UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM
(Mark One)
QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 |
For the Quarterly Period ended
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
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
(State or other jurisdiction of | (I.R.S. Employer |
|
|
(
(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 |
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.
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).
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 ◻ | 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
The number of shares of the registrant’s Class A Common Stock, $.01 par value, outstanding as of May 6, 2025 was
INDEX
Page | |
3 | |
3 | |
Condensed consolidated balance sheets — March 31, 2025 and December 31, 2024 | 3 |
Condensed consolidated statements of operations — Three months ended March 31, 2025 and 2024 | 4 |
5 | |
Condensed consolidated statements of cash flows — Three months ended March 31, 2025 and 2024 | 6 |
Notes to unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements | 7 |
Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations | 21 |
Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk | 28 |
28 | |
30 | |
30 | |
30 | |
Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds | 30 |
30 | |
31 | |
32 | |
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, | ||||
2025 | 2024 |
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| (Unaudited) |
| (Note) | ||||
(In thousands) | |||||||
Assets |
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Current assets: | |||||||
Cash and cash equivalents | $ | | $ | | |||
Short-term investments | | | |||||
Accounts receivable, net |
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Prepaid expenses and other current assets |
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Barter transactions |
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Total current assets |
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Property and equipment |
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Less accumulated depreciation |
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Net property and equipment |
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Other assets: |
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Broadcast licenses |
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Goodwill |
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Other intangibles, right of use assets, deferred costs and investments, net |
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Total assets | $ | | $ | | |||
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Liabilities and shareholders’ equity |
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Current liabilities: |
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Accounts payable | $ | | $ | | |||
Accrued expenses: | |||||||
Accrued payroll and payroll taxes |
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Dividend payable |
| — |
| — | |||
Other accrued expenses |
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Barter transactions |
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Total current liabilities |
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Deferred income taxes |
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Long-term debt |
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Other liabilities |
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Total liabilities |
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Commitments and contingencies (Note 11 and 13) |
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Shareholders’ equity: |
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Common stock |
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Additional paid-in capital |
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Retained earnings |
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Treasury stock |
| ( |
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Total shareholders’ equity |
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Total liabilities and shareholders' equity | $ | | $ | |
Note:
See accompanying notes to unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.
3
SAGA COMMUNICATIONS, INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
| Three Months Ended |
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March 31, |
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| 2025 |
| 2024 |
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(Unaudited) | |||||||
(In thousands, except per share data) | |||||||
Net operating revenue | $ | |
| $ | |
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Station operating expenses |
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Corporate general and administrative |
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Depreciation and amortization |
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Other operating expense, net | | | |||||
Operating loss |
| ( |
| ( |
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Interest expense |
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Interest income |
| ( |
| ( |
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Other income | ( | — | |||||
Loss before income tax expense |
| ( |
| ( |
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Income tax (benefit) expense | |||||||
Current | ( |
| ( |
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Deferred | |
| ( |
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| ( |
| ( |
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Net loss | $ | ( | $ | ( |
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Loss per share: |
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Basic | $ | ( | $ | ( |
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Diluted | $ | ( | $ | ( |
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Weighted average common shares |
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Weighted average common and common equivalent shares |
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Dividends declared per share | $ | | $ | |
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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, 2024 and 2023
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, 2023 | | $ | | | $ | | $ | | $ | | $ | ( | $ | | ||||||||
Net loss, three months ended March 31, 2024 |
| | |
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| ( |
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| ( | |||||||
Dividends declared per common share |
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| ( |
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Compensation expense related to restricted stock awards |
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401(k) plan contribution |
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| ( |
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Balance at March 31, 2024 |
| | $ | |
| | $ | | $ | | $ | | $ | ( | $ | |
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, 2024 | | $ | | | $ | | $ | | $ | | $ | ( | $ | | ||||||||
Net loss, three months ended March 31, 2025 |
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| ( |
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| ( | ||||||
Dividends declared per common share |
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| ( |
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| ( | ||||||
Compensation expense related to restricted stock awards |
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401(k) plan contribution |
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| ( |
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Balance at March 31, 2025 | | $ | |
| | $ | | $ | | $ | | $ | ( | $ | |
See accompanying notes to unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.
