Item 1. Business.
GENERAL
The Company has historically been a nationwide communications company. Until consummation of their sale in March and February 1996, the Company owned an ABC affiliate, WHTM-TV (which was acquired by the Company during 1994), serving Harrisburg/Lancaster/Lebanon/York, Pennsylvania and three NBC affiliated television stations, KSNF-TV, serving Joplin, Missouri/Pittsburg, Kansas; KJAC-TV, serving Beaumont/Port Arthur, Texas; and KFDX-TV, serving Wichita Falls, Texas/Lawton, Oklahoma (see "Recent Developments"), respectively. Prior to 1995 the Company owned a number of television, radio, newspaper and other media and related properties which were disposed of pursuant to the Company's long-standing policy of buying and selling media properties at times deemed advantageous by the Company's Board of Directors. The Company intends to continue to investigate and pursue potential media and other acquisitions such as television and radio properties and, possibly, outdoor advertising and newspapers.
The Company's business strategy is to acquire communications properties at prices it considers attractive, finance such properties on terms satisfactory to it, manage such properties in accordance with its operating strategy and dispose of them if and when the Company determines such disposition to be in its best interest. See "Recent Developments" regarding sales of properties since the beginning of 1995. For the foregoing reasons, the results of the Company's historical operations are not comparable to or indicative of results in the future. See "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations."
The Company was organized in New York in 1979 and began active operations in 1981. Its principal executive offices are located at 45 Rockefeller Plaza, New York, New York 10020, and its telephone number is (212) 757-5600. References to the "Company" or "Price" in this report include Price Communications Corporation and its subsidiaries, unless the context otherwise indicates.
RECENT DEVELOPMENTS
On March 1, 1996, the Company sold substantially all of the assets, except cash but including accounts receivable together with certain liabilities of its ABC affiliate serving the Harrisburg-York-Lebanon-Lancaster, Pennsylvania television market for approximately $115 million in cash to Allbritton Communications Company. The Company recognized a pre-tax gain of approximately $65.6 million from this transaction.
On February 2, 1996, the Company sold substantially all of the assets, except cash and accounts receivable, together with certain liabilities, of its three NBC affiliates, KJAC-TV, Beaumont/Port Arthur , Texas; KFDX-TV, Wichita Falls, Texas/Lawton, Oklahoma
I-1
and KSNF-TV, Joplin, Missouri/Pittsburg, Kansas for approximately $40.7 million in cash. The stations were sold to US Broadcast Group, a newly organized acquirer of television properties. The Company recognized a pre-tax gain of approximately $29.9 million from this transaction.
Prior to 1995, the Company had written off its investment in Fairmont Communications Corporation ("Fairmont"), with the result that the Company's carrying value in such investment was zero. During 1994, the Company entered into a settlement agreement with the various parties to the Fairmont bankruptcy proceedings although the exact amount was uncertain until 1995. The Company received during 1995 and 1996 cash payments totaling approximately $7.9 million and $62.5 thousand respectively, as a result of sales of properties by Fairmont.
The Company has significant liquid assets on hand to invest in communications properties and possibly in other companies that its Board of Directors decides to be in the best interests of its shareholders. See "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations-Liquidity and Capital Resources." In that connection, during December, 1995, the Company invested approximately $8.4 million in warrants to acquire approximately 1.8 million shares of Class B Common Stock of PriCellular Corporation ("PriCellular"), a publicly held cellular telephone company of which Mr. Price is President.
During 1996, the Company purchased a total of 1,726,250 shares of PriCellular Class A Common Stock for approximately $13.1 million. The Company's Board of Directors will continue to investigate investments for the Company that it believes provide opportunities for significant returns to shareholders, including possible additional investments in PriCellular.
Due to the developments described above, the Company's historical results of operation should not be regarded as indicative of its future results.
ACQUISITION STRATEGY
The Company has significant funds available for acquisition and investment purposes. See "Business - Recent Developments." The Company continues to actively review potential acquisitions and investments. Among the possible acquisitions or investments which may be considered by the Company are: (i) subject to the availability of such properties at prices deemed prudent by the Company, making acquisitions of radio and television properties; (ii) exploring related media activities, such as newspapers, outdoor advertising companies and publishing enterprises; (iii) investing funds in media and media related securities; (iv) making additional investments in PriCellular Corporation either through the purchase of PriCellular securities or a business combination with PriCellular; and (v) other acquisition and investment opportunities which may present themselves from time to time.
I-2
To finance its acquisitions and to provide funds for other purposes, the Company may consider using a variety of sources in addition to its cash on hand, including borrowings from banks and other institutional lenders, the proceeds of debt sold to the public, seller financing, convertible preferred stock and common stock issued by the Company or its subsidiaries. Historically, the Company often acquired properties through newly organized subsidiaries, based on the credit of the properties being acquired or by borrowing or issuing securities at the parent level.
