Table of Contents

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

Form 10-Q

(Mark One)

þ

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

For the Quarterly Period ended September 30, 2017March 31, 2021

or

¨

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

For the transition period fromto

Commission file number 1-11588

Saga Communications, Inc.Inc.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Delaware
38-3042953

Florida

38-3042953

(State or other jurisdiction of

(I.R.S. Employer

incorporation or organization)

(I.R.S. Employer
Identification No.)

73 Kercheval Avenue

73 Kercheval Avenue
Grosse Pointe Farms, Michigan

48236

(Address of principal executive offices)

48236
(Zip Code)

(313) (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

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. YesþNo¨.

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files). YesþNo¨.

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

Large accelerated filer¨

Accelerated filer þ

Non-accelerated filer¨

Smaller Reporting Company¨

Emerging growth company¨

(Do not check if a smaller
reporting 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¨Noþ

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 November 2, 2017May 5, 2021 was 5,024,8625,042,752 and 882,141,937,641, respectively.

Table of Contents

INDEX

Page

PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION

3

Item 1. Financial Statements (Unaudited)

3

Condensed consolidated balance sheets — September 30, 2017March 31, 2021 and December 31, 20162020

3

Condensed consolidated statements of incomeoperations — Three and nine months ended September 30, 2017March 31, 2021 and 20162020

4

Condensed consolidated statements of stockholders’ equity – Three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020

5

Condensed consolidated statements of cash flows — NineThree months ended September 30, 2017March 31, 2021 and 20162020

5

6

Notes to unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements

6

7

Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

20

18

Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk

30

24

Item 4. Controls and Procedures

31

24

PART II OTHER INFORMATION

31

25

Item 1. Legal Proceedings

31

25

Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

31

25

Item 6. Exhibits

32

26

Signatures

33

EX-31.1
EX-31.2

Signatures

27

EX-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

EX-101 LABELS LINKBASE DOCUMENT
EX-101 PRESENTATION LINKBASE DOCUMENT

2

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PART I — FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1.Financial Statements

SAGA COMMUNICATIONS, INC.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

  September 30,  December 31, 
  2017  2016 
  (Unaudited)  (Note) 
  (In thousands) 
Assets        
Current assets:        
Cash and cash equivalents $81,035  $26,697 
Accounts receivable, net  18,880   17,735 
Prepaid expenses and other current assets  2,026   2,397 
Barter transactions  1,721   1,318 
Current assets of discontinued operations     4,625 
Total current assets  103,662   52,772 
Property and equipment  135,644   134,680 
Less accumulated depreciation  79,299   85,506 
Net property and equipment  56,345   49,174 
Other assets:        
Broadcast licenses, net  94,708   86,622 
Goodwill  15,417   7,407 
Other intangibles, deferred costs and investments, net  7,822   5,975 
Assets of discontinued operations     18,048 
  $277,954  $219,998 
         
Liabilities and stockholders’ equity        
Current liabilities:        
Accounts payable $2,211  $1,618 
Payroll and payroll taxes  6,836   6,954 
Other accrued expenses  26,348   3,198 
Barter transactions  1,394   1,304 
Current portion of long term debt  10,287    
Current liabilities of discontinued operations  292   2,971 
Total current liabilities  47,368   16,045 
Deferred income taxes  31,762   29,741 
Long-term debt  25,000   35,287 
Other liabilities  2,269   2,885 
Liabilities of discontinued operations     1,058 
Total liabilities  106,399   85,016 
Commitments and contingencies      
Stockholders’ equity:        
Common stock  75   74 
Additional paid-in capital  62,157   59,557 
Retained earnings  143,308   108,733 
Treasury stock  (33,985)  (33,382)
Total stockholders’ equity  171,555   134,982 
  $277,954  $219,998 

    

March 31, 

    

December 31, 

2021

2020

    

    

(Unaudited)

    

(Note)

(In thousands)

Assets

    

Current assets:

Cash and cash equivalents

$

56,313

$

51,353

Accounts receivable, net

 

12,670

 

15,732

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

 

2,750

 

2,988

Barter transactions

 

1,152

 

895

Total current assets

 

72,885

 

70,968

Property and equipment

 

142,299

 

142,680

Less accumulated depreciation

 

88,277

 

87,795

Net property and equipment

 

54,022

 

54,885

Other assets:

Broadcast licenses, net

 

90,277

 

90,208

Goodwill

 

19,209

 

19,106

Other intangibles, right of use assets, deferred costs and investments, net

 

11,014

 

11,321

$

247,407

$

246,488

Liabilities and stockholders’ equity

 

Current liabilities:

 

Accounts payable

$

2,341

$

2,212

Accrued payroll and payroll taxes

 

5,730

 

5,660

Other accrued expenses

 

4,780

 

5,267

Barter transactions

 

1,005

 

795

Total current liabilities

 

13,856

 

13,934

Deferred income taxes

 

24,637

 

24,607

Long-term debt

 

10,000

 

10,000

Other liabilities

 

7,050

 

7,405

Total liabilities

 

55,543

 

55,946

Commitments and contingencies

 

 

Stockholders’ equity:

Common stock

 

77

 

77

Additional paid-in capital

 

69,043

 

68,900

Retained earnings

 

159,748

 

158,990

Treasury stock

 

(37,004)

 

(37,425)

Total stockholders’ equity

 

191,864

 

190,542

$

247,407

$

246,488

Note: The balance sheet at December 31, 20162020 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. Certain prior period amounts have been reclassified to conform to the current year presentation.

See notes to unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements. 

3

SAGA COMMUNICATIONS, INC.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME

  Three Months Ended  Nine Months Ended 
  September 30,  September 30, 
  2017  2016  2017  2016 
  (Unaudited) 
  (In thousands, except per share data) 
    
Net operating revenue $30,269  $29,878  $86,685  $88,208 
Station operating expense  21,755   21,775   64,521   64,757 
Corporate general and administrative  3,132   2,728   8,875   8,065 
Other operating expense  (127)  (1,393)  (69)  (1,388)
Operating income from continuing operations  5,509   6,768   13,358   16,774 
Interest expense  254   187   691   548 
Income from continuing operations before tax  5,255   6,581   12,667   16,226 
Income tax expense  2,290   2,678   5,280   6,665 
Income from continuing operations, net of tax  2,965   3,903   7,387   9,561 
Income from discontinued operations, net of tax (Note 5)  30,451   1,511   32,501   3,688 
Net income $33,416  $5,414  $39,888  $13,249 
Basic Earnings per share:                
From continuing operations $.50  $.66  $1.25  $1.63 
From discontinued operations  5.16   .26   5.51   .63 
Basic earnings per share $5.66  $.92  $6.76  $2.26 
                 
Weighted average common shares  5,807   5,755   5,800   5,753 
                 
Diluted Earnings per share:                
From continuing operations $.50  $.66  $1.25  $1.62 
From discontinued operations  5.16   .26   5.51   .63 
Diluted earnings per share $5.66  $.92  $6.76  $2.25 
                 
Weighted average common and common equivalent shares  5,807   5,764   5,804   5,762 
                 
Dividends declared per share $.30  $.30  $.90  $.80 

See notes to unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

4

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SAGA COMMUNICATIONS, INC.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWSOPERATIONS

  Nine Months Ended 
  September 30, 
  2017  2016 
  (Unaudited) 
  (In thousands) 
Cash flows from operating activities:        
Cash provided by operating activities $18,677  $21,020 
Cash flows from investing activities:        
Acquisition of property and equipment  (4,850)  (4,149)
Acquisition of broadcast properties  (25,856)  (12,733)
Proceeds from sale of television stations  69,528    
Proceeds from disposals of fixed assets  417   1,644 
Other investing activities     11 
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities  39,239   (15,227)
Cash flows from financing activities:        
Cash dividends paid  (3,541)  (4,688)
Purchase of treasury shares  (37)  (5)
Other financing activities      
Net cash used in financing activities  (3,578)  (4,693)
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents  54,338   1,100 
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period  26,697   21,614 
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period $81,035  $22,714 

    

Three Months Ended

 

March 31, 

 

    

2021

    

2020

    

(Unaudited)

(In thousands, except per share data)

Net operating revenue

$

22,301

    

$

26,051

  

Station operating expenses

 

18,923

 

22,199

  

Corporate general and administrative

 

2,438

 

3,015

  

Other operating expense (income), net

57

(1,330)

Operating income

 

883

 

2,167

  

Interest expense

 

73

 

108

  

Interest income

 

(6)

 

(108)

  

Other income

(272)

(213)

Income before income tax expense

 

1,088

 

2,380

  

Income tax expense

 

330

 

700

  

Net income

$

758

$

1,680

  

  

Earnings per share:

  

Basic

$

0.13

$

0.28

  

Diluted

$

0.13

$

0.28

  

  

Weighted average common shares

 

5,913

 

5,866

  

Weighted average common and common equivalent shares

 

5,913

 

5,866

  

  

Dividends declared per share

$

0

$

0.32

  

See notes to unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

5

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SAGA COMMUNICATIONS, INC.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

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, 2019

6,771

$

68

954

$

9

$

66,811

$

162,822

$

(37,358)

$

192,352

Net income, three months ended March 31, 2020

 

0

0

 

0

 

0

 

0

 

1,680

 

0

 

1,680

Dividends declared per common share

 

0

 

0

 

0

 

0

 

0

 

(1,919)

 

0

 

(1,919)

Compensation expense related to restricted stock awards

 

0

 

0

 

0

 

0

 

569

 

0

 

0

 

569

Purchase of shares held in treasury

 

0

 

0

 

0

 

0

 

0

 

0

 

(20)

 

(20)

401(k) plan contribution

 

0

 

0

 

0

 

0

 

(131)

 

0

 

382

 

251

Balance at March 31, 2020

 

6,771

$

68

 

954

$

9

$

67,249

$

162,583

$

(36,996)

$

192,913

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

 

0

 

0

 

0

 

0

 

0

 

758

 

0

 

758

Compensation expense related to restricted stock awards

 

0

 

0

 

0

 

0

 

343

 

0

 

0

 

343

401(k) plan contribution

 

0

 

0

 

0

 

0

 

(200)

 

0

 

421

 

221

Balance at March 31, 2021

6,785

$

68

 

938

$

9

$

69,043

$

159,748

$

(37,004)

$

191,864

See notes to unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

5

Table of Contents

SAGA COMMUNICATIONS, INC.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

Three Months Ended

 

March 31, 

 

     

2021

     

2020

    

(Unaudited)

 

(In thousands)

Cash flows from operating activities:

    

Net cash provided by operating activities

$

5,352

$

5,065

Cash flows from investing activities:

Acquisition of property and equipment

 

(534)

 

(1,021)

Acquisition of broadcast properties

 

(150)

 

(190)

Proceeds from sale and disposal of assets

22

Proceeds from insurance claims

 

272

213

Other investing activities

 

(2)

 

8

Net cash used in investing activities

 

(392)

 

(990)

Cash flows from financing activities:

Cash dividends paid

 

 

(1,797)

Purchase of treasury shares

 

 

(20)

Net cash used in financing activities

 

 

(1,817)

Net increase in cash and cash equivalents

 

4,960

 

2,258

Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period

 

51,353

 

44,034

Cash and cash equivalents, end of period

$

56,313

$

46,292

See notes to unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

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Table of Contents

SAGA COMMUNICATIONS, INC.