5
SAGA COMMUNICATIONS, INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
| Three Months Ended |
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| March 31, |
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| 2025 |
| 2024 |
| |||
(Unaudited) |
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(In thousands) | |||||||
Statement of Cash Flows | |||||||
Cash flows from operating activities: |
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Net loss | $ | ( | $ | ( | |||
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash provided by operating activities: | |||||||
Depreciation and amortization | | | |||||
Deferred income tax (benefit) expense | | ( | |||||
Amortization of deferred costs | | | |||||
Compensation expense related to restricted stock awards | | | |||||
Provision for credit losses | | | |||||
Loss on sale of assets, net | | | |||||
(Gain) on insurance claims | ( | — | |||||
Barter (revenue) expense, net | ( | | |||||
Deferred and other compensation | ( | ( | |||||
Changes in assets and liabilities: | |||||||
Decrease in receivables and prepaid expenses | | | |||||
Increase (decrease) in accounts payable, accrued expenses, and other liabilities | ( | | |||||
Total adjustments | | | |||||
Net cash provided by operating activities | | | |||||
Cash flows from investing activities: |
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Purchase of short-term investments | ( | ( | |||||
Redemption of short-term investments | | | |||||
Acquisition of property and equipment (Capital Expenditures) |
| ( |
| ( | |||
Proceeds from sale and disposal of assets | — | | |||||
Proceeds from insurance claims and other |
| | — | ||||
Other investing activities |
| — |
| ( | |||
Net cash (used in) provided by investing activities |
| ( |
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Cash flows from financing activities: |
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Cash dividends paid |
| ( |
| ( | |||
Net cash used in financing activities |
| ( |
| ( | |||
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents |
| ( |
| ( | |||
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period |
| |
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Cash and cash equivalents, end of period | $ | | $ | |
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, 2025 and the results of operations for the three months ended March 31, 2025 and 2024. Results of operations for three months ended March 31, 2025 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the year ending December 31, 2025.
We own or operate broadcast properties in
For further information, refer to the consolidated financial statements and footnotes thereto included in the Saga Communications, Inc. (the “Company”) annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2024.
We have evaluated events and transactions occurring subsequent to the balance sheet date of March 31, 2025, 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 and the Company’s 2023 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 |
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March 31, |
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| 2025 |
| 2024 |
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(In thousands, except per share data) |
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Numerator: |
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Net loss | $ | ( | $ | ( | ||||
Less: Loss allocated to unvested participating securities |
| ( |
| ( | ||||
Net loss available to common shareholders | $ | ( | $ | ( | ||||
Denominator: |
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Denominator for basic earnings per share — weighted average shares |
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Effect of dilutive securities: |
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Common stock equivalents |
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Denominator for diluted earnings per share — adjusted weighted-average shares and assumed conversions |
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Loss per share: |
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Basic | $ | ( | $ | ( | ||||
Diluted | $ | ( | $ | ( |
There were
Financial Instruments
We account for marketable securities in accordance with ASC 320, “Investments – Debt Securities,” which require that certain debt securities be classified into one of three categories: held-to-maturity, available-for-sale, or trading securities, and depending upon the classification, value the security at amortized cost or fair market value. At March 31, 2025 and December 31, 2024, we have recorded $
Our financial instruments are comprised of cash and cash equivalents, short-term investments, 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 secured overnight finance rate (“SOFR”), prime rate or have been reset at the prevailing market rate at March 31, 2025.
8
SAGA COMMUNICATIONS, INC.
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – (Continued)
Allowance for Credit Losses
A provision for credit losses 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 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 credit losses was $
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| Write Off of |
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Balance | Charged to | Uncollectible | Balance at | |||||||||
at Beginning | Costs and | Accounts, Net of | End of | |||||||||
Three Months Ended |
| of Period |
| Expenses |
| Recoveries |
| Period | ||||
(in thousands) | ||||||||||||
March 31, 2025 | $ | | $ | | $ | ( | $ | |
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 and permanent differences related to executive compensation. 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
9
SAGA COMMUNICATIONS, INC.
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – (Continued)
Significant departmental expenses included in station operating expenses for the three months ended March 31, 2025 and 2024 are as follows:
Three Months Ended March 31, | ||||||
2025 |
| 2024 | ||||
(In thousands, except per share data) | ||||||
Programming and Technical | $ | |
| $ | | |
Station General and Administrative |
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Selling |
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Interactive | | | ||||
Other (1) |
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Station Operating Expense | $ | | $ | | ||
(1) Other includes production and news departments, advertising and promotional expense. |
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.
Reclassifications
Certain prior period amounts have been reclassified to conform to the current year presentation. These reclassifications has no effect on previously reported net loss, total assets, cash flows or shareholder’s equity.
2. Recent Accounting Pronouncements
New Accounting Pronouncements
In December 2023, the FASB issued ASU 2023-09, “Income Taxes (Topic 740): Improvements to Income Tax Disclosures” (“ASU 2023-09”), which requires expanded disclosure of our income rate reconciliation and income taxes paid. ASU 2023-09 is effective for us for annual periods beginning after January 1, 2025. We are currently evaluating the impact ASU 2023-09 will have on our financial statement disclosures.