FEDERAL REGULATION OF BROADCASTING
Television and radio broadcasting (as well as some other potential communications investments of the Company) are subject to the jurisdiction of the FCC under the Communications Act of 1934, as amended ("Communications Act"). On February 8, 1996, President Clinton signed into law the Telecommunications Act of 1996 (the "New Act"), which amends substantially the Communications Act. The Communications Act, among other things, prohibits the assignment of a broadcast license or the transfer of control of a corporation holding a license without the prior approval of the FCC. Because many provisions of the New Act require regulatory actions by the FCC that have not yet occurred, the Company cannot predict the effect of any such new legislation or amendments on the Company. The businesses in which the Company may engage in the future may be subject to a greater or lesser degree of government regulation depending on the nature of such businesses.
EMPLOYEES
As of December 31, 1996, the Company employed 4 full time persons at its corporate headquarters in New York.
ITEM 2.
ITEM 2. PROPERTIES.
The Company leases office space for its headquarters in New York City. (See Note 15 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for information on minimum lease payments of the Company and its subsidiaries for the next five years.)
ITEM 3.
ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS.
None.
ITEM 4.
ITEM 4. SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS.
Not applicable.
I-3 PART II
ITEM 5.
ITEM 5. MARKET FOR COMPANY'S COMMON STOCK AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS.
a) Market for Common Stock
The Company's Common Stock is listed for trading on the American Stock Exchange ("AMEX") under the ticker symbol "PR". The range of high and low last sale prices for the Company's Common Stock on the AMEX as adjusted to reflect its April, 1995 5 for 4 stock split, and rounded to the nearest eighth for each of the four quarters of 1996 and 1995, as reported by the AMEX was:
The high and low last sale prices for the Company's Common Stock on the AMEX for February 21, 1997 as reported by the AMEX were $9 and $81/2, respectively. The Company's Common Stock has been afforded unlisted trading privileges on the Pacific Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol "PR.P", on the Chicago Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol "PR.M" and on the Boston Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol "PR.B".
b) Holders
On January 31, 1997, there were approximately 410 holders of record of the Company's Common Stock. The Company estimates that brokerage firms hold Common Stock in street name for approximately 1,700 persons.
c) Dividends
The Company, to date, has paid no cash dividends on its Common Stock. The Board of Directors will determine future dividend policy based on the Company's earnings, financial condition, capital requirements and other circumstances. It is not anticipated that dividends will be paid on its Common Stock in the foreseeable future.
ITEM 6.
ITEM 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA.
The following table sets forth certain selected consolidated financial data with
II-1 respect to the Company for each of the five years in the period ended December 31, 1996, derived from audited consolidated financial statements of the Company and Notes thereto. On December 30, 1992, the Company's consensual Plan of Reorganization became effective. A vertical black line has been placed to separate pre-organization consolidated operating statement items from the post-reorganization consolidated operating statement items since they are not prepared on a comparable basis.
CONSOLIDATED OPERATING STATEMENT ITEMS (in thousands)
(1) Reflects results of operations of WHTM-TV since its acquisition during September 1994 through December 1994 and the results of the properties disposed of through their respective dates of sale. See notes to 3 and 4 to Consolidated Financial Statements.
(2) Due to the dispositions discussed under "Business-Recent Developments," the acquisition and dispositions during 1994, the borrowings incurred to effect such acquisition, the consummation of the Plan of Reorganization and the adoption of Fresh Start Reporting, the Company's historical results should not be regarded as indicative of its future results.
(3) See Note 2 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
(4) Per share amounts for the Predecessor Company are neither comparable nor meaningful due to the forgiveness of debt, partial sale of subsidiary, issuance of new common stock and adoption of Fresh Start Reporting. All per share amounts prior to 1995 have been restated to reflect the April, 1995 5 for 4 stock split.
II-2 CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET ITEMS (in thousands, including notes)
(1) Includes $28,000 of a note payable to Bank of Montreal which was repaid upon the sale of three television stations on February 2, 1996. See "Business-Recent Developments."
(2) Net of unamortized original issue discount of $8,705 as of December 31, 1992.
ITEM 7.
ITEM 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Result of Operations
The Company reorganized and emerged from bankruptcy proceedings on December 30, 1992 and adopted Fresh Start Reporting in accordance with the guidelines established by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants in Statement of Position 90-7. Under Fresh Start Reporting, assets and liabilities were recorded at their estimated fair market value and the historical deficit was eliminated.
Due to the acquisition and dispositions discussed under "Business- General" and "Recent Developments," the borrowings incurred to effect the acquisition, the retirement of the Company's Secured Notes, the consummation of the Plan of Reorganization and adoption of Fresh Start Accounting, the Company's historical results of operations should not be regarded as indicative of its future results. The following discussion should be read in conjunction with the Consolidated Financial Statements and the Notes thereto.
