NOTE 1. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

 

Basis of Presentation

 

The accompanying consolidated financial statements of Salem Media Group, Inc. (“Salem” “we,” “us,” “our” or the “company”) include the company and its wholly owned subsidiaries. All significant intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated.

 

Description of Business

 

Salem is a domestic multi-media company with integrated operations including radio broadcasting, digital media, and publishing. Effective as of February 19, 2015, we changed our name from Salem Communications Corporation to Salem Media Group, Inc. Salem was formed in 1986 as a California corporation and was reincorporated in Delaware in 1999. Our content is intended for audiences interested in Christian and family-themed programming and conservative news talk. We maintain a website at www.salemmedia.com.

 

Our foundational business is the ownership and operation of radio stations in large metropolitan markets. We also own and operate Salem Radio Network® (“SRN”), SRN News Network (“SNN”), Salem Music Network (“SMN”), Today’s Christian Music (“TCM”), Singing News Network (formerly Solid Gospel Network) and Salem Media Representatives^TM (“SMR”). SRN, SNN, SMN and Singing News Network are networks that develop, produce and syndicate a broad range of programming specifically targeted to Christian and family-themed talk stations, music stations and general News Talk stations throughout the United States, including Salem owned and operated stations. SMR, a national advertising sales firm with offices in 8 U.S. cities, specializes in placing national advertising on religious and other commercial radio stations.

 

Web-based and digital content has been a significant growth area for Salem and continues to be a focus of future development. Salem Web Network™ (“SWN”) and our other web-based businesses provide Christian and conservative-themed content, audio and video streaming, and other resources digitally through the web. SWN’s web portals include Christian content websites: OnePlace.com, Christianity.com, Crosswalk.com®, GodVine.com, Jesus.org and BibleStudyTools.com. Our conservative opinion websites, collectively known as Townhall Media, include Townhall.com™, HotAir.com, Twitchy.com, HumanEvents.com and RedState.com. We also issue digital newsletters, including Eagle Financial Publications, that provide market analysis and investment strategies for individual subscribers from financial commentators. Church product websites including WorshipHouseMedia.com, SermonSpice.com, and ChurchStaffing.com offer downloads and service platforms to pastors and other educators. Our web content is accessible through all of our radio station websites that feature content of interest to local listeners throughout the United States.

 

Digital media also includes our e-commerce sites, Salem Consumer Products (“SCP”), Eagle Wellness and Gene Smart Wellness. SCP is our e-commerce business that sells books, DVD’s and editorial content developed by our on-air personalities. Eagle Wellness and Gene Smart Wellness are e-commerce sites that offer health advice and nutritional products.

 

Our acquisition of Regnery Publishing expanded our publishing operations to include book publishing in addition to print magazines and our self-publishing service. Regnery Publishing has published dozens of bestselling books by leading conservative authors and personalities, including Ann Coulter, Newt Gingrich, David Limbaugh, Ed Klein, Mark Steyn and Dinesh D'Souza. Our publishing operating segment also includes Salem Publishing™ and Xulon Press.

 

Cash and Cash Equivalents

 

We consider all highly liquid debt instruments, purchased with an initial maturity of three-months or less, to be cash equivalents. The carrying value of our cash equivalents approximated fair value at each balance sheet date.

 

Trade Accounts Receivable

 

Trade accounts receivable represent receivables from customers for the sale of advertising, block program time, sponsorships and events, product sales, royalties, video and graphic downloads, subscriptions, and book sales. Our receivables are recorded as invoiced and represent claims that will be settled in cash. The carrying value of our receivables, net of the allowance for doubtful accounts and estimated sales returns, represents their estimated net realizable value. Trade accounts receivable for our self-publishing services represent contractual amounts due under individual payment plans. These contractual receivables are included in deferred revenue until the applicable earnings process is complete.

 

Allowance for Doubtful Accounts

 

We evaluate the balance reserved in our allowance for doubtful accounts on a quarterly basis based on our historical collection experience, the age of the receivables, specific customer information and current economic conditions. Past due balances are generally not written-off until all of our collection efforts have been unsuccessful, including use of a collections agency. A considerable amount of judgment is required in assessing the likelihood of ultimate realization of these receivables, including the current creditworthiness of each customer. If the financial condition of our customers were to deteriorate, resulting in an impairment of their ability to make payments, additional allowances may be required. We have not modified our estimate methodology and we have not historically recognized significant losses from changes in our estimates.

 

Inventory

 

Inventories consist of finished goods, including published books and wellness products. Inventory is recorded at the lower of cost or market as determined on a First-In First-Out (“FIFO”) cost method.

