nextq310.htm
 
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, DC 20549
  
FORM 10-Q
  
x
QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
 
For the quarterly period ended September 30, 2010
OR
 
¨
TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
 
For the transition period from             to             .
 
Commission File Number: 000-50478
 
NEXSTAR BROADCASTING GROUP, INC.
(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in its Charter)
 
 
Delaware
23-3083125
(State of Organization or Incorporation)
(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
   
5215 N. O’Connor Blvd., Suite 1400, Irving, Texas
75057
(Address of Principal Executive Offices)
(Zip Code)
(972) 373-8800
(Registrant’s Telephone Number, Including Area Code)
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant: (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that it was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.    Yes  x     No  ¨
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).    Yes  ¨    No  ¨
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (check one):
 
Large accelerated filer
¨
Accelerated filer
¨
       
Non-accelerated filer
x  
Smaller reporting company
¨
(Do not check if a smaller reporting company)
   
 
Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).    Yes  ¨    No  x
 
As of November 1, 2010 the registrant had outstanding:
 
15,030,839 shares of Class A Common Stock
and 13,411,588 shares of Class B Common Stock

 
 

 


TABLE OF CONTENTS

   
Page
PART I
FINANCIAL INFORMATION
 
     
ITEM 1.
Financial Statements (Unaudited)
 
     
 
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets at September 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009
1
     
 
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2010 and 2009
2
     
 
Condensed Consolidated Statement of Changes in Stockholders’ Deficit for the nine months ended September 30, 2010
3
     
 
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the nine months ended September 30, 2010 and 2009
4
     
 
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
5
     
ITEM 2.
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
28
     
ITEM 3.
Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk
38
     
ITEM 4.
Controls and Procedures
38
     
PART II
OTHER INFORMATION
 
     
ITEM 1.
Legal Proceedings
39
     
ITEM 1A.
Risk Factors
39
     
ITEM 2.
Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds
39
     
ITEM 3.
Defaults Upon Senior Securities
39
     
ITEM 4.
Reserved
39
     
ITEM 5.
Other Information
39
     
ITEM 6.
Exhibits
40
   
EXHIBIT INDEX
 

 
 

 

PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION
ITEM 1.
Financial Statements
 
NEXSTAR BROADCASTING GROUP, INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(in thousands, except share information, unaudited)
 
   
September 30,
2010
   
December 31,
2009
 
ASSETS
           
Current assets:
           
Cash and cash equivalents
 
$
17,763
   
$
12,752
 
Accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $881 and $844, respectively
   
59,400
     
62,860
 
Current portion of broadcast rights
   
21,073
     
15,414
 
Prepaid expenses and other current assets
   
2,127
     
1,845
 
Deferred tax asset
   
15
     
15
 
                 
Total current assets
   
100,378
     
92,886
 
                 
Property and equipment, net
   
139,553
     
144,281
 
Broadcast rights
   
14,603
     
10,701
 
Goodwill
   
109,059
     
109,059
 
FCC licenses
   
127,487
     
127,487
 
Other intangible assets, net
   
108,365
     
126,216
 
Other noncurrent assets
   
7,553
     
8,605
 
Deferred tax asset
   
580
     
591
 
                 
Total assets
 
$
607,578
   
$
619,826
 
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ DEFICIT
               
Current liabilities:
               
Current portion of debt
 
$
1,000
   
$
7,085
 
Current portion of broadcast rights payable
   
21,953
     
16,447
 
Accounts payable
   
7,606
     
6,812
 
Accrued expenses
   
14,343
     
12,189
 
Taxes payable
   
303
     
363
 
Interest payable
   
16,927
     
4,625
 
Deferred revenue
   
6,024
     
7,424
 
Other liabilities
   
1,066
     
1,066
 
                 
Total current liabilities
   
69,222
     
56,011
 
                 
Debt
   
644,959
     
663,289
 
Broadcast rights payable
   
16,244
     
12,469
 
Deferred tax liabilities
   
42,766
     
38,433
 
Deferred revenue
   
1,544
     
1,999
 
Deferred gain on sale of assets
   
4,167
     
4,495
 
Deferred representation fee incentive
   
5,117
     
5,583
 
Other liabilities
   
13,414
     
13,810
 
                 
Total liabilities
   
797,433
     
796,089
 
                 
Commitments and contingencies
               
                 
Stockholders’ deficit:
               
Preferred stock - $0.01 par value, authorized 200,000 shares; none issued and outstanding at each of September 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009
   
     
 
Common Stock:
               
Class A Common - $0.01 par value, authorized 100,000,000 shares; issued and outstanding 15,020,839 at September 30, 2010 and 15,018,839 at December 31, 2009
   
150
     
150
 
Class B Common - $0.01 par value, authorized 20,000,000 shares; issued and outstanding 13,411,588 at each of September 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009
   
134
     
134
 
Class C Common - $0.01 par value, authorized 5,000,000 shares; none issued and outstanding at each of September 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009
   
     
 
Additional paid-in capital
   
402,590
     
400,093
 
Accumulated deficit
   
(592,729
)
   
(576,640
)
Total stockholders’ deficit
   
(189,855
)
   
(176,263
)
                 
Total liabilities and stockholders’ deficit
 
$
607,578
   
$
619,826
 
 
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements.

 
1

 

NEXSTAR BROADCASTING GROUP, INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(in thousands, except per share amounts, unaudited)
 
   
Three Months Ended
September 30,
   
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 
   
2010
   
2009
   
2010
   
2009
 
             
Net revenue
 
$
73,126
   
$
60,399
   
$
216,294
   
$
178,019
 
                                 
Operating expenses:
                               
Direct operating expenses (exclusive of depreciation and amortization shown separately below)
   
19,669
     
18,726
     
58,232
     
56,867
 
Selling, general, and administrative expenses (exclusive of depreciation and amortization shown separately below and inclusive of $1,600 one-time non-cash stock-based compensation expense from May 2010 stock option repricing)
   
23,986
     
21,628
     
71,990
     
66,280
 
Restructure charge
   
     
     
     
670
 
Non-cash contract termination fees
   
     
     
     
191
 
Impairment of goodwill and intangible assets
   
     
16,164
     
     
16,164
 
Amortization of broadcast rights
   
5,421
     
8,770
     
15,728
     
19,495
 
Amortization of intangible assets
   
5,932
     
5,936
     
17,851
     
17,772
 
Depreciation
   
5,252
     
5,413
     
15,889
     
16,003
 
Gain on asset exchange
   
     
(2,612
)
   
(30
)
   
(6,710
)
Loss (gain) on asset disposal, net
   
10
     
7
     
(4
)
   
(2,813
)
                                 
Total operating expenses
   
60,270
     
74,032
     
179,656
     
183,919
 
Income (loss) from operations
   
12,856
     
(13,633
)
   
36,638
     
(5,900
)
Interest expense, including amortization of debt financing costs
   
(14,310
)
   
(8,668
)
   
(40,158
)
   
(27,433
)
(Loss) gain on extinguishment of debt
   
(65
)
   
     
(7,874
)
   
18,567
 
Interest and other income
   
1
     
5
     
5
     
50
 
                                 
Loss before income taxes
   
(1,518
)
   
(22,296
)
   
(11,389
)
   
(14,716
)
Income tax (expense) benefit
   
(1,477
)
   
3,905
     
(4,700
)
   
1,135
 
Net loss
 
$
(2,995
)
 
$
(18,391
)
 
$
(16,089
)
 
$
(13,581
)
Net loss per common share:
                               
Basic and diluted
 
$
(0.11
)
 
$
(0.65
)
 
$
(0.57
)
 
$
(0.48
)
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding:
                               
Basic and diluted
   
28,432
     
28,426
     
28,431
     
28,426
 
 
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements.

 
2

 

NEXSTAR BROADCASTING GROUP, INC.
 
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDERS’ DEFICIT
For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2010
(in thousands, except share information, unaudited)
 
               
Common Stock
                   
   
Preferred Stock
   
Class A
   
Class B
   
Class C
                   
   
Shares
   
Amount
   
Shares
   
Amount
   
Shares
   
Amount
   
Shares
   
Amount
   
Additional Paid-In Capital
   
Accumulated Deficit
   
Total Stockholders’ Deficit
 
Balance at December 31, 2009
        $       15,018,839     $ 150       13,411,588     $ 134           $     $ 400,093     $ (576,640 )   $ (176,263 )
Stock-based compensation expense
                                                    2,495             2,495  
Issuance of common shares related to exercise of stock options
                2,000                                     2             2  
Net loss
                                                          (16,089 )     (16,089 )
Balance at September 30, 2010
        $       15,020,839     $ 150       13,411,588     $ 134           $     $ 402,590     $ (592,729 )   $ (189,855 )
 
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements.

 
3

 

NEXSTAR BROADCASTING GROUP, INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(in thousands, unaudited)
 
   
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 
   
2010
   
2009
 
       
Cash flows from operating activities:
           
Net loss
 
$
(16,089
)
 
$
(13,581
)
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash provided by operating activities:
               
Deferred income taxes
   
4,344
     
(1,467
)
Provision for bad debts
   
1,026
     
783
 
Depreciation of property and equipment
   
15,889
     
16,003
 
Amortization of intangible assets
   
17,851
     
17,772
 
Amortization of debt financing costs
   
1,646
     
759
 
Amortization of broadcast rights, excluding barter
   
7,221
     
10,578
 
Payments for broadcast rights
   
(7,422
)
   
(6,811
)
Payment-in-kind interest accrued to debt
   
723
     
3,816
 
Gain on asset exchange
   
(30
)
   
(6,710
)
Gain on asset disposal, net
   
(4
)
   
(2,813
)
Loss (gain) on extinguishment of debt
   
7,874
     
(18,567
)
Premium on debt extinguishment, net
   
(1,335
)
   
 
PIK interest paid upon debt repayment
   
(7,005
)
   
 
Deferred gain recognition
   
(328
)
   
(327
)
Amortization of debt discount
   
7,253
     
4,728
 
Amortization of deferred representation fee incentive
   
(466
)
   
(457
)
Impairment of goodwill and intangible assets
   
     
16,164
 
Stock-based compensation expense
   
2,495
     
1,112
 
Non-cash contract termination fee
   
     
191
 
Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net of acquisitions:
               
Accounts receivable
   
2,434
     
(2,602
)
Prepaid expenses and other current assets
   
(282
)
   
(963
)
Other noncurrent assets
   
(91
)
   
250
 
Accounts payable and accrued expenses
   
3,040
     
(1,775
)
Taxes payable
   
(60
)
   
(189
)
Interest payable
   
12,302
     
(4,316
)
Deferred revenue
   
(1,855
)
   
(2,081
)
Other noncurrent liabilities
   
(396
)
   
337
 
                 
Net cash provided by operating activities
   
48,735
     
9,834
 
                 
Cash flows from investing activities:
               
Purchases of property and equipment
   
(11,882
)
   
(14,347
)
Proceeds from sale of assets
   
     
97
 
Acquisition of broadcast properties and related transaction costs
   
     
(20,756
)
Proceeds from insurance on casualty loss
   
459
     
4,900
 
                 
Net cash used in investing activities
   
(11,423
)
   
(30,106
)
                 
Cash flows from financing activities:
               
Repayment of long-term debt and revolver loan
   
(342,225
)
   
(12,575
)
Consideration paid to bond holders for debt exchange
   
     
(17,677
)
Payment of debt finance cost
   
(4,187
)
   
 
Consideration paid for debt extinguishment
   
(2,730
)
   
 
Proceeds from issuance of debt and revolver draws
   
316,839
     
54,000
 
Proceeds from exercise of stock options
   
2
     
13
 
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities
   
(32,301
)
   
23,761
 
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents
   
5,011
     
3,489
 
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period
   
12,752
     
15,834
 
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
 
$
17,763
   
$
19,323
 
Supplemental information:
               
Cash paid for:
               
Interest
 
$
18,080
   
$
22,228
 
Income taxes, net
 
$
416
   
$
523
 
                 
Non-cash activities:
               
Accrued purchases of property and equipment
 
$
382
   
$
1,257
 
Accrued debt finance costs
 
$
204
   
$
 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements.

 
4

 

NEXSTAR BROADCASTING GROUP, INC.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 
1.
Organization and Business Operations
 
As of September 30, 2010, Nexstar Broadcasting Group, Inc. (“Nexstar”) owned, operated, programmed or provided sales and other services to 59 television stations, all of which were affiliated with the NBC, ABC, CBS, Fox, MyNetworkTV, The CW, This TV, LATV, Azteca America or Telemundo television networks, in markets located in New York, Pennsylvania, Illinois, Indiana, Missouri, Texas, Louisiana, Arkansas, Alabama, Utah, Florida, Montana, Rhode Island and Maryland. Through various local service agreements, Nexstar provided sales, programming and other services to stations owned and/or operated by independent third parties. Nexstar operates in one reportable television broadcasting segment. The economic characteristics, services, production process, customer type and distribution methods for Nexstar’s operations are substantially similar and are therefore aggregated as a single reportable segment.
 
Nexstar is highly leveraged, which makes it vulnerable to changes in general economic conditions. Nexstar’s ability to repay or refinance its debt will depend on, among other things, financial, business, market, competitive and other conditions, many of which are beyond Nexstar’s control.
 
Disruptions in the capital and credit markets, as have been experienced in recent years, could adversely affect our ability to draw on our bank revolving credit facilities. Our access to funds under the revolving credit facilities is dependent on the ability of the banks that are parties to the facilities to meet their funding commitments. Those banks may not be able to meet their funding commitments to us if they experience shortages of capital and liquidity or if they experience excessive volumes of borrowing requests from us and other borrowers within a short period of time.
 
Unless the context indicates otherwise, “Nexstar” refers to Nexstar Broadcasting Group, Inc. and its consolidated subsidiaries Nexstar Finance Holdings, Inc. ("Nexstar Holdings") and Nexstar Broadcasting, Inc. ("Nexstar Broadcasting"), and “Mission” refers to Mission Broadcasting, Inc. All references to “we,” “our,” and “us” refer to Nexstar. All references to the “Company” refer to Nexstar and Mission collectively.
 
Liquidity
 
In April 2010, the Company completed the issuance and sale of $325.0 million aggregate principal of senior secured second lien notes due 2017 (the “Notes”). The net proceeds to Nexstar Broadcasting and Mission from the sale of the Notes were approximately $316.8 million, net of approximately $8.2 million original issuance discount. The Notes will mature on April 15, 2017. Interest on the Notes accrues at a rate of 8.875% per annum and is payable semiannually in arrears on April 15 and October 15 of each year, commencing on October 15, 2010.  The Company also refinanced its bank credit facilities, among other things, extending maturities, reducing the aggregate principal amount available under the new bank credit facilities, amending the financial covenants and providing additional flexibility thereunder. As of September 30, 2010, the Company was in compliance with all covenants contained in the amended credit agreements governing our senior secured credit facility and the indentures governing the publicly-held notes.

Nexstar Broadcasting completed the cash tender offer to retire $34.3 million (representing 82.5% of the outstanding aggregate principal amount) of the principal of Senior Subordinated PIK Notes due 2014 at 104.5% on April 30, 2010. In connection with this tender offer, substantially all restrictive covenants and certain event of default provisions were eliminated. Nexstar Broadcasting purchased an additional $1.0 million on March 31, 2010 and $2.0 million on May 25, 2010 of principal of Senior Subordinated PIK Notes due 2014 at 90% and 106.5%, respectively, plus accrued interest.  On September 15, 2010, Nexstar Broadcasting redeemed the remaining $5.3 million of principal of the Senior Subordinated PIK Notes due 2014 at 109.75% plus accrued interest.

