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SAGA COMMUNICATIONS INC - Quarter Report: 2018 March (Form 10-Q)

 

 

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, 2018

 

or

 

  ¨ TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 or 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

 

For the transition period from                      to

 

Commission file number 1-11588

 

Saga Communications, Inc.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

Delaware   38-3042953
(State or other jurisdiction of
incorporation or organization)
  (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 ¨.

 

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 þ No ¨.

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):

  

Large accelerated filer ¨ Accelerated filer þ

Non-accelerated filer ¨

(Do not check if a smaller
reporting company)

Smaller Reporting Company ¨ Emerging growth company ¨

 

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ¨

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes ¨ 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 7, 2018 was 5,034,751 and 898,633, respectively.

 

 

 

 

 

INDEX

 

  Page
PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION 3
   
Item 1. Financial Statements (Unaudited) 3
   
Condensed consolidated balance sheets — March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017 3
   
Condensed consolidated statements of income — Three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017 4
   
Condensed consolidated statements of cash flows —Three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017 5
   
Notes to unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements 6
   
Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations 19
   
Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk 27
   
Item 4. Controls and Procedures 28
   
PART II OTHER INFORMATION 28
   
Item 1. Legal Proceedings 28
   
Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds 28
   
Item 6. Exhibits 29
   
Signatures 30
   
EX-31.1  
   
EX-31.2  
   
EX-32  
   
EX-101 INSTANCE DOCUMENT  
   
EX-101 SCHEMA DOCUMENT  
   
EX-101 CALCULATION LINKBASE DOCUMENT  
   
EX-101 LABELS LINKBASE DOCUMENT  
   
EX-101 PRESENTATION LINKBASE DOCUMENT  
   
EX-101 DEFINITION LINKBASE DOCUMENT  

 

 2 

 

 

PART I — FINANCIAL INFORMATION

 

Item 1. Financial Statements

 

SAGA COMMUNICATIONS, INC.

 

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

 

   March 31,   December 31, 
   2018   2017 
   (Unaudited)   (Note) 
   (In thousands) 
Assets        
Current assets:          
Cash and cash equivalents  $47,794   $53,030 
Accounts receivable, net   16,744    19,307 
Prepaid expenses and other current assets   2,377    2,517 
Barter transactions   1,735    1,320 
Total current assets   68,650    76,174 
Property and equipment   135,805    135,856 
Less accumulated depreciation   79,485    79,621 
Net property and equipment   56,320    56,235 
Other assets:          
Broadcast licenses, net   93,259    93,259 
Goodwill   15,558    15,558 
Other intangibles, deferred costs and investments, net   7,291    7,543 
   $241,078   $248,769 
           
Liabilities and stockholders’ equity          
Current liabilities:          
Accounts payable  $2,586   $2,206 
Payroll and payroll taxes   5,173    7,836 
Dividend payable       6,529 
Other accrued expenses   3,089    3,243 
Barter transactions   1,596    1,091 
Total current liabilities   12,444    20,905 
Deferred income taxes   21,382    21,072 
Long-term debt   25,000    25,000 
Other liabilities   2,331    2,327 
Total liabilities   61,157    69,304 
Commitments and contingencies        
Stockholders’ equity:          
Common stock   76    76 
Additional paid-in capital   63,146    62,675 
Retained earnings   151,353    151,608 
Treasury stock   (34,654)   (34,894)
Total stockholders’ equity   179,921    179,465 
   $241,078   $248,769 

 

Note: The balance sheet at December 31, 2017 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 

 

 

SAGA COMMUNICATIONS, INC.

 

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME

 

   Three Months Ended 
   March 31, 
   2018   2017 
   (Unaudited) 
   (In thousands, except per share data) 
Net operating revenue  $28,009   $26,155 
Station operating expenses   23,397    21,340 
Corporate general and administrative   2,544    2,863 
Other operating income, net   (251)   (21)
Operating income from continuing operations   2,319    1,973 
Interest expense   219    208 
Other income   (89)    
Income from continuing operations before income tax expense   2,189    1,765 
Income tax expense   660    718 
Income from continuing operations, net of tax   1,529    1,047 
Income from discontinued operations, net of tax (Note 6)       891 
Net income  $1,529   $1,938 
           
Basic Earnings per share:          
From continuing operations  $0.26   $0.18 
From discontinued operations       0.15 
Basic earnings per share  $0.26   $0.33 
           
Weighted average common shares   5,842    5,790 
           
Diluted Earnings per share:          
From continuing operations  $0.26   $0.18 
From discontinued operations       0.15 
Diluted earnings per share  $0.26   $0.33 
           
Weighted average common and common equivalent shares   5,842    5,802 
           
Dividends declared per share  $0.30   $0.30 

 

Note: Certain prior period amounts have been reclassified to conform to the current year presentation.

 

See notes to unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

 4 

 

 

SAGA COMMUNICATIONS, INC.

 

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

 

   Three Months Ended 
   March 31, 
   2018   2017 
   (Unaudited) 
   (In thousands) 
Cash flows from operating activities:          
Cash provided by operating activities  $4,372   $5,455 
Cash flows from investing activities:          
Acquisition of property and equipment   (1,498)   (1,439)
Other investing activities   294    (76)
Net cash used in investing activities   (1,204)   (1,515)
Cash flows from financing activities:          
Cash dividends paid   (8,311)    
Purchase of treasury shares   (93)    
Net cash used in financing activities   (8,404)    
Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents   (5,236)   3,940 
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period   53,030    26,640 
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period  $47,794   $30,580 

 

See notes to unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

 5 

 

 

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, 2018 and the results of operations for the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017. Results of operations for the three months ended March 31, 2018 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the year ending December 31, 2018.

 

We own or operate broadcast properties in 26 markets, including 75 FM and 33 AM radio stations.

 

On May 9, 2017 the Company entered into an agreement to sell the Joplin, Missouri and Victoria, Texas television stations. The disposition closed on September 1, 2017. The historical results of operations for the television stations are presented in discontinued operations for all periods presented (see Note 6). Unless indicated otherwise, the information in the notes to the accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements relates to the Company’s continuing operations. As a result of the Company’s television stations sale, the Company only has one reportable segment at March 31, 2018.