 

Inventory Reserves

 

We reviewed historical data associated with book and wellness product inventories held by Regnery Publishing and our e-commerce wellness entities, as well as our own experiences to estimate the fair value of inventory on hand. Our analysis includes a review of actual sales returns, our allowances, royalty reserves, overall economic conditions and product demand. We record a provision to expense the balance of unsold inventory that we believe to be unrecoverable. We regularly monitor actual performance to our estimates and make adjustments as necessary. Estimated inventory reserves may be adjusted, either favorably or unfavorably, if factors such as the historical data we used to calculate these estimates do not properly reflect future returns or as a result of changes in economic conditions of the customer and/or the market. We have not modified our estimate methodology and we have not historically recognized significant losses from changes in our estimates. We believe that our estimates and assumptions are reasonable and that our reserves are accurately reflected.

 

Accounting for Property and Equipment

 

Property and equipment are recorded at cost less accumulated depreciation. Cost represents the historical cost of acquiring the asset, including the costs necessarily incurred to bring it to the condition and location necessary for its intended use. For assets constructed for our own use, such as towers and buildings that are discrete projects for which costs are separately accumulated and for which construction takes considerable time, we record capitalized interest. The amount capitalized is the cost that could have been avoided had the asset not been constructed and is based on the average accumulated expenditures incurred over the capitalization period at the weighted average rate applicable to our outstanding variable rate debt. We capitalized interest of $0.2 million and $0.1 million during the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2015, respectively. Repair and maintenance costs are charged to expense as incurred. Improvements are capitalized when they extend the life of the asset or enhance the quality or ability of the asset to benefit operations. Depreciation is computed using the straight-line method over estimated useful lives as follows:

 

Category		Estimated Life
Buildings		40 years
Office furnishings and equipment		5 -10 years
Antennae, towers and transmitting equipment		10 - 20 years
Studio, production and mobile equipment		5 - 10 years
Computer software and website development costs		3 years
Record and tape libraries		3 years
Automobiles		5 years
Leasehold improvements		Lesser of 15 years or life of lease

 

The carrying value of property and equipment is evaluated periodically in relation to the operating performance and anticipated future cash flows of the underlying radio stations and business units for indicators of impairment. When indicators of impairment are present, and the cash flows estimated to be generated from these assets is less than the carrying value, an adjustment to reduce the carrying value to the fair market value of the assets is recorded. See Note 6 – Property and Equipment.

 

Accounting for Internally Developed Software and Website Development Costs

 

We capitalize costs incurred during the application development stage related to the development of internal-use software as specified in FASB ASC Topic 350-40 “Internal-Use Software.” Capitalized costs are generally amortized over the estimated useful life of three years. Costs incurred related to the conceptual design and maintenance of internal-use software are expensed as incurred. Website development activities include planning, design and development of graphics and content for new websites and operation of existing sites. Costs incurred that involve providing additional functions and features to the website are capitalized. Costs associated with website planning, maintenance, content development and training are expensed as incurred. We capitalized $2.2 million, $3.9 million and $1.5 million during the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively, related to internally developed software and website development costs. Amortization expense of amounts capitalized was $2.4 million, $2.4 million and $2.3 million for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively.

 

 Accounting for Amortizable Intangible Assets

 

Intangible assets are recorded at cost less accumulated amortization. Typically, intangible assets are acquired in conjunction with the acquisition of broadcast entities, digital media entities and publishing entities. These intangibles are amortized using the straight-line method over the following estimated useful lives:

 

Category		Estimated Life
Customer lists and contracts		Lesser of 5 years or life of contract
Domain and brand names		5 -7 years
Favorable and assigned leases		Lease Term
Subscriber base and lists		3 - 7 years
Author relationships		1 - 7 years
Non-compete agreements		2 to 5 years

 

The carrying value of our amortizable intangible assets are evaluated periodically in relation to the operating performance and anticipated future cash flows of the underlying radio stations and businesses for indicators of impairment. In accordance with FASB ASC Topic 360 “Property, Plant and Equipment,” when indicators of impairment are present and the undiscounted cash flows estimated to be generated from these assets are less than the carrying amounts of these assets, an adjustment to reduce the carrying value to the fair market value of these assets is recorded, if necessary. No adjustments to the carrying amounts of our amortizable intangible assets were necessary during the years ended December 31, 2013, 2014 or 2015. See Note 7 – Amortizable Intangible Assets.

