SAGA COMMUNICATIONS INC - Quarter Report: 2022 March (Form 10-Q)
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
Form 10-Q
(Mark One)
☒ | QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 |
For the Quarterly Period ended March 31, 2022
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)
Florida | 38-3042953 |
(State or other jurisdiction of | (I.R.S. Employer |
73 Kercheval Avenue | 48236 |
(313) 886-7070
(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
Title of each class | Trading symbol(s) | Name of each exchange on which registered |
Class A Common Stock, par value $.01 per share | SGA | NASDAQ Global Market |
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 every Interactive Data File required to be submitted 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 such files). Yes þ No ◻.
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting company,” and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
Large accelerated filer ◻ | Accelerated filer þ | Non-accelerated filer ◻ |
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 5, 2022 was 5,087,693 and 965,149, respectively.
INDEX
Page | |
3 | |
3 | |
Condensed consolidated balance sheets — March 31, 2022 and December 31, 2021 | 3 |
Condensed consolidated statements of operations — Three months ended March 31, 2022 and 2021 | 4 |
5 | |
Condensed consolidated statements of cash flows — Three months ended March 31, 2022 and 2021 | 6 |
Notes to unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements | 7 |
Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations | 18 |
Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk | 25 |
25 | |
25 | |
25 | |
26 | |
Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds | 26 |
26 | |
27 | |
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, | ||||
2022 | 2021 |
| |||||
| (Unaudited) |
| (Note) | ||||
(In thousands) | |||||||
Assets |
| ||||||
Current assets: | |||||||
Cash and cash equivalents | $ | 55,147 | $ | 54,760 | |||
Accounts receivable, net |
| 13,744 |
| 16,269 | |||
Prepaid expenses and other current assets |
| 2,305 |
| 2,449 | |||
Barter transactions |
| 1,038 |
| 971 | |||
Total current assets |
| 72,234 |
| 74,449 | |||
Property and equipment |
| 145,586 |
| 144,719 | |||
Less accumulated depreciation |
| 92,544 |
| 91,375 | |||
Net property and equipment |
| 53,042 |
| 53,344 | |||
Other assets: |
|
| |||||
Broadcast licenses, net |
| 90,277 |
| 90,277 | |||
Goodwill |
| 19,209 |
| 19,209 | |||
Other intangibles, right of use assets, deferred costs and investments, net |
| 10,313 |
| 10,653 | |||
Total assets | $ | 245,075 | $ | 247,932 | |||
|
| ||||||
Liabilities and stockholders’ equity |
|
|
| ||||
Current liabilities: |
|
|
| ||||
Accounts payable | $ | 2,226 | $ | 2,347 | |||
Accrued payroll and payroll taxes |
| 5,657 |
| 6,202 | |||
Dividend payable |
| 968 |
| 3,988 | |||
Other accrued expenses |
| 6,019 |
| 5,758 | |||
Barter transactions |
| 959 |
| 901 | |||
Total current liabilities |
| 15,829 |
| 19,196 | |||
Deferred income taxes |
| 24,882 |
| 24,802 | |||
Other liabilities |
| 6,622 |
| 7,015 | |||
Total liabilities |
| 47,333 |
| 51,013 | |||
Commitments and contingencies |
|
| |||||
Stockholders’ equity: |
|
| |||||
Common stock |
| 77 |
| 77 | |||
Additional paid-in capital |
| 70,145 |
| 70,035 | |||
Retained earnings |
| 164,482 |
| 164,246 | |||
Treasury stock |
| (36,962) |
| (37,439) | |||
Total stockholders’ equity |
| 197,742 |
| 196,919 | |||
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity | $ | 245,075 | $ | 247,932 |
Note: The balance sheet at December 31, 2021 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 accompanying notes to unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.
3
SAGA COMMUNICATIONS, INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
| Three Months Ended |
| |||||
March 31, |
| ||||||
| 2022 |
| 2021 |
| |||
(Unaudited) | |||||||
(In thousands, except per share data) | |||||||
Net operating revenue | $ | 24,967 |
| $ | 22,301 |
| |
Station operating expenses |
| 20,568 |
| 18,923 |
| ||
Corporate general and administrative |
| 2,694 |
| 2,438 |
| ||
Other operating (income) expense, net | (5) | 57 | |||||
Operating income |
| 1,710 |
| 883 |
| ||
Interest expense |
| 32 |
| 73 |
| ||
Interest income |
| (4) |
| (6) |
| ||
Other income | (2) | (272) | |||||
Income before income tax expense |
| 1,684 |
| 1,088 |
| ||
Income tax expense |
| 480 |
| 330 |
| ||
Net income | $ | 1,204 | $ | 758 |
| ||
| |||||||
Earnings per share: |
| ||||||
Basic | $ | 0.20 | $ | 0.13 |
| ||
Diluted | $ | 0.20 | $ | 0.13 |
| ||
| |||||||
Weighted average common shares |
| 5,948 |
| 5,913 |
| ||
Weighted average common and common equivalent shares |
| 5,948 |
| 5,913 |
| ||
| |||||||
Dividends declared per share | $ | 0.16 | $ | - |
|
See accompanying notes to unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.
