SAGA COMMUNICATIONS INC - Quarter Report: 2008 March (Form 10-Q)

 

UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549

 

Form 10-Q

 

 

Commission file number 1-11588

 

Saga Communications, Inc.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

 

(313) 886-7070

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

 

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

 

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):

 

(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 o     No þ

 

The number of shares of the registrant’s Class A Common Stock, $.01 par value, and Class B Common Stock, $.01 par value, outstanding as of May 2, 2008 was 17,570,177 and 2,390,338, respectively.

 

INDEX

 

 

 

SAGA COMMUNICATIONS, INC.

 

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

 

 

Note: The balance sheet at December 31, 2007 has been derived from the audited financial statements at that date but does not include all of the information and footnotes required by accounting principles generally accepted in the United States for complete financial statements.

 

See notes to unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

SAGA COMMUNICATIONS, INC.

 

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME

 

 

See notes to unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

SAGA COMMUNICATIONS, INC.

 

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

 

 

See notes to unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

SAGA COMMUNICATIONS, INC.

 

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

 

Basis of Presentation

 

The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States for interim financial information and with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X. Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and footnotes required by accounting principles generally accepted in the United States for annual financial statements.

 

In our opinion, the accompanying financial statements include all adjustments of a normal, recurring nature considered necessary for a fair presentation of our financial position as of March 31, 2008 and the results of operations for the three months ended March 31, 2008 and 2007. Results of operations for the three months ended March 31, 2008 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the year ending December 31, 2008.

 

For further information, refer to the consolidated financial statements and footnotes thereto included in the Saga Communications, Inc. Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2007.

 

Income Taxes

 

Our effective tax rate is higher than the federal statutory rate as a result of certain non-deductible depreciation and amortization expenses and the inclusion of state taxes in the income tax amount.

 

Revenue Recognition

 

Revenue from the sale of commercial broadcast time to advertisers is recognized when commercials are broadcast. Revenue is reported net of advertising agency commissions. Agency commissions, when applicable, are based on a stated percentage applied to gross billing. All revenue is recognized in accordance with the Securities and Exchange Commission’s (“SEC”) Staff Accounting Bulletin (“SAB”) No. 104, Topic 13, “Revenue Recognition Revised and Updated.”

 

Time Brokerage Agreements

 

We have entered into Time Brokerage Agreements (“TBAs”) or Local Marketing Agreements (“LMA’s”) in certain markets. In a typical TBA/LMA, the Federal Communications Commission (“FCC”) licensee of a station makes available, for a fee, blocks of air time on its station to another party that supplies programming to be broadcast during that air time and sells their own commercial advertising announcements during the time periods specified. We account for TBA’s/LMA’s under Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (“SFAS”) No. 13, “Accounting for Leases” and related interpretations. Revenue and expenses related to TBA’s/LMA’s are included in the accompanying unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income.

 

Nonmonetary Asset Exchanges

 

In 2006, the FCC granted to Sprint Nextel Corporation (“Nextel”) the right to reclaim from broadcasters in each market across the country the 1.9 GHz spectrum to use for an emergency communications system. In order to reclaim this signal, Nextel must replace all analog equipment currently using this spectrum with digital equipment. All broadcasters have agreed to use the digital substitute that Nextel will provide. The exchange of equipment will be completed on a market by market basis. As the equipment is exchanged and put into service in each of our markets we expect to record gains to the extent that the fair market value of the equipment we receive exceeds the book value of the analog equipment we exchange. No markets were transitioned during the first quarter of 2008 or 2007. All markets must be transitioned to digital by February 2009.

 

SAGA COMMUNICATIONS, INC.

 

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL

STATEMENTS — (Continued)

 

 

In December 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 141(R), “Business Combinations” (“SFAS 141R”), which changes the principles and requirements for how the acquirer of a business recognizes and measures in its financial statements the identifiable assets acquired, the liabilities assumed, and any noncontrolling interest in the acquiree. SFAS 141R also provides guidance for recognizing and measuring the goodwill acquired in the business combination and determines what information to disclose to enable users of the financial statements to evaluate the nature and financial effect of the business combination. SFAS 141R is effective prospectively for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2008 (as of January 1, 2009 for the Company). SFAS 141R will have an impact on accounting for business combinations once adopted but the effect is dependent upon acquisitions at that time.

 

In December 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 160, “Noncontrolling Interests in Consolidated Financial Statements — An Amendment of ARB No. 151” (“SFAS 160”), which establishes new accounting and reporting standards for the non-controlling interest in a subsidiary and for the deconsolidation of a subsidiary. SFAS 160 is effective for fiscal years beginning on or after December 15, 2008. We do not currently expect the adoption of SFAS 160 to have a material impact on our consolidated financial position, results of operations and cash flows.

 

In February 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 159, “The Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities” (“SFAS 159”), which allows entities the option to measure eligible financial instruments at fair value as of specified dates. Such election, which may be applied on an instrument by instrument basis, is typically irrevocable once elected. An entity would report unrealized gains and losses on items for which the fair value option has been elected in earnings at each subsequent reporting date. The provisions of SFAS 159 were effective as of January 1, 2008. We did not elect the fair value option under this standard upon adoption.