On June 30, 2010, Nexstar Broadcasting purchased $2.0 million of principal of the 7% Senior Subordinated PIK notes due 2014 at 90.25%.  In July 2010, Nexstar Broadcasting repurchased approximately $2.0 million, $1.0 million and $1.7 million of principal of the 7% Senior Subordinated PIK Notes due 2014 at 90%, 89.8% and 88.8%, respectively.  In July and August 2010, Nexstar Broadcasting repurchased approximately $0.9 million of the 7% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2014 at 93%.

See Note 7 for more details related to these transactions.

 
5

 

NEXSTAR BROADCASTING GROUP, INC.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)
 
2.
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
 
Interim Financial Statements
 
The condensed consolidated financial statements as of September 30, 2010 and for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2010 and 2009 are unaudited. However, in the opinion of management, such financial statements include all adjustments (consisting solely of normal recurring adjustments) necessary for the fair statement of the financial information included herein in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”) and pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”). The preparation of the condensed consolidated financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Results of operations for interim periods are not necessarily indicative of results for the full year. These condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and related notes included in Nexstar’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2009. The balance sheet at December 31, 2009 has been derived from the audited financial statements at that date, but does not include all of the information and footnotes required by U.S. GAAP for complete financial statements.
 
Basis of Presentation
 
Certain prior year amounts have been reclassified to conform to the current year presentation.
 
Principles of Consolidation
 
The condensed consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Nexstar and its subsidiaries. Also included in the financial statements are the accounts of the independently-owned variable interest entity (“VIE”), Mission.  The Company evaluates each arrangement that may include variable interests and determines the need to consolidate an entity where it determines that the Company is the primary beneficiary of a VIE in accordance with related authoritative literature and interpretive guidance.
 
All intercompany account balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.
 
Mission
 
Mission is included in these condensed consolidated financial statements because Nexstar is deemed to have a controlling financial interest in Mission for financial reporting purposes as a result of (a) local service agreements Nexstar has with the Mission stations, (b) Nexstar’s guarantee of the obligations incurred under Mission’s senior secured credit facility, (c) Nexstar having power over significant activities affecting Mission’s economic performance, including budgeting, advertising and hiring and firing of sales force personnel and (d) purchase options (which expire on various dates between 2011 and 2018) granted by Mission’s sole shareholder which will permit Nexstar to acquire the assets and assume the liabilities of each Mission station, subject to Federal Communications Commission (“FCC”) consent.  The purchase options are freely exercisable or assignable by Nexstar without consent or approval by Mission's sole shareholder.  The Company expects these option agreements, if unexercised, will be renewed upon expiration. As of September 30, 2010, the assets of Mission consisted of current assets of $4.9 million (excluding broadcast rights), broadcast rights of $6.2 million, FCC licenses of $20.7 million, goodwill of $18.7 million, other intangible assets of $21.7 million, property and equipment of $26.5 million and other noncurrent assets of $1.6 million. Substantially all of Mission’s assets, except for its FCC licenses, collateralize its secured debt obligation. See Note 15 for a presentation of condensed consolidating financial information of the Company, which includes the accounts of Mission.

Nexstar has entered into local service agreements with Mission to provide sales and/or operating services to the Mission stations. The following table summarizes the various local service agreements Nexstar had in effect with Mission as of September 30, 2010:
 
Service Agreements
Mission Stations
TBA Only(1)
WFXP and KHMT
   
SSA & JSA (2)
KJTL, KJBO-LP, KOLR, KCIT, KCPN-LP, KAMC, KRBC, KSAN, WUTR, WFXW, WYOU, KODE, WTVO and KTVE

           
(1)
Nexstar has a time brokerage agreement (“TBA”) with each of these stations which allows Nexstar to program most of each station’s broadcast time, sell each station’s advertising time and retain the advertising revenue generated in exchange for monthly payments to Mission.
(2)
Nexstar has both a shared services agreement (“SSA”) and a joint sales agreement (“JSA”) with each of these stations. Each SSA allows the Nexstar station in the market to provide services including news production, technical maintenance and security, in exchange for Nexstar’s right to receive certain payments from Mission as described in the SSAs. Each JSA permits Nexstar to sell the station’s advertising time and retain a percentage of the net revenue from the station’s advertising time in return for monthly payments to Mission of the remaining percentage of net revenue as described in the JSAs.

 
6

 

NEXSTAR BROADCASTING GROUP, INC.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)
 
2.
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies—(Continued)
 
Nexstar does not own Mission or Mission’s television stations; however, Nexstar is deemed to have a controlling financial interest in them under U.S. GAAP while complying with the FCC’s rules regarding ownership limits in television markets. In order for both Nexstar and Mission to comply with FCC regulations, Mission maintains complete responsibility for and control over programming, finances and personnel for its stations.
 
Variable Interest Entities
 
The Company may determine that a station is a VIE as a result of local service agreements entered into with the owner-operator of stations in markets in which the Company owns and operates a station. The term local service agreements generally refers to a contract between two separately owned television stations serving the same market, whereby the owner-operator of one station contracts with the owner-operator of the other station to provide it with administrative, sales and other services required for the operation of its station. Nevertheless, the owner-operator of each station retains control and responsibility for the operation of its station, including ultimate responsibility over all programming broadcast on its station.
 
VIEs in connection with local service agreements entered into with stations in markets in which the Company owns and operates a station are discussed below.
 
Nexstar has determined that it has variable interests in WYZZ, the Fox affiliate in Peoria, Illinois and WUHF, the Fox affiliate in Rochester, New York, each owned by a subsidiary of Sinclair Broadcasting Group, Inc. (“Sinclair”), as a result of outsourcing agreements it has entered into with Sinclair. Nexstar also has determined that it has a variable interest in WHP, the CBS affiliate in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, which is owned by Newport Television License, LLC (“Newport”), as a result of Nexstar becoming successor-in-interest to a TBA entered into by a former owner of WLYH. Nexstar has evaluated its arrangements with Sinclair and Newport and has determined that it is not the primary beneficiary of the variable interests because it does not have the ultimate power to direct the activities that most significantly impact the economic performance of the stations including developing the annual operating budget, programming and oversight and control of sales management personnel.  Therefore Nexstar has not consolidated these stations under authoritative guidance related to the consolidation of variable interest entities.  Under the outsourcing agreements with Sinclair, Nexstar pays for certain operating expenses of WYZZ and WUHF, and therefore may have unlimited exposure to any potential operating losses. Nexstar’s management believes that Nexstar’s minimum exposure to loss under the Sinclair outsourcing agreements consists of the fees paid to Sinclair. Additionally, Nexstar indemnifies the owners of WHP, WYZZ and WUHF from and against all liability and claims arising out of or resulting from its activities, acts or omissions in connection with the agreements. The maximum potential amount of future payments Nexstar could be required to make for such indemnification is undeterminable at this time.  Nexstar made payments to Sinclair under the outsourcing agreements of $1.2 million and $0.5 million for the three months ended September 30, 2010 and 2009, respectively, and $3.2 million and $1.7 million, respectively, for the nine months then ended.  Nexstar has a balance payable to Sinclair for fees under these arrangements in the amount of $0.7 million as of September 30, 2010, which is recorded as an accrued expense on Nexstar’s balance sheet.  Nexstar also has receivables in the amount of $2.5 million for advertising aired on these two stations.

Nexstar has also determined that it has a variable interest in Four Points Media Group Holdings, LLC (“Four Points”) due to a management services agreement between the two companies.  Four Points owns and operates seven individual stations in four markets.  Under this agreement, Nexstar manages the stations for Four Points but does not have ultimate control over the policies or operations of the stations.  Nexstar has evaluated the business arrangement with Four Points and concluded that Nexstar is not the primary beneficiary of the variable interest because it does not have the ultimate power to direct the activities that most significantly impact the economic performance of the stations including developing the annual operating budget, setting advertising rates, programming and oversight and control of employees responsible for carrying out business activities of the stations.  Therefore, Nexstar does not consolidate Four Points’ financial results into its own.  Nexstar has a receivable for management fees from Four Points of $1.0 million as of September 30, 2010, which is recorded in accounts receivable, of which $0.3 million relates to incentive fees for meeting certain financial targets, which were recorded in revenue during the three months ended September 30, 2010.  Nexstar owes Four Points for retransmission revenue it collects on Four Points behalf in the amount of $0.1 million as of September 30, 2010, which is recorded as an accrued expense.  Nexstar must indemnify Four Points for any claim or liability that arises out of its acts or omissions related to the agreement.   For this reason, the maximum exposure to loss as a result of this agreement with Four Points is not determinable.

 
7

 

NEXSTAR BROADCASTING GROUP, INC.
 
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)
 
2.
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies—(Continued)
 
Stock-Based Compensation
 
The Company accounts for stock-based employee compensation plans in accordance with authoritative guidance related to share-based payment, which requires companies to expense the fair value of employee stock options and other forms of stock-based employee compensation in the financial statements over the period that an employee provides service in exchange for the award. Under this guidance, the Company measures compensation cost related to stock options based on the grant-date fair value of the award using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model and recognizes it ratably, less estimated forfeitures, over the vesting term of the award.  
 
The Company recognized stock-based compensation expense of $0.3 million and $0.4 million for the three months ended September 30, 2010 and 2009, respectively and $2.5 million, including $1.6 million related to the stock option repricing discussed below, and $1.1 million for the nine months then ended, respectively, which was included in selling, general and administrative expenses in the Company’s condensed consolidated statements of operations. The Company does not currently recognize a tax benefit resulting from compensation costs expensed in the financial statements because the Company provides a valuation allowance against the deferred tax asset resulting from this type of temporary difference since it expects that it will not have sufficient future taxable income to realize such benefit. Accordingly, the accounting for share-based payments has had no impact on income tax expense reported in the financial statements.

On January 27, 2010, the Compensation Committee approved the repricing of certain stock options to set the new exercise price for the affected options equal to the closing price of the stock on that date (subject to shareholders’ approval).  On May 27, 2010 (“the modification date”), the shareholders of Nexstar approved the repricing of certain stock options by lowering the exercise price to equal the closing price of Nexstar’s stock on January 27, 2010 (which was $4.56 per share).  The repricing applied to any outstanding option with an original exercise price of $5.00 or more.  The total incremental cost of the repricing was calculated to be approximately $1.8 million, which represents the incremental fair value of the modified awards.  Of the $1.8 million total incremental cost, approximately $1.6 million has been recognized and included in selling, general and administrative expense during the nine months ended September 30, 2010.  The remaining unrecognized incremental cost will be recognized in addition to the cost (fair value) of the original awards, which will continue to vest and amortize just as they did before the modification.

The weighted-average assumptions used in the Black-Scholes calculations for the before and after modification valuations on May 27, 2010 were as follows:

 
Before Modification
After Modification
Expected volatility
129.48%
126.86%
Risk-free interest rates
1.17%
1.30%
Expected term
2.66 years
2.97 years
Dividend yields
0%
0%
Fair value per share
$4.36
$5.29

At September 30, 2010, there was approximately $2.3 million of total unrecognized compensation cost, net of estimated forfeitures, related to stock options that is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 2.5 years. There were two thousand stock options exercised during the nine months ended September 30, 2010 for a total intrinsic value and cash received of ten thousand and two thousand dollars, respectively.

Income (Loss) Per Share
 
Basic income (loss) per share is computed by dividing the net income (loss) by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted income (loss) per share is computed using the weighted-average number of common shares and dilutive potential common shares outstanding during the period using the treasury stock method. Potential common shares consist of stock options and the unvested portion of restricted stock granted to employees. For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2010 and 2009, there was no difference between basic and diluted net income (loss) per share since the effect of potential common shares were anti-dilutive, and therefore excluded from the computation of diluted net income (loss) per share.

 
8

 

NEXSTAR BROADCASTING GROUP, INC.
 
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

2.
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies—(Continued)

The anti-dilutive weighted average shares of stock options outstanding excluded from the computation of diluted net income (loss) per common share were as follows (not presented in thousands):
 
   
Three Months Ended
September 30,
   
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 
   
2010
   
2009
   
2010
   
2009
 
             
Out-of-the-money stock options excluded
   
551,304
     
3,244,615
     
     
3,492,529
 
In-the-money stock options excluded as the Company had a net loss during the period
   
3,177,880
     
144,596
     
3,767,872
     
14,863
 
 
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
 
In January 2010, the FASB issued authoritative guidance which requires additional disclosures about transfers between Levels 1 and 2 of the fair value hierarchy and disclosures about purchases, sales, issuances and settlements in the roll forward of activity in Level 3 fair value measurements.  This guidance was effective for the Company January 1, 2010, except for the Level 3 activity disclosures, which are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2010.  The adoption of this guidance, which is related to disclosure only, did not have a material impact on the Company’s financial position or results of operations.
 
In June 2009, the FASB issued an amendment to the accounting and disclosure requirements for the consolidation of VIEs.  This amendment requires an analysis to determine whether a variable interest gives the entity a controlling financial interest in a variable interest entity for financial reporting purposes. The amendment requires an ongoing reassessment and eliminates the quantitative approach previously required for determining whether an entity is the primary beneficiary. This amendment is effective for the Company beginning January 1, 2010.  The Company adopted the amendment January 1, 2010 and it did not have any impact on the Company’s financial position or results of operations.

In October 2009, the FASB issued authoritative guidance about the accounting for revenue contracts containing multiple elements, allowing the use of companies’ estimated selling prices as the value for deliverable elements under certain circumstances and to eliminate the use of the residual method for allocation of deliverable elements.  This guidance is effective for the Company beginning January 1, 2011.  The Company is currently evaluating the impact this standard will have on its financial statements.
 
3.
Fair Value Measurements
 

The Company classifies and discloses financial and non-financial assets and liabilities that are being measured and reported on a fair value basis in the following categories:
 
Level 1: Unadjusted quoted prices in active markets that are accessible at the measurement date for identical, unrestricted assets or liabilities;
 
Level 2: Quoted prices in markets that are not active, or inputs which are observable, either directly or indirectly, for substantially the full term of the asset or liability;
 
Level 3: Prices or valuation techniques that require inputs that are both significant to the fair value measurement and unobservable (i.e., supported by little or no market activity).
 
The Company invests in short-term interest bearing obligations with original maturities less than 90 days, primarily money market funds. The Company does not enter into investments for trading or speculative purposes.  As of September 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009, the Company had $2.1 million and $7.4 million, respectively, invested in money market investments. These investments are required to be measured at fair value on a recurring basis. The Company has determined that the money market investment is defined as Level 1 in the fair value hierarchy. As of September 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009, the fair value of the money market investment was an asset of $2.1 million and $7.4 million, respectively.

 
9

 

NEXSTAR BROADCASTING GROUP, INC.
 
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)
 
4.
Transaction with Mission
 
On April 11, 2006, Nexstar and Mission filed an application with the FCC for consent to assignment of the license of KFTA Channel 24 (Ft. Smith, Arkansas) from Nexstar to Mission. Consideration for this transaction was set at $5.6 million. On August 28, 2006, Nexstar and Mission entered into a local service agreement whereby (a) Mission paid Nexstar $5 thousand per month for the right to broadcast Fox programming on KFTA during the Fox network programming time periods and (b) Nexstar paid Mission $20 thousand per month for the right to sell all advertising time on KFTA within the Fox network programming time periods. Also in 2006, Mission entered into an affiliation agreement with the Fox network which provided Fox programming to KFTA. In March 2008, the FCC granted the application to assign the license for KFTA from Nexstar to Mission. On March 9, 2010, Nexstar and Mission notified the FCC that the transaction would not be consummated.  The TBA terminated on May 1, 2010 and the Fox Affiliation agreement was assigned to Nexstar.
 
