        

Income before taxes

     2,669   

Provision for income taxes

     1,028   
        

Income from discontinued operations

   $ 1,641   
        

NOTE 7 In October 2009, the FASB issued new guidance on revenue arrangements with multiple deliverables. The guidance revises the criteria for separating, measuring and allocating arrangement consideration to each deliverable in a multiple element arrangement. This guidance is effective for the Company’s year ending September 30, 2011. The Company adopted the guidance as of October 1, 2010. The adoption had no effect on the Company’s financial position or results of operations.

 

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Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

(Dollars in thousands)

Overview

As used herein, the terms the “Company,” “our,” “us,” or “we” refer to Allbritton Communications Company and its subsidiaries and “ACC” refers solely to Allbritton Communications Company.

We own ABC network-affiliated television stations serving six geographic markets: WJLA-TV in Washington, D.C.; WCFT-TV in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, WJSU-TV in Anniston, Alabama and WBMA-LP, a low power television station licensed to Birmingham, Alabama (we operate WCFT-TV and WJSU-TV in tandem with WBMA-LP serving the viewers of the Birmingham, Tuscaloosa and Anniston market as a single programming source); WHTM-TV in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania; KATV in Little Rock, Arkansas; KTUL in Tulsa, Oklahoma; and WSET-TV in Lynchburg, Virginia. We also provide 24-hour per day basic cable television programming to the Washington, D.C. market, through NewsChannel 8, primarily focused on regional and local news for the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area. The operations of NewsChannel 8 are integrated with WJLA.

We owned and operated Politico, a specialized newspaper and Internet site (politico.com), from its launch in January 2007 until November 13, 2009, at which time the equity interests of Politico were distributed to Perpetual. The operating results of Politico through November 13, 2009 are classified as discontinued operations.

Our advertising revenues are generally highest in the first and third quarters of each fiscal year, due in part to increases in retail advertising in the period leading up to and including the holiday season and active advertising in the spring. The fluctuation in our operating results is generally related to fluctuations in the revenue cycle. In addition, advertising revenues are generally higher during election years due to spending by political candidates, which is typically heaviest during our first and fourth fiscal quarters.

Results of Operations

Set forth below are selected consolidated financial data for the three and six months ended March 31, 2010 and 2011 and the percentage change between the periods:

 

     Three Months Ended
March 31,
     Percent
Change
    Six Months Ended
March 31,
     Percent
Change
 
     2010      2011        2010      2011     

Operating revenues, net

   $ 45,354       $ 44,701         -1.4   $ 100,626       $ 102,445         1.8

Operating expenses

     30,183         32,455         7.5     60,569         65,805         8.6
                                        

Operating income

     15,171         12,246         -19.3     40,057         36,640         -8.5

Nonoperating expenses, net

     9,227         9,786         6.1     17,291         19,517         12.9

Income tax provision

     2,359         959         -59.3     8,838         6,581         -25.5
                                        

Income from continuing operations

     3,585         1,501         -58.1     13,928         10,542         -24.3

Income from discontinued operations, net of tax

     —           —           —          1,641         —           —     
                                        

Net income

   $ 3,585       $ 1,501         -58.1   $ 15,569       $ 10,542         -32.3
                                        

 

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Net Operating Revenues

The following table depicts the principal types of operating revenues from continuing operations, net of agency commissions, earned by us for each of the three and six month periods ended March 31, 2010 and 2011, and the percentage contribution of each to our total operating revenues, before fees:

 

    

Three Months Ended March 31,

   

Six Months Ended March 31,

 
    

2010

   

2011

   

2010

   

2011

 
    

Dollars

   

Percent

   

Dollars

   

Percent

   

Dollars

   

Percent

   

Dollars

    Percent  

Local and national (1)

   $ 37,731        81.6   $ 36,927        81.1   $ 83,140        80.9   $ 79,612        76.1

Political (2)

     553        1.2     —          0.0     3,647        3.6     7,642        7.3

Subscriber fees (3)

     4,718        10.2     5,239        11.5     9,145        8.9     10,200        9.8

Internet (4)

     628        1.4     904        2.0     1,382        1.3     1,882        1.8

Network compensation (5)