 

In September 2006, the FASB issued SFAS No. 157, “Fair Value Measurements” (“SFAS 157”) which defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value and expands disclosures about fair value measurements. Companies were required to apply the recognition and disclosure provision of SFAS 157 for financial assets and financial liabilities effective January 1, 2008. In February 2008, the FASB issued FSP FAS 157-2 that delayed by one year, the effective date of SFAS 157 for the majority of nonfinancial assets and nonfinancial liabilities. We adopted the provisions of SFAS 157 effective January 1, 2008 for certain assets which were not included in FSP FAS 157-2, which did not have a material impact or effect on our consolidated financial position, results of operations and cash flows. We do not expect the adoption of the deferred portion of SFAS 157 to have a material impact on our consolidated financial position, results of operations and cash flows.

 

In September 2006, the Emerging Issues Task Force (“EITF”) reached a consensus on EITF Issue No. 06-4, “Accounting for Deferred Compensation and Postretirement Benefit Aspects of Endorsement Split-Dollar Life Insurance Arrangements” (“EITF No. 06-4”). EITF No. 06-4 requires that for endorsement split-dollar life insurance arrangements that provide a benefit to an employee that extends to postretirement periods, an employer should recognize a liability for future benefits in accordance with SFAS No. 106 (if, in substance, a postretirement benefit plan exists) or Accounting Principles Board Opinion No. 12 (if the arrangement is, in substance, an individual deferred compensation contract) based on the substantive agreement with the employee. We adopted EITF No. 06-4 effective January 1, 2008, which did not have a material impact or effect on our consolidated financial position, results of operations and cash flows.

 

SAGA COMMUNICATIONS, INC.

 

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL

STATEMENTS — (Continued)

 

 

Under SFAS No. 142 “Accounting for Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets,” (“SFAS 142”) goodwill and intangible assets deemed to have indefinite lives are not amortized and are subject to impairment tests which are conducted annually, or more frequent if impairment indicators arise.

 

We consider FCC broadcast licenses to have indefinite lives. Factors that we considered in evaluating that the radio and television FCC licenses are indefinite-lived intangible assets under SFAS 142 include the following:

 

 

Based on the above, we believe cash flows from our radio and television licenses are expected to continue indefinitely.

 

Separate intangible assets that have finite lives are amortized over their useful lives using the straight-line method. Favorable lease agreements are amortized over the lives of the leases. Other intangibles are amortized over one to eleven years.

 

 

The following summarizes information relating to the number of shares of our common stock issued in connection with stock transactions through March 31, 2008:

 

 

We have a Stock Buy-Back Program (the “Buy-Back Program”) to allow us to purchase up to $60,000,000 of our Class A Common Stock. From its inception in 1998 through March 31, 2008, we have repurchased 2,146,323 shares of our Class A Common Stock for approximately $27,651,000.

 

SAGA COMMUNICATIONS, INC.

 

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL

STATEMENTS — (Continued)

 

 

We actively seek and explore opportunities for expansion through the acquisition of additional broadcast properties. The condensed consolidated statements of income include the operating results of the acquired stations from their respective dates of acquisition. All acquisitions were accounted for as purchases and, accordingly, the total costs were allocated to the acquired assets and assumed liabilities based on their estimated fair values as of the acquisition dates. The excess of the consideration paid over the estimated fair value of net assets acquired have been recorded as goodwill, which is deductible for tax purposes.

 

2008 Acquisitions

 

On January 21, 2004, we entered into agreements to acquire an FM radio station (WOXL-FM) serving the Asheville, North Carolina market. On November 1, 2002 we began providing programming under a Sub-Time Brokerage Agreement to WOXL-FM, and on January 31, 2008 we closed on the acquisition for approximately $9,463,000 of which approximately $9,354,000 was paid in 2008 and $109,000 was paid in prior years.

 

On January 31, 2008, in connection with the 2006 acquisition of one FM radio station (WTMT-FM) serving the Tazewell, Tennessee market for approximately $4,186,000, we paid the seller $1,350,000, which had been recorded as a note payable at December 31, 2007. We relocated the tower to Weaverville, North Carolina (serving the Asheville, North Carolina market) and started broadcasting in Asheville on June 8, 2007.

 

2007 Acquisitions

 

On November 1, 2007, we acquired an FM radio station (WCLZ-FM) serving the Portland, Maine market for approximately $3,555,000.

 

On August 31, 2007, we acquired two radio stations (WKRT-AM and WIII-FM licensed to Cortland, New York, and an FM translator station that rebroadcasts WIII) serving the Ithaca, New York market for approximately $3,843,000. Due to FCC ownership rules we were not permitted to own WKRT-AM and as part of the transaction we donated WKRT-AM to a non-profit organization.

 

On January 2, 2007 we acquired one FM radio station (WCNR-FM) serving the Charlottesville, Virginia market for $3,330,000. On September 1, 2006 we began providing programming under an LMA to WCNR-FM. We funded this acquisition on December 31, 2006.

 

On January 16, 2007, we agreed to pay $50,000 to cancel a clause in our 2003 purchase agreement of WSNI-FM in the Winchendon, Massachusetts market that would have required us to pay the seller an additional $500,000 if within five years of closing we obtained approval from the FCC for a city of license change.

