Annual Statements Open main menu

SAGA COMMUNICATIONS INC - Quarter Report: 2011 March (Form 10-Q)

e10vq
Table of Contents

 
 
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
Form 10-Q
(Mark One)
     
þ   QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 or 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the Quarterly Period ended March 31, 2011
or
     
o   TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 or 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the transition period from                      to                     
Commission file number 1-11588
Saga Communications, Inc.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
     
Delaware
(State or other jurisdiction of
incorporation or organization)
  38-3042953
(I.R.S. Employer
Identification No.)
     
73 Kercheval Avenue
Grosse Pointe Farms, Michigan

(Address of principal executive offices)
  48236
(Zip Code)
(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 has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files). Yes o 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):
             
Large accelerated filer o   Accelerated filer þ   Non-accelerated filer o   Smaller Reporting Company o
        (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 5, 2011 was 3,654,488 and 597,859, respectively.
 
 

 


 

INDEX
         
    Page  
    3  
    3  
    3  
    4  
    5  
    6  
    12  
    19  
    20  
    20  
    20  
    20  
    20  
    21  
 EX-31.1
 EX-31.2
 EX-32

2


Table of Contents

PART I — FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 1. Financial Statements    
SAGA COMMUNICATIONS, INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
                 
    March 31,     December 31,  
    2011     2010  
    (Unaudited)     (Note)  
    (In thousands)  
Assets
               
Current assets:
               
Cash and cash equivalents
  $ 12,754     $ 12,197  
Short-term investments
    1,011       1,007  
Accounts receivable, net
    17,225       18,985  
Prepaid expenses and other current assets
    1,617       2,002  
Barter transactions
    1,791       1,377  
Deferred income taxes
    890       991  
 
           
Total current assets
    35,288       36,559  
Property and equipment
    159,565       158,589  
Less accumulated depreciation
    94,721       93,028  
 
           
Net property and equipment
    64,844       65,561  
Other assets:
               
Broadcast licenses, net
    90,584       90,584  
Other intangibles, deferred costs and investments, net
    6,836       7,099  
 
           
Total other assets
    97,420       97,683  
 
           
 
  $ 197,552     $ 199,803  
 
           
 
               
Liabilities and stockholders’ equity
               
Current liabilities:
               
Accounts payable
  $ 1,435     $ 1,683  
Payroll and payroll taxes
    5,618       5,524  
Other accrued expenses
    3,077       3,460  
Barter transactions
    2050       1,641  
Current portion of long-term debt
    4,443       6,121  
 
           
Total current liabilities
    16,623       18,429  
Deferred income taxes
    7,659       7,105  
Long-term debt
    87,635       89,957  
Other liabilities
    3,850       4,234  
Stockholders’ equity
               
Common stock
    53       53  
Additional paid-in capital
    50,460       50,298  
Retained earnings
    59,862       58,200  
Treasury stock
    (28,590 )     (28,473 )
 
           
Total stockholders’ equity
    81,785       80,078  
 
           
 
  $ 197,552     $ 199,803  
 
           
Note: The balance sheet at December 31, 2010 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.

3


Table of Contents

SAGA COMMUNICATIONS, INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
                 
    Three Months Ended  
    March 31,  
    2011     2010  
    (Unaudited)  
    (In thousands, except per share data)  
Net operating revenue
  $ 28,708     $ 27,987  
Station operating expenses
    22,736       22,560  
Corporate general and administrative
    1,940       1,882  
 
           
Operating income
    4,032       3,545  
Other expenses, net:
               
Interest expense
    1,157       1,519  
Other (income) expense, net
    68       (3,596 )
 
           
Income before income tax
    2,807       5,622  
Income tax provision
    1,145       2,305  
 
           
Net income
  $ 1,662     $ 3,317  
 
           
Earnings per share
               
Basic
  $ 0.39     $ 0.78  
 
           
Diluted
  $ 0.39     $ 0.78  
 
           
Weighted average common shares
    4,237       4,228  
 
           
Weighted average common and common equivalent shares
    4,243       4,229  
 
           
See notes to unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

4


Table of Contents

SAGA COMMUNICATIONS, INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
                 
    Three Months Ended  
    March 31,  
    2011     2010  
    (Unaudited)  
    (In thousands)  
Cash flows from operating activities:
               
