SAGA COMMUNICATIONS INC [SGA] Filings

10-Q 1 sga-20240930x10q.htm 10-Q

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-Q

(Mark One)


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

For the Quarterly Period ended September 30, 2024


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

For the transition period from to

Commission File Number 1-11588

Saga Communications, Inc.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)


Florida	38-3042953
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)	(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)

73 Kercheval Avenue Grosse Pointe Farms, Michigan (Address of principal executive offices)	48236 (Zip Code)

(313) 886-7070

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

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 $0.01 per share	SGA	NASDAQ Global Market

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes þ No ◻.

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§ 232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit such files). Yes þ No ◻.

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

Large accelerated filer ◻

Accelerated filer þ

Non-accelerated filer ◻

Smaller Reporting Company ☑

Emerging growth company ☐

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

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes ☐ No þ

The number of shares of the registrant’s Class A Common Stock, $0.01 par value, outstanding as of November 4, 2024 was 6,261,481.

Table of Contents

INDEX

	Page
PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION	3

Item 1. Financial Statements (Unaudited)	3

Condensed consolidated balance sheets —September 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023	3

Condensed consolidated statements of operations — Three and nine months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023	4

Condensed consolidated statements of stockholders’ equity – Three and nine months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023	5

Condensed consolidated statements of cash flows — Nine months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023	6

Notes to unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements	7

Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations	22

Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk	31

Item 4. Controls and Procedures	31

PART II OTHER INFORMATION	31

Item 1. Legal Proceedings	31

Item 1A. Risk Factors	31

Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds	32

Item 5. Other Information	32

Item 6. Exhibits	33

Signatures	34

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

Table of Contents

PART I — FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1. Financial Statements

SAGA COMMUNICATIONS, INC.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (UNAUDITED)


	September 30,		December 31,
	2024		2023

	(In thousands)
Assets
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$	19,917	$	29,582
Short-term investments		8,821		10,595
Accounts receivable, net		15,456		17,173
Prepaid expenses and other current assets		3,255		2,451
Barter transactions		954		843
Total current assets		48,403		60,644
Property and equipment		151,804		148,265
Less accumulated depreciation		99,083		96,860
Net property and equipment		52,721		51,405
Other assets:
Broadcast licenses		90,693		90,240
Goodwill		20,044		19,236
Other intangibles, right of use assets, deferred costs and investments, net		11,349		10,688
Total assets	$	223,210	$	232,213

Liabilities and shareholders’ equity
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable	$	3,347	$	2,802
Accrued expenses:
Accrued payroll and payroll taxes		5,598		5,318
Dividend payable		1,565		12,505
Other accrued expenses		6,826		6,480
Barter transactions		1,019		924
Total current liabilities		18,355		28,029
Deferred income taxes		26,372		26,122
Long-term debt		5,000		—
Other liabilities		7,491		7,513
Total liabilities		57,218		61,664
Commitments and contingencies (Note 11 and 14)		—		—
Shareholders’ equity:
Common stock		80		80
Additional paid-in capital		73,833		72,593
Retained earnings		128,510		134,771
Treasury stock		(36,431)		(36,895)
Total shareholders’ equity		165,992		170,549
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity	$	223,210	$	232,213

See accompanying notes to unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

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SAGA COMMUNICATIONS, INC.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS


	Three Months Ended				Nine Months Ended
	September 30,				September 30,
	2024		2023		2024		2023

	(Unaudited)
	(In thousands, except per share data)
Net operating revenue	$	28,118	$	29,149	$	81,524	$	83,628
Station operating expenses		23,458		22,760		69,983		66,870
Corporate general and administrative		2,966		2,852		9,144		7,940
Other operating expense, net		49		45		1,026		125
Operating income		1,645		3,492		1,371		8,693
Interest expense		121		44		235		130
Interest income		(255)		(391)		(809)		(1,027)
Other income		(78)		—		(1,211)		(119)
Income before income tax expense		1,857		3,839		3,156		9,709
Income tax provision
Current		415		835		715		2,020
Deferred		175		275		250		690
		590		1,110		965		2,710
Net income	$	1,267	$	2,729	$	2,191	$	6,999

Earnings per share:
Basic	$	0.20	$	0.45	$	0.35	$	1.15
Diluted	$	0.20	$	0.45	$	0.35	$	1.15

Weighted average common shares		6,075		6,032		6,070		6,031
Weighted average common and common equivalent shares		6,075		6,032		6,070		6,031

Dividends declared per share	$	0.25	$	0.25	$	1.35	$	0.75

See accompanying notes to unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