 

On January 2, 2007, in connection with the 2003 acquisition of one FM radio station (WJZA-FM) serving the Columbus, Ohio market, we paid an additional $850,000 to the seller upon obtaining approval from the FCC for a city of license change.

 

SAGA COMMUNICATIONS, INC.

 

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL

STATEMENTS — (Continued)

 

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet of 2008 and 2007 Acquisitions

 

The following unaudited condensed consolidated balance sheets represent the estimated fair value assigned to the related assets and liabilities of the 2008 and 2007 acquisitions at their respective acquisition dates. We paid approximately $10,729,000 and $925,000 in connection with acquisitions during the three months ended March 31, 2008 and 2007, respectively.

 

Saga Communications, Inc.

 

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet of 2008 and 2007 Acquisitions

 

 

SAGA COMMUNICATIONS, INC.

 

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL

STATEMENTS — (Continued)

 

Pro Forma Results of Operations for Acquisitions and Dispositions (Unaudited)

 

The following unaudited pro forma results of our operations for the three months ended March 31, 2008 and 2007 assume the 2008 and 2007 acquisitions occurred as of January 1, 2007. The pro forma results give effect to certain adjustments, including depreciation, amortization of intangible assets, increased interest expense on acquisition debt and related income tax effects. The pro forma results have been prepared for comparative purposes only and do not purport to indicate the results of operations which would actually have occurred had the combinations been in effect on the dates indicated or which may occur in the future.

 

 

 

 

SAGA COMMUNICATIONS, INC.

 

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL

STATEMENTS — (Continued)

 

Reconciliation of pro forma segment operating income to pro forma consolidated operating income:

 

 

 

 

The Company accounts for stock-based awards under the provisions of SFAS No. 123R, “Share-Based Payment” (“SFAS 123R”). Compensation expense of approximately $253,000 and $197,000 was recognized for the three months ended March 31, 2008 and 2007, respectively, and is included in corporate general and administrative expenses in our results of operations. The associated future income tax benefit recognized for the three months ended March 31, 2008 and 2007 were approximately $104,000 and $81,000, respectively.

 

Employee Stock Purchase Plan

 

We have an employee stock purchase plan (ESPP) for all eligible employees. Each quarter, an eligible employee may elect to withhold up to 10 percent of his or her compensation, up to a maximum of $5,000, to purchase shares of our stock at a price equal to 85% of the fair value of the stock as of the last day of such quarter. The ESPP will terminate on the earlier of the issuance of 1,562,500 shares pursuant to the ESPP or December 31, 2008. Approximately 8,275 and 6,228 shares were purchased under the ESPP during the three months ended March 31, 2008 and 2007, respectively. Our ESPP is deemed compensatory under the provisions of FAS 123R.

 

2005 Incentive Compensation Plan

 

On May 9, 2005, our stockholders approved the 2005 Incentive Compensation Plan (the “2005 Plan”) which replaces our 2003 Stock Option Plan (the “2003 Plan”) as to future grants. The 2005 Plan extends through March 2015 and allows for the granting of restricted stock, restricted stock units, incentive stock options, nonqualified stock options, and performance awards to officers and a selected number of employees.

 

SAGA COMMUNICATIONS, INC.

 

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL

STATEMENTS — (Continued)

 

2003 Stock Option Plan

 

In 2003, we adopted the 2003 Plan, upon expiration of our 1992 Stock Option Plan (the “1992 Plan”) in December 2002, pursuant to which our key employees, including directors who are employees, were eligible to receive grants of options to purchase our Class A Common Stock or Class B Common Stock. With the approval of the 2005 Plan, the 2003 Plan was terminated as to future grants, therefore the shares available for future grants under the 2003 Plan are no longer available.

 

The following summarizes the stock option transactions for the 2005, 2003 and 1992 Plans for the three months ended March 31, 2008:

 

 

The following summarizes the non-vested stock option transactions for the 2005, 2003 and 1992 Plans for the three months ended March 31, 2008:

 

 

We calculated the fair value of the each option award on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option pricing model. The following assumptions were used for each respective period:

 

 

The estimated expected volatility, expected term of options and estimated annual forfeiture rate was determined based on historical experience of similar awards, giving consideration to the contractual terms of the stock-based awards, vesting schedules and expectations of future employee behavior. The risk-free interest rate is based on the U.S. Treasury yield curve in effect at the time of grant.

 

SAGA COMMUNICATIONS, INC.

 

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL

STATEMENTS — (Continued)

 

The following summarizes the restricted stock transactions for the three months ended March 31, 2008:

 

 

For the three months ended March 31, 2008 and 2007, we had approximately $113,000 and $89,000, respectively, of total compensation expense related to restricted stock-based compensation arrangements.

 

1997 Non-Employee Director Stock Option Plan

 

In 1997, we adopted the 1997 Non-Employee Director Stock Option Plan (the “Directors Plan”) pursuant to which our directors who are not our employees were eligible to receive options. Options granted under the Directors Plan were non-qualified stock options, were immediately vested and become exercisable at the written election of the director. The options expire on the earlier of (i) 10 years from the date of grant or (ii) the March 16th following the calendar year in which they first become exercisable. This plan expired on May 12, 2007.

 

Effective January 1, 2007, each director who is not an employee shall receive cash for his or her services as a director.