Cash provided by operating activities
  $ 5,885     $ 7,342  
Cash flows from investing activities:
               
Acquisition of property and equipment
    (1,145 )     (845 )
Proceeds from license downgrade
          3,561  
Other investing activities
    (66 )     50  
 
           
Net cash (used in) provided by investing activities
    (1,211 )     2,766  
Cash flows from financing activities:
               
Payments on long-term debt
    (4,000 )     (5,000 )
Payments for debt issuance costs
          (1,503 )
Purchase of shares held in treasury
    (117 )     (78 )
 
           
Net cash used in financing activities
    (4,117 )     (6,581 )
 
           
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents
    557       3,527  
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period
    12,197       12,899  
 
           
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period
  $ 12,754     $ 16,426  
 
           
See notes to unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

5


Table of Contents

SAGA COMMUNICATIONS, INC.
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
1. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
     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, 2011 and the results of operations for the three months ended March 31, 2011 and 2010. Results of operations for the three months ended March 31, 2011 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the year ending December 31, 2011.
     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, 2010.
     The Company has evaluated events and transactions occurring subsequent to the balance sheet date of March 31, 2011, for items that should potentially be recognized in these financial statements or discussed within the notes to the financial statements.
     Earnings Per Share Information
     The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted earnings per share:
                 
    Three Months Ended March 31,  
    2011     2010  
    (In thousands, except per share data)  
Numerator:
               
Net income available to common stockholders
  $ 1,662     $ 3,317  
 
           
                 
Denominator:
               
Denominator for basic earnings per share-weighted average shares
    4,237       4,228  
Effect of dilutive securities:
               
Common stock equivalents
    6       1  
 
           
                 
Denominator for diluted earnings per share — adjusted weighted-average shares and assumed conversions
    4,243       4,229  
 
           
                 
Basic earnings per share
  $ 0.39     $ 0.78  
 
           
                 
Diluted earnings per share
  $ 0.39     $ 0.78  
 
           
     The number of stock options outstanding that had an antidilutive effect on our earnings per share calculation was 294,000 and 390,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively. The actual effect of these shares, if any, on the diluted earnings per share calculation will vary significantly depending on the fluctuation in the stock price.

6


Table of Contents

SAGA COMMUNICATIONS, INC.
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL
STATEMENTS — (Continued)
     Fair Value of Financial Instruments
     Short-term investments, which include certificates of deposit, approximate fair value due to their short maturities.
     Income Taxes
     Our effective tax rate is higher than the federal statutory rate as a result of the inclusion of state taxes in the income tax amount.
     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 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. Revenue and expenses related to TBA’s/LMA’s are included in the accompanying unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income.
2. Recent Accounting Pronouncements
     In October 2009, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2009-13, which addresses the accounting for multiple-deliverable revenue arrangements to enable vendors to account for products or services (deliverables) separately rather than as a combined unit, and provides guidance regarding how to measure and allocate arrangement consideration to one or more units of accounting. This guidance was effective on January 1, 2011 and adoption did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.
     In January 2010, the FASB issued new guidance for fair value measurements and disclosures which requires a reporting entity to disclose separately the amounts of significant transfers in and out of Level 1 and 2 fair value measurements and describe the reasons for the transfers. The guidance also requires a reporting entity to present separately information about purchases, sales, issuances, and settlements in the reconciliation for fair value measurements using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3). The guidance was effective on January 1, 2010, except for disclosures about purchases, sales, issuances, and settlements in the roll forward of activity in Level 3 fair value measurements, which was effective for the Company on January 1, 2011. The guidance adopted on January 1, 2011 did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.

