EDGAR 10-K Filing

Company CIK: 43196
Filing Year: 2024
Filename: 43196_10-K_2024_0001437749-24-005295.json

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ITEM 1. BUSINESS
Item 1. BUSINESS
In this annual report on Form 10-K (“Annual Report”), unless otherwise indicated or the context otherwise requires, the words “Gray,” “the Company,” “we,” “us,” and “our” refer to Gray Television, Inc. and its consolidated subsidiaries.
Unless otherwise indicated, all station rank, in-market share and television household data herein are derived from reports prepared by The Nielsen Company US, LLC (“Nielsen”) and/or Comscore, Inc. (“Comscore”). While we believe this data to be accurate and reliable, we have not independently verified such data, nor have we ascertained the underlying assumptions relied upon therein and cannot guarantee the accuracy or completeness of such data.
General
We are a multimedia company headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia. We are the nation’s largest owner of top-rated local television stations and digital assets in the United States. Our television stations serve 113 television markets that collectively reach approximately 36 percent of US television households. This portfolio includes 79 markets with the top-rated television station and 102 markets with the first and/or second highest rated television station. We also own video program companies Raycom Sports, Tupelo Media Group, PowerNation Studios, as well as the studio production facilities Assembly Atlanta and Third Rail Studios.
Our operating revenues are derived primarily from broadcast and internet advertising and from retransmission consent fees. For the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021 our total revenue was $3.3 billion, $3.7 billion and $2.4 billion, respectively.
Markets and Stations
We believe a key driver for our strong market position is our focus on strong local news and information programming. We believe that our market position and our strong local teams have enabled us to maintain more stable revenues compared to many of our peers.
We are diversified across our markets and network affiliations. In 2023 and 2022, our largest market, by revenue, was Phoenix, Arizona, which contributed 4% and 5% of our revenue, respectively. Our top 10 markets by revenue contributed approximately 25% and 26% of our total revenue in the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively. For the year ended December 31, 2023, our CBS-affiliated channels accounted for approximately 39% of total revenue; our NBC-affiliated channels accounted for approximately 27% of total revenue; our FOX-affiliated channels accounted for approximately 14% of total revenue; and our ABC-affiliated channels accounted for approximately 11% of total revenue. We refer to CBS, NBC, ABC and FOX as the “Big Four” networks.
In each of our markets, we own and operate at least one television station broadcasting a primary channel affiliated with one of the Big Four networks. We also own additional stations in some markets, some of which also broadcast primary channels affiliated with one of the Big Four networks. Nearly all of our stations broadcast secondary digital channels that are affiliated with various networks or are independent of any network. The terms of our affiliations with broadcast networks are governed by network affiliation agreements. Each network affiliation agreement provides the affiliated station with the right to broadcast all programs transmitted by the affiliated network. Our network affiliation agreements with the Big Four broadcast networks currently expire at various dates through January 1, 2026.
Television Industry Background
The Federal Communications Commission (“FCC”) grants broadcast licenses to television stations. There are only a limited number of broadcast licenses available in any one geographic area. Each commercial television station in the US is assigned to one of 210 designated market areas (“DMAs”). These markets are ranked in size according to their number of television households, with the market having the largest number of television households ranked number one (New York City). Each DMA is an exclusive geographic area consisting of all counties (and in some cases, portions of counties) in which the home-market commercial television stations receive the greatest percentage of total viewing hours.
Television station revenue is derived primarily from local, regional and national advertising revenue (together, but excluding political advertising revenue, “Core”) and retransmission consent fees. Television station revenue is also derived to a much lesser extent from studio and tower space rental fees and production activities. “Advertising” primarily refers to advertisements broadcast by television stations, but it also includes advertisements placed on a television station’s website and sponsorships of television programming and off-line content such as email messages, mobile applications, and other electronic content distributed by stations. Advertising rates are typically driven by: (i) the size of a station’s market; (ii) a station’s overall ratings; (iii) a program’s popularity among targeted viewers; (iv) the number of advertisers competing for available time; (v) the demographic makeup of the station’s market; (vi) the availability of alternative advertising media in the market; (vii) the presence of effective sales forces; and (viii) the development of projects, features and programs that tie advertiser messages to programming and/or digital content on a station’s website or mobile applications. Advertising rates can also be determined in part by the station’s ratings and market share among particular demographic groups that an advertiser may be targeting.
Because broadcast stations rely on advertising revenues, they are sensitive to cyclical changes in the economy. The sizes of advertisers’ budgets, which can be affected by broad economic trends, can affect the broadcast industry in general and the revenues of individual broadcast television stations.
Strategy
Our success is based on the following strategies:
Grow by Leveraging our Diverse National Footprint. We serve a diverse and national footprint of television stations. We currently operate in DMAs ranked between 7 and 209. We operate in many markets that we believe have the potential for significant political advertising revenue in periods leading up to elections. We are also diversified across our broadcast programming.
Maintain and Grow our Market Leadership Position. According to Nielsen, during 2023, our owned and operated television stations achieved the #1 ranking in overall audience in 79 of our 113 markets. In addition, our stations achieved the #1 and/or #2 ranking in overall audience in 102 of our 113 markets.
We believe there are significant advantages in operating the #1 or #2 television broadcasting stations in a local market. Strong audience and market share allow us to enhance our advertising revenue through price discipline and leadership. We believe a top-rated local news platform is critical to capturing incremental sponsorship and political advertising revenue. Our high-quality station group allows us to generate higher operating margins, which allows us additional opportunities to reinvest in our business to further strengthen our network and local news ratings. Furthermore, we believe operating the top ranked stations in our various markets allows us to attract and retain top talent.
We also believe that our local market leadership positions help us in negotiating more beneficial terms in our major network affiliation agreements, which currently expire at various dates through January 1, 2026, and in our syndicated programming agreements. These leadership positions also give us additional leverage to negotiate retransmission contracts with cable system operators, telephone video distributors, direct broadcast satellite (“DBS”) operators and other multichannel video programming distributors (“MVPDs”).
We intend to maintain our market leadership position through continued prudent investment in our local news and syndicated programs, as well as continued technological advances and workflow improvements. We expect to continue to invest in technological upgrades in the future. We believe the foregoing will help us maintain and grow our market leadership, thereby enhancing our ability to grow and further diversify our revenues and cash flows.
Continue to Pursue Strategic Growth and Accretive Acquisition Opportunities. Over the last several years, the television broadcasting industry has been characterized by a high level of acquisition activity. We believe that there are a number of television stations, and a few station groups, that have attractive operating profiles and characteristics, and that share our commitment to local news coverage in the communities in which they operate and to creating high-quality and locally driven content. On a highly selective basis, we may pursue opportunities for the acquisition of additional television stations or station groups that fit our strategic and operational objectives, and where we believe that we can improve revenue, efficiencies and cash flow through active management and cost controls. As we consider potential acquisitions, we primarily evaluate potential station audience and revenue shares and the extent to which the acquisition target would positively impact our existing station operations. We also consider the amount of leverage that an acquisition would entail and our ability to carry such additional leverage at and after the time of acquisition. Consistent with this strategy, we have completed several acquisition and divestiture transactions, including some that had a material impact on our results of operations, between late 2013 and early 2023. For more information on these transactions, see Note 3 “Acquisitions and Divestitures” of our audited consolidated financial statements included elsewhere herein. This note also describes the stations we acquired in each of 2023, 2022 and 2021, which we may also refer to collectively as our “acquisitions,” our “recent acquisitions” or “the acquisitions.”
Continue to Monetize Digital Spectrum. In addition to each station’s primary channel, we also broadcast a number of secondary channels. Certain secondary channels are simultaneously affiliated with more than one network. Our strategy includes expanding upon our digital offerings and sales. We continuously evaluate opportunities to use spectrum for future delivery of data to mobile devices using a new transmission standard.
Continue to Maintain Prudent Cost Management. Historically, we have closely managed costs to maintain and improve our margins. We believe that our market leadership position provides additional negotiating leverage that enables us to lower, on a relative basis, our syndicated programming costs. We are pursuing opportunities to use spectrum more efficiently for content and sales by transitioning our stations to the new transmission standard called NextGen TV.
Further Strengthen our Balance Sheet. During the last several years, we have leveraged our strong cash flow and efficient operating model to grow our diverse national footprint. In 2023 and 2022, we made net principal payments totaling $310 million and $315 million reducing the balance outstanding under our Senior Credit Facility including both voluntary and required payments. In 2021 and in other recent years, we acted to improve the terms of our debt by amending or replacing our long-term debt to secure favorable terms while interest rates were at historically low levels. During 2021, we completed the acquisition of all the equity interests of Meredith Corporation (“Meredith”) and of Quincy Media, Inc. (“Quincy”), and other transactions including divestitures resulting from the Meredith and Quincy acquisitions (collectively, the “2021 Acquisitions”) using a financing plan composed of our cash on hand, attractively priced fixed rate debt, proceeds from divestitures, and amended our Senior Credit Facility. We continually evaluate opportunities to improve our balance sheet. For more information regarding acquisition transactions, see Note 3 “Acquisitions and Divestitures” of our audited consolidated financial statements included elsewhere herein.
Stations
Our television stations serve local communities across the country. From our largest market in Atlanta, Georgia (DMA 7) to our smallest in North Platte, Nebraska (DMA 209), as tabulated by Nielsen, we inform, educate, entertain and connect each of these communities to their state, the nation and the whole world. Nearly all stations have a local studio, tower, sales, technical and administrative personnel dedicated to their community. Our network affiliations include the Big Four networks and many more smaller networks. Nearly all stations also provide content through digital platforms including a local station website and one or more digital apps. For more information about our stations please visit our corporate website at www.gray.tv.
Cyclicality, Seasonality and Revenue Concentrations
Broadcast stations like ours rely on advertising revenue and are therefore sensitive to cyclical changes in the economy. Our political advertising revenue is generally not as significantly affected by economic slowdowns or recessions as non-political advertising revenue.
Broadcast advertising revenue is generally highest in the second and fourth quarters. This seasonality results partly from increases in consumer advertising in the spring and retail advertising in the period leading up to, and including, the holiday season. Broadcast advertising revenue is also typically higher in even-numbered years due to spending by political candidates, political parties and special interest groups during the “on year” of the two-year election cycle. Political advertising spending is typically heaviest during the fourth quarter. In addition, the broadcast of the Olympic Games by our NBC-affiliated stations generally leads to increased viewership and revenue during those years for our NBC-affiliated stations.
Our broadcast advertising revenue is earned from the sale of advertisements broadcast by our stations. Although no single customer represented more than 5% of our broadcast advertising revenue for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 or 2021, we derived a material portion of our non-political broadcast advertising revenue from advertisers in a limited number of industries, particularly the services sector, comprising financial, legal and medical advertisers, and the automotive industry. The services sector has become an increasingly important source of advertising revenue over the past few years. During the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021 approximately 27%, 28% and 29%, respectively, of our broadcast advertising revenue (excluding political advertising revenue) was obtained from advertising sales to the services sector. During the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021 approximately 20%, 17% and 17%, respectively, of our broadcast advertising revenue (excluding political advertising revenue) was obtained from advertising sales to automotive customers. Revenue from these industries may represent a higher percentage of total revenue in odd-numbered years due to, among other things, the increased availability of advertising time, as a result of such years being the “off year” of the two-year election cycle.
Station Network Affiliations. In addition to affiliations with ABC, CBS, NBC and FOX, our secondary channels are affiliated with numerous smaller networks and program services including, among others, the CW Network or the CW Plus Network (collectively, “CW”), MY Network, the MeTV Network, Telemundo, THE365, Outlaw, and others. Certain of our secondary digital channels are affiliated with more than one network simultaneously. We also broadcast independent and local news/weather channels in some markets on both primary and secondary channels.
The Big Four networks dominate broadcast television in terms of the amount of viewership that their original programming attracts. The “Big Three” major broadcast networks of CBS, NBC and ABC provide their respective network affiliates with a majority of the programming broadcast each day. FOX and CW provide their affiliates with a smaller portion of each day’s programming compared to the Big Three networks. The CW Plus Network generally provides programming for the entire broadcast day for CW affiliates in markets smaller than the top 100 DMAs.
We believe most successful commercial television stations obtain their brand identity from locally produced news programs; however, the affiliation of a station’s channels with one of the Big Four major networks can have a significant impact on the station’s programming, revenues, expenses and operations. A typical network provides an affiliate with network programming in exchange for a substantial majority of the advertising time available for sale during the airing of the network programs. The network then sells this advertising time and retains the revenue. The affiliate sells the remaining advertising time available within the network programming and non-network programming, and the affiliate retains most or all of these revenues. In seeking to acquire programming to supplement network-supplied programming, which we believe is critical to maximizing affiliate revenue, affiliates compete primarily with other affiliates and independent stations in their markets and, in certain cases, various national non-broadcast networks (“cable networks”) and various video streaming services that present competitive programming. The Big Four networks and CW charge fees to their affiliates for receiving network programming.
A television station may also acquire programming through barter arrangements. Under a programming barter arrangement, a national program distributor retains a fixed amount of advertising time within the program in exchange for the programming it supplies. The television station may pay a fixed fee for such programming.
We record revenue and expense for trade transactions involving the exchange of tangible goods or services with our customers. The revenue is recorded at the time the advertisement is broadcast and the expense is recorded at the time the goods or services are used. The revenue and expense associated with these transactions are based on the fair value of the assets or services received.
Affiliates of FOX and CW must purchase or produce a greater amount of programming for their non-network time periods, generally resulting in higher programming costs. On the other hand, affiliates of FOX and CW retain a larger portion of their advertising time inventory and the related revenues compared to Big Three affiliates.
Competition
Television stations compete for audiences, certain programming (including news) and advertisers. Cable network programming is a significant competitor of broadcast television programming. No single cable network regularly attains audience levels comparable to any major broadcast network. Despite increasing competition from cable channels, streaming services, digital platforms, social media, and internet-delivered video channels, television broadcasting remains the dominant distribution system for mass-market television advertising. In addition, signal coverage and carriage on MVPD systems materially affect a television station’s competitive position.
Audience. Stations compete for audience based on broadcast program popularity, which has a direct effect on advertising rates. Networks supply a substantial portion of our affiliated stations’ daily programming. Affiliated stations depend on the performance of the network programs to attract viewers. There can be no assurance that any such current or future programming created by our affiliated networks will achieve or maintain satisfactory viewership levels. Stations program non-network time periods with a combination of locally produced news, public affairs and entertainment programming, including national news or syndicated programs purchased for cash, cash and barter or barter only.
MVPD systems have significantly altered the competitive landscape for audience in the television industry. Specifically, MVPD systems can increase a broadcasting station’s competition for viewers in a market by providing both cable networks and distant television station signals not otherwise available to the station’s audience.
Other sources of competition for audiences, programming and advertisers include streaming services, connected televisions, internet websites, mobile applications and wireless carriers, direct-to-consumer video distribution systems and home entertainment systems.
Recent developments by many companies, including internet streaming service providers and internet website operators, have expanded, and are continuing to expand, the variety and quality of broadcast and non-broadcast video programming available to consumers via the internet. Internet companies have developed business relationships with companies that have traditionally provided syndicated programming, network television and other content. As a result, additional programming has, and is expected to further become, available through non-traditional methods, which can directly impact the number of TV viewers, and thus indirectly impact station rankings, popularity and revenue possibilities of our stations.
Programming. Competition for non-network programming involves negotiating with national program distributors, or syndicators, that sell “first run” and “off network” or rerun programming packages. Each station competes against the other broadcast stations in its market for exclusive access to first run programming (such as Wheel of Fortune) and off network reruns (such as The Big Bang Theory). Broadcast stations also compete for exclusive news stories and features. Cable networks and internet service providers compete with local stations for programming.
Advertising. Advertising revenues comprise the primary source of revenues for our stations. Our stations compete for advertising revenues in their respective markets with other television stations, digital platforms including Google and YouTube, Facebook and Instagram, TikTok, local cable and other MVPD systems, as well as local newspapers, radio stations, magazines, outdoor advertising, transit advertising, yellow page directories and direct mail.
Federal Regulation of the Television Broadcast Industry
General. Under the Communications Act of 1934, as amended (“Communications Act”), television broadcast operations such as ours are subject to the jurisdiction of the FCC. Among other things, the Communications Act empowers the FCC to: (i) issue, revoke and modify broadcasting licenses; (ii) regulate stations’ operations and equipment; and (iii) impose penalties for violations of the Communications Act or FCC regulations. The Communications Act prohibits the assignment of a license or the transfer of control of a licensee without prior FCC approval.
License Grant and Renewal. The FCC grants broadcast licenses to television stations for terms of up to eight years. Broadcast licenses are of paramount importance to the operations of television stations. The Communications Act requires the FCC to renew a licensee’s broadcast license if the FCC finds that: (i) the station has served the public interest, convenience and necessity; (ii) there have been no serious violations of either the Communications Act or the FCC’s rules and regulations; and (iii) there have been no other violations which, taken together, would constitute a pattern of abuse. Historically the FCC has renewed broadcast licenses in substantially all cases. While we are not currently aware of any facts or circumstances that might prevent the renewal of our stations’ licenses at the end of their respective license terms, we cannot provide any assurances that any license will be renewed. Failure to renew any licenses upon the expiration of any license term could have a material adverse effect on our business. Under the Communications Act, the term of a broadcast license is automatically extended pending the FCC’s processing of a timely filed renewal application. For further information regarding the expiration dates of our stations’ current licenses and renewal application status, see the table under the heading “Stations”.
Media Ownership Restrictions and FCC Proceedings. The FCC’s broadcast ownership rules affect the number, type and location of broadcast properties that we may hold or acquire. Those rules generally prohibit an entity from acquiring “attributable” interests in two television stations in the same market if both are ranked among the top-four stations in the market (the “top-four” prohibition). The rules continue to limit the aggregate national audience reach of television stations that may be under common ownership, operation and control, or in which a single person or entity may hold an official position or have more than a specified interest or percentage of voting power. The FCC’s rules also define the types of positions and interests that are considered attributable for purposes of the ownership limits, and thus also apply to our principals and certain investors.
The FCC is required by statute to review all of its broadcast ownership rules every four years to determine if such rules remain necessary in the public interest. The FCC took until December 2023 to adopt final rules as a result of its 2018 review, at which time it increased restrictions on local television ownership (discussed in more detail below). Prior to doing so, in December 2022, the FCC began a new quadrennial review of its ownership rules with the issuance of a Public Notice seeking comments on competition in the local television marketplace, including, among other things: (i) ongoing trends or developments in the media marketplace; (ii) impact of the ownership rules on the American public as consumers of media, including whether adjustments should be made to the rules to account for changes in consumer behavior like the use of streaming services; (iii) the barriers to minority and female ownership of broadcast stations; and (iv) any additional legal or economic factors the FCC should consider beyond its traditional public policy goals of competition, localism, and diversity. The 2022 review remains pending.
Local TV Ownership Rules. The FCC’s current television ownership rules allow one entity to acquire two commercial television stations in a DMA as long as no more than one station is ranked among the top-four stations in the market (as noted above, the “top-four” prohibition). An entity may retain ownership of the second station if it obtains top-four status after it is acquired. The FCC will consider waivers of the top-four prohibition on a case-by-case basis.
When it resolved the 2018 quadrennial review in December 2023, the FCC adopted two modifications to the top-four prohibition that make it more restrictive. These rule changes will take effect in March 2024. First, the FCC extended the top-four prohibition to low power television (“LPTV”) stations and multicast streams. As a result of this change, a licensee will be prohibited from acquiring network-affiliated programming of another top-four station in a DMA and then placing that programming on either the multicast stream of a full-power station or a LPTV station in a DMA in which it already owns another top-four rated station. These additional restrictions will apply to transactions entered into after December 26, 2023. Existing combinations will be grandfathered, but may not be transferred or assigned except in compliance with the new rule. Second, the FCC modified its methodology for determining a station’s audience share for purposes of the top-four prohibition (and failing station waiver requests) to (i) consider audience share data over a 12-month period immediately preceding the date the application is filed, (ii) expand the relevant daypart for audience share data significantly, and (iii) require the inclusion of audience share data for all free-to-consumer, non-simulcast multicast streams.
National Television Station Ownership Rule. The maximum percentage of US households that a single owner can reach through commonly owned television stations is 39 percent. This limit was specified by Congress in 2004. The FCC applies a 50 percent “discount” for ultra-high frequency (“UHF”) stations. In December 2017, the FCC issued an NPRM seeking comment on whether it should modify or eliminate the national cap, including the UHF discount. Comments and reply comments were filed in 2018, and the proceeding remains open.
Conclusion. The FCC’s media ownership proceedings are on-going and, in many cases, are or will be subject to further judicial and potentially Congressional review. We cannot predict the outcome of any of these current or potential proceedings.
Attribution Rules. Under the FCC’s ownership rules, a direct or indirect purchaser of certain types of our securities could violate FCC regulations if that purchaser owned or acquired an “attributable” interest in another television broadcast station in the same area as one or more of our stations. Pursuant to FCC rules, the following relationships and interests are generally considered attributable for purposes of media ownership restrictions: (i) all officers and directors of a corporate licensee and its direct or indirect parent(s); (ii) voting stock interests of at least five percent; (iii) voting stock interests of at least 20 percent, if the holder is a passive institutional investor (such as an investment company, as defined in 15 U.S.C. §80a-3, a bank holding stock through its trust department, or an insurance company); (iv) any limited partnership interest or interest in a limited liability company, unless properly “insulated” from management activities; (v) equity and/or debt interests that in the aggregate exceed 33 percent of a licensee’s total assets, if the interest holder supplies more than 15 percent of the station’s total weekly programming or is a same-market television broadcast company; and (vi) time brokerage of a television broadcast station by a same-market television broadcast company providing more than 15 percent of the station’s weekly programming.
Management services agreements and other types of shared services arrangements between same-market stations that do not include attributable time brokerage components generally are not deemed attributable under the FCC’s current rules and policies. However, the FCC previously requested comment on whether local news service agreements and/or shared services agreements should be considered attributable for purposes of applying the media ownership rules. The DOJ has also taken steps under the antitrust laws to block certain transactions involving joint sales or other services agreements.
To our knowledge, no officer, director or five percent or greater shareholder currently holds an attributable interest in another television station that is inconsistent with the FCC’s ownership rules and policies or with our ownership of our stations.
Alien Ownership Restrictions. The Communications Act restricts the ability of foreign entities or individuals to own or hold interests in broadcast licenses. The Communications Act bars the following from holding broadcast licenses: foreign governments, representatives of foreign governments, non-citizens, representatives of non-citizens, and corporations or partnerships organized under the laws of a foreign nation. Foreign individuals or entities, collectively, may directly or indirectly own or vote no more than 20 percent of the capital stock of a licensee or 25 percent of the capital stock of a corporation that directly or indirectly controls a licensee. The 20 percent limit on foreign ownership of a licensee may not be waived. In September 2016, the Commission adopted an Order that allows broadcast licensees to file a petition for declaratory ruling seeking FCC approval to exceed the 25 percent foreign ownership benchmark for a parent company. The Commission also clarified the methodology for publicly traded broadcasters to assess compliance with the foreign ownership limits.
We serve as a holding company for our subsidiaries, including subsidiaries that hold station licenses. Therefore, absent a grant of a declaratory ruling, we are restricted from having more than one-fourth of our stock owned or voted directly or indirectly by non-citizens, foreign governments, representatives of non-citizens or foreign governments, or foreign corporations.
Programming and Operations. Rules and policies of the FCC and other federal agencies regulate certain programming practices and other areas affecting the business or operations of broadcast stations.
The Children’s Television Act of 1990 limits commercial matter in children’s television programs and requires stations to present educational and informational children’s programming. Broadcasters are effectively required through license renewal processing guidelines to provide a certain amount of children’s educational programming per week on their primary channels. In July 2019, the FCC issued an Order that adopted sweeping changes to the current children’s programming rules giving broadcasters increased flexibility in how they choose to serve the educational and informational needs of children.
The FCC also regulates broadcast indecency and profanity and the statutory maximum fine for broadcasting indecent material is nearly $500,000 per incident. The FCC has sought comment on whether it should modify its indecency policies but has not yet issued a decision in this proceeding. The outcome of this proceeding could affect future FCC policies in this area, which could have a material adverse effect on our business.
EEO Rules. The FCC’s Equal Employment Opportunity (“EEO”) rules impose job information dissemination, recruitment, documentation and reporting requirements on broadcast station licensees. Broadcasters are subject to random audits to ensure compliance with EEO rules and may be sanctioned for noncompliance.
MVPD Retransmission of Local Television Signals. Under the Communications Act and FCC regulations, each television station generally has a so-called “must-carry” right to carriage of its primary channels on all cable systems and direct broadcast satellite systems serving its market. Each commercial television station may elect between invoking its “must carry” right or invoking a right to prevent an MVPD system from retransmitting the station’s signal without its consent (“retransmission consent”). Stations must make this election by October 1 every three years. Such elections are binding throughout the three-year cycle that commences on the subsequent January 1. The current election cycle commenced on January 1, 2024, and ends on December 31, 2026. During this period, our stations elected retransmission consent and have entered into retransmission consent contracts with virtually all MVPD systems serving their markets. Under the Communications Act and FCC regulations, broadcasters and MVPDs are required to negotiate retransmission consent agreements in good faith. Among other things, MVPDs may designate a buying group to negotiate retransmission consent agreements on their behalf and large stations groups, such as us, are required to negotiate for retransmission consent in good faith with a qualified MVPD buying group.
The FCC also has promulgated rules that: (i) grant DBS providers the right to seek market modifications based on factors similar to those used in the cable industry; (ii) broaden the FCC’s prohibition against joint retransmission negotiations by prohibiting joint retransmission negotiations by any stations in the same DMA not under common control; (iii) prohibit a television station from limiting the ability of an MVPD to carry into its local market television signals that are deemed significantly viewed; and (iv) eliminate the “sweeps prohibition,” which precluded cable operators from deleting or repositioning local commercial television stations during “sweeps” ratings periods.
We currently are not a party to any agreements that delegate our authority to negotiate retransmission consent for any of our television stations or that grant us authority to negotiate retransmission consent for any other television station. Nevertheless, we cannot predict how the FCC’s restriction on joint negotiation might impact future opportunities.
The FCC has sought comment on whether it should modify or eliminate the network non-duplication and syndicated exclusivity rules. In March 2020, the FCC sought comment on whether it should modernize its methodology for determining whether a television station is significantly viewed in a community outside of its local television market. Under exceptions to the network non-duplication and syndicated exclusivity rules, cable operators and satellite carriers are not required to delete the duplicating network or syndicated programming where the signal of the otherwise distant station is determined to be significantly viewed in the relevant community. We cannot predict the outcome of these proceedings. If, however, the FCC eliminates or relaxes its rules enforcing our program exclusivity rights, it could affect our ability to negotiate future retransmission consent agreements, and it could harm our ratings and advertising revenue if cable and satellite operators import duplicative programming.
Certain online video distributors (“OVDs”) have explored streaming broadcast programming over the internet without the consent of the copyright owner of the programming. The majority of federal courts have sided with broadcasters and enjoined OVDs from streaming broadcast programming without obtaining such copyright clearance.
On December 19, 2014, the FCC issued an NPRM seeking comment on its proposal to modernize the term “MVPD” to be technology neutral. If the NPRM proposal is adopted, an entity that uses the internet to distribute multiple streams of linear programming would be considered an MVPD and would have the same retransmission consent rights and obligations as other MVPDs, including the right to negotiate with television stations to carry their broadcast signals. The FCC also asked about the possible copyright implications of this proposal. We cannot predict the outcome of the FCC’s interpretive proceedings. Currently, a number of OVDs have obtained appropriate copyright authority and are retransmitting broadcast programming over the Internet, but have not been required to obtain separate retransmission consent from the broadcast stations being retransmitted.
The foregoing does not purport to be a complete summary of the Communications Act, other applicable statutes, or the FCC’s rules, regulations or policies. Proposals for additional or revised regulations and requirements are pending before, are being considered by, and may in the future be considered by, Congress and federal regulatory agencies from time to time. We cannot predict the effect of any existing or proposed federal legislation, regulations or policies on our business. Also, several of the foregoing matters are now, or may become, the subject of litigation, and we cannot predict the outcome of any such litigation or the effect on our business.
Human Capital
Successful execution of our strategy is dependent on attracting, developing and retaining key employees and members of our management team. We believe the substantial skills, experience and industry knowledge of our employees and our training of our customer-facing employees benefit our operations and performance. There are several ways in which we attract, develop, and retain highly qualified talent, including:
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Training and investing in our employees. With competitive wages, healthcare benefits, a defined contribution retirement program and opportunities for job training and advancement, our employees develop skills and expertise necessary to build careers.
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Driving a diverse and inclusive culture. We are committed to diversity and inclusion in every aspect of our business. As we strive to deliver high-quality products and services that exceed expectations, we embrace the unique perspectives and experiences of our employees and partners and the communities we serve. We are striving to enhance diversity at every level of our organization, including among our senior leaders.
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Focusing on a safe and healthy workplace. We value our employees and are committed to providing a safe and healthy workplace. All employees are required to comply with Company safety rules and expectations and are expected to actively contribute to making our Company a safer place to work.
Employees
As of February 16, 2024, we had 9,374 full-time employees and 549 part-time employees, of which 527 full-time and 23 part-time employees at 12 stations were represented by various unions. We consider our relations with our employees to be good.
Corporate Information
Gray Television, Inc. is a Georgia corporation, incorporated in 1897 initially to publish the Albany Herald in Albany, Georgia. We entered the broadcast industry in 1953. Our executive offices are located at 4370 Peachtree Road, NE, Atlanta, Georgia 30319, and our telephone number at that location is (404) 504-9828. Our website address is http://www.gray.tv. The information on our website is not incorporated by reference or part of this or any other report we file with or furnish to the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). We make the following reports filed or furnished, as applicable, with the SEC available, free of charge, on our website under the heading “SEC Filings” as soon as practicable after they are filed with, or furnished to, the SEC: our annual reports on Form 10-K, our quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, our current reports on Form 8-K, and amendments to any of the foregoing.
A Code of Ethics (“Code”) applies to all of our directors, executive officers and employees. The Code is available on our website in the Investor Relations section under the subheading Governance Documents. If any waivers of the Code are granted to an executive officer or director, the waivers will be disclosed in an SEC filing on Form 8-K.