4
SAGA COMMUNICATIONS, INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
For the three months ended March 31, 2022 and 2021
Class A | Class B | Additional | Total | |||||||||||||||||||
Common Stock | Common Stock | Paid-In | Retained | Treasury | Stockholders’ | |||||||||||||||||
| Shares |
| Amount |
| Shares |
| Amount |
| Capital |
| Earnings |
| Stock |
| Equity | |||||||
(unaudited) (In thousands) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Balance at December 31, 2020 | 6,785 | $ | 68 | 938 | $ | 9 | $ | 68,900 | $ | 158,990 | $ | (37,425) | $ | 190,542 | ||||||||
Net income, three months ended March 31, 2021 |
| — | — |
| — |
| — |
| — |
| 758 |
| — |
| 758 | |||||||
Compensation expense related to restricted stock awards |
| — |
| — |
| — |
| — |
| 343 | — |
| — |
| 343 | |||||||
401(k) plan contribution |
| — |
| — |
| — |
| — |
| (200) |
| — |
| 421 |
| 221 | ||||||
Balance at March 31, 2021 |
| 6,785 | $ | 68 |
| 938 | $ | 9 | $ | 69,043 | $ | 159,748 | $ | (37,004) | $ | 191,864 |
Class A | Class B | Additional | Total | |||||||||||||||||||
| Common Stock | Common Stock | Paid-In | Retained | Treasury | Stockholders’ | ||||||||||||||||
|
| Shares |
| Amount |
| Shares |
| Amount |
| Capital |
| Earnings |
| Stock |
| Equity | ||||||
(unaudited) (In thousands) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Balance at December 31, 2021 | 6,835 | $ | 68 | 965 | $ | 9 | $ | 70,035 | $ | 164,246 | $ | (37,439) | $ | 196,919 | ||||||||
Net income, three months ended March 31, 2021 |
| — |
| — |
| — |
| — |
| — |
| 1,204 |
| — |
| 1,204 | ||||||
Dividends declared per common share |
| — |
| — |
| — |
| — |
| — |
| (968) |
| — |
| (968) | ||||||
Compensation expense related to restricted stock awards |
| — |
| — |
| — |
| — |
| 339 |
| — |
| — |
| 339 | ||||||
401(k) plan contribution |
| — |
| — |
| — |
| — |
| (229) |
| — |
| 477 |
| 248 | ||||||
Balance at March 31, 2022 | 6,835 | $ | 68 |
| 965 | $ | 9 | $ | 70,145 | $ | 164,482 | $ | (36,962) | $ | 197,742 |
See accompanying notes to unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.
5
SAGA COMMUNICATIONS, INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
| Three Months Ended |
| ||||||
| March 31, |
| ||||||
| 2022 |
| 2021 |
| ||||
(Unaudited) |
| |||||||
(In thousands) | ||||||||
Cash flows from operating activities: |
| |||||||
Net cash provided by operating activities | $ | 5,296 | $ | 5,352 | ||||
Cash flows from investing activities: |
| |||||||
Acquisition of property and equipment |
| (923) |
| (534) | ||||
Acquisition of broadcast properties |
| — |
| (150) | ||||
Proceeds from sale and disposal of assets | 7 | 22 | ||||||
Proceeds from insurance claims |
| — | 272 | |||||
Other investing activities |
| (5) |
| (2) | ||||
Net cash used in investing activities |
| (921) |
| (392) | ||||
Cash flows from financing activities: |
|
| ||||||
Cash dividends paid |
| (3,988) |
| — | ||||
Net cash used in financing activities |
| (3,988) |
| — | ||||
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents |
| 387 |
| 4,960 | ||||
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period |
| 54,760 |
| 51,353 | ||||
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period | $ | 55,147 | $ | 56,313 |
See accompanying notes to unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.
6
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, 2022 and the results of operations for the three months ended March 31, 2022 and 2021. Results of operations for three months ended March 31, 2022 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the year ending December 31, 2022.
We own or operate broadcast properties in 27 markets, including 79 FM and 35 AM radio stations and 80 metro signals.
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, 2021.
We have evaluated events and transactions occurring subsequent to the balance sheet date of March 31, 2022, for items that should potentially be recognized in these financial statements or discussed within the notes to these financial statements.
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.
7
SAGA COMMUNICATIONS, INC.
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – (Continued)
The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted earnings per share:
Three Months Ended |
|
| ||||||
March 31, |
|
| ||||||
| 2022 |
| 2021 |
|
| |||
(In thousands, except per share data) |
| |||||||
Numerator: |
|
|
|
| ||||
Net income | $ | 1,204 | $ | 758 | ||||
Less: Income allocated to unvested participating securities |
| 20 |
| 8 | ||||
Net income available to common stockholders | $ | 1,184 | $ | 750 | ||||
Denominator: |
|
| ||||||
Denominator for basic earnings per share — weighted average shares |
| 5,948 |
| 5,913 | ||||
Effect of dilutive securities: |
|
| ||||||
Common stock equivalents |
| — |
| — | ||||
Denominator for diluted earnings per share — adjusted weighted-average shares and assumed conversions |
| 5,948 |
| 5,913 | ||||
Earnings per share: |
|
| ||||||
Basic | $ | 0.20 | $ | 0.13 | ||||
Diluted | $ | 0.20 | $ | 0.13 | ||||
| | | | | | | | |
There were no stock options outstanding that had an antidilutive effect on our earnings per share calculation for the three months ended March 31, 2022 and 2021, 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.
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, 2022.
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts
A provision for doubtful accounts is recorded based on our judgment of collectability of receivables. Amounts are written off when determined to be fully uncollectible. Delinquent accounts are based on contractual terms. We have included in our calculation of our allowance for doubtful accounts, the potential impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on our customers’ businesses and their ability to pay their accounts receivable. We maintain a specific allowance for estimated losses resulting from the inability of certain customers to make required payments. We also consider factors external to the specific customer, including current conditions and forecasts of economic conditions, including the potential impact of uncertain economic conditions. In the event we recover amounts previously written off, we will reduce the specific allowance for credit loss. Our allowance for doubtful accounts was $467,000 and $469,000 at March 31, 2022 and December 31, 2021, respectively.
8
SAGA COMMUNICATIONS, INC.