 

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, 2017.

 

The Company has evaluated events and transactions occurring subsequent to the balance sheet date of March 31, 2018, for items that should potentially be recognized in these financial statements or discussed within the notes to the financial statements.

 

 6 

 

 

SAGA COMMUNICATIONS, INC.

 

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

 

Earnings Per Share Information

 

Earnings per share is calculated using the two-class method. The two-class method is an earnings allocation formula that determines earnings per share for each class of common stock and participating security. The Company has participating securities related to restricted stock units, granted under the Company’s Second Amended and Restated 2005 Incentive Compensation Plan, that earn dividends on an equal basis with common shares. In applying the two-class method, earnings are allocated to both common shares and participating securities.

 

The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted earnings per share:

 

    Three Months Ended 
March 31,
 
    2018     2017  
    (In thousands, except per share data)  
Numerator:            
Income from continuing operations   $ 1,529     $ 1,047  
Less: Income allocated to unvested participating securities     26       19  
Income from continuing operations available to common stockholders   $ 1,503     $ 1,028  
                 
Income from discontinued operations   $     $ 891  
Less: Income allocated to unvested participating securities           16  
Income from discontinued operations available to common stockholders   $     $ 875  
                 
Net income available to common stockholders   $ 1,503     $ 1,903  
                 
Denominator:                
Denominator for basic earnings per share— weighted average shares     5,842       5,790  
Effect of dilutive securities:                
Common stock equivalents           12  
Denominator for diluted earnings per share — adjusted weighted-average shares and assumed conversions     5,842       5,802  
                 
Basic earnings per share                
From continuing operations   $ 0.26     $ 0.18  
From discontinued operations           0.15  
Basic earnings per share   $ 0.26     $ 0.33  
                 
Diluted earnings per share                
From continuing operations   $ 0.26     $ 0.18  
From discontinued operations           0.15  
Diluted earnings per share   $ 0.26     $ 0.33  

 

The number of stock options outstanding that had an antidilutive effect on our earnings per share calculation, and therefore have been excluded from diluted earnings per share calculation, was 0 and 0 for the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017, 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.

 

 7 

 

 

SAGA COMMUNICATIONS, INC.

 

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

 

 

Financial Instruments

 

Our financial instruments are comprised of cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, accounts payable and long-term debt. The carrying value of cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable and accounts payable approximate fair value due to their short maturities. The carrying value of long-term debt approximates fair value as it carries interest rates that either fluctuate with the euro-dollar rate, prime rate or have been reset at the prevailing market rate at March 31, 2018.

 

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/Local Marketing Agreements

 

We have entered into Time Brokerage Agreements (“TBAs”) or Local Marketing Agreements (“LMAs”) 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 TBAs/LMAs are included in the accompanying unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income.

 

Reclassifications

 

Certain prior period amounts have been reclassified to conform to the current year presentation.

 

2. Recent Accounting Pronouncements

 

Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements

 

In May 2014, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2014-09, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers” (“ASU 2014-09”), which provides guidance for the recognition, measurement and disclosure of revenue resulting from contracts with customers and will supersede virtually all of the current revenue recognition guidance under GAAP. The FASB has also issued a number of updates to this standard. This amendment and all updates, which established Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) Topic 606 (the “new revenue standard”) were adopted on January 1, 2018. The Company adopted the new revenue standard using the modified retrospective method. Results for reporting periods beginning after January 1, 2018 are presented under the new revenue standard, while prior period amounts are not adjusted and continue to be reported in accordance with our historic accounting under Topic 605. Impacts of the new revenue standard do not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.

 

In August 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-15, “Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments (Topic 230): Statement of Cash Flows” (“ASU 2016-15”), which clarifies how entities should classify certain cash receipts and cash payments on the statement of cash flows. ASU 2016-15 also clarifies how the predominance principle should be applied when cash receipts and cash payments have aspects of more than one class of cash flows. ASU 2016-15 was adopted on January 1, 2018 and did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.

 

 8 

 

 

SAGA COMMUNICATIONS, INC.

 

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

 

Recent Accounting Pronouncements – Not Yet Adopted

 

In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-04, “Intangibles – Goodwill and Other (Topic 350)” (“ASU 2017-04”) which removes step 2 from the goodwill impairment test. Under the new guidance, if a reporting unit’s carrying amount exceeds its fair value, an entity will record an impairment charge based on that difference. The impairment charge will be limited to the amount of goodwill allocated to that reporting unit. ASU 2017-04 will be applied prospectively and is effective for fiscal years and interim impairment tests performed in periods beginning after December 15, 2019 with early adoption permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of adopting this standard on our consolidated financial statements.

 

In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-13, “Financial Instruments – Credit Losses (Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments” (“ASU 2016-13”), which amends guidance on reporting credit losses for assets held at amortized cost basis and available for sale debt securities. ASU 2016-13 is effective for fiscal years and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2019. The Company is currently evaluating the impact that this standard will have on our consolidated financial statements.

 

In February 2016, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2016-02, “Leases (Topic 842)” (“ASU 2016-02”) which requires that all leases with a term of more than one year, covering leased assets such as real estate, broadcasting towers and equipment, be reflected on the balance sheet as assets and liabilities for the rights and obligations created by these leases. ASU 2016-02 is effective for fiscal years fiscal years and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2018. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of the provisions of this new standard on our consolidated financial statements.

  

3. Revenue

 

Adoption of the new revenue standard

 

We adopted the new revenue standard on January 1, 2018, using the modified retrospective method with no impact on our financial statements. The cumulative effect of initially adopting the new guidance had no impact on the opening balance of retained earnings as of January 1, 2018. There was no material impact on the condensed consolidated balance sheets as of March 31, 2018 or on the condensed consolidated statement of income for the three months ended March 31, 2018. Results for reporting periods beginning after January 1, 2018 are presented under the new revenue standard, while prior period amounts are not adjusted and continue to be reported in accordance with our historic accounting under Topic 605.