 

Goodwill and Other Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets

 

Approximately 70% of our total assets as of December 31, 2015 consist of indefinite-lived intangible assets, such as broadcast licenses, goodwill and mastheads, the value of which depends significantly upon the operating results of our businesses. In the case of our radio stations, we would not be able to operate the properties without the related FCC license for each property. Broadcast licenses are renewed with the FCC every eight years for a nominal cost that is expensed as incurred. We continually monitor our stations’ compliance with the various regulatory requirements. Historically, all of our broadcast licenses have been renewed at the end of their respective periods, and we expect that all broadcast licenses will continue to be renewed in the future. Accordingly, we consider our broadcast licenses to be indefinite-lived intangible assets in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 350, “Intangibles – Goodwill and Other”. Broadcast licenses account for approximately 94% of our indefinite-lived intangible assets. Goodwill and magazine mastheads account for the remaining 6%. We do not amortize goodwill or other indefinite-lived intangible assets, but rather test for impairment at least annually or more frequently if events or circumstances indicate that an asset may be impaired. We complete our annual impairment tests in the fourth quarter of each year. See Note 2 – Impairment of Goodwill and Other Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets.

 

Accounting for Acquisitions

 

We account for business acquisitions in accordance with the acquisition method of accounting as specified in FASB ASC Topic 805 “Business Combinations.” The total acquisition consideration is allocated to assets acquired and liabilities assumed based on their estimated fair values as of the date of the transaction. Estimates of the fair value include discounted estimated cash flows to be generated by the assets and their expected useful lives based on historical experience, market trends and any synergies believed to be achieved from the acquisition. The excess of consideration paid over the estimated fair values of the net assets acquired is recorded as goodwill and any excess of fair value of the net assets acquired over the consideration paid is recorded as a gain on bargain purchase. Prior to recording a gain, the acquiring entity must reassess whether all acquired assets and assumed liabilities have been identified and recognized and perform re-measurements to verify that the consideration paid, assets acquired, and liabilities assumed have been properly valued. We underwent such a reassessment, and as a result, recorded a gain on the bargain purchase of $1.4 million, including a gain on bargain purchase of $0.8 million for WSDZ-AM in St. Louis, Missouri, $0.3 million for KDIZ-AM in Minneapolis, Minnesota, and $0.3 million for WWMI-AM in Tampa, Florida. We believe that these gains on bargain purchase resulted from various factors that may have impacted the acquisition price, including, without limitation, that Disney was eager to divest of their Radio Disney properties.

 

A majority of our radio station acquisitions have consisted primarily of the FCC licenses to broadcast in a particular market. We often do not acquire the existing format, or we change the format upon acquisition when we find it beneficial. As a result, a substantial portion of the purchase price for the assets of a radio station is allocated to the broadcast license.

 

Property and equipment are recorded at their estimated fair value and depreciated on a straight-line basis over their estimated useful lives. Finite-lived intangible assets are recorded at their estimated fair value and amortized on a straight-line basis over their estimated useful lives. Costs associated with acquisitions, such as consulting and legal fees, are expensed as incurred in unallocated corporate operating expenses.

 

Accounting for Contingent Earn-Out Consideration

 

Our acquisitions often include contingent earn-out consideration as part of the purchase price. The fair value of the contingent earn-out consideration is estimated as of the acquisition date based on the present value of the expected contingent payments to be made using a weighted probability of possible payments. The unobservable inputs used in the determination of the fair value of the contingent earn-out consideration include our own assumptions about the likelihood of payment based on the established benchmarks and discount rates based on our internal rate of return analysis. The fair value measurement includes inputs that are Level 3 measurement as discussed in Note 9 to our consolidated financial statements included in this annual report on Form 10-K.

 

We review the probabilities of possible future payments to the estimated fair value of any contingent earn-out consideration on a quarterly basis over the earn-out period. Actual results are compared to the estimates and probabilities of achievement used in our forecasts. Should actual results increase or decrease as compared to the assumption used in our analysis, the fair value of the contingent earn-out consideration obligations will increase or decrease, up to the contracted limit, as applicable. Changes in the fair value of the contingent earn-out consideration could cause a material impact and volatility in our operating results. See Note 4 – Contingent Earn-Out Consideration.

 

Accounting for Discontinued Operations

 

 

We regularly review underperforming assets to determine if a sale or disposal might be a better way to monetize the assets. When a station, group of stations, or other asset group is considered for sale or disposal, we review the transaction to determine if or when the entity qualifies as a discontinued operation in accordance with the criteria of FASB ASC Topic 205-20 “Discontinued Operations.” In April 2014, the FASB issued authoritative guidance which raises the threshold for disposals to qualify as discontinued operations. Under the new guidance, a discontinued operation is (1) a component of an entity or group of components that have been disposed of or are classified as held for sale and represent a strategic shift that has or will have a major effect on an entity's operations and financial results, or (2) an acquired business that is classified as held for sale on the acquisition date. We elected to early-adopt the FASB guidance for discontinued operations issued in April 2014.

 

Revenue Recognition

 

Revenue is recognized as it is earned in accordance with applicable guidelines. We consider amounts to be earned once evidence of an arrangement has been obtained, services are performed, fees are fixed or determinable and collectability is reasonably assured.