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SAGA COMMUNICATIONS, INC.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023


	Class A			Class B			Additional						Total
	Common Stock			Common Stock			Paid-In		Retained		Treasury		Stockholders’
	Shares	Amount		Shares	Amount		Capital		Earnings		Stock		Equity

	(Unaudited) (In thousands)

Balance at December 31, 2022	7,867	$	78	—	$	—	$	71,664	$	143,896	$	(37,109)	$	178,529
Net income, three months ended March 31, 2023	—		—	—		—		—		920		—		920
Dividends declared per common share	—		—	—		—		—		(1,531)		—		(1,531)
Compensation expense related to restricted stock awards	—		—	—		—		245		—		—		245
401(k) plan contribution	—		—	—		—		(185)		—		441		256
Balance at March 31, 2023	7,867	$	78	—	$	—	$	71,724	$	143,285	$	(36,668)	$	178,419
Net income, three months ended June 30, 2023	—		—	—		—		—		3,350		—		3,350
Dividends declared per common share	—		—	—		—		—		(1,531)		—		(1,531)
Compensation expense related to restricted stock awards	—		—	—		—		248		—		—		248
Balance at June 30, 2023	7,867	$	78	—	$	—	$	71,972	$	145,104	$	(36,668)	$	180,486
Net income, three months ended September 30, 2023	—		—	—		—		—		2,729		—		2,729
Dividends declared per common share	—		—	—		—		—		(1,530)		—		(1,530)
Compensation expense related to restricted stock awards	—		—	—		—		250		—		—		250
Balance at September 30, 2023	7,867	$	78	—	$	—	$	72,222	$	146,303	$	(36,668)	$	181,935


	Class A			Class B			Additional						Total
	Common Stock			Common Stock			Paid-In		Retained		Treasury		Stockholders’
	Shares	Amount		Shares	Amount		Capital		Earnings		Stock		Equity

	(Unaudited) (In thousands)

Balance at December 31, 2023	8,007	$	80	—	$	—	$	72,593	$	134,771	$	(36,895)	$	170,549
Net loss, three months ended March 31, 2024	—		—	—		—		—		(1,577)		—		(1,577)
Dividends declared per common share	—		—	—		—		—		(5,321)		—		(5,321)
Compensation expense related to restricted stock awards	—		—	—		—		453		—		—		453
401(k) plan contribution	—		—	—		—		(207)		—		475		268
Balance at March 31, 2024	8,007	$	80	—	$	—	$	72,839	$	127,873	$	(36,420)	$	164,372
Net income, three months ended June 30, 2024	—		—	—		—		—		2,501		—		2,501
Forfeiture of restricted stock	(1)		—	—		—		—		—		—		—
Dividends declared per common share	—		—	—		—		—		(1,566)		—		(1,566)
Compensation expense related to restricted stock awards	—		—	—		—		520		—		—		520
Balance at June 30, 2024	8,006	$	80	—	$	—	$	73,359	$	128,808	$	(36,420)	$	165,827
Net income, three months ended September 30, 2024	—		—	—		—		—		1,267		—		1,267
Dividends declared per common share	—		—	—		—		—		(1,565)		—		(1,565)
Compensation expense related to restricted stock awards	—		—	—		—		474		—		—		474
Purchase of shares held in treasury	—		—	—		—		—		—		(11)		(11)
Balance at September 30, 2024	8,006	$	80	—	$	—	$	73,833	$	128,510	$	(36,431)	$	165,992

See accompanying notes to unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

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SAGA COMMUNICATIONS, INC.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS


	Nine Months Ended
	September 30,
	2024		2023

	(Unaudited)
	(In thousands)
Statement of Cash Flows
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income	$	2,191	$	6,999
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization		3,847		3,737
Deferred income tax expense		250		690
Amortization of deferred costs		27		27
Compensation expense related to restricted stock awards		1,447		743
Loss on sale of assets, net		1,026		125
(Gain) on insurance claims		(78)		—
Other (gain), net		(1,133)		(119)
Barter (revenue) expense, net		(20)		44
Deferred and other compensation		(165)		(239)
Changes in assets and liabilities, net of business acquisition:
Decrease (increase) in receivables and prepaid expenses		1,848		(51)
Increase in accounts payable, accrued expenses, and other liabilities		901		1,965
Total adjustments		7,950		6,922
Net cash provided by operating activities		10,141		13,921
Cash flows from investing activities:
Purchase of short-term investments		(12,993)		(14,441)
Redemption of short-term investments		15,104		14,437
Acquisition of property and equipment (Capital Expenditures)		(3,199)		(3,397)
Acquisition of broadcast properties		(5,711)		—
Proceeds from sale and disposal of assets		176		621
Proceeds from redemption of investments and other		1,221		—
Other investing activities		(2)		117
Net cash used in investing activities		(5,404)		(2,663)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Proceeds from long-term debt		5,000		—
Cash dividends paid		(19,391)		(16,816)
Purchase of treasury shares		(11)		—
Net cash used in financing activities		(14,402)		(16,816)
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents		(9,665)		(5,558)
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period		29,582		36,802
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	$	19,917	$	31,244