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS- GENERAL
The comparability of results for future periods will be affected by dispositions during 1996, (see Notes 3 and 4 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements) and by the nature and timing of any future acquisitions or dispositions. The Company currently has disposed of all of its operating properties. Consequently, the Company will have no operating revenues and the Company's future revenues will be derived from the investment of its funds and from operating businesses which may be acquired by the Company. Future acquisitions could substantially increase the Company's operating expenses, depreciation and amortization charges and, if additional financing is required, interest expense, as well as increasing revenues. For these reasons, the results of the Company's historical operations may not be comparable from period to period or indicative of results in the future.
II-3 1996 COMPARED TO 1995
The Company's net revenue, operating expenses, depreciation and amortization, and interest expense for the year ended December 31, 1996 are not comparable to the year ended December 31, 1995 due to the disposition of all the Company's television properties during the first quarter of 1996 and the subsequent retirement of all the Company's long-term debt. During 1996, revenue decreased to only $3.5 million from $34.4 million while for the same periods operating expenses decreased to $2.2 million from approximately $16.7 million. Interest expense and depreciation and amortization expense decreased to $217,000 and $470,000 from $2.1 million and $3.5 million, respectively. All of the above-mentioned items decreased as a result of the sales of all the Company's operating properties. The sale of such properties resulted in approximately a $95.0 million pretax gain which was the primary reason for the Company's net income of $70.7 million for the year ended December 31, 1996 compared to $11.1 million in 1995.
The Company had net income per share of $7.45 as opposed to $1.06 for the year ended December 31, 1995.
1995 COMPARED TO 1994
The Company's net revenue, operating expenses, depreciation and amortization, and interest expense for the year ended December 31, 1995 are not comparable to the year ended December 31, 1994 due to the acquisition of WHTM-TV and the borrowings under the Amended Line of Credit to effect such acquisition, and the dispositions of the Company's radio properties and other assets (see Notes 3 and 4 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements). During 1995, net revenue increased by approximately 21% to $29.2 million from $24.0 million. This increase was primarily due to the acquisition of WHTM-TV the results of which were included in the Company's results for a full year as opposed to only three months in 1994. Operating expenses of the Company increased overall to $16.7 million in 1995 from $15.0 million in 1994 due to the acquisition of WHTM-TV which was owned for the full year. Depreciation and amortization expense rose to $3.5 million in 1995 from $3.3 million in 1994 primarily as a result of the amortization of intangibles associated with the acquisition of WHTM-TV, offset by a reduction in the expense due to properties sold in 1994.
The Company recognized net income of approximately $11.1 million in 1995, as compared to $14.4 million in 1994 primarily as a result of the recovery on the Fairmont Notes of approximately $7.9 million in 1995. Net income in 1994 was $14.4 million primarily due to the net gains on the sale of its radio properties of $17.2 million. Additionally, interest expense was $2.1 million in 1995 as opposed to $.8 million in 1994 as a result of the acquisition of WHTM-TV in September 1994 and the related borrowings under the Amended Line of Credit.
II-4 The Company had net income per share of $1.06 in 1995, as opposed to $1.15 in 1994.
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
The Company had approximately $83.4 million in cash and cash equivalents and net working capital of $89.8 million at December 31, 1996.
If the Company's acquisition strategy (see "Business- Acquisition Strategy") is successful the Company may require substantial capital to finance it. The Company has significant liquid assets on hand for such purposes. Additionally, the Company may use a variety of sources including the proceeds of debt sold to the public, additional borrowings from banks and other institutional leaders, seller financing, convertible preferred stock and common stock issued at the parent company or subsidiary level. There can be no assurance that the Company will be successful in obtaining funds from those sources.
The Company's sources of funds to serve its debt and meet its other obligations historically have been provided by its liquid assets, cash flow from its operating and investment activities, proceeds from the sale of properties and proceeds from loans and financings.
In March, 1995, the Company's Board of Directors authorized the repurchase by the Company of up to 1.3 million shares of its Common Stock in addition to previous authorizations. The Company is authorized to make such purchases from time to time in the market or in privately negotiated transactions. During the year ended December 31, 1996, the Company repurchased approximately 644,000 shares pursuant to that authorization.
During the months of January and February, 1997, the Company repurchased approximately 1.9 million shares for a total of approximately $18.1 million, including a block of approximately 1,000,000 shares from an institutional investor in a private transaction for approximately $10.6 million. During February, 1997, the Company's Board of Directors authorized the purchase of up to 2 million additional shares of the Company's Common Stock in addition to previous purchases.
II-5 ITEM 8.
ITEM 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data
Price Communications Corporation and Subsidiaries Consolidated Financial Statements are set forth on the following pages of this Part II.