 

We account for broadcast revenue from the sale of airtime for programs or spots as the program or advertisement is broadcast. Revenues are reported net of agency commissions, which are calculated as a stated percentage applied to gross billings. Digital revenue is recognized upon delivery of page-views, delivery of impressions as specified in the contract, delivery of the digital newsletter or email, or upon delivery of the advertisement or programming content via streaming. Revenues are reported net of agency commissions, which are calculated as a stated percentage applied to gross billings. Revenue from product sales and book sales are recognized upon shipment net of distribution fees and an allowance for sales returns. Revenues from advertisements in our print magazines are recognized upon delivery of the publication net of agency commissions, which are calculated as a stated percentage applied to gross billings. Subscription revenue from our print magazines and digital newsletters is recognized over the life of the related subscription.

 

 

We enter bundled advertising agreements that may include cross-promotions such as advertisements on our radio stations, digital banners, print magazine placements, booth space at local events, or some combination thereof. The multiple deliverables contained in each agreement are accounted for separately over their respective delivery period provided that they are separate units of accounting. The selling price for each deliverable is based on vendor specific objective evidence, if available, or the estimated fair value of each deliverable. Objective evidence of the fair value includes the price charged for each element when sold separately or the price that we would transact if the deliverable is sold regularly on a standalone basis. Arrangement consideration is allocated at the inception of each agreement to all deliverables using the relative selling price method. The relative selling price method allocates any discount in the arrangement proportionally to each deliverable on the basis of each deliverable’s selling price.

 

Sales Returns

 

We provide for estimated returns for products sold with the right of return, primarily book sales associated with Regnery Publishing and nutritional products sold through Eagle Wellness and Gene Smart. We record an estimate of these product returns as a reduction of revenue in the period of the sale. Our estimates are based upon historical sales returns, the amount of current period sales, economic trends and any changes in customer demand and acceptance of our products. We regularly monitor actual performance to estimated return rates and make adjustments as necessary. Estimated return rates utilized for establishing estimated returns reserves have approximated actual returns experience. However, actual returns may differ significantly, either favorably or unfavorably, from these estimates if factors such as the historical data we used to calculate these estimates do not properly reflect future returns or as a result of changes in economic conditions of the customer and/or the market. We have not modified our estimate methodology and we have not recognized significant losses from changes in our estimates

 

Barter Transactions

 

We may provide broadcast time or digital advertising placement to customers in exchange for certain products, supplies or services. The terms of these exchanges generally permit for the preemption of such broadcast time or digital placements in favor of customers who purchase these items for cash. We include the value of such exchanges in net revenues and operating expenses. The value recorded for barter revenue and barter expense is based upon management’s estimate of the fair value of the products, supplies or services received. . We believe that our estimates and assumptions are reasonable and that our barter revenue and barter expense are accurately reflected.

 

We record barter revenue as it is earned, typically when the broadcast time is used or the digital advertisement is delivered. We record barter expense equal to the estimated fair value of the goods or services received upon receipt or usage of the items as applicable. Barter revenue included in broadcast revenue for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2014 and 2015 was approximately $5.6 million, $6.0 million and $6.1 million, respectively. Barter expenses included in broadcast operating expense for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2014 and 2015 were approximately $4.8 million, $6.0 million and $5.9 million, respectively.

 

Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation

 

We account for stock-based compensation under the provisions of Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) Topic 718, “Compensation—Stock Compensation.” We record equity awards with stock-based compensation measured at the fair value of the award as of the grant date. We determine the fair value of our options using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model that requires the input of highly subjective assumptions, including the expected stock price volatility and expected term of the options granted. The exercise price for options is equal to the closing market price of Salem Media Group common stock as of the date of grant. We use the straight-line attribution method to recognize share-based compensation costs over the expected service period of the award. Upon exercise, cancellation, forfeiture, or expiration of stock options, or upon vesting or forfeiture of restricted stock awards, deferred tax assets for options and restricted stock awards with multiple vesting dates are eliminated for each vesting period on a first-in, first-out basis as if each vesting period was a separate award. See Note 12 – Stock Incentive Plan. s.

 

Accounting for Advertising and Promotional Cost

 

Costs of media advertising and associated production costs are expensed as incurred and amounted to approximately $11.3 million, $11.5 million and $10.0 million for each of the years ending December 31, 2015, 2014, and 2013, respectively.