7


Table of Contents

SAGA COMMUNICATIONS, INC.
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL
STATEMENTS — (Continued)
3. Intangible Assets
     We evaluate our FCC licenses for impairment annually as of October 1st or more frequently if events or circumstances indicate that the asset might be impaired. FCC licenses are evaluated for impairment at the market level using a direct method. If the carrying amount of FCC licenses is greater than their estimated fair value in a given market, the carrying amount of FCC licenses in that market is reduced to its estimated fair value.
     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 ranging from 4 to 26 years. Other intangibles are amortized over one to eleven years.
4. Common Stock and Treasury Stock
     The following summarizes information relating to the number of shares of our common stock issued in connection with stock transactions through March 31, 2011:
                 
    Common Stock Issued  
    Class A     Class B  
    (Shares in thousands)  
Balance, January 1, 2010
    4,771       599  
Conversion of shares
    1       (1 )
Forfeiture of restricted stock
    (2 )      
 
           
Balance, December 31, 2010
    4,770       598  
Conversion of shares
    1       (1 )
 
           
Balance, March 31, 2011
    4,771       597  
 
           
     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, 2011, we have repurchased 1,391,586 shares of our Class A Common Stock for approximately $45,680,000. The terms of the Credit Agreement, as amended, limit our ability to repurchase our Class A Common Stock.
5. Stock-Based Compensation
     2005 Incentive Compensation Plan
     On May 9, 2005, our stockholders approved the 2005 Incentive Compensation Plan (the “2005 Plan”) which replaced 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.
     Stock-Based Compensation
     Compensation expense of approximately $95,000 and $187,000 was recognized for the three months ended March 31, 2011 and 2010, 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, 2011 and 2010 was approximately $39,000 and $76,000, respectively.

8


Table of Contents

SAGA COMMUNICATIONS, INC.
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL
STATEMENTS — (Continued)
     The following summarizes the stock option transactions for the 2005 and 2003 Plans and the 1992 Stock Option Plan (the “1992 Plan”) for the three months ended March 31, 2011:
                                 
                    Weighted Average        
                    Remaining     Aggregate  
    Number of     Weighted Average     Contractual Term     Intrinsic  
    Options     Exercise Price     (Years)     Value  
Outstanding at January 1, 2011
    293,993     $ 51.70       3.9     $  
Granted
                           
Exercised
                           
Expired
                           
Forfeited
    (282 )     37.96                  
 
                       
                                 
Outstanding at March 31, 2011
    293,711     $ 51.71       3.4     $  
 
                       
                                 
Exercisable at March 31, 2011
    286,701     $ 52.05       3.4     $  
 
                       
     The following summarizes the non-vested stock option transactions for the 2005, 2003 and 1992 Plans for the three months ended March 31, 2011:
                 
            Weighted Average  
    Number of     Grant Date Fair  
    Options     Value  
Non-vested at January 1, 2011
    35,155     $ 18.51  
Granted
           
Vested
    (27,863 )     18.30  
Forfeited/canceled
    (282 )     19.30  
 
           
Non-vested at March 31, 2011
    7,010     $ 19.30  
 
           
     The following summarizes the restricted stock transactions for the three months ended March 31, 2011:
                 
            Weighted Average  
            Grant Date Fair  
    Shares     Value  
Outstanding at January 1, 2011
    21,120     $ 28.73  
Granted
           
Vested
    (10,632 )     31.28  
Forfeited
    (463 )     25.87  
 
           
Non-vested and outstanding at March 31, 2011
    10,025     $ 26.15  
 
           
     For the three months ended March 31, 2011 and 2010, we had approximately $67,000 and $111,000, respectively, of total compensation expense related to restricted stock-based compensation arrangements. The associated tax benefit recognized for the three months ended March 31, 2011 and 2010 was approximately $28,000 and $46,000, respectively.