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – (Continued)
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. We have historically calculated the provision for income taxes during interim reporting periods by applying an estimate of the annual effective tax rate for the full fiscal year to “ordinary” income or loss (pretax income or loss excluding unusual or infrequently occurring discrete items) for the reporting period.
Segments
We serve twenty-seven radio markets (reporting units) that aggregate into one operating segment (Radio), which also qualifies as a reportable segment. We operate under one reportable business segment for which segment disclosure is consistent with the management decision-making process that determines the allocation of resources and the measuring of performance. The Chief Operating Decision Maker (“CODM”) evaluates the results of the radio operating segment and makes operating and capital investment decisions based at the Company level. Furthermore, technological enhancements and system integration decisions are reached at the Company level and applied to all markets rather than to specific or individual markets to ensure that each market has the same tools and opportunities as every other market. Managers at the market level do not report to the CODM and instead report to other senior management, who are responsible for the operational oversight of radio markets and for communication of results to the CODM. We continually review our operating segment classification to align with operational changes in our business and may make changes as necessary.
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. Assets and liabilities related to the TBAs/LMAs are included in the accompanying unaudited Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets.
2. Recent Accounting Pronouncements
Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements
Management has considered all recent accounting pronouncements issued. The Company’s management believes that these recent pronouncements will not have a material effect on the Company’s financial statements.
9
SAGA COMMUNICATIONS, INC.
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – (Continued)
3. Revenue
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 an 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.
Disaggregation of Revenue
Revenues from contracts with customers comprised the following for three months ended March 31, 2022 and 2021:
| Three Months Ended |
|
| |||||
March 31, |
|
| ||||||
|
| 2022 |
| 2021 |
|
| ||
(in thousands) |
|
| ||||||
Types of Revenue |
|
| ||||||
Broadcast Advertising Revenue, net | $ | 21,587 | $ | 20,007 | ||||
Digital Advertising Revenue |
| 1,749 |
| 1,000 | ||||
Other Revenue |
| 1,631 |
| 1,294 | ||||
Net Revenue | $ | 24,967 | $ | 22,301 |
Contract Liabilities
Payments from our advertisers are generally due within 30 days although certain advertisers are required to pay in advance. When an advertiser pays for the services in advance of the performance obligations 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; and 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.
10
SAGA COMMUNICATIONS, INC.
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – (Continued)
Transaction Price Allocated to the Remaining Performance Obligations
As the majority of our sales contracts are
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 sales contracts which have original expected durations of one year or less.4. Broadcast Licenses, Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets
We evaluate our FCC licenses for impairment annually or more frequently if events or changes in circumstances indicate that the asset might be impaired. We operate our broadcast licenses in each market as a single asset and determine the fair value by relying on a discounted cash flow approach assuming a start-up scenario in which the only assets held by an investor are broadcast licenses. The fair value calculation contains assumptions incorporating variables that are based on past experiences and judgments about future operating performance using industry normalized information for an average station within a market. These variables include, but are not limited to: (1) the forecasted growth rate of each radio market, including population, household income, retail sales and other expenditures that would influence advertising expenditures; (2) the estimated available advertising revenue within the market and the related market share and profit margin of an average station within a market; (3) estimated capital start-up costs and losses incurred during the early years; (4) risk-adjusted discount rate; (5) the likely media competition within the market area; and (6) terminal values. 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.
We also evaluate goodwill for impairment annually, or more frequently if certain circumstances are present. 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.
We evaluate amortizable intangible assets for recoverability when circumstances indicate impairment may have occurred, using an undiscounted cash flow methodology. If the future undiscounted cash flows for the intangible asset are less than net book value, then the net book value is reduced to the estimated fair value. Amortizable intangible assets are included in other intangibles, deferred costs and investments in the consolidated balance sheets.
The Company considered the current and expected future economic and market conditions, and other potential indicators of impairment and determined a triggering event had not occurred which would necessitate any interim impairment tests during the three months ended March 31, 2022. We will continue to monitor changes in economic and market conditions, and if any event or circumstances indicate a triggering event has occurred, we will perform an interim impairment test of our intangible assets at the appropriate time.
If actual market conditions are less favorable than those estimated by us or if events occur or circumstances change that would reduce the fair value of our broadcast licenses below the carrying value, we may be required to recognize impairment charges in future periods. Such a charge could have a material effect on our consolidated financial statements.
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
to twenty-six years. Other intangibles are amortized over to fifteen years. Customer relationships are amortized over three years.11
SAGA COMMUNICATIONS, INC.
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – (Continued)
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, 2022:
| Common Stock Issued | |||
| Class A |
| Class B | |
(Shares in thousands) | ||||
Balance, January 1, 2021 | | 6,785 | | 938 |
Conversion of shares |
| 12 |
| (12) |
Issuance of restricted stock |
| 38 |
| 39 |
Balance, December 31, 2021 |
| 6,835 |
| 965 |
Balance, March 31, 2022 |
| 6,835 |
| 965 |
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, 2022, we have remaining authorization of $18.4 million for future repurchases of our Class A Common Stock. On September 14, 2017, the Board of Directors authorized the repurchase of our Class A Common Stock under our trading plan adopted pursuant to Securities and Exchange Commission Rule 10b5-1. The Rule 10b5-1 repurchase plan allows us to repurchase our shares during periods when we would normally not be active in the market due to our internal trading blackout periods. Under the plan, we may repurchase our 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 are funded by cash on our balance sheet. The plan does not obligate us to acquire any particular amount of Class A Common Stock. Our original purchase authorization was effective until September 1, 2018 and has been extended several times, with the most recent authorization instructions extension being through May 28, 2020. Given the unprecedented uncertainty surrounding the COVID-19 virus and the resulting economic issues we have halted the directions for any additional buybacks under our plan. During the three months ended March 31, 2022 and 2021 no shares were repurchased under the Stock Buy-Back Program.