 

Disaggregation of Revenue

 

The following table presents revenues disaggregated by revenue source:

 

   Three Months Ended
March 31,
 
   2018   2017 
   (in thousands) 
Types of Revenue        
Broadcast Advertising Revenue, net  $25,758   $24,071 
Digital Advertising Revenue   950    880 
Other Revenue   1,301    1,204 
Net Revenue  $28,009   $26,155 

 

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SAGA COMMUNICATIONS, INC.

 

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

 

Nature of goods and services

 

The following is a description of principal activities from which we generate our revenue:

 

Broadcast Advertising Revenue

 

Our primary source of revenue is from the sale of advertising for broadcast on our stations. We recognize revenue from the sale of advertising as performance obligations are satisfied upon airing of the advertising; therefore, revenue is recognized at a point in time when each advertising spot is transmitted. Agency commissions are calculated based on a stated percentage applied to gross billing revenue for our advertising inventory placed by agency and are reported as a reduction of advertising revenue.

 

Digital Advertising Revenue

 

We recognize revenue from our digital initiatives across multiple platforms such as targeted digital advertising, online promotions, advertising on our websites, mobile messaging, email marketing and other e-commerce. Revenue is recorded when each specific performance obligation in the digital advertising campaign takes place, typically within a one month period.

 

Other Revenue

 

Other revenue includes revenue from concerts, promotional events, tower rent and other miscellaneous items. Revenue is generally recognized when the event is completed, as the promotional events are completed or as each performance obligation is satisfied.

 

Contract Liabilities

 

At times a customer may pay for the services in advance of the performance obligations and therefore these prepayments are recorded as contract liabilities. Typical contract liabilities relate to prepayments for advertising spots not yet run; prepayments from sponsors for events that have not yet been held, gift cards sold on our websites used to finance a broadcast advertising campaign. Generally all contract liabilities are expected to be recognized within one year and are included in Accounts payable in the Company’s Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements and are immaterial.

 

Transaction Price Allocated to the Remaining Performance Obligations

 

As the majority of our contracts are one year or less, we have utilized the optional exemption under ASC 606-10-50-14 and will not disclose information about the remaining performance obligations for contracts which have original expected durations of one year or less.

 

 10 

 

 

SAGA COMMUNICATIONS, INC.

 

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

 

4. Intangible Assets

 

We evaluate our FCC licenses and goodwill 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. If the carrying amount of goodwill in a reporting unit is greater than the implied value of goodwill determined by completing a hypothetical purchase price allocation using estimated fair value of the reporting unit, the carrying amount of goodwill in that reporting unit is reduced to its implied 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 five to twenty-six years. Other intangibles are amortized over one to fifteen years. Customer relationships are amortized over three years.

 

5. 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, 2018:

 

   Common Stock Issued 
   Class A   Class B 
   (Shares in thousands) 
Balance, January 1, 2017   6,638    878 
Conversion of shares   17    (17)
Issuance of restricted stock   19    29 
Forfeiture of restricted stock   (1)    
Exercise of stock options   21    8 
Balance, December 31, 2017   6,694    898 
Issuance of restricted stock   4     
Balance, March 31, 2018   6,698    898 

 

We have a Stock Buy-Back Program to allow us to purchase up to $75.8 million of our Class A Common Stock. As of March 31, 2018 we have remaining authorization of $22.3 million for future repurchases of our Class A Common Stock. On September 14, 2017, the Board of Directors authorized the repurchase of its Class A Common Stock under its trading plan adopted pursuant to Securities and Exchange Commission Rule 10b5-1. The Rule 10b5-1 repurchase plan allows the Company to repurchase its shares during periods when it would normally not be active in the market due to its internal trading blackout periods.  Under the plan, the Company may repurchase its Class A Common Stock in any combination of open market, block transactions and privately negotiated transactions subject to market conditions, legal requirements including applicable SEC regulations (which include certain price, market, volume and timing constraints), specific repurchase instructions and other corporate considerations.  Purchases under the plan will be funded by cash on the Company's balance sheet.  The plan does not obligate Saga to acquire any particular amount of Class A Common Stock.  The authorization is effective until September 1, 2018, but may be suspended, extended or amended at any time at the Company's discretion except during internal trading blackout periods. During the quarter ended March 31, 2018, approximately 2,500 shares were repurchased for $93,000 related to the stock buy-back program.

 

 11 

 

 

SAGA COMMUNICATIONS, INC.

 

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

 

6. Discontinued Operations

 

On May 9, 2017 we entered into a definitive agreement to sell our Joplin, Missouri and Victoria, Texas television stations (“Television Sale”) for approximately $66.6 million, subject to certain adjustments, to Evening Telegram Company d/b/a Morgan Murphy Media. The Television Sale was completed on September 1, 2017 and the Company received net proceeds of $69.5 million which included the sales price of $66.6 million, the sale of accounts receivable of approximately $3.4 million, offset by certain closing adjustments and transactional costs of $500 thousand. The Company recognized a pretax gain of $50.8 million as a result of the Television Sale in the third quarter of 2017. The gain net of tax for the Television Sale was $29.9 million. Effective September 1, 2017, the Company used $24.2 million of the proceeds from the Television Sale to finance the acquisition of radio stations in South Carolina, which included the purchase price of $23 million, the purchase of $1.3 million in accounts receivable offset by certain closing adjustments and transactional costs of approximately $50,000 (as described in Note 7). On October 5, 2017 and November 3, 2017, the Company used $5,287,000 and $5,000,000 respectively of the proceeds from the Television Sale to pay down a portion of its Revolving Credit Facility (as defined and described in Note 10).

 

In accordance with authoritative guidance we have reported the results of operations of the Joplin, Missouri and Victoria, Texas television stations as discontinued operations in the accompanying consolidated financial statements. For all previously reported periods, certain amounts in the consolidated financial statements have been reclassified. All of the assets and liabilities of the Joplin, Missouri and Victoria, Texas television stations have been classified as discontinued operations and the net results of operations have been reclassified from continuing operations to discontinued operations. These were previously included in the Company’s television segment.  