5.
Intangible Assets and Goodwill
 
Intangible assets subject to amortization consisted of the following (in thousands):
 
         
September 30, 2010
   
December 31, 2009
 
   
Estimated
useful life
(years)
   
Gross
   
Accumulated
Amortization
   
Net
   
Gross
   
Accumulated
Amortization
   
Net
 
                                           
Network affiliation agreements
   
15
   
$
344,662
   
$
(239,066
)
 
$
105,596
   
$
344,662
   
$
(221,945
)
 
$
122,717
 
Other definite-lived intangible assets
   
1-15
     
13,455
     
(10,686
)
   
2,769
     
13,455
     
(9,956
)
   
3,499
 
Total intangible assets subject to amortization
         
$
358,117
   
$
(249,752
)
 
$
108,365
   
$
358,117
   
$
(231,901
)
 
$
126,216
 
 
Total amortization expense from definite-lived intangibles was $5.9 million for each of the three months ended September 30, 2010 and 2009 and $17.9 million and $17.8 million, respectively, for the nine months then ended. The Company’s estimate of amortization expense for definite-lived intangible assets as of September 30, 2010 is approximately $23.7 million for 2010; $23.3 million for 2011; $23.0 million for 2012; $17.4 million for 2013; and $10.4 million for 2014.

The aggregate carrying value of indefinite-lived intangible assets, consisting of FCC licenses and goodwill, was $236.5 million at both September 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009. The Company expenses as incurred, any costs to renew or extend its FCC licenses. Indefinite-lived intangible assets are not subject to amortization, but are tested for impairment annually or whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that such assets might be impaired. As of September 30, 2010, the Company did not identify any events that would trigger an impairment assessment.

The changes in the carrying amount of goodwill are as follows (in thousands): 

   
Gross
   
Accumulated Impairment Losses
   
Net
 
Goodwill as of December 31, 2008
 
$
154,488
   
$
(38,856
)
 
$
115,632
 
Acquisitions
   
431
     
     
431
 
Impairment
   
     
(7,360
)
   
(7,360
)
Reclassification of asset
   
356
     
     
356
 
Goodwill as of December 31, 2009
   
155,275
     
(46,216
)
   
109,059
 
Activity
   
     
     
 
Goodwill as of September 30, 2010
 
$
155,275
   
$
(46,216
)
 
$
109,059
 



 
10

 

NEXSTAR BROADCASTING GROUP, INC.
 
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)
 
5.
Intangible Assets and Goodwill—(Continued)

The changes in the carrying amount of FCC licenses are as follows:

   
Gross
   
Accumulated Impairment Losses
   
Net
 
FCC licenses as of December 31, 2008
 
$
166,455
   
$
(41,398
)
 
$
125,057
 
Acquisitions
   
11,234
     
     
11,234
 
Impairment
   
     
(8,804
)
   
(8,804
)
FCC licenses as of December 31, 2009
   
177,689
     
(50,202
)
   
127,487
 
Activity
   
     
     
 
FCC licenses as of September 31, 2010
 
$
177,689
   
$
(50,202
)
 
$
127,487
 

6.
Accrued Expenses

Accrued expenses consisted of the following (in thousands):
   
September 30,
   
December 31,
 
   
2010
   
2009
 
       
Compensation and related taxes
 
$
7,274
   
$
2,716
 
Sales commissions
   
1,579
     
1,338
 
Employee benefits
   
768
     
897
 
Property taxes
   
1,034
     
362
 
Other accruals related to operating expenses
   
3,688
     
6,876
 
   
$
14,343
   
$
12,189
 

7.
Debt
 
Long-term debt consisted of the following (in thousands):
   
September 30,
   
December 31,
 
   
2010
   
2009
 
       
Term loans
 
$
99,750
   
$
321,689
 
Revolving credit facilities
   
     
77,000
 
8.875% senior secured second lien notes due 2017, net of discount of $7,783
   
317,217
     
 
7% senior subordinated notes due 2014, net of discount of $776 and $929 
   
46,214
     
46,981
 
7% senior subordinated PIK notes due 2014, net of discount of $3,837 and $10,559
   
132,797
     
132,296
 
11.375% senior discount notes due 2013
   
49,981
     
49,981
 
Senior subordinated PIK notes due 2014 
   
     
42,427
 
     
645,959
     
670,374
 
Less: current portion
   
(1,000
)
   
(7,085
)
   
$
644,959
   
$
663,289
 
 
2010 Transactions

On April 19, 2010, the Third Amendment became effective to Nexstar Broadcasting’s Fourth Amended and Restated Credit Agreement dated as of April 1, 2005 (as amended, the “Nexstar Credit Agreement”), among Nexstar Broadcasting, Nexstar, the several financial institutions from time to time parties thereto and Bank of America, N.A., as administrative agent and syndication agent. Under the terms of the Nexstar Credit Agreement, the principal amount available under the revolving credit facility was reduced to $65.0 million, and the Term Loan B was reduced to $61.0 million.

On April 19, 2010, the Second Amendment became effective to Mission’s Third Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, dated as of April 1, 2005 (as amended, the “Mission Credit Agreement” and together with the Nexstar Credit Agreement, the “Credit Agreements”), among Mission, the several financial institutions from time to time parties thereto and Bank of America, N.A., as administrative agent and syndication agent. Under the terms of the Mission Credit Agreement, the principal amount available under the revolving credit facility was reduced to $10.0 million, and the Term Loan B was reduced to $39.0 million.

 
11

 

NEXSTAR BROADCASTING GROUP, INC.
 
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)
 
7.
Debt—(Continued)

The Credit Agreements were amended to, among other things, (i) extend the revolving loan commitments to December 31, 2013 (subject to earlier springing maturity dates), (ii) extend the maturity date of the Term Loan B to September 30, 2016 (subject to earlier springing maturity dates), (iii) amend the financial covenants and provide additional flexibility thereunder, (iv) permit the incurrence of incremental Term Loan B facilities of up to an aggregate amount equal to $100.0 million, (v) permit Nexstar Broadcasting and Mission, under certain circumstances to incur indebtedness and make restricted payments, in each case, in part, to repurchase or extinguish existing indebtedness, (vi) provide additional flexibility under the covenants and (vii) relieve the respective borrowers from their obligation to make mandatory prepayments under certain circumstances.
 
The Nexstar Credit Agreement (i) eliminates the requirement that Nexstar Broadcasting maintain a consolidated minimum interest coverage ratio and a consolidated maximum senior leverage ratio and institutes the requirement to maintain a consolidated maximum first lien indebtedness ratio, based on the aggregate first-lien indebtedness maintained by Nexstar and Mission, and (ii) changes the maximum and minimum covenant levels applicable to such financial ratios.  Additionally, the Credit Agreement removes mandatory quarterly repayments based on a computation of excess cash flow for the preceding fiscal year.
 
    On April 19, 2010, Nexstar Broadcasting and Mission, as co-issuers, also completed the issuance and sale of $325.0 million of 8.875% senior secured second lien notes due 2017.  Nexstar Broadcasting and Mission used the net proceeds of the offering, which was approximately $316.8 million, and cash on hand to pay off $218.3 million of the outstanding term loans and $53.3 million of the outstanding revolving loans borrowed under the previous Nexstar and Mission Credit Agreements to repurchase $34.3 million of Nexstar Broadcasting’s outstanding Senior Subordinated PIK Notes due 2014, to pay related fees and expenses and for general corporate purposes.
 
    In March through May 2010, Nexstar Broadcasting purchased an additional $3.0 million of its 13.5% Senior Subordinated PIK Notes due 2014.  On September 15, 2010, Nexstar Broadcasting elected to redeem the remaining balance of $5.3 million of its 13.5% Senior Subordinated PIK Notes due 2014 at the redemption price of 109.75% of the outstanding amount thereof together with accrued and unpaid interest on the notes to the redemption date.  In June through August 2010, Nexstar Broadcasting purchased a total of $6.7 million of its 7% Senior Subordinated PIK Notes and $0.9 million of its 7% Senior Subordinated Notes.

In conjunction with the amendments to the credit agreements and issuance of the 8.875% senior secured second lien notes due 2014, approximately $4.4 million of professional and legal fees were capitalized as debt finance cost, included in other noncurrent assets, net on the balance sheet, and are being amortized over the term of the related agreements. These transactions resulted in a loss on debt extinguishment of approximately $7.9 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2010, including approximately $2.5 million Nexstar Broadcasting and Mission paid to the creditors related to debt amendments.

The Nexstar Broadcasting Senior Secured Credit Facility
 
The Nexstar Broadcasting senior secured credit facility consists of a Term Loan B and a $65.0 million revolving loan. As of September 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009, Nexstar Broadcasting had $60.8 million and $156.3 million, respectively, outstanding under its Term Loan B and no amounts and $70.0 million, respectively, outstanding under its revolving loan.

The Term Loan B, which matures in September 2016, is payable in consecutive quarterly installments of 0.25%, with the remaining 94% due at maturity. The first installment after the amendment to the credit agreement commenced in the third quarter of 2010.  During the nine months ended September 30, 2010, repayments of Nexstar Broadcasting’s Term Loan B totaled $95.5 million including $92.4 million paid on April 19, 2010 in connection with the amendment to the credit facility and $3.1 million of scheduled maturities and a mandatory excess cash flow payment in the first quarter of 2010 as required under the terms of the previous credit facilities.

The revolving loan is not subject to incremental reduction and matures in December 2013.  During the nine months ended September 30, 2010, repayments of Nexstar Broadcasting’s revolving loan totaled $70.0 million, including $50.0 million paid on April 19, 2010, in connection with the amendment to the credit facility, a $1.0 mandatory excess cash flow payment as required under the terms of the previous revolving credit facility and voluntary payments made in the first and third quarters of 2010. There was no outstanding revolving loan balance at September 30, 2010.
 
The total weighted-average interest rate of the Nexstar Broadcasting senior secured credit facility was 5.0% at each of September 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009. Interest is payable periodically based on the type of interest rate selected. Additionally, Nexstar Broadcasting is required to pay quarterly commitment fees on the unused portion of its revolving loan commitment of 0.75% per annum.

 
12

 

NEXSTAR BROADCASTING GROUP, INC.
 
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

7.
Debt—(Continued)

The Mission Senior Secured Credit Facility

The Mission senior secured credit facility consists of a Term Loan B and a $10.0 million revolving loan. As of September 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009, Mission had $38.9 million and $165.4 million, respectively, outstanding under its Term Loan B and no amounts and $7.0 million, respectively, outstanding under its revolving loan.
 
Terms of the Mission senior secured credit facility, including repayment, maturity and interest rates, are the same as the terms of the Nexstar senior secured credit facility described above. The total weighted average interest rate of the Mission senior secured credit facility was 5.0% at September 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009. Additionally, Mission is required to pay quarterly commitment fees on the unused portion of its revolving loan commitment of 0.75% per annum.

During the nine months ended September 30, 2010, repayments of Mission’s Term Loan B totaled $126.5 million, including $125.9 million paid on April 19, 2010, in connection with the amendment to the credit facility, and $0.6 million of scheduled maturities.

The revolving loan is not subject to incremental reduction and matures in December 2013. During the nine months ended September 30, 2010, repayments of Mission’s revolving loan totaled $7.0 million, including $3.3 million paid on April 19, 2010, in connection with the amendment to the credit facility and voluntary payments made in the second quarter of 2010. There was no outstanding revolving loan balance at September 30, 2010.
 
Unused Commitments and Borrowing Availability
 
Nexstar and Mission had $75.0 million of total unused revolving loan commitments under their respective credit facilities, all of which was available for borrowing, based on the covenant calculations as of September 30, 2010.

Debt Covenants
 
The Nexstar senior secured credit facility contains covenants which require the Company to comply with certain financial covenant ratios, including (1) a maximum consolidated total leverage ratio of Nexstar Broadcasting and Mission of 8.75 to 1.00 at September 30, 2010, (2) a minimum consolidated first lien indebtedness ratio of 2.50 to 1.00 at any time, (3) a maximum consolidated fixed charge coverage ratio of 1.10 to 1.00 at any time.  The covenants, which are formally calculated on a quarterly basis, are based on the combined results of Nexstar Broadcasting and Mission. Mission’s bank credit facility agreement does not contain financial covenant ratio requirements, but does provide for default in the event Nexstar does not comply with all covenants contained in its credit agreement. As of September 30, 2010, we are in compliance with all of our covenants.
 
Collateralization and Guarantees of Debt
 
The bank credit facilities described above are collateralized by a security interest in substantially all the combined assets, excluding FCC licenses, of Nexstar and Mission. Nexstar and its subsidiaries guarantee full payment of all obligations incurred under the Mission senior secured credit facility in the event of Mission’s default. Similarly, Mission is a guarantor of the Nexstar senior secured credit facility and the senior subordinated notes issued by Nexstar Broadcasting.
 
In consideration of Nexstar’s guarantee of Mission’s senior secured credit facility, the sole shareholder of Mission has granted Nexstar a purchase option to acquire the assets and assume the liabilities of each Mission station, subject to FCC consent. These option agreements (which expire on various dates between 2011 and 2018) are freely exercisable or assignable by Nexstar without consent or approval by the sole shareholder of Mission. The Company expects these option agreements, if unexercised, will be renewed upon expiration.

8.875% Senior Secured Second Lien Notes

 On April 19, 2010, Nexstar Broadcasting and Mission, as co-issuers, completed the issuance and sale of $325.0 million aggregate principal amount of senior secured second lien notes due 2017. The Notes will mature on April 15, 2017. Interest on the Notes accrues at a rate of 8.875% per annum and is payable semiannually in arrears on April 15 and October 15 of each year, commencing on October 15, 2010.

 
13

 

NEXSTAR BROADCASTING GROUP, INC.
 
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

7.
Debt—(Continued)

The Notes were issued pursuant to an Indenture, dated as of April 19, 2010 (the “Indenture”), by and among Nexstar Broadcasting and Mission, as co-issuers, Nexstar, as guarantor, and The Bank of New York Mellon, as trustee and collateral agent. Nexstar Broadcasting’s and Mission’s obligations under the Notes are jointly and severally, fully and unconditionally guaranteed by Nexstar and all of Nexstar Broadcasting’s and Mission’s future 100% owned domestic subsidiaries.

The Notes are secured by second-priority liens, subject to certain exceptions and permitted liens, on all of the assets that secure Nexstar Broadcasting’s and Mission’s senior secured credit facilities on a first-priority lien basis. The Notes and the guarantees are Nexstar Broadcasting’s, Mission’s and the guarantors’ senior secured obligations, rank equal in right of payment with all of Nexstar Broadcasting’s, Mission’s and the guarantors’ existing and future senior indebtedness and rank senior in right of payment to all of Nexstar Broadcasting’s, Mission’s and the guarantors’ future subordinated indebtedness. The Notes and the guarantees are effectively junior to Nexstar Broadcasting’s, Mission’s and the guarantors’ obligations which are either secured by assets that are not collateral or which are secured on a first priority basis, including borrowings under Nexstar Broadcasting’s and Mission’s senior secured credit facilities, in each case, to the extent of the value of the assets securing such obligations.
 
Nexstar Broadcasting and Mission have the option to redeem all or a portion of the Notes at any time prior to April 15, 2014 at a price equal to 100% of the principal amount of the Notes redeemed plus accrued and unpaid interest to the redemption date plus applicable premium as of the date of redemption. At any time on or after April 15, 2014, Nexstar Broadcasting and Mission may redeem the Notes, in whole or in part, at the redemption prices set forth in the Indenture. At any time before April 15, 2013, Nexstar Broadcasting and Mission may also redeem up to 35% of the aggregate principal amount of the Notes at a redemption price of 108.875% of the principal amount, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to the date of redemption, with the proceeds of certain equity offerings.
 