     604        1.3     379        0.8     1,179        1.1     964        0.9

Trade and barter (6)

     1,299        2.8     1,268        2.8     2,651        2.6     2,596        2.5

Other revenue

     714        1.5     811        1.8     1,607        1.6     1,648        1.6
                                                                

Operating revenues

     46,247        100.0     45,528        100.0     102,751        100.0     104,544        100.0
                                        

Fees (7)

     (893       (827       (2,125       (2,099  
                                        

Operating revenues, net

   $ 45,354        $ 44,701        $ 100,626        $ 102,445     
                                        

 

(1) Represents sale of advertising to local and national advertisers, either directly or through agencies representing such advertisers, net of agency commission.
(2) Represents sale of advertising to political advertisers.
(3) Represents subscriber fees earned from cable and telco operators as well as direct broadcast satellite providers.
(4) Represents sale of advertising on our Internet websites.
(5) Represents payment by network for broadcasting or promoting network programming.
(6) Represents value of commercial time exchanged for goods and services (trade) or syndicated programs (barter).
(7) Represents fees paid to national sales representatives and fees paid for music licenses.

Net operating revenues for the three months ended March 31, 2011 totaled $44,701, a decrease of $653, or 1.4%, when compared to net operating revenues of $45,354 for the three months ended March 31, 2010. This decrease primarily reflects decreased local and national and political advertising revenues, partially offset by increased subscriber fees. Net operating revenues increased $1,819, or 1.8%, to $102,445 for the six months ended March 31, 2011 as compared to $100,626 for the same period in the prior year. This increase primarily reflects increased demand for political advertising as well as increased subscriber fees, partially offset by decreased local and national advertising revenues.

Local and national advertising revenues decreased $804, or 2.1% and $3,528, or 4.2%, during the three and six months ended March 31, 2011, respectively, versus the comparable periods in the prior year. These decreases were primarily due to significantly less demand for issue-oriented advertising surrounding the legislative process during the current year as well as the displacement of local and national advertisers during the peak political advertising period leading up to the November 2010 interim elections. Notwithstanding these overall decreases, automotive related advertising increased 22% during both the three and six months ended March 31, 2011, as compared to the same periods in the prior year.

There were no political advertising revenues for the three months ended March 31, 2011 as compared to $553 for the three months ended March 31, 2010. Political advertising revenues increased by $3,995 to $7,642 for the six months ended March 31, 2011 as compared to the six months ended March 31, 2010.

 

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Political advertising revenue increased as a result of spending related to the November 2010 interim elections, partially offset by advertising in the prior year for the Virginia Governor’s election in November 2009.

Subscriber fees increased $521, or 11.0%, and $1,055, or 11.5%, during the three and six months ended March 31, 2011, respectively, as compared to the same periods of the prior fiscal year. These increases were due to increases in per subscriber rates in accordance with the underlying agreements as well as increases in the overall number of subscribers.

No individual advertiser accounted for more than 5% of our operating revenues during the three or six months ended March 31, 2010 or 2011.

Total Operating Expenses

Total operating expenses for the three months ended March 31, 2011 totaled $32,455, an increase of $2,272, or 7.5%, compared to total operating expenses of $30,183 for the three-month period ended March 31, 2010. This increase consisted of an increase in television operating expenses, excluding depreciation and amortization, of $1,771, an increase in depreciation and amortization of $169 and an increase in corporate expenses of $332.

Total operating expenses for the six months ended March 31, 2011 totaled $65,805, an increase of $5,236, or 8.6%, compared to total operating expenses of $60,569 for the six-month period ended March 31, 2010. This increase consisted of an increase in television operating expenses, excluding depreciation and amortization, of $4,286, an increase in depreciation and amortization of $308 and an increase in corporate expenses of $642.

Television operating expenses, excluding depreciation and amortization, increased $1,771, or 6.6%, and $4,286, or 8.0%, for the three and six months ended March 31, 2011, respectively, as compared to the same periods in Fiscal 2010. These increases were due primarily to increased personnel and operating costs related to the new Washington, D.C. local news website, TBD.com, and its integration with the NewsChannel 8 cable platform as well as the effect of expense reduction initiatives on the Fiscal 2010 periods. While the majority of the expense reductions that we initiated during Fiscal 2009 are continuing, certain of these reductions were temporary in nature and the related expenses have begun to increase.