 

The following summarizes the stock option transactions for the Directors Plan for the three months ended March 31, 2008:

 

 

SAGA COMMUNICATIONS, INC.

 

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL

STATEMENTS — (Continued)

 

 

Long term debt consisted of the following:

 

 

Our Credit Agreement is a $193,750,000 reducing revolving line of credit maturing on July 29, 2012. On March 31, 2008, the Revolving Commitments (as defined in the Credit Agreement) were permanently reduced by $6,250,000 and will continue to be permanently reduced at the end of each calendar quarter in amounts ranging from 3.125% to 12.5% of the total Revolving Commitments that were in effect on March 31, 2008. In addition, the Revolving Commitments shall be further reduced by specified percentages of Excess Cash Flow (as defined in the Credit Agreement) based on leverage ratios. Any outstanding balance under the Credit Agreement will be due on the maturity date of July 29, 2012.

 

Our indebtedness under the Credit Agreement is secured by a first priority lien on substantially all of our assets and of our subsidiaries, by a pledge of our subsidiaries’ stock and by a guarantee of our subsidiaries. We have approximately $60,400,000 of unused borrowing capacity under the Credit Agreement at March 31, 2008.

 

The Credit Agreement contains a number of financial covenants (all of which we were in compliance with at March 31, 2008) that, among other things, requires us to maintain specified financial ratios and impose certain limitations on us with respect to (i) the incurrence of additional indebtedness; (ii) acquisitions, except under specified conditions; (iii) the incurrence of additional liens, except those relating to capital leases and purchase money indebtedness; (iv) the disposition of assets; (v) the payment of cash dividends; and (vi) mergers, changes in business and management, investments and transactions with affiliates. The financial covenants become more restrictive over the life of the Credit Agreement. The Credit Agreement allows for the payment of dividends provided certain requirements are met.

 

SAGA COMMUNICATIONS, INC.

 

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL

STATEMENTS — (Continued)

 

 

We evaluate the operating performance of our markets individually. For purposes of business segment reporting, we have aligned operations with similar characteristics into two business segments: Radio and Television.

 

The Radio segment includes twenty-three markets, which includes all ninety-one of our radio stations and five radio information networks. The Television segment includes three markets and consists of five television stations and four low power television (“LPTV”) stations. The Radio and Television segments derive their revenue from the sale of commercial broadcast inventory. The category “Corporate general and administrative” represents the income and expense not allocated to reportable segments.

 

 

 

Results of Operations

 

The following discussion should be read in conjunction with the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements and notes thereto of Saga Communications, Inc. and its subsidiaries contained elsewhere herein and the audited financial statements and Management Discussion and Analysis contained in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2007. The following discussion is presented on both a consolidated and segment basis. Corporate general and administrative expenses, interest expense, other (income) expense, and income tax expense are managed on a consolidated basis and are therefore, reflected only in our discussion of consolidated results.

 

Our discussion of the results of operations of our operating segments focuses on their operating income because we manage our operating segments primarily on their operating income. We evaluate the operating performance of our markets individually. For purposes of business segment reporting, we have aligned operations with similar characteristics into two business segments: Radio and Television. The Radio segment includes twenty-three markets, which includes all ninety-one of our radio stations and five radio information networks. The Television segment includes three markets and consists of five television stations and four LPTV stations.

 

General

 

We are a broadcast company primarily engaged in acquiring, developing and operating radio and television stations. We actively seek and explore opportunities for expansion through the acquisition of additional broadcast properties. We review acquisition opportunities on an ongoing basis.

 

For additional information with respect to acquisitions, see “Liquidity and Capital Resources” below.

 

Radio Segment

 

Our radio segment’s primary source of revenue is from the sale of advertising for broadcast on our stations. Depending on the format of a particular radio station, there are a predetermined number of advertisements available to be broadcast each hour.

 

Most advertising contracts are short-term, and generally run only for a few weeks. Most of our revenue is generated from local advertising, which is sold primarily by each radio markets’ sales staff. For the three months ended March 31, 2008 and 2007, approximately 86% and 87%, respectively, of our gross radio segment revenue was from local advertising. To generate national advertising sales, we engage an independent advertising sales representative firm that specializes in national sales for each of our broadcast markets.

 

Our revenue varies throughout the year. Advertising expenditures, our primary source of revenue, generally have been lowest during the winter months, which include the first quarter of each year.

 

Our net operating revenue, station operating expense and operating income varies from market to market based upon the market’s rank or size which is based upon population and the available radio advertising revenue in that particular market.

 

Our financial results are dependent on a number of factors, the most significant of which is our ability to generate advertising revenue through rates charged to advertisers. The rates a station is able to charge are, in large part, based on a station’s ability to attract audiences in the demographic groups targeted by its advertisers. In a number of our markets this is measured by periodic reports generated by independent national rating services. In the remainder of our markets it is measured by the results advertisers obtain through the actual running of an advertising schedule. Advertisers measure these results based on increased demand for their goods or services and/or actual revenues generated from such demand. Various factors affect the rate a station can charge, including the general strength of the local and national economies, population growth, ability to provide popular programming, local market competition, target marketing capability of radio compared to other advertising media and signal strength. Because reaching a large and demographically attractive audience is crucial to a station’s financial success, we endeavor to develop strong listener loyalty.