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

1. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Basis of Presentation

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

In our opinion, the accompanying financial statements include all adjustments of a normal, recurring nature considered necessary for a fair presentation of our financial position as of September 30, 2017March 31, 2021 and the results of operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017March 31, 2021 and 2016.2020. Results of operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017March 31, 2021 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the year ending December 31, 2017.

2021.

We own or operate broadcast properties in 2627 markets, including 7579 FM and 3335 AM radio stations.

On May 9, 2017 the Company entered into an agreement to sell the Joplin, Missouristations and Victoria, Texas television stations. The disposition closed on September 1, 2017. The historical results of operations for the television stations are presented in discontinued operations for all periods presented (see Note 5). Unless indicated otherwise, the information in the notes to the accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements relates to the Company’s continuing operations. As a result of the Company’s television stations sale, the Company only has one reportable segment at September 30, 2017.

79 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, 2016.2020.

The Company hasWe have evaluated events and transactions occurring subsequent to the balance sheet date of September 30, 2017,March 31, 2021, for items that should potentially be recognized in these financial statements or discussed within the notes to the financial statements.

6

SAGA COMMUNICATIONS, INC.

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL

STATEMENTS — (Continued)

Earnings Per Share Information

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

7

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SAGA COMMUNICATIONS, INC.

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – (Continued)

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

  Three Months Ended 
September 30,
  Nine Months Ended 
September 30,
 
  2017  2016  2017  2016 
  (In thousands, except per share data) 
Numerator:                
Income from continuing operations $2,965  $3,903  $7,387  $9,561 
Less: Income allocated to unvested participating securities  51   72   126   176 
Income from continuing operations available to common stockholders $2,914  $3,831  $7,261  $9,385 
                 
Income from discontinued operations $30,451  $1,511  $32,501  $3,688 
Less: Income allocated to unvested participating securities  520   28   556   68 
Income from discontinued operations available to common stockholders $29,931  $1,483  $31,945  $3,620 
                 
Net income available to common stockholders $32,845  $5,314  $39,206  $13,005 
                 
Denominator:                
Denominator for basic earnings per share — weighted average shares  5,807   5,755   5,800   5,753 
Effect of dilutive securities:                
Common stock equivalents     9   4   9 
Denominator for diluted earnings per share — adjusted weighted-average shares and assumed conversions  5,807   5,764   5,804   5,762 
                 
Basic earnings per share:                
From continuing operations $.50  $.66  $1.25  $1.63 
From discontinued operations  5.16   .26   5.51   .63 
Basic earnings per share $5.66  $.92  $6.76  $2.26 
                 
Diluted earnings per share                
From continuing operations $.50  $.66  $1.25  $1.62 
From discontinued operations  5.16   .26   5.51   .63 
Diluted earnings per share $5.66  $.92  $6.76  $2.25 

Three Months Ended

 

 

March 31, 

 

 

    

2021

    

2020

    

    

(In thousands, except per share data)

 

Numerator:

 

  

 

  

Net income

$

758

$

1,680

Less: Income allocated to unvested participating securities

 

8

 

37

Net income available to common stockholders

$

750

$

1,643

Denominator:

 

 

Denominator for basic earnings per share — weighted average shares

 

5,913

 

5,866

Effect of dilutive securities:

 

 

Common stock equivalents

 

0

 

0

Denominator for diluted earnings per share — adjusted weighted-average shares and assumed conversions

 

5,913

 

5,866

Earnings per share:

 

 

Basic

$

0.13

$

0.28

Diluted

$

0.13

$

0.28

The number ofThere were 0 stock options outstanding that had an antidilutive effect on our earnings per share calculation for the three months ended March 31, 2021 and therefore have been excluded from2020, respectively. The actual effect of these shares, if any, on the diluted earnings per share calculation was 0 forwill vary significantly depending on the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 0 forfluctuation in the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016, respectively. All stock options were exercised during the second quarter of 2017 and there were no stock options outstanding at September 30, 2017.price.

7

SAGA COMMUNICATIONS, INC.

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL

STATEMENTS — (Continued)

Financial Instruments

Our financial instruments are comprised of cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, accounts payable and long-term debt. The carrying value of cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable and accounts payable approximate fair value due to their short maturities. The carrying value of long-term debt approximates fair value as it carries interest rates that either fluctuate with the euro-dollar rate, prime rate or have been reset at the prevailing market rate at September 30, 2017.March 31, 2021.

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 the COVID-19 pandemic. In the event we recover amounts previously written off, we will reduce the specific allowance for credit loss. Our allowance for doubtful accounts was $528,000 and $648,000 at March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, respectively.

8

Table of Contents

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 NaN radio markets (reporting units) that aggregate into 1 operating segment (Radio), which also qualifies as a reportable segment. We operate under 1 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 (“TBA’s”TBAs”) or Local Marketing Agreements (“LMA’s”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 TBA’s/LMA’sTBAs/LMAs are included in the accompanying unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income. At September 30, 2017 we had no TBA’s/LMA’sAssets and liabilities related to the TBAs/LMAs are included in place.the accompanying unaudited Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets.

2. Recent Accounting Pronouncements

Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements

In November 2015, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2015-17,“Income Taxes (Topic 740), Balance Sheet Classification of Deferred Taxes” (“ASU 2015-17”), which requires companies to classify all deferred tax assets and liabilities as noncurrent on the balance sheet instead of separating deferred taxes into current and noncurrent amounts. This amendment was adopted on January 1, 2017 on a retrospective basis. As a result we have reclassified approximately $1,022,000 of current deferred tax assets into the noncurrent deferred tax liability line item within the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet for the period ended December 31, 2016.

In March 2016,2019, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-09,2019-12, “"Compensation - Stock CompensationIncome Taxes (Topic 718)740): Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting"Simplifying the Accounting for Incomes Taxes” (" (“ASU 2016-09"2019-12”), which includes multiple amendmentsis intended to simplify various aspects of share-based payment accounting. Amendmentsrelated to accounting for income taxes. ASU 2019-12 removes certain exceptions to the timing of when excess tax benefits are recognized, minimum statutory withholding requirements,general principles in Topic 740 and forfeitures will be applied using a modified retrospective transition method through a cumulative-effect adjustment to equity as of the beginning of the period of adoption. Amendments to the presentation of employee taxes paid on the statement of cash flows when an employer withholds shares to meet the minimum statutory withholding requirement will be applied retrospectively, and amendments requiring the recognition of excess tax benefits and tax deficiencies in the income statement are to be applied prospectively. This amendment was adopted on January 1, 2017 and did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.

8

SAGA COMMUNICATIONS, INC.

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL

STATEMENTS — (Continued)

Recent Accounting Pronouncements – Not Yet Adopted

In May 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-09,“Compensation – Stock Compensation (Topic 718), Scope of Modification Accounting)” (“ASU 2017-09”) which clarifies when changes to the terms or conditions of a share-based payment award must be accounted for as modifications. The new guidance will reduce diversity in practice and result in fewer changes to the terms of an award being accounted for as modifications. ASU 2017-09 will be applied prospectively to awards modified on or after the adoption date. The guidance is effective for annual periods, and interim periods within those annual periods beginning after December 15, 2017, with early adoption permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the impact that this standard will have on our consolidated financial statements.

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

In August 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-15, “Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments (Topic 230): Statement of Cash Flows”(“ASU 2016-15”), which clarifies how entities should classify certain cash receipts and cash payments on the statement of cash flows. ASU 2016-15 also clarifies howand amends existing guidance regarding the predominance principle should be applied when cash receiptstax treatment of certain franchise taxes, goodwill and cash payments have aspects of more than one class of cash flows.nontaxable entities, among other items to improve consistent application. ASU 2016-152019-12 is effective for fiscal years and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2017.2020. The Company is currently evaluating the impact that this standard will have on our consolidated financial statements.

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

In February 2016, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2016-02,“Leases (Topic 842)” (“ASU 2016-02”)¸which requires that all leases with a term of more than one year, covering leased assets such as real estate, broadcasting towers and equipment, be reflected on the balance sheet as assets and liabilities for the rights and obligations created by these leases. ASU 2016-02 is effective for fiscal years fiscal years and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2018.While the Company is currently reviewing the effects of this guidance, the Company believes that this would result in an increase in the assets and liabilities reflected on the Company’s consolidated balance sheets. We are still evaluating the impact on our consolidated statements of operations.

In May 2014, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2014-09,“Revenue from Contracts with Customers”(“ASU 2014-09”), which provides guidance for the recognition, measurement and disclosure of revenue resulting from contracts with customers and will supersede virtually all of the current revenue recognition guidance under GAAP. The FASB has also issued a number of updates to this standard. This standard is effective for the fiscal and interim periods beginning January 1, 2018. The Company has completed our preliminary analysis of the standard, our evaluation of contracts and the potential impact ofadopted this standard on our consolidated financial statements. Based on our preliminary assessment, which is subject to change, theJanuary 1, 2021 and there was no material impact as a result of this guidance should not be material to the Company’s financial position, resultsadoption.