In November 2024, the FASB issued ASU 2024-03, “Income Statement - Reporting Comprehensive Income - Expense Disaggregation Disclosures (Subtopic 220-40): Disaggregation of Income Statement Expenses (DISE)” (“ASU 2024-03”), which requires disclosures about specific types of expenses included in the expense captions presented on the face of the income statement as well as disclosures about selling expenses on an annual and interim basis. In January 2025, the FASB issued ASU 2025-01 clarifying the effective date for ASU-2024-03. ASU 2024-03 is effective for us for annual periods beginning January 1, 2027 and interim periods beginning after January 1, 2028. We are currently evaluating the impact ASU 2024-03 will have on our financial statement disclosures.
10
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.
Interactive Advertising Revenue
We recognize revenue from our digital initiatives across multiple platforms such as targeted digital advertising, search engine management, search engine optimization, online promotions, advertising on our online news sites, websites and digital audio streams, 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. Digital audio stream revenue is recognized when the commercial spots have streamed. Third-party products such as targeted display advertising are recognized over time as digital items are used for advertising content and impression targets are met each month. The Company assesses each digital order to determine if the Company is operating as the principal or an agent. The Company currently operates as the principal for interactive revenue.
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, 2025 and 2024:
| Three Months Ended |
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March 31, |
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| 2025 |
| 2024 |
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(in thousands) |
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Types of Revenue |
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Broadcast Advertising Revenue, net | $ | | $ | | ||||
Digital Advertising Revenue |
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Other Revenue |
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Net Revenue | $ | | $ | |
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.
11
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. The income approach is used and it is based upon a discounted cash flow analysis incorporating significant assumptions such as projected revenues including a projected long-term growth rate, projected operating margins, projected general and administrative expenses and a discount rate appropriate for the industry. If the fair value of our reporting unit is less than the carrying amount, the Company will recognize an impairment charge for the amount by which the carrying amount exceeds our reporting unit’s fair value. The loss recognized will not exceed the total amount of goodwill allocated to our reporting unit.
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, 2025. 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
12
SAGA COMMUNICATIONS, INC.
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – (Continued)
5. Common Stock and Treasury Stock
As previously disclosed, the passing of our founder and former Chairman, President and CEO Edward K. Christian, and the resultant transfer of his Class B shares into an estate planning trust resulted in an automatic conversion of each Class B share he held into
Dividends. Shareholders are entitled to receive such dividends as may be declared by our Board of Directors out of funds legally available for such purpose. However, no dividend may be declared or paid in cash or property on any share of any class of Common Stock unless simultaneously the same dividend is declared or paid on each share of the other class of common stock. In the case of any stock dividend, holders of Class A Common Stock are entitled to receive the same percentage dividend (payable in shares of Class A Common Stock) as the holders of Class B Common Stock receive (payable in shares of Class B Common Stock).
Voting Rights. Holders of shares of Common Stock vote as a single class on all matters submitted to a vote of the stockholders, with each share of Class A Common Stock entitled to
Prior to Mr. Christian’s passing, in the election of directors, the holders of Class A Common Stock, voting as a separate class, were entitled to elect
The holders of the Common Stock vote as a single class with respect to any proposed “going private” transaction with the principal stockholder or an affiliate of the principal stockholder, with each share of each class of Common Stock entitled to
Under Florida law, the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the outstanding shares of any class of common stock is required to approve, among other things, a change in the designations, preferences and limitations of the shares of such class of common stock.
Liquidation Rights. Upon our liquidation, dissolution, or winding-up, the holders of Class A Common Stock are entitled to share ratably in accordance with the number of shares held in all assets available for distribution after payment in full of creditors.
The following summarizes information relating to the number of shares of our common stock issued in connection with stock transactions through March 31, 2025:
| Common Stock Issued | |||
| Class A |
| Class B | |
(Shares in thousands) | ||||
Balance, January 1, 2024 | | | ||
Issuance of restricted stock |
| |
| |
Forfeiture of restricted stock |
| ( |
| |
Balance, December 31, 2024 |
| |
| |
Balance, March 31, 2025 |
| |
| |
We have a Stock Buy-Back Program to allow us to purchase up to $
13
SAGA COMMUNICATIONS, INC.
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – (Continued)
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. We halted the directions for any additional buybacks under our plan in 2020. We continue to monitor economic conditions to determine if and when it makes sense to make additional buybacks under our plan. During the three months ended March 31, 2025 and 2024,
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
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 $
Lease expense includes cost for leases with terms in excess of one year. For the three months ended March 31, 2025 and 2024, our total lease expense was $
We have no financing leases and minimum annual rental commitments under non-cancellable operating leases consisted of the following at March 31, 2025 (in thousands):
Years Ending December 31, |
| ||
2025 (a) |
| $ | |
2026 |
| | |
2027 |
| | |
2028 |
| | |
2029 |
| | |
Thereafter |
| | |
Total lease payments (b) |
| | |
Less: Interest (c) |
| | |
Present value of lease liabilities (d) | $ | |
(a) | Remaining payments are for the nine-months ending December 31, 2025. |
14
SAGA COMMUNICATIONS, INC.