 

The following table shows the components of the results from discontinued operations associated with the Television Sale as reflected in the Company’s unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations (in thousands):

 

   Three Months Ended
March 31,
 
   2018 (3)   2017 
         
Net operating revenue  $   $5,255 
Station operating expense       3,712 
Other operating expense       31 
Operating income       1,512 
Interest Expense (1)       9 
Income from discontinued operations before income taxes       1,503 
Income tax expense (2)       612 
Income from discontinued operations, net of tax  $   $891 

 

(1)Interest expense related to the Surtsey Media, LLC debt that is guaranteed by the television stations. Our affiliate repaid this loan when the television stations were sold on September 1, 2017.
(2)The effective tax rates on pretax income from discontinued operations were 41%.
(3)Results of operations for the Television stations are reflected through March 31, 2017. The effective date of the sale was September 1, 2017.

 

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SAGA COMMUNICATIONS, INC.

 

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

 

The following table represents the components of the results from discontinued operations associated with the Television Sale as reflected in the Company’s unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (in thousands):

 

   March 31,
2018
   March 31,
2017
 
Significant operating non-cash items          
Depreciation and amortization  $   $316 
Broadcast program rights amortization       158 
Barter expense, net       (54)
Loss on sale of assets       31 
           
Significant investing items          
Acquisition of property and equipment  $   $97 

  

7. Acquisitions and Dispositions

 

We actively seek and explore opportunities for expansion through the acquisition of additional broadcast properties. The 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 purchase consideration was 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. The Company accounts for acquisitions under the provisions of FASB ASC Topic 805, Business Combinations

 

Management assigned fair values to the acquired property and equipment through a combination of cost and market approaches based upon each specific asset’s replacement cost, with a provision for depreciation, and to the acquired intangibles, primarily an FCC license, based on the Greenfield valuation methodology, a discounted cash flow approach. 

 

2017 Acquisitions and Disposals

 

On May 9, 2017 we entered into a definitive agreement to sell our Joplin, Missouri and Victoria, Texas television stations for approximately $66.6 million, subject to certain adjustments, to Evening Telegram Company d/b/a Morgan Murphy Media. The Television Sale was completed on September 1, 2017 and the Company received net proceeds of $69.5 million which included the sales price of $66.6 million, the sale of accounts receivable of approximately $3.4 million, offset by certain closing adjustments and transactional costs of approximately $500 thousand.

 

On May 9, 2017, the Company entered into an Asset Purchase Agreement with Apex Media Corporation and Pearce Development, LLC f/k/a Apex Real Property, LLC to purchase radio stations principally serving the South Carolina area for approximately $23 million (subject to certain purchase price adjustments) plus the right to air certain radio commercials, substantially all the assets related to the operation of the following radio stations: WCKN(FM), WMXF(FM), WXST(FM), WAVF(FM), WSPO(AM), W261DG, W257BQ, WVSC(FM), WLHH(FM), WOEZ(FM), W256CB, W293BZ. The Company closed this transaction effective September 1, 2017, simultaneously with the closing of the Television Sale using funds generated from the Television Sale for $24.2 million, which included the purchase price of $23 million, the purchase of $1.3 million in accounts receivable offset by certain closing adjustments and transactional costs of approximately $50,000. Management attributes the goodwill recognized in the acquisition to the power of the existing brands in the Charleston, South Carolina and Hilton Head, South Carolina market as well as synergies and growth opportunities expected through the combination with the Company’s existing stations.

 

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SAGA COMMUNICATIONS, INC.

 

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

 

On January 16, 2017, we entered into an asset purchase agreement to purchase an FM radio station (WCVL) from WUVA, Incorporated, serving the Charlottesville, Virginia market for approximately $1,658,000, which included $8,000 in transactional costs. Simultaneously, we entered into a TBA to begin operating the station on February 1, 2017. We completed this acquisition on April 18, 2017. This acquisition was financed through funds generated from operations. Unaudited proforma results of operations for this acquisition are not required, as such information is not material to our financial statements and therefore is not presented in the pro forma tables in the following pages.

 

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet of 2017 Acquisitions:

 

The following unaudited condensed balance sheets represent the estimated fair value assigned to the related assets and liabilities of the 2017 acquisitions at their respective acquisition dates.

 

Saga Communications, Inc.  

 

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet of 2018 and 2017 Acquisitions

 

   Acquisitions in 
   2018   2017 
   (In thousands) 
Assets Acquired:          
Current assets  $   $1,335 
Property and equipment       6,678 
Other assets:          
Broadcast licenses       8,086 
Goodwill       8,151 
Other intangibles, deferred costs and investments       2,019 
Total other assets       18,256 
Total assets acquired       26,269 
Liabilities Assumed:          
Current liabilities       413 
Total liabilities assumed       413 
Net assets acquired  $   $25,856 

 

 14 

 

 

SAGA COMMUNICATIONS, INC.

 

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

 

Pro Forma Results of Operations for Acquisitions (Unaudited)

 

The following unaudited pro forma results of our operations for the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017 assume the 2017 acquisitions occurred as of January 1, 2017. The translators are start-up stations and therefore, have no pro forma revenue and expenses. 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.

 

  

Three Months Ended

March 31,

 
   2018   2017 
     
ProForma Results of Operation    
Net operating revenue  $28,009   $28,132 
Station operating expense   23,397    23,070 
Corporate general and administrative   2,544    2,863 
Other operating income, net   (251)   (21)
Operating income from continuing operations   2,319    2,220 
Interest expense   219    208 
Other income   (89)    
Income from continuing operations, before tax   2,189    2,012 
Income tax expense   660    819 
Income from continuing operations, net of tax   1,529    1,193 
Income from discontinued operations, net of tax       891 
Net income  $1,529   $2,084 
           
Basic earnings per share:          
From continuing operations  $.26   $.20 
From discontinued operations       .15 
Basic earnings per share  $.26   $.35 
           
Diluted earnings per share:          
From continuing operations  $.26   $.20 
From discontinued operations       .15 
Diluted earnings per share  $.26   $.35 

 

 15 

 

 

SAGA COMMUNICATIONS, INC.