When we acquire and/or begin to operate a station or group of stations we generally increase programming and advertising and promotion expenses to increase our share of our target demographic audience. Our strategy sometimes requires levels of spending commensurate with the revenue levels we plan on achieving in two to five years. During periods of economic downturns, or when the level of advertising spending is flat or down across the industry, this strategy may result in the appearance that our cost of operations are increasing at a faster rate than our growth in revenues, until such time as we achieve our targeted levels of revenue for the acquired station or group of stations.

 

The number of advertisements that can be broadcast without jeopardizing listening levels (and the resulting ratings) is limited in part by the format of a particular radio station. Our stations strive to maximize revenue by constantly managing the number of commercials available for sale and adjusting prices based upon local market conditions and ratings. While there may be shifts from time to time in the number of advertisements broadcast during a particular time of the day, the total number of advertisements broadcast on a particular station generally does not vary significantly from year to year. Any change in our revenue, with the exception of those instances where stations are acquired or sold, is generally the result of inventory sell out ratios and pricing adjustments, which are made to ensure that the station efficiently utilizes available inventory.

 

Our radio stations employ a variety of programming formats. We periodically perform market research, including music evaluations, focus groups and strategic vulnerability studies. Our stations also employ audience promotions to further develop and secure a loyal following. We believe that the diversification of formats on our radio stations helps to insulate us from the effects of changes in musical tastes of the public on any particular format.

 

The primary operating expenses involved in owning and operating radio stations are employee salaries including commissions, depreciation, programming expenses, and advertising and promotion expenses.

 

Similar to the fluctuations in the current general economic climate, radio revenue growth has been declining or stagnant over the last several years primarily in major markets that are dependent on national advertising. We believe this decline in major market radio advertising revenue is the result of a lack of pricing discipline by radio operators and new technologies and media (such as the Internet, satellite radio, and MP3 players.) These new technologies and media are gaining advertising share against radio and other traditional media. Conversely, radio revenue in the small to mid markets has been trending upward in recent months.

 

We have begun several initiatives to offset the declines. We are continuing to expand our interactive initiative to provide a seamless audio experience across numerous platforms to connect with our listeners where and when they want, and are adding online components including streaming our stations over the internet and on-demand options. We are seeing solid development potential in this area and believe that revenues from interactive will continue to increase.

 

We also continue the rollout of HD Radio^tm. HD Radio utilizes digital technology that provides improved sound quality over standard analog broadcasts and also allows for the delivery of additional channels of diversified programming or data streams in each radio market. It is unclear what impact HD Radio will have on the industry and our revenue as the availability of HD receivers, particularly in automobiles, is not widely available.

 

During the three months ended March 31, 2008 and 2007 and the years ended December 31, 2007 and 2006, our Columbus, Ohio; Manchester, New Hampshire; Milwaukee, Wisconsin; and Norfolk, Virginia markets, when combined, represented approximately 78%, 88%, 60% and 64%, respectively, of our consolidated operating income. An adverse change in any of these radio markets or our relative market position in those markets could have a significant impact on our operating results as a whole.

 

A significant decline in the total available radio advertising dollars in the Columbus, Ohio and Norfolk, Virginia markets has resulted in a significant decline in our net revenue, for the three months ended March 31, 2008 as compared to the corresponding period of 2007, of 23% and 18%, respectively and the related operating income in our radio stations at these markets. Additionally, we are experiencing ratings softness in

these markets which has also affected revenue. We do not expect any significant improvements in the Columbus and Norfolk markets in the foreseeable future.

 

The following tables describe the percentage of our consolidated operating income represented by each of these markets:

 

 

We use certain financial measures that are not calculated in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America (GAAP) to assess our financial performance. For example, we evaluate the performance of our markets based on “station operating income” (operating income plus corporate general and administrative expenses, depreciation and amortization). Station operating income is generally recognized by the broadcasting industry as a measure of performance, is used by analysts who report on the performance of the broadcasting industry and it serves as an indicator of the market value of a group of stations. In addition, we use it to evaluate individual stations, market-level performance, overall operations and as a primary measure for incentive based compensation of executives and other members of management. Station operating income is not necessarily indicative of amounts that may be available to us for debt service requirements, other commitments, reinvestment or other discretionary uses. Station operating income is not a measure of liquidity or of performance in accordance with GAAP, and should be viewed as a supplement to, and not a substitute for our results of operations presented on a GAAP basis.

 

During the three months ended March 31, 2008 and 2007 and the years ended December 31, 2007 and 2006, the radio stations in our four largest markets when combined, represented approximately 38%, 44%, 40% and 45%, respectively, of our consolidated station operating income. The following tables describe the percentage of our consolidated station operating income represented by each of these markets:

 

 

 

 

Television Segment

 

Our television segment’s primary source of revenue is from the sale of advertising for broadcast on our stations. The number of advertisements available for broadcast on our television stations is limited by network affiliation and syndicated programming agreements and, with respect to children’s programs, federal regulation. Our television stations’ local market managers determine only the number of advertisements to be broadcast in locally produced programs, which are primarily news programming and occasionally local sports or information shows.