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PRICE COMMUNICATIONS CORPORATION SUBSIDIARY
CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Auditors' Reports
Consolidated Balance Sheets at December 31, 1996 and 1995
Consolidated Statements of Operations for Years ended December 31, 1996, 1995 and 1994
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for Years ended December 31, 1996, 1995 and 1994
Consolidated Statements of Shareholders' Equity for Years ended December 31, 1996, 1995 and 1994
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
ITEM 9.
ITEM 9. Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure
Not applicable.
Schedule 1- Condensed Financial Information of Registrant-as of December 31, 1996 and for the years ended December 31, 1995 and 1994
Schedule II- Valuation and Qualifications Accounts , for the years ended December 31, 1996, 1995 and 1994
II-6 ARTHUR ANDERSEN LLP
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS
To the Board of Directors and Shareholders of Price Communications Corporation:
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Price Communications Corporation and subsidiaries (a New York corporation) as of December 31, 1996 and 1995, and the related consolidated statements of operations, shareholders' equity and cash flows for the years then ended. These consolidated financial statements and the schedules referred to below are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these consolidated financial statements and schedules based on our audits.
We conducted our audits in accordance with generally accepted auditing standards. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Price Communications Corporation and subsidiaries as of December 31, 1996 and 1995, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for the years then ended in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles.
Our audits were made for the purpose of forming an opinion on the basic financial statements taken as a whole. The schedules listed in the accompanying index are presented for purposes of complying with the Securities and Exchange Commissions rules and are not a required part of the basic financial statements. These schedules have been subjected to the auditing procedures applied in the audits of the basic financial statements and, in our opinion, fairly state in all material respects the financial data required to be set forth therein in relation to the basic financial statements taken as a whole.
/s/ ARTHUR ANDERSEN LLP
New York, New York February 24, 1997
[KPMG Peat Marwick LLP Letterhead]
Independent Auditors' Report
The Board of Directors and Shareholders Price Communications Corporation:
We have audited the accompanying consolidated statements of operations, cash flows, and shareholders' equity of Price Communications Corporation and subsidiaries for the year ended December 31, 1994. In connection with our audit of the consolidated financial statements, we have also audited the related financial statement schedules as listed in Part IV, Item 14(a). These consolidated financial statements and financial statement schedules are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these consolidated financial statements and financial statement schedules based on our audit.
We conducted our audit in accordance with generally accepted auditing standards. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.
In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the results of operations and cash flows of Price Communications Corporation and subsidiaries for the year ended December 31, 1994 in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles. Also in our opinion, the related financial statement schedules, when considered in relation to the basic consolidated financial statements taken as a whole present fairly, in all material respects, the information set forth therein.
/s/ KPMG Peat Marwick LLP KPMG Peat Marwick LLP
New York, New York January 20, 1995
PRICE COMMUNICATIONS CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
DECEMBER 31, 1996 AND 1995
The accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements are an integral part of these balance sheets.
PRICE COMMUNICATIONS CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1996, 1995 AND 1994
The accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements are an integral part of these statements.
PRICE COMMUNICATIONS CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1996, 1995 AND 1994
The accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements are an integral part of these statements.
PRICE COMMUNICATIONS CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1996, 1995 AND 1994
The accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements are an integral part of these statements.
PRICE COMMUNICATIONS CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
DECEMBER 31, 1996, 1995 AND 1994
1. OPERATIONS
Price Communications Corporation ("Price" or the "Company") is a nationwide communications company. Until consummation of their sale in March and February 1996, the Company owned an ABC affiliate, WHTM-TV (which was acquired by the Company during 1994) (See Note 3), serving Harrisburg/Lancaster/Lebanon/York, Pennsylvania; and three NBC affiliated television stations, KSNF-TV, serving Joplin, Missouri/Pittsburg, Kansas; KJAC-TV, serving Beaumont/Port Arthur, Texas; and KFDX-TV, serving Wichita Falls, Texas/Lawton, Oklahoma (see Note 4), respectively. Prior to 1995 the Company owned a number of television, radio, newspaper and other media and related properties which were disposed of pursuant to the Company's long-standing policy of buying and selling media properties at times deemed advantageous by the Company's Board of Directors. The Company intends to continue to investigate and pursue potential media and other acquisitions such as television and radio properties and, possibly, outdoor advertising and newspaper properties.
2. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Basis of Presentation
The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Price and its subsidiaries. All significant intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in the consolidated financial statements.
Certain prior year amounts have been reclassified to conform with current year presentation.
Estimates
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the financial statements and accompanying notes. Actual results could differ from these estimates.
Cash and Cash Equivalents
The Company considers all highly liquid debt instruments, including Treasury bills, purchased with maturities of three months or less at the time of purchase to be cash equivalents.