Upon the occurrence of a change of control (as defined in the Indenture), each holder of the Notes may require Nexstar Broadcasting and Mission to repurchase all or a portion of the Notes in cash at a price equal to 101% of the aggregate principal amount of the Notes to be repurchased, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, thereon to the date of repurchase.
 
The Indenture contains covenants that limit, among other things, Nexstar Broadcasting’s and Mission’s ability to (1) incur additional debt and issue preferred stock, (2) make certain restricted payments, (3) consummate specified asset sales, (4) enter into transactions with affiliates, (5) create liens, (6) pay dividends or make other distributions, (7) make certain investments, (8) merge or consolidate with another person and (9) enter new lines of business.
 
    The Indenture provides for customary events of default (subject in certain cases to customary grace and cure periods), which include nonpayment, breach of covenants in the Indenture, payment defaults or acceleration of other indebtedness, a failure to pay certain judgments and certain events of bankruptcy and insolvency. The Indenture also provides for events of default with respect to the collateral, which include (i) default in the performance of the security documents which adversely affects the enforceability, validity, perfection or priority of the second priority liens on any collateral, individually or in the aggregate, having a fair market value in excess of $10.0 million, (ii) repudiation or disaffirmation by Nexstar Broadcasting, Mission or any guarantor of material obligations under the security documents, and (iii) the determination in a judicial proceeding that the security documents are unenforceable or invalid against Nexstar Broadcasting, Mission or any guarantor for any reason with respect to any collateral, individually or in the aggregate, having a fair market value in excess of $10.0 million. Generally, if an event of default occurs, the Trustee or holders of at least 25% in principal amount of the then outstanding Notes may declare the principal of and accrued but unpaid interest, including additional interest, on all the Notes to be due and payable.

 
14

 

NEXSTAR BROADCASTING GROUP, INC.
 
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)
 
7.
Debt—(Continued)

In connection with the offering of the Notes, Nexstar Broadcasting and Mission have agreed, pursuant to a Registration Rights Agreement, dated April 19, 2010 (the “Registration Rights Agreement”), by and among Nexstar Broadcasting, Mission, Nexstar and Banc of America Securities LLC, UBS Securities LLC, Deutsche Bank Securities Inc. and RBC Capital Markets Corporation, to (i) cause to be filed with the SEC no later than 270 days after the date of issuance of the Notes, a registration statement under the Securities Act, relating to an offer to exchange the Notes for new notes (the “Exchange Notes”), evidencing the same continuing indebtedness as the Notes and with terms substantially identical to the Notes except that the Exchange Notes will not be subject to restrictions on transfer in the United States, (ii) use their reasonable best efforts to cause such registration statement to become effective no later than 365 days after the date of issuance of the Notes, (iii) in connection with the foregoing, (A) file all pre-effective amendments to such registration statement as may be necessary in order to cause such registration statement to become effective, (B) if applicable, file a post-effective amendment to such registration statement and (C) cause all necessary filings in connection with the registration and qualification of the Exchange Notes to be made under the state securities or blue sky laws of such jurisdictions as are necessary to permit consummation of the exchange offer, and (iv) upon the effectiveness of such registration statement, commence the exchange offer and issue Exchange Notes in exchange for all Notes tendered pursuant to the exchange offer. In certain circumstances, Nexstar Broadcasting and Mission will file and cause to become effective a shelf registration statement relating to resales of any Notes and use their reasonable best efforts to maintain the effectiveness of the shelf registration statement for at least one year or such lesser period after which all of the notes registered therein have been sold. If Nexstar Broadcasting and Mission fail to satisfy these obligations as set forth in the Registration Rights Agreement, they will be required to pay additional interest to the holders of the Notes. The rate of the additional interest will be 0.25% per annum for the first 90-day period immediately following the occurrence of a Registration Default (as defined in the Registration Rights Agreement), and such rate will increase by an additional 0.25% per annum with respect to each subsequent 90-day period until all Registration Defaults have been cured, up to a maximum additional interest rate of 1.0% per annum. Nexstar Broadcasting and Mission will pay such additional interest on regular interest payment dates until the cure of all the Registration Defaults relating to the Notes at which time the interest rate on the Notes will revert to the original interest rate on the Notes. Such additional interest will be in addition to any other interest payable from time to time with respect to Notes.

The Company incurred approximately $1.9 million in professional fees related to the transaction, which were capitalized as debt finance cost, included in other noncurrent assets, net on the balance sheet, and are being amortized over the term of the Notes.

Senior Subordinated PIK Notes
 
On March 31, 2010, Nexstar Broadcasting purchased approximately $1.0 million of principal of the Senior Subordinated PIK Notes due 2014 at 90%.  On April 30, 2010, Nexstar Broadcasting completed the cash tender offer to repurchase $34.3 million of principal of the Senior Subordinated PIK Notes at 104.5%. On May 25, 2010, Nexstar Broadcasting repurchased approximately $2.0 million of principal of the Senior Subordinated PIK Notes due 2014 at 106.5%. On September 15, 2010, Nexstar Broadcasting redeemed the remaining $5.3 million of principal of the Senior Subordinated PIK Notes due 2014 at 109.75%.  These transactions resulted in a loss of approximately $2.6 million.

7% Senior Subordinated PIK Notes

On June 30, 2010, Nexstar Broadcasting purchased approximately $2.0 million of principal of the 7% Senior Subordinated PIK Notes due 2014 at 90.25%.  In July 2010, Nexstar Broadcasting purchased approximately $2.0 million, $1.0 million and $1.7 million of principal of the 7% Senior Subordinated PIK Notes due 2014 at 90%, 89.8% and 88.8%, respectively.  The transactions resulted in gains totaling approximately $0.6 million.

7% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2014

    In July and August 2010, Nexstar Broadcasting repurchased approximately $0.9 million of principal of the 7% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2014 at 93%, resulting in a gain of approximately $0.1 million.

 
15

 

NEXSTAR BROADCASTING GROUP, INC.
 
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)
 
7.
Debt—(Continued)

Fair Value of Debt
 
The aggregate carrying amounts and estimated fair value of Nexstar’s and Mission’s debt were as follows (in thousands):
 
   
September 30, 2010
   
December 31, 2009
 
   
Carrying
Amount
   
Fair Value
   
Carrying
Amount
   
Fair Value
 
       
Term loans(1)
 
$
99,750
   
$
99,003
   
$
321,689
   
$
301,254
 
Revolving credit facilities(1)
 
$
   
$
   
$
77,000
   
$
72,865
 
8.875% senior secured second lien notes (2)
 
$
317,217
   
$
338,000
   
$
   
$
 
7% senior subordinated notes(2)
 
$
46,214
   
$
44,641
   
$
46,981
   
$
36,645
 
7% senior subordinated PIK notes(2)
 
$
132,797
   
$
124,337
   
$
132,296
   
$
103,191
 
11.375% senior discount notes(2)
 
$
49,981
   
$
49,231
   
$
49,981
   
$
41,734
 
Senior subordinated PIK notes(2)
 
$
   
$
   
$
42,427
   
$
28,214
 

           
(1)
The fair value of bank credit facilities is computed based on borrowing rates currently available to Nexstar and Mission for bank loans with similar terms and average maturities.
(2)
The fair value of Nexstar’s fixed rate debt is estimated based on bid prices obtained from an investment banking firm that regularly makes a market for these financial instruments.
 
8.
Contract Termination
 
On March 31, 2008, Nexstar signed a ten year agreement for national sales representation with two units of Katz Television Group, a subsidiary of Katz Media Group (“Katz”), transferring 24 stations in 14 of its markets from Petry Television Inc. (“Petry”) and Blair Television Inc. (“Blair”). Nexstar, Blair, Petry and Katz entered into a termination and mutual release agreement under which Blair agreed to release Nexstar from its future contractual obligations in exchange for payments totaling $8.0 million. The payments will be paid by Katz on behalf of Nexstar as an inducement for Nexstar to enter into the new long-term contract with Katz.  The liability established as a result of the termination represents an incentive received from Katz that will be accounted for as a termination obligation, and will be recognized as a non-cash reduction to operating expenses over the term of the agreement with Katz. As of September 30, 2010, the current portion of this deferred amount of approximately $0.7 million was included in other current liabilities and the long-term portion in the amount of approximately $5.1 million was included in deferred representation fee incentive in the accompanying condensed balance sheet.  The Company recognized $0.2 million of these incentives as a reduction in selling, general, and administrative expense for each of the three months ended September 30, 2010 and 2009 and $0.5 million for each of the nine months then ended.

9.
Other Non-Current Liabilities
 
Other non-current liabilities consist of the following (in thousands):
 
   
September 30,
   
December 31,
 
   
2010
   
2009
 
       
Deferred tower rent
 
$
7,927
   
$
7,679
 
Software agreement obligation
   
3,655
     
3,931
 
Other
   
1,832
     
2,200
 
   
$
13,414
   
$
13,810
 
 
10.
Stock-Based Compensation Plans
 
Nexstar’s employee compensation plans (the “Equity Plans”) provide for the granting of stock options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock and performance awards to directors, employees of Nexstar or consultants. A maximum of 4,500,000 shares of Nexstar’s Class A common stock can be issued under the Equity Plans and as of September 30, 2010, a total of 763,000 shares were available for future grant. Employee stock options are granted with an exercise price at least equal to the fair market value of the underlying shares of common stock on the date of the grant, vest over five years and expire ten years from the date of grant.

 
16

 

NEXSTAR BROADCASTING GROUP, INC.
 
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

11.
Gain on Asset Exchange
 
In 2004, the FCC approved a spectrum allocation exchange between Sprint Nextel Corporation (“Nextel”) and public safety entities to eliminate interference being caused to public safety radio licensees by Nextel’s operations. As part of this spectrum exchange, the FCC granted Nextel the right to certain spectrum within the 1.9 GHz band that is currently used by television broadcasters. In order to utilize this spectrum, Nextel is required to relocate the broadcasters to new spectrum by replacing all analog equipment currently used by broadcasters with comparable digital equipment. The Company has agreed to accept the substitute equipment that Nextel will provide and in turn must relinquish its existing equipment back to Nextel. This transition began on a market by market basis beginning in the second quarter of 2007. The equipment the Company receives under this arrangement is recorded at their estimated fair market value and depreciated over estimated useful lives ranging from 5 to 15 years. Management’s determination of the fair market value is derived from the most recent prices paid to manufacturers and vendors for the specific equipment acquired. As equipment is exchanged, the Company records a gain to the extent that the fair market value of the equipment received exceeds the carrying amount of the equipment relinquished. The transaction was completed in the first quarter of 2010. The Company recognized gains from the exchange of this equipment of $2.6 million for the three months ended September 30, 2009, and $30 thousand and $6.7 million, for the nine months ended September 30, 2010 and 2009, respectively.

12.
Income Taxes
 
The Company’s provision for income taxes is primarily comprised of deferred income taxes resulting from the amortization of goodwill and other indefinite-lived intangible assets for income tax purposes which are not amortized for financial reporting purposes. These deferred tax liabilities do not reverse on a scheduled basis and are not used to support the realization of deferred tax assets. The Company’s deferred tax assets primarily result from federal and state net operating loss carryforwards (“NOLs”). The Company’s NOLs are available to reduce future taxable income if utilized before their expiration. The Company has provided a valuation allowance for certain deferred tax assets as it does not believe they are more likely than not be realized through future taxable earnings.
 
As of December 31, 2009, the Company had gross unrecognized tax benefits of approximately $3.7 million, which did not materially change as of September 30, 2010. If recognized, this amount would result in a favorable effect on the Company’s effective tax rate excluding the impact on the Company’s valuation allowance. As of September 30, 2010, the Company has not accrued interest on the unrecognized tax benefits as an unfavorable outcome upon examination would not result in a cash outlay but would reduce NOLs subject to a valuation allowance. The Company does not expect the amount of unrecognized tax benefits to significantly change in the next twelve months.
 
The Company files income tax returns in the U.S. federal jurisdiction and various state jurisdictions. The Company is subject to U.S. federal tax examinations for years after 2005. Additionally, any NOLs that were generated in prior years and will be utilized in the future may also be subject to examination by the Internal Revenue Service. State jurisdictions that remain subject to examination are not considered significant.

13.
FCC Regulatory Matters
 
Television broadcasting is subject to the jurisdiction of the FCC under the Communications Act of 1934, as amended (the “Communications Act”). The Communications Act prohibits the operation of television broadcasting stations except under a license issued by the FCC, and empowers the FCC, among other things, to issue, revoke, and modify broadcasting licenses, determine the location of television stations, regulate the equipment used by television stations, adopt regulations to carry out the provisions of the Communications Act and impose penalties for the violation of such regulations. The FCC’s ongoing rule making proceedings could have a significant future impact on the television industry and on the operation of the Company’s stations and the stations it provides services to. In addition, the U.S. Congress may act to amend the Communications Act in a manner that could impact the Company’s stations, the stations it provides services to and the television broadcast industry in general.

The FCC has initiated a proceeding with respect to the conversion of existing low power and television translator stations to digital operations.  The FCC has asked for comment on whether to adopt a date in 2012 by which such analog low power and television translator stations must cease analog operations.  The Company holds three low power analog station licenses and 13 analog television translator station licenses which will need to transition to digital operations by the final transition date established by the FCC.

 
17

 

NEXSTAR BROADCASTING GROUP, INC.
 
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)
 
13.
FCC Regulatory Matters—(Continued)

Media Ownership
 
In 2006, the FCC initiated a rulemaking proceeding which provides for a comprehensive review of all of its media ownership rules, as required by the Communications Act. The Commission considered rules relating to ownership of two or more TV stations in a market, ownership of local TV and radio stations by daily newspapers in the same market, cross-ownership of local TV and radio stations, and changes to how the national TV ownership limits are calculated. In February 2008, the FCC adopted modest changes to its newspaper broadcast cross-ownership rule while retaining the rest of its ownership rules then currently in effect.  Multiple challenges to this proceeding were filed with the U.S. Courts of Appeal.  The court proceedings remain pending.

The FCC is required by statute to review its media ownership rules every four years and to eliminate those rules it finds no longer serve the “public interest, convenience and necessity”.  During 2009, the FCC held a series of hearings designed to evaluate possible changes to its rules.  In May 2010, the FCC formally initiated its 2010 review of its media ownership rules with the issuance of a Notice of Inquiry (NOI).  The NOI is intended to assist the Commission in establishing a framework within which to analyze whether its media ownership rules remain “necessary in the public interest as a result of competition,” due to the dramatic changes occurring in the media marketplace.  Numerous parties have filed comments and reply comments in response to the NOI.  In June 2010, the FCC issued a Request for Proposal with respect to nine economic studies related to its media ownership rules.  These studies have not yet been provided to the general public for review and comment.  We believe that upon completion of the studies the next step will be for the FCC to issue a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) to seek comment on specific proposed changes to its ownership rules.  We cannot predict when the FCC will issue this NPRM but anticipate it will be sometime in 2011.

14.
Commitments and Contingencies
 
Guarantee of Mission Debt
 
Nexstar and its subsidiaries guarantee full payment of all obligations incurred under Mission’s senior secured credit facility agreement and 8.875% senior secured second lien notes due 2017. In the event that Mission is unable to repay amounts due, Nexstar will be obligated to repay such amounts. The maximum potential amount of future payments that Nexstar would be required to make under this guarantee would be generally limited to the amount of borrowings outstanding. At September 30, 2010, Mission had $38.9 million outstanding under its senior secured credit facility and $135.3 million outstanding 8.875% senior secured second lien notes.

Indemnification Obligations
 
In connection with certain agreements that the Company enters into in the normal course of its business, including local service agreements, business acquisitions and borrowing arrangements, the Company enters into contractual arrangements under which the Company agrees to indemnify the third party to such arrangement from losses, claims and damages incurred by the indemnified party for certain events as defined within the particular contract. Such indemnification obligations may not be subject to maximum loss clauses and the maximum potential amount of future payments the Company could be required to make under these indemnification arrangements may be unlimited. Historically, payments made related to these indemnifications have been immaterial and the Company has not incurred significant costs to defend lawsuits or settle claims related to these indemnification agreements.
 