9


Table of Contents

SAGA COMMUNICATIONS, INC.
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL
STATEMENTS — (Continued)
6. Long-Term Debt
     Long-term debt consisted of the following:
                 
    March 31,     December 31,  
    2011     2010  
    (In thousands)  
Credit Agreement:
               
Reducing revolver facility
  $ 91,000     $ 95,000  
Secured debt of affiliate
    1,078       1,078  
 
           
 
    92,078       96,078  
Amounts payable within one year
    4,443       6,121  
 
           
 
  $ 87,635     $ 89,957  
 
           
     Our credit agreement is a reducing revolving line of credit maturing on July 29, 2012 (the “Credit Agreement”). 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.
     Our Revolving Commitments at March 31, 2011 were $103.6 million. We had approximately $12.6 million of unused borrowing capacity under the Credit Agreement at March 31, 2011.
     Under the Credit Agreement the Revolving Commitments must be permanently reduced by $2.5 million at the end of each calendar quarter. In addition, each calendar quarter the Revolving Commitments must be further reduced by 75% of Excess Cash Flow (as defined in the Credit Agreement) and is included in the Current portion of long-term debt at March 31, 2011. Any outstanding balance under the Credit Agreement will be due on the maturity date of July 29, 2012. Interest on the Credit Agreement is at a variable rate, and as such the debt obligation outstanding approximates fair value.
     The Credit Agreement contains a number of financial covenants (all of which we were in compliance with at March 31, 2011) that, among other things, requires us to maintain specified financial ratios and impose certain limitations on us with respect to additional indebtedness, acquisitions, the incurrence of additional liens, the disposition of assets, the payment of cash dividends, repurchases of our Class A Common Stock, mergers, changes in business and management, investments and transactions with affiliates. The financial covenants become more restrictive over the life of the Credit Agreement.
     We are in the process of seeking a new credit facility to replace our Credit Agreement which matures on July 29, 2012. We believe that we will be able to enter into a new credit facility on terms that are satisfactory to us and expect to complete this process in 2011. Upon the retirement of our Credit Agreement, we expect to write-off the unamortized debt issuance costs, which were approximately $1.4 million at March 31, 2011.
     In April 2011, approximately $1.1 million of secured debt of an affiliate maturing in May 2011 was extended for a term of 90 days.

10


Table of Contents

SAGA COMMUNICATIONS, INC.
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL
STATEMENTS — (Continued)
7. Segment Information
     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.
                                 
                    Corporate        
    Radio     Television     and Other     Consolidated  
            (In thousands)          
Three Months Ended March 31, 2011:
                               
Net operating revenue
  $ 24,506     $ 4,202     $     $ 28,708  
Station operating expense
    19,278       3,458             22,736  
Corporate general and administrative
                1,940       1,940  
 
                       
Operating income (loss)
  $ 5,228     $ 744     $ (1,940 )   $ 4,032  
 
                       
 
                               
Depreciation and amortization
  $ 1,339     $ 412     $ 54     $ 1,805  
 
                       
 
                               
Total assets
  $ 148,859     $ 26,833     $ 21,860     $ 197,552  
 
                       
                                 
                    Corporate        
    Radio     Television     and Other     Consolidated  
            (In thousands)          
Three Months Ended March 31, 2010:
                               
Net operating revenue
  $ 24,144     $ 3,843     $     $ 27,987  
Station operating expense
    19,223       3,337             22,560  
Corporate general and administrative
                1,882       1,882  
 
                       
Operating income (loss)
  $ 4,921     $ 506     $ (1,882 )   $ 3,545  
 
                       
 
                               
Depreciation and amortization
  $ 1,421     $ 424     $ 52     $ 1,897  
 
                       
 
                               
Total assets
  $ 151,117     $ 26,552     $ 25,154     $ 202,823  
 
                       

11


Table of Contents

Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
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, 2010. 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 reflected only in our discussion of consolidated results.
     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. The discussion of our operating performance focuses on segment operating income because we manage our segments primarily on operating income. Operating performance is evaluated for each individual market.
General
     We are a broadcast company primarily engaged in developing and operating radio and television stations.
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 for a few weeks only. The majority 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, 2011 and 2010, approximately 86% and 88%, respectively, of our radio segment’s gross revenue was from local advertising. To generate national advertising sales, we engage independent advertising sales representative firms that specialize 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. We had a significant increase in political advertising in 2010 due to the number of congressional, senatorial, gubernatorial and local elections in most of our markets. Since 2011 is not an election year, we expect political revenue in 2011 to significantly decline.
     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.
     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 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. Because reaching a large and demographically attractive audience is crucial to a station’s financial success, we endeavor to develop strong listener loyalty. 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.