 

Our net operating revenue, station operating expense and operating income vary from market to market based upon the market’s rank or size which is based upon population, available television advertising revenue in that particular market, and the popularity of programming being broadcast.

 

Our financial results are dependent on a number of factors, the most significant of which is our ability to generate advertising revenue through rates charged to advertisers. The rates a station is able to charge are, in large part, based on a station’s ability to attract audiences in the demographic groups targeted by its advertisers, as measured principally by periodic reports by independent national rating services. Various factors affect the rates a station can charge, including the general strength of the local and national economies, population growth, ability to provide popular programming through locally produced news, sports and weather and as a result of syndication and network affiliation agreements, local market competition, the ability of television broadcasting to reach a mass appeal market compared to other advertising media, and signal strength including cable/satellite coverage, and government regulation and policies.

 

When we acquire and/or begin operating a station or group of stations we generally increase programming expenses including local news, sports and weather programming, new syndicated programming, and advertising and promotion expenses to increase our viewership. Our strategy sometimes requires levels of spending commensurate with the revenue levels we plan on achieving in two to five years. During periods of economic downturns, or when the level of advertising spending is flat or down across the industry, this strategy may result in the appearance that our cost of operations are increasing at a faster rate than our growth in revenues, until such time as we achieve our targeted levels of revenue for the acquired/operated station or group of stations.

 

Our stations strive to maximize revenue by constantly adjusting prices for our commercial spots based upon local market conditions, demand for advertising and ratings. While there may be shifts from time to time in the number of advertisements broadcast during a particular time of the day, the total number of advertisements broadcast on a particular station generally does not vary significantly from year to year. Any change in our revenue, with the exception of those instances where stations are acquired or sold, is generally the result of pricing adjustments, which are made to ensure that the station efficiently utilizes available inventory.

 

Because audience ratings in the local market are crucial to a station’s financial success, we endeavor to develop strong viewer loyalty by providing locally produced news, weather and sports programming. We believe that this emphasis on the local market provides us with the viewer loyalty we are trying to achieve.

 

Most of our revenue is generated from local advertising, which is sold primarily by each television markets’ sales staff. For the three months ended March 31, 2008 and 2007, approximately 82% and 83%, respectively, of our gross television revenue was from local advertising. To generate national advertising sales, we engage independent advertising sales representatives that specialize in national sales for each of our television markets.

 

Our revenue varies throughout the year. Advertising expenditures, our primary source of revenue, generally have been lowest during the winter months, which include the first quarter of each year.

 

The primary operating expenses involved in owning and operating television stations are employee salaries including commissions, depreciation, programming expenses, including news production and the cost of acquiring certain syndicated programming, and advertising and promotion expenses.

Our television market in Joplin, Missouri represented approximately 16%, 12%, 9% and 9%, respectively, of our consolidated operating income for the three months ended March 31, 2008 and 2007 and the years ended December 31, 2007 and 2006.

 

Three Months Ended March 31, 2008 Compared to Three Months Ended March 31, 2007

 

Results of Operations

 

The following tables summarize our results of operations for the three months ended March 31, 2008 and 2007.

 

Consolidated Results of Operations

 

 

Radio Broadcasting Segment

 

 

Television Broadcasting Segment

 

 

 

N/M = Not Meaningful

 

 

Reconciliation of segment operating income to consolidated operating income:

 

 

 

Consolidated

 

For the three months ended March 31, 2008, consolidated net operating revenue was $31,532,000 compared with $31,883,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2007, a decline of approximately $351,000 or 1%. We had a decrease of approximately $650,000 in net operating revenue generated by stations that we owned or operated for the comparable period in 2007 (“same station”), and an increase in net operating revenue of approximately $299,000 attributable to stations we did not own and operate for the entire comparable period. Although same station gross national revenue and gross political revenue increased approximately $150,000 and $600,000, respectively, in the current quarter, this increase was offset by a decrease in gross local revenue of approximately $1,400,000. The increase in political revenue was directly attributable to advertising for the 2008 presidential race’s early primaries and congressional, senatorial and local races as well. We expect political revenue for 2008 to continue to trend upward for the year. The decrease in local revenue was primarily the result of the significant declines in gross local revenue of our radio stations in the Norfolk (18%) and Columbus (23%) markets. These declines are attributable to the significant declines in radio advertising spending in these specific markets. We do not expect any significant improvements in these markets in the foreseeable future.

 

Station operating expense was $25,421,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2008, compared with $25,995,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2007, a decrease of approximately $574,000 or 2%. Approximately $802,000 of the decrease was attributable to stations we owned and operated for the entire comparable period, offset by an increase of $228,000 from those stations that we did not own or operate for the comparable period in 2007. The decrease in same station operating expense was the direct result of the expense reductions in our radio segment we began instituting in 2007 as a result of declines in revenue, particularly in programming and advertising and promotions. We also had a decline in selling and commission expense directly attributable to the decrease in revenue.