9

Table of operations or cash flows. We plan to adopt the new guidance using the modified retrospective method. Contents

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 the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020:

Three Months Ended

 

 

March 31, 

 

 

    

2021

    

2020

    

     

(in thousands)

 

 

Types of Revenue

    

    

Broadcast Advertising Revenue, net

$

20,007

$

23,754

Digital Advertising Revenue

 

1,000

 

858

Other Revenue

 

1,294

 

1,439

Net Revenue

$

22,301

$

26,051

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.

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SAGA COMMUNICATIONS, INC.

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  (Continued)

Transaction Price Allocated to the Remaining Performance Obligations

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

4. Broadcast License, Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets

We evaluate our FCC licenses and goodwill for impairment annually as of October 1st or more frequently if events or changes in circumstances indicate that the asset might be impaired. FCCWe 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 evaluatedbroadcast 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 impairment atan 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 level usingand the related market share and profit margin of an average station within a direct method.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.

As of March 31, 2021 we performed a high-level qualitative assessment and determined it was not necessary to complete an interim impairment test. After our low point in Q2 2020, our revenue has been increasing and our analysis as of September 30, 2020 is still our best estimate of future revenues. During the first quarter of 2021, we have had no further triggering events and therefore did not perform any additional impairment calculations for goodwill or our broadcast licenses. We will continue to monitor potential triggering events and perform the appropriate analysis when deemed necessary.

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.

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. 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 fourfive to twenty-six years. Other intangibles are amortized over one to fifteen years. Customer relationships are amortized over three years.

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Table of Contents

4.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 September 30, 2017:March 31, 2021:

Common Stock Issued

    

Class A

    

Class B

 Common Stock Issued 
 Class A  Class B 
 (Shares in thousands) 
Balance, January 1, 2016  6,603   865 

(Shares in thousands)

Balance, January 1, 2020

6,771

954

Conversion of shares  12   (12)

 

16

 

(16)

Issuance of restricted stock  23   25 

 

0

 

0

Balance, December 31, 2016  6,638   878 
Exercise of stock options  21   8 
Conversion of shares  4   (4)
Forfeiture of restricted stock  (1)   

 

(2)

 

0

Balance, September 30, 2017  6,662   882 

Balance, December 31, 2020

 

6,785

 

938

Balance, March 31, 2021

 

6,785

 

938

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 September 30, 2017,March 31, 2021, we have remaining authorization of $23.3$18.8 million for future repurchases of our Class A Common Stock. On September 14, 2017, the Board of Directors authorized the repurchase of itsour Class A Common Stock under itsour trading plan adopted pursuant to Securities and Exchange Commission Rule 10b5-1.The Rule 10b5-1 repurchase plan allows the Companyus to repurchase itsour shares during periods when itwe would normally not be active in the market due to itsour internal trading blackout periods. Under the plan, the Companywe may repurchase itsour Class A Common Stock in any combination of open market, block transactions and privately negotiated transactions subject to market conditions, legal requirements including applicable SEC regulations (which include certain price, market, volume and timing constraints), specific repurchase instructions and other corporate considerations. Purchases under the plan will beare funded by cash on the Company'sour balance sheet. The plan does not obligate Sagaus to acquire any particular amount of Class A Common Stock. TheOur original purchase authorization iswas effective until September 1, 2018 but may be suspended,and has been extended several times, with the most recent 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, 2021 and 2020, approximately 0 and 800 shares, respectively, were repurchased for $0 and $20,000 respectively, related to 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 amendedmore options to renew. 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 timeresidual value guarantees or material restrictive covenants. As of March 31, 2021, 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 $6.3 million and $6.6 million at March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020 respectively. Lease liabilities were $6.6 million and $6.9 million at March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, respectively. During the Company's discretion.three months ended March 31, 2021, we recorded additional ROU assets under operating leases of $35,000. Payments on lease liabilities during the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020 totaled $469,000, and $457,000, respectively.

Lease expense includes cost for leases with terms in excess of one year. For the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020, our total lease expense was $440,000, and $433,000, respectively. Short-term lease costs are de minimus.

10

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SAGA COMMUNICATIONS, INC.

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – (Continued)

STATEMENTS — (Continued)

5. Discontinued Operations

On May 9, 2017 we entered into a definitive agreement to sell our Joplin, MissouriWe have no financing leases and Victoria, Texas television stations (“Television Sale”) for approximately $66.6 million, subject to certain adjustments, to Evening Telegram Company d/b/a Morgan Murphy Media. The Television Sale was completed on September 1, 2017 and the Company received net proceeds of $69.5 million which included the sales price of $66.6 million, and the proceeds from sale of related accounts receivable of approximately $3.4 million, offset by certain closing adjustments and transactional costs of $500 thousand. The Company recognized a pretax gain of $50.8 million as a resultminimum annual rental commitments under non-cancellable operating leases consisted of the Television Sale in the third quarter of 2017. The gain net of tax for the Television Sale was $29.9 million. Effective September 1, 2017, the Company used $24.2 million of the proceeds from the Television Sale to finance the acquisition of radio stations in South Carolina, which included the purchase price of $23 million, the purchase of $1.3 million in accounts receivable offset by certain closing adjustments and transactional costs of approximately $50,000 (as described in Note 6). On October 5, 2017 and November 3, 2017, the Company used $5,287,000 and $5,000,000 respectively of the proceeds from the Television Sale to pay down a portion of its Revolving Credit Facility (as defined and described in Note 8).

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

The following table shows the components of the results from discontinued operations associated with the Television Sale as reflected in the Company’s unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operationsat March 31, 2021 (in thousands):

  Three Months Ended
September 30,
  Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 
  2017(4)  2016  2017(4)  2016 
             
Net operating revenue $3,296  $6,241  $14,238  $17,094 
Station operating expense(1)  2,372   3,684   9,727   10,807 
Other operating (income) expense        31   3 
Operating income  924   2,557   4,480   6,284 
Interest Expense(2)  5   9   21   26 
Income before income taxes  919   2,548   4,459   6,258 
Pretax gain on the disposal of discontinued operations  50,842      50,842    
Total pretax gain on discontinued operations  51,761   2,548   55,301   6,258 
Income tax expense(3)  21,310   1,037   22,800   2,570 
Income from discontinued operations, net of tax $30,451  $1,511  $32,501  $3,688 

Years Ending December 31, 

    

2021 (a)

    

$

1,309

2022

 

1,692

2023

 

1,368

2024

 

1,054

2025

 

657

Thereafter

 

1,572

Total lease payments (b)

 

7,652

Less: Interest (c)

 

1,065

Present value of lease liabilities (d)

$

6,587

(a)(1)No depreciation expense was recorded byRemaining payments are for the Company beginning May 9, 2017, the date the Television segment assets’ were held for sale.nine-months ending December 31, 2021
(b)(2)Interest expense relatedLease payments include options to Surtsey Media, LLC debtextend lease terms that is guaranteed by the Television stations. Our affiliate repaid this loan when the television stationsare reasonably certain of being exercised. There were sold on September 1, 2017.no legally binding minimum lease payments for leases signed but not yet commenced at March 31, 2021.
(c)(3)The effective tax rates on pretax income from discontinued operations were 41%.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)(4)Results of operations for the Television stations are reflected through AugustThe weighted average remaining lease term and weighted average discount rate used in calculating our lease liabilities were 6.3 years and 4.3%, respectively, at March 31, 2017. The effective date of the sale was September 1, 2017.2021.

11

SAGA COMMUNICATIONS, INC.

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL

STATEMENTS — (Continued)

The following table is a summary of the assets and liabilities of discontinued operations (in thousands):

  September 30,
2017
  December 31,
2016
 
Major Classes of Current Assets of Discontinued Operations        
Accounts receivable $  $3,868 
Prepaid expenses and other current assets     625 
Barter transactions     132 
Total of current assets of discontinued operations $  $4,625 
         
Major Classes of Non-Current Assets of Discontinued Operations        
Property and equipment, net(1) $  $7,388 
Broadcast licenses, net(1)     9,607 
Other intangibles, deferred costs and investments, net(1)     1,053 
Total of non-current assets of discontinued operations $  $18,048 
Total Assets Classified as Part of Discontinued Operations in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets $  $22,673 
         
Major Classes of Current Liabilities of Discontinued Operations        
Accounts payable $84  $759 
Barter transactions     163 
Current portion of long term debt     1,078 
Other liabilities(1)  208   971 
Total of current liabilities of discontinued operations $292  $2,971 
         
Major Classes of Current Liabilities of Discontinued Operations        
Other liabilities(1) $  $1,058 
Total of non-current liabilities of discontinued operations $  $1,058 
Total Liabilities Classified as Part of Discontinued Operations in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets $292  $4,029 
Net Assets Classified as Part of Discontinued Operations in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets $(292) $18,644 

(1)For prior periods, the current and long-term classification of assets and liabilities does not change as they did not meet the held-for-sale criteria the prior periods. We closed the disposition on September 1, 2017, therefore all amounts in the current year are considered current assets or liabilities of discontinued operations.

12

SAGA COMMUNICATIONS, INC.

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL

STATEMENTS — (Continued)

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

  September 30,
2017
  September 30, 
2016
 
Significant operating non-cash items        
Depreciation and amortization(1) $445  $1,023 
Broadcast program rights amortization  418   467 
Barter revenue, net  18   58 
Loss on sale of assets  31   3 
         
Significant investing items        
Acquisition of property and equipment $125  $717 
Proceeds from sale and disposal of assets     13 
Net proceeds from sale of television stations(2)  69,528    

(1)No depreciation expense was recorded by the Company beginning May 9, 2017, the date the Television segment’s assets were held for sale.
(2)Net proceeds from the sale of the television stations reflect the sale price of $66.6 million, and the proceeds from sale of accounts receivable of approximately $3.4 million, offset by certain closing adjustments and transactional costs of approximately $500 thousand.

6.7. 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 acquisitionacquisitions 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.