Operating Income

For the three months ended March 31, 2011, operating income of $12,246 represented a decrease of $2,925, or 19.3%, when compared to operating income of $15,171 for the three months ended March 31, 2010. For the three months ended March 31, 2011, the operating margin decreased to 27.4% from 33.5% for the comparable period in Fiscal 2010. The decreases in operating income and margin during the three months ended March 31, 2011 were primarily the result of increased total operating expenses, as discussed above.

Operating income of $36,640 for the six months ended March 31, 2011 decreased $3,417, or 8.5%, when compared to operating income of $40,057 for the same period in the prior fiscal year. For the six months ended March 31, 2011, the operating margin decreased to 35.8% from 39.8% for the comparable period in the prior fiscal year. The decreases in operating income and margin were primarily the result of total operating expenses increasing more than the increase in net operating revenues, as discussed above.

 

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Nonoperating Expenses, Net

Interest Expense. Interest expense of $9,297 for the three months ended March 31, 2011 increased $103, or 1.1%, as compared to $9,194 for the three-month period ended March 31, 2010. The average balance of debt outstanding for the three months ended March 31, 2010 and 2011 was $476,817 and $470,833, respectively, and the weighted average interest rate on debt was 7.6% and 7.9% for the three-month periods ended March 31, 2010 and 2011, respectively.

Interest expense of $18,617 for the six months ended March 31, 2011 increased $216, or 1.2%, as compared to $18,401 for the comparable period of Fiscal 2010. The average balance of debt outstanding for the six months ended March 31, 2010 and 2011 was $476,556 and $470,723, respectively, and the weighted average interest rate on debt was 7.6% and 7.9% for the six-month periods ended March 31, 2010 and 2011, respectively.

Other, net. Other, net nonoperating expense was $900 for the six months ended March 31, 2011, as compared to other, net nonoperating income of $1,000 for the same period in the prior year. The difference of $1,900 primarily resulted from the recording of a non-cash gain on the exchange of equipment with Sprint Nextel Corporation (“Nextel”) of $1,610 during the six months ended March 31, 2010 with no comparable activity during the six months ended March 31, 2011. The FCC granted to Nextel the right to reclaim a portion of the spectrum in the 2 GHz band from broadcasters across the country. In order to claim this spectrum, Nextel was required to replace all of the broadcasters’ electronic newsgathering equipment using this spectrum with digital equipment capable of operating in the reformatted portion of the 2 GHz band retained by the broadcasters. This exchange of equipment was completed on a market by market basis. As the equipment was exchanged and placed into service in each of our markets, a gain was recorded to the extent that the fair market value of the equipment received exceeded the book value of the analog equipment exchanged.

Income Taxes

The provision for income taxes for the three months ended March 31, 2011 totaled $959, a decrease of $1,400, or 59.3%, as compared to the provision for income taxes of $2,359 for the three months ended March 31, 2010. This decrease was primarily due to the $3,484, or 58.6%, decrease in income from continuing operations before income taxes.

The provision for income taxes for the six months ended March 31, 2011 totaled $6,581, a decrease of $2,257, or 25.5%, as compared to the provision for income taxes of $8,838 for the six months ended March 31, 2010. This decrease was primarily due to the $5,643, or 24.8%, decrease in income from continuing operations before income taxes.

Income from Continuing Operations

Income from continuing operations during the three months ended March 31, 2011 was $1,501, a decrease of $2,084, or 58.1%, when compared to income from continuing operations of $3,585 during the comparable period in Fiscal 2010. This decrease was primarily due to decreased operating income as discussed above.

Income from continuing operations during the six months ended March 31, 2011 was $10,542, a decrease of $3,386, or 24.3%, when compared to income from continuing operations of $13,928 during the comparable period in Fiscal 2010. This decrease was primarily due to decreased operating income as discussed above.

 

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Income from Discontinued Operations, Net of Income Taxes

The operations of Politico through November 13, 2009 are classified as discontinued operations in the six-month period ended March 31, 2010. Income from discontinued operations was $1,641, net of the related provision for income taxes of $1,028, during the six months ended March 31, 2010.