 

Leases

 

We lease various facilities including broadcast tower and transmitter sites. When we enter a lease agreement, we review the terms to determine the appropriate classification of the lease as a capital lease or operating lease based on the factors listed in FASB ASC Topic 840 “Leases.” Our current lease terms generally range from one to twenty-five years with rent expense recorded on a straight-line basis for financial reporting purposes. We also sublease towers that we own under various agreements with other broadcasters. Subleases generally cover a sixty-year term, over which time we recognize rental income on a straight-line basis. Deferred rental revenue was $4.3 million as of December 31, 2015 compared to $4.4 million as of the prior year.

 

Leasehold Improvements

 

We may construct or otherwise invest in leasehold improvements to properties. The costs of these leasehold improvements are capitalized and depreciated over the shorter of the estimated useful life of the improvement or the remaining lease term.

 

Partial Self-Insurance on Employee Health Plan

 

We provide health insurance benefits to eligible employees under a self-insured plan whereby the company pays actual medical claims subject to certain stop loss limits. We record self-insurance liabilities based on actual claims filed and an estimate of those claims incurred but not reported. Any projection of losses concerning our liability is subject to a high degree of variability. Among the causes of this variability are unpredictable external factors such as future inflation rates, changes in severity, benefit level changes, medical costs and claim settlement patterns. Should the actual amount of claims increase or decrease beyond what was anticipated, we may adjust our future reserves. Our self-insurance liability was $0.7 million and $0.9 million at December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively.

 

Derivative Instruments

 

We are exposed to fluctuations in interest rates. We actively monitor these fluctuations and use derivative instruments from time to time to manage the related risk. In accordance with our risk management strategy, we may use derivative instruments only for the purpose of managing risk associated with an asset, liability, committed transaction, or probable forecasted transaction that is identified by management. Our use of derivative instruments may result in short-term gains or losses that may increase the volatility of our earnings.

 

Under FASB ASC Topic 815, “Derivatives and Hedging” the effective portion of the gain or loss on a derivative instrument designated and qualifying as a cash flow hedging instrument shall be reported as a component of other comprehensive income (outside earnings) and reclassified into earnings in the same period or periods during which the hedged forecasted transaction affects earnings. The remaining gain or loss on the derivative instrument, if any, shall be recognized currently in earnings.

 

On March 27, 2013, we entered into an interest rate swap agreement with Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. that began on March 28, 2014 with a notional principal amount of $150.0 million. The agreement was entered to offset risks associated with the variable interest rate on our Term Loan B. Payments on the swap are due on a quarterly basis with a LIBOR floor of 0.625%. The swap expires on March 28, 2019 at a fixed rate of 1.645%. The interest rate swap agreement was not designated as a cash flow hedge, and as a result, all changes in the fair value are recognized in the current period statement of operations rather than through other comprehensive income. We recorded a long-term liability of $0.8 million as of December 31, 2015, representing the fair value of the interest rate swap agreement. The swap was valued based on observable inputs for similar assets and liabilities and other observable inputs for interest rates and yield curves, which are classified within Level 2 inputs in the fair value hierarchy described below and in Note 9 to our consolidated financial statements included in this annual report on Form 10-K.

 

		As of December 31, 2014				As of December 31, 2015
		(Dollars in thousands)
Fair value of interest rate swap asset (liability)		$	475			$	(798	)

Fair Value Accounting

 

As of December 31, 2015, the carrying value of cash and cash equivalents, trade accounts receivables, accounts payable, accrued expenses and accrued interest approximates fair value due to the short-term nature of such instruments.  The carrying value of other long-term liabilities approximates fair value as the related interest rates approximate rates currently available to the company. See Note 9 – Fair Value Accounting.

 

Long-term Debt and Debt Covenant Compliance

 

Our classification of outstanding borrowings on our Term Loan B as long-term debt on our balance sheet is based on our assessment that, under the terms of our Credit Agreement and after considering our projected operating results and cash flows for the coming year, no principal payments are required to be made. The Term Loan B has a term of seven years, maturing in March 2020. We are required to make principal payments of $750,000 per quarter, which began on September 30, 2013. Prepayments may be made against the outstanding balance of our Term Loan B. Each repayment of the Term Loan B is applied ratably to each of the next four principal installments thereof in the direct order of maturity and thereafter to the remaining principal balance in reverse order of maturity.

 

Our projections of operating results and cash flows for the coming year are estimates dependent upon a number of factors including but not limited to developments in the markets in which we are operating in and varying economic and political factors. Accordingly, these projections are inherently uncertain and our actual results could differ from these estimates.

 

Deferred Financing Costs

 

Deferred financing costs consists of underwriting and legal fees incurred in conjunction with entering our Term Loan B and Revolver. These costs are being amortized to interest expense over the seven-year term of the Term Loan B and the five-year term of the Revolver. During the year ended December 31, 2015, approximately $27,000 of the deferred financing costs were written off in conjunction with the early retirement of the Term Loan B compared to $0.3 million during the prior year. Deferred financing costs were $2.5 million and $3.2 million at December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively.