2021 Acquisitions

2017 Acquisitions and Disposals

On May 9, 2017 we entered into a definitiveJanuary 8, 2021, the Company closed on an agreement to sell our Joplin, Missouripurchase WBQL and Victoria, Texas television stationsW288DQ from Consolidated Media, LLC, for approximately $66.6 million, subject to certain adjustments, to Evening Telegram Company d/b/a Morgan Murphy Media. The Television Sale was completed on September 1, 2017 and the Company received net proceeds of $69.5 million which included the sales price of $66.6 million, and the proceeds from sale of related accounts receivable of approximately $3.4 million, offset by certain closing adjustments and transactional costs of approximately $500 thousand.

On May 9, 2017, the Company entered into an Asset Purchase Agreement with Apex Media Corporation and Pearce Development, LLC f/k/a Apex Real Property, LLC, both Companies of which a member of our Board of directors, G. Dean Pearce, is President of, to purchase radio stations principally serving the South Carolina area for approximately $23 million (subject to certain purchase price adjustments) plus the right to air certain radio commercials, substantially all the assets related to the operation of the following radio stations: WCKN(FM), WMXF(FM), WXST(FM), WAVF(FM), WSPO(AM), W261DG, W257BQ, WVSC(FM), WLHH(FM), WOEZ(FM), W256CB, W293BZ. The Company closed this transaction effective September 1, 2017, simultaneously with the closing of the Television Sale using funds generated from the Television Sale for $24.2 million, which included theaggregate purchase price of $23 million,$175,000, of which $25,000 was paid in 2020 and the purchase of $1.3 millionremaining $150,000 paid in related accounts receivable offset by certain closing adjustments and transactional costs of approximately $50,000.2021. Management attributes the goodwill recognized in the acquisition to the power of the existing brands in the Charleston, South Carolina and Hilton Head, South CarolinaClarksville, 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.

13

2020 Acquisitions

SAGA COMMUNICATIONS, INC.

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL

STATEMENTS — (Continued)

On January 16, 2017, we entered into2, 2020, the Company closed on an asset purchase agreement to purchase W295BL from Basic Holdings, LLC, for an FM radio station (WCVL) from WUVA, Incorporated, servingaggregate purchase price of $200,000, of which $10,000 was paid in 2019 and the Charlottesville, Virginia market for approximately $1,658,000, which included $8,000remaining $190,000 paid in transactional costs. Simultaneously, we entered into a TBA to begin operating the station on February 1, 2017. We completed this acquisition on April 18, 2017. This acquisition was financed through funds generated from operations. Unaudited proforma results of operations for this acquisition are not required, as such information is not material to our financial statements and therefore is not presented in the pro forma tables in the following pages.

2016 Acquisitions

On November 2, 2015, we entered into an agreement to acquire an FM radio station (WLVQ) from Wilks Broadcast - Columbus, LLC, serving the Columbus, Ohio market for approximately $13,791,000, which included $734,000 in accounts receivable and $57,000 in transactional costs. We completed this acquisition on February 3, 2016. We operated this station under an LMA from November 16, 2015 through our completion of the acquisition. This acquisition was financed through funds generated from operations.2020. Management attributes the goodwill recognized in the acquisition to the power of the existing brands in the Columbus, OhioManchester, New Hampshire market as well as the 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

Table of Contents

On March 16, 2016 we acquired an FM translator serving the Portland, Maine market for approximately $50,000. 

On March 25, 2016 we acquired an FM translator serving the Milwaukee, Wisconsin market for approximately $50,000. 

On April 8, 2016 we acquired an FM translator serving the Charlottesville, Virginia market for approximately $100,000.

On April 11, 2016 we acquired an FM translator serving the Clarksville, Tennessee market for approximately $30,000.

On June 3, 2016 we acquired an FM translator serving the Spencer, Iowa market for approximately $35,000.

On August 11, 2016 we acquired two FM translators serving the Bellingham, Washington market for approximately $50,000.

On September 12, 2016 we acquired an FM translator serving the Portland, Maine market for approximately $45,000.

On October 11, 2016 we acquired a FM Translator serving the Bellingham, Washington market for approximately $25,000.

On November 8, 2016 we acquired a FM Translator serving the Des Moines, Iowa market for approximately $25,000.

On November 14, 2016 we acquired a FM Translator serving the Springfield, Illinois market for approximately $23,000.

On December 2, 2016 we acquired a FM Translator serving the Ithaca, New York market for approximately $35,000.

14

SAGA COMMUNICATIONS, INC.

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – (Continued)

STATEMENTS — (Continued)

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet of 20172021 and 20162020 Acquisitions:

The following unaudited condensed balance sheets represent the estimated fair value assigned to the related assets and liabilities of the 20172021 and 2016 acquisitions at their respective acquisition dates. The allocation of the purchase price for the 2017 and 2016 acquisitions is preliminary at September 30, 2017.

2020 acquisitions.

Saga Communications, Inc.

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet of 20172021 and 20162020 Acquisitions

Acquisitions in

    

2021

    

2020

 Acquisitions in 
 2017  2016 
 (In thousands) 

(In thousands)

Assets Acquired:        

Current assets $1,440  $814 
Property and equipment  6,678   375 

$

3

 

$

11

Other assets:        

Broadcast licenses  8,086   8,123 

 

69

 

46

Goodwill  8,011   4,533 

 

103

 

143

Other intangibles, deferred costs and investments  2,019   398 
Total other assets  18,116   13,054 

 

172

 

189

Total assets acquired  26,234   14,243 

 

175

 

200

Liabilities Assumed:        

Current liabilities  378   41 

 

0

 

0

Total liabilities assumed  378   41 

 

0

 

0

Net assets acquired $25,856  $14,202 

$

175

$

200

15

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 $330,000 was recorded for the three months ended March 31, 2021 compared to income tax expense of $700,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2020. The effective tax rate was approximately 30.3% for the three months ended March 31, 2021 compared to 29.4% for the three months ended March 31, 2020. 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

Table of Contents

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 and nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 assume the 2017 and 2016 acquisitions occurred as of January 1, 2016. The translators are start-up stations and therefore, have no pro forma revenue and expenses. The pro forma results give effect to certain adjustments, including depreciation, amortization of intangible assets, increased interest expense on acquisition debt and related income tax effects. The pro forma results have been prepared for comparative purposes only and do not purport to indicate the results of operations which would actually have occurred had the combinations been in effect on the dates indicated or which may occur in the future.

  Three Months Ended 
September 30,
  Nine Months Ended 
September 30,
 
  2017  2016  2017  2016 
    
ProForma Results of Operation                
Net operating revenue $31,546  $31,888  $92,187  $93,993 
Station operating expense  23,000   23,478   69,325   69,874 
Corporate general and administrative  3,132   2,728   8,875   8,065 
Other operating (income) expense, net  (127)  (1,393)  (69)  (1,388)
Operating income  5,541   7,075   14,056   17,442 
Interest expense  254   187   691   548 
Income from continuing operations, before tax  5,287   6,888   13,365   16,894 
Income tax expense  2,430   2,804   5,566   6,939 
Income from continuing operations, net of tax  2,857   4,084   7,799   9,955 
Income from discontinued operations, net of tax  30,451   1,511   32,501   3,688 
Net income $33,308  $5,595  $40,300  $13,643 
                 
Basic earnings per share:                
From continuing operations $.47  $.70  $1.32  $1.70 
From discontinued operations  5.16   .26   5.51   .63 
Basic earnings per share $5.63  $.96  $6.83  $2.33 
                 
Diluted earnings per share:                
From continuing operations $.47  $.70  $1.32  $1.70 
From discontinued operations  5.16   .26   5.51   .63 
Diluted earnings per share $5.63  $.96  $6.83  $2.33 

16

SAGA COMMUNICATIONS, INC.

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL

STATEMENTS — (Continued)

7.9. Stock-Based Compensation

2005 Incentive Compensation Plan

On October 16, 2013 our stockholders approved the Second Amended and Restated Saga Communications, Inc. 2005 Incentive Compensation Plan, (thewhich was amended in 2018 after approval of the amendment by our stockholders at our 2018 annual meeting (as amended, the “Second Restated 2005 Plan”). The 2005 Incentive Compensation Plan, which replaced our 2003 Stock Option Plan, was first approved by stockholders in 2005 and replaced our 2003 Stock Option Plan (the “2003 Plan”). The 2005 Incentive Compensation Plansubsequently this plan was re-approved by stockholders in 2010. The changes made in 2013 in the Second Restated 2005 Plan (i) increasesincreased the number of authorized shares by 233,334 shares of Common Stock, (ii) extendsextended the date for making awards to September 6, 2018, (iii) includesincluded directors as participants, (iv) targetstargeted awards according to groupings of participants based on ranges of base salary of employees and/or retainers of directors, (v) requiresrequired participants to retain 50%50 % of their net annual restricted stock awards during their employment or service as a director, and (vi) includesincluded a clawback provision. The 2018 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 280,000370,000 shares of Class B Common Stock, 900,000990,000 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 280,000370,000 Class A Common Stock issuable upon conversion of Class B Common Stock. Awards denominated in Class A Common Stock may be granted to any employee or director under the Second Restated 2005 Plan. However, awards denominated in Class B Common Stock may only be granted to Edward K. Christian, President, Chief Executive Officer, Chairman of the Board of Directors, and the holder of 100% of the outstanding Class B Common Stock of the Company. Stock options granted under the Second Restated 2005 Plan may be for terms not exceeding ten years from the date of grant and may not be exercised at a price which is less than 100% of the fair market value of shares at the date of grant.

Stock-Based Compensation

All stock options granted were fully vested and expensed at December 31, 2012, therefore there was no0 compensation expense related to stock options for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017March 31, 2021 and the three2020, respectively.

There were 0 options granted during 2021 and nine months ended September 30, 2016, respectively.