6. Leases
We lease certain land, buildings and equipment for use in our operations. We recognize lease expense for these leases on a straight-line basis over the lease term and combine lease and non-lease components for all leases. Right-of-use (“ROU”) assets and lease liabilities are recorded on the balance sheet for all leases with an expected term of at least one year. Some leases include one or more options to
. The exercise of lease renewal options is generally at our discretion. The depreciable lives of ROU assets are limited to the expected lease term. Our lease agreements do not contain any residual value guarantees or material restrictive covenants. As of March 31, 2022, we do not have any non-cancellable operating lease commitments that have not yet commenced.ROU assets are classified within other intangibles, deferred costs and investments, net on the condensed consolidated balance sheet while current lease liabilities are classified within other accrued expenses and long-term lease liabilities are classified within other liabilities. Leases with an initial term of 12 months or less are not recorded on the balance sheet. ROU assets were $5.8 million and $6.1 million at March 31, 2022 and December 31, 2021 respectively. Lease liabilities were $6.1 million and $6.4 million at March 31, 2022 and December 31, 2021, respectively. During the three months ended March 31, 2022, we recorded additional ROU assets under operating leases of $119,000. Payments on lease liabilities during the three months ended March 31, 2022 and 2021 totaled $478,000, and $469,000, respectively.
Lease expense includes cost for leases with terms in excess of one year. For the three months ended March 31, 2022 and 2021, our total lease expense was $444,000 and $440,000, respectively. Short-term lease costs are de minimus.
12
SAGA COMMUNICATIONS, INC.
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – (Continued)
We have no financing leases and minimum annual rental commitments under non-cancellable operating leases consisted of the following at March 31, 2022 (in thousands):
Years Ending December 31, |
| | |
2022 (a) |
| $ | 1,299 |
2023 |
| 1,575 | |
2024 |
| 1,274 | |
2025 |
| 886 | |
2026 |
| 680 | |
Thereafter |
| 1,317 | |
Total lease payments (b) |
| 7,031 | |
Less: Interest (c) |
| 946 | |
Present value of lease liabilities (d) | $ | 6,085 |
(a) | Remaining payments are for the nine-months ending December 31, 2022 |
(b) | Lease payments include options to | lease terms that are reasonably certain of being exercised. There were no legally binding minimum lease payments for leases signed but not yet commenced at March 31, 2022.
(c) | Our leases do not provide a readily determinable implicit rate. Therefore, we must estimate our discount rate for such leases to determine the present value of lease payments at the lease commencement date. |
(d) | The weighted average remaining lease term and weighted average discount rate used in calculating our lease liabilities were 6.2 years and 4.2%, respectively, at March 31, 2022. |
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.
2022 Acquisitions
On July 12, 2021, we entered into an agreement to acquire WIZZ-AM and a translator from P. & M. Radio for $61,800 of which $5,000 was paid in 2021 and the remainder was paid on April 6, 2022 when we closed on the transaction. Management attributes the goodwill recognized in the acquisition to the power of the existing brands in the Greenfield, Massachusetts market as well as synergies and growth opportunities expected through the combination with the Company’s existing stations. The translators are start-up stations and therefore, have no pro forma revenue and expenses.
13
SAGA COMMUNICATIONS, INC.
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – (Continued)
2021 Acquisitions
On January 8, 2021, the Company closed on an agreement to purchase WBQL and W288DQ from Consolidated Media, LLC, for an aggregate purchase price of $175,000, of which $25,000 was paid in 2020 and the remaining $150,000 paid in 2021. Management attributes the goodwill recognized in the acquisition to the power of the existing brands in the Clarksville, Tennessee market as well as synergies and growth opportunities expected through the combination with the Company’s existing stations. The translators are start-up stations and therefore, have no pro forma revenue and expenses.
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet of 2022 and 2021 Acquisitions:
The following unaudited condensed balance sheets represent the estimated fair value assigned to the related assets and liabilities of the 2022 and 2021 acquisitions.
Saga Communications, Inc.
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet of 2022 and 2021 Acquisitions
Acquisitions in | ||||||
| 2022 |
| 2021 | |||
(In thousands) | ||||||
Assets Acquired: | ||||||
Property and equipment | $ | — |
| $ | 3 | |
Other assets: |
| |||||
Broadcast licenses |
| — |
| 69 | ||
Goodwill |
| — |
| 103 | ||
Total other assets |
| — |
| 172 | ||
Total assets acquired |
| — |
| 175 | ||
Liabilities Assumed: |
|
| ||||
Current liabilities |
| — |
| — | ||
Total liabilities assumed |
| — |
| — | ||
Net assets acquired | $ | — | $ | 175 |
8. Income taxes
On March 18, 2020, the Families First Coronavirus Response Act ("FFCR Act"), and on March 27, 2020, the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act ("CARES Act") were each enacted in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The FFCR Act and the CARES Act contain numerous tax provisions, such as deferring payroll payments, establishing a credit for the retention of certain employees, relaxing limitations on the deductibility of interest, and updating the definition of qualified improvement property. This legislation currently has no material impact to the Company’s financial statements.
An income tax expense of $480,000 was recorded for the three months ended March 31, 2022 compared to $330,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2021. The effective tax rate was approximately 28.5% for the three months ended March 31, 2022 compared to 30.3% for the three months ended March 31, 2021. Income tax provisions for interim (quarterly) periods are based on estimated annual income tax rates and are adjusted for the effects of significant, infrequent or unusual items (i.e. discrete items) occurring during the interim period.