Litigation
 
From time to time, the Company is involved with claims that arise out of the normal course of its business. In the opinion of management, any resulting liability with respect to these claims would not have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial position, results of operations or cash flows.
 
15.
Condensed Consolidating Financial Information
 
The following condensed consolidating financial information presents the financial position, results of operations and cash flows of the Company, each of its 100%, directly or indirectly, owned subsidiaries. This information is presented in lieu of separate financial statements and other related disclosures pursuant to Regulation S-X Rule 3-10 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, “Financial Statements of Guarantors and Issuers of Guaranteed Securities Registered or being Registered.”
 

 
18

 

NEXSTAR BROADCASTING GROUP, INC.
 
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)
 
15.
Condensed Consolidating Financial Information—(Continued)

The Nexstar column presents the parent company’s financial information (not including any subsidiaries). The Nexstar Holdings column presents its financial information (not including any subsidiaries). The Nexstar Broadcasting column presents the financial information of Nexstar Broadcasting. The Mission column presents the financial information of Mission, an entity which Nexstar Broadcasting is required to consolidate as a variable interest entity (see Note 2).

The Company and its subsidiaries have the following notes outstanding:
 
1. Nexstar Holdings, which is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Nexstar, has 11.375% senior discount notes (“11.375% Notes”) due in 2013. The 11.375% Notes are fully and unconditionally guaranteed by Nexstar but not guaranteed by any other entities.
 
2. Nexstar Broadcasting, which is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Nexstar Holdings, has the following notes outstanding: 
 
 
(a) 7% Senior Subordinated Notes (“7% Notes”) due 2014. The 7% Notes are fully and unconditionally guaranteed by Nexstar and Mission. These notes are not guaranteed by any other entities.
 
 
 
(b) 7% Senior Subordinated PIK Notes due 2014 (“7% PIK Notes”). The 7% PIK Notes are fully and unconditionally guaranteed by Nexstar and Mission. These notes are not guaranteed by any other entities.
 
 
 
(c) 8.875% Senior Secured Second Lien Notes due 2017 (“8.875% Senior Secured Second Lien Notes”). The 8.875% Senior Secured Second Lien Notes are co-issued by Nexstar Broadcasting and Mission, jointly and severally, and fully and unconditionally guaranteed by Nexstar and Mission. The net proceeds to Mission and Nexstar from the sale of the Notes were approximately $316.8 million, net of approximately $8.2 million original issuance discount. Mission received $131.9 million of the net proceeds and $184.9 million was received by Nexstar Broadcasting.  As the obligations under the Notes are joint and several to Nexstar Broadcasting and Mission, each entity reflects the full amount of the Notes and related accrued interest in their separate financial statements.  Further, the portions of the net proceeds and related accrued interest attributable to the respective co-issuer are reflected as a reduction to equity (due from affiliate) in their separate financial statements given the common control nature of the entities.
 
Neither Mission nor Nexstar Broadcasting has any subsidiaries.

 
19

 

NEXSTAR BROADCASTING GROUP, INC.
 
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)
 
15.
Condensed Consolidating Financial Information—(Continued)

Balance Sheet
September 30, 2010
(in thousands)
 
   
Nexstar
   
Nexstar
Broadcasting
   
Mission
   
Nexstar
Holdings
   
Eliminations
   
Consolidated
Company
 
ASSETS
                                   
Current assets:
                                   
Cash and cash equivalents
 
$
   
$
14,701
   
$
3,062
   
$
   
$
   
$
17,763
 
Due from Mission
   
     
10,741
     
     
     
(10,741
)
   
 
Other current assets
   
     
77,052
     
5,563
     
     
     
82,615
 
Total current assets
   
     
102,494
     
8,625
     
     
(10,741
)
   
100,378
 
Amounts due from subsidiary eliminated upon consolidation
   
6,009
     
     
     
     
(6,009
)
   
 
Amounts due from parents eliminated upon consolidation
   
     
4,502
     
     
     
(4,502
)
   
 
Property and equipment, net
   
     
113,068
     
26,485
     
     
     
139,553
 
Goodwill
   
     
90,330
     
18,729
     
     
     
109,059
 
FCC licenses
   
     
106,789
     
20,698
     
     
     
127,487
 
Other intangible assets, net
   
     
86,709
     
21,656
     
     
     
108,365
 
Other noncurrent assets
   
     
18,099
     
4,022
     
615
     
     
22,736
 
Total assets
 
$
6,009
   
$
521,991
   
$
100,215
   
$
615
   
$
(21,252
)
 
$
607,578
 
LIABILITIES AND
STOCKHOLDERS’ DEFICIT
                                               
Current liabilities:
                                               
Current portion of debt
 
$
   
$
610
   
$
390
   
$
   
$
   
$
1,000
 
Due to Nexstar Broadcasting
   
     
     
10,741
     
     
(10,741
)
   
 
Other current liabilities
   
     
59,999
     
18,280
     
2,843
     
(12,900
)
   
68,222
 
Total current liabilities
   
     
60,609
     
29,411
     
2,843
     
(23,641
)
   
69,222
 
                                                 
Debt
           
556,465
     
355,730
     
49,981
     
(317,217
)
   
644,959
 
Investments in subsidiaries eliminated upon consolidation
   
223,264
     
     
     
160,542
     
(383,806
)
   
 
Amounts due to subsidiary eliminated upon consolidation
   
     
     
     
10,511
     
(10,511
)
   
 
Other noncurrent liabilities
   
(3
)
   
65,459
     
17,794
     
2
     
     
83,252
 
Total liabilities
   
223,261
     
682,533
     
402,935
     
223,879
     
(735,175
)
   
797,433
 
Stockholders’ deficit:
                                               
Common stock
   
284
     
     
     
     
     
284
 
Other stockholders’ deficit
   
(217,536
)
   
(160,542
)
   
(302,720
)
   
(223,264
)
   
713,923
     
(190,139
)
Total stockholders’ deficit
   
(217,252
)
   
(160,542
)
   
(302,720
)
   
(223,264
)
   
713,923
     
(189,855
)
Total liabilities and stockholders’ deficit
 
$
6,009
   
$
521,991
   
$
100,215
   
$
615
   
$
(21,252
 
$
607,578
 

 
20

 

NEXSTAR BROADCASTING GROUP, INC.
 
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)
 
15.
Condensed Consolidating Financial Information—(Continued)

BALANCE SHEET
December 31, 2009
(in thousands)
 
   
Nexstar
   
Nexstar
Broadcasting
   
Mission
   
Nexstar
Holdings
   
Eliminations
   
Consolidated
Company
 
ASSETS
                                   
Current assets:
                                   
Cash and cash equivalents
 
$
   
$
11,849
   
$
903
   
$
   
$
   
$
12,752
 
Due from Mission
   
     
13,370
     
     
     
(13,370
)
   
 
Other current assets
   
     
75,466
     
4,668
     
     
     
80,134
 
Total current assets
   
     
100,685
     
5,571
     
     
(13,370
)
   
92,886
 
Amounts due from subsidiary eliminated upon consolidation
   
3,513
     
     
     
     
(3,513
)
   
 
Amounts due from parents eliminated upon consolidation
   
     
4,146
     
     
     
(4,146
)
   
 
Property and equipment, net
   
     
115,671
     
28,610
     
     
     
144,281
 
Goodwill
   
     
90,330
     
18,729
     
     
     
109,059
 
FCC licenses
   
     
106,789
     
20,698
     
     
     
127,487
 
Other intangible assets, net
   
     
100,699
     
25,517
     
     
     
126,216
 
Other noncurrent assets
   
     
15,197
     
3,906
     
794
     
     
19,897
 
Total assets
 
$
3,513
   
$
533,517
   
$
103,031
   
$
794
   
$
    (21,029
)
 
$
619,826
 
LIABILITIES AND
STOCKHOLDERS’ DEFICIT
                                               
Current liabilities:
                                               
Current portion of debt
 
$
   
$
5,358
   
$
1,727
   
$
   
$
   
$
7,085
 
Due to Nexstar Broadcasting
   
     
     
13,370
     
     
(13,370
)
   
 
Other current liabilities
   
     
42,331
     
5,174
     
1,421
     
     
48,926
 
Total current liabilities
   
     
47,689
     
20,271
     
1,421
     
(13,370
)
   
56,011
 
Debt
   
     
442,675
     
170,633
     
49,981
     
     
663,289
 
Investments in subsidiaries eliminated upon consolidation
   
75,125
     
     
     
16,856
     
(91,981
)
   
 
Amounts due to subsidiary eliminated upon consolidation
   
     
     
     
7,659
     
(7,659
)
   
 
Other noncurrent liabilities
   
(3
)
   
60,009
     
16,781
     
2
     
     
76,789
 
Total liabilities
   
75,122
     
550,373
     
207,685
     
75,919
     
(113,010
)
   
796,089
 
Stockholders’ deficit:
                                               
Common stock
   
284
     
     
     
     
     
284
 
Other stockholders’ deficit
   
(71,893
)
   
(16,856
)
   
(104,654
)
   
(75,125
)
   
91,981
     
(176,547
)
Total stockholders’ deficit
   
(71,609
)
   
(16,856
)
   
(104,654
)
   
(75,125
)
   
91,981
     
(176,263
)
Total liabilities and stockholders’ deficit
 
$
3,513
   
$
533,517
   
$
103,031
   
$
794
   
$
(21,029
)
 
$
619,826
 

 
21

 

NEXSTAR BROADCASTING GROUP, INC.
 
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)
 
15.
Condensed Consolidating Financial Information—(Continued)

Statement of Operations
For the Three Months Ended September 30, 2010
(in thousands)
 
   
Nexstar
   
Nexstar
Broadcasting
   
Mission
   
Nexstar
Holdings
   
Eliminations
   
Consolidated
Company
 
Net broadcast revenue (including trade and barter) 
 
$
   
$
70,731
   
$
2,395
   
$
   
$
   
$
73,126
 
Revenue between consolidated entities
   
     
1,785
     
6,813
     
     
(8,598
)
   
 
Net revenue
   
     
72,516
     
9,208
     
     
(8,598
)
   
73,126
 
Operating expenses:
                                               
Direct operating expenses (exclusive of depreciation and amortization shown separately below)
   
     
18,357
     
1,312
     
     
     
19,669
 
Selling, general, and administrative expenses (exclusive of depreciation and amortization shown separately below)
   
     
23,378
     
608
     
     
     
23,986
 
Local service agreement fees between consolidated entities
   
     
6,813
     
1,785
     
     
(8,598
)
   
 
Amortization of broadcast rights
   
     
4,481
     
940
     
     
     
5,421
 
Amortization of intangible assets
   
     
4,645
     
1,287
     
     
     
5,932
 
Depreciation
   
     
4,511
     
741
     
     
     
5,252
 
Loss on asset disposal, net
   
     
8
     
2
     
     
     
10
 
Total operating expenses
   
     
62,193
     
6,675
     
     
(8,598
)
   
60,270
 
Income from operations
   
     
10,323
     
2,533
     
     
     
12,856
 
Interest expense, including amortization of debt financing costs
   
     
(9,167
)
   
(3,662
)
   
(1,481
)
   
     
(14,310
)
Loss on extinguishment of debt
   
     
(65
)
   
     
     
     
(65
)
Equity in loss of subsidiaries
   
(1,561
)
   
     
     
(80
)
   
1,641
     
 
Other income, net
   
     
1
     
     
     
     
1
 
(Loss) income before income taxes
   
(1,561
)
   
1,092
     
(1,129
)
   
(1,561
)
   
1,641
     
(1,518
)
Income tax expense
   
     
(1,172
)
   
(305
)
   
     
     
(1,477
)
Net loss
 
$
(1,561
)
 
$
(80
)
 
$
(1,434
)
 
$
(1,561
)
 
$
1,641
   
$
(2,995
)

 
22

 

NEXSTAR BROADCASTING GROUP, INC.
 
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)
 
15.
Condensed Consolidating Financial Information—(Continued)

Statement of Operations
For the Three Months Ended September 30, 2009
(in thousands)
 
                                     
   
Nexstar
   
Nexstar
Broadcasting
   
Mission
   
Nexstar
Holdings
   
Eliminations
   
Consolidated
Company
 
Net broadcast revenue (including trade and barter) 
 
$
   
$
58,265
   
$
2,134
   
$
   
$
   
$
60,399
 
Revenue between consolidated entities
   
     
1,800
     
5,808
     
     
(7,608
)
   
— 
 
Net revenue
   
     
60,065
     
7,942
     
     
(7,608
)
   
60,399
 
Operating expenses:
                                               
Direct operating expenses (exclusive of depreciation and amortization shown separately below)
   
     
17,503
     
1,223
     
     
     
18,726
 
Selling, general, and administrative expenses (exclusive of depreciation and amortization shown separately below)
   
     
20,799
     
822
     
7
     
     
21,628
 
Local service agreement fees between consolidated entities
   
     
5,808
     
1,800
     
     
(7,608
)
   
 
Impairment of goodwill and intangible assets
   
     
13,906
     
2,258
     
     
     
16,164
 
Amortization of broadcast rights
   
     
7,340
     
1,430
     
     
     
8,770
 
Amortization of intangible assets
   
     
4,649
     
1,287
     
     
     
5,936
 
Depreciation
   
     
4,585
     
828
     
     
     
5,413
 
Gain on asset exchange
   
     
(1,258
)
   
(1,354
)
   
     
     
(2,612
)
Loss (gain) on asset disposal, net
   
     
16
     
(9
)
   
     
     
7
 
Total operating expenses
   
     
73,348
     
8,285
     
7
     
(7,608
)
   
74,032
 
Loss from operations
   
     
(13,283
)
   
(343
)
   
(7
)
   
     
(13,633
)
Interest expense, including amortization of debt financing costs
   
     
(6,135
)
   
(1,052
)
   
(1,481
)
   
     
(8,668
)
Equity in loss of subsidiaries
   
(16,948
)
   
     
     
(15,460
)
   
32,408
     
 
Other income, net
   
     
4
     
1
     
— 
     
     
5
 
Loss before income taxes
   
(16,948
)
   
(19,414
)
   
(1,394
)
   
(16,948
)
   
32,408
     
(22,296
)
Income tax benefit (expense)
   
     
3,955
     
(50
)
   
     
     
3,905
 
Net loss
 
$
(16,948
)
 
$
(15,459
)
 
$
(1,444
)
 
$
(16,948
)
 
$
32,408
   
$
(18,391
)

 
23

 

NEXSTAR BROADCASTING GROUP, INC.
 