The following summarizes the2020 and there were 0 stock option transactions for the Second Restated 2005 Plan and 2003 Plan for the nine months ended September 30, 2017:

        Weighted Average    
     Weighted  Remaining  Aggregate 
  Number of  Average  Contractual Term  Intrinsic 
  Options  Exercise Price  (Years)  Value 
Outstanding at January 1, 2017  29,035  $28.47   0.4  $633,834 
Exercised  (29,035)  28.47         
Outstanding at September 30, 2017    $     $ 
Exercisable at September 30, 2017    $     $ 

17

SAGA COMMUNICATIONS, INC.

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL

STATEMENTS — (Continued)

options outstanding as of March 31, 2021. All outstanding stock options were exercised in 2017.

The following summarizes the restricted stock transactions for the ninethree months ended September 30, 2017:March 31, 2021:

    Weighted
Average
 
    Grant Date
Fair
 
 Shares  Value 
Outstanding at January 1, 2017  103,262  $43.73 

Weighted

Average

Grant Date

Fair

    

Shares

    

 Value   

Outstanding at January 1, 2021

63,755

$

32.90

Vested  (3,434)  43.10 

0

0

Forfeited  (594)  45.39 

0

0

Non-vested and outstanding at September 30, 2017  99,234  $43.75 

Non-vested and outstanding at March 31, 2021

 

63,755

 

$

32.90

For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017March 31, 2021 and the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016,2020 , we had $629,000, $1,761,000, $536,000$343,000 and $1,594,000,$569,000, 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 and nine months ended September 30, 2017March 31, 2021 and the three2020 was $30,000 and nine months ended September 30, 2016, was $252,000, $704,000, $214,000 and $638,000,$58,000, respectively.

15

Table of Contents

8.SAGA COMMUNICATIONS, INC.

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – (Continued)

10. Long-Term Debt

Long-term debt consisted of the following:

March 31, 

December 31, 

    

2021

    

2020

 September 30, December 31, 
 2017  2016 
 (In thousands) 
     

(In thousands)

Revolving credit facility $35,287  $35,287 

$

10,000

$

10,000

Secured debt of affiliate     1,078 
  35,287   36,365 
Amounts payable within one year  10,287    

 

0

 

0

 $25,000  $36,365 

$

10,000

$

10,000

On August 18, 2015, we entered into a new credit facility (the “Credit Facility”) with JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., The Huntington National Bank, Citizens Bank, National Association and J.P. Morgan Securities LLC. In connection with the execution of the Credit Facility, the credit agreement in place at June 30, 2015 (the “Old Credit Agreement”) was terminated, and all outstanding amounts were paid in full. The Credit Facility consists of a $100 million five-year revolving facility (the “Revolving Credit Facility”) and maturesoriginally 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 we entered into an assumption agreement and amendment of loan documents as part of our reincorporation as a Florida corporation. The amendment also included an alternative benchmark rate as a replacement to LIBOR.

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

Approximately $266,000 of transaction feesdebt issuance costs related to the Credit Facility were capitalized and are being amortized over the life of the Credit Facility. Those deferredThese debt issuance costs are included in other assets, net in the condensed 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 (1.25%(0.1250% at September 30, 2017)March 31, 2021), plus 1% to 2% or the base rate plus 0% to 1%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.

18

SAGA COMMUNICATIONS, INC.

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL

STATEMENTS — (Continued)

The Credit Facility contains a number of financial covenants (all of which we were in compliance with at September 30, 2017)March 31, 2021) 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 $65$60 million of unused borrowing capacity under the Revolving Credit Facility at September 30, 2017.March 31, 2021.

On October 5, 2017 and November 3, 2017, the Company used $5,287,000 and $5,000,000, respectively of the proceeds from the Television Sale to pay down a portion of its Revolving Credit Facility. Those amounts were classified as current portion of long term debt at September 30, 2017.

The loan agreement of approximately $1.1 million of secured debt of affiliate was amended in April, 2017 to extend the due date of the loan for three years to mature on May 1, 2020. Our affiliate repaid this loan when the television stations were sold on September 1, 2017.

9.11. 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.

16

Table of Contents

10.SAGA COMMUNICATIONS, INC.

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – (Continued)

12. Dividends

On September 13, 2017,June 18, 2020, the Company’s Board of Directors declared a regularannounced that it was temporarily suspending the quarterly cash dividend in response to the continued uncertainty of $0.30 per share on its Classes A and B Common Stock. This dividend, totaling $1.8 million, which is recorded within Other accrued expenses asthe ongoing impact of September 30, 2017 was paid on October 13, 2017 to shareholders of record on September 25, 2017.

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

COVID-19.

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

On November 21, 2016 the Company’s Board of Directors declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.30 per share and a special cash dividend of $0.20 per share on its Classes A and B shares. This dividend totaling $2.9 million was paid on December 23, 2016 to shareholders of record on December 5, 2016.

On August 30, 2016,4, 2020, the Company’s Board of Directors declared a regular cash dividend of $0.30$0.32 per share on its Classes A and B Common Stock. This dividend, totaling $1.8 million was paid on September 30, 2016 to shareholders of record on September 14, 2016.

On June 1, 2016, the Company’s Board of Directors declared a regular cash dividend of $0.25 per share on its Classes A and B Common Stock. This dividend, totaling $1.5 million, was paid on July 8, 2016 to shareholders of record on June 15, 2016.

On March 2, 2016, the Company’s Board of Directors declared a regular quarterly cash dividend of $0.25 per share on its Classes A and B Common Stock. This dividend, totaling $1.5approximately $1.9 million, was paid on April 15, 201610, 2020 to shareholders of record on March 28, 2016.16, 2020.

19

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. The gain is recorded in other (income) expense, net, in the Company’s Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income.

During the first quarter of 2020, there was weather related damage to an antenna in our Keene, New Hampshire market. The Company’s insurance policy provided coverage for removal and replacement of the antenna and related equipment. The insurance settlement was finalized during the first quarter and the Company received cash proceeds of $208,000, resulting in a gain of $208,000. The gain is recorded in other (income) expense, net, in the Company’s Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income.

During the first quarter of 2020, the Company sold land and a building on one of its tower sites in its Bellingham, Washington market for approximately $1,700,000 to Talbot Real Estate, LLC, resulting in a $1,400,000 gain on the sale of assets. The gain is recorded in the other operating (income) expense, net in the Company’s Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income.

17

Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

Results of Operations

The following discussion should be read in conjunction with the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements and notes thereto of Saga Communications, Inc. and its subsidiaries contained elsewhere herein and the audited financial statements and Management Discussion and Analysis contained in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016.2020. The following discussion is presented on a consolidated basis. On May 9, 2017 the Company entered into an agreement to sell its Joplin, Missouri and Victoria, Texas television stations and subsequently closed on this transaction on September 1, 2017. The historical results of operations for the television stations are presented in discontinued operations for all periods presented (see Note 5). As a result of the Company’s television stations being reported as discontinued operations the Company only has one reportable segment at September 30, 2017. Unless indicated otherwise, the information in the notes to the accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements relates to the Company’s continuing operations.

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

COVID-19 Impact and Response

During the first quarter of 2021, the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and the related actions by governments to attempt to contain the spread of the virus have continued to impact our business. Despite the development of vaccines and more effective treatments for the physical impacts of COVID-19, there are no reliable estimates of how long the COVID-19 pandemic, and its negative effect on our business, will last. Therefore, the unpredictability of the current economic and public health conditions continues. However, all of our markets are functioning at effectively full capacity, subject to ongoing health and safety protocols, which vary from state-to-state, and we remain optimistic about future advertising revenue and the ability to start events soon. Additional information regarding all actions taken by the Company since the onset of the pandemic can be found in our audited financial statements and Management Discussion and Analysis contained in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2020.

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 2627 markets, including 7579 FM and 3335 AM radio stations.stations and 79 metro signals.

Continuing Operations - Radio Stations

Our radio station’sstations’ primary source of revenue is from the sale of advertising for broadcast on our stations. Depending on the format of a particular radio station, there are a predetermined number of advertisements available to be broadcast each hour. We have twenty-six radio station markets, which include all 108 of our radio stations. The discussion of our operating performance focuses on operating income because we manage our stations primarily on operating income. Operating performance is evaluated for each individual market.

Most advertising contracts are short-term and generally run for a few weeks only. The majority of our revenue is generated from local advertising, which is sold primarily by each radio markets’ sales staff. For the ninethree months ended September 30, 2017March 31, 2021 and 2016,2020, approximately 89%90% and 89%87%, respectively, of our radio segment’sstation’s gross revenue was from local advertising. To generate national advertising sales, we engage independent advertising sales representative firms that specialize in national sales for each of our broadcast markets.

Our revenue varies throughout the year. Advertising expenditures, our primary source of revenue, generally have been lowest during the winter months, which include the first quarter of each year. We expect a decrease in political advertising for 20172021 due to the decreased number of national, state and local elections in most of our markets as compared to the prior year.

18

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

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

20

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

When we acquire and/or begin to operate a station or group of stations we generally increase programming and advertising and promotion expenses to increase our share of our target demographic audience. Our strategy sometimes requires levels of spending commensurate with the revenue levels we plan on achieving in two to five years. During periods of economic downturns, or when the level of advertising spending is flat or down across the industry, this strategy may result in the appearance that our cost of operations areis 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 numerous platformsmultiple platforms. Our goal is to allow our listeners and viewers to connect with our products wherebrands on demand, wherever, however and whenwhenever they want.choose. We continue to create opportunities through targeted digital advertising and an array of digital services that include online promotions, mobile messaging, and email marketing.

In addition, we continue the rollout19

Table of HD radio™. HD radio™ utilizes digital technology that provides improved sound quality over standard analog broadcasts and also allows for the delivery of additional channels of diversified programming or data streaming in each radio market.Contents

21

During the ninethree months ended September 30, 2017March 31, 2021 and 20162020 and the years ended December 31, 20162020 and 2015,2019, our Charleston, South Carolina; Columbus, Ohio; Des Moines, Iowa; Manchester, New Hampshire; Milwaukee, Wisconsin;Wisconsin and Norfolk, Virginia markets, when combined, represented approximately 43%39%, 43%39%, 43%39% and 41%39%, respectively, of our consolidated net operating revenue. An adverse change in any of these radio markets or our relative market position in those markets could have a significant impact on our operating results as a whole.