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ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS
Item 1A. RISK FACTORS
In addition to the other information contained in, incorporated by reference into or otherwise referred to in this annual report on Form 10-K, you should consider carefully the following factors when evaluating our business. Any of these risks, or the occurrence of any of the events described in these risk factors, could materially adversely affect our business, financial condition and the results of operations. In addition, other risks or uncertainties not presently known to us or that we currently do not deem material could arise, any of which could also materially adversely affect us. This annual report on Form 10-K also contains and incorporates by reference forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. Our actual results could differ materially from those anticipated in forward-looking statements as a result of certain factors, including the occurrence of one or more of the following risk factors.
Risks Related to Our Business
Operating Risks
The success of our business is dependent upon advertising revenues, which are seasonal and cyclical, and also fluctuate as a result of a number of factors, some of which are beyond our control.
Our main source of revenue is the sale of advertising time and space. Our ability to sell advertising time and space depends on, among other things:
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economic conditions in the areas where our stations are located and in the nation as a whole;
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the popularity of the programming offered by our television stations;
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changes in the population demographics in the areas where our stations are located;
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local and national advertising price fluctuations, which can be affected by the availability of programming, the popularity of programming, and the relative supply of and demand for commercial advertising;
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our competitors’ activities, including increased competition from other advertising-based mediums, particularly digital platforms, cable networks, MVPDs and other internet companies;
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the duration and extent of any network preemption of regularly scheduled programming for any reason;
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decisions by advertisers to withdraw or delay planned advertising expenditures for any reason;
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the competitiveness of local, regional, and federal elections and ballot initiatives;
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labor disputes or other disruptions at major national advertisers, programming providers or networks; and
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other factors beyond our control.
Our results are also subject to seasonal and cyclical fluctuations. Seasonal fluctuations typically result in higher revenue and broadcast operating income in the second and fourth quarters rather than in the first and third quarters of each year. This seasonality is primarily attributable to advertisers’ increased expenditures in the spring and in anticipation of holiday season spending in the fourth quarter and an increase in television viewership during these periods. In addition, we typically experience fluctuations in our revenue and broadcast operating income between even-numbered and odd-numbered years. In years in which there are impending elections for various state and national offices, which primarily occur in even-numbered years, political advertising revenue tends to increase, often significantly, and particularly during presidential election years. We consider political broadcast advertising revenue to be revenue earned from the sale of advertising to political candidates, political parties and special interest groups of advertisements broadcast by our stations that contain messages primarily focused on elections and/or public policy issues. In even-numbered years, we typically derive a material portion of our broadcast advertising revenue from political broadcast advertisers. For the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, we derived approximately 2% and 14%, respectively, of our total revenue from political broadcast advertisers. If political broadcast advertising revenues declined, especially in an even-numbered year, our results of operations and financial condition could also be materially adversely affected. Also, our stations affiliated with the NBC Network broadcast Olympic Games and typically experience increased viewership and revenue during those broadcasts. As a result of the seasonality and cyclicality of our revenue and broadcast operating income, and the historically significant increase in our revenue and broadcast operating income during even-numbered years, it has been, and is expected to remain, difficult to engage in period-over-period comparisons of our revenue and results of operations.
Continued uncertain financial and economic conditions may have an adverse impact on our business, results of operations or financial condition.
Financial and economic conditions continue to be uncertain over the longer term and the continuation or worsening of such conditions could reduce consumer confidence and have an adverse effect on our business, results of operations and/or financial condition. If consumer confidence were to decline, this decline could negatively affect our advertising customers’ businesses and their advertising budgets. In addition, volatile economic conditions could have a negative impact on our industry or the industries of our customers who advertise on our stations, resulting in reduced advertising sales. Furthermore, it may be possible that actions taken by any governmental or regulatory body for the purpose of stabilizing the economy or financial markets will not achieve their intended effect. In addition to any negative direct consequences to our business or results of operations arising from these financial and economic developments, some of these actions may adversely affect financial institutions, capital providers, advertisers or other consumers on whom we rely, including for access to future capital or financing arrangements necessary to support our business. Our inability to obtain financing in amounts and at times necessary could make it more difficult or impossible to meet our obligations or otherwise take actions in our best interests.
Our dependence upon a limited number of advertising categories could adversely affect our business.
We consider broadcast advertising revenue to be revenue earned primarily from the sale of advertisements broadcast by our stations. Although no single customer represented more than 5% of our broadcast advertising revenue for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, we derived a material portion of non-political broadcast advertising revenue from advertisers in a limited number of industries, particularly the services sector, comprising financial, legal and medical advertisers, and the automotive industry. The services sector has become an increasingly important source of advertising revenue over the past few years. During the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021 approximately 27%, 28% and 29%, respectively, of our broadcast advertising revenue (excluding political advertising revenue) was obtained from advertising sales to the services sector. During the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021 approximately 20%, 17% and 17%, respectively, of our broadcast advertising revenue (excluding political advertising revenue) was obtained from advertising sales to automotive customers. Our results of operations and financial condition could be materially adversely affected if broadcast advertising revenue from the services sector, automotive or certain other industries, such as the medical, restaurant, communications, or furniture and appliances industries, declined.
We intend to continue to evaluate growth opportunities through strategic acquisitions, and there are significant risks associated with an acquisition strategy.
We intend to continue to evaluate opportunities for growth through selective acquisitions of television stations or station groups, subject to our commitment to reducing our leverage ratio over time. There can be no assurances that we will be able to identify any suitable acquisition candidates, and we cannot predict whether we will be successful in pursuing or completing any acquisitions, or what the consequences of not completing any acquisitions would be. Consummation of any proposed acquisition at any time may also be subject to various conditions such as compliance with FCC rules and policies. Consummation of acquisitions may also be subject to antitrust or other regulatory requirements. In addition, as we operate in a highly regulated industry, we could be subject to litigation, government investigations and enforcement actions on a variety of matters, the result of which could limit our acquisition strategy.
An acquisition strategy involves numerous other risks, including risks associated with:
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identifying suitable acquisition candidates and negotiating definitive purchase agreements on satisfactory terms;
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integrating operations and systems and managing a large and geographically diverse group of stations;
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obtaining financing to complete acquisitions, which financing may not be available to us at times, in amounts, or at rates acceptable to us, if at all, and potentially the related risks associated with increased debt;
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diverting our management’s attention from other business concerns;
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potentially losing key employees; and
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potential changes in the regulatory approval process that may make it materially more expensive, or materially delay our ability, to consummate any proposed acquisitions.
Our failure to identify suitable acquisition candidates, or to complete any acquisitions and integrate any acquired business, or to obtain the expected benefits therefrom, could materially adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.
We may fail to realize any benefits and incur unanticipated losses related to any acquisition.
The success of any strategic acquisition depends, in part, on our ability to successfully combine the acquired business and assets with our business and our ability to successfully manage the assets so acquired. It is possible that the integration process could result in the loss of key employees, the disruption of ongoing business or inconsistencies in standards, controls, procedures and policies that adversely affect our ability to maintain relationships with clients, customers and employees or to achieve the anticipated benefits of an acquisition. Successful integration may also be hampered by any differences between the operations and corporate culture of the two organizations. Additionally, general market and economic conditions may inhibit our successful integration of any business. If we experience difficulties with the integration process, the anticipated benefits of an acquisition may not be realized fully, or at all, or may take longer to realize than expected. Finally, any cost savings that are realized may be offset by losses in revenues from the acquired business, any assets or operations disposed of in connection therewith or otherwise, or charges to earnings in connection with such acquisitions.
We must purchase television programming in advance of knowing whether a particular show will be popular enough for us to recoup our costs.
One of our most significant costs is for the purchase of television programming. If a particular program is not sufficiently popular among audiences in relation to the cost we pay for such program, we may not be able to sell enough related advertising time for us to recover the costs we pay to broadcast the program. We also must usually purchase programming several years in advance, and we may have to commit to purchase more than one year’s worth of programming, resulting in the incurrence of significant costs in advance of our receipt of any related revenue. We may also replace programs that are performing poorly before we have recaptured any significant portion of the costs we incurred in obtaining such programming or fully expensed the costs for financial reporting purposes. Any of these factors could reduce our revenues, result in the incurrence of impairment charges, or otherwise cause our costs to escalate relative to revenues.
We are highly dependent upon our network affiliations, and our business and results of operations may be materially affected if a network: (i) terminates its affiliation with us; (ii) significantly changes the economic terms and conditions of any future affiliation agreements with us; or (iii) significantly changes the type, quality or quantity of programming provided to us under an affiliation agreement.
Our business depends in large part on the success of our network affiliations. One or more stations in each of our operating markets are affiliated with at least one of the four major broadcast networks pursuant to individual affiliation agreements. Each affiliation agreement provides the affiliated station with the right to broadcast all programs transmitted by the affiliated network during the term of the related agreement. Our affiliation agreements generally expire at various dates between year-end 2024 and January 1, 2026 (with respect to Big Four networks).
If we cannot enter into affiliation agreements to replace any agreements in advance of their expiration, we would no longer be able to carry the affiliated network’s programming. This loss of programming would require us to create and/or obtain replacement programming. Such replacement programming may involve higher costs and may not be as attractive to our target audiences, thereby reducing our ability to generate advertising revenue, which could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations. On the other hand, replacement programming may provide additional advertising inventory than that provided to affiliated stations by their networks. Our concentration of CBS and/or NBC affiliates makes us particularly sensitive to adverse changes in our business relationship with, and the general success of, CBS and/or NBC.
If we are able to renew or replace existing affiliation agreements, we can give no assurance that any future affiliation agreements will have economic terms or conditions equivalent to or more advantageous to us than our current agreements. If in the future a network or networks impose more adverse economic terms upon us, such event or events could have a material adverse effect on our business and results of operations.
In addition, if we are unable to renew or replace any existing affiliation agreements, we may be unable to satisfy certain obligations under our existing or any future retransmission consent agreements with MVPDs and/or secure payment of retransmission consent fees under such agreements. Furthermore, if in the future a network limited or removed our ability to retransmit network programming to MVPDs, we may be unable to satisfy certain obligations or criteria for fees under any existing or any future retransmission consent agreements. In either case, such an event could have a material adverse effect on our business and results of operations.
We are also dependent upon our retransmission consent agreements with MVPDs, and we cannot predict the outcome of potential regulatory changes to the retransmission consent regime.
We are also dependent, in significant part, on our retransmission consent agreements. Our current retransmission consent agreements expire at various times over the next several years. No assurances can be provided that we will be able to renegotiate all of such agreements on favorable terms, on a timely basis, or at all. The failure to renegotiate such agreements could have a material adverse effect on our business and results of operations.
Our ability to successfully negotiate future retransmission consent agreements may be hindered by potential legislative or regulatory changes to the framework under which these agreements are negotiated.
The FCC has taken actions to implement various provisions of the STELAR Reauthorization Act of 2014 affecting the carriage of television stations, including (i) adopting rules that allow for the modification of satellite television markets in order to ensure that satellite operators carry the broadcast stations of most interest to their communities; (ii) tightening its rules on joint retransmission consent negotiations to prohibit joint negotiations by stations in the same market unless those stations are commonly controlled; (iii) prohibiting a television station from limiting the ability of an MVPD to carry into its local market television signals that are deemed significantly viewed; and (iv) eliminating the “sweeps prohibition,” which had precluded cable operators from deleting or repositioning local commercial television stations during “sweeps” ratings periods.
We currently are not a party to any agreements that delegate our authority to negotiate retransmission consent for any of our television stations or grant us authority to negotiate retransmission consent for any other television station. Nevertheless, we cannot predict how the FCC’s restrictions on joint negotiations might impact future opportunities.
The FCC also has sought comment on whether it should modify or eliminate the network non-duplication and syndicated exclusivity rules. We cannot predict the outcome of this proceeding. If, however, the FCC eliminates or relaxes its rules enforcing our program exclusivity rights, it could affect our ability to negotiate future retransmission consent agreements, and it could harm our ratings and advertising revenue if cable and satellite operators import duplicative programming.
In addition, certain OVDs have explored streaming broadcast programming over the internet without approval from or payments to the broadcaster. The majority of federal courts have issued preliminary injunctions enjoining these OVDs from streaming broadcast programming. Separately, on December 19, 2014, the FCC issued an NPRM proposing to classify certain OVDs as MVPDs for purposes of certain FCC carriage rules. If the FCC adopts its proposal, OVDs would need to negotiate for consent from broadcasters before they retransmit broadcast signals. We cannot predict whether the FCC will adopt its proposal or other modified rules that might weaken our rights to negotiate with OVDs.
In December 2019, Congress adopted the Satellite Television Community Protection and Promotion Act of 2019 and the Television Viewer Protection Act of 2019 (the “TVPA of 2019”). Among other things, these acts (i) made permanent the copyright license set out in Section 119 of the Copyright Act; (ii) limited eligibility for use of the Section 119 license to retransmit the signals of network television broadcast stations to unserved households to those satellite operators who provide local-into-local service to all DMAs; and (iii) modified the definition of unserved households to those households located in a “short market” (which, in turn, was defined as a local market in which programming of one or more of the top four networks is not offered on either the primary or multicast stream by any network station in that market). The TVPA of 2019 also made permanent the requirement that broadcasters and MVPDs negotiate in good faith and adds a provision that will (i) allow MVPDs to designate a buying group to negotiate retransmission consent agreements on their behalf and (ii) require large stations groups, including ours, to negotiate in good faith with a qualified MVPD buying group.
Congress continues to consider various changes to the statutory scheme governing retransmission of broadcast programming. Some of the proposed bills would make it more difficult to negotiate retransmission consent agreements with large MVPDs and would weaken our leverage to seek market-based compensation for our programming. We cannot predict whether any of these proposals will become law, and, if any do, we cannot determine the effect that any statutory changes would have on our business.
We may be unable to maintain or increase our digital advertising revenue, which could have a material adverse effect on our business and operating results.
We generate a meaningful portion of our advertising revenue from the sale of advertisements on our digital platforms and through the sale of inventory on digital platforms owned by third parties. Our ability to maintain and increase this advertising revenue is largely dependent upon the number of users actively visiting the internet sites, digital apps, and platforms and our arrangements that allow us to sell and service such inventory. Because digital advertising techniques are evolving, if our content, technology and/or advertisement-serving techniques do not evolve to meet the changing needs of advertisers, our advertising revenue could decline. Changes in our business model, advertising inventory or initiatives could also cause a decrease in our digital advertising revenue.
We do not have long-term agreements with most of our digital advertisers. Any termination, change or decrease in our relationships with our largest digital advertising clients could have a material adverse effect on our revenue and profitability. If we do not maintain or increase our digital advertising revenue, our business, results of operations and financial condition could be materially adversely affected.
Cybersecurity incidents impacting our information technology infrastructure or those of our third-party service providers could interfere with our operations, compromise client information and expose us to liability, possibly causing our business and reputation to suffer.
We rely on technology and data owned or controlled by us or our third-party service providers in substantially all aspects of our business operations. Our revenues are increasingly dependent on digital products and access to systems and data. Such use exposes us to cybersecurity threats arising from a variety of causes, including from deliberate attacks or unintentional events. These cybersecurity incidents could include, but are not limited to, unauthorized access to digital systems for purposes of misappropriating assets or sensitive information, data corruption or operational disruption. If we are subject to a cybersecurity incident, it could result in business interruption, disclosure of nonpublic information, decreased advertising revenues, misstated financial data, liability for stolen assets or information, increased cybersecurity protection costs, litigation or investigations, financial consequences and reputational damage adversely affecting customer or investor confidence, among other things, any or all of which could materially adversely affect our business. While we have experienced a cybersecurity incident in the past, and may experience additional cybersecurity incidents in the future, we are not aware of any cybersecurity incident having a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations or financial condition to date. However, there can be no assurance that we will not experience future cybersecurity incidents that may be material. Although we have systems and processes in place to try to protect against risks associated with cybersecurity incidents in the future, depending on the nature of an cybersecurity incident, these protections may not be fully sufficient. In addition, because techniques used in cybersecurity threats change frequently and may not be recognized until launched against a target, we may be unable to anticipate these techniques or to implement adequate preventative measures. A cybersecurity incident may not be detected until well after it occurs and the severity and potential impact may not be fully known for a substantial period of time after it has been discovered.
Industry Risks
We operate in a highly competitive environment. Competition occurs on multiple levels (for audiences, programming and advertisers) and is based on a variety of factors. If we are not able to successfully compete in all relevant aspects, our revenues will be materially adversely affected.
Television stations compete for audiences, certain programming (including news) and advertisers. Signal coverage and carriage on MVPD systems also materially affect a television station’s competitive position. With respect to audiences, stations compete primarily based on broadcast program popularity. We cannot provide any assurances as to the acceptability by audiences of any of the programs we broadcast. Further, because we compete with other broadcast stations for certain programming, we cannot provide any assurances that we will be able to obtain any desired programming at costs that we believe are reasonable. Cable-network programming, combined with increased access to cable, satellite TV, internet-delivered multichannel video programming distributors (“vMVPDs”), as well as internet video services (such as YouTube) and internet streaming channels and services including subscription video on demand (“SVOD”) and advertising video on demand (“AVOD”) have become significant competitors for television programming viewers. Cable networks’ viewership and advertising share have been declining in recent years, while streaming viewership has accelerated and recently surpassed the combined viewership of broadcast and cable-network programming combined. Further increases in the advertising share of cable networks, internet video services, and internet streaming channels and services could materially adversely affect the advertising revenue of our television stations.
In addition, new technologies and methods of buying advertising present an additional competitive challenge, as competitors may offer products and services such as the ability to purchase advertising programmatically or bundled offline and online advertising, aimed at more efficiently capturing advertising spend. The number of viewers and ratings of our television stations and advertising revenues in general may be impacted by viewers moving to these programming alternatives and alternate media content providers, and by eliminating or reducing subscriptions to traditional MVPD services ( “cord cutting” and “cord shaving,” respectively). As these programming alternatives continue to drive changes in consumer behavior and other consumption strategies, our business and results of operations may be materially affected.
Our inability or failure to broadcast popular programs, or otherwise maintain viewership for any reason, including as a result of increases in programming alternatives, or our loss of advertising due to technological changes, could result in a lessening of advertisers, or a reduction in the amount advertisers are willing to pay us to advertise, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Risks Related to Our Indebtedness
We have substantial debt and have the ability to incur significant additional debt. The principal and interest payment obligations on such debt may restrict our future operations and impair our ability to meet our long-term obligations.
Currently, we have a $6.2 billion in aggregate principal amount of outstanding indebtedness, excluding intercompany debt and deferred financing costs. Subject to our ability to meet certain borrowing conditions under our Fifth Amended and Restated Credit Agreement (the “Senior Credit Facility”), we have the ability to incur significant additional debt, including secured debt under our $625 million revolving credit facility. The terms of the indenture (the “2031 Notes Indenture”) governing our outstanding 5.375% senior notes due 2031 (the “2031 Notes”), the indenture (the “2030 Notes Indenture”) governing our outstanding 4.750% senior notes due 2030 (the “2030 Notes”), the indenture (the “2027 Notes Indenture”) governing our outstanding 7.0% senior notes due 2027 (the “2027 Notes”) and the indenture (the “2026 Notes Indenture”) governing our outstanding 5.875% senior notes due 2026 (the “2026 Notes”) and, together with the 2031 Notes Indenture, the 2030 Notes Indenture and the 2027 Notes Indenture, the “Existing Indentures” or the “Indentures” also permit us to incur additional indebtedness, subject to our ability to meet certain borrowing conditions.
Our substantial debt may have important consequences. For instance, it could:
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require us to dedicate a substantial portion of any cash flow from operations to the payment of interest and principal due under our debt, which would reduce funds available for other business purposes, including capital expenditures, acquisitions and investments;
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place us at a competitive disadvantage compared to some of our competitors that may have less debt and better access to capital resources;
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limit our ability to obtain additional financing to fund acquisitions, working capital and capital expenditures and for other general corporate purposes; and
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make it more difficult for us to satisfy our financial obligations.
Our ability to service our significant financial obligations depends on our ability to generate significant cash flow. This is partially subject to general economic, financial, competitive, legislative, regulatory, and other factors that are beyond our control. We cannot assure you that our business will generate cash flow from operations, that future borrowings will be available to us under our Senior Credit Facility or any other credit facilities, or that we will be able to complete any necessary financings, in amounts sufficient to enable us to fund our operations or pay our debts and other obligations, or to fund other liquidity needs. If we are not able to generate sufficient cash flow to service our obligations, we may need to refinance or restructure our debt, sell assets, reduce or delay capital investments, or seek to raise additional capital. Additional debt or equity financing may not be available in sufficient amounts, at times or on terms acceptable to us, or at all. Specifically, volatility in the capital markets may also impact our ability to obtain additional financing, or to refinance our existing debt, on terms or at times favorable to us. If we are unable to implement one or more of these alternatives, we may not be able to service our debt or other obligations, which could result in us being in default thereon, in which circumstances our lenders could cease making loans to us, and lenders or other holders of our debt could accelerate and declare due all outstanding obligations due under the respective agreements, which could have a material adverse effect on us.
The agreements governing our various debt obligations impose restrictions on our operations and limit our ability to undertake certain corporate actions.
The agreements governing our various debt obligations, including our Senior Credit Facility and the Existing Indentures, include covenants imposing significant restrictions on our operations. These restrictions may affect our ability to operate our business and may limit our ability to take advantage of potential business opportunities as they arise. These covenants place, or will place, restrictions on our ability to, among other things:
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incur additional debt, subject to certain limitations;
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declare or pay dividends, redeem stock or make other distributions to stockholders;
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make investments or acquisitions;
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create liens or use assets as security in other transactions;
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issue guarantees;
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merge or consolidate, or sell, transfer, lease or dispose of substantially all of our assets;
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amend our articles of incorporation or bylaws;
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engage in transactions with affiliates; and
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purchase, sell or transfer certain assets.
Any of these restrictions and limitations could make it more difficult for us to execute our business strategy.
The Existing Indentures and our Senior Credit Facility require us to comply with certain financial ratios or other covenants; our failure to do so would result in a default thereunder, which would have a material adverse effect on us.
We are required to comply with certain financial or other covenants under the Existing Indentures and our Senior Credit Facility. Our ability to comply with these requirements may be affected by events affecting our business, but beyond our control, including prevailing general economic, financial and industry conditions. These covenants could have an adverse effect on us by limiting our ability to take advantage of financing, investment, acquisition or other corporate opportunities. The breach of any of these covenants or restrictions could result in a default under the Existing Indentures or our Senior Credit Facility.
Upon a default under any of our debt agreements, the lenders or debtholders thereunder could have the right to declare all amounts outstanding, together with accrued and unpaid interest, to be immediately due and payable, which could, in turn, trigger defaults under other debt obligations and could result in the termination of commitments of the lenders to make further extensions of credit under our Senior Credit Facility. If we were unable to repay our secured debt to our lenders, or were otherwise in default under any provision governing our outstanding secured debt obligations, our secured lenders could proceed against us and our subsidiary guarantors and against the collateral securing that debt. Any default resulting in an acceleration of outstanding indebtedness, a termination of commitments under our financing arrangements or lenders proceeding against the collateral securing such indebtedness would likely result in a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Our variable rate indebtedness subjects us to interest rate risk, which could cause our annual debt service obligations to increase significantly.
Borrowings under our Senior Credit Facility are at variable rates of interest and expose us to interest rate risk. If the rates on which our borrowings are based were to increase from current levels, our debt service obligations on our variable rate indebtedness would increase even though the amount borrowed remained the same, and our net income and cash available to service our other obligations would decrease.
To partially mitigate this risk, we have entered into interest rate caps pursuant to an International Swaps and Derivatives Association ("ISDA") Master Agreement with two counterparties. The interest rate caps protect us against adverse fluctuations in interest rates by reducing our exposure to variability in cash flows on a portion of our variable-rate debt. The interest rate caps effectively limit the annual interest charged on our Senior Credit Facility’s current term loans to a maximum of 1-month Term SOFR of 4.97% and 5.015%. We are required to pay aggregate fees in connection with the interest rate caps of approximately $34 million that is due and payable at maturity on December 31, 2025. In 2023, we received $4 million of cash payments from the counterparties that we reclassify to reduce interest expense from the interest rate caps in our consolidated statement of operations.
Other Financial Risks
We recently have incurred impairment charges on our goodwill, other intangible assets and investments. In prior periods we have incurred impairment charges on our broadcast licenses. Any such future charges may have a material effect on the value of our total assets.
As of December 31, 2023, the book value of our broadcast licenses was $5.3 billion and the book value of our goodwill was $2.6 billion, in comparison to total assets of $10.6 billion.
During 2023, as a result of the bankruptcy of Diamond Sports Group, LLC (“Diamond”), our production companies segment recorded a non-cash charge of $43 million, for impairment of goodwill and other intangible assets.
Also, during the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, we have recognized impairment charges of $29 million and $18 million, respectively, related to investments. These impairment charges were recorded upon our determination that the fair value of the investments had declined on an other-than-temporary basis or that the recorded value was not recoverable.
Not less than annually, and more frequently if necessary, we are required to evaluate our goodwill and broadcast licenses to determine if the estimated fair value of these intangible assets is less than book value. If the estimated fair value of these intangible assets is less than book value, we will be required to record a non-cash expense to write down the book value of the intangible asset to the estimated fair value. We cannot make any assurances that any required impairment charges will not have a material adverse effect on our total assets.
We are a holding company with no material independent assets or operations and we depend on our subsidiaries for cash.
We are a holding company with no material independent assets or operations, other than our investments in our subsidiaries. Because we are a holding company, we are dependent upon the payment of dividends, distributions, loans or advances to us by our subsidiaries to fund our obligations. These payments could be or become subject to dividend or other restrictions under applicable laws in the jurisdictions in which our subsidiaries operate. Payments by our subsidiaries are also contingent upon the subsidiaries’ earnings. If we are unable to obtain sufficient funds from our subsidiaries to fund our obligations, our financial condition and ability to meet our obligations may be materially adversely affected.
Our defined benefit pension plan obligations are currently funded, however, if certain factors worsen, we may have to make significant cash payments, which could reduce the cash available for our business.
We have funded obligations under our defined benefit pension plans. Notwithstanding that the Gray Pension Plan is frozen with regard to any future benefit accruals, the funded status of our pension plans is dependent upon many factors, including returns on invested assets, the level of certain market interest rates and the discount rate used to determine pension obligations. Unfavorable returns on the plan’s assets or unfavorable changes in applicable laws or regulations may materially change the timing and amount of required plan funding, which could reduce the cash available for our business. In addition, any future decreases in the discount rate used to determine pension obligations could result in an increase in the valuation of pension obligations, which could affect the reported funding status of our pension plans and future contributions.
Risks Related to the Ownership of Our Equity Securities
The price and trading volume of our equity securities may be volatile.
The price and trading volume of our equity securities may be volatile and subject to fluctuations. Some of the factors that could cause fluctuation in the stock price or trading volume of our equity securities include:
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general market and economic conditions and market trends, including in the television broadcast industry and the financial markets generally, including levels of key interest rates;
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the political, economic and social situation in the United States;
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actual or anticipated variations in operating results, including audience share ratings and financial results;
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inability to meet projections in revenue;
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announcements by us or our competitors of significant acquisitions, strategic partnerships, joint ventures, capital commitments or other business developments;
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technological innovations in the television broadcast industry;
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adoption of new accounting standards affecting our industry;
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operations of competitors and the performance of competitors’ common stock;
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litigation or governmental action involving or affecting us or our subsidiaries;
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changes in financial estimates and recommendations by securities analysts;
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recruitment or departure of key personnel;
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purchases or sales of blocks of our common stock; and
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operating and stock performance of the companies that investors may consider to be comparable.
There can be no assurance that the price of our equity securities will not fluctuate or decline significantly. The stock market in recent years has experienced considerable price and volume fluctuations that have often been unrelated or disproportionate to the operating performance of individual companies and that could adversely affect the price of our equity securities, regardless of our operating performance. Stock price volatility might be worse if the trading volume of shares of our equity securities is low. Furthermore, stockholders may initiate securities class action lawsuits if the market price of our equity securities were to decline significantly, which may cause us to incur substantial costs and could divert the time and attention of our management.
We currently pay cash dividends on our common stock and Class A common stock but this is subject to approval by our Board each quarter. To the extent a potential investor ascribes value to a dividend paying stock, the value of our stock may be correspondingly affected.
Our Board of Directors reinstated a cash or stock dividend on both classes of our common stock beginning in the first quarter of 2021. The timing and amount of any future dividend is at the discretion of our Board of Directors, and they may be subject to limitations or restrictions in our Senior Credit Facility and other financing agreements, including our Series A Perpetual Preferred Stock, we may be, or become, party to. We can provide no assurance when or if any future dividends will be declared on our common stock or Class A common stock. As a result, if and to the extent an investor ascribes value to a dividend paying stock, the value of our common stock or Class A common stock may be correspondingly affected.
Anti-takeover provisions contained in our Restated Articles of Incorporation (“Articles”) and our Bylaws, as amended (“Bylaws”), as well as provisions of Georgia law, could impair a takeover attempt.
Our Articles and Bylaws may have the effect of delaying, deferring or discouraging a prospective acquirer from making a tender offer for our shares of common stock or otherwise attempting to obtain control of us. To the extent that these provisions discourage takeover attempts, they could deprive stockholders of opportunities to realize takeover premiums for their shares. Moreover, these provisions could discourage accumulations of large blocks of common stock, thus depriving stockholders of any advantages which large accumulations of stock might provide.
As a Georgia corporation, we are also subject to provisions of Georgia law, including Section 14-2-1132 of the Georgia Business Corporation Code. Section 14-2-1132 prevents some stockholders holding more than 10% of our outstanding common stock from engaging in certain business combinations unless the business combination was approved in advance by our Board of Directors or results in the stockholder holding more than 90% of our outstanding common stock.
Any provision of our Articles, our Bylaws or Georgia law that has the effect of delaying or deterring a change in control could limit the opportunity for our stockholders to receive a premium for their shares of our common stock and could also affect the price that some investors are willing to pay for our common stock.
We have the ability to issue additional preferred stock, which could affect the rights of holders of our common stock and Class A common stock.
Including the shares of preferred stock issued in the acquisition of Raycom Media, Inc. (the “Raycom Merger”), our Articles allow our Board of Directors to issue up to 20 million shares of preferred stock and set forth the terms of such preferred stock. The terms of any such preferred stock, if issued, may materially adversely affect the dividend and liquidation rights of holders of our common stock.
Holders of our Class A common stock have the right to 10 votes per share on all matters to be voted on by our stockholders and, consequently, the ability to exert significant influence over us.
As a result of the 10 to 1 voting rights of holders of our Class A common stock, these stockholders are expected to be able to exert significant influence over all matters requiring stockholder approval, including mergers and other material transactions, and may be able to cause or prevent a change in the composition of our Board of Directors or a change in control of our Company that could deprive our stockholders of an opportunity to receive a premium for their common stock as part of a sale of the Company and might ultimately affect the market price of our common stock.
Certain stockholders or groups of stockholders have the ability to exert significant influence over us.
Hilton H. Howell, Jr., our Executive Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, is the husband of Robin R. Howell, a member of our Board of Directors (collectively with other members of their family, the “Howell-Robinson Family”). As a result of their significant stockholdings and positions on the Board of Directors, the Howell-Robinson Family is able to exert significant influence over our policies and management, potentially in a manner which may not be consistent with the interests of our other stockholders.
Risks Related to Regulatory Matters
Federal broadcasting industry regulations limit our operating flexibility.
The FCC regulates all television broadcasters, including us. We must obtain FCC approval whenever we (i) apply for a new license; (ii) seek to renew, modify or assign a license; (iii) purchase a broadcast station; and/or (iv) transfer the control of one of our subsidiaries that holds a license. Our FCC licenses are critical to our operations, and we cannot operate without them. We cannot be certain that the FCC will renew these licenses in the future or approve new acquisitions, mergers, divestitures or other business activities. Our failure to renew any licenses upon the expiration of any license term could have a material adverse effect on our business.
Federal legislation and FCC rules have changed significantly in recent years and may continue to change. These changes may limit our ability to conduct our business in ways that we believe would be advantageous and may affect our operating results.
The FCC can sanction us for programming broadcast on our stations that it finds to be indecent.
Over the past several years, the FCC has increased its enforcement efforts regarding broadcast indecency and profanity and the statutory maximum fine for broadcasting indecent material is nearly $500,000 per incident, up to a maximum of more than $4 million for a continuing violation. In June 2012, the Supreme Court decided a challenge to the FCC’s indecency enforcement policies without resolving the scope of the FCC’s ability to regulate broadcast content. In August 2013, the FCC issued a Public Notice seeking comment on whether it should modify its indecency policies. The FCC has not yet issued a decision in this proceeding and the courts remain free to review the FCC’s current policy or any modifications thereto. The outcomes of these proceedings could affect future FCC policies in this area, and we are unable to predict the outcome of any such judicial proceeding, which could have a material adverse effect on our business.
The FCC’s duopoly restrictions limit our ability to own and operate multiple television stations in the same market.
The FCC’s ownership rules generally prohibit us from acquiring an “attributable interest” in two television stations that are located in the same market unless at least one of the stations is not ranked among the top-four stations in the market (the “top-four” prohibition).
In December 2023, the FCC adopted two modifications to the top-four prohibition that make it more restrictive. These rule changes will take effect in March, 2024. First, the FCC extended the top-four prohibition to low power television (“LPTV”) stations and multicast streams. As a result of this change, a licensee will be prohibited from acquiring network-affiliated programming of another top-four station in a DMA and then placing that programming on either the multicast stream of a full-power station or a LPTV station in a DMA in which it already owns another top-four rated station. These additional restrictions will apply to transactions entered into after December 26, 2023. Existing combinations will be grandfathered, but may not be transferred or assigned except in compliance with the new rule, or a waiver of the new rule. Second, the FCC modified its methodology for determining a station’s audience share for purposes of the top-four prohibition (and failing station waiver requests) to (i) consider audience share data over a 12-month period immediately preceding the date the application is filed, (ii) expanding the relevant daypart for audience share data significantly, and (iii) requiring the inclusion of audience share data for all free-to-consumer, non-simulcast multicast streams.
In November 2022, the FCC issued a Forfeiture Order finding that Gray’s acquisition of CBS programming from another broadcaster in the Anchorage market for Gray’s station KYES-TV was inconsistent with the local television ownership rule’s “top-four” prohibition given Gray’s ownership of KTUU-TV in the same market (a top-four ranked station) and imposed a fine of $518,283. Gray has brought a judicial challenge to the FCC’s Order, which remains pending.
The FCC also considers television Local Marketing Agreements (“LMAs”) (which are agreements under which a television station sells or provides more than 15% of the programming on another same-market television station) as “attributable interests.” Pursuant to the FCC’s ownership rules currently in effect, our ability to expand in our present markets through additional station acquisitions or LMAs may be constrained.
The FCC’s National Television Station Ownership Rule limits the maximum number of households we can reach.
Under the FCC’s National Television Station Ownership Rule, a single television station owner may not reach more than 39% of United States households through commonly owned television stations, subject to a 50% discount of the number of television households attributable to UHF stations (the “UHF Discount”). In December 2017, the FCC issued an NPRM seeking comment on whether it should modify or eliminate the national cap, including the UHF Discount. This proceeding remains pending. This rule may constrain our ability to expand through additional station acquisitions. Currently our station portfolio reaches approximately 36% of total United States television households, or after applying the UHF discount approximately 25% of total United States television households.
The Company is subject to governmental oversight regarding compliance with antitrust law as well as related civil litigation.
Various governmental agencies, including the DOJ, have authority to enforce the antitrust laws of the United States in the broadcast television industry. The DOJ has increased its enforcement activities within the industry. For example, in the fourth quarter of 2018, the DOJ filed a lawsuit in the United States District Court for the District of Columbia against six broadcasters, including Raycom and Meredith, alleging an agreement to exchange certain competitively sensitive information relating to advertising sales among certain stations in some local markets. The broadcasters and the DOJ entered into substantially identical consent decrees, which, among other things, prohibits the defendant broadcasters from exchanging competitively sensitive information and impose certain compliance requirements. No party to the settlement agreement, including Raycom and Meredith, admitted to any wrongdoing. In addition, following the public disclosure of the DOJ’s investigation and settlement, various putative class action lawsuits were filed against a number of owners of television stations. The cases have been consolidated in a single multidistrict litigation in the District Court for the Northern District of Illinois and the plaintiffs’ operative complaint alleges price fixing and unlawful information exchange among the defendants’ advertisement sales teams. We are unable to predict the outcome of these proceedings. For more information on these proceedings, see “Item 3. Legal Proceedings.”