 

Operating income for the three months ended March 31, 2008 was $3,559,000 compared to $3,572,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2007, a decrease of approximately $13,000, or less than 1%. The decrease was the result of lower station operating expense described in detail above, offset by reduced net operating revenue and a $236,000 or 10% increase in corporate general and administrative charges, primarily attributable to an increase in officers’ life insurance expense of $115,000, an increase in stock based compensation expense of $80,000 and an increase in interactive media related expenses of $70,000. The increase in officer’s life insurance expense was attributable to a decline in the cash surrender value of the life

insurance policies. The increase in stock based compensation was the result of stock options and restricted stock granted in May of 2007 for which there was no expense in the first quarter of 2007.

 

We generated net income of approximately $910,000 ($.05 per share on a fully diluted basis) during the three months ended March 31, 2008, compared with $740,000 ($.04 per share on a fully diluted basis) for the three months ended March 31, 2007, an increase of approximately $170,000 or 23%. The increase was primarily the result of reduced interest expense of $302,000, offset by higher income tax expense of $134,000. The decrease in interest expense was attributable to an average reduction in market interest rates of 0.85%. The increase in income tax expense was directly attributable to operating performance.

 

Radio Segment

 

For the three months ended March 31, 2008, net operating revenue of the radio segment was $27,381,000 compared with $27,893,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2007, a decrease of $512,000 or 2%. During 2008 we had an increase in net operating revenue of approximately $299,000 attributable to stations we did not own and operate for the entire comparable period. We had a decrease of approximately $811,000 in revenue generated by radio stations that we owned or operated for the comparable period in 2007 (“same station”). The decrease in same station revenue was primarily attributable to same station gross local revenue decreases of approximately $1,320,000, partially offset by an increase in same station gross political revenue of $400,000. The decrease in local revenue was primarily the result of the significant declines in gross local revenue of our radio stations in the Norfolk (18%) and Columbus (23%) markets. These declines are attributable to the significant declines in radio advertising spending in these specific markets. We do not expect any significant improvements in these markets in the foreseeable future. The increase in political revenue was directly attributable to advertising for the 2008 presidential race’s early primaries and congressional, senatorial and local races as well. We expect political revenue for 2008 to continue to trend upward for the year.

 

Station operating expense for the radio segment was $21,913,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2008, compared with $22,513,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2007, a decrease of approximately $600,000 or 3%. The decrease resulted from a decrease of $828,000 in same station operating expense, offset by an increase of $228,000 from the operation of radio stations that we did not own or operate for the comparable period in 2007. The decrease in radio same station operating expense was the direct result of the expense reductions in our radio segment we began instituting in 2007 as a result of declines in revenue, particularly in programming and advertising and promotions. We also had a decline in selling and commission expense directly attributable to the decrease in revenue.

 

Operating income in the radio segment for the three months ended March 31, 2008 was $5,468,000 compared to $5,380,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2007, an increase of approximately $88,000 or 2%. The increase was attributable to stations we did not own and operate for the entire comparable period.

 

Television Segment

 

For the three months ended March 31, 2008, net operating revenue of our television segment was $4,151,000 compared with $3,990,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2007, an increase of $161,000 or 4%. The improvement in net operating revenue was attributable to an increase in gross political revenue of $179,000 as compared to the prior year period. The increase in political revenue was directly attributable to advertising for the 2008 presidential race’s early primaries and congressional, senatorial and local races as well. We expect political revenue for 2008 to continue to trend upward for the year.

 

Station operating expense in the television segment for the three months ended March 31, 2008 was $3,508,000, compared with $3,482,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2007, an increase of approximately $26,000 or 1%.

 

Operating income in the television segment for the three months ended March 31, 2008 was $643,000 compared to $508,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2007, an increase of approximately $135,000 or 27%. The increase was primarily the result of higher political revenue.

Forward-Looking Statements

 

Statements contained in this Form 10-Q that are not historical facts are forward-looking statements that are made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. In addition, words such as “believes,” “anticipates,” “estimates,” “plans”, “expects,” and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. These statements are made as of the date of this report or as otherwise indicated, based on current expectations. We undertake no obligation to update this information. A number of important factors could cause our actual results for 2008 and beyond to differ materially from those expressed in any forward-looking statements made by or on our behalf. Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance as they involve a number of risks, uncertainties and assumptions that may prove to be incorrect and that may cause our actual results and experiences to differ materially from the anticipated results or other expectations expressed in such forward-looking statements. The risks, uncertainties and assumptions that may affect our performance include our financial leverage and debt service requirements, dependence on key personnel, dependence on key stations, U.S. and local economic conditions, our ability to successfully integrate acquired stations, regulatory requirements, new technologies, natural disasters and terrorist attacks. We cannot be sure that we will be able to anticipate or respond timely to changes in any of these factors, which could adversely affect the operating results in one or more fiscal quarters. Results of operations in any past period should not be considered, in and of itself, indicative of the results to be expected for future periods. Fluctuations in operating results may also result in fluctuations in the price of our stock.

 

For a more complete description of the prominent risks and uncertainties inherent in our business, see “Forward Looking Statements” and “Risk Factors” in our Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2007.

 

Liquidity and Capital Resources

 

Debt Arrangements and Debt Service Requirements

 

As of March 31, 2008, we had $134,411,000 of long-term debt (including the current portion thereof) outstanding and approximately $60,400,000 of unused borrowing capacity under our Credit Agreement.