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

Percentage of Consolidated

Percentage of Consolidated

 

Net Operating Revenue for

Net Operating Revenue

 

the Three Months Ended

for the Years Ended

 

March 31, 

December 31, 

 

    

2021

    

2020

    

2020

    

2019

 

    

Market:

    

Charleston, South Carolina

 

5

%  

5

%  

5

%  

5

%

 

Columbus, Ohio

 

10

%  

11

%  

10

%  

11

%

 

Des Moines, Iowa

 

6

%  

6

%  

7

%  

6

%

 

Milwaukee, Wisconsin

 

11

%  

11

%  

11

%  

11

%

 

Norfolk, Virginia

 

7

%  

6

%  

6

%  

6

%

 

  Percentage of Consolidated  Percentage of Consolidated 
  Net Operating Revenue for  Net Operating Revenue 
  the Nine Months Ended  for the Years Ended 
  September 30,  December 31, 
  2017  2016  2016  2015 
Market:            
Columbus, Ohio  12%  12%  12%  9%
Des Moines, Iowa  8%  8%  8%  8%
Manchester, New Hampshire  5%  6%  6%  6%
Milwaukee, Wisconsin  12%  12%  12%  12%
Norfolk, Virginia  6%  5%  5%  6%

During the ninethree months ended September 30, 2017March 31, 2021 and 20162020 and the years ended December 31, 20162021 and 2015,2020, the radio stations in our five largest markets, when combined, represented approximately 48%41%, 48%53%, 49% and 44%43%, respectively, of our consolidated station operating income. We note that the percent of consolidated station operating income at March 31, 2020 and December 31, 2020 is higher than normal due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on our markets. If the pandemic is resolved, we would anticipate results by market to be back to normalized amounts in future years. The following tables describe the percentage of our consolidated station operating income represented by each of these markets:

Percentage of Consolidated

Percentage of Consolidated

 

Station Operating Income (*)

Station Operating Income(*)

 

for the Three Months Ended

for the Years Ended

 

March 31, 

December 31, 

 

    

2021

    

2020

    

2020

    

2019

 

    

Market:

Charleston, South Carolina

 

4

%  

4

%  

5

%  

4

%

Columbus, Ohio

 

14

%  

21

%  

16

%  

15

%

Des Moines, Iowa

 

4

%  

4

%  

7

%  

6

%

Milwaukee, Wisconsin

 

11

%  

16

%  

15

%  

12

%

Norfolk, Virginia

 

8

%  

8

%  

6

%  

6

%

  Percentage of Consolidated  Percentage of Consolidated 
  Station Operating Income (*)  Station Operating Income (*) 
  for the Nine Months Ended  for the Years Ended 
  September 30,  December 31, 
  2017  2016  2016  2015 
Market:            
Columbus, Ohio  15%  15%  15%  10%
Des Moines, Iowa  7%  7%  7%  8%
Manchester, New Hampshire  6%  8%  9%  8%
Milwaukee, Wisconsin  14%  14%  14%  13%
Norfolk, Virginia  6%  4%  4%  5%

*

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

22

20

Discontinued Operations - Television Stations

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

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

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

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

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

Most of our revenue is generated from local advertising, which is sold primarily by each television markets’ sales staff. For the eight months ended August 31, 2017 and the nine months ended September 30, 2016, approximately 83% and 85%, respectively, of our television segment’s gross revenue was from local advertising. To generate national advertising sales, we engage independent advertising sales representatives that specialize in national sales for each of our television markets.

Our revenue varies throughout the year. Advertising expenditures, our primary source of revenue, generally have been lowest during the winter months, which include the first quarter of each year. We had a decrease in political advertising for 2017 due to the decreased number of national, state and local elections in most of our markets as compared to prior year. 

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

23

Three Months Ended September 30, 2017March 31, 2021 Compared to Three Months Ended September 30, 2016March 31, 2020

Results of Operations

The following tables summarize our results of operations for the three months ended September 30, 2017March 31, 2021 and 2016.

2020.

Consolidated Results of Operations

Three Months Ended

 

March 31, 

$ Increase

% Increase

 

    

2021

    

2020

    

(Decrease)

    

(Decrease)

 

(In thousands, except percentages and per share information)

 

Net operating revenue

$

22,301

$

26,051

$

(3,750)

 

(14.4)

%

Station operating expense

 

18,923

 

22,199

 

(3,276)

 

(14.8)

%

Corporate general and administrative

 

2,438

 

3,015

 

(577)

 

(19.1)

%

Other operating (income) expense, net

57

(1,330)

1,387

 

N/M

Operating income

 

883

 

2,167

 

(1,284)

 

(59.3)

%

Interest expense

 

73

 

108

 

(35)

 

(32.4)

%

Interest income

 

(6)

 

(108)

 

102

 

(94.4)

%

Other income

 

(272)

 

(213)

 

(59)

 

N/M

Income before income tax expense

 

1,088

 

2,380

 

(1,292)

 

(54.3)

%

Income tax expense

 

330

 

700

 

(370)

 

(52.9)

%

Net income

$

758

$

1,680

$

(922)

 

(54.9)

%

Earnings per share (diluted)

$

0.13

$

0.28

 

(0.15)

 

(53.6)

%

  Three Months Ended       
  September 30,  $ Increase  % Increase 
  2017  2016  (Decrease)  (Decrease) 
  (In thousands, except percentages and per share information) 
Net operating revenue $30,269  $29,878  $391   1.3%
Station operating expense  21,755   21,775   (20)  (0.1)%
Corporate general and administrative  3,132   2,728   404   14.8%
Other operating expense  (127)  (1,393)  1,266   N/M 
Operating income from continuing operations  5,509   6,768   (1,259)  (18.6)%
Interest expense  254   187   67   35.8%
Income from continuing operations before taxes  5,255   6,581   (1,326)  (20.1)%
Income tax expense  2,290   2,678   (388)  (14.5)%
Income from continuing operations, net of tax  2,965   3,903   (938)  (24.0)%
Income from discontinued operations, net of tax  30,451   1,511   28,940   N/M 
Net income $33,416  $5,414  $28,002   N/M 
                 
Earnings per share:                
From continuing operations $.50  $.66  $(.16)  (24.2)%
From discontinued operations  5.16   .26   4.90   N/M 
Earnings per share (diluted) $5.66  $.92  $4.74   N/M 

Results of Discontinued Operations

  Three Months Ended       
  September 30,  $ Increase  % Increase 
  2017(1)  2016  (Decrease)  (Decrease) 
  (In thousands, except percentages) 
Net operating revenue $3,296  $6,241  $(2,945)  (47.2)%
Station operating expense  2,372   3,684   (1,312)  (35.6)%
Operating income from discontinued operations  924   2,557   (1,633)  (63.9)%
Interest expense  5   9   (4)  (44.4)%
Income before income taxes from discontinued operations  919   2,548   (1,629)  (63.9)%
Pretax gain on the disposal of discontinued operations  50,842      50,842   N/M 
Total pretax gain on discontinued operations  51,761   2,548   49,213   N/M 
Income tax expense  21,310   1,037   20,273   N/M 
Income from discontinued operations $30,451  $1,511  $28,940   N/M 

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

N/M =      Not Meaningful

24

For the three months ended September 30, 2017,March 31, 2021, consolidated net operating revenue was $30,269,000$22,301,000 compared with $29,878,000$26,051,000 for the three months ended September 30, 2016, an increase of $391,000 or 1.3%. We had an increase of approximately $717,000 that was attributable to stations that we did not own or operate for the entire comparable period, partially offset byMarch 31, 2020, a decrease of $326,000 generated by stations we owned$3,750,000 or operated for the comparable period in 2016 (“same station”)14.4%. The decrease in same station revenue was primarilyattributable to the result ofCOVID-19 pandemic. We had decreases in gross local revenue of $311,000,$2,907,000, gross political revenue of $197,000$818,000, gross national revenue of $266,000, gross barter revenue of $194,000, and non-spot gross revenue of $156,000, partially offset by an increase in gross interactive revenue of $139,000 and a decrease in agency commissions of approximately $123,000$416,000, from the thirdfirst quarter of 2016.2020. The decrease in gross local, national, barter revenue and agency commissions was at the majority of our markets as a result of the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and the disruption to our advertisers’ businesses. The decrease in non-spot gross revenue is primarily due to decreases in our Bellingham, Washington and Springfield, Illinois markets.the number of events being held due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The decrease in gross political revenue was attributable to fewer national, local and state elections in 2021 versus 2020. The increase in gross interactive revenue is primarily due to a lower number of national, state and local electionsan increase in most of our markets. The decrease in agency commissions is due to lower gross local agency and politicalstreaming revenue.

Station operating expense was $21,755,000$18,923,000 for the three months ended September 30, 2017,March 31, 2021, compared with $21,775,000$22,199,000 for the three months ended September 30, 2016,March 31, 2020, a decrease of $20,000$3,276,000 or 0.1%14.8%. We had an increase of approximately $581,000 that was attributable to stations that we did not own or operate for the entire comparable period, offset by a decrease of approximately $601,000 generated by stations we owned or operated for the comparable period in 2016. The decrease isin operating expense was primarily attributable to a decreaseresult of $203,000decreases in compensation related expenses, bad debt expense, commission expense, healthcare costs, a decrease of $191,000 in licensing agreementsdepreciation and a decrease inamortization expenses, barter expenses, tower lease expense, and music licensing fees, of $128,000 due to a credit received in the 3rd quarter of 2017 resulting from SESAC arbitration$1,100,000, $676,000, $503,000, $341,000, $265,000, $218,000, $149,000 and $127,000 respectively partially offset by an increase in other music licensing fees.sales rating survey expenses of $287,000 from the first quarter of 2020.