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)
 
15.
Condensed Consolidating Financial Information—(Continued)

Statement of Operations
For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2010
(in thousands)
 
                                     
   
Nexstar
   
Nexstar
Broadcasting
   
Mission
   
Nexstar
Holdings
   
Eliminations
   
Consolidated
Company
 
Net broadcast revenue (including trade and barter) 
 
$
   
$
209,306
   
$
6,988
   
$
   
$
   
$
216,294
 
Revenue between consolidated entities
   
     
5,375
     
20,558
     
     
(25,933
)
   
 
Net revenue
   
     
214,681
     
27,546
     
     
(25,933
)
   
216,294
 
Operating expenses:
                                               
Direct operating expenses (exclusive of depreciation and amortization shown separately below)
   
     
53,992
     
4,240
     
     
     
58,232
 
Selling, general, and administrative expenses (exclusive of depreciation and amortization shown separately below and inclusive of $1,600 one-time non-cash stock-based compensation expense from May 2010 stock option repricing)
   
     
70,252
     
1,738
     
     
     
71,990
 
Local service agreement fees between consolidated entities
   
     
20,558
     
5,375
     
     
(25,933
)
   
 
Amortization of broadcast rights
   
     
12,946
     
2,782
     
     
     
15,728
 
Amortization of intangible assets
   
     
13,990
     
3,861
     
     
     
17,851
 
Depreciation
   
     
13,685
     
2,204
     
     
     
15,889
 
Gain on asset exchange
   
     
(41
)
   
11
     
     
     
(30
)
(Gain) loss on asset disposal, net
   
     
(24
)
   
20
     
     
     
(4
)
Total operating expenses
   
     
185,358
     
20,231
     
     
(25,933
)
   
179,656
 
Income from operations
   
     
29,323
     
7,315
     
     
     
36,638
 
Interest expense, including amortization of debt financing costs
   
     
(26,360
)
   
(9,346
)
   
(4,452
)
   
     
(40,158
)
Loss on extinguishment of debt
   
     
(5,443
)
   
(2,431
)
   
     
     
(7,874
)
Equity in loss of subsidiaries
   
(10,707
)
   
     
     
(6,255
)
   
16,962
     
 
Other income, net
   
     
5
     
     
     
     
5
 
Loss before income taxes
   
(10,707
)
   
(2,475
)
   
(4,462
)
   
(10,707
)
   
16,962
     
(11,389
)
Income tax expense
   
     
(3,780
)
   
(920
)
   
     
     
(4,700
)
Net loss
 
$
(10,707
)
 
$
(6,255
)
 
$
(5,382
)
 
$
(10,707
)
 
$
16,962
   
$
(16,089
)

 
24

 

NEXSTAR BROADCASTING GROUP, INC.
 
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)
 
15.
Condensed Consolidating Financial Information—(Continued)

Statement of Operations
For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2009
(in thousands)
 
                                     
   
Nexstar
   
Nexstar
Broadcasting
   
Mission
   
Nexstar
Holdings
   
Eliminations
   
Consolidated
Company
 
Net broadcast revenue (including trade and barter) 
 
$
   
$
171,711
   
$
6,308
   
$
   
$
   
$
178,019
 
Revenue between consolidated entities
   
     
5,625
     
18,036
     
     
(23,661
)
   
 
Net revenue
   
     
177,336
     
24,344
     
     
(23,661
)
   
178,019
 
Operating expenses:
                                               
Direct operating expenses (exclusive of depreciation and amortization shown separately below)
   
     
52,503
     
4,364
     
     
     
56,867
 
Selling, general, and administrative expenses (exclusive of depreciation and amortization shown separately below)
   
     
64,109
     
2,164
     
7
     
     
66,280
 
Local service agreement fees between consolidated entities
   
     
18,036
     
5,625
     
     
(23,661
)
   
 
Restructure charge
   
     
670
     
     
     
     
670
 
Non-cash contract termination fees
   
     
191
     
     
     
     
191
 
Impairment of goodwill and intangible assets
   
     
13,906
     
2,258
     
     
     
16,164
 
Amortization of broadcast rights
   
     
15,863
     
3,632
     
     
     
19,495
 
Amortization of intangible assets
   
     
13,911
     
3,861
     
     
     
17,772
 
Depreciation
   
     
13,282
     
2,721
     
     
     
16,003
 
Gain on asset exchange
   
     
(4,859
)
   
(1,851
)
   
     
     
(6,710
)
Gain on asset disposal, net
   
     
(2,806
)
   
(7
)
   
     
— 
     
(2,813
)
Total operating expenses
   
     
184,806
     
22,767
     
7
     
(23,661
)
   
183,919
 
(Loss) income from operations
   
     
(7,470
)
   
1,577
     
(7
)
   
     
(5,900
)
Interest expense, including amortization of debt financing costs
   
     
(18,993
)
   
(3,768
)
   
(4,672
)
   
     
(27,433
)
Gain on extinguishment of debt
   
     
565
     
     
18,002
     
     
18,567
 
Equity in loss of subsidiaries
   
(10,724
)
   
     
     
(24,047
)
   
34,771
     
 
Other income, net
   
     
46
     
4
     
     
     
50
 
Loss before income taxes
   
(10,724
)
   
(25,852
)
   
(2,187
)
   
(10,724
   
34,771
     
(14,716
)
Income tax benefit (expense)
   
     
1,806
     
(671
)
   
     
     
1,135
 
Net loss
 
$
(10,724
)
 
$
(24,046
)
 
$
(2,858
)
 
$
(10,724
)
 
$
34,771
   
$
(13,581
)

 
25

 

NEXSTAR BROADCASTING GROUP, INC.
 
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)
 
15.
Condensed Consolidating Financial Information—(Continued)

Statement of Cash Flows
For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2010
(in thousands)
 
   
Nexstar
   
Nexstar
Broadcasting
   
Mission
   
Nexstar
Holdings
   
Eliminations
   
Consolidated
Company
 
Cash flows provided by operating activities
 
$
   
$
42,752
   
$
5,983
   
$
   
$
   
$
48,735
 
                                                 
Cash flows from investing activities:
                                               
Purchases of property and equipment
   
     
(11,779
)
   
(103
)
   
     
     
(11,882
)
Other investing activities
   
     
459
     
     
     
     
459
 
Net cash used in investing activities
   
     
(11,320
)
   
(103
)
   
     
     
(11,423
)
                                                 
Cash flows from financing activities:
                                               
Proceeds from debt issuance (See Note 7)
   
     
184,933
     
131,906
     
     
     
316,839
 
Repayment of long-term debt
   
     
(208,767
)
   
(133,458
)
   
     
     
(342,225
)
Other financing activities
   
     
(4,746
)
   
(2,169
)
   
     
     
(6,915
)
                                                 
Net cash used in financing activities
   
     
(28,580
)
   
(3,721
)
   
     
     
(32,301
)
                                                 
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents
   
     
2,852
     
2,159
     
     
     
5,011
 
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period
   
     
11,849
     
903
     
     
     
12,752
 
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
 
$
   
$
14,701
   
$
3,062
   
$
   
$
   
$
17,763
 

 
26

 

NEXSTAR BROADCASTING GROUP, INC.
 
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)
 
15.
Condensed Consolidating Financial Information—(Continued)

Statement of Cash Flows
For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2009
(in thousands)
 
                                     
   
Nexstar
   
Nexstar
Broadcasting
   
Mission
   
Nexstar
Holdings
   
Eliminations
   
Consolidated
Company
 
Cash flows provided by operating activities
 
$
   
$
8,908
   
$
1,944
   
$
9,561
   
$
(10,579
)
 
$
9,834
 
                                                 
Cash flows from investing activities:
                                               
Purchases of property and equipment
   
     
(13,439
)
   
(908
)
   
     
     
(14,347
)
Acquisition of broadcast properties and related transaction costs
   
     
(20,756
)
   
     
     
     
(20,756
)
Other investing activities
   
     
4,997
     
     
     
     
4,997
 
Net cash used in investing activities
   
     
(29,198
)
   
(908
)
   
     
     
(30,106
)
                                                 
Cash flows from financing activities:
                                               
Repayment of long-term debt
   
     
(144,040
)
   
(1,295
)
   
(9,561
)
   
     
(154,896
)
Proceeds from revolver draws
   
     
54,000
     
     
     
     
54,000
 
Consideration paid to bondholders for debt exchange
   
     
(17,677
)
   
     
     
     
(17,677
)
Inter-company dividends paid
   
     
(10,579
)
   
     
     
10,579
     
 
Issuance of senior subordinated PIK notes in debt exchange
   
     
142,321
     
     
     
     
142,321
 
Other financing activities
   
     
13
     
     
     
     
13
 
                                     
         
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities
   
     
24,038
     
(1,295
)
   
(9,561
)
   
10,579
     
23,761
 
                                                 
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
   
     
3,748
     
(259
)
   
     
     
3,489
 
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period
   
     
14,408
     
1,426
     
     
     
15,834
 
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
 
$
   
$
18,156
   
$
1,167
   
$
   
$
   
$
19,323
 



 
27

 

ITEM 2.
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
 
The following discussion and analysis should be read in conjunction with the financial statements and related notes included elsewhere in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q and the financial statements contained in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2009.
 
As used in the report, unless the context indicates otherwise, “Nexstar” refers to Nexstar Broadcasting Group, Inc. and its consolidated subsidiaries Nexstar Finance Holdings, Inc.(“Nexstar Holdings”) and Nexstar Broadcasting, Inc.(“Nexstar Broadcasting”), and “Mission” refers to Mission Broadcasting, Inc. All references to “we,” “our,” and “us” refer to Nexstar. All references to the “Company” refer to Nexstar and Mission collectively.
 
As a result of our controlling financial interest in Mission under accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”) and in order to present fairly our financial position, results of operations and cash flows, we consolidate the financial position, results of operations and cash flows of Mission as if it were a wholly-owned entity. We believe this presentation is meaningful for understanding our financial performance. As discussed in Note 2 to our condensed consolidated financial statements in Part I, Item 1 of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, we have considered the authoritative guidance related to variable interest entities and have determined that we are required to continue consolidating Mission’s financial position, results of operations and cash flows. Therefore, the following discussion of our financial condition and results of operations includes Mission’s financial position and results of operations.
 
Executive Summary
 
Third Quarter 2010 Highlights
 
 
Net revenue increased 21.1% during the third quarter of 2010 compared to the same period in 2009, primarily from increases in local, national, political, eMedia and retransmission compensation.
 
Issuance of Senior Secured Second Lien Notes Due 2017
 
In April 2010, Nexstar Broadcasting and Mission, as co-issuers, completed the issuance and sale of $325.0 million of 8.875% senior secured second lien notes due 2017 (the “Notes”).  Nexstar Broadcasting and Mission used the net proceeds of the offering, together with borrowings under Nexstar Broadcasting and Mission’s amended senior secured credit facilities and cash on hand, to repurchase the approximately 82% of Nexstar Broadcasting’s outstanding Senior Subordinated PIK Notes due 2014, to refinance Nexstar Broadcasting and Mission’s existing senior secured credit facilities, pay related fees and expenses and for general corporate purposes.
 
Amendments to Credit Agreements
 
In April 2010, the Third Amendment became effective to Nexstar Broadcasting’s Fourth Amended and Restated Credit Agreement among Nexstar Broadcasting, Nexstar, and lenders.  Under the terms of the Nexstar Credit Agreement, the principal amount available under the revolving credit facility was reduced to $65.0 million, and the Term Loan B was reduced to $61.0 million. In April 2010, the Second Amendment became effective to Mission Broadcasting’s Third Amended and Restated Credit Agreement. Under the terms of the Mission Credit Agreement, the principal amount available under the revolving credit facility was reduced to $10.0 million, and the term loan B was reduced to $39.0 million.

Repayments of our bank credit facilities totaled $298.9 million during the first three quarters of 2010.
 
Outstanding Notes Repurchase
 
In April 2010, Nexstar Broadcasting completed the cash tender offer to retire $34.3 million (representing 82.5% of the outstanding aggregate principal amount) amount of the Senior Subordinated PIK Notes due 2014 at 104.5%.  In connection with this tender offer, a second supplemental indenture was executed whereby substantially all restrictive covenants and certain event of default provisions were eliminated. In May 2010, Nexstar Broadcasting repurchased an additional $2.0 million of the Senior Subordinated PIK Notes due 2014 at 106.5%.  In September 2010, Nexstar Broadcasting redeemed the remaining $5.3 million of the Senior Subordinated PIK Notes due 2014 at 109.75%.  These transactions resulted in a loss of approximately $2.6 million.

In June through August 2010, Nexstar Broadcasting purchased approximately $6.7 million of the 7% Senior Subordinated PIK notes due 2014 at 88.8% to 90.25% and approximately $0.9 million of the 7% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2014 at 93%.  These transactions resulted in gains totaling approximately $0.7 million.

 
28

 

Stock Option Repricing

In January 2010, the Compensation Committee approved the repricing of outstanding options with an exercise price of $5.00 or more to a new exercise price equal to the current closing price of the stock of $4.56 per share.  In May 2010 the shareholders of Nexstar approved the repricing.  The total incremental cost of the repricing was calculated to be approximately $1.8 million, which represents the incremental fair value of the awards.  Of the $1.8 million total incremental cost, approximately $1.6 million has been recognized and included in selling, general & administration expense as of September 30, 2010.  The remaining unrecognized incremental cost will be recognized in addition to the cost (fair value) of the original awards, which will continue to vest and amortize just as they did before the modification.

Overview of Operations

We owned and operated 34 television stations as of September 30, 2010. Through various local service agreements, we programmed or provided sales and other services to 25 additional television stations, including 16 television stations owned and operated by Mission as of September 30, 2010. All of the stations we program or provide sales and other services to, including Mission, are 100% owned by independent third parties.

The following table summarizes the various local service agreements we had in effect as of September 30, 2010 with Mission:
 
Service Agreements
Mission Stations
TBA Only(1)
WFXP and KHMT
   
SSA & JSA(2)
KJTL, KJBO-LP, KOLR, KCIT, KCPN-LP, KAMC, KRBC, KSAN, WUTR, WFXW, WYOU, KODE, WTVO and KTVE

           
(1)
We have a time brokerage agreement (“TBA”) with each of these stations which allows us to program most of each station’s broadcast time, sell each station’s advertising time and retain the advertising revenue generated in exchange for monthly payments to Mission.
(2)
We have both a shared services agreement (“SSA”) and a joint sales agreement (“JSA”) with each of these stations. The SSA allows us to provide certain services including news production, technical maintenance and security, in exchange for our right to receive certain payments from Mission as described in the SSAs. The JSA permits us to sell and retain a percentage of the net revenue from the station’s advertising time in return for monthly payments to Mission of the remaining percentage of net revenue as described in the JSAs.

Our ability to receive cash from Mission is governed by these agreements. The arrangements under the local service agreements have had the effect of us receiving substantially all of the available cash, after Mission’s payments of operating costs and debt service, generated by the stations listed above. We anticipate that, through these local service agreements, we will continue to receive substantially all of the available cash, after Mission’s payments of operating costs and debt service, generated by the stations listed above.

We also guarantee all obligations incurred under Mission’s senior secured credit facility. Similarly, Mission is a guarantor of our senior secured credit facility and the senior subordinated notes we have issued. In consideration of our guarantee of Mission’s senior secured credit facility, the sole shareholder of Mission has granted us a purchase option to acquire the assets and assume the liabilities of each Mission station, subject to FCC consent, for consideration equal to the greater of (1) seven times the station’s cash flow, as defined in the option agreement, less the amount of its indebtedness as defined in the option agreement, or (2) the amount of its indebtedness. These option agreements (which expire on various dates between 2011 and 2018) are freely exercisable or assignable by us without consent or approval by the sole shareholder of Mission. We expect these option agreements to be renewed upon expiration.

We do not own Mission or Mission’s television stations. However, as a result of (a) local service agreements Nexstar has with the Mission stations, (b) Nexstar’s guarantee of the obligations incurred under Mission’s senior secured credit facility, (c) Nexstar having power over significant activities affecting Mission’s economic performance, including budgeting for Mission’s advertising revenue, advertising and hiring and firing of sales force personnel and (d) purchase options (which expire on various dates between 2011 and 2018) granted by Mission’s sole shareholder which will permit Nexstar to acquire the assets and assume the liabilities of each Mission station, subject to Federal Communications Commission (“FCC”) consent, we are deemed under U.S. GAAP to have a controlling financial interest in Mission while complying with the FCC’s rules regarding ownership limits in television markets. The purchase options are freely exercisable or assignable by Nexstar without consent or approval by Mission's sole shareholder.  In order for both us and Mission to comply with FCC regulations, Mission maintains complete responsibility for and control over programming, finances and personnel for its stations.