14
SAGA COMMUNICATIONS, INC.
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – (Continued)
9. Stock-Based Compensation
2005 Incentive Compensation Plan
On May 13, 2019 our stockholders approved an amendment to the Second Amended and Restated Saga Communications, Inc. 2005 Incentive Compensation Plan (as amended, the “Second Restated 2005 Plan”). This plan was first approved in 2005, and subsequently re-approved in 2010 and 2013. The amendment to the Second Restated 2005 Plan (i) extended the date for making awards to September 6, 2023 and (ii) increased the number of authorized shares under the Plan by 90,000 shares of Class B Common Stock. 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 number of shares of Common Stock that may be issued under the Second Restated 2005 Plan may not exceed 370,000 shares of Class B Common Stock, or 990,000 shares 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 370,000 shares of Class A Common Stock may be 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 (10) 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, 2022 and 2021, respectively.
There were no stock options granted during 2022 or 2021 and there were no stock options outstanding as of March 31, 2022. All outstanding stock options were exercised in 2017.
The following summarizes the restricted stock transactions for the three months ended March 31, 2022:
| | | | Weighted | |
Average | |||||
Grant Date | |||||
Fair | |||||
| Shares |
| Value | ||
Outstanding at January 1, 2022 | 100,609 | $ | 24.85 | ||
Vested | — | — | |||
Forfeited | — | — | |||
Non-vested and outstanding at March 31, 2022 |
| 100,609 |
| $ | 24.85 |
15
SAGA COMMUNICATIONS, INC.
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – (Continued)
For the three months ended March 31, 2022 and 2021, we had $339,000 and $343,000, 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, 2022 and 2021 was $37,000 and $30,000, respectively.
10. Long-Term Debt
On October 27, 2021, we used $10 million from funds generated by operations to voluntarily pay down the remaining amounts on our Revolving Credit Facility and as such, have no debt outstanding at March 31, 2022.
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 (collectively, the “Lenders”) pursuant to a credit agreement of even date (the “Credit Agreement”). The Credit Facility consisted of a $100 million five-year revolving facility (the “Revolving Credit Facility”) and originally matured on August 18, 2020. On June 27, 2018, the Company entered into a Second Amendment to its Credit Facility, (the “Second Amendment”), which had first been amended on September 1, 2017, extending the revolving credit maturity date under the Credit Agreement for five years after the date of the amendment to June 27, 2023. On July 1, 2019, we elected to reduce our Revolving Credit Facility to $70 million. On May 11, 2020, as part of our reincorporation as a Florida corporation, we entered into an assumption agreement and amendment of loan documents. The amendment also included an alternative benchmark rate as a replacement to LIBOR in the event LIBOR is no longer available. On November 2, 2021, we elected to further reduce our Revolving Credit Facility to $50 million.
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 debt issuance costs related to the Credit Facility were capitalized and are being amortized over the life of the Credit Facility. These debt issuance costs are included in other assets, net in the consolidated balance sheets. As a result of the Second Amendment, the Company incurred an additional $120,000 of transaction fees related to the Credit Facility that were capitalized. The cumulative transaction fees are being amortized over the remaining life of the Credit Facility.
Interest rates under the Credit Facility are payable, at our option, at alternatives equal to LIBOR (0.3320% at March 31, 2022), 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. As previously noted, the May 11, 2020 amendment to the Credit Facility includes an alternative benchmark to LIBOR in the event LIBOR is no longer available. 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, 2022) 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 $50 million of unused borrowing capacity under the Revolving Credit Facility at March 31, 2022.
16
SAGA COMMUNICATIONS, INC.
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – (Continued)
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 March 1, 2022, the Company’s Board of Directors declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.16 per share on its Classes A and Common Stock. This dividend, totaling approximately $970,000, was paid on April 8, 2022 to shareholders of record on March 21, 2022 and was recorded in dividends payable on the Company’s Condensed Consolidated Balance sheet at March 31, 2022.
On December 14, 2021, the Company’s Board of Directors declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.16 per share and special cash dividend of $0.50 per share on its Classes A and Common Stock. This dividend, totaling approximately $3,990,000, was paid on January 14, 2022 to shareholders of record on December 27, 2021.
On September 28, 2021, the Company’s Board of Directors declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.16 per share on its Classes A and Common Stock. This dividend, totaling approximately $960,000, was paid on October 22, 2021 to shareholders of record on October 8, 2021.
On June 18, 2021, the Company’s Board of Directors declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.16 per share on its Classes A and Common Stock. This dividend, totaling approximately $960,000, was paid on July 16, 2021 to shareholders of record on June 30, 2020.
13. Other Income
During the first quarter of 2021, there was weather-related damage to an antenna in our Des Moines, Iowa market. The Company’s insurance policy provided coverage for removal and replacement of the antenna and related equipment. As part of the initial insurance settlement during the first quarter of 2021, the Company received cash proceeds of $250,000, resulting in a gain of $250,000 which was recorded in other (income) expense, net in the Company’s Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income at March 31, 2021. We received additional cash proceeds of $290,000 in the third quarter of 2021, resulting in a gain of $290,000. The total gain of $540,000 was recorded in other (income) expense, net, at December 31, 2021 in the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Income in our most recent Form 10-K.
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Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
Forward-Looking Statements
This report contains forward-looking statements that are based on management’s beliefs, assumptions, current expectations, estimates and projections about the radio broadcasting industry, the economy, and the Company. Words such as “anticipates,” “believes,” “expects,” “intends,” “is likely,” “plans,” “projects,” and variations of such words and similar expressions are intended to identify such forward-looking statements. These statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve certain risks, uncertainties and assumptions (“Future Factors”) that are difficult to predict with regard to timing, extent, likelihood and degree of occurrence. Therefore, actual results and outcomes may materially differ from what may be expressed or forecasted in such forward-looking statements. We undertake no obligation to update, amend, or clarify forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events (whether anticipated or unanticipated), or otherwise.