Investment Securities
The Company adopted Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 115, "Accounting for Certain Investments in Debt and Equity Securities" ("SFAS No. 115") effective January 1, 1994. At December 31, 1996, the Company's Investment Securities were in marketable equity securities, and classified as "Trading Securities" as well as "Available-for-Sale Securities" under the provisions of SFAS No. 115. At December 31, 1995, the Company's Investment Securities were in marketable equity securities and classified as Trading Securities. Unrealized holding gains and losses for Available-for-Sale Securities are excluded from earnings and reported, net of taxes, as a separate component of shareholders' equity. Net unrealized holding gains and losses for Trading Securities are included in net income.
Trading Securities are carried at fair value which approximates cost. Available-for-Sale Securities are shown at fair value, which is based on quoted market prices for these investments.
Property and Equipment
Property and equipment are recorded at cost. Depreciation and amortization are computed using the straight-line method over estimated useful lives, as follows:
Buildings- 15 to 25 years Broadcasting equipment- 10 to 12 years Leasehold improvements- the life of the underlying lease Furniture and fixtures- 3 to 10 years Transportation equipment- 3 years
Broadcast Licenses and Other Intangibles
Excess of purchase price over the fair value of net assets acquired includes FCC licenses, station call letters, and goodwill. These assets are integral determinants of a communications property's economic value and have long and productive lives. The Company amortized such assets over a 40-year life commencing from the original date of acquisition.
Deferred expenses associated with debt instruments were amortized under the straight-line method over the respective life of such debt instruments. Debt discounts were amortized using the effective interest method.
Film Broadcast Rights
The cost of film broadcast rights is stated at the lower of cost or estimated net realizable value. The total cost of the rights is recorded as an asset and a liability when the program becomes available for broadcast. The cost of film broadcast rights is charged to operations on the basis of the estimated number of showings or, if unlimited showings are permitted, over the terms of the broadcast license agreements. The current portion of film broadcast rights represent those rights that will be amortized in the succeeding year. Amortization of film broadcast rights included in operating expenses amounted to approximately $333,800, $1,831,300, and $1,077,000 for the years ended December 31, 1996, 1995, and 1994, respectively.
Revenue Recognition
Advertising revenue is recognized as income when the advertisements are broadcast.
Revenue from barter transactions (advertising provided in exchange for goods and services) is recognized as income when advertisements are broadcast, and merchandise or services received are charged to expense when received or used.
Credit Risk
The Company provides an allowance for doubtful accounts based on reviews of its customers' accounts. Included in operating expenses is bad debt expense of approximately $179,000, $84,000, and $319,000 for the years ended December 31, 1996, 1995, and 1994, respectively.
Per Share Data
Net income per share is based on net income for the period divided by the weighted average number of shares of common stock and common stock equivalents outstanding, which were approximately 9.5, 10.4, and 12.4 million shares for 1996, 1995, and 1994, respectively. All presentations of shares outstanding and amounts for 1995 and 1994 have been restated to reflect the five-for-four common stock split in April, 1995 (Note 13).
Fair Market Value of Stock Options
During 1996, Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 123 "Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation" ("SFAS 123") became effective. SFAS 123 requires all companies to change what they disclose about their employee stock-based compensation plans. This statement requires that companies either (1) record, as compensation expense, the fair market value, as defined, of stock options issued to employees, or (2) if the company elects to not record the fair market value of stock options granted as compensation expense, to disclose the pro forma impact on net income and earnings per share as if such compensation expense was recorded. The Company has elected to adopt the disclosure requirements.
The impact of adopting these disclosure requirements was immaterial to the Company in 1995 and 1996.
Income Taxes
The Company accounts for income taxes in accordance with the provisions of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 109, "Accounting for Income Taxes" ("SFAS No. 109"). Under the asset and liability method of SFAS 109, deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled.
3. ACQUISITION OF WHTM-TV
On September 16, 1994, the Company acquired all of the outstanding shares of the corporation which owns all of the assets of WHTM-TV, the ABC affiliate serving the Harrisburg-York-Lancaster-Lebanon, Pennsylvania television market for approximately $47 million plus a working capital adjustment of approximately $4 million. The acquisition was accounted for under the purchase method, and accordingly, the operating results of WHTM-TV have been included in the consolidated operating results since the date of acquisition. Funds for the acquisition were provided by cash on hand and a credit facility from the Bank of Montreal ("BMO") of $45 million (Note 9), which was reduced to $22.5 million upon the sale of the Company's radio properties in West Palm Beach during October of 1994 (Note 4). The acquisition resulted in intangible assets, primarily broadcast licenses of approximately $44.2 million and goodwill of approximately $18.6 million, both of which were being amortized over a forty year period.
4. DISPOSITIONS
In February 1994, the Company sold its outdoor advertising business for a total of $875,000 in cash and notes receivable (Note 5). This disposition resulted in a pretax loss of $350,000.
In April 1994, the Company sold substantially all of the assets of its radio properties, WWKB-AM and WKSE-FM in Buffalo, New York, for $5 million in cash. The Company realized a pretax gain of approximately $3.2 million on this transaction.