Net Income

For the three months ended March 31, 2011, the Company recorded net income of $1,501 as compared to net income of $3,585 for the three months ended March 31, 2010. The decrease of $2,084, or 58.1%, during the three months ended March 31, 2011 was primarily due to decreased operating income as discussed above.

For the six months ended March 31, 2011, the Company recorded net income of $10,542 as compared to net income of $15,569 for the six months ended March 31, 2010. This decrease in net income of $5,027, or 32.3%, during the six months ended March 31, 2011 was primarily due to decreased income from continuing operations as well as income from discontinued operations in the prior year as discussed above.

Balance Sheet

Significant balance sheet fluctuations from September 30, 2010 to March 31, 2011 consisted primarily of decreases in program rights and program rights payable. These decreases reflect the annual cycle of the underlying program contracts which generally begins in September of each year. See also “Liquidity and Capital Resources.”

Liquidity and Capital Resources

As of March 31, 2011, our cash and cash equivalents aggregated $2,318, and we had an excess of current assets over current liabilities of $16,930.

Cash Provided by Operations. Our principal source of working capital is cash flow from operations and borrowings under our senior credit facility. As discussed above, our operating results are cyclical in nature primarily as a result of seasonal fluctuations in advertising revenues, which are generally highest in the first and third quarters of each fiscal year. Our cash flow from operations is also impacted on a quarterly basis by the timing of cash collections and interest payments on debt. Cash receipts are usually greater during the second and fourth fiscal quarters as the collection of advertising revenue typically lags the period in which such revenue is recorded. Scheduled semi-annual interest payments on our long-term fixed interest rate debt occur during the first and third fiscal quarters. As a result, our cash flows from operating activities as reflected in our consolidated financial statements are generally significantly higher during our second and fourth fiscal quarters, and such quarters comprise a substantial majority of our cash flows from operating activities for the full fiscal year.

 

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As reported in the consolidated statements of cash flows, our net cash from operating activities was $13,576 and $15,399 for the six months ended March 31, 2010 and 2011, respectively. The $1,823 increase in cash flows from operating activities was primarily the result of decreased levels of accounts receivable, excluding the effect of discontinued operations, partially offset by decreased net income as well as various differences in the timing of cash receipts and payments in the ordinary course of operations as compared to the same period in the prior fiscal year.

Transactions with Owners. We have periodically made advances in the form of distributions to Perpetual. During the six months ended March 31, 2011, we made cash advances to Perpetual of $5,000. The advances to Perpetual are non-interest bearing and, as such, do not reflect market rates of interest-bearing loans to unaffiliated third parties. No cash advances were made during the six months ended March 31, 2010. On November 13, 2009, the equity interests of Politico were distributed to Perpetual. See “Overview.”

At present, the primary source of repayment of the net advances is through our ability to pay dividends or make other distributions, and there is no immediate intent for the amounts to be repaid. Accordingly, these advances have been treated as a reduction of stockholder’s investment and are described as “distributions” in our consolidated financial statements.

Under the terms of the agreements relating to our indebtedness, future advances, distributions and dividends to related parties are subject to certain restrictions. We anticipate that, subject to such restrictions, applicable law and payment obligations with respect to our indebtedness, we will make advances, distributions or dividends to related parties in the future.

Under the terms of the tax sharing agreement between Perpetual and us, we made a tax payment to Perpetual during the six months ended March 31, 2010 of $2,045 that was due as of September 30, 2009, and in addition, we made interest-bearing advances of tax payments to Perpetual of $3,320. During the six months ended March 31, 2011, we made a tax payment of $3,437 to Perpetual related to current year tax charges. We were charged by Perpetual for federal and state income taxes totaling $8,833 and $3,993 during the six months ended March 31, 2010 and 2011, respectively.

Stockholder’s deficit amounted to $382,618 at March 31, 2011, a decrease of $6,098, or 1.6%, from the September 30, 2010 deficit of $388,716. The decrease was due to net income for the period of $10,542 offset by a net increase in distributions to owners of $4,444 which was the result of cash advances and payment of income taxes under the tax sharing agreement, partially offset by tax charges.