 

The Credit Agreement is a $193,750,000 reducing revolving line of credit maturing on July 29, 2012. Our indebtedness under the Credit Agreement is secured by a first priority lien on substantially all of our assets and of our subsidiaries, by a pledge of our subsidiaries’ stock and by a guarantee of our subsidiaries.

 

The Credit Agreement may be used for general corporate purposes, including working capital, capital expenditures, permitted acquisition and related transaction expenses and permitted stock buybacks. On March 31, 2008, the Revolving Commitments (as defined in the Credit Agreement) were permanently reduced by $6,250,000 and will continue to be permanently reduced at the end of each calendar quarter in amounts ranging from 3.125% to 12.5% of the total Revolving Commitments that was in effect on March 31, 2008. In addition, the Revolving Commitments shall be further reduced by specified percentages of Excess Cash Flow (as defined in the Credit Agreement) based on leverage ratios. Any outstanding balance under the Credit Agreement will be due on the maturity date of July 29, 2012.

 

The Credit Agreement contains a number of financial covenants (all of which we were in compliance with at March 31, 2008) that, among other things, requires us to maintain specified financial ratios and impose certain limitations on us with respect to (i) the incurrence of additional indebtedness; (ii) acquisitions, except under specified conditions; (iii) the incurrence of additional liens, except those relating to capital leases and purchase money indebtedness; (iv) the disposition of assets; (v) the payment of cash dividends; and (vi) mergers, changes in business and management, investments and transactions with affiliates. The financial covenants become more restrictive over the life of the Credit Agreement. The Credit Agreement allows for the payment of dividends provided certain requirements are met.

 

Sources and Uses of Cash

 

During the three months ended March 31, 2008 and 2007, we had net cash flows from operating activities of $4,042,000 and $4,268,000, respectively. We believe that cash flow from operations will be sufficient to meet quarterly debt service requirements for interest and scheduled payments of principal under the Credit Agreement.

However, if such cash flow is not sufficient we may be required to sell additional equity securities, refinance our obligations or dispose of one or more of our properties in order to make such scheduled payments. There can be no assurance that we would be able to effect any such transactions on favorable terms, if at all.

 

We continue to actively seek and explore opportunities for expansion through the acquisition of additional broadcast properties.

 

In January 2008, our board of directors authorized an increase to our Stock Buy-Back Program so that we may purchase a total of $60,000,000 of our Class A Common Stock. From the inception of the Stock Buy-Back program in 1998 through March 31, 2008, we have repurchased 2,146,323 shares of our Class A Common Stock for approximately $27,651,000. Approximately 239,113 shares were repurchased during the three months ended March 31, 2008 for $1,399,000.

 

We anticipate that any future acquisitions of radio and television stations and purchases of Class A Common Stock under the Stock Buy-Back Program will be financed through funds generated from operations, borrowings under the Credit Agreement, additional debt or equity financing, or a combination thereof. However, there can be no assurances that any such financing will be available on acceptable terms, it at all.

 

Our capital expenditures, exclusive of acquisitions, for the three months ended March 31, 2008 were approximately $2,046,000 ($2,414,000 in 2007). We anticipate capital expenditures in 2008 to be approximately $9,000,000, which we expect to finance through funds generated from operations or additional borrowings under the Credit Agreement.

 

Summary Disclosures About Contractual Obligations and Commercial Commitments

 

We have future cash obligations under various types of contracts under the terms of our Credit Agreement, operating leases, programming contracts, employment agreements, and other operating contracts. For additional information concerning our future cash obligations see Item 7. “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operation — Summary Disclosures About Contractual Obligations and Commercial Commitments” in our annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2007.

 

There have been no material changes to such contracts/commitments during the three months ended March 31, 2008. We anticipate that the above contractual cash obligations will be financed through funds generated from operations or additional borrowings under the Credit Agreement, or a combination thereof.

 

Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

 

Our consolidated financial statements have been prepared in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States, which require us to make estimates, judgments and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of certain assets, liabilities, revenues, expenses and related disclosures and contingencies. We evaluate estimates used in preparation of our financial statements on a continual basis. There have been no significant changes to our critical accounting policies that are described in Item 7. “Managements Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations — Critical Accounting Policies” in our annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2007.

 

Inflation

 

The impact of inflation on our operations has not been significant to date. There can be no assurance that a high rate of inflation in the future would not have an adverse effect on our operations.

 

Refer to “Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk” and “Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations — Market Risk and Risk Management Policies” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2007 for a complete discussion of our market risk. There have been no material changes to the market risk information included in our 2007 Annual Report on Form 10-K.

 

 

As of the end of the period covered by this report, the Company carried out an evaluation, under the supervision and with the participation of the Company’s management, including its Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures pursuant to Rule 13a-15 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Based upon that evaluation, the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures are effective to cause the material information required to be disclosed by the Company in the reports that it files or submits under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 to be recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the Commission’s rules and forms. There were no changes in the Company’s internal controls over financial reporting during the quarter ended March 31, 2008, that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal controls over financial reporting.

 

 

The following table summarizes our repurchases of our Class A Common Stock during the three months ended March 31, 2008. All shares repurchased during the quarter were repurchased in block purchases, open market transactions on the New York Stock Exchange and 16,129 shares were from the retention of shares for the payment of withholding taxes related to the vesting of restricted stock.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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