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ITEM 1B. UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS
Item 1B. UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS
None.

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ITEM 2. PROPERTIES
Item 2. PROPERTIES
We lease our principal executive offices in a building located at 4370 Peachtree Road, NE, Atlanta, Georgia, 30319. We also own or lease various other offices and technical facilities that support our operations. See “Stations”, in Item 1. Business. of this Form 10-K.
The types of properties required to support television stations include offices, studios, transmitter sites and antenna sites. A station’s studios are generally housed within its offices in each respective market. The transmitter sites and antenna sites are generally located in elevated areas to provide optimal signal strength and coverage. We own or lease land, offices, studios, transmitters and antennas in each of our markets necessary to support our operations in that market area. In some market areas, we also own or lease multiple properties, such as towers and/or signal repeaters (translators), to optimize our broadcast capabilities. To the extent that our properties are leased, and those leases contain expiration dates, we believe that those leases can be renewed, or that alternative facilities can be leased or acquired, on terms that are comparable, in all material respects, to our existing properties.
We also own Assembly Atlanta, which is a 135-acre real estate complex centered around the studio industry located in the City of Doraville, Georgia. The Assembly Atlanta development includes the 43-acre Assembly Studios complex. The Assembly Studios portion of our Assembly Atlanta project commenced operations in the third quarter of 2023. The studio operations are managed under an operating agreement with NBCUniversal Media, LLC (“NBCU”) through which NBCU will lease and operate the new state-of-the-art studio facilities as well as manage our retained studio facilities at Assembly Studios and the adjacent Third Rail Studios.
We believe our owned and leased properties are in good condition and suitable for the conduct of our present business.

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ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
Item 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
From time to time, we are subject to legal proceedings and claims in the ordinary course of business. We do not believe that any known legal proceedings or claims are likely to have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations or cash flows. See Note 12 “Commitments and Contingencies” of our audited consolidated financial statements included elsewhere herein for a further discussion of our legal proceedings and incorporated herein by reference.

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ITEM 4. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURE
Item 4. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES
Not applicable.
INFORMATION ABOUT OUR EXECUTIVE OFFICERS
Set forth below is certain information with respect to our executive officers as of February 16, 2024:
Hilton H. Howell, Jr., age 61, has served as our Executive Chairman and Chief Executive Officer since January 2, 2019. Prior to that, Mr. Howell served as our Chairman, Chief Executive Officer and President from June 2013 to December 2018. Mr. Howell is a member of the Executive Committee of the Board, has been a Director since 1993, and served as the Vice Chairman of the Board from 2002 to April 2016 when he was appointed as Chairman. He served as our Executive Vice President from September 2002 to August 2008. In addition, he has served as President and Chief Executive Officer of Atlantic American Corporation, an insurance holding company, from 1995 to 2001, and as Chairman of that company since February 2009. He has been Executive Vice President and General Counsel of Delta Life Insurance Company and Delta Fire & Casualty Insurance Company since 1991. Mr. Howell also serves as a Director of Atlantic American Corporation and of each of its subsidiaries, American Southern Insurance Company, American Safety Insurance Company and Bankers Fidelity Life Insurance Company, as well as a Director of Delta Life Insurance Company and Delta Fire & Casualty Insurance Company. He is the husband of Mrs. Robin R. Howell, who is a member of our Board of Directors. Previously, Mr. Howell served as a board member of the National Association of Broadcasters and the NBC Affiliate Board.
Donald P. LaPlatney, age 64, has served as our President and Co-Chief Executive Officer since January 2, 2019. Prior to that, from July 2016 until the closing of the Raycom Merger, he served as Chief Executive Officer and President of Raycom, and served as member on their Board of Directors. Before that, he served as Chief Operating Officer of Raycom from April 2014 to July 2016, as Senior Vice President, Digital Media from April 2012 until April 2014, and as Vice President, Digital Media from August 2007 to April 2012. Prior to joining Raycom in 2007, Mr. LaPlatney held various executive positions at The Tube Media Corp., Westwood One, and Raycom Sports. In addition, Mr. LaPlatney serves as a board member of the National Association of Broadcasters. Previously, Mr. LaPlatney served as Chairman of the NBC Affiliate Board.
James C. Ryan, age 63, has served as our Chief Financial Officer since October 1998 and as Executive Vice President since February 2016. Prior to that, he was our Senior Vice President from September 2002 to January 2016 and our Vice President from October 1998 to August 2002.
Kevin P. Latek, age 53, has served as our Executive Vice President and Chief Legal and Development Officer since February 2016. Prior to that, he served as our Senior Vice President, Business Affairs since July 2013 and as our Vice President for Law and Development from March 2012 to June 2013. Prior to joining Gray, Mr. Latek practiced law in Washington, DC representing television and radio broadcasters and financial institutions in FCC regulatory and transactional matters. He is a member and officer of the CBS Affiliate Board and a past member of the FOX Affiliate Board of Governors.
Sandra Breland, age 61, has served as our Chief Operating Officer since May 2023. In early 2019, Ms. Breland joined Gray as a Senior Vice President of Local Media upon Gray’s acquisition of Raycom Media, where she served as a Group Vice President. Ms. Breland has over 30 years of experience in local broadcasting. She is a past member and President of the FOX Affiliate Board of Governors.
PART II

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ITEM 5. MARKET FOR REGISTRANT'S COMMON EQUITY
Item 5. MARKET FOR REGISTRANT’S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES
Our common stock, no par value, and our Class A common stock, no par value, have been listed and traded on the NYSE since September 24, 1996 and June 30, 1995, respectively, under the symbols “GTN” and “GTN.A,” respectively.
As of February 16, 2024, we had 88,284,758 outstanding shares of common stock held by 19,894 stockholders and 8,919,401 outstanding shares of Class A common stock held by 447 stockholders. The number of stockholders consists of stockholders of record and individual participants in security position listings as furnished to us pursuant to Rule 17Ad-8 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the “Exchange Act”).
For matters submitted to a shareholder vote, our Articles provide that each share of common stock is entitled to one vote, and each share of Class A common stock is entitled to 10 votes. Our Articles require that our common stock and our Class A common stock receive dividends on a pari passu basis when declared.
During 2023, we have paid quarterly cash dividends totaling $0.32 per share on both classes of our common stock. While we have paid dividends to holders of our common stock on a quarterly basis since the beginning of 2021, any future payments of dividends will depend on our financial condition, results of operations, cash flows and such other factors as our Board of Directors deems relevant. In addition, the Senior Credit Facility and our Indentures each contain covenants that could restrict our ability to pay cash dividends on our capital stock, which are currently applicable. See Note 4 “Long-term Debt” of our audited consolidated financial statements included elsewhere herein for a further discussion of restrictions on our ability to pay dividends.
During 2023, we paid dividends on our outstanding 650,000 shares of Series A Perpetual Preferred Stock (the “Preferred Stock”). Shares of the Preferred Stock accrue dividends on the face value in (A) cash at a rate of 8% per annum or, (B) at the Company’s option, in-kind at a rate of 8.5% per annum, as declared by our Board of Directors.
Stock Performance Graph
The following graphs compare the cumulative total return of our common stock and Class A common stock from January 1, 2019 to December 31, 2023, as compared to the stock market total return indexes for (i) The New York Stock Exchange Composite Index (the “NYSE Composite Index”) and (ii) The New York Stock Exchange Television Broadcasting Stations Index (the “TV Broadcasting Stations Index”).
The graphs assume the investment of $100 in each of our common stock and the Class A common stock, respectively, the NYSE Composite Index and the TV Broadcasting Stations Index on January 1, 2019. Any dividends are assumed to have been reinvested as paid.
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Gray Television, Inc. Class A common stock
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Issuer Purchases of Common Stock and Class A Common Stock
On November 5, 2019, our Board of Directors authorized the repurchase of up to $150 million of our outstanding common stock and/or our Class A common stock prior to December 31, 2022 (the “2019 Repurchase Authorization”). The 2019 Repurchase Authorization superseded all prior repurchase authorizations. The 2019 Repurchase Authorization prohibits the Company from purchasing shares directly from the Company’s officers, directors, or the Gray Television, Inc. Capital Accumulation Plan (the “Gray 401(k) Plan” or the “401k Plan”). On November 4, 2020, our Board of Directors increased the repurchase authorization under the 2019 Repurchase Authorization by $150 million and extended the authorization to December 31, 2023, which has now expired.
On June 3, 2022, under the 2019 Repurchase authorization, we entered into an issuer repurchase plan (the “2022 IRP”), under Rules 10b-18 and 10b5-1 of the Exchange Act. The 2022 IRP facilitated the orderly repurchase of our common stock through the establishment of the parameters for repurchases of our shares. During 2022, we repurchased 2.6 million shares of our common stock at an average price of $18.87 per share, excluding commissions, for a total cost of $50 million, on the open market under the 2022 IRP, after which the 2022 IRP was completed according to its terms.

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ITEM 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA

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ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
Item 7. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
Executive Overview
Introduction. The following discussion and analysis of the financial condition and results of operations of Gray Television, Inc. and its consolidated subsidiaries (except as the context otherwise provides, “Gray,” the “Company,” “we,” “us” or “our”) should be read in conjunction with our audited consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included elsewhere herein.
This section of our Annual Report on Form 10-K discusses 2023 and 2022 items and year-over-year comparisons between 2023 and 2022. A detailed discussion of 2021 items and year-over-year comparisons between 2022 and 2021 that are not included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K can be found in “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” in Part II, Item 7. of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2022.
Business Overview. We are a multimedia company headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia. We are the nation’s largest owner of top-rated local television stations and digital assets in the United States. Our television stations serve 113 television markets that collectively reach approximately 36 percent of US television households. This portfolio includes 79 markets with the top-rated television station and 102 markets with the first and/or second highest rated television station. We also own video program companies Raycom Sports, Tupelo Media Group, PowerNation Studios, as well as the studio production facilities Assembly Atlanta and Third Rail Studios.
Our operating revenues are derived primarily from broadcast and internet advertising, retransmission consent fees and, to a lesser extent, other sources such as production of television and event programming, television commercials, tower rentals and management fees. For the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021, we generated revenue of $3.3 billion, $3.7 billion and $2.4 billion, respectively.
Impact of Recent Acquisitions and Divestitures. During 2022 and 2021 we completed several transactions that have, collectively, had a significant impact on our financial condition, results of operations and cash flows. We refer to these transactions collectively as the “Acquisitions”. Please see Note 3 “Acquisitions and Divestitures” in our consolidated financial statements contained elsewhere herein for further discussion of the Acquisitions. The impact of the Acquisitions is described in more detail in the following discussion of our operating results. The most significant of the transactions were:
●
On April 7, 2021, we acquired land in the Atlanta suburb of Doraville, Georgia for an initial investment of approximately $80 million of cash. We acquired this property, in part, for the development of studio production facilities. During 2023 we completed the first phase of this project, known as “Assembly Studios” which has begun operations, and we are evaluating further development opportunities for the remainder of the project. As of December 31, 2023, our total investment, net of amounts received from infrastructure related sales and reimbursements was $549 million. We refer to the total project as “Assembly Atlanta”;
●
On August 2, 2021, we completed the acquisition of all the equity interests of Quincy Media, Inc. (“Quincy”). Net of divestitures to facilitate regulatory approvals, this transaction added 10 television stations in eight local markets. In connection with the acquisition we completed the divestiture to Allen Media (“Allen”) of television stations in seven markets previously owned by Quincy and located in our existing television markets, for an adjusted divestiture price of $401 million, which amount includes $21 million for working capital (the “Quincy Divestiture”). Net of divestitures the purchase price was $553 million;
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On September 13, 2021, we completed the acquisition of Third Rail Studios for $27 million;
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On September 23, 2021, to facilitate regulatory approvals for the acquisition of the Meredith Local Media Group (“Meredith”), we completed the divestiture of WJRT in the Flint-Saginaw, Michigan market, to Allen for an adjusted purchase price of $72 million in cash, including working capital (the “Flint Divestiture”);
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On November 9, 2021, to fund a portion of the purchase price for Meredith we issued $1.3 billion of our 2031 Notes;
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On December 1, 2021, to fund a portion of the purchase price for Meredith we amended our Senior Credit facility and borrowed $1.5 billion under the 2021 Term Loan;
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On December 1, 2021, we completed the acquisition of Meredith for $2.8 billion. This transaction added 17 television stations in 12 local markets to our operations; and
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On April 1, 2022, we acquired television station WKTB-TV which is an affiliate of the Telemundo Network affiliate for the Atlanta, Georgia market, as well as certain digital media assets, for a combined purchase price of $31 million, using cash on hand (the “Telemundo Atlanta Transaction”).
The following table summarizes the “Transaction Related Expenses” incurred in connection with the Acquisitions during the year ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021, by type and by financial statement line item (in millions):
Year Ended December 31,
Transaction Related Expenses by type:
Legal, consulting and other professional fees
$
$
$
Incentive compensation and other severance costs
-
-
Termination of sales representation and other agreements
-
-
Total Transaction Related Expenses
$
$
$
Transaction Related Expenses by financial statement line item:
Operating expenses before depreciation, amortization and loss (gain) on disposal of assets, net:
Broadcasting
$
$
$
Corporate and administrative
-
Miscellaneous expense
-
-
Total Transaction Related Expenses
$
$
$
Revenues, Operations, Cyclicality and Seasonality. Broadcast advertising is sold for placement generally preceding or following a television station’s network programming and within local and syndicated programming. Broadcast advertising is sold in time increments and is priced primarily on the basis of a program’s popularity among the specific audience an advertiser desires to reach. In addition, broadcast advertising rates are affected by the number of advertisers competing for the available time, the size and demographic makeup of the market served by the station and the availability of alternative advertising media in the market area. Broadcast advertising rates are generally the highest during the most desirable viewing hours, with corresponding reductions during other hours. The ratings of a local station affiliated with a major network can be affected by ratings of network programming. Most advertising contracts are short-term, and generally run only for a few weeks.
We also sell internet advertising on our stations’ websites and mobile apps. These advertisements may be sold as banner advertisements, video advertisements and other types of advertisements or sponsorships.
Our broadcast and internet advertising revenues are affected by several factors that we consider to be seasonal in nature. These factors include:
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Spending by political candidates, political parties and special interest groups increases during the even-numbered “on-year” of the two-year election cycle. This political spending typically is heaviest during the fourth quarter of such years;
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Broadcast advertising revenue is generally highest in the second and fourth quarters each year. This seasonality results partly from increases in advertising in the spring and in the period leading up to, and including, the holiday season;
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Local and national advertising revenue on our NBC-affiliated stations increases in certain years as a result of broadcasts of the Olympic Games; and
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Because our stations and markets are not evenly divided among the Big Four broadcast networks, our advertising revenue can fluctuate between years related to which network broadcasts the Super Bowl.
We derived a material portion of our non-political broadcast advertising revenue from advertisers in a limited number of industries, particularly the services sector, comprising financial, legal and medical advertisers, and the automotive industry. The services sector has become an increasingly important source of advertising revenue over the past few years. During the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021 approximately 27%, 28% and 29%, respectively, of our broadcast advertising revenue (excluding political advertising revenue) was obtained from advertising sales to the services sector. During the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021 approximately 20%, 17% and 17%, respectively, of our broadcast advertising revenue (excluding political advertising revenue) was obtained from advertising sales to automotive customers. Revenue from these industries may represent a higher percentage of total revenue in odd-numbered years due to, among other things, the increased availability of advertising time, as a result of such years being the “off year” of the two-year election cycle.
Our primary broadcasting operating expenses are employee compensation, related benefits and programming costs. In addition, the broadcasting operations incur overhead expenses, such as maintenance, supplies, insurance, rent and utilities. A large portion of the operating expenses of our broadcasting operations is fixed. We continue to monitor our operating expenses and seek opportunities to reduce them where possible.
Please see our “Results of Operations” and “Liquidity and Capital Resources” sections below for further discussion of our operating results.
Risk Factors. The broadcast television industry relies primarily on advertising revenue and faces significant competition. For a discussion of certain other presently known, significant risk factors that may affect our business, see “Item 1A. Risk Factors” included elsewhere herein.
Revenue
Set forth below are the principal types of revenue, less agency commissions, and the percentage contribution of each to our total revenue (dollars in millions):
Year Ended December 31,
Amount
%
Amount
%
Amount
%
Revenue:
Core advertising
$ 1,514
%
$ 1,496
%
$ 1,190
%
Political
%
%
%
Retransmission consent
1,532
%
1,496
%
1,049
%
Production companies
%
%
%
Other
%
%
%
Total
$ 3,281
%
$ 3,676
%
$ 2,413
%
Results of Operations
Year Ended December 31, 2023 (“2023”) Compared to Year Ended December 31, 2022 (“2022”)
Revenue. Total revenue decreased $395 million, or 11%, to $3.3 billion for 2023 compared to 2022. During 2023:
●
Core advertising revenue increased by $18 million, despite core advertising revenue from the broadcast of the 2023 Super Bowl on our 27 FOX-affiliated stations being approximately $6 million, compared to $13 million from the broadcast of the 2022 Super Bowl and the Winter Olympics on our 56 NBC-affiliated stations;
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Retransmission consent revenue increased by $36 million due to an increase in rates, offset, in part, by a decrease in subscribers;
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Political advertising revenue decreased by $436 million, resulting primarily from 2023 being the “off-year” of the two-year election cycle; and
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Production company revenue decreased by $7 million in 2023 primarily due to the net effects on our sports programming business of the contract terminations related to Diamond, partially offset by revenue earned under the sports programming agreements with CW.
Broadcasting Expenses. Broadcasting expenses (before depreciation, amortization, impairment and gain on disposal of assets) increased $103 million, or 5%, to $2.3 billion for 2023, compared to 2022. During 2023:
●
Payroll broadcasting expenses increased by $66 million as a result of; routine increases in compensation costs of $43 million, increases in healthcare costs of $13 million, and increases in company contributions to our defined contribution retirement plan of $10 million.
●
Non-payroll broadcasting expenses increased by $37 million primarily due to increases in retransmission expense.
●
Broadcast non-cash stock-based compensation expense was $5 million and $4 million in 2023 and 2022, respectively.
Production Company Expenses. Production company expenses (before depreciation, amortization, impairment and gain or loss on disposal of assets) increased by approximately $32 million in 2023 to $115 million, compared to $83 million in 2022. Production company operating expenses included $17 million allowance for credit losses related to the bankruptcy of Diamond, a counterparty in contracts with us and $18 million to settle litigation related to the Assembly Atlanta project.
Corporate and administrative expenses. Corporate and administrative expenses (before depreciation, amortization, impairment and gain or loss on disposal of assets) increased by $8 million, or 8%, to $112 million in 2023 compared to 2022, primarily as a result of; increases in compensation expense of $4 million, increases in professional services costs of $6 million and decreases in transaction related legal and other professional services of $2 million in 2023. We recorded corporate non-cash stock-based amortization expense of $15 million and $18 million in 2023 and 2022, respectively.
Depreciation. Depreciation of property and equipment totaled $145 million and $129 million for 2023 and 2022, respectively. Depreciation increased primarily due to the addition of depreciable assets.
Amortization of intangible assets. Amortization of intangible assets totaled $194 million and $207 million for 2023 and 2022, respectively. Amortization decreased primarily due to finite-lived intangible assets becoming fully amortized.
Impairment of Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets. Several years ago, our Raycom Sports subsidiary sublicensed certain ACC football and basketball games from ESPN to Fox Sports that were assumed by Diamond upon its acquisition of Fox Sports. In March 2023, Diamond sought bankruptcy protection. On July 7, 2023, the bankruptcy court granted the request of Diamond (supported by us) for the early rejection, and therefore the termination, of the ACC sports rights agreements. On July 13, 2023, The CW announced that it had entered into an agreement with Raycom Sports for a similar package of sports rights related to the ACC games that had been included in the now-terminated agreement with Diamond. Concurrently, Raycom Sports and ESPN modified their license agreement to correspond with the terms of The CW sublicense agreement. The new agreements mitigate a portion of the losses caused by Diamond’s rejection of its ACC sports rights agreement with Raycom Sports. As a result of the bankruptcy filings and these new July 2023 agreements, our production companies segment recorded a non-cash charge of $43 million, for impairment of goodwill and other intangible assets.
Loss (Gain) on Disposals of Assets, Net. We recognized a loss on disposal of assets of $21 million in 2023 compared to a gain on disposal of assets of $2 million in 2022, primarily related to the sale of television station KNIN in the Boise, Idaho market, in which we recognized a loss of $14 million in 2023.
Miscellaneous Income (Expense), Net. Miscellaneous income, net totaled $7 million in 2023 and miscellaneous expense, net totaled $4 million 2022.
Impairment of Investments. During 2023 and 2022, we wrote down the value of certain investments to their estimated net realizable values. The total impairment charges were $29 million and $18 million in 2023 and 2022, respectively.
Interest Expense. Interest expense increased $86 million, or 24%, to $440 million for 2023 compared to 2022. This increase was primarily attributable to the increase in average interest rates on our outstanding debt, net of the impact of our pre-payment of our outstanding 2017 Term Loan balance. Excluding amounts recorded as interest expense resulting from the amortization of deferred financing costs, the average interest rate on all of our outstanding debt increased to 6.5% in 2023 compared to 5.1% in 2022. The average outstanding principal balance of all our debt was $6.3 billion and $6.7 billion during 2023 and 2022, respectively.
Income Tax Expense. Our effective income tax rate decreased to a net provision of 7% for 2023 from 26% for 2022. Our effective income tax rates differed from the statutory rate due to the following items:
Year Ended December 31,
Statutory federal income tax rate
%
%
Current year permanent items
(13 )%
%
Restricted stock differences
(7 )%
%
State and local taxes, net of federal taxes
%
%
Effective income tax expense rate
%
%
We file a consolidated federal income tax return and such state or local tax returns as are required based on our current forecasts. We estimate that these income tax payments, before deducting refunds, will be within a range of $190 million to $210 million in 2024.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
Our primary sources of liquidity are cash on hand, cash flows from operations and borrowing capacity under Revolving Credit Facility.
We are a party to many contractual obligations involving commitments to make payments to third parties. These obligations impact our short-term and long-term liquidity and capital resource needs. Certain contractual obligations are reflected on the Consolidated Balance Sheet as of December 31, 2023, while others are considered future commitments. Our contractual obligations primarily consist of amounts required to be paid for: the acquisition of television stations; the purchase of property and equipment; service and other agreements; commitments for various syndicated television programs; and commitments under affiliation agreements with networks. In addition to our contractual obligations, we expect that our primary anticipated uses of liquidity in 2024 will be to reduce our indebtedness, fund our working capital, make interest and tax payments, fund capital expenditures, pursue certain strategic opportunities and maintain operations. For a description of the Company’s various contractual and other commitments requiring future payments, see Note 12 “Commitments and Contingencies” of our audited consolidated financial statements included elsewhere herein. In addition, for a description of the Company's interest payments and future maturities of long-term debt, see Note 4 “Long-term Debt” of our audited consolidated financial statements included elsewhere herein.
We believe that our cash balance, our cash flow from operations and availability under our Revolving Credit Facility provide us with sufficient liquidity to fund our core operations, maintain key personnel and meet our other material obligations for at least the next twelve months and the foreseeable future. See below for more information on our liquidity and capital resources.
General. The following tables present data that we believe is helpful in evaluating our liquidity and capital resources (dollars in millions):
Year Ended December 31,
Net cash provided by operating activities
$
$
$
Net cash used in investing activities
(291 )
(503 )
(3,534 )
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities
(397 )
(454 )
2,650
Net decrease in cash
$ (40 )
$ (128 )
$ (584 )
December 31,
Cash
$
$
Long-term debt, including current portion, less deferred financing costs
$ 6,160
$ 6,455
Series A Perpetual Preferred Stock
$
$
Borrowing availability under senior credit facility
$
$
Net Cash Provided By (Used In) Operating, Investing and Financing Activities - 2023 Compared to 2022
Net cash provided by operating activities decreased $181 million to $648 million in 2023 compared to net cash provided by operating activities of $829 million in 2022. The decrease in cash provided by operating activities was primarily due to a decrease in net income of $531 million offset, in part, by an increase in cash provided from changes in working capital of $328 million and an increase in non-cash charges of $22 million. The change in working capital resulted primarily from the sale of accounts receivable under our accounts receivable securitization facility.
Net cash used in investing activities decreased $212 million to $291 million for 2023 compared to $503 million for 2022. The net decrease in the amount used was primarily due to; a reduction in cash used for the purchase of property and equipment of $88 million, an increase in cash received from both the sale of a television station, and from a quasi-governmental authority related to infrastructure components of construction on the Assembly Atlanta project, of $74 million; and a reduction of cash used to acquire businesses and broadcast licenses of $52 million.
Net cash used in financing activities decreased $57 million to $397 million in 2023 compared to net cash used of $454 million in 2022. During 2023 and 2022, we used $52 million of cash to pay dividends to holders of our preferred stock and $30 million to pay dividends to holders of our common stock. During 2023 and 2022, we used a net amount of $310 million and $315 million, respectively, for pre-payments and required principal reductions of our long-term debt. We did not repurchase any shares of our common stock in 2023, but in 2022, we used $50 million to repurchase shares of our common stock on the open market.
Retirement Plans
We sponsor and contribute to defined benefit and defined contribution retirement plans:
●
The Gray Television, Inc. Retirement Plan (the “Gray Pension Plan”)
●
The Gray Television, Inc. Capital Accumulation Plan (the “Gray 401(k) Plan”)
●
Gray Television, Inc. Retirement Plan for Certain Bargaining Class Employees (the “Meredith Plan”)
The Gray Pension Plan is a defined benefit pension plan covering certain of our legacy employees. Benefits under the Gray Pension Plan are frozen and can no longer increase, and no new participants can be added to the plan.
Our funding policy for the Gray Pension Plan is consistent with the funding requirements of existing federal laws and regulations under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974. A discount rate is selected annually to measure the present value of the benefit obligations. In determining the selection of a discount rate, we estimated the timing and amounts of expected future benefit payments and applied a yield curve developed to reflect yields available on high-quality bonds. The yield curve is based on an externally published index specifically designed to meet the criteria of United States Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (“U.S. GAAP”). The discount rate selected for determining benefit obligations as of December 31, 2023, was 4.79%, which reflects the results of this yield curve analysis. The discount rate used for determining benefit obligations as of December 31, 2022 was 4.99%. Our assumptions regarding expected return on plan assets reflects asset allocations, the investment strategy and the views of investment managers, as well as historical experience. In 2023, we used an assumed rate of return of 6.25% for our assets invested in the Gray Pension Plan. The estimated asset returns for this plan, calculated on a mean market value assuming mid-year contributions and benefit payments, were a gain of 13.7% for the year ended December 31, 2023, and a loss of 12.0% for the year ended December 31, 2022. Other significant assumptions relate to inflation, retirement and mortality rates. Our inflation assumption is based on an evaluation of external market indicators. Retirement rates are based on actual plan experience and mortality rates are based on the Pri-2012 total mortality table and the MP-2021 projection scale published by the Society of Actuaries.
During each of the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, we contributed $4 million to the Gray Pension Plan, and we anticipate making a contribution of $4 million to the Gray Pension Plan in 2024. The use of significantly different assumptions, or if actual experienced results differ significantly from those assumed, could result in our funding obligations being materially different.
The Gray 401(k) Plan is a defined contribution plan intended to meet the requirements of section 401(k) of the Internal Revenue Code. Employer contributions under the Gray 401(k) Plan include matching cash contributions at a rate of 100% of the first 1% of each employee’s salary deferral, and 50% of the next 5% of each employee’s salary deferral. In addition, the Company, at its discretion, may make an additional profit-sharing contribution, based on annual Company performance, to those employees who meet certain criteria. For the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, our matching contributions to our Capital Accumulation Plan were approximately $26 million and $17 million, respectively. For the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, we accrued contributions of approximately $10 million and $9 million respectively, as discretionary profit-sharing contributions, each in the form of our common stock.
In connection with the Meredith Transaction, in 2021, we assumed a defined benefit pension plan covering certain legacy Meredith bargaining class employees. As of December 31, 2023 and 2022, the Meredith Plan had combined plan assets of $16 million and $14 million, respectively, and combined projected benefit obligations of $11 million, in each year. A net asset of $5 million and $3 million for this plan are recorded in our financial statements as of December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively.
See Note 11 “Retirement Plans” of our audited consolidated financial statements included elsewhere herein for further information concerning these retirement plans.
Capital Expenditures
We currently expect that our routine capital expenditures will range between approximately $115 million to $120 million during 2024 for broadcasting, production company and corporate purposes. We currently expect capital expenditures of approximately $21 million, net of $31 million of certain incentive payments, related to the Assembly Atlanta project. We can give no assurances of the actual proceeds to be received in the future from incentive payments, nor the timing of any such proceeds.
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
Operating Commitments. We have various commitments for syndicated television programs. We have two types of syndicated television program contracts: first run programs and off network reruns. First run programs are programs such as Wheel of Fortune and off network reruns are programs such as The Big Bang Theory. First run programs have not been produced at the time the contract to air such programming is signed, and off network reruns have already been produced. For all syndicated television contracts, we record an asset and corresponding liability for payments to be made only for the current year of the first run programming and for the entire contract period for off-network programming. Only an estimate of the payments anticipated to be made in the year following the balance sheet date of the first run contracts are recorded on the current balance sheet, because the programs for the later years of the contract period have not been produced or delivered.
The total license fee payable under a program license agreement allowing us to broadcast programs is recorded at the beginning of the license period and is charged to operating expense over the period that the programs are broadcast. The portion of the unamortized balance expected to be charged to operating expense in the succeeding year is classified as a current asset, with the remainder classified as a non-current asset. The liability for license fees payable under program license agreements is classified as current or long-term, in accordance with the payment terms of the various license agreements.
The following are our material expected off balance sheet contractual obligations and commitments as of December 31, 2023:
●
Cash interest on long-term debt obligations, including interest expense on long-term debt and required future principal repayments under those obligations.
●
Preferred Stock dividends.
●
On February 23, 2023, we, certain of our subsidiaries and a wholly-owned special purpose subsidiary (the “SPV”), entered into a three-year $300 million revolving accounts receivable securitization facility (the “Securitization Facility”) with Wells Fargo Bank, N.A., as administrative agent, for the purpose of providing additional liquidity in order to repay indebtedness under the Senior Credit Facility. The Securitization Facility permits the SPV to draw up to a total of $300 million, subject to the outstanding amount of the receivables pool and other factors. The Securitization Facility is subject to interest charges, at the one-month SOFR rate plus 100 basis points on the amount of the outstanding facility. The SPV is also required to pay an upfront fee and a commitment fee in connection with the Securitization Facility.
●
Programming obligations not currently accrued that represent obligations for syndicated television programming whose license period has not yet begun, or the program is not yet available.
●
Network affiliation agreements representing the fixed obligations under our current agreements with broadcast networks. Certain network affiliation agreements include variable fee components such as percentage of revenue or rate per subscriber. Our network affiliation agreements expire at various dates primarily through January 1, 2026.
●
Service and other agreements for various non-cancelable contractual agreements for maintenance services and other professional services.
●
Non-cancelable contractual obligations for various materials, services and construction costs related to development of our studio production facilities.
For more information about these off-balance sheet contractual obligations and commitments please refer to Note 12 “Commitments and Contingencies” of our audited consolidated financial statements included elsewhere herein.
Subsequent Events
Exchange of television stations. On February 1, 2024, we announced that we have entered into agreements with Marquee Broadcasting, Inc. (“Marquee”) to exchange television stations. Under the terms of the agreement, our television stations in the Cheyenne-Scottsbluff and Casper television markets (DMAs 194 and 198, respectively) are expected to be sold to Marquee in exchange for Marquee’s FCC permit authorizing the construction of new television station, that will be built in the Salt Lake City, Utah market (DMA 27), and will be known as KCBU. Neither party will pay additional cash or consideration to fulfill the terms of this exchange. The transactions are expected to close simultaneously in the second quarter of 2024 and are subject to the customary closing conditions and the receipt of regulatory and other approvals.
BMI Investment Proceeds. On February 8, 2024, we received $110 million in pre-tax cash proceeds from the closing of the previously announced sale of Broadcast Music, Inc. (“BMI”) to a shareholder group led by New Mountain Capital, LLC. $50 million of the net proceeds from the sale of BMI were used to pay in full the amount then outstanding under are Revolving Credit Facility. We intend to use the remaining proceeds for general corporate purposes.
Amendment of Revolving Credit Facility. On February 16, 2024, Gray entered into a second amendment (the “Second Amendment”) to its Senior Credit Facility. The Second Amendment, among other things, (i) increases the aggregate commitments under the Gray’s existing $500 million Revolving Credit Facility by $125 million, resulting in aggregate commitments under the Revolving Credit Facility of $625 million and (ii) extends the maturity date of a $552.5 million tranche of the Revolving Credit Facility to December 31, 2027 (subject to a springing maturity in certain circumstances set forth in the Second Amendment), with a remaining non-extending tranche of the Revolving Credit Facility of $72.5 million maturing on December 1, 2026 (subject to a springing maturity in certain circumstances set forth in the Second Amendment). Except as modified by the Amendment, the existing terms of the Senior Credit Facility remain in effect.
Executive Update. On February 20, 2024, we announced that our Chief Financial Officer, Jim Ryan has notified us of his voluntary decision to transition into retirement after 2025. We also announced the hiring of Jeff Gignac, who currently serves as a Managing Director and Head of Media & Telecom Investment Banking at Wells Fargo Securities. Mr. Gignac will join us, initially as Executive Vice President, Finance, on April 1, 2024, and he will step into Mr. Ryan’s role as Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer on July 1, 2024. Mr. Ryan will work closely with Mr. Gignac and our entire executive team until he retires at the end of 2025.
Inflation
During 2023, we have experienced moderate inflation of our operating expenses and increases in interest rates on amounts outstanding under our Senior Credit Facility. There can be no assurance that further increases in the rate of inflation or interest rates in the future would not have an adverse effect on operating results.
Critical Accounting Policies
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires us to make judgments and estimations that affect the amounts reported in the financial statements and accompanying notes. Actual results could differ materially from those reported amounts. We consider our accounting policies relating to intangible assets and income taxes to be critical policies that require significant judgments or estimations in their application where variances may result in significant differences to future reported results. Our policies concerning intangible assets and income taxes are disclosed below.
Variability of Critical Accounting Estimates. Our critical accounting estimates include estimates and assumptions that are material to our financial statements. These estimates and assumptions are used in:
●
our annual impairment testing of broadcast licenses and goodwill;
●
our estimates of the fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed in businesses combinations; and
●
our estimates related to income taxes.
Our estimates and assumptions have been materially accurate in the past and have not changed materially. We do not expect that these assumptions are likely to change materially in the future.
Annual Impairment Testing of Broadcast Licenses and Goodwill. We evaluate broadcast licenses and goodwill for impairment on an annual basis, or more often when certain triggering events occur. Goodwill is evaluated at the reporting unit level.
Our broadcasting operating segment is comprised of a single reporting unit. Each of the distinct businesses within our production companies operating segment represent a reporting unit. Therefore, as of December 31, 2023, we evaluated our goodwill for impairment for five reporting units. One reporting unit for all of our broadcast television operations and four for each of the distinct businesses within our production companies. The Company has considered the requirements as stipulated within ASC 350. Management has identified the applicable assets and liabilities for each of the reporting units in accordance with ASC 350.
In the performance of our annual broadcast license and reporting unit impairment assessments, we have the option of performing a qualitative assessment to determine if it is more likely than not that the respective asset has been impaired. In 2023, we performed a qualitative assessment for 59 of our broadcast licenses and three of our reporting units. In 2022, we performed a qualitative assessment for 57 of our broadcast licenses and one of our reporting units.
As part of this qualitative assessment, we evaluate the relative impact of factors that are specific to the reporting units as well as industry, regulatory and macroeconomic factors that could affect the significant inputs used to determine the fair value of the assets. We also consider the significance of the excess fair value over the carrying value reflected in prior quantitative assessments and the changes to the reporting units’ carrying value since the last impairment test.
If we conclude that it is more likely than not that a broadcast license or reporting unit is impaired, or if we elect not to perform the optional qualitative assessment, we perform the quantitative assessment which involves comparing the estimated fair value of the broadcast license or reporting unit to its respective carrying value.
For our annual broadcast licenses impairment test in 2023, we concluded that it was more likely than not that all of our broadcast licenses that were evaluated were not impaired based upon our qualitative assessments. We elected to perform a quantitative assessment for our remaining broadcast licenses and concluded that their fair values exceeded their carrying values. To estimate the fair value of our broadcast licenses, we utilize a discounted cash flow model assuming an initial hypothetical start-up operation maturing into an average performing station in a specific television market and giving consideration to other relevant factors such as the technical qualities of the broadcast license and the number of competing broadcast licenses within that market.
For our annual goodwill impairment test in 2023, we concluded that it was more likely than not that goodwill was not impaired based upon our qualitative assessments for one of our reporting units. We elected to perform a quantitative assessment for the remainder of our reporting units and concluded that their fair values exceeded their carrying values. To estimate the fair value of our reporting units, we utilize a discounted cash flow model supported by a market multiple approach. We believe that a discounted cash flow analysis is the most appropriate methodology to test the recorded value of long-term assets with a demonstrated long-lived/enduring franchise value. We believe the results of the discounted cash flow and market multiple approaches provide reasonable estimates of the fair value of our reporting units because these approaches are based on our actual results and reasonable estimates of future performance, and also take into consideration a number of other factors deemed relevant by us including, but not limited to, expected future market revenue growth, market revenue shares and operating profit margins. We have historically used these approaches in determining the value of our reporting units. We also consider a market multiple approach to corroborate our discounted cash flow analysis. We believe that this methodology is consistent with the approach that a strategic market participant would utilize if they were to value our television stations.
We believe we have made reasonable estimates and utilized appropriate assumptions to evaluate whether the fair values of our broadcast licenses and reporting units were less than their carrying values. If future results are not consistent with our assumptions and estimates, including future events such as a deterioration of market conditions or significant increases in discount rates, we could be exposed to impairment charges in the future. Any resulting impairment loss could have a material adverse impact on our consolidated balance sheets, consolidated statements of operations and consolidated statements of cash flows.
As of December 31, 2023 and 2022, the recorded value of our broadcast licenses was $5.3 billion at each date. As of December 31, 2023 and 2022, the recorded value of our goodwill was $2.6 billion and $2.7 billion, respectively. See Note 13 “Goodwill and Intangible Assets” of our audited consolidated financial statements included elsewhere herein, for the results of our annual impairment tests for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021.
During 2023, as a result of the bankruptcy of Diamond Sports Group, LLC (“Diamond”), our production companies segment recorded a non-cash charge of $43 million, for impairment of goodwill and other intangible assets.
Valuation of Network Affiliation Agreements. We believe that the value of a television station is derived primarily from the attributes of its broadcast license rather than its network affiliation agreement. These attributes have a significant impact on the audience for network programming in a local television market compared to the national viewing patterns of the same network programming.
Certain other broadcasting companies have valued their stations on the basis that it is the network affiliation and not the other attributes of the station, including its broadcast license, which contributes to the operational performance of that station. As a result, we believe that these broadcasting companies allocate a significant portion of the purchase price for any station that they may acquire to the network affiliation relationship, and include in their network affiliation valuation amounts related to attributes which we believe are more appropriately reflected in the value of the broadcast license or reporting units.
The methodology we used to value our stations was based on our evaluation of the broadcast licenses acquired and the characteristics of the markets in which they operated. Given our assumptions and the specific attributes of the stations we acquired from 2002 through December 31, 2023, we generally ascribe no incremental value to the incumbent network affiliation relationship in each market beyond the cost of negotiating a new agreement with another network and the value of any terms of the affiliation agreement that were more favorable or unfavorable than those generally prevailing in the market. Due to certain characteristics of a small number of the stations acquired in 2022, we ascribed approximately $14 million million of the value of those transactions to network affiliations, respectively.
Some broadcast companies may use methods to value acquired network affiliations different than those that we use. These different methods may result in significant variances in the amount of purchase price allocated to these assets among broadcast companies.
If we were to assign higher values to all of our network affiliations and less value to our broadcast licenses or goodwill and if it is further assumed that such higher values of the network affiliations are finite-lived intangible assets, this reallocation of value might have a significant impact on our operating results. There is diversity of practice within the industry, and some broadcast companies have considered such network affiliation intangible assets to have a life ranging from 15 to 40 years depending on the specific assumptions utilized by those broadcast companies.
The following table reflects the hypothetical impact of the reassignment of value from broadcast licenses to network affiliations for our historical acquisitions (the first acquisition being in 1994) and the resulting increase in amortization expense assuming a hypothetical 15-year amortization period as of our most recent impairment testing date of December 31, 2023 (in millions, except per share data):
Percentage of Total
Value Reassigned to
Network
As
Affiliation Agreements
Reported
50%
25%
Balance Sheet (As of December 31, 2023):
Broadcast licenses
$ 5,320
$ 2,660
$ 3,990
Other intangible assets, net (including network affiliation agreements)
2,017
1,216
Statement of Operations
(For the year ended December 31, 2023):
Amortization of intangible assets
Operating income
Net loss attributable to common stockholders
(128 )
(240 )
(184 )
Per share - basic
$ (1.39 )
$ (2.61 )
$ (2.00 )
Per share - diluted
$ (1.39 )
$ (2.61 )
$ (2.00 )
For future acquisitions, if any, the valuation of the network affiliations may differ from the values of previous acquisitions due to the different characteristics of each station and the market in which it operates.
Income Taxes. As of December 31, 2023, we have an aggregate of approximately $299 million of various state operating loss carryforwards, of which we expect that approximately one-third will be utilized. We expect that approximately $201 million of these state net operating loss carryforwards will not be utilized due to section 382 limitations and those that will expire prior to utilization.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements. See Note 1 “Description of Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies” of our audited consolidated financial statements included elsewhere herein for more information.

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ITEM 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
Item 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
We are exposed to certain risks arising from business operations and economic conditions. We attempt to manage our exposure to a wide variety of business and operational risks principally through the management of our core business activities. We attempt to manage economic risk, including interest rate, liquidity and credit risk, primarily by managing the amount, sources and duration of our debt funding and, at times, the use of interest rate swap agreements. From time to time, we may enter into interest rate swap agreements or interest rate cap agreements to manage interest rate exposure with the following objectives:
●
managing current and forecasted interest rate risk while maintaining financial flexibility and solvency;
●
proactively managing our cost of capital to ensure that we can effectively manage operations and execute our business strategy, thereby maintaining a competitive advantage and enhancing shareholder value; and
●
complying with covenant requirements in our financing agreements.
Under the Senior Credit Facility, we pay interest based on a floating interest rate on balances outstanding. On February 23, 2023, we entered into interest rate caps pursuant to an International Swaps and Derivatives Association ("ISDA") Master Agreement with Wells Fargo Bank, NA and Truist Bank, respectively. As of December 31, 2023, the caps have a combined fixed notional value of approximately $2.6 billion through the last business day in 2024 and then a reduction in notional value to approximately $2.1 billion until maturity on December 31, 2025. The agreement effectively limits the annual interest charged on all of our variable rate debt to a maximum one-month SOFR rate of 5 percent, plus the Applicable Margin, as specified in our Senior Credit Facility. The Company is also required to pay aggregate fees in connection with the agreement of approximately $34 million that is due and payable on December 31, 2025. The ISDA Master Agreement, together with its related schedules, contain customary representations, warranties and covenants. This hedging agreement was entered into to mitigate the interest rate risk inherent in our variable rate debt and is not for speculative trading purposes. Because of these interest rate caps, at December 31, 2023, a 100 basis point increase in market interest rates would have increased our interest expense and decreased our income before income taxes by $7 million for the year ended December 31, 2023. A 100 basis point decrease in market interest rates would have decreased our interest expense and increased our income before income taxes by $22 million for the year ended December 31, 2023.
We pay a fixed rate of interest on the 2031 Notes, 2030 Notes, 2027 Notes and 2026 Notes. As of December 31, 2023, the majority of our outstanding debt bore interest at a fixed interest rate, which reduces our risk of potential increases in interest rates, but would not allow us to benefit from any reduction in market interest rates such as SOFR or the prime rate. See Note 4 “Long-term Debt” of our audited consolidated financial statements included elsewhere herein for more information on our long-term debt and associated interest rates.
At December 31, 2023 and 2022, the recorded amount of our long-term debt, including current portion, was $6.2 billion and $6.5 billion, respectively, and the fair value of our long-term debt, including current portion, was $5.6 billion and $5.7 billion, respectively, as of December 31, 2023 and 2022. Fair value of our long-term debt is based on estimates provided by third-party financial professionals as of the respective dates.