OperatingWe had operating income for the three months ended September 30, 2017 was $5,509,000March 31, 2021 of $883,000 compared to $6,768,000$2,167,000 for the three months ended September 30, 2016,March 31, 2020, a decrease of $1,259,000 or 18.6%. The decrease was a result of the increase in net operating revenue partially offset by a decrease in station operating expense, described above, an increase in our corporate general and administrative expenses of $404,000 or 14.8%, and a decrease in other operating income of $1,266,000 from the third quarter of 2016. The increase in corporate expenses is due to an increase in key man life insurance of $103,000, an increase in non-cash compensation related to the amortization of restricted stock grants of $93,000, an increase of $80,000 in legal and other fees due to the Charleston/Hilton Head South Carolina acquisition, an increase of $42,000 in compensation costs, an increase in transportation costs of $35,000 and an increase in healthcare costs of $24,000. In 2016, we had other operating income of $1,393,000 due to the gain of $1,415,000 received from the sale of a tower in Norfolk, Virginia.

Income from continuing operations, net of tax for the three months ended September 30, 2017 was $2,965,000 compared to $3,903,000 for the three months ended September 30, 2016, a decrease of $938,000 or 24.0%. The decrease in income from continuing operations, net of tax is due to the decrease of operating income, described above, an increase in interest expense of $67,000 due to an increase in our interest rates partially offset by a decrease in income taxes of $388,000.

Income from discontinued operations, net of tax for the two months ended August 31, 2017 was $30,451,000 compared to $1,511,000 for the three months ended September 30, 2016 an increase of $28,940,000. The increase was a direct result of the pretax gain on the disposal of the Television stations of $50,842,000, a decrease in station operating expense of $1,312,000 or 35.6%, partially offset by a decrease in net operating revenue of $2,945,000 or $47.2% and an increase in income tax related to the gain on the sale of $20,273,000. For the two months ended August 31, 2017, net operating revenue of our television stations was $3,296,000 compared with $6,241,000 for the three months ended September 30, 2016, a decrease of $2,945,000 or 47.2% primarily due to only operating the television stations for two months in 2017 and a decrease in gross political revenue in our Joplin, Missouri market. Station operating expense of the television stations for the two months ended August 31, 2017 was $2,372,000, compared with $3,684,000 for the three months ended September 30, 2016, a decrease of $1,312,000 or 35.6%. The decrease is primarily due to only operating the television stations for two months in 2017 compared to the whole quarter in 2016.

We generated net income of $33,416,000 ($5.66 per share on a fully diluted basis) during the three months ended September 30, 2017, compared to $5,414,000 ($.92 per share on a fully diluted basis) for the three months ended September 30, 2016, an increase of $28,002,000. This is a direct result of the increase of $28,940,000 from discontinued operations partially offset by a decrease in income from continuing operations of $938,000. 

25

Nine Months Ended September 30, 2017 Compared to Nine Months Ended September 30, 2016

Results of Operations

The following tables summarize our results of operations for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016.

Consolidated Results of Operations

  Nine Months Ended       
  September 30,  $ Increase  % Increase 
  2017  2016  (Decrease)  (Decrease) 
  (In thousands, except percentages and per share information) 
Net operating revenue $86,685  $88,208  $(1,523)  (1.7)%
Station operating expense  64,521   64,757   (236)  (0.4)%
Corporate general and administrative  8,875   8,065   810   10.0%
Other operating expense  (69)  (1,388)  1,319   N/M 
Operating income  13,358   16,774   (3,416)  (20.4)%
Interest expense  691   548   143   26.1%
Income from continuing operations before taxes  12,667   16,226   (3,559)  (21.9)%
Income tax expense  5,280   6,665   (1,385)  (20.8)%
Income from continuing operations, net of tax  7,387   9,561   (2,174)  (22.7)%
Income from discontinued operations, net of tax  32,501   3,688   28,813   N/M 
                 
Net income $39,888  $13,249  $26,639   N/M 
                 
Earnings per share:                
From continuing operations $1.25  $1.62  $(.37)  (22.8)%
From discontinued operations  5.51   .63   4.88   N/M 
Earnings per share (diluted) $6.76  $2.25  $4.50   N/M 

Results of Discontinued Operations

  Nine Months Ended       
  September 30,  $ Increase  % Increase 
  2017(1)  2016  (Decrease)  (Decrease) 
  (In thousands, except percentages) 
Net operating revenue $14,238  $17,094  $(2,856)  (16.7)%
Station operating expense  9,727   10,807   (1,080)  (10.0)%
Other operating  31   3   28   N/M 
Operating income from discontinued operations  4,480   6,284   (1,804)  (28.7)%
Interest expense  21   26   (5)  (19.2)%
Income before income taxes from discontinued operations  4,459   6,258   (1,799)  (28.7)%
Pretax gain on the disposal of discontinued operations  50,842      50,842   N/M 
Total pretax gain on discontinued operations  55,301   6,258   49,043   N/M 
Income tax expense  22,800   2,570   20,230   N/M 
Income from discontinued operations $32,501  $3,688  $28,813   N/M 
                 

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

N/M =        Not Meaningful

26

For the nine months ended September 30, 2017, consolidated net operating revenue was $86,685,000 compared with $88,208,000 for the nine months ended September 30, 2016, a decrease of $1,523,000 or 1.7%. We had an increase of approximately $874,000 that was attributable to stations that we did not own or operate for the entire comparable period, offset by a decrease of approximately $2,397,000 generated by stations we owned or operated for the comparable period in 2016 (“same station”). On a same station basis gross political revenue, gross local revenue and gross national revenue decreased $1,289,000, $1,097,000 and $505,000 respectively from 2016. These decreases were partially offset by a decrease in agency commissions of $470,000. The decrease in gross political revenue was due to the decreased number of national, state and local elections in most of our markets as compared to prior year. The decrease in gross local revenue was due to decreases in our Bellingham, Washington; Charlottesville, Virginia; Columbus, Ohio; Ithaca, New York; Springfield, Illinois and Springfield, Massachusetts markets. The decrease in gross national revenue is due to decreases in our Champaign, Illinois and Yankton, South Dakota markets. The decrease in agency commissions is due to lower local agency, national and political revenues.

Station operating expense was $64,521,000 for the nine months ended September 30, 2017, compared with $64,757,000 for the nine months ended September 30, 2016, a decrease of $236,000 or 0.4%. We had an increase of approximately $696,000 that was attributable to stations that we did not own or operate for the entire comparable period, offset by a decrease of approximately $932,000 generated by stations we owned or operated for the comparable period in 2016. The decrease is primarily attributable to a $568,000 decrease in licensing agreements, a $206,000 decrease in sales commission expense and a decrease in compensation costs of $138,000.

Operating income for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 was $13,358,000 compared to $16,774,000 for the nine months ended September 30, 2016, a decrease of $3,416,000 or 20.4%.$1,284,000. The decrease was a result of the decrease in net operating revenue partially offset by athe decrease in station operating expense, describednoted above, an increasea decrease in our corporate general and administrative expenses of $810,000 or 10.0%, and$577,000 partially offset by a decrease in other operating income of $1,319,000 from 2016. The increase in corporate expenses is due to an increase in key man life insurance of $286,000, an increase in non-cash compensation related to the amortization of restricted stock grants of $167,000, an increase in transportation costs of $110,000, and increase in compensation costs of $91,000, an increase in legal expenses of $87,000 and an increase of $50,000 in healthcare costs. In 2016, we had other operating income of $1,393,000 due to the gain of $1,415,000 received from the sale of a tower in Norfolk, Virginia.

Income from continuing operations, net of tax for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 was $12,667,000 compared to $16,226,000 for the nine months ended September 30, 2016, a decrease of $3,559,000 or 21.9%.$1,387,000. The decrease in incomecorporate general and administrative expenses was primarily attributable to decreases in non cash compensation expenses of $226,000, compensation related expenses of $188,000 and overall expense reductions of $166,000, respectively, from continuing operations, netfirst quarter of tax is due to2020. In the decreasefirst quarter of operating income, described above, an increase in interest expense of $143,000 due to an increase in our interest rates partially offset by a decrease in income taxes of $1,385,000.

Income from discontinued operations, net of tax for the eight months ended August 31, 2017 was $32,501,000 compared to $3,688,000 for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 an increase of $28,813,000. The increase was a direct result of the pretax gain on the disposal of the Television stations of $50,842,000, a decrease in station operating expense of $1,080,000 or 10%, partially offset by a decrease in net operating revenue of $2,856,000 or $16.7% and an increase in income tax related to2020 we recorded the gain on the sale of $20,230,000. For the eight months ended August 31, 2017, net operating revenuea tower and a building on one of our television stations was $14,238,000 compared with $17,094,000 for the nine months ended September 30, 2016, a decrease of $2,856,000 or 16.7% primarily due to only operating the television stations for eight months in 2017 and a decrease in gross political revenuetower sites in our Joplin, Missouri market. StationBellingham, Washington market of $1,400,000 in other operating expense(income) expense.

21

We generated net income of $39,888,000$758,000 ($6.760.13 per share on a fully diluted basis) during the ninethree months ended September 30, 2017,March 31, 2021, compared to $13,249,000net income of $1,680,000 ($2.250.28 per share on a fully diluted basis) for the ninethree months ended September 30, 2016, an increaseMarch 31, 2020, a decrease of $26,639,000. This$922,000. The decrease in net income is primarily due to the decrease in operating income, described above and a direct resultdecrease in interest income of the increase in income from discontinued operations of $28,813,000$102,000 partially offset by a decrease in income from continuing operationstax expense of $2,174,000.

27

$370,000. The decrease in our income tax expense is due to the decrease in income before income tax.

Forward-Looking Statements

Statements contained in this Form 10-Q that are not historical facts are forward-looking statements that are made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. In addition, words such as “believes,” “anticipates,” “estimates,” “plans,” “expects,” and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. These statements are made as of the date of this report or as otherwise indicated, based on current expectations. We undertake no obligation to update this information. A number of important factors could cause our actual results for 20172021 and beyond to differ materially from those expressed in any forward-looking statements made by us or on our behalf. Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance as they involve a number of risks, uncertainties and assumptions that may prove to be incorrect and that may cause our actual results and experiences to differ materially from the anticipated results or other expectations expressed in such forward-looking statements. The risks, uncertainties and assumptions that may affect our performance include our financial leverage and debt service requirements, dependence on key personnel, dependence on key stations, U.S. and local economic conditions, our ability to successfully integrate acquired stations, regulatory requirements, new technologies, natural disasters, terrorist attacks, and terrorist attacks.the effects of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. We cannot be sure that we will be able to anticipate or respond timely to changes in any of these factors, which could adversely affect the operating results in one or more fiscal quarters. Results of operations in any past period should not be considered, in and of itself, indicative of the results to be expected for future periods. Fluctuations in operating results may also result in fluctuations in the price of our stock.