Indebtedness. Our total debt decreased from $470,000 at September 30, 2010 to $464,500 at March 31, 2011. This debt consisted of $455,000 of 8% senior notes due May 15, 2018 and $9,500 outstanding under our senior credit facility. The decrease of $5,500 in total debt from September 30, 2010 to March 31, 2011 was due to net repayments under the senior credit facility.

Our $60,000 senior credit facility is secured by the assets and stock of ACC and its subsidiaries and matures April 29, 2013. Interest is payable quarterly at various rates from prime plus 1.50% or from LIBOR plus 2.75% depending on certain financial operating tests.

Under the existing borrowing agreements, we are subject to restrictive covenants that place limitations upon payments of cash distributions, dividends, issuance of capital stock, investment transactions,

 

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incurrence of additional obligations and transactions with affiliates. Our senior credit facility currently contains the most restrictive covenants and limitations of this nature. In addition, under the senior credit facility, we must maintain compliance with certain financial covenants. Compliance with the financial covenants is measured at the end of each quarter, and as of March 31, 2011, we were in compliance with those financial covenants. We are also required to pay a commitment fee ranging from 0.375% to 0.500% per annum based on the amount of any unused portion of the senior credit facility.

Our senior credit facility, under which $9,500 was outstanding at March 31, 2011, has four financial maintenance covenants which are calculated based on the most recent twelve months of activity as of the end of each quarter. These financial maintenance covenants include a minimum interest coverage ratio, maximum total and senior leverage ratios and a minimum fixed charge coverage ratio. The total leverage ratio covenant is currently the most restrictive of the four financial maintenance covenants, and it also serves to limit cash advances to Perpetual. The calculation and the requirements for this ratio as of September 30, 2010 and March 31, 2011 are provided below.

 

     As of
September 30,
2010
     As of
March 31,
2011
 
Total Leverage Ratio      

Calculation:

     

Total debt

   $ 470,000       $ 464,500   

Consolidated EBITDA, as defined below

   $ 86,775       $ 83,293   

Total debt divided by Consolidated EBITDA

     5.42         5.58   
                 

Requirements (calculation must not exceed):

     

Financial covenant

     7.25         7.00   
                 

Cash advances to Perpetual

     6.75         6.75   
                 

Consolidated EBITDA is a defined term in our senior credit facility and is calculated as required by the terms of our senior credit facility as follows:

 

     Calculation for
the twelve
months ended
September 30,
2010
    Calculation for
the twelve
months ended
March 31, 2011
 

Net income

   $ 25,172      $ 20,145   

Income from discontinued operations, net of tax

     (1,641     —     

Provision for income taxes

     6,888        4,631   

Loss on early repayment of debt

     10,408        10,408   

Interest expense

     37,469        37,685   

Gain on disposal of assets

     (2,485     (753

Depreciation and amortization

     8,863        9,171   

Provision for doubtful accounts

     587        505   

Other noncash charges

     1,514        1,501   
                

Consolidated EBITDA

   $ 86,775      $ 83,293   
                

 

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The calculation for the twelve months ended September 30, 2010 excludes amounts related to Politico as required by the senior credit facility. Consolidated EBITDA is a non-GAAP measure which is only presented for purposes of assisting the reader in understanding our compliance with our financial covenants. We have calculated Consolidated EBITDA in accordance with the specific requirements of our senior credit facility, and this calculation may not be consistent with similarly titled measures used by other companies. This measure should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for measures of performance prepared in accordance with GAAP.

The permitted maximum total leverage ratio steps down during Fiscal 2011, including a decrease to 6.75 effective June 30, 2011. We believe that based on anticipated results for Fiscal 2011, we will be able to continue to comply with the financial covenants of our senior credit facility.

The indenture for our long-term debt provides that, whether or not required by the rules and regulations of the SEC, so long as any senior notes are outstanding, we, at our expense, will furnish to each holder (i) all quarterly and annual financial information that would be required to be contained in a filing with the SEC on Forms 10-Q and 10-K, if we were required to file such forms, including a “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” and, with respect to the annual financial information only, a report thereon by our certified independent accountants and (ii) all current reports that would be required to be filed with the SEC on Form 8-K if we were required to file such reports. In addition, the indenture also provides that, whether or not required by the rules and regulations of the SEC, we will file a copy of all such information and reports with the SEC for public availability (unless the SEC will not accept such a filing) and make such information available to securities analysts and prospective investors upon request. Although our duty to file such reports with the SEC has been automatically suspended pursuant to Section 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 effective October 1, 2010, we will continue to file such reports in accordance with the terms of the indenture.