 

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

 

8. Income taxes

 

On December 22, 2017, the Tax Cut and Jobs Act ("the Act") was signed into law, which enacted significant changes to U.S. tax and related laws. Some of the provisions of the new tax law affecting corporations include, but are not limited to a reduction of the federal corporate income tax rate from 35% to 21%, limiting the interest expense deduction, expensing of cost of acquired qualified property and allowing federal net operating losses generated in taxable years ending after December 31, 2017 to be carried forward indefinitely.

 

In accordance with ASU 2018-05 and Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 118 ("SAB 118"), we recognized the provisional tax impacts related to the revaluation of net deferred tax assets and the impact of the changes to the limitation on the deductibility of executive compensation, during the year ended December 31, 2017. As of March 31, 2018, we have not made any additional measurement period adjustments related to these items. Such adjustments may be necessary in future periods due to, among other things, additional analysis and changes in interpretations and assumptions as applicable and additional regulatory guidance that may be issued. We are continuing to gather information to assess the application of the Act.

 

9. Stock-Based Compensation

 

2005 Incentive Compensation Plan

 

On October 16, 2013 our stockholders approved the Second Amended and Restated Saga Communications, Inc. 2005 Incentive Compensation Plan (the “Second Restated 2005 Plan”). The 2005 Incentive Compensation Plan was first approved by stockholders in 2005 and replaced our 2003 Stock Option Plan (the “2003 Plan”). The 2005 Incentive Compensation Plan was re-approved by stockholders in 2010. The changes made in the Second Restated 2005 Plan (i) increases the number of authorized shares by 233,334 shares of Common Stock, (ii) extends the date for making awards to September 6, 2018, (iii) includes directors as participants, (iv) targets awards according to groupings of participants based on ranges of base salary of employees and/or retainers of directors, (v) requires participants to retain 50% of their net annual restricted stock awards during their employment or service as a director, and (vi) includes a clawback provision. The Second Restated 2005 Plan allows for the granting of restricted stock, restricted stock units, incentive stock options, nonqualified stock options, and performance awards to eligible employees and non-employee directors. The Company will request stockholder approval at the 2018 Annual Meeting of Stockholders to amend the Second Restated 2005 Plan to (i) extend the date for making awards to September 6, 2023 and (ii) increase the number of authorized shares under the Plan by 90,000 shares of Class B Common Stock.

 

The number of shares of Common Stock that may be issued under the Second Restated 2005 Plan may not exceed 280,000 shares (370,000 if approved by stockholders at the 2018 Annual Meeting of stockholders) of Class B Common Stock, 900,000 shares (990,000 if approved by stockholders at the Annual Meeting of stockholders) of Class A Common Stock of which up to 620,000 shares of Class A Common Stock may be issued pursuant to incentive stock options and 280,000 Class A Common Stock issuable upon conversion of Class B Common Stock. Awards denominated in Class A Common Stock may be granted to any employee or director under the Second Restated 2005 Plan. However, awards denominated in Class B Common Stock may only be granted to Edward K. Christian, President, Chief Executive Officer, Chairman of the Board of Directors, and the holder of 100% of the outstanding Class B Common Stock of the Company. Stock options granted under the Second Restated 2005 Plan may be for terms not exceeding ten years from the date of grant and may not be exercised at a price which is less than 100% of the fair market value of shares at the date of grant.

 

Stock-Based Compensation

 

All stock options granted were fully vested and expensed at December 31, 2012, therefore there was no compensation expense related to stock options for the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively.

 

There were no options granted during 2018 and 2017 and there were no stock options outstanding as of March 31, 2018. All outstanding stock options were exercised in 2017.

 

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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, 2018:

 

       Weighted
Average
 
       Grant Date
Fair
 
   Shares   Value 
Outstanding at January 1, 2018   96,639   $44.85 
Granted   3,850    39.00 
Non-vested and outstanding at March 31, 2018   100,489   $44.63 

 

For the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017, we had $551,000 and $558,000, respectively, of total compensation expense related to restricted stock-based compensation arrangements. This expense is included in corporate general and administrative expenses in our results of operations. The associated tax benefit recognized for the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017 was $63,000 and $223,000, respectively.

 

10. Long-Term Debt

 

Long-term debt consisted of the following:

 

   March 31,   December 31, 
   2018   2017 
   (In thousands) 
         
Revolving credit facility  $25,000   $25,000 
Amounts payable within one year        
   $25,000   $25,000 

 

On August 18, 2015, we entered into a new credit facility (the “Credit Facility”) with JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., The Huntington National Bank, Citizens Bank, National Association and J.P. Morgan Securities LLC. In connection with the execution of the Credit Facility, the credit agreement in place at June 30, 2015 (the “Old Credit Agreement”) was terminated, and all outstanding amounts were paid in full. The Credit Facility consists of a $100 million five-year revolving facility (the “Revolving Credit Facility”) and matures on August 18, 2020.

 

We have pledged substantially all of our assets (excluding our FCC licenses and certain other assets) in support of the Credit Facility and each of our subsidiaries has guaranteed the Credit Facility and has pledged substantially all of their assets (excluding their FCC licenses and certain other assets) in support of the Credit Facility.

 

Approximately $266,000 of transaction fees related to the Credit Facility were capitalized and are being amortized over the life of the Credit Facility. Those deferred debt costs are included in other assets, net in the condensed consolidated balance sheets.

 

Interest rates under the Credit Facility are payable, at our option, at alternatives equal to LIBOR (1.6875% at March 31, 2018), plus 1% to 2% or the base rate plus 0% to 1%. The spread over LIBOR and the base rate vary from time to time, depending upon our financial leverage. Letters of credit issued under the Credit Facility will be subject to a participation fee (which is equal to the interest rate applicable to Eurocurrency Loans, as defined in the Credit Agreement) payable to each of the Lenders and a fronting fee equal to 0.25% per annum payable to the issuing bank. We also pay quarterly commitment fees of 0.2% to 0.3% per annum on the unused portion of the Revolving Credit Facility.

 

 17 

 

 

SAGA COMMUNICATIONS, INC.

 

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

 

The Credit Facility contains a number of financial covenants (all of which we were in compliance with at March 31, 2018) which, among other things, require us to maintain specified financial ratios and impose certain limitations on us with respect to investments, additional indebtedness, dividends, distributions, guarantees, liens and encumbrances.