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ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA
Item 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA
Page
Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
Consolidated Balance Sheets at December 31, 2023 and 2022
Consolidated Statements of Operations for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive (Loss) Income for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021
Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
Our management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting and for the assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting. As defined by the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”), internal control over financial reporting is a process designed by, or under the supervision of, our principal executive and principal financial officers and effected by our Board of Directors, management and other personnel, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of the consolidated financial statements for external purposes in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.
Our internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (i) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect our transactions and dispositions of our assets; (ii) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of the consolidated financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that our receipts and expenditures are being made only in accordance with authorizations of our management and directors; and (iii) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use or disposition of our assets that could have a material effect on the consolidated financial statements.
Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect all misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.
In connection with the preparation of our annual consolidated financial statements, management has undertaken an assessment of the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2023, based on criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (“COSO 2013 framework”). Management’s assessment included an evaluation of the design of our internal control over financial reporting and testing of the operational effectiveness of those controls. Based on this evaluation, management has concluded that our internal control over financial reporting was effective as of December 31, 2023.
The effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2023 has been audited by RSM US LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, as stated in their report, which is included herein.
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
To the Stockholders and the Board of Directors of Gray Television, Inc.
Opinion on the Financial Statements
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Gray Television, Inc. and its subsidiaries (the Company) as of December 31, 2023 and 2022, the related consolidated statements of operations, comprehensive (loss) income, stockholders’ equity and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2023, and the related notes to the consolidated financial statements and schedule (collectively, the financial statements). In our opinion, the financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company as of December 31, 2023 and 2022, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2023, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.
We have also audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB), the Company's internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2023, based on criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission in 2013, and our report dated February 23, 2024 expressed an unqualified opinion on the effectiveness of the Company's internal control over financial reporting.
Basis for Opinion
These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s financial statements based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the PCAOB and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.
We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audits to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
Critical Audit Matter
The critical audit matter communicated below is a matter arising from the current period audit of the financial statements that was communicated or required to be communicated to the audit committee and that: (1) relates to accounts or disclosures that are material to the financial statements and (2) involved our especially challenging, subjective or complex judgments. The communication of this critical audit matter does not alter in any way our opinion on the financial statements, taken as a whole, and we are not, by communicating the critical audit matter below, providing separate opinions on the critical audit matter or on the accounts or disclosures to which it relates.
Indefinite-Lived Intangible Asset Impairment Assessment
As described in Notes 1 and 13 to the consolidated financial statements, the Company’s consolidated broadcast licenses are $5.3 billion as of December 31, 2023 and are tested for impairment at least annually. In the Company’s assessment of impairment, management identified those broadcast licenses for which a qualitative assessment would be performed to determine whether it is more likely than not that the broadcast license is impaired. For those broadcast licenses for which the Company did not elect to perform a qualitative analysis, the Company performed a quantitative analysis which involves comparing the estimated fair value of the broadcast licenses to their respective carrying values. To estimate the fair value of the broadcast licenses, management used an income approach. Under this approach, the broadcast license value is based on the estimated after-tax discounted future cash flows of the license, assuming an initial hypothetical start-up operation maturing into an average performing station in a specific television market and giving consideration to other relevant factors such as the technical qualities of the broadcast license and the number of competing broadcast licenses within that market. The assumptions considered by management in the analysis reflect historical market and station growth trends, third party market specific industry data, the anticipated performance of the stations and discount rates. The valuation technique used by management included theoretical assumptions of the costs that would be incurred to construct a station when the only owned asset is the broadcast license and the associated revenues, operating margins and capital expenditures expected to be incurred in the start-up years, which are inherently judgmental.
We identified the broadcast license impairment assessment as a critical audit matter because of the significant estimates and assumptions management used in the impairment analysis. Auditing management’s judgments used in the impairment assessment regarding forecasts of future revenue, operating margins, capital expenditures, and the discount rate to be applied involved a high degree of auditor judgment and increased audit effort, including the use of our valuation specialist.
Our audit procedures related to the Company’s broadcast license impairment assessment included the following, among others:
●
We obtained an understanding of the relevant controls related to the Company’s broadcast license impairment assessment, and tested such controls for design and operating effectiveness, including controls related to management’s review of the significant assumptions noted above.
●
We tested management’s process for determining the fair value of the broadcast licenses subject to the quantitative impairment assessment. We compared management’s forecasts of future revenue and operating margin to historical operating results for the Company’s similar existing broadcast licenses, as well as third-party market specific, industry data. We tested the assumptions related to the start-up years in the discounted cash flow model where there is no historical or third-party market data available to support those assumptions by evaluating the reasonableness of management’s build-up of revenues and operating margins over the start-up period.
●
We utilized our valuation specialist to assist in testing the Company’s discounted cash flow models and certain significant assumptions, including discount rates, for broadcast licenses subject to a quantitative impairment assessment.
/s/ RSM US LLP
We have served as the Company's auditor since 2006.
Atlanta, Georgia
February 23, 2024
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
To the Stockholders and the Board of Directors of Gray Television, Inc.
Opinion on the Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
We have audited Gray Television, Inc.'s (the Company) internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2023, based on criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission in 2013. In our opinion, the Company maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2023, based on criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission in 2013.
We have also audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB), the consolidated balance sheets of Gray Television, Inc. and subsidiaries as of December 31, 2023 and 2022, and the related consolidated statements of operations, comprehensive (loss) income, stockholders' equity and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2023, and the related notes to the consolidated financial statements and schedule of the Company and our report dated February 23, 2024 expressed an unqualified opinion.
Basis for Opinion
The Company’s management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting in the accompanying Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audit. We are a public accounting firm registered with the PCAOB and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.
We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audit included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, and testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk. Our audit also included performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.
Definition and Limitations of Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
A company's internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company's internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use or disposition of the company's assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.
Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.
/s/ RSM US LLP
Atlanta, Georgia
February 23, 2024
GRAY TELEVISION, INC.
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(in millions)
December 31,
Assets:
Current assets:
Cash
$ 21 $ 61
Accounts receivable, less allowance for credit losses of $17 and $16, respectively
342 650
Current portion of program broadcast rights, net
18 27
Income tax refunds receivable
21 22
Prepaid income taxes
18 43
Prepaid and other current assets
48 54
Total current assets
468 857
Property and equipment, net
1,601 1,466
Operating lease right of use asset
75 75
Broadcast licenses
5,320 5,331
Goodwill
2,643 2,663
Other intangible assets, net
415 636
Investments in broadcasting and technology companies
85 105
Deferred pension assets
17 5
Other
16 14
Total assets
$ 10,640 $ 11,152
See accompanying notes.
GRAY TELEVISION, INC.
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(in millions, except for share data)
December 31,
Liabilities and stockholders’ equity:
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable
$ 23 $ 55
Employee compensation and benefits
110 98
Accrued interest
63 60
Accrued network programming fees
37 39
Other accrued expenses
41 50
Federal and state income taxes
22 15
Current portion of program broadcast obligations
20 29
Deferred revenue
39 24
Dividends payable
14 14
Current portion of operating lease liabilities
11 10
Current portion of long-term debt
15 15
Total current liabilities
395 409
Long-term debt, less current portion and less deferred financing costs
6,145 6,440
Program broadcast obligations, less current portion
1 1
Deferred income taxes
1,359 1,454
Operating lease liabilities, less current portion
69 68
Other
50 14
Total liabilities
8,019 8,386
Commitments and contingencies (Note 12)
Series A Perpetual Preferred Stock, no par value; cumulative; redeemable; designated 1,500,000 shares, issued and outstanding 650,000 shares at each date and $650 aggregate liquidation value, at each date
650 650
Stockholders’ equity:
Common stock, no par value; authorized 200,000,000 shares issued 107,179,827 shares and 105,104,057 shares, respectively outstanding 87,227,481 shares and 85,467,271 shares, respectively
1,174 1,150
Class A common stock, no par value; authorized 25,000,000 shares, issued 10,413,993 shares and 9,675,139 shares, respectively outstanding 8,162,266 shares and 7,544,415 shares, respectively
50 45
Retained earnings
1,084 1,242
Accumulated other comprehensive loss
(23 ) (12 )
2,285 2,425
Treasury stock at cost, common stock, 19,952,346 shares and 19,636,786 shares, respectively
(282 ) (278 )
Treasury stock at cost, Class A common stock, 2,251,727 shares and 2,130,724 shares, respectively
(32 ) (31 )
Total stockholders’ equity
1,971 2,116
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity
$ 10,640 $ 11,152
See accompanying notes.
GRAY TELEVISION, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(in millions, except for net income per share data)
Year Ended December 31,
Revenue (less agency commissions):
Broadcasting
$ 3,195
$ 3,583
$ 2,340
Production companies
Total revenue (less agency commissions)
3,281
3,676
2,413
Operating expenses before depreciation, amortization, impairment and (gain) loss on disposals of assets, net:
Broadcasting
2,268
2,165
1,548
Production companies
Corporate and administrative
Depreciation
Amortization of intangible assets
Impairment of goodwill and other intangible assets
-
-
Loss (gain) on disposal of assets, net
(2 )
Operating expenses, net
2,898
2,686
2,032
Operating income
Other income (expense):
Miscellaneous income (expense), net
(4 )
(8 )
Impairment of investments
(29 )
(18 )
-
Interest expense
(440 )
(354 )
(205 )
Loss on early extinguishment of debt
(3 )
-
-
Income (loss) before income taxes
(82 )
Income tax (benefit) expense
(6 )
Net (loss) income
(76 )
Preferred stock dividends
Net (loss) income attributable to common stockholders
$ (128 )
$
$
Basic per share information:
Net (loss) income attributable to common stockholders
$ (1.39 )
$ 4.38
$ 0.40
Weighted average shares outstanding
Diluted per share information:
Net (loss) income attributable to common stockholders
$ (1.39 )
$ 4.33
$ 0.40
Weighted average shares outstanding
Dividends declared per common share
$ 0.32
$ 0.32
$ 0.32
See accompanying notes.
GRAY TELEVISION, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE (LOSS) INCOME
(in millions)
Year Ended December 31,
Net (loss) income
$ (76 )
$
$
Other comprehensive (loss) income:
Adjustment to pension liability
Adjustment to fair value of interest rate caps
(23 )
-
-
Income tax (benefit) expense of adjustments
(5 )
Other comprehensive (loss) income
(11 )
Comprehensive (loss) income
$ (87 )
$
$
See accompanying notes.
GRAY TELEVISION, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
(in millions, except for number of shares)
Accumulated
Class A
Treasury Stock
Treasury Stock
Other
Common Stock
Common Stock
Retained
Class A Common Stock
Common Stock
Comprehensive
Shares
Amount
Shares
Amount
Earnings
Shares
Amount
Shares
Amount
(Loss) Income
Total
Balance at December 31, 2020
8,935,773 $ 34 103,100,856 $ 1,110 $ 862 (1,887,767 ) $ (26 ) (14,960,597 ) $ (188 ) $ (39 ) $ 1,753
Net income
- - - - 90 - - - - - 90
Preferred stock dividends
- - - - (52 ) - - - - - (52 )
Common stock dividends
- - - - (31 ) - - - - - (31 )
Adjustment to pension liability, net of income tax
- - - - - - - - - 12 12
Issuance of common stock:
401(k) Plan
- - 394,044 8 - - - - - - 8
2017 Equity and Incentive Compensation Plan:
Restricted stock awards
488,918 - 731,374 - - (110,412 ) (2 ) (267,308 ) (5 ) - (7 )
Restricted stock unit awards
- - 60,050 - - - - (18,275 ) - - -
Repurchase of common stock
- - - - - - - (1,501,088 ) (30 ) - (30 )
Stock-based compensation
- 5 - 9 - - - - - - 14
Balance at December 31, 2021
9,424,691 $ 39 104,286,324 $ 1,127 $ 869 (1,998,179 ) $ (28 ) (16,747,268 ) $ (223 ) $ (27 ) $ 1,757
Net income
- - - - 455 - - - - - 455
Preferred stock dividends
- - - - (52 ) - - - - - (52 )
Common stock dividends
- - - - (30 ) - - - - - (30 )
Adjustment to pension liability, net of income tax
- - - - - - - - - 15 15
Issuance of common stock:
401(k) Plan
- - 307,885 7 - - - - - - 7
2017 Equity and Incentive Compensation Plan:
Restricted stock awards
250,448 - 400,927 - - (132,545 ) (3 ) (210,367 ) (4 ) - (7 )
Restricted stock unit awards
- - 108,921 - - - - (32,958 ) (1 ) - (1 )
Repurchase of common stock
- - - - - - - (2,646,193 ) (50 ) - (50 )
-
Stock-based compensation
- 6 - 16 - - - - - - 22
Balance at December 31, 2022
9,675,139 $ 45 105,104,057 $ 1,150 $ 1,242 (2,130,724 ) $ (31 ) (19,636,786 ) $ (278 ) $ (12 ) $ 2,116
See accompanying notes.
GRAY TELEVISION, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
(in millions, except for number of shares)
Accumulated
Class A
Treasury Stock
Treasury Stock
Other
Common Stock
Common Stock
Retained
Class A Common Stock
Common Stock
Comprehensive
Shares
Amount
Shares
Amount
Earnings
Shares
Amount
Shares
Amount
(Loss) Income
Total
Balance at December 31, 2022
9,675,139 $ 45 105,104,057 $ 1,150 $ 1,242 (2,130,724 ) $ (31 ) (19,636,786 ) $ (278 ) $ (12 ) $ 2,116
Net loss
- - - - (76 ) - - - - - (76 )
Preferred stock dividends
- - - - (52 ) - - - - - (52 )
Common stock dividends
- - - - (30 ) - - - - - (30 )
Adjustment to pension liability, net of income tax
- - - - - - - - - 6 6
Adjustment to fair value of interest rate cap, net of income tax
- - - - - - - - - (17 ) (17 )
Issuance of common stock:
401(k) Plan
- - 819,898 9 - - - - - - 9
2022 Equity and Incentive Compensation Plan:
Restricted stock awards
738,854 - 1,007,919 - - (121,003 ) (1 ) (234,938 ) (3 ) - (4 )
Restricted stock unit awards
- - 247,953 - - - (80,622 ) (1 ) - (1 )
Repurchase of common stock
- - - - - - - - - - -
-
Stock-based compensation
- 5 - 15 - - - - - - 20
Balance at December 31, 2023
10,413,993 $ 50 107,179,827 $ 1,174 $ 1,084 (2,251,727 ) $ (32 ) (19,952,346 ) $ (282 ) $ (23 ) $ 1,971
See accompanying notes.
GRAY TELEVISION, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(in millions)
Year Ended December 31,
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net (loss) income
$ (76 )
$
$
Adjustments to reconcile net (loss) income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation
Amortization of intangible assets
Amortization of deferred loan costs
Accretion of original issue discount and premium related to long-term debt, net
(1 )
(1 )
(1 )
Amortization of restricted stock awards
Amortization of program broadcast rights
Payments on program broadcast obligations
(38 )
(49 )
(38 )
Common stock contributed to 401(k) plan
Deferred income taxes
(91 )
(20 )
(22 )
Loss (gain) on disposal of assets, net
(2 )
Loss on early extinguishment of debt
-
-
Impairment of investments
-
Impairment of goodwill and other intangible assets
-
-
Other
-
(14 )
Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net of acquisitions:
Accounts receivable, net
(26 )
(30 )
Income tax receivable or prepaid
(4 )
(40 )
Other current assets
-
Accounts payable
(32 )
(5 )
Employee compensation, benefits and pension costs
Accrued network fees and other expenses
(13 )
(27 )
Accrued interest
Income taxes payable
(8 )
Deferred revenue
(12 )
Net cash provided by operating activities
Cash flows from investing activities:
Acquisitions of businesses and broadcast licenses, net of cash acquired
(6 )
(58 )
(3,765 )
Proceeds from sale of television stations
-
Purchases of property and equipment
(348 )
(436 )
(207 )
Proceeds from Repack reimbursement (Note 1)
-
Proceeds from asset sales
Reimbursement of development costs
-
-
Investments in broadcast, production and technology companies
(14 )
(16 )
(49 )
Other
(1 )
(4 )
(2 )
Net cash used in investing activities
(291 )
(503 )
(3,534 )
Cash flows from financing activities:
Proceeds from borrowings on long-term debt
-
3,050
Repayments of borrowings on long-term debt
(610 )
(315 )
(250 )
Repurchases of common stock
-
(50 )
(30 )
Payments of common stock dividends
(30 )
(30 )
(31 )
Payments of preferred stock dividends
(52 )
(52 )
(52 )
Deferred and other loan costs
-
-
(30 )
Payments for taxes related to net share settlement of equity awards
(5 )
(7 )
(7 )
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities
(397 )
(454 )
2,650
Net decrease in cash
(40 )
(128 )
(584 )
Cash at beginning of year
Cash at end of year
$
$
$
See accompanying notes.
GRAY TELEVISION, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
1.
Description of Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
Overview. We are a multimedia company headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia. We are the nation’s largest owner of top-rated local television stations and digital assets in the United States. Our television stations serve 113 television markets that collectively reach approximately 36 percent of US television households. This portfolio includes 79 markets with the top-rated television station and 102 markets with the first and/or second highest rated television station. We also own video program companies Raycom Sports, Tupelo Media Group, PowerNation Studios, as well as the studio production facilities Assembly Atlanta and Third Rail Studios.
Investments in Broadcasting, Production and Technology Companies. We have investments in several television, production and technology companies. We account for all material investments in which we have significant influence over the investee under the equity method of accounting. Upon initial investment, we record equity method investments at cost. The amounts initially recognized are subsequently adjusted for our appropriate share of the net earnings or losses of the investee. We record any investee losses up to the carrying amount of the investment plus advances and loans made to the investee, and any financial guarantees made on behalf of the investee. We recognize our share in earnings and losses of the investee as miscellaneous (expense) income, net in our consolidated statements of operations. Investments are also increased by contributions made to and decreased by the distributions from the investee. The Company evaluates equity method investments for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amounts of such investments may be impaired.
Investments in non-public businesses that do not have readily determinable pricing, and for which the Company does not have control or does not exert significant influence, are carried at cost less impairments, if any, plus or minus changes in observable prices for those investments. During each of the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, we determined that several of our investments were impaired and we recorded an impairment expense of $29 million and $18 million, respectively. No impairments were recorded in the year ended December 31, 2021. Gains or losses resulting from changes in the carrying value of these investments are included as miscellaneous expense, net in our consolidated statements of operations. These investments are reported together as a non-current asset on our consolidated balance sheets.
Use of Estimates. The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the financial statements and accompanying notes. Our actual results could differ materially from these estimated amounts. Our most significant estimates are our allowance for credit losses in receivables, valuation of goodwill and intangible assets, amortization of program rights and intangible assets, pension costs, income taxes, employee medical insurance claims, useful lives of property and equipment and contingencies.
Allowance for Credit Losses. We are exposed to credit risk primarily through sales of broadcast and digital advertising with a variety of direct and agency-based advertising customers, retransmission consent agreements with multichannel video program distributors and program production sales and services. We recorded expenses for this allowance of $21 million, $1 million and $4 million for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021, respectively.
Our allowance for credit losses is an estimate of expected losses over the remaining contractual life of our receivables based on an ongoing analysis of collectability, historical collection experience, current economic and industry conditions and reasonable and supportable forecasts. The allowance is calculated using a historical loss rate applied to the current aging analysis. We may also apply an additional allowance when warranted by specific facts and circumstances. We generally write off account receivable balances when the customer files for bankruptcy or when all commonly used methods of collection have been exhausted.
During 2023, our credit losses included amounts written-off of $17 million for the full amount owed to us by Diamond Sports Group, LLC (“Diamond”), a counterparty to certain contracts with us, as a result of Diamond’s voluntary Chapter 11 bankruptcy proceedings.
On February 23, 2023, we, certain of our subsidiaries and a wholly-owned special purpose subsidiary (the “SPV”), entered into a three-year $300 million revolving accounts receivable securitization facility (the “Securitization Facility”) with Wells Fargo Bank, N.A., as administrative agent, and certain third-party financial institutions (the “Purchasers”). The Securitization Facility permits the SPV to draw up to a total of $300 million, subject to the outstanding amount of the receivables pool and other factors. The Securitization Facility matures on February 23, 2026, and is subject to customary termination events related to transactions of this type. The sale of receivables from the SPV is accounted for in the Company’s financial statements as a "true-sale" under Accounting Standards Codification ("ASC") Topic 860.
Under the Securitization Facility, the SPV sells to the Purchasers certain receivables, including all rights, title, and interest in the related receivables (“Sold Receivables”). The parties intend that the conveyance of accounts receivables to the Purchasers, for the ratable benefit of the Purchasers will constitute a purchase and sale of receivables and not a pledge for security. The SPV has guaranteed to each Purchaser the prompt payment of Sold Receivables, and to secure the prompt payment and performance of such guaranteed obligations, the SPV has granted a security interest to the Purchasers in all assets of the SPV. In our capacity as servicer under the Securitization Facility, we are responsible for administering and collecting receivables and have made customary representations, warranties, covenants and indemnities. We do not record a servicing asset or liability since the estimated fair value of the servicing of the receivables approximates the servicing income. We also provided a performance guarantee for the benefit of the Purchasers.
The Securitization Facility is subject to interest charges, at the adjusted one-month Secured Overnight Financing Rate (“SOFR”) plus a margin (100 basis points) on the amount of the outstanding facility. The SPV was required to pay an upfront fee and a commitment fee in connection with the Securitization Facility. Servicing fee income recognized during 2023, was not material. The SPV is a separate legal entity with its own separate creditors who will be entitled to access the SPV’s assets before the assets become available to us. As a result, the SPV’s assets are not available to pay our creditors or any of our subsidiaries, although collections from the receivables in excess of amounts required to repay the Purchasers under the Securitization Facility and other creditors of the SPV may be remitted to us.
The proceeds of the Securitization Facility are classified as operating activities in our Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows. Cash received from collections of Sold Receivables is used by the SPV to fund additional purchases of receivables on a revolving basis or to return all or any portion of outstanding capital of the Purchasers. Subsequent collections on the pledged receivables, which have not been sold, will be classified as operating cash flows at the time of collection.
The amount sold to the Purchasers was $300 million at December 31,2023, which was derecognized from the Consolidated Balance Sheets. As collateral against sold receivables, the SPV maintains a certain level of unsold receivables, which was $296 million at December 31, 2023. Total receivables sold under the Securitization Facility were $596 million for the year ended December 31, 2023. Pursuant to the Securitization Facility, we recognized a charge of $9 million in 2023 that represents the discount on the accounts receivable balance transferred to the SPV. This discount is included in our loss on disposal of assets in our Consolidated Statements of Operations.
The following table provides a roll-forward of the allowance for credit losses. The allowance is deducted from the amortized cost basis of accounts receivable in our consolidated balance sheets (in millions):
Year Ended December 31,
Beginning balance
$ 16 $ 16
Provision for credit losses
21 1
Amounts written off
(20 ) (1 )
Ending balance
$ 17 $ 16
Program Broadcast Rights. We have two types of syndicated television program contracts: first run programs and off network reruns. First run programs are programs such as Wheel of Fortune and off network reruns are programs such as The Big Bang Theory. First run programs have not been produced at the time the contract to air such programming is signed, and off network rerun programs have already been produced. We record an asset and corresponding liability for payments to be made only for the current year of first run programming and for the entire contract period for off network programming. Only an estimate of the payments anticipated to be made in the year following the balance sheet date of first run program contracts are recorded on the current balance sheet, because the programs for the later years of the contract period have not been produced or delivered.
The total license fee payable under a program license agreement allowing us to broadcast programs is recorded at the beginning of the license period and is charged to operating expense over the period that the programs are broadcast. The portion of the unamortized balance expected to be charged to operating expense in the succeeding year is classified as a current asset, with the remainder classified as a non-current asset. The liability for license fees payable under program license agreements is classified as current or long-term, in accordance with the payment terms of the various license agreements.
Property and Equipment. Property and equipment are recorded at cost, or in the case of acquired businesses, at fair value. Depreciation is computed principally by the straight-line method. The following table lists the components of property and equipment by major category (dollars in millions):
Estimated
December 31,
Useful Lives
(in years)
Property and equipment, net:
Land
$ 368 $ 290
Buildings and improvements
868 477 7 to 40
Equipment
1,082 1,027 3 to 20
Construction in progress
81 362
2,399 2,156
Accumulated depreciation
(798 ) (690 )
Total
$ 1,601 $ 1,466
Maintenance, repairs and minor replacements are charged to operations as incurred; major replacements and betterments are capitalized. The cost of any assets divested, sold or retired and the related accumulated depreciation are removed from the accounts at the time of disposition, and any resulting gain or loss is reflected in income or expense for the period.
We incurred costs to build public infrastructure within the Assembly Atlanta project. Pursuant to the Purchase and Sale Agreement between us and the Doraville Community Improvement District (the “CID”), we receive cash reimbursements for the transfer of specific infrastructure projects to the CID and for other construction costs previously incurred. During 2023, we received a total of $64 million in cash proceeds from the CID. We received $46 million for the infrastructure assets constructed and for which ownership has or will be transferred to the CID, and $18 million in proceeds for construction costs incurred but where no transfer of ownership occurred. These proceeds were recognized in our Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows as follows: $8 million was included in the line item for change in deferred revenue, as a component of our net cash provided by operating activities; $38 million was included in the line item for proceeds from asset sales and $18 million was included in the line item for reimbursement of development costs, each as a component of our net cash used by investment activities.
The following tables provide additional information related to gain on disposal of assets, net included in our consolidated statements of operations and purchases of property and equipment included in our consolidated statements of cash flows (in millions):
Year ended December 31,
(Loss) Gain on disposal of assets, net:
Proceeds from sale of television stations and other assets
$ 60 $ 4 $ 478
Proceeds from FCC Repack
- 7 11
Net book value of assets disposed
(73 ) (9 ) (531 )
Non-cash loss on divestitures
1 - -
Securitization Facility
(9 ) - -
Total
$ (21 ) $ 2 $ (42 )
Purchase of property and equipment:
Recurring purchases - operations
$ 107 $ 170 $ 90
Assembly Atlanta project
240 264 109
Repack
1 2 8
Total
$ 348 $ 436 $ 207
Deferred Loan Costs. Loan acquisition costs are amortized over the life of the applicable indebtedness using a straight-line method that approximates the effective interest method. These debt issuance costs related to a recognized debt liability are presented in our balance sheets as a direct deduction from the carrying amount of that debt liability, consistent with debt discounts. Debt issuance costs associated with line-of-credit arrangements are included in other assets on our balance sheets, and amortized over the life of the line-of-credit arrangement.
Asset Retirement Obligations. We own office equipment, broadcasting equipment, leasehold improvements and transmission towers, some of which are located on, or are housed in, leased property or facilities. At the conclusion of several of these leases we are obligated to dismantle, remove and otherwise properly dispose of and remediate the facility or property. We estimate our asset retirement obligations based upon the net present value of the cash flows of the costs expected to be incurred. Asset retirement obligations are recognized as a non-current liability and as a component of the cost of the related asset. Changes to our asset retirement obligations resulting from revisions to the timing or the amount of the original undiscounted cash flow estimates are recognized as an increase or decrease in the carrying amount of the asset retirement obligation and the related asset retirement cost is capitalized as part of the related property, plant or equipment. Changes in asset retirement obligations resulting from accretion of the net present value of the estimated cash flows are recognized as operating expenses. We recognize depreciation expense of the capitalized cost over the estimated life of the lease. Our estimated obligations are due at varying times through 2062. The liability recognized for our asset retirement obligations was $4 million as of each of December 31, 2023 and 2022, and included in other liabilities on our balance sheets. During the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021, expenses related to our asset retirement obligations were not material.
Concentration of Credit Risk. We sell advertising airtime on our broadcasts and advertising space on our websites to national and local advertisers within the geographic areas in which we operate. Credit is extended based on an evaluation of the customer’s financial condition, and generally advance payment is not required, except for political advertising. Credit losses are provided for in the financial statements and consistently have been within our expectations that are based upon our prior experience.
We derived a material portion of our non-political broadcast advertising revenue from advertisers in a limited number of industries, particularly the services sector, comprising financial, legal and medical advertisers, and the automotive industry. The services sector has become an increasingly important source of advertising revenue over the past few years. During the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021 approximately 27%, 28% and 29%, respectively, of our broadcast advertising revenue (excluding political advertising revenue) was obtained from advertising sales to the services sector. During the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021 approximately 20%, 17% and 17%, respectively, of our broadcast advertising revenue (excluding political advertising revenue) was obtained from advertising sales to automotive customers. Although our revenues can be affected by changes within our customer base, we believe this risk is in part mitigated due to the fact that no one customer accounted for in excess of 5% of our broadcast advertising revenue in any of these periods. Furthermore, we believe that our large geographic operating area partially mitigates the potential effect of regional economic impacts.
Earnings Per Share. We compute basic earnings per share by dividing net income available to common stockholders by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding during the relevant period. The weighted-average number of common shares outstanding does not include restricted shares. These shares, although classified as issued and outstanding, are considered contingently returnable until the restrictions lapse and, in accordance with U.S. GAAP, are not included in the basic earnings per share calculation until the shares vest. Diluted earnings per share is computed by including all potentially dilutive common shares, including restricted shares and shares underlying stock options, in the diluted weighted-average shares outstanding calculation, unless their inclusion would be antidilutive.
The following table reconciles basic weighted-average shares outstanding to diluted weighted-average shares outstanding for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021 (in millions):
Year Ended December 31,
Weighted average shares outstanding, basic
92 92 95
Weighted average shares underlying stock options and restricted shares
- 1 -
Weighted average shares outstanding, diluted
92 93 95
Valuation of Broadcast Licenses, Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets. We have acquired a significant portion of our assets in acquisition transactions. Among the assets acquired in these transactions were broadcast licenses issued by the FCC, goodwill and other intangible assets.
For broadcast licenses acquired prior to January 1, 2002, we recorded their respective values using a residual method (analogous to “goodwill”) where the excess of the purchase price paid in the acquisition over the fair value of all identified tangible and intangible assets acquired was attributed to the broadcast license. This residual basis approach generally produces higher valuations of broadcast licenses when compared to applying an income method as discussed below.
For broadcast licenses acquired after December 31, 2001, we record their respective values using an income approach. Under this approach, a broadcast license is valued based on analyzing the estimated after-tax discounted future cash flows of the acquired station, assuming an initial hypothetical start-up operation maturing into an average performing station in a specific television market and giving consideration to other relevant factors such as the technical qualities of the broadcast license and the number of competing broadcast licenses within that market. For television stations acquired after December 31, 2001, we allocate the residual value of the station to goodwill.
When renewing broadcast licenses, we incur regulatory filing fees and legal fees. We expense these fees as they are incurred.
Goodwill represents the excess of acquisition cost over the fair value of assets acquired, identifiable intangible assets, less liabilities assumed in business combination transactions. Goodwill is tested for impairment on an annual basis (at year end) or between annual tests if events or changes in circumstances indicate that the fair value of a reporting unit may be below its carrying amount.
Other intangible assets that we have acquired include network affiliation agreements, retransmission agreements, advertising contracts, client lists, talent contracts and leases. Although each of our stations is affiliated with at least one broadcast network, we believe that the value of a television station is derived primarily from the attributes of its broadcast license rather than its network affiliation agreement. As a result, we allocate only minimal values to our network affiliation agreements. We classify our other intangible assets as finite-lived intangible assets. The amortization period of our other intangible assets is equal to the shorter of their estimated useful life or contract period, including expected extensions thereof. When renewing other intangible asset contracts, we incur legal fees that are expensed as incurred.
Impairment Testing of Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets. We test for impairment of our indefinite-lived intangible assets on an annual basis on December 31. However, if certain triggering events occur, we test for impairment when such events occur.
For purposes of testing goodwill for impairment, our broadcast television stations as a whole, and each of our production companies, is considered a separate reporting unit. In the performance of our annual assessment of goodwill for impairment, we have the option to qualitatively assess whether it is more likely than not that a reporting unit has been impaired. As part of this qualitative assessment, we evaluate the relative impact of factors that are specific to the reporting units as well as industry, regulatory and macroeconomic factors that could affect the significant inputs used to determine the fair value of the assets. We also consider the significance of the excess fair value over the carrying value reflected in prior quantitative assessments and the changes to each reporting unit’s carrying value since the last impairment test.
If we conclude that it is more likely than not that a reporting unit is impaired, or if we elect not to perform the optional qualitative assessment, we will determine the fair value of the reporting unit and compare that to the net book value of the reporting unit. If the fair value is less than the net book value, we will record an impairment to goodwill for the amount of the difference, limited to the amount of goodwill included in the reporting unit.
To estimate the fair value of our reporting units for a quantitative assessment, we utilize a discounted cash flow model supported by a market multiple approach. We believe that a discounted cash flow analysis is the most appropriate methodology to test the recorded value of long-term assets with a demonstrated long-lived/enduring franchise value. We believe the results of the discounted cash flow and market multiple approaches provide reasonable estimates of the fair value of our reporting units because these approaches are based on our actual results and reasonable estimates of future performance, and also take into consideration a number of other factors deemed relevant by us including, but not limited to, expected future market revenue growth, market revenue shares and operating profit margins. We have historically used these approaches in determining the value of our reporting units. We also consider a market multiple approach to corroborate our discounted cash flow analysis. We believe that this methodology is consistent with the approach that a strategic market participant would utilize if they were to value one of our reporting units.
In the performance of our annual assessment of broadcast licenses for impairment, we have the option to qualitatively assess whether it is more likely than not that these assets are impaired. When evaluating our broadcast licenses for impairment, the qualitative assessment is done at the individual television station level. If we conclude that it is more likely than not that one of our broadcast licenses is impaired, we will perform a quantitative assessment by comparing the fair value of the broadcast license to its carrying value. If the fair value is greater than the asset’s recorded value, no impairment expense is recorded. If the fair value does not exceed the asset’s recorded value, we record an impairment expense equal to the amount that the asset’s recorded value exceeded the asset’s fair value. We use the income method to estimate the fair value of all broadcast licenses, irrespective of whether they were initially recorded using the residual or income methods.
For further discussion of our goodwill, broadcast licenses and other intangible assets, see Note 13 “Goodwill and Intangible Assets.”
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss. Our accumulated other comprehensive loss balances as of December 31, 2023 consist of adjustments to our pension asset, the fair value of our interest rate caps and the related income tax effects. Our comprehensive loss for the year ended December 31, 2023 consisted of adjustments to our pension asset, the fair value of our Interest Rate Caps and the related income tax effect of each. Our comprehensive income for the year ended December 31, 2022, consisted of the adjustment of the fair value of our pension liability and the related income tax effects. As of December 31, 2023 and 2022, the balances were as follows (in millions):
December 31,
Items included in accumulated other comprehensive loss:
Adjustment to pension liability
$ (7 ) $ (16 )
Adjustment to fair value of interest rate caps
(23 ) -
Income tax benefit
(7 ) (4 )
Accumulated other comprehensive loss
$ (23 ) $ (12 )
Recent Accounting Pronouncements. In November 2023, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2023-07, Segment Reporting (Topic 280), Improvements to Reportable Segment Disclosures. The purpose of this amendment was to improve disclosures related to reportable segments. The amendments in this ASU are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2023, and interim periods within fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2024. Currently we do not expect that the implementation of these changes will have a material effect on our financial statements.
In December 2023, the FASB issued ASU 2023-09, Income Taxes (Topic 740), Improvements to Income Tax Disclosures. The purpose of this amendment was to enhance the transparency and decision usefulness of income tax disclosures. The amendments in this ASU are effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2024. Currently we do not expect that the implementation of these changes will have a material effect on our financial statements.
In addition to the accounting standards described above, certain amounts in the consolidated statements of operations and cash flows have also been reclassified to conform to the current presentation.
2.
Revenue
Revenue Recognition. We recognize revenue when we have completed a specified service and effectively transferred the control of that service to a customer in return for an amount of consideration we expect to be entitled to receive. The amount of revenue recognized is determined by the amount of consideration specified in a contract with our customers. We have elected to exclude taxes assessed by a governmental authority on transactions with our customers from our revenue. Any unremitted balance is included in current liabilities on our balance sheets.
Advertising Revenue. Broadcast advertising revenue is generated primarily from the broadcast of television advertising time to local, national and political advertisers. Most advertising contracts are short-term, and generally run only for a few weeks. Our performance obligation is satisfied when the advertisement is broadcast or appears on our stations’ websites or mobile applications. Advertising revenue is recognized when the performance obligation is satisfied and then billed to the customer in the period the revenue is recognized. We have an unconditional right to receive payment of the amount billed generally within 30 days of the invoice date. Payment terms are expressly stated in our standard terms and conditions. The invoiced amount to be received is recorded in accounts receivable on our balance sheets.
We broadcast the customer’s advertisement either preceding or following a television station’s network programming and within local and syndicated programming. Broadcast advertising is sold in time increments and is priced primarily on the basis of a program’s popularity among the specific audience an advertiser desires to reach. In addition, broadcast advertising rates are affected by the number of advertisers competing for the available time, the size and demographic makeup of the market served by the station and the availability of alternative advertising media in the market area. Broadcast advertising rates are generally the highest during the most desirable viewing hours, with corresponding reductions during other hours. The ratings of a local station affiliated with a major network can be affected by ratings of network programming. Internet advertising is placed on our stations’ websites and mobile applications. These advertisements may be in the form of banner advertisements, pre-roll advertisements or video and other types of advertisements or sponsorships.
We generate advertising revenue either by the efforts of our direct sales employees or through third-party advertising agency intermediaries. Third party advertising intermediaries represent the customer and contract with us to deliver broadcast or internet advertising for the customer.
Retransmission Consent Revenue. We enter into license agreements with cable, satellite, multichannel video programming distributors and digital delivery system (or “OTT”) customers (collectively “MVPD”) that provide them the right to use our broadcast signal for retransmission across the MVPD system for an agreed period of time. These agreements represent a sales-based and usage-based functional intellectual property license based on the number of subscribers to the licensee’s delivery systems. Our performance obligation is to provide the licensee with access to our intellectual property when it is broadcast. The duration of the typical retransmission consent contract is three years. Retransmission consent revenue is recognized continuously during the period of the contract as we transmit our broadcast signal to the MVPD. The amount of revenue recognized is determined based upon a fixed rate per subscriber multiplied by the number of active subscribers to our MVPD customer systems for the given month. We bill our MVPD customers monthly over the life of the retransmission consent contract. We have an unconditional right to receive payment of the amount billed generally within 30 days from the invoice date. Payment terms are expressly stated in our retransmission consent contracts as well as in the standard terms and conditions. The invoiced amount to be received is recorded in accounts receivable on our balance sheets.
Subscriber data necessary to calculate the amount of retransmission consent revenue to be recognized for the current month is not received until subsequent to that month. We estimate the current month retransmission consent revenue based upon the subscriber data from the most recent subscriber report by the MVPD. We record the estimate in the current month as retransmission consent revenue and then adjust the amount recorded in that month when we receive the actual subscriber data. We typically have monthly adjustments to our revenue to account for changes in MVPD subscribers on a monthly basis, however, the number of MVPD subscribers does not change materially on a monthly basis and this adjustment does not materially impact our recorded retransmission consent revenue on a quarterly or annual basis.
Production Company Revenue. Our production company revenues include sports marketing, production and event management, sports and entertainment production services and automotive programming production and marketing solutions. We recognize revenue of marketing, production and events at the time the events are aired or delivered. We recognize advertising revenues related to the events when the advertisements are aired. Sponsorship revenue is recognized ratably over the contractual period of the sponsorship. Included in this category is revenue earned under lease agreements for use of our Assembly Studios and Third Rail Studios production facilities by third parties.
Other Revenues. Other revenues consist of production, tower rental and other miscellaneous items. Production revenue is derived from the production of programming. Production revenue is recognized as the programming is produced. Tower rental income is recognized monthly over the life of the lease. All of our leases under which we are lessor are considered operating leases. Other revenue is comprised of one-time or infrequently occurring special projects, dubbing, fees and other miscellaneous items. Other revenue is recognized as the services are performed. Other revenue is generated by our direct sales employees.
Expedients. We expense direct and agency commissions when incurred because our advertising contracts are one year or less in duration and the amortization period for capitalized expenses would be less than one year. Direct commissions are included in broadcast operating expense and agency commissions are netted against gross revenue in our consolidated statements of operations.
The nature of our contracts with advertising customers is such that our performance obligations arise and are satisfied concurrent with the broadcast or web placement of the advertisement. We did not have material incomplete or unsatisfied performance obligations at the end of any period presented.
We record a deposit liability for cash deposits received from our customers that are to be applied as payment once the performance obligation arises and is satisfied in the manner stated above. These deposits are recorded as deposit liabilities on our balance sheet. When we invoice our customers for completed performance obligations, we are unconditionally entitled to receive payment of the invoiced amounts. Therefore, we record invoiced amounts in accounts receivable on our balance sheet. We require amounts payable under advertising contracts with our political advertising customers to be paid for in advance. We record the receipt of this cash as a deposit liability. Once the advertisement has been broadcast, the revenue is earned, and we record the revenue and reduce the balance in this deposit liability account. We recorded $12 million of revenue in the year ended December 31, 2023 that was included in the deposit liability balance as of December 31, 2022. The deposit liability balance is included in deferred revenue on our consolidated balance sheets. The deposit liability balance was $13 million and $12 million as of December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively.
Disaggregation of Revenue. Revenue from our broadcast segment is generated through both our direct and advertising agency intermediary sales channels. Revenue from our production companies segment is generated through our direct sales channel. The following table presents our revenue from contracts with customers disaggregated by type of service and sales channel (in millions):
Year Ended December 31,
Market and service type:
Advertising:
Core
$ 1,514 $ 1,496 $ 1,190
Political
79 515 44
Total advertising
1,593 2,011 1,234
Retransmission consent
1,532 1,496 1,049
Production companies
86 93 73
Other
70 76 57
Total revenue
$ 3,281 $ 3,676 $ 2,413
Sales channel:
Direct
$ 2,225 $ 2,163 $ 1,579
Advertising agency intermediary
1,056 1,513 834
Total revenue
$ 3,281 $ 3,676 $ 2,413
3.
Acquisitions and Divestitures
During 2023, 2022 and 2021, we completed a number of acquisition and divestiture transactions. The acquisition transactions were and are expected to, among other things, increase our revenues and cash flows from operating activities, and allow us to operate more efficiently and effectively by increasing our scale and providing us, among other things, with the ability to negotiate more favorable terms in our agreements with third parties. For each television station described, the DMA rank presented is the DMA rank at the time of acquisition.
2023 Acquisition and Divestiture
On May 1, 2023, we and Marquee Broadcasting, Inc. (“Marquee”) completed transactions in which we sold television station KNIN (FOX) in the Boise, Idaho market (DMA 102) for $6 million, and purchased television station WPGA (MeTV) in the Macon, Georgia market (DMA 126) for $6 million.
The following table summarizes the values of the assets acquired of WPGA (in millions):
Property and equipment
$ 2
Broadcast licenses
Total
$ 6
These amounts are based upon management’s estimate of the fair values using valuation techniques including income, cost and market approaches. In determining the fair value of the acquired assets, the fair values were determined based on, among other factors, expected future revenue and cash flows, expected future growth rates and estimated discount rates.
Property and equipment are recorded at their fair value and are being depreciated over their estimated useful lives ranging from 3 to 40 years.
In this transaction, an immaterial amount of goodwill was acquired.
The sale of television station KNIN resulted in a loss on disposal of $14 million.
2022 Acquisition
On April 1, 2022, we acquired television station WKTB-TV the Telemundo Network Group, LLC affiliate in the Atlanta, Georgia market (DMA 6), as well as certain digital media assets, for a combined purchase price of $31 million, using cash on hand (the “Telemundo Atlanta Transaction”).
The following table summarizes the values of the assets acquired and resulting goodwill of the Telemundo Atlanta Transaction (in millions):
Accounts receivable, net
$ 1
Property and equipment
Goodwill
Broadcast licenses
Network affiliation
Other intangible assets
Total
$ 31
These amounts are based upon management’s estimate of the fair values using valuation techniques including income, cost and market approaches. In determining the fair value of the acquired assets and assumed liabilities, the fair values were determined based on, among other factors, expected future revenue and cash flows, expected future growth rates and estimated discount rates.
Property and equipment are recorded at their fair value and are being depreciated over their estimated useful lives ranging from 3 to 40 years.
Amounts related to network affiliation and other intangible assets are being amortized over their estimated useful lives of approximately 1 to 4 years.
Goodwill is calculated as the excess of the consideration transferred over the fair value of the identifiable net assets acquired and liabilities assumed, and represents the future economic benefits expected to arise from other intangible assets acquired that do not qualify for separate recognition, as well as future synergies that we expect to generate from each acquisition. The goodwill recognized related to this acquisition is deductible for income tax purposes.
In addition, we acquired broadcast licenses totaling approximately $27 million that did not qualify as acquisitions of businesses.
2021 Acquisitions
Meredith Transaction. On December 1, 2021, we completed the acquisition of all the equity interests of Meredith, immediately after the spinoff of Meredith’s National Media Group to the current Meredith shareholders, for an adjusted purchase price of $2.8 billion in total enterprise value. Meredith owned and operated television stations in 12 markets. To facilitate regulatory approvals for the Meredith Transaction, on September 23, 2021, we divested our existing television station WJRT (ABC) in the Flint-Saginaw, Michigan market (DMA 66), to Allen Media ("Allen") for an adjusted purchase price of $72 million in cash, including working capital (the “Flint Divestiture”). The Flint Divestiture resulted in a non-cash loss of $4 million. We refer to the acquisition of Meredith and the WJRT Divestiture collectively as the “Meredith Transaction”.
The following table lists the 17 television stations in 12 local markets that were acquired, adding 11 new markets to our operations:
Then-Current
Station Call
Network
DMA Rank
DMA
Letters
Affiliations
Atlanta, GA
WCGL/WPCH
CBS/Ind.
Phoenix, AZ
KPHO/KTVK
CBS/Ind.
St. Louis, MO
KMOV
CBS
Portland, OR
KPTV/KPDX
FOX/MY
Nashville, TN
WSMV
NBC
Hartford - New Haven, CT
WFSB
CBS
Kansas City, MO
KCTV/KSMO
CBS/MY
Greenville - Spartanburg, SC
WHNS
FOX
Las Vegas, NV
KVVU
FOX
Mobile, AL - Pensacola, FL
WALA
FOX
Flint - Saginaw, MI
WNEM
CBS
Springfield, MA
WGGB/WSHM
ABC/FOX/CBS
Quincy Transaction. On August 2, 2021, we completed the acquisition of all the equity interests of Quincy for an adjusted purchase price of $936 million, which amount includes an additional $6 million for working capital. Also on August 2, 2021, and concurrently with the acquisition of Quincy, we completed the divestiture to Allen of television stations in seven markets previously owned by Quincy and located in our existing television markets, for an adjusted divestiture price of $401 million, which amount includes $21 million for working capital (the “Quincy Divestiture”). Consistent with the acquisition of equity interests, for tax purposes, the divested stations recorded values included a deferred tax liability. Upon the subsequent sale, a tax gain was recognized and the deferred tax libility was relieved resulting in a book loss. The Quincy Divestiture resulted in a non-cash loss of $45 million, which is included in loss on disposal of assets, net in our consolidated statement of operations in the year ended December 31, 2021. We refer to the acquisition of Quincy and the Quincy Divestiture collectively as the “Quincy Transaction.”
The following table lists the stations acquired and retained, net of divestitures:
Then-Current
Station Call
Network
DMA Rank
DMA
Letters
Affiliations
Fort Wayne, IN
WPTA/WISE
ABC/NBC/CW
Peoria, IL
WEEK
NBC/ABC/CW
Duluth, MN, Superior, WI
KBJR/KDLH
NBC/CBS/CW
Sioux City, IA
KTIV
NBC/CW
Binghamton, NY
WBNG
CBS/CW
Rochester, MN - Mason City, IA
KTTC
NBC/CW
Bluefield-Beckley, WV
WVVA
NBC/CW
Quincy, IL
WGEM
NBC/FOX/CW
The following stations were acquired and divested in the Quincy Transaction:
Then-Current
Station Call
Network
DMA Rank
DMA
Letters
Affiliations
Madison, WI
WKOW
ABC
Tucson, AZ
KVOA
NBC
Paducah, KY - Harrisburg, IL
WSIL
ABC
Cedar Rapids, IA
KWWL
NBC
La Crosse-Eau Claire, WI
WXOW
ABC
Wausau-Stevens Point, WI
WAOW
ABC
Rockford, IL
WREX
NBC
The following table summarizes the allocation of consideration paid in the Quincy Transaction (in millions):
Adjusted purchase price
$ 936
Less - consideration allocated to assets acquired and liabilities assumed for the Quincy overlap markets thatwere divested on August 2, 2021
Purchase consideration for assets acquired and liabilities assumed, net of divestitures
$ 553
Third Rail Acquisition. On September 13, 2021, we acquired the studio, production and office facilities as well as the related production and administrative assets and liabilities of Third Rail Studios (“Third Rail”) from Third Rail Studios, LLC and Studio Sixty, LLC for an adjusted purchase price of $27 million of cash. We refer to this transaction as the “Third Rail Acquisition”. This transaction represents an initial step in the broader development of our planned studio production facilities.