 

Income Taxes and Uncertain Tax Positions

 

We account for income taxes in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 740 “Income Taxes.” Deferred income taxes are determined based on the difference between the consolidated financial statement and income tax bases of assets and liabilities using enacted tax rates in effect in the years in which the differences are expected to reverse. See Note 10 – Income Taxes.

 

Valuation Allowance (deferred taxes)

 

For financial reporting purposes, we recorded a valuation allowance of $2.8 million as of December 31, 2015 to offset a portion of the deferred tax assets related to the state net operating loss carryforwards.  We regularly review our financial forecasts in an effort to determine our ability to utilize the net operating loss carryforwards for tax purposes.  Accordingly, the valuation allowance is adjusted periodically based on our estimate of the benefit the company will receive from such carryforwards.

 

Royalty Advances to Authors

 

Royalties due to book authors are paid in advance and capitalized. Royalties are expensed as the related book revenues are earned or when we determine that future recovery of the royalty is not likely. We reviewed historical data associated with royalty advances, earnings and recoverability based on actual results of Regnery Publishing. Historically, the longer the unearned portion of an advance remains outstanding, the less likely it is that we will recover the advance through the sale of the book. We apply this historical experience to outstanding royalty advances to estimate the likelihood of recovery. A provision was established to expense the balance of any unearned advance which we believe is not recoverable. Our analysis also considers other discrete factors, such as death of an author, any decision to not pursue publication of a title, poor market demand or other relevant factors. We have not modified our estimate methodology and we have not historically recognized significant losses from changes in our estimates. We believe that our estimates and assumptions are reasonable and that our reserves are accurately reflected.

 

Contingency reserves

 

In the ordinary course of business, we are involved in various legal proceedings, lawsuits, arbitration and other claims which are complex in nature and have outcomes that are difficult to predict. Consequently, we are unable to ascertain the ultimate aggregate amount of monetary liability or the financial impact with respect to these matters.

 

We record contingency reserves to the extent we conclude that it is probable that a liability has been incurred and the amount of the related loss can be reasonably estimated. The establishment of the reserve is based on a review of all relevant factors, the advice of legal counsel, and the subjective judgment of management. The reserves we have recorded to date have not been material to our consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows. We believe that our estimates and assumptions are reasonable and that our reserves are accurately reflected.

 

While we believe that the final resolution of any known maters, individually and in the aggregate, will not have a material adverse effect upon our consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows, it is possible that we could incur additional losses. We maintain insurance that may provide coverage for such matters. Future claims against us, whether meritorious or not, could have a material adverse effect upon our consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows, including losses due to costly litigation and losses due to matters that require significant amounts of management time that can result in the diversion of significant operational resources. See Note 11 – Commitments and Contingencies.

 

Gain or Loss on the Sale or Disposal of Assets

 

We record gains or losses on the sale or disposal of assets equal to the proceeds, if any, as compared to the net book value. Exchange transactions are accounted for in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 845 “Non-Monetary Transactions.” For the year ended December 31, 2013, we recorded a $0.4 million pre-tax gain on the partial sale of land in our Cleveland market and $0.1 million of insurance proceeds for damages at one of our stations offset by various fixed asset and equipment disposals. For the year ended December 31, 2014, we recorded a $0.3 million pre-tax loss which included a $0.2 million loss associated with the write-off of a receivable from a prior station sale, a $0.2 million loss from the sale of land and building in our Miami market, a $0.1 million loss due to the relocation of our office and studio facility in our San Francisco market offset by $0.1 million of insurance proceeds from a claim associated with one of our markets as well as other various fixed asset and equipment disposals. For the year ending December 31, 2015, we recorded a $0.2 million pre-tax loss which included a $0.2 million charge associated with the relocation of our office and studio in our Seattle, Washington market offset by proceeds from various fixed asset and equipment disposals.

 

Basic and Diluted Net Earnings Per Share

 

Basic net earnings per share has been computed using the weighted average number of Class A and Class B shares of common stock outstanding during the period. Diluted net earnings per share is computed using the weighted average number of shares of Class A and Class B common stock outstanding during the period plus the dilutive effects of stock options.

 

Options to purchase 2,162,067, 1,816,204 and 1,581,123 shares of Class A common stock were outstanding at December 31, 2013, 2014 and 2015, respectively. Diluted weighted average shares outstanding exclude outstanding stock options whose exercise price is in excess of the average price of the company’s stock price. These options are excluded from the respective computations of diluted net income or loss per share because their effect would be anti-dilutive. The number of anti-dilutive shares as of December 31, 2013, 2014 and 2015 was nil, 589,437 and 705,163, respectively.