In May 1994, the Company sold all of the stock of Eimar Realty Corporation, its then wholly owned subsidiary, which held a building in Nashville, Tennessee, to TLM Corporation, a former subsidiary of the Company. The purchase price was $815,000 including a note from the purchaser of $540,000 (Note 5). The Company's pretax gain on the transaction was deminimis.
In October 1994, the Company sold substantially all of the assets, together with certain liabilities of radio stations WBZT-AM and WIRK-FM, West Palm Beach, Florida, for approximately $23 million in cash. The Company realized a pretax gain of approximately $13.5 million on this transaction. The net proceeds were used to retire $22.5 million under the BMO credit facility (Note 9).
In October 1994, the Company sold its building in Red Bank, New Jersey for $1.7 million in cash. The Company realized a deminimis gain on the sale.
In November 1994, the Company sold substantially all of the assets of radio stations WOWO-AM and WOWO-FM in Fort Wayne and Huntington, Indiana, respectively, for $2.3 million in cash. The Company recognized a pretax gain on the sale of approximately $.8 million.
On February 2, 1996, the Company sold substantially all of the assets, except cash and accounts receivable, together with certain liabilities, of its three NBC affiliates, for approximately $40.7 million in cash. Of the sale proceeds, approximately $28.7 million was used to repay the principal and interest due under the BMO term loan agreement. The Company recognized a pre-tax gain of approximately $29.4 million.
On March 1, 1996, the Company sold substantially all of the assets except cash and accounts receivable, together with certain liabilities of WHTM-TV, its ABC affiliate serving the Harrisburg-Lancaster-Lebanon-York, Pennsylvania, television market, for $115 million in cash to Allbritton Communications Company. The Company recognized a pre-tax gain of approximately $65.6 million.
The gains and losses on the dispositions outlined above have been included in other (income) expense, net on the Company's statement of operations.
5. NOTES RECEIVABLE
Investments in notes receivable include the following:
During 1996, the Company loaned $1,000,000 to the Hamilton Group LLC ("Hamilton") in the form of a Promissory Note bearing interest at the rate of 6% and payable on December 31, 1999. The maturity date is extendible at the Maker's option until December 31, 2001. A Director of the Company is a participant in Hamilton.
In 1995 the Company received a $655,000 payment on a note receivable originating from the sale of its outdoor advertising business in 1994. During 1994, the Company set up a reserve of $337,500 against this note receivable. Since this note receivable was collected in full, the previously established reserve was reversed and treated as income and included in other (income) expense, net on the Company's consolidated statement of operations.
During 1994, in connection with the sale of Eimar Realty Corporation, the Company received a note from the buyer, TLM Corporation (a former subsidiary of the Company) (Note 4), in the amount of $540,000. The note bears interest at the rate of 5% per annum, payable quarterly, with principal payable on May 20, 1998.
In connection with the sale in 1987 of seven radio stations to Fairmont Communications Corporation ("Fairmont") for an aggregate sale price of $120 million, the Company loaned $50 million to Fairmont (the "Fairmont Notes") and acquired a 27% equity interest in Fairmont. The Fairmont Notes were issued in three series of 12 1/2% increasing rate subordinated notes due in 1992, extendible at Fairmont's option to 1994. Interest on the notes was payable quarterly in cash or additional notes at Fairmont's election.
During 1992, Fairmont filed for voluntary relief under Chapter 11 of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code. At that time the Company ceased to record additional notes related to interest paid in kind since it was not entitled to interest after that date under the Bankruptcy Code.
During 1993, the United States Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of New York confirmed the Chapter 11 Plan of Reorganization (the "Fairmont Plan") for Fairmont and its subsidiaries. Essentially, the Fairmont Plan provided for the orderly liquidation of the assets of Fairmont and its subsidiaries, and the distribution of the proceeds derived therefrom according to the relative priorities of the parties asserting interests therein. In 1996 and 1995, the Company received net cash payments totaling approximately $62.5 thousand and $7.9 million from the proceeds of the liquidation of Fairmont, respectively. This amount has been treated as income and included in other (income) expense, net on the Company's consolidated statement of operations.
6. INVESTMENT IN PARTIALLY OWNED COMPANIES
On December 21, 1995, the Company acquired warrants for $8,350,000 to purchase 1,819,610 shares of PriCellular Corporation's ("PriCellular") Class B Common Stock. The exercise price at December 31, 1996 was approximately $4.77 per share of Class B Common Stock, and escalates over the next three years to $6.29. During 1996, the Company purchased 1,726,250 shares of PriCellular Class A Common Stock for approximately $13.1 million.
The President of PriCellular is the President of the Company.
7. PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT
Property and equipment consists of the following:
8. OTHER LIABILITIES
Other liabilities consist of:
9. LONG-TERM DEBT
Long-term debt consists of the following notes payable by wholly-owned subsidiaries of the Company at December 31, 1995:
On December 12, 1995, the Company entered into an amended line of credit agreement ("Credit Agreement") with The Bank of Montreal ("BMO"). The Credit Agreement created a line of credit for $28 million. Borrowings under the Credit Agreement were subject to base interest at the BMO base rate, as defined, plus a maximum of .75% and were secured by the assets of the subsidiaries. Additionally, there was a commitment fee of .5% on the unused portion of the Credit Agreement. On December 31, 1995, the effective interest rate was 8.5%.
On February 2, 1996, the Company sold its three NBC affiliates and used a portion of the proceeds to pay $28 million plus interest to BMO to terminate the Credit Agreement.
10. INCOME TAXES
Provision (benefit) for income taxes is approximately:
For the years ended December 31, 1996 and 1995, the provision for income taxes differs from the amount computed by applying the federal income tax rate (35%) because of the effect of the following items:
The Company had, as of December 31, 1996 and 1995, deferred tax assets of $516,000 and $34,295,000 which were subject to a valuation allowance of approximately $166,000 and $31,925,000, respectively. The allowance has been recognized to offset the related tax asset due to the uncertainty of the realization of benefit of such amount. These deferred tax assets and liabilities consist of the following:
11. OTHER INCOME, NET
Other income, net, consists of:
12. SEGMENT DATA
The Company's business operations were previously classified into two segments: Television and Radio Broadcasting and Other. The Company sold its radio stations and outdoor advertising business during 1994 and accordingly operated in only one segment in 1996 and 1995. The segment data for 1994 is as follows:
*Operating income (loss) is before corporate expenses, other income-net, interest expense, amortization of debt discount and deferred debt expense, share of loss of partially owned companies, reorganization items, income taxes and extraordinary items.
13. SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
The Company currently has outstanding warrants on its common stock exercisable for approximately 124,000 shares at an exercise price of $4.23 per share during the five-year period ending September 30, 1998.
In October 1994, the Company's Board of Directors enacted a Stockholders' Rights Plan (the "Plan") designed to protect the interests of the Company's shareholders in the event of a potential takeover for a price which does not reflect the Company's full value or which is conducted in a manner or on terms not approved by the Board as being in the best interests of the Company and its shareholders. The Board has declared a dividend distribution of One Common Stock Purchase Right on each outstanding share of Common Stock of the Company. The Rights provide, in substance, that should any person or group acquire 20% or more of the Company's Common Stock, each Right, other than Rights held by the acquiring person or group, would entitle its holder
to purchase a specified number of Price Communications Corporation common shares for 50% of their then current market value. In addition, the Rights may be exercised at the holders option, at a purchase price of $22.50 per share at any time prior to the termination of the Plan. Unless a 20% acquisition has occurred, the Rights may be redeemed by the Company at any time prior to the termination date of the Plan.
On February 10, 1994, the Company's Board of Directors authorized the repurchase by the Company of up to 2,500,000 shares of its Common Stock. The Company is authorized to make such purchases from time to time in the market or in privately negotiated transactions when it is legally permissible to do so or believed to be in the best interests of its shareholders. During the year ended December 31, 1994, the Company repurchased and retired approximately 1,245,000 shares pursuant to that authorization.
On February 1, 1995, Price purchased 1,077,875 shares of its common stock from S.A.C. Capital Management, L.P. for approximately $6.6 million. This transaction was approved by the Company's Board of Directors. The Company paid a premium over the daily quoted market price of approximately $1.2 million that is recorded as other (income) expense on the Company's consolidated statement of operations.
In March 1995, at the Company's Annual Meeting, the shareholders authorized the creation of 20 million shares of undesignated Preferred Stock for acquisitions and other purposes. No preferred stock had been issued as of December 31, 1996.
On April 8, 1995, the Company's Board of Directors approved a five-for-four stock split of the Company's Common Stock to shareholders of record as of the close of business on March 27, 1995. The Company issued approximately 2 million shares of Common Stock. The stated par value of each share was not changed from $.01. All presentations of shares outstanding and amounts per share in years prior to 1995 have been restated to reflect the 1995 stock split.
In March 1995, the Company's Board of Directors authorized the purchase of up to 1.3 million shares of its Common Stock in the open market or in privately negotiated transactions when it is legally permissible to do so or believed to be in the best interest of Price's shareholders, in addition to previous authorizations. Approximately 644,000 and 1.7 million shares were purchased and retired in 1996 and 1995, respectively, under this new authorization and previous authorizations.
14. STOCK OPTION PLAN
The Company has a long-term incentive plan, (the "1992 Long Term Incentive Plan") which provides for granting incentive stock options, as defined under current tax law, and other stock-based incentives to key employees and officers. The maximum number of shares of the Company that are subject to awards granted under the 1992 Long Term Incentive Plan is 1,250,000. The exercise of such options, other than those granted on December 10, 1992, will be exercisable at a price not less than the fair market value on the date of the grant, for a period up to ten years.