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – (Continued)
(b) | Lease payments include options to |
(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 |
7. Acquisitions and Dispositions
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.
2025 Dispositions
On February 18, 2025, we submitted a request to the FCC to cancel our FCC license for WVAX-AM located in our Charlottesville, Virginia market. We recorded a $
2024 Acquisitions and Dispositions
On February 13, 2024, we entered into an agreement to purchase the assets of WKOA (FM), WKHY (FM), WASK (FM), WXXB (FM), WASK (AM) and W269DJ from Neuhoff Communications, Inc. serving the Greater Lafayette, Indiana radio market for $
Discount rate |
| % | |
Operating profit margin ranges |
| % | |
Market long-term revenue growth rates |
| % |
On March 29, 2024, we closed on an agreement to sell WYSE-AM, W275CP translator and W248CM translator located in our Asheville, North Carolina market to EZ Radio LLC for $
15
SAGA COMMUNICATIONS, INC.
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – (Continued)
On March 22, 2024, we submitted a request to the FCC to cancel our FCC license for KBAI-AM located in our Bellingham, Washington market. We recorded a $
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet of 2025 and 2024 Acquisitions:
The following unaudited condensed balance sheets represent the estimated fair value assigned to the related assets and liabilities of the 2025 and 2024 acquisitions. The allocation of the purchase price for the 2024 acquisition was final at December 31, 2024.
Saga Communications, Inc.
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet of 2025 and 2024 Acquisitions
Acquisitions in | ||||||
| 2025 |
| 2024 | |||
(In thousands) | ||||||
Assets Acquired: | ||||||
Current assets | $ | — |
| $ | | |
Property and equipment | — |
| | |||
Other assets: | ||||||
Broadcast licenses |
| — |
| | ||
Goodwill |
| — |
| | ||
Other intangibles, deferred costs and investments |
| — |
| | ||
Total other assets |
| — |
| | ||
Total assets acquired |
| — |
| | ||
Liabilities Assumed: |
|
| ||||
Current liabilities |
| — |
| | ||
Total liabilities assumed |
| — |
| | ||
Net assets acquired | $ | — | $ | |
16
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, 2025 and 2024 assume the 2024 acquisitions occurred as of January 1, 2024. 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 that would actually have occurred had the combinations been in effect on the dates indicated or which may occur in the future.
Three Months Ended | ||||||||
| 2025 |
| 2024 |
| ||||
(In thousands, except per share data) | ||||||||
Pro forma Consolidated Results of Operations | ||||||||
Net operating revenue | $ | | $ | | ||||
Station operating expense |
| |
| | ||||
Corporate general and administrative |
| |
| | ||||
Depreciation and amortization |
| |
| | ||||
Other operating expense (income), net |
| |
| | ||||
Operating loss |
| ( |
| ( | ||||
Interest expense |
| |
| | ||||
Interest income |
| ( |
| ( | ||||
Other income, net |
| ( |
| — | ||||
Loss before income tax expense |
| ( |
| ( | ||||
Income tax (benefit) expense | ||||||||
Current | ( | ( | ||||||
Deferred |
| |
| ( | ||||
( | ( | |||||||
Net loss | $ | ( | $ | ( | ||||
Loss per share: | ||||||||
Basic | $ | ( | $ | ( | ||||
Diluted | $ | ( | $ | ( | ||||
8. Income taxes
An income tax benefit of $
17
SAGA COMMUNICATIONS, INC.
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – (Continued)
9. Stock-Based Compensation
2005 Incentive Compensation Plan
On May 13, 2019, our shareholders 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
The number of shares of Common Stock that was allowed to be issued under the Second Restated 2005 Plan was not to exceed
2023 Incentive Compensation Plan
On May 8, 2023, our shareholders approved the 2023 Incentive Compensation Plan (the “2023 Plan”). The 2023 Plan replaces the Second Restated 2005 Plan. The Board of Directors does not intend to make any further awards under the Second Restated 2005 Plan. However, each outstanding award under the Second Restated 2005 Plan will remain outstanding under the Second Restated 2005 Plan and will continue to be governed under its terms and any applicable award agreement. The 2023 Plan allows for the granting of restricted stock, restricted stock units, incentive stock options, nonqualified stock options, and performance awards, including cash to eligible employees and non-employee directors of the Company and its subsidiaries. The number of shares of Common Stock that may be issued under the 2023 Plan may not exceed
Stock-Based Compensation
All stock options granted were fully vested and expensed at December 31, 2012; therefore, there was
There were
The following summarizes the restricted stock transactions for the three months ended March 31, 2025:
Weighted | |||||
Average | |||||
Grant Date | |||||
Fair | |||||
| Shares |
| Value | ||
Outstanding at January 1, 2025 | | $ | | ||
Vested | | | |||
Forfeited | | | |||
Non-vested and outstanding at March 31, 2025 |
| |
| $ | |
18
SAGA COMMUNICATIONS, INC.