12


Table of Contents

     The primary operating expenses involved in owning and operating radio stations are employee salaries and commissions, depreciation, programming expenses, and advertising and promotion expenses.
     Although the recent global economic environment has negatively affected advertising revenues for a wide variety of media businesses, radio revenue growth has been declining or stagnant over the last several years, primarily in major markets that are dependent on national advertising. The radio broadcasting industry is subject to rapid technological change, evolving industry standards and the emergence of new media technologies and services (such as the Internet, satellite radio and mp3 players). These recent technologies and media are gaining advertising share against radio and other traditional media.
     During the three months ended March 31, 2011 and 2010 and the years ended December 31, 2010 and 2009, our Bellingham, Washington; Des Moines, Iowa; Manchester, New Hampshire; and Milwaukee, Wisconsin markets, when combined, represented approximately 28%, 30%, 30% and 30%, respectively, of our consolidated net operating revenue. 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.
     The following tables describe the percentage of our consolidated net operating revenue represented by each of these markets:
                                 
    Percentage of Consolidated     Percentage of Consolidated  
    Net Operating Revenue for     Net Operating Revenue  
    the Three Months Ended     for the Years Ended  
    March 31,     December 31,  
    2011     2010     2010     2009  
Market:
                               
Bellingham, Washington
    5 %     5 %     5 %     5 %
Des Moines, Iowa
    6 %     6 %     6 %     7 %
Manchester, New Hampshire
    5 %     6 %     6 %     5 %
Milwaukee, Wisconsin
    12 %     13 %     13 %     13 %
     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, impairment of intangible assets, less gain on asset exchange). 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, 2011 and 2010 and the years ended December 31, 2010 and 2009, the radio stations in our four largest markets when combined, represented approximately 35%, 38%, 36% and 41%, 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:
                                 
    Percentage of Consolidated     Percentage of Consolidated  
    Station Operating Income (*)     Station Operating Income(*)  
    for the Three Months Ended     for the Years Ended  
    March 31,     December 31,  
    2011     2010     2010     2009  
Market:
                               
Bellingham, Washington
    7 %     7 %     7 %     7 %
Des Moines, Iowa
    4 %     3 %     4 %     7 %
Manchester, New Hampshire
    8 %     8 %     8 %     7 %
Milwaukee, Wisconsin
    16 %     20 %     17 %     20 %
 
*   Operating income (excluding non-cash impairment charge) plus corporate general and administrative expenses, depreciation and amortization, less gain on asset exchange.

13


Table of Contents

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 the number of advertisements to be broadcast in locally produced programs only, 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 rate 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.
     Our stations strive to maximize revenue by constantly adjusting prices for our commercial spots based upon local market conditions, advertising demands and ratings. While there may be shifts from time to time in the number of advertisements broadcast during a particular time of 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, 2011 and 2010, approximately 81% and 80%, respectively, of our television segment’s gross 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. We had a significant increase in political advertising in 2010 due to the number of congressional, senatorial, gubernatorial and local elections in most of our markets. Since 2011 is not an election year, we expect political revenue in 2011 to significantly decline.
     The primary operating expenses involved in owning and operating television stations are employee salaries and 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 19%, 15%, 13% and 14%, respectively, of our consolidated operating income (excluding non-cash impairment charge) for the three months ended March 31, 2011 and 2010 and the years ended December 31, 2010 and 2009.