Purchase Price Allocations. The following table summarizes the values of the assets acquired, liabilities assumed and resulting goodwill of the Meredith Transaction, Quincy Transaction and the Third Rail Acquisition (together, the “2021 Acquisitions”), in millions:
Meredith
Quincy
Third Rail
Total
Cash
$ 1 $ 4 $ - $ 5
Accounts receivable, net
146 23 - 169
Other current assets
15 5 - 20
Property and equipment
235 74 24 333
Operating lease right of use asset
15 1 - 16
Goodwill
1,016 190 4 1,210
Broadcast licenses
1,516 245 - 1,761
Other intangible assets
455 85 - 540
Other non-current assets
3 - - 3
Other current liabilities
(104 ) (7 ) (1 ) (112 )
Deferred income taxes
(477 ) (66 ) - (543 )
Operating lease liabilities
(15 ) (1 ) - (16 )
Other non-current liabilities
(3 ) - - (3 )
Total
$ 2,803 $ 553 $ 27 $ 3,383
These amounts are based upon management’s estimate of the fair values using valuation techniques including income, cost and market approaches. In determining the fair value of the acquired assets and assumed liabilities, the fair values were estimated based on, among other factors, expected future revenue and cash flows, expected future growth rates and estimated discount rates.
Accounts receivable are recorded at their fair value representing the amount we expect to collect. Gross contractual amounts receivable were approximately $3 million more than their recorded fair value. Property and equipment are recorded at their fair value and are being depreciated over their estimated useful lives ranging from three years to 40 years. Amounts related to other intangible assets represent primarily the estimated fair values of retransmission agreements of $374 million, and network affiliation agreements of $136 million. These intangible assets are each being amortized over their estimated useful lives of approximately 5 years. Amounts related to other intangible assets are being amortized over their estimated useful lives of approximately 1 to 10 years.
Goodwill is calculated as the excess of the consideration transferred over the fair value of the identifiable net assets acquired and liabilities assumed, and represents the future economic benefits expected to arise from other intangible assets acquired that do not qualify for separate recognition, as well as future synergies that we expect to generate from each acquisition. A portion of the goodwill acquired in the Meredith and Quincy Transactions, in the amount of $89 million, will be deductible by us for income tax purposes.
In addition, we acquired broadcast licenses totaling approximately $4 million that did not qualify as acquisitions of businesses.
The Company’s consolidated results of operations for the year ended December 31, 2021 included the results of the Meredith Transaction beginning on December 1, 2021, the Quincy Transaction beginning on August 2, 2021 and the Third Rail Acquisition beginning on September 13, 2021. Revenues attributable to the 2021 Acquisitions included in our consolidated statements of operations for the year ended December 31, 2021 were $128 million.
The following table summarizes the approximate “Transaction Related Expenses” incurred in connection with the 2021 Acquisitions and the Flint Divestiture during the year ended December 31, 2021, by type and by financial statement line item (in millions):
Year Ended
December 31,
Transaction Related Expenses by type:
Legal, consulting and other professional fees
$ 80
Termination of sales representation and other agreements
Total Transaction Related Expenses
$ 81
Transaction Related Expenses by financial statement line item:
Operating expenses before depreciation, amortization and loss (gain) on disposal of assets, net:
Broadcasting
$ 3
Corporate and administrative
Miscellaneous Expense
Total Transaction Related Expenses
$ 81
Unaudited Pro Forma Financial Information - 2021 Acquisitions. The following table sets forth certain unaudited pro forma information for the year December 31, 2021, assuming that the 2021 Acquisitions and the Flint Divestiture occurred on January 1, 2021 (in millions, except per share data):
Year Ended
December 31,
Revenue (less agency commissions)
$ 3,153
Net income
$ 199
Net income attributable to common stockholders
$ 147
Basic net income attributable to common stockholders, per share
$ 1.55
Diluted net income attributable to common stockholders, per share
$ 1.55
This pro forma financial information is based on our historical results of operations and the historical results of operations of the businesses acquired, net of divestitures, included in the 2021 Acquisitions and the Flint Divestiture, adjusted for the effects of fair value estimates and other acquisition accounting adjustments, and is not necessarily indicative of what our results would have been had we completed the 2021 Acquisitions and the Flint Divestiture, on January 1, 2021, or on any other historical date, nor is it reflective of our expected results of operations for any future period. The pro forma adjustments for the year ended December 31, 2021 reflect depreciation expense and amortization of finite-lived intangible assets related to the fair value of the assets acquired, Transaction Related Expenses and related tax effects of the adjustments. This pro forma financial information has been prepared based on estimates and assumptions that we believe are reasonable as of the date hereof, and are subject to change based on, among other things, changes in the fair value estimates or underlying assumptions.
4.
Long-term Debt
As of December 31, 2023 and 2022, long-term debt consisted of obligations under our 2019 Senior Credit Facility (as defined below), our 5.875% senior notes due 2026 (the “2026 Notes”), our 7.0% senior notes due 2027 (the “2027 Notes”), our 4.75% senior notes due 2030 (the “2030 Notes”) and our 5.375% senior notes due 2031 (the “2031 Notes”) as follows (in millions):
December 31,
Long-term debt:
2019 Senior Credit Facility:
2017 Term Loan (matures February 7, 2024)
$ - $ 295
2019 Term Loan (matures January 2, 2026)
1,190 1,190
2021 Term Loan (matures December 1, 2028)
1,470 1,485
2026 Notes (matures July 15, 2026)
700 700
2027 Notes (matures May 15, 2027)
750 750
2030 Notes (matures October 15, 2030)
800 800
2031 Notes (matures November 15, 2031)
1,300 1,300
Total outstanding principal
6,210 6,520
Unamortized deferred loan costs - 2017 Term Loan
- (4 )
Unamortized deferred loan costs - 2019 Term Loan
(14 ) (21 )
Unamortized deferred loan costs - 2021 Term Loan
(4 ) (4 )
Unamortized deferred loan costs - 2026 Notes
(3 ) (4 )
Unamortized deferred loan costs - 2027 Notes
(6 ) (7 )
Unamortized deferred loan costs - 2030 Notes
(10 ) (11 )
Unamortized deferred loan costs - 2031 Notes
(14 ) (16 )
Unamortized premium - 2026 Notes
1 2
Less current portion
(15 ) (15 )
Long-term debt, less deferred financing costs
$ 6,145 $ 6,440
Borrowing availability under Revolving Credit Facility
$ 494 $ 496
Borrowings under the Revolving Credit Facility bear interest, at our option, at either the SOFR rate or the Base Rate, in each case, plus an applicable margin. Because of their relationship to the interest rate caps, described below, borrowings under the 2021 Term Loan and 2019 Term Loan bear interest at the 1-month SOFR rate, plus applicable margin. As of December 31, 2023, the interest rate on the balance outstanding under the 2021 Term Loan and the 2019 Term Loan were 8.5% and 8.0%, respectively. A portion of the Revolving Credit Facility matures on January 2, 2026, with the remainder maturing on December 1, 2026.
Interest Rate Caps. On February 23, 2023, we entered into two interest rate caps pursuant to an International Swaps and Derivatives Association ("ISDA") Master Agreement with two counterparties, Wells Fargo Bank, NA and Truist Bank, respectively. At December 31, 2023, the caps have a combined notional value of approximately $2.6 billion and mature on December 31, 2025. At inception, the interest rate caps protect us against adverse fluctuations in interest rates by reducing our exposure to variability in cash flows on a portion of our variable-rate debt. We designated the interest rate caps as cash flow hedges of our risk of changes in our cash flows attributable to changes in 1-month LIBOR above 5% on our outstanding variable-rate debt in accordance with ASC 815. On March 29, 2023, in conjunction with the amended credit facility, we transitioned the contractually specified rate on the interest rate caps from 1-month LIBOR to 1-month Term SOFR. Effective with the amended interest rate caps, we are hedging variability in cash flows related to future interest payments when SOFR exceeds the caps of 4.97% and 5.015%. We elected to apply the optional expedient in ASC 848, Reference Rate Reform, in connection with transitioning its interest rate caps from LIBOR to Term SOFR that enabled us to consider the new swaps a continuation of the existing contracts. As a result, the transition did not have an impact on our hedge accounting or a material impact to our financial statements.
The interest rate caps, as amended, effectively limit the annual interest charged on our 2021 Term Loan and our 2019 Term Loan to a maximum of 1-month Term SOFR of 4.97% and 5.015%. We are required to pay aggregate fees in connection with the interest rate caps of approximately $34 million that is due and payable at maturity on December 31, 2025. On the initial designation date, we recognized an asset and corresponding liability for the deferred premium payable equal to $34 million. The asset is amortized into interest expense straight-line over the term of the hedging relationship. The recorded value of the asset was $24 million, net of accumulated amortization, at December 31, 2023. At December 31, 2023, the fair value of the derivative liability was $23 million. We present the deferred premium, the asset, and the fair value of the derivative, net within other non-current liabilities in our consolidated balance sheets.
The ISDA Master Agreement, together with its related schedules, contain customary representations, warranties and covenants. The interest rate caps were not entered into for speculative trading purposes. Changes in the fair value of the interest rate caps are reported as a component of other comprehensive income. Actual gains and losses are reclassified into earnings in the same period or periods during which the hedged transaction affects earnings and are presented in the same income statement line item as the earnings effect of the hedged transaction. Gains and losses on the derivative instrument representing hedge components excluded from the assessment of effectiveness are recognized currently in earnings and are presented in the same line of the income statement for the hedged item. We recognized $10 million of amortization expense for the asset during the year ended December 31, 2023, which is included as a component of cash flows from operating activities in our consolidated statement of cash flows. Cash flows received from the counterparties pursuant to the interest rate caps are included as components of cash flows from financing activities in our consolidated statements of cash flows. Prior to the amended hedge designation date, LIBOR was less than 5%. Further, SOFR was greater than 4.97% and 5.015% from the amended designation date of the hedging relationship through December 31, 2023; therefore, we received $4 million of cash payments from the counterparties that we reclassify to reduce interest expense from the interest rate caps in our consolidated statement of operations.
For all of our interest bearing obligations, we made interest payments of approximately $419 million, $339 million and $178 million during the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021, respectively. During the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, we capitalized $20 million and $9 million of interest payments, respectively, related to the Assembly Atlanta project. We did not capitalize any interest payments during the year ended December 31, 2021.
As of December 31, 2023, the aggregate minimum principal maturities of our long-term debt were as follows (in millions):
Minimum Principal Maturities
2019 Senior
Year
Credit Facility
Notes
Notes
Notes
Notes
Total
$ 15 $ - $ - $ - $ - $ 15
15 - - - - 15
1,205 700 - - - 1,905
15 - 750 - - 765
1,410 - - - - 1,410
Thereafter
- - - 800 1,300 2,100
Total
$ 2,660 $ 700 $ 750 $ 800 $ 1,300 $ 6,210
Collateral, Covenants and Restrictions. Our obligations under the 2019 Senior Credit Facility are secured by substantially all of our consolidated assets, excluding real estate. In addition, substantially all of our subsidiaries are joint and several guarantors of, and our ownership interests in those subsidiaries are pledged to collateralize, our obligations under the 2019 Senior Credit Facility. Gray Television, Inc. is a holding company, and has no material independent assets or operations. For all applicable periods, the 2026 Notes, 2027 Notes, 2030 Notes and 2031 Notes have been fully and unconditionally guaranteed, on a joint and several, senior unsecured basis, by substantially all of Gray Television, Inc.’s subsidiaries. Any subsidiaries of Gray Television, Inc. that do not guarantee the 2026 Notes, 2027 Notes, 2030 Notes and 2031 Notes are not material or are designated as unrestricted under the Senior Credit Facility. As of December 31, 2023, there were no significant restrictions on the ability of Gray Television, Inc.'s subsidiaries to distribute cash to Gray or to the guarantor subsidiaries.
The 2019 Senior Credit Facility contains affirmative and restrictive covenants with which we must comply, including: (a) limitations on additional indebtedness, (b) limitations on liens, (c) limitations on the sale of assets, (d) limitations on guarantees, (e) limitations on investments and acquisitions, (f) limitations on the payment of dividends and share repurchases, (g) limitations on mergers and (h) maintenance of the First Lien Leverage Ratio while any amount is outstanding under the revolving credit facility, as well as other customary covenants for credit facilities of this type. The 2026 Notes, 2027 Notes, 2030 Notes and 2031 Notes include covenants with which we must comply which are typical for borrowing transactions of their nature. As of December 31, 2023 and 2022, we were in compliance with all required covenants under all of our debt obligations.
5.
Fair Value Measurement
We measure certain assets and liabilities at fair value, which are classified by the FASB Codification within the fair value hierarchy as level 1, 2 or 3, on the basis of whether the measurement employs observable or unobservable inputs. Observable inputs reflect market data obtained from independent sources, while unobservable inputs reflect the Company’s own assumptions and consider information about readily available market participant assumptions.
●
Level 1: Quoted prices for identical instruments in active markets.
●
Level 2: Quoted prices for similar instruments in active markets; quoted prices for identical or similar instruments in markets that are not active; and model-derived valuations in which all significant inputs and significant value drivers are observable in active markets.
●
Level 3: Valuations derived from valuation techniques in which one or more significant inputs or significant value drivers are unobservable.
Fair value is defined as the price that would be received to sell an asset, or paid to transfer a liability, in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. The use of different market assumptions or methodologies could have a material effect on the fair value measurement.
The carrying amounts of accounts receivable, prepaid and other current assets, accounts payable, employee compensation and benefits, accrued interest, other accrued expenses and deferred revenue approximate fair value at both December 31, 2023 and 2022.
The value of our investments in broadcasting and technology companies are classified as Level 3.
As of December 31, 2023, the carrying amount of our long-term debt was $6.2 billion and the fair value was $5.6 billion. As of December 31, 2022, the carrying amount of our long-term debt was $6.5 billion and the fair value was $5.7 billion. Fair value of our long-term debt is based on observable estimates provided by third-party financial service providers and is classified as Level 2.
6.
Stockholders’ Equity
We are authorized to issue 245 million shares in total of all classes of stock consisting of 25 million shares of Class A common stock, 200 million shares of common stock, and 20 million shares of “blank check” preferred stock for which our Board of Directors has the authority to determine the rights, powers, limitations and restrictions. The rights of our common stock and Class A common stock are identical, except that our class A common stock has 10 votes per share and our common stock has one vote per share.
Our common stock and Class A common stock are entitled to receive cash dividends, if declared, on an equal per-share basis. During the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021, we declared and paid quarterly cash dividends totaling $0.32 per share of our common stock and Class A common stock.
On May 5, 2022, our shareholders approved, and our Board of Directors adopted, our 2022 Equity and Incentive Compensation Plan (the “2022 EICP”). The 2022 EICP replaced our 2017 Equity and Incentive Compensation Plan. Under 2022 EICP, we may, at our discretion, issue authorized and unissued shares, or previously issued shares held in treasury, of our Class A common stock or common stock. As of December 31, 2023, we had reserved 5 million shares and 2 million shares of our common stock and Class A common stock, respectively, for future issuance under our 2022 EICP. As of December 31, 2023, we also have 2 million shares of our common stock reserved for issuance under the 401(k) Plan.
During the year ended December 31, 2023, we did not repurchase any of our common stock under our share repurchase plans. During the year ended December 31, 2022 and 2021, we repurchased 2.6 million and 1.5 million shares of our common stock under our share repurchase programs for $50 million and $30 million, respectively. As of December 31, 2023, our share repurchase program authorizations have expired.
7.
Preferred Stock
At December 31, 2023 and 2022 there were 650,000 shares of our Series A Perpetual Preferred Stock outstanding with a stated face value and liquidation value of $1,000 per share (the “Series A Preferred Stock”). Holders of shares of the Series A Preferred Stock are entitled to receive mandatory and cumulative dividends paid quarterly in cash or, at the Company’s option, paid quarterly in kind by issuance of additional shares of Series A Preferred Stock. The per-share amount of such quarterly mandatory and cumulative dividends will be calculated by multiplying the face value by 8% per annum if the dividends are to be paid in cash, or 8.5% per annum if such dividends are to be paid in additional shares of Series A Preferred Stock (“PIK Election Dividends”). If the Company elects to pay any portion of accrued dividends with PIK Election Dividends, it will be prohibited from repurchasing, redeeming or paying dividends on any stock that is junior to the Series A Preferred Stock through the end of that quarter and the subsequent two quarters, subject to certain exceptions.
With respect to the payment of dividends, the Series A Preferred Stock will rank senior to all classes and series of our common stock and all other equity securities designated as ranking junior to the Series A Preferred Stock, and no new issuances of common or preferred stock will rank on a parity with, nor senior to, the Series A Preferred Stock.
All or any portion of the outstanding Series A Preferred Stock may be redeemed at the Company’s option at any time, upon written notice to the holders of Series A Preferred Stock at least 30 and not more than 60 days prior to the date of such optional redemption. The per-share redemption price for Series A Preferred Stock will be equal to the sum of the liquidation value and the per-share amount of any unpaid dividends for the current quarterly dividend period, up to and including the date of redemption. Holders of shares of Series A Preferred Stock redeemed will be paid in cash.
The Series A Preferred Stock is also subject to mandatory redemption upon the occurrence of certain change of control transactions or upon the sale or other disposition of all or substantially all of our assets. The holders of Series A Preferred Stock do not have any right to exchange or convert the shares into any other securities.
In general, the holders of the Series A Preferred Stock do not have any voting rights except as set forth in the terms of the Series A Preferred Stock or as otherwise required by law, in which case, each share of Series A Preferred Stock will be entitled to one vote.
The approval of the holders of the Series A Preferred Stock, voting separately as a class, is required in order to authorize, create or issue new shares of Series A Perpetual Preferred stock (other than to pay dividends), or alter the rights of any other shares that are or would be equal to or senior to the Series A Preferred Stock, or to amend, alter or repeal the Articles as amended from time to time if such amendment, alteration or repeal adversely affects the powers, preferences or special rights of the Series A Preferred Stock.
The Series A Preferred Stock does not have preemptive rights as to any of our other securities, or any warrants, rights, or options to acquire any of our securities.
In the event that the Company voluntarily or involuntarily liquidates, dissolves or winds up its affairs, holders of Series A Preferred Stock will be entitled to receive for each share of Series A Preferred Stock, out of the Company’s assets or proceeds thereof available for distribution to shareholders, subject to the rights of any creditors, payment in full in an amount equal to the liquidation value and the per-share amount of any unpaid dividends for the current quarterly dividend period. Holders of Series A Preferred Stock would be entitled to receive this amount before any distribution of assets or proceeds to holders of our common stock and any other stock whose rights are junior to the Series A Preferred Stock. If in any distribution described above, our assets are not sufficient to pay in full the amounts payable with respect to the outstanding shares of Series A Preferred Stock or any stock whose rights are equal to the Series A Preferred Stock, holders of the Series A Preferred Stock would share ratably in any such distribution in proportion to the full respective distributions to which they are entitled. Shareholders are not subject to further assessments on their shares of the Series A Preferred Stock.
8.
Stock-Based Compensation
We recognize compensation expense for stock-based payment awards made to our employees, consultants and directors under our active stock-based compensation plan, the “2022 EICP”. The following table presents our stock-based compensation expense and the related income tax benefits for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021 (in millions):
Year Ended December 31,
Stock-based compensation expense, gross
$ 20 $ 22 $ 14
Income tax benefit at our statutory rate associated with stock-based compensation
(5 ) (6 ) (4 )
Stock-based compensation expense, net
$ 15 $ 16 $ 10
Currently, the 2022 EICP provides for the grant of incentive stock options, nonqualified stock options, restricted stock awards, restricted stock unit awards, stock appreciation rights and performance awards to acquire shares of our Class A common stock or common stock, or other awards based on our performance. All shares of common stock and Class A common stock underlying outstanding options (if any), restricted stock units and performance awards are counted as issued under the 2022 EICP for purposes of determining the number of shares available for future issuance.
As of December 31, 2023, we had $14 million of total unrecognized compensation expense related to all non-vested stock-based compensation arrangements. This expense is expected to be recognized over a period of 2.6 years.
A summary of activity for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021 under our stock based compensation plans is as follows:
Year Ended December 31,
Weighted-
Weighted-
Weighted-
Average
Average
Average
Number
Grant Date
Number
Grant Date
Number
Grant Date
of
Fair Value
of
Fair Value
of
Fair Value
Shares
Per Share
Shares
Per Share
Shares
Per Share
Restricted stock - common:
Outstanding - beginning of period
997,745 $ 20.62 1,035,728 $ 19.69 917,533 $ 16.84
Granted
1,007,919 8.15 400,927 21.68 731,374 19.73
Vested
(537,728 ) 20.32 (438,910 ) 19.38 (613,179 ) 15.48
Outstanding - end of period
1,467,936 $ 12.17 997,745 $ 20.62 1,035,728 $ 19.69
Restricted stock - Class A common:
Outstanding - beginning of period
677,238 $ 19.36 720,421 $ 18.22 480,042 $ 16.10
Granted
738,854 8.34 250,448 20.52 488,918 18.66
Vested
(267,859 ) 18.95 (293,631 ) 17.55 (248,539 ) 15.00
Outstanding - end of period
1,148,233 $ 12.37 677,238 $ 19.36 720,421 $ 18.22
Restricted stock units - common:
Outstanding - beginning of period
274,145 $ 23.60 125,247 $ 19.02 90,184 $ 18.92
Granted
587,168 11.50 259,079 23.87 95,115 19.05
Vested
(247,953 ) 23.64 (108,921 ) 19.03 (60,052 ) 18.92
Forfeited
(26,192 ) 23.15 (1,260 ) 19.05 - -
Outstanding - end of period
587,168 $ 11.50 274,145 $ 23.60 125,247 $ 19.02
9.
Leases
Operating Leases. We lease various assets with non-cancellable lease terms that range between one and 99 years. Many of these leases have optional renewal periods ranging between one and 20 years. We define the lease term as the original lease base period plus optional renewal periods that we reasonably expect to exercise. We do not include renewal periods exercisable more than 10 years from the commencement date in the lease term as we cannot reasonably expect to exercise an option that far into the future. Some of our leases have free rent periods, tenant allowances and/or fixed or variable rent escalators. We record operating lease expense on a straight-line basis over the lease term. Operating lease expense is included in operating expenses in our consolidated statements of operations.
We lease land, buildings, transmission towers, right of way easements and equipment through operating leases. We generally lease land for the purpose of erecting transmission towers for our broadcast operations. Our building leases consist of office space and broadcast studios. For transmission towers we do not own, we lease space for our transmission equipment on third-party towers. We lease right-of-ways for various purposes, including ingress and egress for tower locations and guyed wire space. Our equipment leases consist of office, transmission and production equipment.
We allocate consideration paid in the contract to lease and non-lease components based upon the contract or associated invoice received if applicable. Lease components include base rent, fixed rate escalators and in-substance fixed payments associated with the leased asset. Non-lease components include common area maintenance and operating expenses associated with the leased asset. We have not elected the practical expedient to combine lease and non-lease components. As such, we only include the lease component in the calculation of right of use (“ROU”) asset and lease liability. The incremental borrowing rate we use for the calculation is the rate of interest that we would pay to borrow on a collateralized basis over a similar term based upon our borrower risk profile.
Variable lease payments are not material and are included in operating lease expense as a component of operating expenses in our consolidated statement of operations. Variable lease payments are generally associated with usage-based leases and variable payment escalators, such as consumer price index (“CPI”) increases. Some of our land leases require us to pay a percentage of the revenue earned from leasing space on the towers we erect on the leased land. We included the payment level of CPI and percentage rent amounts in the base rent for calculating the ROU asset and lease liability. CPI adjustments and percentage rent amounts that differ from the amount included in ROU asset and liability calculations are included in variable lease payments.
We recognize leases with an initial term of 12 months or less as short-term leases and generally consist of rentals of production or broadcast equipment for short periods of time. Lease payments associated with short-term leases are expensed as incurred.
Our operating lease expenses, including variable leases, were $18 million and $17 million for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively. Our short-term lease expenses for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022 were not material. Cash flows from operations included cash paid for operating leases of $16 million and $17 million for during the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively. Additional ROU assets recognized in the year ended December 31, 2023 and 2022 were $10 million and $16 million, respectively. As of December 31, 2023, the weighted average remaining term of our operating leases was 9.3 years. The weighted average discount rate used to calculate the values associated with our operating leases was 6.6%.
The maturities of operating lease liabilities were as follows (in millions):
Year:
$ 15
Thereafter
Total lease payments
Less: Imputed interest
(26 )
Present value of lease liabilities
$ 80
10.
Income Taxes
We recognize deferred tax assets and liabilities for future tax consequences attributable to differences between our financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases. We measure deferred tax assets and liabilities using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to reverse. We recognize the effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities resulting from a change in tax rates in income in the period that includes the date of the change.
Under certain circumstances, we recognize liabilities in our financial statements for positions taken on uncertain tax issues. When tax returns are filed, it is highly certain that some positions taken would be sustained upon examination by the taxing authorities, while others may be subject to uncertainty about the merits of the position taken or the amount of the position that would be ultimately sustained. The benefit of a tax position is recognized in the financial statements in the period during which, based on all available evidence, we believe it is more likely than not that the position will be sustained upon examination, including the resolution of appeals or litigation processes, if any. Tax positions taken are not offset or aggregated with other positions. Tax positions that meet the more-likely-than-not recognition threshold are measured as the largest amount of tax benefit that is more than 50% likely of being realized upon settlement with the applicable taxing authority. The portion of the benefits associated with tax positions taken that exceeds the amount measured as described above is reflected as a liability for unrecognized tax benefits on the balance sheets along with any associated interest and penalties that would be payable to the taxing authorities upon examination. Interest and penalties associated with unrecognized tax benefits are classified as income tax expense in the statement of operations.
Federal and state and local income tax expense is summarized as follows (in millions):
Year Ended December 31,
Current:
Federal
$ 73 $ 148 $ 74
State and local
12 31 26
Current income tax expense
85 179 100
Deferred:
Federal
(76 ) (21 ) (12 )
State and local
(15 ) 1 (10 )
Deferred income tax benefit
(91 ) (20 ) (22 )
Total income tax (benefit) expense
$ (6 ) $ 159 $ 78
Significant components of our deferred tax liabilities and assets are as follows (in millions):
December 31,
Deferred tax liabilities:
Net book value of property and equipment
$ 149 $ 143
Broadcast licenses, goodwill and other intangible assets
1,338 1,363
Other
3 5
Total deferred tax liabilities
1,490 1,511
Deferred tax assets:
Liability for accrued bonus
13 11
State and local operating loss carryforwards
7 10
Interest expense limitation
88 17
Other
32 29
Total deferred tax assets
140 67
Valuation allowance for deferred tax assets
(9 ) (10 )
Net deferred tax assets
131 57
Deferred tax liabilities, net of deferred tax assets
$ 1,359 $ 1,454
As of December 31, 2023, we have an aggregate of approximately $299 million of various state operating loss carryforwards, of which we expect that approximately one-third will be utilized. We expect that the unutilized portion of these state net operating loss carryforwards will not be utilized due to section 382 limitations and those that will expire prior to utilization. After applying our state effective tax rate, this amount is included in our valuation allowance for deferred tax assets.
A reconciliation of income tax expense at the statutory federal income tax rate and income taxes as reflected in the consolidated financial statements for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021 is as follows (in millions):
Year Ended December 31,
Statutory federal rate applied to income before income tax expense
$ (17 ) $ 129 $ 35
Current year permanent items
11 5 33
State and local taxes, net of federal tax benefit
(4 ) 26 10
Change in valuation allowance
(1 ) - -
Other items, net
5 (1 ) -
Income tax (benefit) expense as recorded
$ (6 ) $ 159 $ 78
Effective income tax rate
7 % 26 % 46 %
Each year-end, we adjust our other comprehensive income on a net of tax basis. During 2023, we increased our recorded non-current pension asset by $7 million; we recorded an adjustment of the fair value of our interest rate caps of $23 million; and together, we recorded a $5 million tax benefit. During 2022, we decreased our recorded non-current pension liability by $20 million and recognized other comprehensive income of $15 million, net of a $5 million tax provision. During 2021, we decreased our recorded non-current pension liability by $16 million and recognized other comprehensive loss of $12 million, net of a $4 million tax benefit.
Beginning in 2023, on a quarterly basis, we adjust the net liability related to our interest rate caps to their fair value, with a corresponding adjustment to other comprehensive income on a net of tax basis. During 2023, we increased our recorded non-current interest rate cap liability by $23 million and recognized other comprehensive losses of $17 million, net of a $6 million tax benefit.
We made income tax payments (net of refunds) of $50 million, $180 million and $149 million during the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021, respectively.
We prescribe a recognition threshold and measurement attribution for the financial statement recognition and measurement of a tax position taken or expected to be taken in a tax return. For benefits to be recognized, a tax position must be more likely than not to be sustained upon examination by taxing authorities.
As of December 31, 2023, we had approximately $14 million of unrecognized tax benefits. All these unrecognized tax benefits would impact our effective tax rate if recognized. The liability for unrecognized tax benefits is recorded net of any federal tax benefit that would result from payment.
We file a federal consolidated income tax return in the United States and state or local consolidated income tax returns in various state or local jurisdictions. Certain of our subsidiaries file separate tax returns in other various state and local jurisdictions. With few exceptions, we are no longer subject to federal, state and local tax examinations by tax authorities for years before 2003.
The following table summarizes the activity related to our reserve for uncertain tax positions (in millions):
Year Ended December 31,
Balance at beginning of period
$ 15 $ 15 $ 14
Additions based on tax positions related to prior years
- - 3
Statute expirations
(1 ) - (2 )
Balance at end of period
$ 14 $ 15 $ 15
If our reserve for unrecognized tax positions, as presented above, were to be recognized, there would be a favorable impact on the company’s reported income tax expenses in the period recognized.
We recognize accrued interest and penalties related to uncertain tax positions in income tax expense in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Operations and Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive (Loss) Income. During the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021, our penalty and interest expense related to uncertain tax positions was not material. At December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021, the total accrual for interest and penalties related to uncertain tax positions was not material.
On March 27, 2020, the CARES Act was enacted in response to the COVID-19 global pandemic. The CARES Act, among other things, contains modifications on the limitation of business interest for tax years beginning in 2019 and 2020, and permits net operating loss carryovers and carrybacks to offset 100% of taxable income for taxable years beginning before 2021. In addition, the CARES Act allows net operating losses (“NOLs”) incurred in 2018, 2019, and 2020 to be carried back to each of the five preceding taxable years to generate a refund of previously paid income taxes. During 2020, we carried back certain NOLs resulting in a refund, excluding interest, of $21 million, which is currently outstanding.
11.
Retirement Plans
We sponsor and contribute to defined benefit and defined contribution retirement plans. The Gray Television, Inc. Retirement Plan (“Gray Pension Plan”) is a defined benefit pension plan. Benefits under the Gray Pension Plan are frozen and can no longer increase, and no new participants can be added to the Gray Pension Plan.
The Gray Pension Plan’s funding policy is consistent with the funding requirements of existing federal laws and regulations under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974. The measurement dates used to determine the benefit information for the Gray Pension Plan were December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively. The following summarizes the Gray Pension Plan’s funded status and amounts recognized on our consolidated balance sheets at December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively (in millions):
December 31,
Change in projected benefit obligation:
Projected benefit obligation at beginning of year
$ 102 $ 140
Interest cost
5 4
Actuarial loss (gain)
2 (38 )
Benefits paid
(5 ) (4 )
Projected benefit obligation at end of year
$ 104 $ 102
Change in plan assets:
Fair value of pension plan assets at beginning of year
$ 104 $ 119
Actual return (loss) on plan assets
14 (14 )
Company contributions
4 4
Benefits paid
(5 ) (5 )
Fair value of pension plan assets at end of year
117 104
Funded status of pension plan
$ 13 $ 2
Amounts recognized on our balance sheets consist of:
Accrued benefit cost
$ 26 $ 21
Accumulated other comprehensive loss
(13 ) (19 )
Net asset (liability) recognized
$ 13 $ 2
Because the Gray Pension Plan is a frozen plan, the projected benefit obligation and the accumulated benefit obligation are the same. The accumulated benefit obligation was $104 million and $102 million at December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively. The long-term rate of return on assets assumption was chosen from a best estimate range based upon the anticipated long-term returns for asset categories in which the Gray Pension Plan is invested. An estimate of the rate of increase in compensation levels used to calculate the net periodic benefit cost is not required because of the Plan’s frozen status:
Year Ended December 31,
Weighted-average assumptions used to determine net periodic benefit cost for the Gray Pension Plan:
Discount rate
4.99 % 2.73 %
Expected long-term rate of return on pension plan assets
6.25 % 6.25 %
Estimated rate of increase in compensation levels
N/A N/A
As of December 31,
Weighted-average assumptions used to determine benefit obligations:
Discount rate
4.79 % 4.99 %
Pension expense is computed using the projected unit credit actuarial cost method. The net periodic pension cost for the Gray Pension Plan includes the following components (in millions):
Year Ended December 31,
Components of net periodic pension cost:
Interest cost
$ 5 $ 4 $ 4
Expected return on plan assets
(7 ) (8 ) (7 )
Recognized net actuarial loss
- 1 1
Net periodic pension benefit
$ (2 ) $ (3 ) $ (2 )
For the Gray Pension Plan, the estimated future benefit payments are as follows (in millions):
Years
Amount
2024 $ 5
2025 $ 5
2026 $ 6
2027 $ 6
2028 $ 6
2029 - 2033 $ 32
The Gray Pension Plan’s weighted-average asset allocations by asset category were as follows:
As of December 31,
Asset category:
Insurance general account
13 % 14 %
Cash management accounts
4 % 4 %
Equity accounts
50 % 51 %
Fixed income accounts
30 % 28 %
Real estate accounts
3 % 3 %
Total
100 % 100 %
The investment objective is to achieve a consistent total rate of return (income, appreciation, and reinvested funds) that will equal or exceed the actuarial assumption with aversion to significant volatility. The following is the target asset allocation:
Target Range
Asset class:
Strategic Allocation
Lower Limit
Upper Limit
Equities:
Large Cap Blend
27.0 % 0.0 % 50.0 %
Mid Cap Blend
10.0 % 0.0 % 40.0 %
Small Cap Blend
6.0 % 0.0 % 25.0 %
Foreign Large Blend
11.0 % 0.0 % 40.0 %
Emerging Markets
3.0 % 0.0 % 25.0 %
Real Estate
3.0 % 0.0 % 20.0 %
Fixed Income:
U.S. Treasury Inflation Protected
3.5 % 0.0 % 25.0 %
Intermediate Core Plus Bond
25.0 % 0.0 % 50.0 %
Short-Term Bond
3.0 % 0.0 % 25.0 %
Bank Loan
0.0 % 0.0 % 25.0 %
High Yield Bond
4.0 % 0.0 % 25.0 %
Emerging Markets Bond
3.0 % 0.0 % 20.0 %
Money Market Taxable
1.5 % 0.0 % 100.0 %
Our equity portfolio contains securities of companies necessary to build a diversified portfolio that we believe are financially sound. Our fixed income portfolio contains obligations generally rated A or better with no maturity restrictions and an actively managed duration. The cash equivalents strategy uses securities of the highest credit quality.
Fair Value of Gray Pension Plan Assets. We calculate the fair value of the Gray Pension Plan’s assets based upon the observable and unobservable net asset value of its underlying investments. We utilize valuation techniques that maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs. These inputs are prioritized by the fair value hierarchy proscribed by ASU Topic 820, described in Note 5 “Fair Value Measurement.”
The following table presents the fair value of the Gray Pension Plan’s assets and classifies them by level within the fair value hierarchy as of December 31, 2023 and 2022 (in millions):
As of December 31, 2023
Level 1
Level 2
Level 3
Total
Assets:
Insurance general account
$ - $ 15 $ - $ 15
Cash management accounts
5 - - 5
Equity accounts
59 - - 59
Fixed income accounts
35 - - 35
Real estate accounts
3 - - 3
Total
$ 102 $ 15 $ - $ 117
As of December 31, 2022
Level 1
Level 2
Level 3
Total
Assets:
Insurance general account
$ - $ 15 $ - $ 15
Cash management accounts
4 - - 4
Equity accounts
53 - - 53
Fixed income account
29 - - 29
Real estate accounts
3 - - 3
Total
$ 89 $ 15 $ - $ 104
Expected Pension Contributions. We expect to contribute a combined total of approximately $4 million to our frozen defined benefit pension plan during the year ending December 31, 2024.
Capital Accumulation Plan. The Gray Television, Inc. Capital Accumulation Plan (the “Capital Accumulation Plan”) is a defined contribution plan intended to meet the requirements of Section 401(k) of the Internal Revenue Code. In 2023, employer contributions under the Capital Accumulation Plan include matching cash contributions at a rate of 100% of the first 1% of each employee’s salary deferral, and 50% of the next 5% of each employee’s salary deferral. For the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021, our matching contributions to our Capital Accumulation Plan were $26 million, $17 million and $15 million, respectively. We estimate that our matching cash contributions to the Capital Accumulation Plan for 2024 will be approximately $27 million.
In addition, the Company, at its discretion, may make an additional profit-sharing contribution, based on annual Company performance, to those employees who meet certain criteria. For the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021, we accrued contributions of approximately $10 million, $9 million and $7 million, respectively, as discretionary profit-sharing contributions. Each of these discretionary profit-sharing contributions was subsequently made in the form of shares of our common stock. We may also make matching and discretionary contributions of our common stock under the Capital Accumulation Plan. As of December 31, 2023, we had 2 million shares of common stock reserved for issuance under this plan.
Meredith Plan. In connection with the Meredith Transaction, On December 1, 2021, we assumed a defined benefit pension plan covering certain legacy Meredith bargaining class employees. At December 31, 2023, this plan had combined plan assets of $16 million and combined projected benefit obligations of $11 million. The net asset for this plan is recorded as an asset in our financial statements as of December 31, 2023.
12.
Commitments and Contingencies
From time to time we may have various contractual and other commitments requiring future payments. These commitments may include amounts required to be paid for: the acquisition of television stations; the purchase of property and equipment; service and other agreements; commitments for various syndicated television programs; commitments under affiliation agreements with networks; and commitments under our accounts receivable securitization facility. Certain network affiliation agreements include variable fee components such as percentage of revenue or rate per subscriber. Future estimated minimum payments for these commitments, in addition to the liabilities accrued for on our consolidated balance sheets as of December 31, 2023, were as follows (in millions):
Accounts
Service and
Syndicated
Network
Receivable
Other
Assembly
Television
Affiliation
Year
Securitization
Agreements
Development
Programming
Agreements
Total
$ - $ 57 $ 42 $ 8 $ 980 $ 1,087
- 32 - 15 648 695
300 14 - - 31 345
- 2 - - - 2
Total
$ 300 $ 105 $ 42 $ 23 $ 1,659 $ 2,129
Legal Proceedings and Claims. We are and expect to continue to be subject to legal actions, proceedings and claims that arise in the normal course of our business. In the opinion of management, the amount of ultimate liability, if any, with respect to these known actions, proceedings and claims will not materially affect our financial condition, results of operations or cash flows, although legal proceedings are subject to inherent uncertainties, and unfavorable rulings or events could result in materially adverse outcomes.
Local TV Advertising Antitrust Litigation. In 2018, several broadcasting companies, including Raycom Media (which the Company subsequently acquired in January 2019) and Meredith Corporation (which the Company acquired in December 2021) agreed to enter into substantially identical consent decrees with the Department of Justice (the “DOJ”). This consent decree provided for the settlement of a confidential investigation by the DOJ into the alleged exchange of certain competitively sensitive information relating to advertising sales among certain stations in some local markets. The consent decree and related settlement were finalized on May 22, 2019. The consent decree is not an admission of any wrongdoing by the parties and does not subject the parties to any monetary damages or penalties. The consent decree requires the parties to adopt certain antitrust compliance measures, including the appointment of an Antitrust Compliance Officer, consistent with what the DOJ has required in previous consent decrees in other industries. The consent decree also requires the parties’ stations not exchange pacing and certain other information with other stations in their local markets, which aligns with Gray’s current policy. Gray Television, Inc. was not a subject of, or party to, any consent decree or settlement thereof, although certain of the Company’s operations that we later acquired from Raycom and Meredith do remain subject to the terms of such settlement.
Following published reports of the DOJ investigation and settlement, various putative class action lawsuits were filed against a number of owners of television stations. The cases have been consolidated in a single multidistrict litigation in the District Court for the Northern District of Illinois under the caption In re Local TV Advertising Litigation, and the plaintiffs’ operative complaint alleges price fixing and unlawful information exchange among the defendants’ advertisement sales teams. Gray is a defendant solely due to its acquisition of Raycom and Meredith, who were named defendants. The consolidated action seeks damages, attorneys’ fees, costs and interest, as well as injunctions against adopting practices or plans that would restrain competition in the ways the plaintiffs have alleged. The Company believes the lawsuits are without merit and intends to vigorously defend itself against all such claims.
13.
Goodwill and Intangible Assets
During the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, we acquired, adjusted and disposed of various television broadcast stations and broadcast licenses. As a result of these transactions, our goodwill and intangible balances changed during each of these years. See Note 3 “Acquisitions and Divestitures” for more information regarding these transactions.
Several years ago, our Raycom Sports subsidiary sublicensed certain Atlantic Coast Conference (“ACC”) football and basketball games from ESPN to Fox Sports that were assumed by Diamond Sports Group, LLC (“Diamond”) upon its acquisition of Fox Sports. In March 2023, Diamond sought bankruptcy protection. On July 7, 2023, the bankruptcy court granted the request of Diamond (supported by us) for the early rejection, and therefore the termination, of the ACC sports rights agreements. On July 13, 2023, The CW Network (“CW”) announced that it had entered into an agreement with Raycom Sports for a similar package of sports rights related to the ACC games that had been included in the now-terminated agreement with Diamond. Concurrently, Raycom Sports and ESPN modified their license agreement to correspond with the terms of the CW sublicense agreement. The new agreements mitigate a portion of the losses caused by Diamond’s rejection of its ACC sports rights agreement with Raycom Sports. As a result of the bankruptcy filings and these new July 2023 agreements, our production companies segment recorded a non-cash charge of $43 million, for impairment of goodwill and other intangible assets.
The following table presents a summary of changes in our goodwill and other intangible assets, on a net basis (in millions):
Net Balance at
Acquisitions
Net Balance at
December 31,
and
December 31,
Adjustments, Net
Impairment
Amortization
Goodwill
$ 2,663 $ (4 ) $ (16 ) $ - $ 2,643
Broadcast licenses
5,331 (11 ) - - 5,320
Finite-lived intangible assets
636 - (27 ) (194 ) 415
Total intangible assets net of accumulated amortization
$ 8,630 $ (15 ) $ (43 ) $ (194 ) $ 8,378
Net Balance at
Acquisitions
Net Balance at
December 31,
and
December 31,
Adjustments
Impairment
Amortization
Goodwill
$ 2,649 $ 14 $ - $ - $ 2,663
Broadcast licenses
5,303 28 - - 5,331
Finite-lived intangible assets
825 18 - (207 ) 636
Total intangible assets net of accumulated amortization
$ 8,777 $ 60 $ - $ (207 ) $ 8,630
The following table presents a summary of changes in our goodwill, on a gross basis (in millions):
As of Acquisitions
As of
December 31,
and
December 31,
Adjustments
Impairment
Goodwill, gross
$ 2,762 $ (4 ) $ (16 ) $ 2,742
Accumulated goodwill impairment
(99 ) - - (99 )
Goodwill, net
$ 2,663 $ (4 ) $ (16 ) $ 2,643
As of Acquisitions
As of
December 31,
and
December 31,
Adjustments
Impairment
Goodwill, gross
$ 2,748 $ 14 $ - $ 2,762
Accumulated goodwill impairment
(99 ) - - (99 )
Goodwill, net
$ 2,649 $ 14 $ - $ 2,663
The following table presents a summary of our intangible assets and related accumulated amortization (in millions):
As of December 31, 2023
As of December 31, 2022
Accumulated
Accumulated
Gross
Amortization
Net
Gross
Amortization
Net
Intangible assets not currently subject to amortization:
Broadcast licenses
$ 5,374 $ (54 ) $ 5,320 $ 5,385 $ (54 ) $ 5,331
Goodwill
2,643 - 2,643 2,663 - 2,663
$ 8,017 $ (54 ) $ 7,963 $ 8,048 $ (54 ) $ 7,994
Intangible assets subject to amortization:
Network affiliation agreements
$ 216 $ (126 ) $ 90 $ 218 $ (88 ) $ 130
Other finite-lived intangible assets
992 (667 ) 325 1,055 (549 ) 506
$ 1,208 $ (793 ) $ 415 $ 1,273 $ (637 ) $ 636
Total intangible assets
$ 9,225 $ (847 ) $ 8,378 $ 9,321 $ (691 ) $ 8,630
Based on our intangible assets subject to amortization as of December 31, 2023, we expect that amortization of intangible assets for the succeeding five years will be as follows: 2024, $125 million; 2025, $113 million; 2026, $83 million; 2027, $47 million; and 2028, $13 million. If and when acquisitions and dispositions occur in the future, actual amounts may vary from these estimates.
Impairment of goodwill and broadcast licenses. We evaluate broadcast licenses and goodwill for impairment on an annual basis, or more often when certain triggering events occur. Goodwill is evaluated at the reporting unit level.
Our broadcasting operating segment is comprised of a single reporting unit. Each of the distinct businesses within our production companies operating segment represent a reporting unit. Therefore, we evaluate our goodwill for impairment for five reporting units. One reporting unit for all of our broadcast television operations and four for each of the distinct businesses within our production companies. The Company has considered the requirements as stipulated within ASC 350. Management has identified the applicable assets and liabilities for each of the reporting units in accordance with ASC 350.
In the performance of our annual broadcast license and reporting unit impairment assessments, we have the option of performing a qualitative assessment to determine if it is more likely than not that the respective asset has been impaired. In 2023, we performed a qualitative assessment for 59 of our broadcast licenses and three of our reporting units. In 2022, we performed a qualitative assessment for 57 of our broadcast licenses and three of our reporting units.
As part of this qualitative assessment we evaluate the relative impact of factors that are specific to the reporting units as well as industry, regulatory and macroeconomic factors that could affect the significant inputs used to determine the fair value of the assets. We also consider the significance of the excess fair value over the carrying value reflected in prior quantitative assessments and the changes to the reporting units’ carrying value since the last impairment test.
If we conclude that it is more likely than not that a broadcast license or reporting unit is impaired, or if we elect not to perform the optional qualitative assessment, we perform the quantitative assessment which involves comparing the estimated fair value of the broadcast license or reporting unit to its respective carrying value.
For our annual broadcast licenses impairment test in 2023 and 2022, for those broadcast licenses that we deemed to qualify for qualitative assessment, we concluded that it was more likely than not that all of our broadcast licenses that were evaluated were not impaired based upon our assessments. For the remaining broadcast licenses, we elected to perform a quantitative assessment and concluded that their fair values exceeded their carrying values. To estimate the fair value of our broadcast licenses, we utilize a discounted cash flow model assuming an initial hypothetical start-up operation maturing into an average performing station in a specific television market and giving consideration to other relevant factors such as the technical qualities of the broadcast license and the number of competing broadcast licenses within that market.
For our annual goodwill impairment test in 2023 and 2022, we concluded that it was more likely than not that goodwill was not impaired based upon our qualitative assessments for one of our production company reporting units. We elected to perform a quantitative assessment for our broadcasting and remaining production company reporting units and concluded that their fair values exceeded their carrying values. To estimate the fair value of our reporting units, we utilize a discounted cash flow model supported by a market multiple approach. We believe that a discounted cash flow analysis is the most appropriate methodology to test the recorded value of long-term assets with a demonstrated long-lived/enduring franchise value. We believe the results of the discounted cash flow and market multiple approaches provide reasonable estimates of the fair value of our reporting units because these approaches are based on our actual results and reasonable estimates of future performance, and also take into consideration a number of other factors deemed relevant by us including, but not limited to, expected future market revenue growth, market revenue shares and operating profit margins. We have historically used these approaches in determining the value of our reporting units. We also consider a market multiple approach to corroborate our discounted cash flow analysis. We believe that this methodology is consistent with the approach that a strategic market participant would utilize if they were to value our television stations.
We believe we have made reasonable estimates and utilized appropriate assumptions to evaluate whether the fair values of our broadcast licenses and reporting units were less than their carrying values. If future results are not consistent with our assumptions and estimates, including future events such as a deterioration of market conditions or significant increases in discount rates, we could be exposed to impairment charges in the future. Any resulting impairment loss could have a material adverse impact on our consolidated balance sheets, consolidated statements of operations and consolidated statements of cash flows.
See Note 1 “Description of Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies” for further discussion of our accounting policies regarding goodwill, broadcast licenses and other intangible assets.
14.
Segment Information
During the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021, we operated in two business segments, broadcasting and production companies. The broadcasting segment operates television stations in local markets in the United States. The production companies segment includes the production of television and event content. Costs identified as other are primarily corporate and administrative expenses. The following tables present our business segment information (in millions):
Production
As of and for the Year ended December 31, 2023:
Broadcasting
Companies
Other
Consolidated
Revenue (less agency commissions)
$ 3,195 $ 86 $ - $ 3,281
Operating expenses before depreciation, amortization, impairment and loss on disposal of assets, net:
2,268 115 112 2,495
Depreciation and amortization
322 13 4 339
Impairment of goodwill and other inangible assets
- 43 - 43
Loss on disposal of assets, net
18 3 - 21
Total operating expenses
2,608 174 116 2,898
Operating income (loss)
$ 587 $ (88 ) $ (116 ) $ 383
Interest expense
$ - $ - $ 440 $ 440
Capital expenditures (excluding business combinations)
$ 107 $ 240 $ 1 $ 348
Goodwill
$ 2,615 $ 28 $ - $ 2,643
Total assets
$ 9,897 $ 658 $ 85 $ 10,640
As of and for the Year ended December 31, 2022:
Revenue (less agency commissions)
$ 3,583 $ 93 $ - $ 3,676
Operating expenses before depreciation, amortization and (gain) loss on disposal of assets, net:
2,165 83 104 2,352
Depreciation and amortization
321 12 3 336
Loss on disposal of assets, net
(2 ) - - (2 )
Total operating expenses
2,484 95 107 2,686
Operating income (loss)
$ 1,099 $ (2 ) $ (107 ) $ 990
Interest expense
$ - $ - $ 354 $ 354
Capital expenditures (excluding business combinations)
$ 163 $ 267 $ 6 $ 436
Goodwill
$ 2,618 $ 45 $ - $ 2,663
Total assets
$ 10,444 $ 535 $ 173 $ 11,152
As of and for the Year ended December 31, 2021:
Revenue (less agency commissions)
$ 2,340 $ 73 $ - $ 2,413
Operating expenses before depreciation, amortization and loss on disposal of assets, net:
1,548 62 159 1,769
Depreciation and amortization
206 12 3 221
Loss on disposal of assets, net
41 - 1 42
Operating expenses
1,795 74 163 2,032
Operating income (loss)
$ 545 $ (1 ) $ (163 ) $ 381
Interest expense
$ - $ - $ 205 $ 205
Capital expenditures (excluding business combinations)
$ 94 $ 110 $ 3 $ 207
Goodwill
$ 2,604 $ 45 $ - $ 2,649
Total assets
$ 10,592 $ 269 $ 247 $ 11,108
15.
Subsequent Events
Exchange of television stations. On February 1, 2024, we announced that we have entered into agreements with Marquee Broadcasting, Inc. (“Marquee”) to exchange television stations. Under the terms of the agreement, our television stations in the Cheyenne-Scottsbluff and Casper television markets (DMAs 194 and 198, respectively) are expected to be sold to Marquee in exchange for Marquee’s FCC permit authorizing the construction of new television station, that will be built in the Salt Lake City, Utah market (DMA 27), and will be known as KCBU. Neither party will pay additional cash or consideration to fulfill the terms of this exchange. The transactions are expected to close simultaneously in the second quarter of 2024 and are subject to the customary closing conditions and the receipt of regulatory and other approvals.
BMI Investment Proceeds. On February 8, 2024, we received $110 million in pre-tax cash proceeds from the closing of the previously announced sale of Broadcast Music, Inc. (“BMI”) to a shareholder group led by New Mountain Capital, LLC. $50 milllion of the net proceeds from the sale of BMI were used to pay in full the amount then outstanding under our Revolving Credit Facilty. We intend to use the remaining poceeds for general corporate purposes.
Amendment of Revolving Credit Facility. On February 16, 2024, Gray entered into a second amendment (the “Second Amendment”) to its Senior Credit Facility. The Second Amendment, among other things, (i) increases the aggregate commitments under the Gray’s existing $500 million Revolving Credit Facility by $125 million, resulting in aggregate commitments under the Revolving Credit Facility of $625 million and (ii) extends the maturity date of a $552.5 million tranche of the Revolving Credit Facility to December 31, 2027 (subject to a springing maturity in certain circumstances set forth in the Second Amendment), with a remaining non-extending tranche of the Revolving Credit Facility of $72.5 million maturing on December 1, 2026 (subject to a springing maturity in certain circumstances set forth in the Second Amendment). Except as modified by the Amendment, the existing terms of the Senior Credit Facility remain in effect.
Executive Update. On February 20, 2024, we announced that our Chief Financial Officer, Jim Ryan has notified us of his voluntary decision to transition into retirement after 2025. We also announced the hiring of Jeff Gignac, who currently serves as a Managing Director and Head of Media & Telecom Investment Banking at Wells Fargo Securities. Mr. Gignac will join us, initially as Executive Vice President, Finance, on April 1, 2024, and he will step into Mr. Ryan’s role as Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer on July 1, 2024. Mr. Ryan will work closely with Mr. Gignac and our entire executive team until he retires at the end of 2025.