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – (Continued)
For the three months ended March 31, 2025 and 2024, we had $
10. Long-Term Debt
Long-term debt consisted of the following:
| March 31, | December 31, | ||||
|
| 2025 |
| 2024 | ||
| (In thousands) | |||||
Revolving credit facility | $ | | $ | | ||
Amounts payable within one year |
| — |
| — | ||
$ | | $ | |
On December 19, 2022, we entered into the Third Amendment to our Credit Facility, (the “Third Amendment”), which extended the maturity date to December 19, 2027, reduced the lenders to JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., and the Huntington National Bank (the “Lenders”), established an interest rate equal to the secured overnight financing rate (“SOFR”) as administered by the SOFR Administrator (currently established as the Federal Reserve Bank of New York) as the interest base and increased the basis points.
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 $
Interest rates under the Credit Facility are payable, at our option, at alternatives equal to SOFR (
The Credit Facility contains a number of financial covenants (all of which we were in compliance with at March 31, 2025) 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 have approximately $
19
SAGA COMMUNICATIONS, INC.
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – (Continued)
11. Litigation
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.
12. Dividends
During 2025, the Company’s Board of Directors declared a quarterly cash dividend on its Class A Common Stock. This dividend totaling approximately $
During 2024, the Company’s Board of Directors declared
The Company currently intends to declare regular quarterly cash dividends as well as variable dividends in accordance with the terms of its variable dividend policy. The Company may also declare special dividends and implementation of stock buybacks in future periods. The declaration and payment of any future dividend, whether fixed, special, or based on the variable policy, or the implementation of any stock buyback program will remain at the full discretion of the Board and will depend on the Company’s financial results, cash requirements, future expectations, and other pertinent factors.
13. Commitments and Contingencies
As previously disclosed Mr. Christian passed away on August 19, 2022. As a result of his passing the Company was required to make several payments to his estate as outlined in his employment agreement, as described in our annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2022. In accordance with ASC 712-10-25, Nonretirement Postemployment Benefits, we accrued all necessary expenses as of September 30, 2022. Under the agreement, the Company is responsible to pay the estate’s income tax obligation relating to the payout of the life insurance policy and as such, recorded $
20
Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
This quarterly report on Form 10-Q contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements may be identified by the use of forward-looking terms such as “will,” “may,” “believes,” “intends,” “expects,” “anticipates,” “plans,” “estimates,” “guidance,” and similar expressions that are intended to identify forward-looking statements that are not historical facts. These statements are made as of the date of this report or as otherwise indicated, based on current expectations. 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 and the advertising revenue they generate; U.S. national and local economic conditions or an economic recession; 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 including royalties we pay; 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 wars in Ukraine and the Middle East, the effects of widespread outbreak of illness or disease, inflation or deflation; increased energy costs; and risk factors described in our annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2024 or elsewhere in this quarterly 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, 2024. 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, 2024.
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.
21
Financial Condition and Results of Operations
General
We are a media company primarily engaged in acquiring, developing and operating broadcast properties including opportunities complimentary to our core radio business including digital, e-commerce and non-traditional revenue initiatives. 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 28 markets, including 82 FM and 31 AM radio stations and 79 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, 2025 and 2024, approximately 90% and 90%, 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 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 political revenue in 2025 to decrease from 2024 levels as a result of less elections at the national, state and local levels.
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 rates 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.
22
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 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 and related benefits costs, 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 continue to execute Saga’s digital strategy focused on the consumer as opposed to the product-oriented, low margin, high attrition offerings that many third-party providers deliver. There has been a significant increase in digital ad spending. Saga’s “Blended Advertising” process focuses on providing our customers with simple digital advertising solutions (SEM, SEO, Targeted Display among others) that are easy to understand and buy in conjunction with radio. These are the same local advertisers that studies show say they trust radio account executives the most for market knowledge and advice but aren’t currently buying digital from us. Our digital strategy focuses on the consumer journey as they Click, Visit, Call and Search. Our Radio Station’s get the advertiser wanted and our digital platform gets the advertiser found and chosen.