 

We had approximately $75 million of unused borrowing capacity under the Revolving Credit Facility at March 31, 2018.

 

On October 5, 2017 and November 3, 2017, the Company used $5,287,000 and $5,000,000 respectively of the proceeds from the Television Sale to pay down a portion of its Revolving Credit Facility.

 

11. Litigation

 

The Company is subject to various outstanding claims which arise in the ordinary course of business and to other legal proceedings. Management anticipates that any potential liability of the Company, which may arise out of or with respect to these matters, will not materially affect the Company’s financial statements.

 

12. Dividends

 

On February 28, 2018, the Company’s Board of Directors declared a regular cash dividend of $0.30 per share on its Classes A and B Common Stock. This dividend, totaling approximately $1.8 million, was paid on March 30, 2018 to shareholders of record on March 12, 2018.

 

On December 7, 2017, the Company’s Board of Directors declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.30 per share and a special cash dividend of $0.80 per share on its Classes A and B shares. This dividend totaling approximately $6.5 million was paid on January 5, 2018 to shareholders of record on December 18, 2017.

 

On September 13, 2017, the Company’s Board of Directors declared a regular cash dividend of $0.30 per share on its Classes A and B Common Stock. This dividend, totaling approximately $1.8 million was paid on October 13, 2017 to shareholders of record on September 25, 2017 and funded by cash on the Company’s balance sheet.

 

On May 3, 2017, the Company’s Board of Directors declared a regular cash dividend of $0.30 per share on its Classes A and B Common Stock. This dividend, totaling approximately $1.8 million, was paid on June 9, 2017 to shareholders of record on May 22, 2017 and funded by cash on the Company’s balance sheet.

 

On March 3, 2017, the Company’s Board of Directors declared a regular quarterly cash dividend of $0.30 per share on its Classes A and B Common Stock. This dividend, totaling approximately $1.8 million, was paid on April 14, 2017 to shareholders of record on March 28, 2017 and funded by cash on the Company’s balance sheet.

  

13. Subsequent Events

 

For the period from April 1, 2018 to May 7, 2018, we repurchased approximately 9,000 shares of our common stock on the open market for an aggregate purchase price of $337,00, including fees and commissions.

 

 18 

 

 

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, 2017. The following discussion is presented on a consolidated basis. On May 9, 2017 the Company entered into an agreement to sell its Joplin, Missouri and Victoria, Texas television stations and subsequently closed on this transaction on September 1, 2017. The historical results of operations for the television stations are presented in discontinued operations for all periods presented (see Note 6). As a result of the Company’s television stations being reported as discontinued operations the Company only has one reportable segment at March 31, 2018. Unless indicated otherwise, the information in the notes to the accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements relates to the Company’s continuing operations.

 

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, other operating (income) expenses, and impairment of intangible assets). 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.

 

General

 

We are a broadcast company primarily engaged in acquiring, developing and operating broadcast properties. 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. We own or operate broadcast properties in 26 markets, including 75 FM and 33 AM radio stations.

 

Continuing Operations - Radio Stations

 

Our radio station’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. We have twenty-six radio station markets, which include all 108 of our radio stations. The discussion of our operating performance focuses on operating income because we manage our stations primarily on operating income. Operating performance is evaluated for each individual market.

 

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, 2018 and 2017, approximately 88% and 89%, respectively, of our radio station’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 expect an increase in political advertising for 2018 due to the increased number of national, state and local elections in most of our markets as compared to prior 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.

 

 19 

 

 

The broadcasting industry and advertising in general, is influenced by the state of the overall economy, including unemployment rates, inflation, energy prices and consumer interest rates. Our stations primarily broadcast in small to midsize markets. Historically, these markets have been more stable than major metropolitan markets during downturns in advertising spending, but may not experience increases in such spending as significant as those in major metropolitan markets in periods of economic improvement.

 

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.

 

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 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.

 

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

 

The radio broadcasting industry is subject to rapid technological change, evolving industry standards and the emergence of new media technologies and services. These new technologies and media are gaining advertising share against radio and other traditional media.

 

We are continuing to expand our digital initiative to provide a seamless experience across multiple platforms. Our goal is to allow our listeners to connect with our brands on demand, wherever, however and whenever they choose. We continue to create opportunities through targeted digital advertising and an array of digital services that include online promotions, mobile messaging, and email marketing. In 2017, we also made a concentrated effort to ensure our stations were available via smart speakers such as Amazon Echo, Google Home, etc.

 

During the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017 and the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016, our Columbus, Ohio; Des Moines, Iowa; Manchester, New Hampshire; Milwaukee, Wisconsin and Norfolk, Virginia markets, when combined, represented approximately 41%, 40%, 41% and 43%, 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.

 

 20 

 

 

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, 
   2018   2017   2017   2016 
Market:                
Columbus, Ohio   11%   11%   11%   12%
Des Moines, Iowa   7%   7%   7%   8%
Manchester, New Hampshire   5%   5%   5%   6%
Milwaukee, Wisconsin   12%   12%   12%   12%
Norfolk, Virginia   6%   5%   6%   5%

 

During the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017 and the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016, the radio stations in our five largest markets when combined, represented approximately 52%, 47%, 48% and 49%, 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, 
   2018   2017   2017   2016 
Market:                    
Columbus, Ohio   18%   14%   15%   15%
Des Moines, Iowa   5%   7%   7%   7%
Manchester, New Hampshire   7%   7%   6%   9%
Milwaukee, Wisconsin   16%   16%   14%   14%
Norfolk, Virginia   6%   3%   6%   4%

 

 

 

*Operating income plus corporate general and administrative expenses, depreciation and amortization, other operating (income) expenses, and impairment of intangible assets.

 

 21 

 

 

Discontinued Operations - Television Stations

 

Our television station’s primary source of revenue was from the sale of advertising for broadcast on our stations. The number of advertisements available for broadcast on our television stations were limited by network affiliation and syndicated programming agreements and, with respect to children’s programs, federal regulation. Our television stations’ local market managers determined the number of advertisements to be broadcast in locally produced programs only, which were 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 was based upon population, available television advertising revenue in that particular market, and the popularity of programming being broadcast.