Future Factors include, among others, adverse changes in interest rates and interest rate relationships; our financial leverage and debt service requirements; dependence on key personnel; dependence on key stations; U.S. national and local economic conditions or an economic recission; market volatility; demand for our services; the degree of competition by traditional and non-traditional competitors; our ability to successfully integrate acquired stations; regulatory requirements; governmental and regulatory policy changes; changes in tax laws; the impact of technological advances; risks associated with cyber-attacks on our computer systems and those of our vendors; the outcomes of contingencies; trends in audience behavior; damage to our reputation resulting from adverse publicity, regulatory actions, litigation, operational failures, the failure to meet client or listener expectations and other facts; changes in local real estate values; natural disasters; terrorist attacks; the war in Ukraine, the effects of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, inflation; increased energy costs; and risk factors described in our annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2021 or in this Report. These are representative of the Future Factors that could cause a difference between an ultimate actual outcome and a forward-looking statement.
Introduction
The following discussion should be read in conjunction with the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes thereto of Saga Communications, Inc. and its subsidiaries contained elsewhere herein and the audited financial statements and Management’s Discussion and Analysis contained in our annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2021. The following discussion is presented on a consolidated basis.
Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates
Our consolidated financial statements have been prepared in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (GAAP), 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, 2021.
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 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.
18
COVID-19 Impact and Response
As the circumstances around the COVID-19 pandemic remain fluid, we continue to actively monitor the pandemic’s impact to the Company, including our financial position, liquidity, results of operations and cash flows, while managing our response to the impacts and developments relating to the pandemic through collaboration with employees, customers, government authorities, health officials and other business partners. Please see Part I, Item 1A, Risk Factors in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2021 for further information regarding the current and potential impact of health epidemics, including the COVID-19 pandemic on the Company.
Financial Condition and Results of Operations
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 27 markets, including 79 FM and 35 AM radio stations and 80 metro signals.
Radio Stations
Our radio stations’ 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 market’s sales staff. For the three months ended March 31, 2022 and 2021, approximately 91% and 89%, respectively, of our radio stations’ 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 course of 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. Furthermore, we expect an increase in political advertising for 2022 due to the increased number of national, state and local elections in most of our markets as compared to the prior year.
Our net operating revenue, station operating expense and operating income varies from market to market based upon each market’s rank or size which is based upon population and the available radio advertising revenue in that particular market.
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, such 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
19
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 is 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.
During the three months ended March 31, 2022 and 2021 and the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020, our Columbus, Ohio; Des Moines, Iowa; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Norfolk; Virginia and Portland, Maine markets, when combined, represented approximately 39%, 39%, 39% and 40%, 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 table describes 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, |
| ||||||||
| 2022 |
| 2021 |
| 2021 |
| 2020 |
|
| |
Market: |
| |||||||||
Columbus, Ohio |
| 10 | % | 10 | % | 10 | % | 10 | % |
|
Des Moines, Iowa |
| 6 | % | 6 | % | 6 | % | 7 | % |
|
Milwaukee, Wisconsin |
| 13 | % | 11 | % | 11 | % | 11 | % |
|
Norfolk, Virginia |
| 6 | % | 7 | % | 6 | % | 6 | % |
|
Portland, Maine |
| 4 | % | 5 | % | 6 | % | 6 | % |
|
20
During the three months ended March 31, 2022 and 2021 and the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020, the radio stations in our five largest markets, when combined, represented approximately 44%, 41%, 43% and 52%, respectively, of our consolidated station operating income. We note that the percentage of consolidated station operating income at December 31, 2020 is higher than what would normally be expected due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on our markets. The following table describes 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, |
| ||||||||
|
| 2022 |
| 2021 |
| 2021 |
| 2020 |
|
|
Market: | ||||||||||
Columbus, Ohio |
| 15 | % | 14 | % | 12 | % | 16 | % | |
Des Moines, Iowa |
| 4 | % | 4 | % | 5 | % | 7 | % | |
Milwaukee, Wisconsin |
| 16 | % | 11 | % | 12 | % | 15 | % | |
Norfolk, Virginia |
| 7 | % | 8 | % | 7 | % | 6 | % | |
Portland, Maine |
| 2 | % | 4 | % | 7 | % | 8 | % |
* | Operating income adjusted for corporate general and administrative expenses, depreciation and amortization, other operating (income) expenses, and impairment of intangible assets. |
21
Three Months Ended March 31, 2022 Compared to Three Months Ended March 31, 2021
Results of Operations
The following table summarizes our results of operations for the three months ended March 31, 2022 and 2021.