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ITEM 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS
Item 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE
None.

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ITEM 9A. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
Item 9A. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures
Our management, including our Chief Executive Officer (“CEO”) and Chief Financial Officer (“CFO), regularly perform an evaluation of our disclosure controls and procedures, which have been designed to permit us to record, process, summarize and report, within time periods specified by the SEC's rules and forms, information required to be disclosed.
Management necessarily applies its judgment in assessing the costs and benefits of such controls and procedures, which, by their nature, can provide only reasonable assurance regarding management’s control objectives. The Company’s management, including the CEO and the CFO, does not expect that our disclosure controls and procedures can prevent all possible errors or fraud. A control system, no matter how well conceived and operated, can provide only reasonable, not absolute, assurance that misstatements due to error or fraud will not occur or that all control issues and instances of fraud, if any, within the company have been detected. Judgments in decision-making can be faulty and breakdowns can occur because of simple errors or mistakes. Additionally, controls can be circumvented by the individual acts of one or more persons. The design of any system of controls is based in part upon certain assumptions about the likelihood of future events, and while our disclosure controls and procedures are designed to be effective under circumstances where they should reasonably be expected to operate effectively, there can be no assurance that any design will succeed in achieving its stated goals under all potential future conditions. Because of the inherent limitations in any control system, misstatements due to possible errors or fraud may nevertheless occur and not be detected.
Our CEO and CFO, with assistance from other members of management, have reviewed the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures as of December 31, 2023, and, based on their evaluation, have concluded that the disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of such date.
Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
During the three months ended December 31, 2023, we did not make any changes in our internal control over financial reporting that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.
Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
Management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting, as such term is defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Our internal control over financial reporting is designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with U.S. GAAP.
Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies may deteriorate.
In connection with the preparation of our annual consolidated financial statements, management has undertaken an assessment of the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2023, based on criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (“COSO 2013 framework”). Management’s assessment included an evaluation of the design of our internal control over financial reporting and testing of the operational effectiveness of those controls. Based on this evaluation, management has concluded that our internal control over financial reporting was effective as of December 31, 2023.
The effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2023 has been audited by RSM US LLP (“RSM”), an independent registered public accounting firm, which also audited our Consolidated Financial Statements for the year ended December 31, 2023. RSM's report on our internal control over financial reporting is set forth in Item 8. of the Annual Report on Form 10-K.