23
During the three months ended March 31, 2025 and 2024 and the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, our Charleston, South Carolina: Columbus, Ohio; Des Moines, Iowa; Milwaukee, Wisconsin; and Norfolk, Virginia markets, when combined, represented approximately 34%, 36%, 36% and 37%, 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, |
| ||||||||
| 2025 |
| 2024 |
| 2024 |
| 2023 |
|
| |
Market: |
| |||||||||
Charleston, South Carolina |
| 6 | % | 7 | % | 6 | % | 6 | % |
|
Columbus, Ohio |
| 7 | % | 8 | % | 8 | % | 9 | % |
|
Des Moines, Iowa |
| 4 | % | 5 | % | 5 | % | 5 | % |
|
Milwaukee, Wisconsin |
| 12 | % | 11 | % | 12 | % | 11 | % |
|
Norfolk, Virginia |
| 5 | % | 5 | % | 5 | % | 6 | % |
|
During the three months ended March 31, 2025 and 2024 and the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, the radio stations in our five largest markets, when combined, represented approximately 37%, 38%, 37% and 40%, respectively, of our consolidated station operating income. 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, |
| ||||||||
|
| 2025 |
| 2024 |
| 2024 |
| 2023 |
|
|
Market: | ||||||||||
Charleston, South Carolina |
| 9 | % | 10 | % | 7 | % | 5 | % | |
Columbus, Ohio |
| — | % | 6 | % | 5 | % | 10 | % | |
Des Moines, Iowa |
| (5) | % | 2 | % | 3 | % | 4 | % | |
Milwaukee, Wisconsin |
| 31 | % | 15 | % | 17 | % | 12 | % | |
Norfolk, Virginia |
| 2 | % | 5 | % | 5 | % | 9 | % |
* | Operating income adjusted for corporate general and administrative expenses, depreciation and amortization, other operating (income) expenses, and impairment of intangible assets (a non-GAAP measure). |
24
Three Months Ended March 31, 2025 Compared to Three Months Ended March 31, 2024
Results of Operations
The following table summarizes our results of operations for the three months ended March 31, 2025 and 2024.
Three Months Ended |
| |||||||||||
March 31, | $ Increase | % Increase |
| |||||||||
|
| 2025 |
| 2024 |
| (Decrease) |
| (Decrease) |
| |||
(In thousands, except percentages and per share information) |
| |||||||||||
Net operating revenue | $ | 24,212 | $ | 25,294 | $ | (1,082) |
| (4.3) | % | |||
Station operating expenses |
| 21,963 |
| 22,459 |
| (496) |
| (2.2) | % | |||
Corporate general and administrative |
| 3,167 |
| 3,083 |
| 84 |
| 2.7 | % | |||
Depreciation and amortization | 1,326 |
| 1,198 |
| 128 |
| 10.7 | % | ||||
Other operating expense, net | 54 | 971 | (917) |
| N/M | |||||||
Operating loss |
| (2,298) |
| (2,417) |
| 119 |
| (4.9) | % | |||
Interest expense |
| 107 |
| 43 |
| 64 |
| 148.8 | % | |||
Interest income |
| (222) |
| (303) |
| 81 |
| N/M | ||||
Other income |
| (23) |
| — |
| (23) |
| N/M | ||||
Loss before income tax expense |
| (2,160) |
| (2,157) |
| (3) |
| 0.1 | % | |||
Income tax (benefit) expense | ||||||||||||
Current | (670) |
| (515) |
| (155) |
| 30.1 | % | ||||
Deferred | 85 |
| (65) |
| 150 |
| (230.8) | % | ||||
| (585) |
| (580) |
| (5) |
| 0.9 | % | ||||
Net loss | $ | (1,575) | $ | (1,577) | $ | 2 |
| (0.1) | % | |||
Earnings (loss) per share (diluted) | $ | (0.25) | $ | (0.25) | $ | — |
| — | % |
N/M = Not Meaningful
For the three months ended March 31, 2025, consolidated net operating revenue was $24,212,000 compared with $25,294,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2024, a decrease of $1,082,000 or 4.3%. We had an increase of approximately $595,000 that was attributable to stations that we did not own or operate for the comparable period, offset by a decrease of $1,677,000 generated by stations we owned or operated for the comparable period in 2024 (“same station”). The decrease in same station revenue was primarily a result of decreases in gross local revenue and gross national revenue of $1,815,000 and $432,000 respectively partially offset by increases in gross interactive revenue and non-spot revenue of $342,000 and $97,000, respectively, and a decrease in agency commissions of $198,000 for the comparable period of 2024. The most significant decreases in gross local revenue were at our Clarksville, Tennessee; Columbus, Ohio; Des Moines, Iowa; Ithaca, New York; and Norfolk, Virginia markets. The markets with the most significant decreases in gross national revenue were at our Charleston, South Carolina; Manchester, New Hampshire; Ocala, Florida; Portland, Maine; and Springfield, Massachusetts markets. The decrease in agency commissions is due to the decrease in national and local agency revenue. The increase in gross interactive revenue is primarily due to an increase in our streaming revenue and our website advertising revenue. The increase in our non-spot revenue is mainly due to increases at our Manchester, New Hampshire and Milwaukee, Wisconsin markets.