 

Our financial results were dependent on a number of factors, the most significant of which was our ability to generate advertising revenue through rates charged to advertisers. The rates a station was able to charge were, 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 strived to maximize revenue by constantly adjusting prices for our commercial spots based upon local market conditions, advertising demands and ratings. While there may have been 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 were acquired or sold, was generally the result of pricing adjustments, which were made to ensure that the station efficiently utilized available inventory.

 

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

 

Most of our revenue was generated from local advertising, which was sold primarily by each television markets’ sales staff. For the three months ended March 31, 2017 approximately 83% of our television station’s gross revenue was from local advertising. To generate national advertising sales, we engaged 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. Political advertising for 2017 was lower than previous years due to the decreased number of national, state and local elections in most of our markets.

 

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

 

 

 22 

 

 

Three Months Ended March 31, 2018 Compared to Three Months Ended March 31, 2017

 

Results of Operations

 

The following tables summarize our results of operations for the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017.

 

Consolidated Results of Operations

 

   Three Months Ended         
   March 31,   $ Increase   % Increase 
   2018   2017   (Decrease)   (Decrease) 
   (In thousands, except percentages and per share information) 
Net operating revenue  $28,009   $26,155   $1,854    7.1%
Station operating expense   23,397    21,340    2,057    9.6%
Corporate general and administrative   2,544    2,863    (319)   (11.1)%
Other operating income   (251)   (21)   (230)   N/M 
Operating income from continuing operations   2,319    1,973    346    17.5%
Interest expense   219    208    11    5.3%
Other income   (89)       (89)   N/M 
Income from continuing operations before taxes   2,189    1,765    424    24.0%
Income tax expense   660    718    (58)   (8.1)%
Income from continuing operations, net of tax   1,529    1,047    482    46.0%
Income from discontinued operations, net of tax       891    (891)   N/M  
Net income  $1,529   $1,938   $(409)   (21.1)%
                     
Earnings per share:                    
From continuing operations  $.26   $.18   $.08    44.4%
From discontinued operations       .15    (.15)   N/M 
Earnings per share (diluted)  $.26   $.33   $(.07)   N/M  

 

Results of Discontinued Operations

 

   Three Months Ended         
   March 31,   $ Increase   % Increase 
   2018 (1)   2017 (1)   (Decrease)   (Decrease) 
   (In thousands, except percentages) 
Net operating revenue  $   $5,255   $(5,255)   N/M 
Station operating expense       3,712    (3,712)   N/M 
Other operating expense       31    (31)   N/M 
Operating income from discontinued operations       1,512    (1,512)   N/M 
Interest expense       9    (9)   N/M 
Income before income taxes from discontinued operations       1,503    (1,503)   N/M 
Income tax expense       612    (612)   N/M 
Income from discontinued operations  $   $891   $(891)   N/M 

 

 

 

(1)Results of operations for the Television stations are reflected through March 31, 2017. The effective date of the sale was September 1, 2017.

 

N/M =      Not Meaningful 

 

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For the three months ended March 31, 2018, consolidated net operating revenue was $28,009,000 compared with $26,155,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2017, an increase of $1,854,000 or 7.1%. We had an increase of approximately $1,775,000 attributable to stations that we did not own or operate for the entire comparable period and an increase of $79,000 or 0.3% generated by stations we owned or operated for the comparable period in 2017 (“same station”). The increase in same station revenue was primarily due to an increase in gross national revenue of $336,000, an increase in gross political revenue of $212,000 offset by a decrease in gross local revenue of $492,000, from the first quarter of 2017. The increase in gross national revenue was primarily attributable to increases in our Norfolk, Virginia and Yankton, South Dakota markets. The increase in gross political revenue was due to a higher number of state and local elections in our Milwaukee, Wisconsin market. The decrease in gross local revenue was primarily attributable to decreases in our Champaign, Illinois; Harrisonburg, Virginia; Jonesboro, Arkansas; Milwaukee, Wisconsin; and Northampton, Massachusetts markets.

 

Station operating expense was $23,397,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2018, compared with $21,340,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2017, an increase of $2,057,000 or 9.6%. We had an increase of approximately $1,949,000 attributable to stations that we did not own or operate for the entire comparable period and an increase of $108,000 or 0.5% on a same station basis. The increase in same station operating expense was primarily a result of an increase in commission expense of $84,000.

 

Operating income from continuing operations for the three months ended March 31, 2018 was $2,319,000 compared to $1,973,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2017, an increase of $346,000 or 17.5%. The increase was a result of the increase in net operating revenue and the increase in station operating expense, noted above and an increase in other operating income of $230,000 due to the sale of a tower in our Keene, New Hampshire market partially offset by a decrease in corporate general and administrative expenses of $319,000. The decrease in corporate general and administrative expenses was primarily attributable to decreases in legal fees, key man life insurance costs, health insurance and transportation expenses of $97,000, $90,000, $73,000 and $55,000, respectively from first quarter of 2017.

 

Income from continuing operations, net of tax for the three months ended March 31, 2018 was $1,529,000 compared to $1,047,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2017, an increase of $482,000 or 46.0%. The increase in income from continuing operations, net of tax is primarily due to the increase in operating income, described above, an increase in other income related to interest and dividend income of $89,000 and a decrease in our income tax expense of $58,000 partially offset by an increase in interest expense of $11,000. The increase in our interest expense is due to an increase in our interest rate partially offset by a decrease in our debt outstanding. The decrease in our income tax expense is due to the decrease in our federal tax rate from 35% to 21% as a result of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act.

 

We generated net income of $1,529,000 ($.26 per share on a fully diluted basis) during the three months ended March 31, 2018, compared to $1,938,000 ($.33 per share on a fully diluted basis) for the three months ended March 31, 2017, a decrease of $409,000 or 21.1%. We had an increase in income from continuing operations of $482,000, as described above, offset by a decrease in income from discontinued operations of $891,000 due to the sale of the television stations in September 2017.

 

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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 2017 and beyond to differ materially from those expressed in any forward-looking statements made by us 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, 2017.