The following table sets forth information with respect to the Company's stock options for the years ended December 31, 1996 and 1995:
The above has been restated to reflect the April, 1995 five-for-four common stock split.
15. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
The Company is involved in various claims and litigation in the ordinary course of business. In the opinion of legal counsel and management, the ultimate disposition of these matters will not have a material adverse effect on the Company's financial condition.
The Company has an employment agreement with Robert Price covering base salary and incentive compensation. The agreement is for a term of three years commencing October 1994, at a base salary of $300,000 and is extendible for periods of three years at the Company's option. Cash performance bonuses and stock option awards are determined solely at the discretion of the Board of Directors or the Stock Option Committee, respectively.
The Company and its subsidiaries lease a variety of assets used in their operations, including office space. Renewal options are available in the majority of leases. The following is a schedule of the Company's minimum rental commitment for operating leases of real and personal property for each of the five years subsequent to 1996 and in the aggregate:
Rental expense, net of sublease income, for operating leases was approximately $158,000, $187,250 and $312,000 for the years ended December 31, 1996, 1995, and 1994, respectively.
16. SUBSEQUENT EVENTS
In January and February 1997, the Company purchased 50,000 shares of PriCellular's Class A Common Stock for approximately $478,000.
In January and February 1997, the Company repurchased 1.9 million shares of its Common Stock in the open market and in privately negotiated transactions for approximately $18.1 million.
17. SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION
The following is supplemental disclosure cash flow information for the years ended December 31, 1996, 1995, and 1994:
PRICE COMMUNICATIONS CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES SCHEDULE I - CONDENSED FINANCIAL INFORMATION OF REGISTRANT BALANCE SHEET DECEMBER 31, 1995
* Eliminated in consolidation
PRICE COMMUNICATIONS CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES SCHEDULE I - CONDENSED FINANCIAL INFORMATION OF REGISTRANT STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
PRICE COMMUNICATIONS CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES SCHEDULE I - CONDENSED FINANCIAL INFORMATION OF REGISTRANT STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
* Eliminated in consolidation PRICE COMMUNICATIONS CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
SCHEDULE II - VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS
DECEMBER 1996, 1995 AND 1994
(a) Amounts written off as uncollectible and payments. (b) Includes adjustments for the disposition and acquisition of properties.
PART III
The information called for by Items 10, 11, 12 and 13 is incorporated herein by reference from the following portions of the definitive proxy statement to be filed by the Company in connection with its 1996 Meeting of Shareholders.
Item Incorporated from ---- -----------------
ITEM 10.
ITEM 10. Directors and Executive "Directors and Executive Officers of the Company Officers"
ITEM 11.
ITEM 11. Executive Compensation "Executive Compensation" and "Related Transactions"
ITEM 12.
ITEM 12. Security Ownership of "Principal Shareholders" Certain Beneficial and "Security Ownership of Owners and Management Management"
ITEM 13.
ITEM 13. Certain Relationships "Executive Compensation" and Related Transactions and " Related Transactions"
III-1 PART IV
ITEM 14.
ITEM 14. EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES, AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K
(a)(1) and (2) List of financial statements and financial statement schedules:
Independent Auditors' Reports Consolidated Balance Sheets at December 31, 1996 and 1995 Consolidated Statements of Operations for Years ended December 31, 1996, 1995 and 1994 Consolidated Statements of Shareholders' Equity for Years ended December 31, 1996, 1995 and 1994 Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Years ended December 31, 1996, 1995 and 1994 Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
I. Condensed Financial Information of Registrant II. Valuation and Qualifying Accounts
(Schedules other than those listed are omitted for the reason that they are not required or are not applicable or the required information is shown in the financial statements or notes thereto.)
(3) Exhibits
See Exhibit Index at page E-1, which is incorporated herein by reference.
(b) Reports on Form 8-K.
None.
IV-1 SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 and 15 (d) of the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, the Company has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
PRICE COMMUNICATIONS CORPORATION
By /s/ Robert Price ----------------------------------------- Robert Price, President
Dated: March 1, 1997
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the Company and in the capacities and on the dates indicated. Each person whose signature appears below hereby authorizes and appoints Robert Price as his attorney-in-fact to sign and file in his behalf individually and in each capacity stated below any and all amendments to this Annual Report.
Dated: March 1, 1997 By /s/ Robert Price ----------------------------------------- Robert Price, Director and President (Principal Executive Officer, Financial Officer and Accounting Officer)
Dated: March 1, 1997 By /s/ George H. Cadgene ------------------------------------------ George H. Cadgene, Director
Dated: March 1, 1997 By /s/ Robert F. Ellsworth ------------------------------------------ Robert F. Ellsworth, Director
Dated: March 1, 1997 By /s/ Kim I. Pressman ------------------------------------------ Kim I. Pressman, Director