14


Table of Contents

Three Months Ended March 31, 2011 Compared to Three Months Ended March 31, 2010
     Results of Operations
     The following tables summarize our results of operations for the three months ended March 31, 2011 and 2010.
Consolidated Results of Operations
                                 
    Three Months Ended              
    March 31,     $ Increase     % Increase  
    2011     2010     (Decrease)     (Decrease)  
    (In thousands, except percentages and per share information)  
Net operating revenue
  $ 28,708     $ 27,987     $ 721       2.6 %
Station operating expense
    22,736       22,560       176       0.8 %
Corporate G&A
    1,940       1,882       58       3.1 %
 
                       
Operating income
    4,032       3,545       487       13.7 %
Interest expense
    1,157       1,519       (362 )     (23.8 )%
Other (income) expense, net
    68       (3,596 )     3,664       N/M  
Income tax expense
    1,145       2,305       (1,160 )     (50.3 )%
 
                       
Net income
  $ 1,662     $ 3,317     $ (1,655 )     (49.9 )%
 
                       
Earnings per share (basic and diluted)
  $ .39     $ .78     $ (.39 )     (50.0 )%
 
                       
Radio Broadcasting Segment
                                 
    Three Months Ended              
    March 31,     $ Increase     % Increase  
    2011     2010     (Decrease)     (Decrease)  
            (In thousands, except percentages)  
Net operating revenue
  $ 24,506     $ 24,144     $ 362       1.5 %
Station operating expense
    19,278       19,223       55       0.3 %
 
                       
Operating income
  $ 5,228     $ 4,921     $ 307       6.2 %
 
                       
Television Broadcasting Segment
                                 
    Three Months Ended              
    March 31,     $ Increase     % Increase  
    2011     2010     (Decrease)     (Decrease)  
            (In thousands, except percentages)  
Net operating revenue
  $ 4,202     $ 3,843     $ 359       9.3 %
Station operating expense
    3,458       3,337       121       3.6 %
 
                       
Operating income
  $ 744     $ 506     $ 238       47.0 %
 
                       
 
N/M = Not Meaningful

15


Table of Contents

     Reconciliation of segment operating income (loss) to consolidated operating income:
                                 
                    Corporate        
    Radio     Television     and Other     Consolidated  
    (In thousands)  
Three Months Ended March 31, 2011:
                               
Net operating revenue
  $ 24,506     $ 4,202     $     $ 28,708  
Station operating expense
    19,278       3,458             22,736  
Corporate general and administrative
                1,940       1,940  
 
                       
Operating income (loss)
  $ 5,228     $ 744     $ (1,940 )   $ 4,032  
 
                       
                                 
                    Corporate        
    Radio     Television     and Other     Consolidated  
    (In thousands)  
Three Months Ended March 31, 2010:
                               
Net operating revenue
  $ 24,144     $ 3,843     $     $ 27,987  
Station operating expense
    19,223       3,337             22,560  
Corporate general and administrative
                1,882       1,882  
 
                       
Operating income (loss)
  $ 4,921     $ 506     $ (1,882 )   $ 3,545  
 
                       
     Consolidated
     For the three months ended March 31, 2011, consolidated net operating revenue was $28,708,000 compared with $27,987,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2010, an increase of approximately $721,000 or 3%. Gross national revenue and gross local revenue increased approximately $343,000 and $710,000, respectively. Gross political revenue decreased approximately $142,000. The increase in both gross local and gross national revenue was primarily the result of the improvement in the U.S. economy and advertising spending in general. The decrease in gross political revenue was primarily attributable to political advertising on our networks in the prior year quarter as 2010 was an election year.
     Station operating expense was $22,736,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2011, compared with $22,560,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2010, an increase of $176,000 or 1%. Salaries and related expenses (excluding health care costs) increased approximately $100,000, primarily as a result of the improved operating performance. Our health care costs increased approximately $490,000 as compared to the prior year quarter. These increases were partially offset by reductions in bad debt expense and rating service expense of approximately $176,000 and $127,000, respectively.
     Operating income for the three months ended March 31, 2011 was $4,032,000 compared to $3,545,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2010, an increase of approximately $487,000 or 14%. The increase was a direct result of the improvement in net operating revenue partially offset by an increase in station operating expense, described in detail above, and a $58,000 or 3% increase in corporate general and administrative charges.
     We generated net income of approximately $1,662,000 ($.39 per share on a fully diluted basis) during the three months ended March 31, 2011, compared to $3,317,000 ($.78 per share on a fully diluted basis) for the three months ended March 31, 2010, a decrease of approximately $1,655,000 or 50%. The decrease was the result of a decrease in other income of $3,664,000, an increase in operating income of $487,000 and decreases in interest expense and income tax expense of $362,000 and $1,160,000, respectively. In the prior year quarter, we had non-recurring income of $3,561,000 resulting from an agreement to downgrade an FCC license at one of our stations. The decrease in interest expense was the result of the decrease in debt and an average decrease in market interest rates of approximately 0.65%. The decrease in income tax expense was directly attributable to operating performance.