See accompanying notes to unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

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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, 2024 and the results of operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023. Results of operations for three and nine months ended September 30, 2024 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the year ending December 31, 2024.

We own or operate broadcast properties in 28 markets, including 82 FM and 32 AM radio stations and 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, 2023.

We have evaluated events and transactions occurring subsequent to the balance sheet date of September 30, 2024, for items that should potentially be recognized in these financial statements or discussed within the notes to these financial statements.

Earnings Per Share Information

Earnings per share is calculated using the two-class method. The two-class method is an earnings allocation formula that determines earnings per share for each class of common stock and participating security. The Company has participating securities related to restricted stock units, granted under the Company’s Second Amended and Restated 2005 Incentive Compensation Plan and the Company’s 2023 Incentive Compensation Plan, that earn dividends on an equal basis with common shares. In applying the two-class method, earnings are allocated to both common shares and participating securities.

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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 per share:


	Three Months Ended				Nine Months Ended
	September 30,				September 30,
	2024		2023		2024		2023

	(In thousands, except per share data)
Numerator:
Net income	$	1,267	$	2,729	$	2,191	$	6,999
Less: Income allocated to unvested participating securities		39		41		69		105
Net income available to common shareholders	$	1,228	$	2,688	$	2,122	$	6,894

Denominator:
Denominator for basic earnings per share — weighted average shares		6,075		6,032		6,070		6,031
Effect of dilutive securities:
Common stock equivalents		—		—		—		—
Denominator for diluted earnings per share — adjusted weighted-average shares and assumed conversions		6,075		6,032		6,070		6,031

Earnings per share:
Basic	$	0.20	$	0.45	$	0.35	$	1.15
Diluted	$	0.20	$	0.45	$	0.35	$	1.15

There were no stock options outstanding that had an antidilutive effect on our earnings per share calculation for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023, respectively. The actual effect of these shares, if any, on the diluted earnings per share calculation will vary significantly depending on the fluctuation in the stock price.

Financial Instruments

We account for marketable securities in accordance with ASC 320, “Investments – Debt Securities,” which require that certain debt securities be classified into one of three categories: held-to-maturity, available-for-sale, or trading securities, and depending upon the classification, value the security at amortized cost or fair market value. At September 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023, we have recorded $8.8 million and $10.6 million, respectively, of held-to-maturity U.S. Treasury Bills and Treasury Notes at amortized cost basis that have a fair market value of $8.8 million and $10.6 million, respectively. Our held-to-maturity U.S. Treasury Bills and Treasury Notes all have original maturity dates ranging from October 2024 to March 2025.

Our financial instruments are comprised of cash and cash equivalents, short-term investments, accounts receivable, accounts payable and long-term debt. The carrying value of cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable and accounts payable approximate fair value due to their short maturities. The carrying value of long-term debt approximates fair value as it carries interest rates that either fluctuate with the secured overnight finance rate (“SOFR”), prime rate or have been reset at the prevailing market rate at September 30, 2024.

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SAGA COMMUNICATIONS, INC.

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – (Continued)

Allowance for Credit losses

A provision for credit losses is recorded based on our judgment of collectability of receivables. Amounts are written off when determined to be fully uncollectible. Delinquent accounts are based on contractual terms. We maintain a specific allowance for estimated losses resulting from the inability of certain customers to make required payments. We also consider factors external to the specific customer, including current conditions and forecasts of economic conditions, including the potential impact of uncertain economic conditions. In the event we recover amounts previously written off, we will reduce the specific allowance for credit loss. Our allowance for credit losses was $1,176,000 and $618,000 at September 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023, respectively. The activity in the allowance for credit losses during the nine months ended September 30, 2024 was as follows:

Write Off of

Balance

Charged to

Allowance

Uncollectible

Balance at

at Beginning

Costs and

From

Accounts, Net of

End of

Nine Months Ended

of Period

Expenses

Acquisitions

Recoveries

Period

(in thousands)

September 30, 2024

618

832

(300)

1,176

Income Taxes

Our effective tax rate is higher than the federal statutory rate as a result of the inclusion of state taxes in the income tax amount and permanent differences related to executive compensation. We have historically calculated the provision for income taxes during interim reporting periods by applying an estimate of the annual effective tax rate for the full fiscal year to “ordinary” income or loss (pretax income or loss excluding unusual or infrequently occurring discrete items) for the reporting period.