 

The following table sets forth the shares used to compute basic and diluted net earnings per share for the periods indicated:

 

		Year Ended December 31,
		2013				2014				2015
Weighted average shares			24,938,075				25,336,809				25,426,732
Effect of dilutive securities - stock options			—				744,366				461,087
Weighted average shares adjusted for dilutive securities			24,938,075				26,081,175				25,887,819

Segments

 

Our operating segments reflect how our chief operating decision makers, which we define as a collective group of senior executives, assesses the performance of each operating segment and determines the appropriate allocations of resources to each segment. Our operating segments do not all meet the quantitative thresholds to qualify as reportable segments; however, we have elected to disclose the results of these non-reportable operating segments as we believe this information is useful to readers of our financial statements. We continue to review our operating segment classifications to align with operational changes in our business and may make future changes as necessary. See Note 17 – Segment Data.

 

Variable Interest Entities

 

We account for entities qualifying as variable interest entities (“VIEs”) in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 810, “Consolidation” which requires VIEs to be consolidated by the primary beneficiary. The primary beneficiary is the entity that holds the majority of the beneficial interests in the VIE. A VIE is an entity for which the primary beneficiary’s interest in the entity can change with variations in factors other than the amount of investment in the entity.

 

We may enter into LMAs contemporaneously with entering an APA to acquire or sell a radio station. We may also enter into TBAs. Typically, both LMAs and TBAs are contractual agreements under which the station owner/licensee makes airtime available to a programmer/licensee in exchange for a fee and reimbursement of certain expenses. LMAs and TBAs are subject to compliance with the antitrust laws and the communications laws, including the requirement that the licensee must maintain independent control over the station and, in particular, its personnel, programming, and finances. The FCC has held that such agreements do not violate the communications laws as long as the licensee of the station receiving programming from another station maintains ultimate responsibility for, and control over, station operations and otherwise ensures compliance with the communications laws.

 

The requirements of FASB ASC Topic 810 may apply to entities under LMAs or TBAs, depending on the facts and circumstances related to each transaction. As of December 31, 2015, we did not consolidate any entities with which we entered into LMAs or TBAs under the guidance in FASB ASC Topic 810.

 

Concentrations of Business Risks

 

We derive a substantial part of our total revenues from the sale of advertising. For the years ended December 31, 2013, 2014 and 2015, 40.8%, 40.2% and 39.4% of our total revenues, respectively, were generated from the sale of broadcast advertising. We are particularly dependent on revenue from stations in the Los Angeles and Dallas markets, which generated 15.2% and 25.5% for the year ended December 31, 2013, 14.3% and 24.0% for the year ended December 31, 2014 and 14.7% and 24.5% for the year ended December 31, 2015. Because substantial portions of our revenues are derived from local advertisers in these key markets, our ability to generate revenues in those markets could be adversely affected by local or regional economic downturns.

 

Concentrations of Credit Risks

 

Financial instruments that potentially subject us to concentrations of credit risk consist of cash and cash equivalents; trade accounts receivable and derivative instruments. We place our cash and cash equivalents with high quality financial institutions. Such balances may be in excess of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation insured limits. To manage the related credit exposure, we continually monitor the credit worthiness of the financial institutions where we have deposits. Concentrations of credit risk with respect to trade accounts receivable are limited due to the wide variety of customers and markets in which we provide services, as well as the dispersion of our operations across many geographic areas. We perform ongoing credit evaluations of our customers, but generally do not require collateral to support customer receivables. We establish an allowance for doubtful accounts based on various factors including the credit risk of specific customers, age of receivables outstanding, historical trends, economic conditions and other information. Historically, our bad debt expense has been within management’s expectations.

 

Use of Estimates

 

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the financial statements and accompanying notes. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

 

Significant areas for which management uses estimates include:

 

 

These estimates require the use of judgment as future events and the effect of these events cannot be predicted with certainty. The estimates will change as new events occur, as more experience is acquired and as more information is obtained. We evaluate and update our assumptions and estimates on an ongoing basis and we may consult outside experts to assist as considered necessary.

 

Reclassifications

 

Certain reclassifications have been made to the prior year financial statements to conform to the current year presentation.

 

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

 

Changes to accounting principles are established by the FASB in the form of accounting standards updates (“ASU’s”) to the FASB’s Codification. We consider the applicability and impact of all ASU’s. ASU’s that are not listed below were assessed and determined to be not applicable to our financial position, results of operations, cash flows, or presentation thereof.  