 

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Liquidity and Capital Resources

 

Debt Arrangements and Debt Service Requirements

 

On August 18, 2015, we entered into a new credit facility (the “Credit Facility”) with JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., The Huntington National Bank, Citizens Bank, National Association and J.P. Morgan Securities LLC. In connection with the execution of the Credit Facility, the credit agreement in place at June 30, 2015 (the “Old Credit Agreement”) was terminated, and all outstanding amounts were paid in full. The Credit Facility consists of a $100 million five-year revolving facility (the “Revolving Credit Facility”) and matures on August 18, 2020.

 

We have pledged substantially all of our assets (excluding our FCC licenses and certain other assets) in support of the Credit Facility and each of our subsidiaries has guaranteed the Credit Facility and has pledged substantially all of their assets (excluding their FCC licenses and certain other assets) in support of the Credit Facility.

 

Approximately $266,000 of transaction fees related to the Credit Facility were capitalized and are being amortized over the life of the Credit Facility. Those deferred debt costs are included in other assets, net in the condensed consolidated balance sheets.

 

Interest rates under the Credit Facility are payable, at our option, at alternatives equal to LIBOR (1.6875% at March 31, 2018), plus 1% to 2% or the base rate plus 0% to 1%. The spread over LIBOR and the base rate vary from time to time, depending upon our financial leverage. Letters of credit issued under the Credit Facility will be subject to a participation fee (which is equal to the interest rate applicable to Eurocurrency Loans, as defined in the Credit Agreement) payable to each of the Lenders and a fronting fee equal to 0.25% per annum payable to the issuing bank. We also pay quarterly commitment fees of 0.2% to 0.3% per annum on the unused portion of the Revolving Credit Facility.

 

The Credit Facility contains a number of financial covenants (all of which we were in compliance with at March 31, 2018) which, among other things, require us to maintain specified financial ratios and impose certain limitations on us with respect to investments, additional indebtedness, dividends, distributions, guarantees, liens and encumbrances.

 

We had approximately $75 million of unused borrowing capacity under the Revolving Credit Facility at March 31, 2018.

 

On October 5, 2017 and November 3, 2017, the Company used $5,287,000 and $5,000,000, respectively of the proceeds from the Television Sale to pay down a portion of its Revolving Credit Facility.

  

Sources and Uses of Cash

 

During the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017, we had net cash flows from operating activities of $4,372,000 and $5,455,000, respectively. We believe that cash flow from operations will be sufficient to meet quarterly debt service requirements for interest and payments of principal under our Credit Facility. 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.

 

In March 2013, our board of directors authorized an increase to our Stock Buy-Back Program (the “Buy-Back Program”) to allow us to purchase up to $75.8 million of our Class A Common Stock. From its inception in 1998 through March 31, 2018, we have repurchased two million shares of our Class A Common Stock for $53.5 million. During the quarter ended March 31, 2018, approximately 2,500 shares were repurchased for $93,000 related to the buy-back program.

 

Our capital expenditures, exclusive of acquisitions, for the three months ended March 31, 2018 were $1,498,000 ($1,342,000 in 2017) for continuing operations and $0 and $97,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively, for discontinued operations. We anticipate capital expenditures in 2018 to be approximately $5.0 million to $6.0 million, which we expect to finance through funds generated from operations.

 

On February 28, 2018, the Company’s Board of Directors declared a regular cash dividend of $0.30 per share on its Classes A and B Common Stock. This dividend, totaling approximately $1.8 million, was paid on March 30, 2018 to shareholders of record on March 12, 2018.

 

On December 7, 2017, the Company’s Board of Directors declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.30 per share and a special cash dividend of $0.80 per share on its Classes A and B shares. This dividend totaling approximately $6.5 million was paid on January 5, 2018 to shareholders of record on December 18, 2017.

 

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

 

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We anticipate that any future acquisitions of radio and television stations and dividend payments 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, if at all.

 

Summary Disclosures About Contractual Obligations and Commercial Commitments

 

We have future cash obligations under various types of contracts, including the terms of our Credit Facility, 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” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2017.

 

We anticipate that our contractual cash obligations will be financed through funds generated from operations or additional borrowings under the Credit Facility, 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. “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, 2017.

 

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

 

Recent accounting pronouncements are described in Note 2 to the accompanying financial statements.

 

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, 2017 for a complete discussion of our market risk. There have been no material changes to the market risk information included in our 2017 Annual Report on Form 10-K.

 

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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, 2018, 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

 

The Company is subject to various outstanding claims which arise in the ordinary course of business and to other legal proceedings. Management anticipates that any potential liability of the Company, which arise out of or with respect to these matters, will not materially affect the Company’s financial statements.

 

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, 2018.

 

               Approximate 
           Total Number   Dollar 
           of   Value of 
           Shares   Shares 
           Purchased   that May Yet 
           as Part of   be 
   Total Number   Average Price   Publicly   Purchased 
   of Shares   Paid per   Announced   Under the 
Period  Purchased   Share   Program   Program(a) 
January 1 — January 31, 2018      $       $22,406,934 
February 1 — February 28, 2018   1,020   $37.72    1,020   $22,368,460 
March 1 — March 31, 2018   1,453   $37.75    1,453   $22,313,608 
Total   2,473   $37.74    2,473   $22,313,608 

 

 

 

(a)We have a Stock Buy-Back Program which allows us to purchase our Class A Common Stock. In February 2013, our Board of Directors authorized an increase in the amount committed to the Buy-Back Program from $60 million to approximately $75.8 million.

 

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Item 6. Exhibits

 

31.1   Certification of Chief Executive Officer Pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) and Rule15d-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 Act of 1934, 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.
     
101.INS   XBRL Instance Document
     
101.SCH   XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document
     
101.CAL   XBRL Taxonomy Calculation Linkbase Document
     
101.DEF   XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document
     
101.LAB   XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document
     
101.PRE   XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document

 

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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, 2018 /s/ SAMUEL D. BUSH
  Samuel D. Bush
  Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer (Principal Financial Officer)
   
Date: May 10, 2018 /s/ CATHERINE A. BOBINSKI
  Catherine A. Bobinski
  Senior Vice President, Chief Accounting Officer and Corporate Controller (Principal Accounting Officer)

 

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