Consolidated Results of Operations
Three Months Ended |
| |||||||||||
March 31, | $ Increase | % Increase |
| |||||||||
|
| 2022 |
| 2021 |
| (Decrease) |
| (Decrease) |
| |||
(In thousands, except percentages and per share information) |
| |||||||||||
Net operating revenue | $ | 24,967 | $ | 22,301 | $ | 2,666 |
| 12.0 | % | |||
Station operating expenses |
| 20,568 |
| 18,923 |
| 1,645 |
| 8.7 | % | |||
Corporate general and administrative |
| 2,694 |
| 2,438 |
| 256 |
| 10.5 | % | |||
Other operating (income) expense, net | (5) | 57 | (62) |
| N/M | |||||||
Operating income |
| 1,710 |
| 883 |
| 827 |
| 93.7 | % | |||
Interest expense |
| 32 |
| 73 |
| (41) |
| (56.2) | % | |||
Interest income |
| (4) |
| (6) |
| 2 |
| (33.3) | % | |||
Other income |
| (2) |
| (272) |
| 270 |
| N/M | ||||
Income before income tax expense |
| 1,684 |
| 1,088 |
| 596 |
| N/M | ||||
Income tax expense |
| 480 |
| 330 |
| 150 |
| 45.5 | % | |||
Net income | $ | 1,204 | $ | 758 | $ | 446 |
| 58.8 | % | |||
Earnings per share (diluted) | $ | 0.20 | $ | 0.13 | $ | 0.07 |
| 53.8 | % |
N/M = Not Meaningful
For the three months ended March 31, 2022, consolidated net operating revenue was $24,967,000 compared with $22,301,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2021, an increase of $2,666,000 or 12.0%. The increase in revenue in the first quarter of 2022 was attributable to lower-than-normal revenue in in the first quarter of 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. We had increases in gross local revenue of $1,837,000, gross interactive revenue of $752,000, non-spot gross revenue of $340,000, partially offset by a decrease in gross national revenue of $178,000 and an increase in agency commissions of $79,000, from the first quarter of 2021. The increases in gross local revenue and agency commissions occurred in the majority of our markets, with the most significant increases being at our Charleston, South Carolina; Columbus, Ohio; Ithaca, New York; Manchester, New Hampshire; and Milwaukee, Wisconsin markets. The increase in gross interactive revenue is primarily due to an increase in our streaming and website content revenue. The increase in non-spot gross revenue is primarily due to us hosting events again in 2022, whereas the number of events that were held in the first quarter of 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic was relatively very few. The two markets with the most significant increases in the first quarter in non-spot events were Hilton Head, South Carolina and Yankton, South Dakota. The decrease in gross national revenue was attributable to decreases at the majority of markets due to the focus on local market advertisers offset by increases at our Columbus, Ohio; Manchester, New Hampshire; and Milwaukee, Wisconsin markets.
Station operating expense was $20,568,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2022, compared with $18,923,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2021, an increase of $1,645,000 or 8.7%. The increase in operating expense was primarily a result of increases in sales rating survey expenses, commission expense, healthcare costs, compensation-related expenses, interactive services expenses, barter expenses, music licensing fees and bad debt expenses, of $515,000, $255,000, $168,000, $155,000, $134,000, $133,000, $98,000 and $97,000, respectively, from the first quarter of 2021.
We had operating income for the three months ended March 31, 2022 of $1,710,000 compared to $883,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2021, an increase of $827,000. The increase was a result of the increase in net operating revenue partially offset by the increase in station operating expense, noted above, an increase in corporate general and administrative expenses of $256,000, and a decrease in other operating (income) expense, net of $62,000. The increase in corporate general and administrative expenses was primarily attributable to an increase in travel related expenses, insurance expenses and legal related expenses of $113,000, $100,000 and $61,000, respectively, from first quarter of 2021. In the first quarter of 2022 we recorded a gain on the sale of fixed assets of $5,000 compared to a loss on the sale of fixed assets of $57,000 in the first quarter of 2021 in other operating (income) expense, net.
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We generated net income of $1,204,000 ($0.20 per share on a fully diluted basis) during the three months ended March 31, 2022, compared to $758,000 ($0.13 per share on a fully diluted basis) for the three months ended March 31, 2021, an increase of $446,000. The increase in net income is primarily due to the increase in operating income, described above and a decrease in interest expense of $41,000, partially offset by a decrease in other income of $270,000 and an increase in income tax expense of $150,000. The decrease in interest expense is due to no longer having any debt outstanding, after paying off the remaining balance in the fourth quarter of 2021. The decrease in other income is due to minimal income in 2022 versus a gain on insurance proceeds in the first quarter of 2021, as described in footnote 13 (Other Income). The increase in our income tax expense is due to the increase in income before income tax.
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 (collectively, the “Lenders”) pursuant to a credit agreement of even date (the “Credit Agreement”). The Credit Facility consisted of a $100 million five-year revolving facility (the “Revolving Credit Facility”) and originally matured on August 18, 2020. On June 27, 2018, the Company entered into a Second Amendment to its Credit Facility, (the “Second Amendment”), which had first been amended on September 1, 2017, extending the revolving credit maturity date under the Credit Agreement for five years after the date of the amendment to June 27, 2023. On July 1, 2019, we elected to reduce our Revolving Credit Facility to $70 million. On May 11, 2020, as part of our reincorporation as a Florida corporation, we entered into an assumption agreement and amendment of loan documents. This amendment also included an alternative benchmark rate as a replacement to LIBOR in the event LIBOR is no longer available.. On November 2, 2021, we elected to further reduce our Revolving Credit Facility to $50 million.
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 debt issuance costs related to the Credit Facility were capitalized and are being amortized over the life of the Credit Facility. These debt issuance costs are included in other assets, net in the consolidated balance sheets. As a result of the Second Amendment, the Company incurred an additional $120,000 of transaction fees related to the Credit Facility that were capitalized. The cumulative transaction fees are being amortized over the remaining life of the Credit Facility.
Interest rates under the Credit Facility are payable, at our option, at alternatives equal to LIBOR (0.3320% at March 31, 2022), 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. As previously noted, the May 11, 2020 amendment to the Credit Facility includes an alternative to LIBOR in the event LIBOR is no longer available. 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, 2022) 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.
On October 27, 2021, we used $10 million from funds generated by operations to voluntarily pay down the remaining amount on our Revolving Credit Facility.
We had approximately $50 million of unused borrowing capacity under the Revolving Credit Facility at March 31, 2022.