Other Uses of Cash. We anticipate that capital expenditures for Fiscal 2011 will be in the approximate range of $7,000 to $8,000, and will primarily be for the acquisition of technical equipment and vehicles to support ongoing operations across our stations, including the completion of the conversion to high definition local production in all markets. We expect that the source of funds for these anticipated capital expenditures will be cash provided by operations and borrowings under the senior credit facility. Capital expenditures during the six months ended March 31, 2011 totaled $5,506.

Based upon our current level of operations, we believe that available cash, together with cash flows generated by operating activities and amounts available both under the senior credit facility and from repayments of distributions to owners, will be adequate to meet our anticipated future requirements for working capital, capital expenditures and scheduled payments of interest on our debt for the next twelve months.

New Accounting Standards

In October 2009, the FASB issued new guidance on revenue arrangements with multiple deliverables. The guidance revises the criteria for separating, measuring and allocating arrangement consideration to each deliverable in a multiple element arrangement. This guidance is effective for our year ending September 30, 2011. The Company adopted the guidance as of October 1, 2010. The adoption had no effect on the Company’s financial position or results of operations.

 

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Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

At March 31, 2011, we had other financial instruments consisting primarily of long-term fixed interest rate debt. Such debt, with future principal payments of $455,000, matures May 15, 2018. At March 31, 2011, the carrying value of such debt was $455,000, the fair value was approximately $480,000 and the interest rate was 8%. The fair market value of long-term fixed interest rate debt is subject to interest rate risk. Generally, the fair market value of fixed interest rate debt will increase as interest rates fall and decrease as interest rates rise. We estimate the fair value of our long-term fixed interest rate debt by using quoted market prices. We actively monitor the capital markets in analyzing our capital raising decisions.

 

Item 4. Controls and Procedures

The Company has performed an evaluation of its disclosure controls and procedures (as defined by Exchange Act rule 15d-15(e)) as of March 31, 2011. Based on this evaluation, the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer have concluded that the disclosure controls and procedures are effective.

There were no changes in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting during the quarter ended March 31, 2011 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.

 

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PART II - OTHER INFORMATION

 

Item 1. Legal Proceedings

We currently and from time to time are involved in litigation incidental to the conduct of our business, including suits based on defamation and employment activity. We are not currently a party to any lawsuit or proceeding which, in our opinion, could reasonably be expected to have a material adverse effect on our consolidated financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.

 

Item 6. Exhibits

a. Exhibits

See Exhibit Index on pages 18-20.

 

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SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.

 

 

  ALLBRITTON COMMUNICATIONS COMPANY
  (Registrant)

    May 12, 2011    

   

/s/ Robert L. Allbritton

          Date   Name:   Robert L. Allbritton
  Title:   Chairman and Chief Executive Officer

    May 12, 2011    

   

/s/ Stephen P. Gibson

          Date

  Name:   Stephen P. Gibson
  Title:   Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

 

 

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EXHIBIT INDEX

 

Exhibit No.

  

Description of Exhibit

  

Page No.