For a more complete description of the prominent risks and uncertainties inherent in our business, see Item 1A. “Risk Factors” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016.

2020 and in this Report.

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 a group of banks. In connection with the execution of the Credit Facility, the credit agreement in place at June 30, 2015 (the “Old Credit Agreement”) was terminated,JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., The Huntington National Bank, Citizens Bank, National Association and all outstanding amounts were paid in full.J.P. Morgan Securities LLC. The Credit Facility consists of a $100 million five-year revolving facility (the “Revolving Credit Facility”) and maturesoriginally 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 we entered into an assumption agreement and amendment of loan documents as part of our reincorporation as a Florida corporation.

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

Approximately $266,000 of transaction feesdebt issuance costs related to the Credit Facility were capitalized and are being amortized over the life of the Credit Facility. Those deferredThese debt issuance costs are included in other assets, net in the condensed 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 (1.25%(0.1250% at September 30, 2017)March 31, 2021), 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 ratesrate 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.

22

The Credit Facility contains a number of financial covenants (all of which we were in compliance with at September 30, 2017)March 31, 2021) 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 $65$60 million of unused borrowing capacity under the Revolving Credit Facility at September 30, 2017.March 31, 2021.

On October 5, 2017 and November 3, 2017, the Company used $5,287,000 and $5,000,000, respectively of the proceeds from the Television Sale to pay down a portion of its Revolving Credit Facility. Those amounts were classified as current portion of long term debt at September 30, 2017.

The loan agreement of approximately $1.1 million of secured debt of affiliate was amended in April, 2017 to extend the due date of the loan for three years to mature on May 1, 2020. Our affiliate repaid this loan when the television stations were sold on September 1, 2017.

28

Sources and Uses of Cash

During the ninethree months ended September 30, 2017March 31, 2021 and 2016,2020, we had net cash flows from operating activities of $18,677,000$5,352,000 and $21,020,000,$5,065,000, respectively. We believe that cash flow from operations will be sufficient to meet quarterly debt service requirements for interest and payments of principal under our Credit Facility. However, if such cash flow is not sufficient we may be required to sell additional equity securities, refinance our obligations or dispose of one or more of our properties in order to make such scheduled payments. There can be no assurance that we would be able to effect any such transactions on favorable terms, if at all.

In March 2013, our board of directors authorized an increase to our Stock Buy-Back Program (the “Buy-Back Program”) to allow us to purchase up to $75.8 million of our Class A Common Stock. From its inception in 1998 through March 31, 2021, we have repurchased 2.2 million shares of our Class A Common Stock for $57 million. During the three months ended March 31, 2021, approximately 0 and 800 shares were repurchased for $0 and $20,000, respectively, 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 ninethree months ended September 30, 2017March 31, 2021 were $4,850,000$534,000 ($4,149,0001,021,000 in 2016)2020). We anticipate capital expenditures in 20172021 to be approximately $6.5$4.5 million including approximately $750 thousand relating to our recent acquisitions in Charleston and Hilton Head,$5.5 million, which we expect to finance through funds generated from operations.

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 September 13, 2017,January 2, 2020, the Company closed on an agreement to purchase W295BL from Basic Holdings, LLC, for an aggregate purchase price of $200,000, of which $10,000 was paid in 2019 and the remaining $190,000 paid in 2020. Management attributes the goodwill recognized in the acquisition to the power of the existing brands in the Manchester, New Hampshire market as well as synergies and growth opportunities expected through the combination with the Company’s existing stations.

On March 4, 2020, the Company’s Board of Directors declared a regular quarterly cash dividend of $0.30$0.32 per share on its Classes A and B Common Stock. This dividend, totaling $1.8 million, which is recorded within Other accrued expenses as of September 30, 2017 was paid on October 13, 2017 to shareholders of record on September 25, 2017.

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

On March 3, 2017, the Company’s Board of Directors declared a regular quarterly cash dividend of $0.30 per share on its Classes A and B Common Stock. This dividend, totaling $1.8approximately $1.9 million, was paid on April 14, 201710, 2020 to shareholders of record on March 28, 201716, 2020 and funded by cashwas recorded in dividends payable on the Company’s balance sheet.

Condensed Consolidated Balance sheet at March 31, 2020. On January 16, 2017, we entered into an asset purchase agreementJune 18, 2020, the Company’s Board of Directors announced that it was temporarily suspending the quarterly cash dividend in response to purchase an FM radio station (WCVL) from WUVA, Incorporated, serving the Charlottesville, Virginia market for approximately $1,650,000. Simultaneously, we entered into a TBA to begin operating the station on February 1, 2017. We completed this acquisition on April 18, 2017. This acquisition was financed through funds generated from operations.

On May 9, 2017 we entered into a definitive agreement to sell our Joplin, Missouri and Victoria, Texas television stations for approximately $66.6 million, subject to certain adjustments, to Evening Telegram Company d/b/a Morgan Murphy Media. The Television Sale was completed on September 1, 2017 and the Company received net proceeds of $69.5 million which included the sales price of $66.6 million, and the proceeds from sales of related accounts receivable of approximately $3.4 million, offset by certain closing adjustments and transactional costs of $500 thousand. The Company recognized a pretax gain of $50.8 million as a resultcontinued uncertainty of the Television Sale in the third quarterongoing impact of 2017. The gain net of tax for the Television Sale was $29.9 million. Effective September 1, 2017, the Company used $24.2 million of the proceeds from the Television Sale to finance the acquisition of radio stations in South Carolina (as described in Note 6). On October 5, 2017 and November 3, 2017, the Company used $5,287,000 and $5,000,000, respectively of the proceeds from the Television Sale to pay down a portion of its Revolving Credit Facility (as defined and described in Note 8).

On May 9, 2017, the Company entered into an Asset Purchase Agreement with Apex Media Corporation and Pearce Development, LLC f/k/a Apex Real Property, LLC to purchase, for approximately $23 million (subject to certain purchase price adjustments) plus the right to air certain radio commercials, substantially all the assets related to the operation of the following radio stations principally serving the South Carolina area: WCKN (FM), WMXF(FM), WXST(FM), WAVF(FM), WSPO(AM), W261DG, W257BQ, WVSC(FM), WLHH(FM), WOEZ(FM), W256CB, W293BZ. The Company closed this transaction effective September 1, 2017, simultaneously with the closing of the Television Sale using funds generated from the Television Sale.

COVID-19.

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 and television stations and dividend payments will be financed through funds generated from operations, borrowings under the Credit Agreement, proceeds from the Television Sale, 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, 2016.

2020.

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

Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

Our consolidated financial statements have been prepared in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States, which require us to make estimates, judgments and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of certain assets, liabilities, revenues, expenses and related disclosures and contingencies. We evaluate estimates used in preparation of our financial statements on a continual basis. There have been no significant changes to our critical accounting policies that are described in Item 7. “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations — Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates”Policies” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016.

2020.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

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

Inflation

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

Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk

Refer to “Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures Aboutabout 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, 20162020 for a complete discussion of our market risk. There have been no material changes to the market risk information included in our 20162020 Annual Report on Form 10-K.10-K except as noted below in “Part II – Other Information; Item 1A. Risk Factors”.

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Item 4. Controls and Procedures

As of the end of the period covered by this report, the Company carried out an evaluation, under the supervision and with the participation of the Company’s management, including its Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures pursuant to Rule 13a-15 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Based upon that evaluation, the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures are effective to cause the material information required to be disclosed by the Company in the reports that it files or submits under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 to be recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the Commission’s rules and forms. There were no changes in the Company’s internal controls over financial reporting during the quarter ended September 30, 2017,March 31, 2021, that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal controls over financial reporting.

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PART II — OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1. Legal Proceedings

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

Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

The following table summarizes our repurchases of our Class A Common Stock during the three months ended September 30, 2017. Shares repurchased during the quarter were from the retention of shares for cashless exercise of stock options and the payment of the withholding taxes related to those stock option exercises.March 31, 2021.

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

    

Share

    

Program

    

Program(a)

January 1 - January 31, 2021

$

$

18,785,315

February 1 - February 28, 2021

$

$

18,785,315

March 1 - March 31, 2021

$

$

18,785,315

Total

 

$

 

$

18,785,315

           Approximate 
        Total Number  Dollar 
        of  Value of 
        Shares  Shares 
        Purchased  that May Yet 
        as Part of  be 
  Total Number  Average Price  Publicly  Purchased 
  of Shares  Paid per  Announced  Under the 
Period Purchased  Share  Program  Program(a) 
July 1 – July 31, 2017    $     $23,352,857 
August 1 – August 31, 2017  916  $40.60     $23,315,667 
September 1 – September 30, 2017    $     $23,315,667 
Total  916  $40.60     $23,315,667 

(a)

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

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25

Item 6. Exhibits

31.1

31.1

Certification of Chief Executive Officer Pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) and Rule15d-14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

31.2

Certification of Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) and Rule 15d-14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

31.2

32

Certification of Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) and Rule 15d-14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act1934, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

32Certification of Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350 and Rule 13-14(b) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

101.INS

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)

101.SCH

Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document

101.CAL

Inline XBRL Taxonomy Calculation Linkbase Document

101.DEF

Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document

101.LAB

Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document

101.PRE

Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document

(104)

Cover Page Interactive Data File (formatted as inline XBRL and contained in Exhibit 101)

32

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SIGNATURES

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

 

SAGA COMMUNICATIONS, INC.

Date: November 9, 2017 May 10, 2021

/s/ SAMUEL D. BUSH

Samuel D. Bush

Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
(Principal (Principal Financial Officer)

Date: November 9, 2017 May 10, 2021

/s/ CATHERINE A. BOBINSKI

Catherine A. Bobinski

Senior Vice President, Chief Accounting Officer and
Corporate Controller (Principal Accounting Officer)

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