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ITEM 9B. OTHER INFORMATION
Item 9B. OTHER INFORMATION
None.

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ITEM 10. DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
Item 10. DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
The information to be set forth under the headings “Election of Directors,” “Corporate Governance - Board Committees and Membership,” and “Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance” in our definitive Proxy Statement for the 2024 Annual Meeting of Stockholders (to be filed within 120 days after December 31, 2023) is incorporated herein by reference. In addition, the information set forth under "Information about our Executive Officers" in Part I of this Report is incorporated herein by reference.

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ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
Item 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
The information to be set forth under the headings “Executive Compensation,” “Report of Compensation Committee” and “Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation” in our definitive Proxy Statement for the 2024 Annual Meeting of Stockholders is incorporated herein by reference.

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ITEM 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS
Item 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS
The information to be set forth under the heading “Stock Ownership” in our definitive Proxy Statement for the 2024 Annual Meeting of Stockholders is incorporated herein by reference.
Equity Compensation Plan Information
The following table gives information about the common stock and Class A common stock that may be issued upon the exercise of options, warrants and rights under all existing equity compensation plans as of December 31, 2023:
Equity Compensation Plan Information
Number of securities remaining
Number of securities to
Weighted-average
available for future issuance
be issued upon exercise
exercise price of
under equity compensation
of outstanding options,
outstanding options,
plans (excluding securities
Plan Category
warrants and rights
warrants and rights
reflected in 1st column)
Common Stock:
Equity compensation plans approved by security holders
587,168 (1)
$ -
5,989,493 (2)
Equity compensation plans not approved by security holders
-
$ -
-
Total
587,168
5,989,493
Class A Common Stock:
Equity compensation plans approved by security holders
-
$ -
2,058,220 (2)
Equity compensation plans not approved by security holders
-
$ -
-
Total
-
2,058,220
(1) Consists of shares of our common stock underlying our outstanding restricted stock units that are issuable under our 2022 EICP.
(2) Consists of shares of our Class A common stock and common stock that are issuable under our 2022 EICP.

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ITEM 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS
Item 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS, AND DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE
The information to be set forth under the headings “Certain Relationships and Related Party Transactions” and “Corporate Governance” in our definitive Proxy Statement for the 2024 Annual Meeting of Shareholders is incorporated herein by reference.

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ITEM 14. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTING FEES AND SERVICES
Item 14. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES
Our independent registered public accounting firm, RSM US, LLP (PCAOB ID: 49), has presented their opinion under Item 8. of this annual report on Form 10-K. No other independent registered public accounting firm has rendered an opinion as part of this annual report.
The information to be set forth under the heading “Ratification of the Company’s Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm for 2024” in our definitive Proxy Statement for the 2024 Annual Meeting of Shareholders concerning principal accountant fees and services is incorporated herein by reference.
PART IV

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ITEM 15. EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES
Item 15. EXHIBITS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES
(a)
List of Financial Statements and Financial Statement Schedules:
(1)
Financial Statements. See Part II, Item 8. for the index to financial statements.
(2)
Financial statement schedules: The following financial statement schedule of Gray Television, Inc. is included in Item 15(c): Schedule II - Valuation and qualifying accounts.
All other schedules for which provision is made in the applicable accounting regulation of the SEC are not required under the related instructions or are inapplicable and therefore have been omitted.
(b)
Exhibits:
Exhibit
Number
Description of Documents
3.1
Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation of Gray Television, Inc. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to our Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC on February 27, 2020)
3.2
Bylaws of Gray Television, Inc. as amended through June 5, 2013 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on June 6, 2013)
4.1
Indenture, dated as of June 14, 2016, by and among Gray Television, Inc., the guarantors signatory thereto and U.S. Bank National Association, as Trustee (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on June 15, 2016)
Exhibit
Number
Description of Documents
4.2
First Supplemental Indenture, dated as of September 14, 2016, by and among Gray Television, Inc., the guarantors signatory thereto and U.S. Bank National Association, as Trustee (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on September 14, 2016)
4.3
Second Supplemental Indenture, dated as of January 2, 2019, by and among Gray Television, Inc., the guarantors signatory thereto and U.S. Bank National Association, as Trustee to the Indenture dated as of June 14, 2016 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.3 to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on January 3, 2019)
4.4
Third Supplemental Indenture, dated as of December 1, 2021 by and among Gray Television, Inc., the guarantor signatory thereto and U.S. Bank National Association, as Trustee to the Indenture dated as of June 14, 2016 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.4 to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on December 1, 2021)
4.5
Form of 5.875% Senior Note due 2026 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit A to Exhibit 4.1 to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on June 15, 2016)
4.6
Indenture, dated as of November 16, 2018, by and among Gray Escrow, Inc., Gray Television, Inc. and U.S. Bank National Association, as Trustee (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on November 16, 2018)
4.7
First Supplemental Indenture, dated as of January 2, 2019, by and among Gray Television, Inc., the guarantors signatory thereto and U.S. Bank National Association, as Trustee to the Indenture dated as of November 16, 2018 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on January 3, 2019)
4.8
Second Supplemental Indenture, dated as of December 1, 2021 by and among Gray Television, Inc., the guarantor signatory thereto and U.S. Bank National Association, as Trustee to the Indenture dated as of November 16, 2018 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.3 to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on December 1, 2021)
4.9
Form of 7.000% Senior Note due 2027 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit A to Exhibit 4.1 to our Current Report on form 8-K filed with the SEC on November 16, 2018)
4.10
Description of securities registered under Section 12 of the Exchange Act (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.11 to our Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC on February 27, 2020)
4.11
Indenture, dated as of October 19, 2020, by and among Gray Television, Inc., the Guarantors signatory thereto and U.S. Bank National Association, as Trustee (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 of the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K filed on October 19, 2020)
Exhibit
Number
Description of Documents
4.12
First Supplemental Indenture, dated as of December 1, 2021 by and among Gray Television, Inc., the guarantor signatory thereto and U.S. Bank National Association, as Trustee to the Indenture dated as of October 19, 2020 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on December 1, 2021)
4.13
Form of 4.750% Senior Note due 2030 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit A to Exhibit 4.1 of the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K filed on October 19, 2020)
4.14 Indenture, dated as of November 9, 2021, by and among Gray Escrow II, Inc., Gray Television, Inc. and U.S. Bank National Association, as Trustee (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on November 9, 2021)
4.15
Form of 5.375% Senior Note due 2031 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit A to Exhibit 4.1 of our Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on November 9, 2021)
4.16
First Supplemental Indenture, dated as of December 1, 2021 by and among Gray Television, Inc., the guarantors signatory thereto and U.S. Bank National Association, as Trustee to the Indenture dated as of November 9, 2021 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on December 1, 2021)
10.1
Third Restatement Agreement, dated as of December 1, 2021 by and among Gray Television, Inc., the guarantors party thereto, Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as administrative agent, and the other lenders and agents party thereto. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on November 9, 2021)
10.2
Fifth Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, dated as of December 1, 2021, by and among Gray Television, Inc., the guarantors party thereto, Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as administrative agent, and the other agents and lenders party thereto (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on November 9, 2021)
10.3
First Amendment to Fifth Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, dated as of December 1, 2020, among Gray Television, Inc., the guarantors party thereto, the lenders party thereto and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as administrative agent (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on March 21, 2023)
10. 4 Second Amendment to Fifth Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, dated as of December 1, 2020, among Gray Television, Inc., the guarantors party thereto, the lenders party thereto and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as administrative agent (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on February 20, 2024)
Exhibit
Number
Description of Documents
10.5
Director Restricted Stock Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.12 to our Annual Report on Form 10-K (File No. 001-13796) for the year ended December 31, 2002)*
10.6
Form of Nonqualified Stock Option Award Agreement Pursuant to 2007 Long Term Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2012)*
10.7
Form of Restricted Stock Award Agreement Pursuant to 2007 Long Term Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2012)*
10.8
Gray Television, Inc. 2017 Equity and Incentive Compensation Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.1 to our Registration Statement on Form S-8 filed with the SEC on May 3, 2017)*
10.9
Form of Director Restricted Stock Award Agreement pursuant to the Gray Television, Inc. 2017 Equity and Incentive Compensation Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2017)*
10.10
Executive and Key Employee Change in Control Severance Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2017)*
10.11
Form of Employee Restricted Stock Award Agreement pursuant to the Gray Television, Inc. 2017 Equity and Incentive Compensation Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2017)*
10.12
Form of Employee Restricted Stock Units Award Agreement pursuant to the Gray Television, Inc. 2017 Equity and Incentive Compensation Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2017)*
10.13
Gray Television, Inc. 2022 Equity and Incentive Compensation Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2022)
Exhibit
Number
Description of Documents
10.14
Offer letter, dated June 22, 2018 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.4 to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on January 3, 2019)*
10.15 Receivables Purchase Agreement, dated as of February 23, 2023, by and among Gray AR, LLC, as seller, the persons from time to time party thereto as Purchasers (as defined therein), Wells Fargo Bank, N.A., as administrative agent, and Gray Television, Inc., in its individual capacity and as initial Master Servicer (as defined therein) (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on February 27, 2023)
10.16 Receivables Sale Agreement, dated as of February 23, 2023, among Gray Media Group, Inc., the various entities listed on schedule I thereto, Gray Television, Inc., and Gray AR, LLC (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on February 27, 2023)
10.17 Performance Undertaking, dated as of February 23, 2023, by Gray Television, Inc., in favor of Wells Fargo Bank, N.A., as administrative agent (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on February 27, 2023)
21.1
Subsidiaries of the Registrant
23.1
Consent of RSM US LLP
31.1
Rule 13a-14(a) Certificate of Chief Executive Officer
31.2
Rule 13a-14(a) Certificate of Chief Financial Officer
32.1
Section 1350 Certificate of Chief Executive Officer
32.2
Section 1350 Certificate of Chief Financial Officer
101.SCH
Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document
101.CAL
Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document
101.DEF
Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document
101.LAB
Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document
101.PRE
Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document
The cover page from Gray Television, Inc.’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023 has been formatted in Inline XBRL.
*
Management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement.
(c)
Financial Statement Schedules - The response to this section is submitted as a part of Item 15(a) (1) and (2).
GRAY TELEVISION, INC.
SCHEDULE II - VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS
(in millions)
Col. A
Col. B
Col. C
Col. D
Col. E
Additions
(1)
(2)
Balance at
Charged to
Charged to
Balance at
Beginning
Costs and
Other
End of
Description
of Period
Expenses
Accounts (a) (b)
Deductions (b)
Period
Year Ended December 31, 2023:
Allowance for doubtful accounts
$ 16 $ 21 $ - $ (20 ) $ 17
Valuation allowance for deferred tax assets
$ 10 $ - $ (1 ) $ - $ 9
Year Ended December 31, 2022:
Allowance for doubtful accounts
$ 16 $ 1 $ - $ (1 ) $ 16
Valuation allowance for deferred tax assets
$ 22 $ - $ (12 ) $ - $ 10
Year Ended December 31, 2021:
Allowance for doubtful accounts
$ 10 $ 4 $ 3 $ (1 ) $ 16
Valuation allowance for deferred tax assets
$ 15 $ 7 $ - $ - $ 22
(a)
The adjustment to the valuation allowance for deferred tax assets represents changes in estimates of our future taxable income and our estimated future usage of certain net operating loss carryforwards, as well as expiration of certain net operating loss carryforwards.
(b)
The adjustments to our allowance for doubtful accounts include adjustments related to our business combinations and write-offs of receivable balances not considered collectible.