 
3.1    Certificate of Incorporation of ACC. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 of Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-4, No. 333-02302, dated March 12, 1996)      *   
3.2    Bylaws of ACC. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.2 of Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form S-4, No. 333-02302, dated March 12, 1996)      *   
4.1    Indenture dated as of April 30, 2010 between ACC and U.S. Bank National Association, as trustee, relating to the 8% Senior Notes due 2018. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 of the Company’s Report on Form 8-K, No. 333-02302, dated May 3, 2010)      *   
4.2    Credit Agreement dated as of August 23, 2005 by and among ACC, certain financial institutions, and Bank of America, N.A., as the Administrative Agent, and Deutsche Bank Securities Inc., as the Syndication Agent. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 of the Company’s Report on Form 8-K, No. 333-02302, dated August 23, 2005)      *   
4.3    Amendment No. 1 to Loan Documents, dated February 5, 2009 by and among ACC, certain of its subsidiaries, certain financial institutions, and Bank of America, N.A., as the Administrative Agent, and Deutsche Bank Securities Inc., as the Syndication Agent. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 of the Company’s Report on Form 8-K, No. 333-02302, dated February 5, 2009)      *   
4.4    Amendment No. 2 to Credit Agreement, dated November 13, 2009 by and among ACC, certain of its subsidiaries, certain financial institutions, and Bank of America, N.A., as the Administrative Agent, and Deutsche Bank Securities Inc., as the Syndication Agent. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.6 of the Company’s Report on Form 10-K, No. 333-02302, dated December 18, 2009)      *   
4.5    Amendment No. 3 to Credit Agreement and Amendment No. 2 to Collateral Assignment dated as of April 29, 2010 among ACC, its subsidiaries, the banks, financial institutions and other institutional lenders, Bank of America, N.A., as Administrative Agent, and Deutsche Bank Securities Inc., as Syndication Agent. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 of the Company’s Report on Form 8-K, No. 333-02302, dated May 3, 2010)      *   
4.6    Security Agreement dated as of April 29, 2010 made by ACC and its subsidiaries to Bank of America, N.A., as Agent. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 of the Company’s Report on Form 8-K, No. 333-02302, dated May 3, 2010)      *   

 

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Exhibit No.

  

Description of Exhibit

  

Page No.

 
4.7    Intellectual Property Security Agreement dated April 29, 2010 made by ACC and its subsidiaries to Bank of America, N.A., as Agent. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.3 of the Company’s Report on Form 8-K, No. 333-02302, dated May 3, 2010)      *   
10.1    Purchase Agreement dated April 22, 2010 by and among ACC, Deutsche Bank Securities Inc. and Banc of America Securities LLC as representatives for the initial purchasers. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of the Company’s Report on Form 8-K, No. 333-02302, dated April 27, 2010)      *   
10.2    Registration Rights Agreement dated as of April 30, 2010 among ACC, Deutsche Bank Securities Inc. and Banc of America Securities LLC. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of the Company’s Report on Form 8-K, No. 333-02302, dated May 3, 2010)      *   
10.3    Primary Television Affiliation Agreement (WSET, Incorporated) (with a schedule attached for other stations’ substantially identical affiliation agreements). (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 of the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, No. 333-02302, dated May 13, 2004)**      *   
10.4    Tax Sharing Agreement effective as of September 30, 1991 by and among Perpetual Corporation, ACC and ALLNEWSCO, Inc., amended as of October 29, 1993. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.11 of Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-4, No. 333-02302, dated March 12, 1996)      *   
10.5    Second Amendment to Tax Sharing Agreement effective as of October 1, 1995 by and among Perpetual Corporation, ACC and ALLNEWSCO, Inc. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.9 of the Company’s Form 10-K, No. 333-02302, dated December 22, 1998)      *   
10.6    Pledge Agreement dated as of August 23, 2005 by and among ACC, Allbritton Group, Inc., Allfinco, Inc., and Bank of America, N.A., as Agent. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of the Company’s Report on Form 8-K, No. 333-02302, dated August 23, 2005)      *   
10.7    Unlimited Guaranty dated as of August 23, 2005 by each of the subsidiaries of ACC in favor of Bank of America, N.A., as Administrative Agent. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 of the Company’s Report on Form 8-K, No. 333-02302, dated August 23, 2005)      *   
10.8    Collateral Assignment of Proceeds and Security Agreement dated as of August 23, 2005 by and among certain subsidiaries of ACC and Bank of America, N.A., as Agent. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 of the Company’s Report on Form 8-K, No. 333-02302, dated August 23, 2005)      *   

 

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Exhibit No.

  

Description of Exhibit

  

Page No.

 
14.    Code of Ethics for Senior Financial Officers. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 14 of the Company’s Form 10-K, No. 333-02302, dated December 12, 2003)      *   
31.1    Certification of Chairman and Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Rule 15d-14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.   
31.2    Certification of Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Rule 15d-14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.   

 

* Previously filed
** Portions have been omitted pursuant to confidential treatment

 

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