25
Station operating expense was $21,963,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2025, compared with $22,459,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2024, a decrease of $496,000 or 2.2%. We had an increase of approximately $619,000 that was attributable to stations that we did not own or operate for the entire comparable period, offset by a decrease of $1,115,000 generated by stations we owned or operated for the comparable period in 2024. The decrease in same station operating expense was primarily the result of decreases in compensation-related expenses, bad debt expenses, digital services expenses, advertising and promotional expenses and repairs and maintenance expenses of $633,000, $198,000, $143,000, $63,000 and $52,000, respectively, for the comparable period of 2024.
We had an operating loss for the three months ended March 31, 2025 of $2,298,000 compared to an operating loss of $2,417,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2024, an increase of $119,000. The increase was a result of the decrease in net operating revenue partially offset by a decrease in station operating expense, as noted above, along with an increase in corporate general and administrative expenses of $84,000, and an increase in depreciation and amortization of $128,000 offset by a decrease in other operating expense of $917,000. The increase in corporate general and administrative expenses was primarily comprised of increases in consulting and audit related fees of $116,000, additional expenses related to shareholder activism and a potential proxy contest of $110,000, and computer software and cybersecurity expenses of $48,000 partially offset by a decrease in other legal fees of $166,000 and a decrease in compensation related expenses of $25,000. In addition to the $110,000 spent in the first quarter related to shareholder activism and related matters, we expect to spend additional amounts in the second quarter of 2025. The increase in depreciation and amortization is primarily attributable to stations that we did not own or operate for the entire comparable period. In 2025, we recorded a loss on the sale of fixed assets and intangibles of $54,000 compared to a loss on the sale of fixed assets of $971,000 in 2024. The loss on sale of fixed assets and intangibles recorded in other operating expense in 2024 primarily relates to the sale of WYSE-AM, W275CP translator and W248CM translator located in our Asheville, North Carolina market and the relinquishment of our FCC license for KBAI-AM located in our Bellingham, Washington market, described in footnote 7 (Acquisitions and Dispositions).
We generated a net loss of $1,575,000 ($ (0.25) per share on a fully diluted basis) during the three months ended March 31, 2025, compared to a net loss of $1,577,000 ($ (0.25) per share on a fully diluted basis) for the three months ended March 31, 2024, an increase of $2,000. The increase in net income or decrease in net loss is primarily due to the increase in operating income, described above, an increase in other income of $23,000, and an increase in income tax benefit of $5,000 partially offset by an increase in interest expense of $64,000 and a decrease in interest income of $81,000. The increase in other income was due to insurance proceeds. The increase in the tax benefit is due to a minor increase in our loss before income taxes in 2025. The increase in interest expense is due to the increase in debt outstanding. The decrease in interest income is due to lower interest rates on our short-term investments.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
Debt Arrangements and Debt Service Requirements
On December 19, 2022, we entered into a Third Amendment to our Credit Facility, (the “Third Amendment”), which extended the maturity date to December 19, 2027, reduced the lenders to JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., and the Huntington National Bank (the “Lenders”), established an interest rate equal to the secured overnight financing rate (“SOFR”) as administered by the SOFR Administrator (currently established as the Federal Reserve Bank of New York) as the interest base and increased the basis points.
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. As a result of the Third Amendment, the Company incurred an additional $161,000 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 SOFR (4.41% at March 31, 2025), plus 1% to 2% or the base rate plus 0% to 1%. The spread over SOFR 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
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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. Under the Third Amendment, we now pay quarterly commitment fees of 0.25% per annum on the used portion of the Credit Facility. We previously paid 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, 2025) 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 have $5,000,000 debt outstanding at December 31, 2024 and March 31, 2025 that we borrowed in conjunction with our Lafayette acquisition.
We have approximately $45 million of unused borrowing capacity under the Revolving Credit Facility at both March 31, 2025 and December 31, 2024.
Sources and Uses of Cash
During the three months ended March 31, 2025 and 2024, we had net cash flows from operating activities of $1,364,000 and $3,803,000, respectively. We believe that cash flow from operations will be sufficient to meet quarterly debt service requirements for payments of interest and scheduled payments of 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, 2025, we have repurchased 2.2 million shares of our Class A Common Stock for $58.1 million. During the three months ended March 31, 2025, we did not repurchase any shares related to the Buy-Back Program. We halted the directions issued for any additional buybacks under our plan in 2020. As part of our overall capital allocation plan for fiscal year 2025, we intend to use a portion of the proceeds from the potential sale of non-core assets to fund stock buybacks under the Stock Buy-Back Program, which may include open market purchases, block trades or other forms of buybacks.