 
29

 

Seasonality
 
Advertising revenue is positively affected by strong local economies, national and regional political election campaigns, and certain events such as the Olympic Games or the Super Bowl. The stations’ advertising revenue is generally highest in the second and fourth quarters of each year, due in part to increases in consumer advertising in the spring and retail advertising in the period leading up to, and including, the holiday season. In addition, advertising revenue is generally higher during even-numbered years resulting from political advertising and advertising aired during the Olympic Games.

Industry Trends
 
Our net revenue increased 21.5% to $216.3 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2010, compared to $178.0 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2009 partially due to increases in local and national advertising due to an overall upswing in the economy from the same period in 2009.

Political advertising revenue was $16.7 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2010, an increase of $14.4 million or greater than six times the $2.3 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2009. The demand for political advertising is generally higher in even-numbered years, when congressional and presidential elections occur, than in odd-numbered years when there are no federal elections scheduled. Since 2010 is an election year, we expect significantly more political advertising revenue to be reported in 2010 in relation to the amount of political advertising reported in 2009.
 
Automotive-related advertising, our largest advertising category, represented approximately 21% and 18% of our core local and national advertising revenue for the nine months ended September 30, 2010 and 2009, respectively. Our automotive-related advertising increased approximately 34% for the nine months ended September 30, 2010 as compared to the same period in 2009. Automotive-related advertising on a quarter-to-quarter comparison to the prior year was higher this quarter compared to the same quarter last year.  
 
Historical Performance
 
Revenue
 
The following table sets forth the principal types of revenue (in thousands) earned by the Company’s stations for the periods indicated and each type of revenue (other than trade and barter) as a percentage of total gross revenue, as well as agency commissions:

   
Three Months Ended September 30,
   
Nine Months Ended September 30,
 
   
2010
   
2009
   
2010
   
2009
 
   
Amount
   
%
   
Amount
   
%
   
Amount
   
%
   
Amount
   
%
 
             
Local
 
$
41,705
     
54.5
   
$
37,316
     
60.0
   
$
126,760
     
56.0
   
$
113,412
     
61.8
 
National
   
14,961
     
19.6
     
13,276
     
21.4
     
45,856
     
20.2
     
37,563
     
20.5
 
Political
   
6,728
     
8.8
     
1,012
     
1.6
     
16,686
     
7.4
     
2,271
     
1.2
 
Retransmission compensation
   
7,650
     
10.0
     
6,244
     
10.0
     
22,279
     
9.8
     
17,884
     
9.8
 
eMedia revenue
   
3,581
     
4.7
     
2,970
     
4.8
     
9,880
     
4.4
     
8,291
     
4.5
 
Network compensation
   
500
     
0.7
     
516
     
0.8
     
1,528
     
0.7
     
1,607
     
0.9
 
Management fee
   
800
     
1.0
     
500
     
0.8
     
1,800
     
0.8
     
1,066
     
0.6
 
Other
   
568
     
0.7
     
389
     
0.6
     
1,645
     
0.7
     
1,260
     
0.7
 
                                                                 
Total gross revenue
   
76,493
     
100.0
     
62,223
     
100.0
     
226,434
     
100.0
     
183,354
     
100.0
 
Less: Agency commissions
   
8,055
     
10.5
     
6,506
     
10.5
     
23,989
     
10.6
     
19,002
     
10.4
 
Net broadcast revenue
   
68,438
     
89.5
     
55,717
     
89.5
     
202,445
     
89.4
     
164,352
     
89.6
 
Trade and barter revenue
   
4,688
             
4,682
             
13,849
             
13,667
         
Net revenue
 
$
73,126
           
$
60,399
           
$
216,294
           
$
178,019
         

 
30

 

Results of Operations
 
The following table sets forth a summary of the Company’s operations (in thousands) for the periods indicated and each component of operating expense as a percentage of net revenue:
   
Three Months Ended September 30,
   
Nine Months Ended September 30,
 
   
2010
   
2009
   
2010
   
2009
 
   
Amount
   
%
   
Amount
   
%
   
Amount
   
%
   
Amount
   
%
 
             
Net revenue
 
$
73,126
     
100.0
   
$
60,399
     
100.0
   
$
216,294
     
100.0
   
$
178,019
     
100.0
 
Operating expenses:
                                                               
Corporate expenses
   
4,656
     
6.4
     
4,031
     
6.7
     
14,992
     
6.9
     
14,499
     
8.1
 
Station direct operating expenses, net of trade
   
17,774
     
24.3
     
17,501
     
29.0
     
52,704
     
24.4
     
52,991
     
29.8
 
Selling, general and administrative expenses
   
19,330
     
26.4
     
17,597
     
29.1
     
56,998
     
26.4
     
51,781
     
29.1
 
Restructure charge
   
     
     
     
     
     
     
670
     
0.4
 
Non-cash contract termination fees
   
     
     
     
     
     
     
191
     
0.1
 
Impairment of goodwill and intangible assets
   
     
     
16,164
     
26.8
     
     
     
16,164
     
9.1
 
Gain on asset exchange
   
     
     
(2,612
)
   
(4.3
)
   
(30
)
   
     
(6,710
)
   
(3.8
)
Loss (gain) on asset disposal, net
   
10
     
     
7
     
     
(4
)
   
     
(2,813
)
   
(1.6
)
Trade and barter expense
   
4,796
     
6.6
     
4,293
     
7.1
     
14,035
     
6.5
     
12,793
     
7.2
 
Depreciation and amortization
   
11,184
     
15.3
     
11,349
     
18.8
     
33,740
     
15.6
     
33,775
     
19.0
 
Amortization of broadcast rights, excluding barter
   
2,520
     
3.4
     
5,702
     
9.4
     
7,221
     
3.3
     
10,578
     
5.9
 
                                                                 
Income (loss) from operations
 
$
12,856
           
$
(13,633
)
         
$
36,638
           
$
(5,900
)
       

Three Months Ended September 30, 2010 Compared to Three Months Ended September 30, 2009
 
Revenue
 
Gross local advertising revenue was $41.7 million for the three months ended September 30, 2010, compared to $37.3 million for the same period in 2009, an increase of $4.4 million, or 11.8%.  Gross national advertising revenue was $15.0 million for the three months ended September 30, 2010, compared to $13.3 million for the same period in 2009, an increase of $1.7 million, or 12.7%.  The primary drivers of these increases were increases in advertising revenue from the automotive, communications, retail and services business categories with increases of approximately $2.9 million, $1.2 million, $0.6 million  and $0.9 million, respectively, during the third quarter of 2010 compared to the prior year.
 
Gross political advertising revenue was $6.7 million for the three months ended September 30, 2010, compared to $1.0 million for the same period in 2009, an increase of $5.7 million, or more than five times. The increase in gross political revenue was mainly attributed to state and federal election campaigns held during the three months ended September 30, 2010.
 
Retransmission compensation was $7.7 million for the three months ended September 30, 2010, compared to $6.2 million for the same period in 2009, an increase of $1.4 million, or 22.5%. The increase in retransmission compensation was primarily the result of new contracts being added during the second half of 2009 and the beginning of 2010 combined with certain increases in billing and subscription rates.
 
eMedia revenue, representing revenue generated from non-television web-based advertising, was $3.6 million for the three months ended September 30, 2010, compared to $3.0 million for the same period in 2009, an increase of $0.6 million or 20.6%. The increase in eMedia revenue is attributable to increased penetration of our markets by our eMedia sales efforts and the overall upswing in the economy during the three months ended September 30, 2010 compared to the same period in 2009.
 
Net revenue for the three months ended September 30, 2010 increased 21.1% to $73.1 million compared to $60.4 million for the three months ended September 30, 2009.

 
31

 

Operating Expenses
 
    Corporate expenses, related to costs associated with the centralized management of Nexstar’s and Mission’s stations, were $4.7 million for the three months ended September 30, 2010, compared to $4.0 million for the three months ended September 30, 2009, an increase of $0.6 million, or 15.5%. The increase during the three months ended September 30, 2010 was primarily attributed to the accrual of employee bonuses due to the progress toward achievement of Company objectives for the year.
   
    Station direct operating expenses, consisting primarily of news, engineering and programming, and selling, general and administrative expenses (net of trade expense) were $37.1 million for the three months ended September 30, 2010, compared to $35.1 million for the same period in 2009, an increase of $2.0 million, or 5.7%. The increase was primarily attributed to an increase of $0.9 million in national, local and eMedia sales commissions and sales expenses due to an increase in local, national and political revenue as well as an incremental $0.7 million in fees paid to Sinclair for our outsourcing arrangement in Peoria and Rochester, as revenues and BCF for those stations increased year-over-year, and an increase in property taxes of $0.3 million due to increased property values.
 
    Amortization of broadcast rights, excluding barter, was $2.5 million for the three months ended September 30, 2010, compared to $5.7 million for the same period in 2009, a decrease of $3.2 million, or 55.8%.  The decrease is primarily due to net realizable writedowns of $2.7 million in the three months ended September 30, 2009.
 
Amortization of intangible assets was approximately $5.9 million for each of the three months ended September 30, 2010 and 2009.
 
While there are no known circumstances or events as of September 30, 2010 that indicate an impairment might exist, any future significant adverse change in the advertising marketplaces in which Nexstar and Mission operate could lead to an impairment and reduction of the carrying value of the Company’s goodwill and intangible assets, including FCC licenses. If such a condition were to occur, the resulting non-cash charge could have a material adverse effect on Nexstar and Mission’s financial position and results of operations.
 
Depreciation of property and equipment was $5.3 million for the three months ended September 30, 2010, compared to $5.4 million for the same period in 2009.

The gain from the exchange of equipment under an arrangement with Sprint Nextel Corporation decreased $2.6 million for the three months ended September 30, 2010 compared to the same period in 2009.  The decrease is a result of the completion of the project as of March 31, 2010.

Income (Loss) from Operations
 
    Income from operations was $12.9 million for the three months ended September 30, 2010, compared to a loss of $13.6 million for the same period in 2009, an increase of $26.5 million. The increase was primarily the result of the overall increase in net revenue of $12.7 million and an impairment loss taken in 2009 of $16.2 million, partially offset by the decrease in gains on asset exchange of $2.6 million.
 
Interest Expense
 
Interest expense, including amortization of debt financing costs, was $14.3 million for the three months ended September 30, 2010, compared to $8.7 million for the same period in 2009, an increase of $5.6 million, or 65.1%. The increase in interest expense was primarily attributed to the higher interest rate of the $325.0 million 8.875% senior secured second lien notes due 2017 compared to the senior credit facilities.
 
Income Taxes
 
Income tax expense was $1.5 million for the three months ended September 30, 2010, compared to a benefit of $3.9 million for the same period in 2009, an increase of $5.4 million. The increase was primarily due to the deferred taxes associated with the indefinite-lived intangible assets of WCWJ, which was acquired on May 1, 2009.  Our provision for income taxes is primarily created by changes in the position during the year arising from the amortization of goodwill and other indefinite-lived assets for income tax purposes, which are not amortized for financial reporting purposes.  No tax benefit was recorded with respect to the loss in 2010 as the utilization of such loss is not likely to be realized in the foreseeable future.

 
32

 

Nine Months Ended September 30, 2010 Compared to Nine Months Ended September 30, 2009.
 
Revenue
 
Gross local advertising revenue was $126.8 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2010 an increase of $13.3 million or 11.8% when compared to $113.4 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2009.   Gross national advertising revenue was $45.9 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2010, compared to $37.6 million for the same period in 2009, an increase of $8.3 million, or 22.1%.  The primary drivers of these increases were increases in advertising revenue from the automotive, communications, retail and services business categories with increases of approximately $9.3 million, $2.5 million, $2.2 million and $5.5 million.
 
 Gross political advertising revenue was $16.7 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2010, compared to $2.3 million for the same period in 2009, an increase of $14.4 million, or more than six times. The increase in gross political revenue was mainly attributed to federal and statewide primary election campaigns and to statewide and/or local races that occurred during the nine months ended September 30, 2010 as compared to nominal political advertising during the nine months ended September 30, 2009.
 
Retransmission compensation was $22.3 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2010, compared to $17.9 million for the same period in 2009, an increase of $4.4 million, or 24.6%. The increase in retransmission compensation was primarily the result of new contracts being added the second half of 2009 and the beginning of 2010 combined with certain increases in billing and subscription rates and the addition of WCWJ in May 2009.
 
eMedia revenue, representing revenue generated from non-television web-based advertising, was $9.9 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2010, compared to $8.3 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2009. The increase in eMedia revenue was a result of an overall upswing in the economy.
 
Net revenue for the nine months ended September 30, 2010 increased 21.5% to $216.3 million compared to $178.0 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2009.
 
Operating Expenses
 
Corporate expenses, related to costs associated with the centralized management of Nexstar’s and Mission’s stations were $15.0 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2010, compared to $14.5 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2009.  The increase during the nine months ended September 30, 2010 was primarily attributed to an increase of approximately $1.6 million of non-cash incremental stock-based compensation expense resulting from the stock option repricing in May 2010 (see Note 2 to the condensed financial statements for more details related to the stock option repricing) and $2.6 million in bonus accruals, partially offset by $3.1 million in fees associated with the 7% senior subordinated PIK notes exchange offer in March 2009.

Station direct operating expenses, consisting primarily of news, engineering and programming, net of trade, and selling, general and administrative expenses were $109.7 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2010, compared to $104.8 million for the same period in 2009, an increase of $4.9 million, or 4.7%. This increase is primarily attributed to an increase of $2.3 million in national and local sales commissions related to increased revenues, as well as increases of $1.5 million in outsourcing fees and $0.3 million in reimbursable programming fees to our outsourcing partner, the addition of WCWJ in May 2009 of approximately $0.6 million, partially offset by a reduction in utility costs from the elimination of the analog transmission and the elimination of the news programming at WYOU in April 2009.
 
Amortization of intangible assets was approximately $17.9 million and $17.8 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2010 and 2009, respectively.
 
While there are no known circumstances or events as of September 30, 2010 that indicate an impairment might exist, any future significant adverse change in the advertising marketplaces in which Nexstar and Mission operate could lead to an impairment and reduction of the carrying value of the Company’s goodwill and intangible assets, including FCC licenses. If such a condition were to occur, the resulting non-cash charge could have a material adverse effect on Nexstar and Mission’s financial position and results of operations.
 
Depreciation of property and equipment was $15.9 million and $16.0 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2010 and 2009.
 
For the nine months ended September 30, 2010 and 2009, respectively, we recognized a gain of $30 thousand and $6.7 million from the exchange of equipment under an arrangement with Sprint Nextel Corporation.  This project was completed as of March 31, 2010.

 
33

 

Income (Loss) from Operations
 
Income from operations was $36.6 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2010, compared to a loss from operations of $5.9 million for the same period in 2009, an increase of $42.5 million. The increase was primarily the result of an increase in net revenue of $38.3 million and an impairment loss taken in 2009 of $16.2 million, partially offset by the completion of the Sprint Nextel exchange agreement and an increase in selling, general and administrative expenses.
 
Interest Expense
 
Interest expense, including amortization of debt financing costs, was $40.2 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2010, compared to $27.4 million for the same period in 2009, an increase of $12.7 million, or 46.4%. The increase in interest expense was primarily attributed to the higher interest rate of the $325.0 million 8.875% senior secured second line notes due 2017 compared to the senior credit facilities.

Loss on Extinguishment of Debt
 
For the nine months ended September 30, 2010, we purchased all $42.4 million of our outstanding Senior Subordinated PIK Notes, $6.7 million of our 7% Senior Subordinated PIK Notes, $0.9 million of our 7% Senior Subordinated notes and repaid $298.9 million of our Senior Secured Credit Facility for a net loss of $7.9 million.