 

In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02, “Leases (Topic 842),” which requires that lessees recognize a right-of-use asset and a lease liability for all leases with lease terms greater than twelve months in the balance sheet. ASU 2016-02 requires additional disclosures including the significant judgments made by management to provide insight into the revenue and expense to be recognized from existing contracts and the timing and uncertainty of cash flows arising from leases. The standard is effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2018, with early adoption permitted. We have not yet evaluated the impact of the adoption of this accounting standard on our financial position, results of operations, cash flows, or presentation thereof.

 

In January 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-01, “Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities,” which provides updated guidance that enhances the reporting model for financial instruments, including amendments, to address aspects of recognition, measurement, presentation and disclosure. The standard is effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017. With the exception of the early application guidance, early adoption of the amendments is not permitted. We have not yet evaluated the impact of the adoption of this accounting standard on our financial position, results of operations, cash flows, or presentation thereof.

 

In November 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-17, “Balance Sheet Classification of Deferred Taxes” to simplify the presentation of deferred taxes in the statement of financial position. The updated guidance requires that deferred tax assets and liabilities be classified as noncurrent in a classified balance sheet. The standard is effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016. Early application is permitted. We have not yet evaluated the impact of the adoption of this accounting standard on our financial position, results of operations, cash flows, or presentation thereof.

 

In September 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-16, “Business Combinations, Simplifying the Accounting for Measurement Period Adjustments.” This ASU requires an acquirer to recognize adjustments to provisional amounts that are identified during the measurement period in the reporting period in which the adjustment amounts are determined. This guidance for public entities is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2015, with early adoption permitted. We are in the process of evaluating the adoption of this ASU, but do not expect this to have a material effect on our financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

 

In July 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-11, “Simplifying the Measurement of Inventory,” to reduce the complexity in accounting for inventory. This ASU requires entities to measure inventory at the lower of cost or net realizable value, replacing the market value approach that required floor and ceiling considerations. This guidance for public entities is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2016, with early adoption permitted. We are in the process of evaluating the adoption of this ASU, but do not expect this to have a material effect on our financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

 

In June 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-10, “Technical Corrections and Improvements,” which covers a wide range of Topics in the Codification. The amendments in this ASU represent changes to clarify the Codification, correct unintended application of guidance, or make minor improvements to the Codification that are not expected to have a significant effect on current accounting practice or create a significant administrative cost on most entities. As the objectives of this standard are to clarify the Codification; correct unintended application of guidance, eliminate inconsistencies, and to improve the Codification’s presentation of guidance, the adoption of this standard is not expected to have a material impact our financial position, results of operations, cash flows, or presentation thereof.

 

In April 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-03, “Simplifying the Presentation of Debt Issuance Costs,” which requires debt issuance costs to be presented in the balance sheet as a direct deduction from the carrying amount of that debt liability, consistent with debt discounts. The new standard is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2015, and for interim reporting periods within those fiscal years, with early adoption permitted. The new guidance is to be applied on a retrospective basis and reported as a change in accounting principle. The adoption of ASU 2015-03 will affect our balance sheet presentation only and is not expected to have a material impact on our financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

 

In February 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-02, Consolidation (Topic 810): “Amendments to the Consolidation Analysis,” which modifies existing consolidation guidance related to (i) limited partnerships and similar legal entities, (ii) the evaluation of variable interests for fees paid to decision makers or service providers, (iii) the effect of fee arrangements and related parties on the primary beneficiary determination, and (iv) certain investment funds. These changes reduce the number of consolidation models from four to two and place more emphasis on the risk of loss when determining a controlling financial interest. This guidance is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2015. We are in the process of evaluating the adoption of this ASU, but do not expect this to have a material effect on our financial position, results of operations or cash flows.  

 

In August 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-15, “Disclosure of Uncertainties About an Entities Ability to Continue as a Going Concern,” which requires management to assess a company’s ability to continue as a going concern and to provide related footnote disclosures. The new standard provides management with specific guidance on the assessments and related disclosures as well as provides a longer look-forward period as one year from the financial statement issuance date. The new standard is effective for the annual period ending after December 15, 2016, with early adoption permitted. The adoption of ASU 2014-15 is not expected to have a material impact on our financial position, results of operations, cash flows, or presentation thereof.

 

In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-09, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers,” which requires an entity to recognize the amount of revenue to which it expects to be entitled for the transfer of promised goods or services to customers. In August 2015, the FASB deferred the effective date of the new standard by one year. The new standard is now effective as of the first interim period within annual reporting periods beginning on or after December 15, 2017, and will replace most existing revenue recognition guidance in U.S. GAAP. Early adoption is not permitted. The standard permits the use of either the retrospective or cumulative effect transition method. We are evaluating the effect that ASU 2014-09 will have on our consolidated financial statements and related disclosures. We have not yet selected a transition method, nor have we determined the effect of ASU 2014-09 on our financial position, results of operations, cash flows, or presentation thereof.