16


Table of Contents

     Radio Segment
     For the three months ended March 31, 2011, net operating revenue of the radio segment was $24,506,000 compared with $24,144,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2010, which represents an increase of $362,000 or 2%. Gross national revenue and gross local revenue increased approximately $330,000 and $276,000, respectively. Gross political revenue decreased approximately $112,000 in the current quarter as compared to the prior year period. The increase in both gross local and gross national revenue was primarily the result of the improvement in the U.S. economy and advertising spending in general. The decrease in gross political revenue was primarily attributable to political advertising on our networks in the prior year quarter as 2010 was an election year.
     Station operating expense for the radio segment was $19,278,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2011, compared with $19,223,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2010, a decline of approximately $55,000 or less than 1%. Salaries and related expenses (excluding health care costs) increased approximately $125,000, primarily as a result of the improved operating performance. Our health care costs increased approximately $410,000 as compared to the prior year quarter. These increases were partially offset by reductions in bad debt expense and rating service expense of approximately $164,000 and $130,000, respectively. Additionally, trade expense and depreciation expense decreased approximately $146,000 and $81,000, respectively, in the current quarter as compared to the prior year period.
     Operating income in the radio segment increased $307,000 to $5,228,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2011, from $4,921,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2010. The increase was a direct result of the improvement in net operating revenue, described in detail above.
     Television Segment
     For the three months ended March 31, 2011, net operating revenue of our television segment was $4,202,000 compared with $3,843,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2010, an increase of $359,000 or 9%. The increase in net operating revenue was primarily attributable to an increase in local revenue as a result of the improvement in the U.S. economy and advertising spending in general.
     Station operating expense in the television segment for the three months ended March 31, 2011 was $3,458,000, compared with $3,337,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2010, an increase of approximately $121,000 or 4%. The increase is station operating expense is primarily a result of increased sales expense and health care costs as compared to the prior year quarter.
     Operating income in the television segment for the three months ended March 31, 2011 was $744,000 compared with $506,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2010, an increase of approximately $238,000 or 47%. The increase was a direct result of the improvement in net operating revenue, described in detail above.

17


Table of Contents

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 2011 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 Item 1A. “Risk Factors” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2010.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
     Debt Arrangements and Debt Service Requirements
     Our credit agreement is a reducing revolving line of credit maturing on July 29, 2012 (the “Credit Agreement”). 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.
     As of March 31, 2011, we had $92.1 million of long-term debt (including the current portion thereof) and our unused borrowing capacity under the Credit Agreement was approximately $12.6 million.
     Under the Credit Agreement the Revolving Commitments must be permanently reduced by $2.5 million at the end of each calendar quarter. In addition, each calendar quarter the Revolving Commitments must be further reduced by 75% of Excess Cash Flow (as defined in the Credit Agreement) and is included in the current portion of long-term debt at March 31, 2011. Any outstanding balance under the Credit Agreement will be due on the maturity date of July 29, 2012. Interest on the Credit Agreement is at a variable rate, and as such the debt obligation outstanding approximates fair value.
     The Credit Agreement contains a number of financial covenants (all of which we were in compliance with at March 31, 2011) that, among other things, requires us to maintain specified financial ratios and impose certain limitations on us with respect to additional indebtedness, acquisitions, the incurrence of additional liens, the disposition of assets, the payment of cash dividends, repurchases of our Class A Common Stock, mergers, changes in business and management, investments and transactions with affiliates. The financial covenants become more restrictive over the life of the Credit Agreement.
     We are in the process of seeking a new credit facility to replace our Credit Agreement which matures on July 29, 2012. We believe that we will be able to enter into a new credit facility on terms that are satisfactory to us and expect to complete this process in 2011. Upon the retirement of our Credit Agreement, we expect to write-off the unamortized debt issuance costs, which were approximately $1.4 million at March 31, 2011.
     In April 2011, approximately $1.1 million of secured debt of an affiliate maturing in May 2011 was extended for a term of 90 days.