Our capital expenditures, exclusive of acquisitions, for the three months ended March 31, 2025 were $696,000 ($1,050,000 in 2024). We anticipate capital expenditures in 2025 to be approximately $4.0 million to $4.5 million, which we expect to finance through funds generated from operations.
On February 13, 2024, we entered into an agreement to purchase the assets of WKOA (FM), WKHY (FM), WASK (FM), WXXB (FM), WASK (AM) and W269DJ from Neuhoff Communications, Inc. serving the Greater Lafayette, Indiana radio market for $5.3 million, subject to certain purchase price adjustments. The Company closed on this transaction on May 31, 2024, using funds from operations and borrowings under our credit agreement of $5,832,000, which included the purchase price of $5,300,000, the purchase of $499,000 in accounts receivable and transactional costs of approximately $121,000 offset by $88,000 in certain closing adjustments.
During 2025, the Company’s Board of Directors declared a quarterly cash dividend on its Class A Common Stock. This dividend totaling approximately $1.6 million was paid during the first quarter of 2025.
During 2024, the Company’s Board of Directors declared four quarterly cash dividends and a variable dividend on its Class A Common Stock. These dividends totaling $1.60 per share and approximately $10.0 million were paid during 2024.
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, 2024.
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, 2024 for a complete discussion of our market risk. There have been no material changes to the market risk information included in our 2024 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, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures were not effective as of March 31, 2025, due to the material weakness in internal control over financial reporting described in our Form 10-K for the period ending December 31, 2024 and below. Disclosure controls and procedures include, without limitation, controls and procedures designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by a company in the reports that it files or submits under the Exchange Act is accumulated and communicated to the company’s management, including its principal executive and principal financial officers, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure. Management recognizes that any controls and procedures, no matter how well designed and operated, can provide only reasonable assurance of achieving their objectives.
At December 31, 2024, management determined that the Company had the following material weakness in its internal control over financial reporting:
Ineffective Controls over Broadcast Revenue Reconciliations – a lack of effectively designed and implemented monitoring controls over recorded broadcast revenue combined with a lack of segregation of duties within the Traffic Management system that did not restrict or monitor users’ access privileges commensurate with their assigned authority and responsibility.
Ineffective Controls over Digital Revenue Reconciliations – a lack of effectively designed and implemented monitoring controls over recorded digital revenue, including procedures over the retention of documentation to ensure existence, completeness and accuracy of data used to support accounts related to revenue and accounts receivable in the financial statement close process.
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These ineffective controls, individually or in the aggregate, could result in misstatements of accounts or disclosures that would result in a material misstatement of the interim or annual Consolidated Financial Statements that would not be prevented or detected.
Plans for Remediation of Material Weakness
Management is actively engaged in the implementation of remediation plans to address the controls contributing to the material weakness. Our remediation plans are outlined in our 2024 Annual Report on Form 10-K. We believe those measures will effectively remediate the control deficiencies, but management is assessing the need for any additional steps to remediate the underlying causes that give rise to this material weakness. The material weakness will not be considered remediated until the applicable controls operate for a sufficient period of time and management has concluded, through testing, that these controls are operating effectively. There is no assurance that additional remediation steps will not be necessary. Accordingly, the material weakness in our internal control over financial reporting has not been fully remediated as of March 31, 2025.
Notwithstanding the identified material weakness, our management believes the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements included in this Form 10-Q fairly present, in all material respects, our results of operations and cash flows for the period ended March 31, 2025 and our financial condition as of such date, in accordance with U.S. GAAP.
Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
Except as set forth above, there were no changes in our internal controls over financial reporting during the fiscal period ended March 31, 2025 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal controls over financial reporting.
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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.
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, 2024.
Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds
We made no unregistered sales of equity securities during the fiscal quarter ended March 31, 2025.
The following table summarizes our repurchases of our Class A Common Stock during the three months ended March 31, 2025.
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, 2025 | — | $ | — | — | $ | 17,686,383 | ||||
February 1 - February 28, 2025 | — | $ | — | — | $ | 17,686,383 | ||||
March 1 - March 31, 2025 | — | $ | — | — | $ | 17,686,383 | ||||
Total |
| — | $ | — |
| — | $ | 17,686,383 |
(1) | All shares were purchased other than through a publicly announced plan or program. The shares were forfeited to the Company for payment of tax withholding obligations related to the vesting of restricted stock. |
(2) | 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 5. Other Information
None of the Company’s directors or executive officers
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Item 6. Exhibits
31.1 |
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31.2 | ||
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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 9, 2025 | /s/ SAMUEL D. BUSH |
| Samuel D. Bush |
| Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer (Principal Financial Officer) |
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Date: May 9, 2025 | /s/ CATHERINE A. BOBINSKI |
| Catherine A. Bobinski |
| Senior Vice President, Chief Accounting Officer and Corporate Controller (Principal Accounting Officer) |
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