Income Taxes
 
Income tax expense was $4.7 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2010, compared to a benefit of $1.1 million for the same period in 2009, an increase of $5.8 million. The increase was primarily due to a reduction in deferred tax expense associated with deferred tax liabilities representing the difference between the book and tax basis of goodwill and other indefinite-lived intangible assets.  The impairment charges recorded in September 2009 reduced these deferred tax liabilities which resulted in a reduction in deferred tax expense during this period.
 
Liquidity and Capital Resources
 
We and Mission are highly leveraged, which makes the Company vulnerable to changes in general economic conditions. Our and Mission’s ability to meet the future cash requirements described below depends on our and Mission’s ability to generate cash in the future, which is subject to general economic, financial, competitive, legislative, regulatory and other conditions, many of which are beyond our and Mission’s control. Based on current operations and anticipated future growth, we believe that our and Mission’s available cash, anticipated cash flow from operations and available borrowings under the Nexstar and Mission senior credit facilities will be sufficient to fund working capital, capital expenditure requirements, interest payments and scheduled debt principal payments for at least the next twelve months. In order to meet future cash needs we may, from time to time, borrow under credit facilities or issue other long- or short-term debt or equity, if the market and the terms of our existing debt arrangements permit, and Mission may, from time to time, borrow under its available credit facility. We will continue to evaluate the best use of Nexstar’s operating cash flow among its capital expenditures, acquisitions and debt reduction.

Overview
 
The following tables present summarized financial information management believes is helpful in evaluating the Company’s liquidity and capital resources (in thousands):
 
   
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 
   
2010
   
2009
 
       
Net cash provided by operating activities
 
$
48,735
   
$
9,834
 
Net cash used in investing activities
   
(11,423
)
   
(30,106
)
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities
   
(32,301
)
   
23,761
 
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents
 
$
5,011
   
$
3,489
 
Cash paid for interest
 
$
18,080
   
$
22,228
 
Cash paid for income taxes, net
 
$
416
   
$
523
 
                 
   
September 30,
2010
   
December 31,
2009
 
       
Cash and cash equivalents
 
$
17,763
   
$
12,752
 
Long-term debt including current portion
 
$
645,959
   
$
670,374
 
Unused commitments under senior credit facilities (1)
 
$
75,000
   
$
20,500
 

           
(1)
Based on covenant calculations, as of September 30, 2010, all of the $75 million of total unused revolving loan commitments under the Nexstar and Mission credit facilities were available for borrowing.

 
34

 

Cash Flows – Operating Activities
 
Net cash provided by operating activities increased by approximately $38.9 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2010 compared to the same period in 2009. The increase was primarily due to an increase in net revenue of $38.3 million combined with cash collected on accounts receivable and a reduction of cash paid on accounts payable and accrued expenses including interest payable.
 
Cash paid for interest decreased by approximately $4.1 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2010 compared to the same period in 2009. The decrease was due primarily to an increase in accrued interest payable due to the different interest payment dates of the 8.875% senior secured second lien notes due 2017.

Nexstar and its subsidiaries file a consolidated federal income tax return. Mission files its own separate federal income tax return. Additionally, Nexstar and Mission file their own state and local tax returns. Due to our and Mission’s recent history of net operating losses, we and Mission currently do not pay any federal income taxes. These net operating losses may be carried forward, subject to expiration and certain limitations, and used to reduce taxable earnings in future years. Through the use of available loss carryforwards, it is possible that we and Mission may not pay significant amounts of federal income taxes in the foreseeable future.
 
Cash Flows – Investing Activities
 
Net cash used in investing activities decreased by $18.7 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2010 compared to the same period in 2009. The decrease was primarily due to $20.8 million less spending on the acquisitions of new stations combined with $2.5 million less spending in capital expenditures, offset by approximately $4.4 million less insurance proceeds received on casualty loss.
 
Acquisition-related payments for the nine months ended September 30, 2009 consisted of the acquisition of KARZ for $3.6 million and the acquisition of WCWJ for $18.0 million.  There were no acquisition-related payments for this period in 2010.
 
Capital expenditures were $11.9 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2010, compared to $14.3 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2009.
 
Cash Flows – Financing Activities
 
Net cash used in financing activities increased by $56.1 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2010 compared to the same period in 2009, due primarily to $329.7 million more repayments on long-term debt and $54.0 million less draws from revolver facility, offset by approximately $316.8 million net proceeds from issuance of 8.875% senior secured second lien notes and approximately $10.8 million less consideration paid for all financing related transactions during these periods.
 
Although the Nexstar and Mission senior credit facilities allow for the payment of cash dividends to common stockholders, we and Mission do not currently intend to declare or pay a cash dividend.

Future Sources of Financing and Debt Service Requirements
 
As of September 30, 2010, Nexstar and Mission had total combined debt of $646.0 million, which represented 141.6% of Nexstar and Mission’s combined capitalization. Our and Mission’s high level of debt requires that a substantial portion of cash flow be dedicated to pay principal and interest on debt which reduces the funds available for working capital, capital expenditures, acquisitions and other general corporate purposes.
 
The following table summarizes the approximate aggregate amount of principal indebtedness scheduled to mature for the periods referenced as of September 30, 2010 (in thousands):

   
Total
   
Remainder
of 2010
     
2011-2012
     
2013-2014
   
Thereafter
 
                   
Nexstar senior secured credit facility
 
$
60,848
   
$
153
   
$
1,220
   
$
1,220
   
$
58,255
 
Mission senior secured credit facility
   
38,902
     
97
     
780
     
780
     
37,245
 
8.875% senior secured second lien notes due 2017
   
325,000
     
     
     
     
325,000
 
7% senior subordinated notes due 2014
   
46,990
     
     
     
46,990
     
 
7% senior subordinated PIK notes due 2014
   
136,634
     
     
     
136,634
     
 
11.375% senior discount notes due 2013
   
49,981
     
     
     
49,981
     
 
   
$
658,355
   
$
250
   
$
2,000
   
$
235,605
   
$
420,500
 

 
35

 
    On April 19, 2010, the Third Amendment became effective to Nexstar Broadcasting’s Fourth Amended and Restated Credit Agreement dated as of April 1, 2005 (as amended, the “Nexstar Credit Agreement”), among Nexstar Broadcasting, Nexstar, the several financial institutions from time to time parties thereto and Bank of America, N.A., as administrative agent and syndication agent. Under the terms of the Nexstar Credit Agreement, the principal amount available under the revolving credit facility was reduced to $65.0 million, and the Term Loan B was reduced to $61.0 million.
 
    On April 19, 2010, the Second Amendment became effective to Mission’s Third Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, dated as of April 1, 2005 (as amended, the “Mission Credit Agreement” and together with the Nexstar Credit Agreement, the “Credit Agreements”), among Mission, the several financial institutions from time to time parties thereto and Bank of America, N.A., as administrative agent and syndication agent. Under the terms of the Mission Credit Agreement, the principal amount available under the revolving credit facility was reduced to $10.0 million, and the Term Loan B was reduced to $39.0 million.
 
On April 19, 2010, Nexstar Broadcasting and Mission, as co-issuers, completed the issuance and sale of $325.0 million of senior secured second lien notes due 2017 (the “Notes”). The Notes will mature on April 15, 2017. Interest on the Notes accrues at a rate of 8.875% per annum and is payable semiannually in arrears on April 15 and October 15 of each year, commencing on October 15, 2010.
 
The net proceeds to Nexstar Broadcasting and Mission from the sale of the Notes were approximately $316.8 million. Nexstar Broadcasting and Mission used the net proceeds of the offering and cash on hand, to repurchase $34.3 million of Nexstar Broadcasting’s outstanding Senior Subordinated PIK Notes due 2014, to refinance Nexstar Broadcasting and Mission’s existing senior secured credit facilities, pay related fees and expenses and for general corporate purposes.
 
We make semiannual interest payments on our 8.875% senior secured second lien notes due 2017 on April 15 and October 15 of each year. We make semiannual interest payments on our 7% senior subordinated notes due 2014 on January 15 and July 15 of each year. We make semiannual interest payments on our 11.375% senior discount notes due 2013 on April 1 and October 1 of each year. Our 7% senior subordinated PIK notes due 2014 will begin paying cash interest in 2011.  Interest payments on our and Mission’s senior credit facilities are generally paid every one to three months and are payable based on the type of interest rate selected.
 
The terms of the Nexstar and Mission senior credit facilities, as well as the indentures governing our publicly-held notes, limit, but do not prohibit us or Mission from incurring substantial amounts of additional debt in the future.
 
We do not have any rating downgrade triggers that would accelerate the maturity dates of our debt. However, a downgrade in our credit rating could adversely affect our ability to renew existing, or obtain access to new credit facilities or otherwise issue debt in the future and could increase the cost of such facilities.

Debt Covenants
 
Our senior secured credit facility agreement contains covenants which require us to comply with certain financial ratios, including: (a) maximum total leverage ratios, (b) a minimum consolidated first lien indebtedness ratio, and (c) a maximum fixed charge coverage ratio. The covenants, which are calculated on a quarterly basis, include the combined results of Nexstar Broadcasting and Mission. Mission’s senior secured credit facility agreement does not contain financial covenant ratio requirements; however it does include an event of default if Nexstar does not comply with all covenants contained in its credit agreement. The senior subordinated notes and senior discount notes contain restrictive covenants customary for borrowing arrangements of this type.  We believe we will be able to maintain compliance with all covenants contained in the credit agreements governing our senior secured facility and the indentures governing our publicly held notes for a period of at least the next twelve months from September 30, 2010.
 
No Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
 
At September 30, 2010, we did not have any relationships with unconsolidated entities or financial partnerships, such as entities often referred to as structured finance or variable interest entities, which would have been established for the purpose of facilitating off-balance sheet arrangements or other contractually narrow or limited purposes. All of our arrangements with Mission are on-balance sheet arrangements. We are, therefore, not materially exposed to any financing, liquidity, market or credit risk that could arise if we had engaged in such relationships.

 
36

 

Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates
 
Our condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP which requires us to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the condensed consolidated financial statements and reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the period. On an ongoing basis, we evaluate our estimates, including those related to goodwill and intangible assets, bad debts, broadcast rights, trade and barter, income taxes, commitments and contingencies. We base our estimates on historical experience and on various other assumptions that we believe to be reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis for making judgments about the carrying values of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. Actual results may differ from those estimates. Results of operations for interim periods are not necessarily indicative of results for the full year.

Information with respect to our critical accounting policies which we believe could have the most significant effect on our reported results and require subjective or complex judgments by management is contained on pages 53 through 58 in Part II, Item 7, Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations, of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2009. Management believes that as of September 30, 2010 there has been no material change to this information.
 
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
 
Refer to Note 2 of our condensed consolidated financial statements in Part I, Item 1 of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for a discussion of recently issued accounting pronouncements, including our expected date of adoption and effects on results of operations and financial position.
 
Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
 
This Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. All statements other than statements of historical fact are “forward-looking statements” for purposes of federal and state securities laws, including: any projections or expectations of earnings, revenue, financial performance, liquidity and capital resources or other financial items; any assumptions or projections about the television broadcasting industry; any statements of our plans, strategies and objectives for our future operations, performance, liquidity and capital resources or other financial items; any statements concerning proposed new products, services or developments; any statements regarding future economic conditions or performance; any statements of belief; and any statements of assumptions underlying any of the foregoing. Forward-looking statements may include the words “may,” “will,” “should,” “could,” “would,” “predicts,” “potential,” “continue,” “expects,” “anticipates,” “future,” “intends,” “plans,” “believes,” “estimates” and other similar words.
 
Although we believe that the expectations reflected in any of our forward-looking statements are reasonable, actual results could differ from this projection or assumption in any of our forward-looking statements. Our future financial position and results of operations, as well as any forward-looking statements, are subject to change and inherent risks and uncertainties, including those described in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2009 and in our other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The forward-looking statements made in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q are made only as of the date hereof, and we do not have or undertake any obligation to update any forward-looking statements to reflect subsequent events or circumstances unless otherwise required by law.

 
37

 

ITEM 3.                   Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
 
Interest Rate Risk
 
Our exposure to market risk for changes in interest rates relates primarily to our long-term debt obligations.
 
The Term Loan Borrowings at September 30, 2010 under the senior credit facilities bear interest at a weighted average interest rate of 5%, which represented the base rate, or LIBOR, plus the applicable margin, as defined. Interest is payable in accordance with the credit agreements.
 
If LIBOR were to increase by 100 basis points, or one percentage point, from its September 30, 2010 level, our annual interest expense would increase and cash flow from operations would decrease by approximately $0.3 million, based on the outstanding balance of our credit facilities as of September 30, 2010.  Due to the LIBOR floor on our term loans, an increase of 50 basis points in LIBOR or any decrease in LIBOR would have no impact on our operations or cash flows.  Our 7% senior subordinated notes, our 8.875% senior secured second lien notes, our 7% senior subordinated PIK notes due 2014, and our 11.375% senior discount notes are fixed rate debt obligations and therefore do not result in a change in our cash flow from operations. As of September 30, 2010, we have no financial instruments in place to hedge against changes in the benchmark interest rates on this fixed rate debt.
 
Impact of Inflation
 
We believe that our results of operations are not affected by moderate changes in the inflation rate.
 
ITEM 4.
Controls and Procedures
 
Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures
 
Nexstar’s management, with the participation of its President and Chief Executive Officer along with its Chief Financial Officer, conducted an evaluation as of the end of the period covered by this report of the effectiveness of the design and operation of Nexstar’s disclosure controls and procedures as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.
 
Based upon that evaluation, Nexstar’s President and Chief Executive Officer and its Chief Financial Officer concluded that as of the end of the period covered by this report, Nexstar’s disclosure controls and procedures were effective in ensuring that information required to be disclosed in the reports that it files or submits under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (i) is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms and (ii) is accumulated and communicated to Nexstar’s management, including its President and Chief Executive Officer and its Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.
 
Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting
 
During the quarterly period as of the end of the period covered by this report, there have been no changes in Nexstar’s internal control over financial reporting that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, its internal control over financial reporting.

 
38

 

PART II. OTHER INFORMATION
 
ITEM 1.
Legal Proceedings
 
From time to time, Nexstar and Mission are involved in litigation that arises from the ordinary operations of business, such as contractual or employment disputes or other general actions. In the event of an adverse outcome of these proceedings, Nexstar and Mission believe the resulting liabilities would not have a material adverse effect on Nexstar’s and Mission’s financial condition or results of operations.
 
ITEM 1A.
Risk Factors
 
There are no material changes from the risk factors previously disclosed in Part I, Item 1A in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2009.
 
ITEM 2.
Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds
 
None.
 
ITEM 3.
Defaults Upon Senior Securities
 
None.
 
ITEM 4.
Reserved
 
 
ITEM 5.
Other Information
 
None.

 
39

 


ITEM 6.
Exhibits
 
Exhibit No.
Description
     
31.1
Certification of Perry A. Sook pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
 
     
31.2
Certification of Thomas E. Carter pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
 
     
32.1
Certification of Perry A. Sook pursuant to 18 U.S.C. ss. 1350.
 
     
32.2
Certification of Thomas E. Carter pursuant to 18 U.S.C. ss. 1350.
 


 
40

 

SIGNATURES
 
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.
 
 
 NEXSTAR BROADCASTING GROUP, INC.
 
 
/S/ PERRY A. SOOK
By:
Perry A. Sook
Its:
President and Chief Executive Officer (Principal Executive Officer)
   
 
/S/ THOMAS E. CARTER
By:
Thomas E. Carter
Its:
Chief Financial Officer (Principal Accounting and Financial Officer)
 
Dated: November 5, 2010


 
41