18


Table of Contents

     Sources and Uses of Cash
     During the three months ended March 31, 2011 and 2010, we had net cash flows from operating activities of $5,885,000 and $7,342,000, 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.
     Our capital expenditures, exclusive of acquisitions, for the three months ended March 31, 2011 were approximately $1,145,000 ($845,000 in 2010). We anticipate capital expenditures in 2011 to be approximately $5 million, which we expect to finance through funds generated from operations.
     Summary Disclosures About Contractual Obligations and Commercial Commitments
     We have future cash obligations under various types of contracts, including 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, 2010.
     We anticipate that our contractual cash obligations will be financed through funds generated from operations.
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. “Management’s 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, 2010.
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.
Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk
     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, 2010 for a complete discussion of our market risk. There have been no material changes to the market risk information included in our 2010 Annual Report on Form 10-K.

19


Table of Contents

Item 4. Controls and Procedures
     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, 2011, that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal controls over financial reporting.
PART II — OTHER INFORMATION
Item 1. Legal Proceedings
     We currently and from time to time are involved in litigation incidental to the conduct of our business. We are not a party to any lawsuit or proceeding which, in the opinion of management, is likely to have a material adverse effect on our financial position, cash flows or results of operations.
Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds
     The following table summarizes our repurchases of our Class A Common Stock during the three months ended March 31, 2011. All shares repurchased during the quarter were from the retention of shares for the payment of withholding taxes related to the vesting of restricted stock.
                                 
                    Total Number of     Approximate Dollar  
                    Shares Purchased     Value of Shares  
    Total Number             as Part of Publicly     that May Yet be  
    of Shares     Average Price     Announced     Purchased Under the  
Period   Purchased     Paid per Share     Program     Program(a)  
January 1 — January 31, 2011
        $           $ 14,440,427  
February 1 — February 28, 2011
        $           $ 14,440,427  
March 1 — March 31, 2011
    4,035     $ 28.95       4,035     $ 14,323,614  
 
                       
Total
    4,035     $ 28.95       4,035     $ 14,323,614  
 
                       
 
(a)   On August 7, 1998 our Board of Directors approved a Stock Buy-Back Program of up to $2,000,000 of our Class A Common Stock. Since August 1998, the Board of Directors has authorized several increases to the Stock Buy-Back Program, the most recent occurring in January 2008, which increased the total amount authorized for repurchase of our Class A Common Stock to $60,000,000. The terms of the Credit Agreement, as amended, limit our ability to repurchase our Class A Common Stock.
Item 6. Exhibits
     
31.1
  Certification of Chief Executive Officer Pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) and Rule 15d-14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
 
   
31.2
  Certification of Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) and Rule 15d-14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act1934, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
 
   
32
  Certification of Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350 and Rule 13-14(b) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

20


Table of Contents

SIGNATURES
     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.
         
  SAGA COMMUNICATIONS, INC
 
 
Date: May 10, 2011  /s/ SAMUEL D. BUSH    
  Samuel D. Bush   
  Senior Vice President,
Chief Financial Officer and
Treasurer (Principal Financial Officer)
 
 
 
     
Date: May 10, 2011  /s/ CATHERINE A. BOBINSKI    
  Catherine A. Bobinski   
  Vice President,
Corporate Controller and
Chief Accounting Officer
(Principal Accounting Officer)
 
 
 

21