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Sources and Uses of Cash
During the three months ended March 31, 2022 and 2021, we had net cash flows from operating activities of $5,296,000 and $5,352,000, respectively. We believe that cash flow from operations will be sufficient to meet quarterly debt service requirements for payments of interest and principal under our Credit Facility if we borrow in the future. 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, 2022, we have repurchased 2.2 million shares of our Class A Common Stock for $57.4 million. During the three months ended March 31, 2022, we did not repurchase any shares related to the Buy-Back Program. Given the unprecedented uncertainty surrounding the COVID-19 virus and the resulting economic issues we have halted the directions for any additional buybacks under our plan.
Our capital expenditures, exclusive of acquisitions, for the three months ended March 31, 2022 were $923,000 ($534,000 in 2021). We anticipate capital expenditures in 2022 to be approximately $5.5 million to $6.0 million, which we expect to finance through funds generated from operations.
On July 12, 2021, we entered into an agreement to acquire WIZZ-AM and a translator from P. & M. Radio for $61,800 of which $5,000 was paid in 2021 and the remaining was paid on April 6, 2022 when we closed on the transaction. Management attributes the goodwill recognized in the acquisition to the power of the existing brands in the Greenfield, Massachusetts market as well as synergies and growth opportunities expected through the combination with the Company’s existing stations. The translators are start-up stations and therefore, have no pro forma revenue and expenses.
On January 8, 2021, the Company closed on an agreement to purchase WBQL and W288DQ from Consolidated Media, LLC, for an aggregate purchase price of $175,000, of which $25,000 was paid in 2020 and the remaining $150,000 paid in 2021. Management attributes the goodwill recognized in the acquisition to the power of the existing brands in the Clarksville, Tennessee market as well as synergies and growth opportunities expected through the combination with the Company’s existing stations.
On March 1, 2022, the Company’s Board of Directors declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.16 per share on its Classes A and B Common Stock. This dividend, totaling approximately $970,000, was paid on April 8, 2022 to shareholders of record on March 21, 2022 and was recorded in dividends payable on the Company’s Condensed Consolidated Balance sheet at March 31, 2022.
On December 14, 2021, the Company’s Board of Directors declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.16 per share and special cash dividend of $0.50 per share on its Classes A and B Common Stock. This dividend, totaling approximately $3,988,000, was paid on January 14, 2022 to shareholders of record on December 27, 2021.
On September 28, 2021, the Company’s Board of Directors declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.16 per share on its Classes A and B Common Stock. This dividend, totaling approximately $960,000, was paid on October 22, 2021 to shareholders of record on October 8, 2021.
On June 18, 2021, the Company’s Board of Directors declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.16 per share on its Classes A and B Common Stock. This dividend, totaling approximately $960,000, was paid on July 16, 2021 to shareholders of record on June 30, 2021 and was recorded in dividends payable on the Company’s Condensed Consolidated Balance sheet at June 30, 2021. The Company had previously temporarily suspended the quarterly cash dividend in response to the uncertainty of the ongoing impact of COVID-19 as of June 18, 2020.
We continue to actively seek and explore opportunities for expansion through the acquisitions of additional broadcast properties.
We anticipate that any future acquisitions of radio stations and dividend payments will be financed through funds generated from operations, borrowings under the Credit Agreement, additional debt or equity financing, cash on hand, or a combination thereof. However, there can be no assurances that any such financing will be available on acceptable terms, if at all.
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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, 2021.
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.
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. We are, however, starting to see the effects of higher inflation starting to impact costs of most goods and services. 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, 2021 for a complete discussion of our market risk. There have been no material changes to the market risk information included in our 2021 annual report on Form 10-K.
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 our 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 have been no changes in the Company’s internal controls over financial reporting during the quarter ended March 31, 2022, 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
From time to time, the Company may be involved in various legal proceedings that are incidental to the Company’s business. In management’s opinion, the Company is not a party to any current legal proceedings that are material to its financial condition, either individually or in the aggregate.
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Item 1A. Risk Factors
There have been no material changes to the risk factors previously disclosed in response to Part 1, “Item 1A. Risk Factors,” of our annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2021.
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, 2022.
Total Number | Approximate | |||||||||
of | Dollar | |||||||||
Shares | Value of | |||||||||
Purchased | Shares | |||||||||
Total | Average | as Part of | that May Yet be | |||||||
Number | Price | Publicly | Purchased | |||||||
of Shares | Paid per | Announced | Under the | |||||||
Period |
| Purchased (1) |
| Share |
| Program |
| Program(2) | ||
January 1 - January 31, 2022 | — | $ | — | — | $ | 18,350,169 | ||||
February 1 - February 28, 2022 | — | $ | — | — | $ | 18,350,169 | ||||
March 1 - March 31, 2022 | — | $ | — | — | $ | 18,350,169 | ||||
Total |
| — | $ | — |
| — | $ | 18,350,169 |
(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. |
Item 6. Exhibits
31.1 |
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31.2 | ||
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32 | ||
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101.INS | Inline XBRL Instance Document (the instance document does not appear in the Interactive Data File because its XBRL tags are embedded within the Inline XBRL document) | |
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101.SCH | Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document | |
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101.CAL | Inline XBRL Taxonomy Calculation Linkbase Document | |
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101.DEF | Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document | |
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101.LAB | Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document | |
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101.PRE | Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document | |
(104) | Cover Page Interactive Data File (formatted as inline XBRL and contained in Exhibit 101) |
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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. |
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Date: May 6, 2022 | /s/ SAMUEL D. BUSH |
| Samuel D. Bush |
| Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer (Principal Financial Officer) |
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Date: May 6, 2022 | /s/ CATHERINE A. BOBINSKI |
| Catherine A. Bobinski |
| Senior Vice President, Chief Accounting Officer and Corporate Controller (Principal Accounting Officer) |
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