Segments

We serve twenty-eight radio markets (reporting units) that aggregate into one operating segment (Radio), which also qualifies as a reportable segment. We operate under one reportable business segment for which segment disclosure is consistent with the management decision-making process that determines the allocation of resources and the measuring of performance. The Chief Operating Decision Maker (“CODM”) evaluates the results of the radio operating segment and makes operating and capital investment decisions based at the Company level. Furthermore, technological enhancements and system integration decisions are reached at the Company level and applied to all markets rather than to specific or individual markets to ensure that each market has the same tools and opportunities as every other market. Managers at the market level do not report to the CODM and instead report to other senior management, who are responsible for the operational oversight of radio markets and for communication of results to the CODM. We continually review our operating segment classification to align with operational changes in our business and may make changes as necessary.

Time Brokerage Agreements/Local Marketing Agreements

We have entered into Time Brokerage Agreements (“TBAs”) or Local Marketing Agreements (“LMAs”) in certain markets. In a typical TBA/LMA, the FCC licensee of a station makes available, for a fee, blocks of air time on its station to another party that supplies programming to be broadcast during that air time and sells their own commercial advertising announcements during the time periods specified. Revenue and expenses related to TBAs/LMAs are included in the accompanying unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income. Assets and liabilities related to the TBAs/LMAs are included in the accompanying unaudited Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets.

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SAGA COMMUNICATIONS, INC.

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – (Continued)

2. Recent Accounting Pronouncements

New Accounting Pronouncements

In November 2023, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued ASU 2023-07, “Segment Reporting (Topic 280): Improvements to Reportable Segment Disclosures” (“ASU 2023-07”), which requires expanded disclosure of significant segment expenses and other segment items on an annual and interim basis. ASU 2023-07 is effective for us for annual periods beginning after January 1, 2024 and interim periods beginning after January 1, 2025. We are currently evaluating the impact ASU 2023-07 will have on our financial statement disclosures.

In December 2023, the FASB issued ASU 2023-09, “Income Taxes (Topic 740): Improvements to Income Tax Disclosures” (“ASU 2023-09”), which requires expanded disclosure of our income rate reconciliation and income taxes paid. ASU 2023-09 is effective for us for annual periods beginning after January 1, 2025. We are currently evaluating the impact ASU 2023-09 will have on our financial statement disclosures.

In November 2024, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued ASU 2024-03, “Income Statement – Reporting Comprehensive Income – Expense Disaggregation Disclosures (Subtopic 220-40): Disaggregation of Income Statement Expenses (DISE) (“ASU 2024-03”), which requires disclosures about specific types of expenses included in the expense captions presented on the face of the income statement as well as disclosures about selling expenses on an annual and interim basis. ASU 2024-03 is effective for us for annual periods beginning after January 1, 2027 and interim periods beginning after January 1, 2028. We are currently evaluating the impact ASU 2024-03 will have on our financial statement disclosures.

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 and digital audio streams, mobile messaging, email marketing and other e-commerce. Revenue is recorded when each specific performance obligation in the digital advertising campaign takes place, typically within a one-month period.

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.

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SAGA COMMUNICATIONS, INC.

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – (Continued)

Disaggregation of Revenue

Revenues from contracts with customers comprised the following for three and nine months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023:


	Three Months Ended				Nine Months Ended
	September 30,				September 30,
	2024		2023		2024		2023

	(in thousands)				(in thousands)
Types of Revenue
Broadcast Advertising Revenue, net	$	22,516	$	23,946	$	66,165	$	69,798
Digital Advertising Revenue		2,858		2,757		8,587		7,140
Other Revenue		2,744		2,446		6,772		6,690
Net Revenue	$	28,118	$	29,149	$	81,524	$	83,628

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.

Transaction Price Allocated to the Remaining Performance Obligations

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 Licenses, Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets

We evaluate our FCC licenses for impairment annually or more frequently if events or changes in circumstances indicate that the asset might be impaired. We operate our broadcast licenses in each market as a single asset and determine the fair value by relying on a discounted cash flow approach assuming a start-up scenario in which the only assets held by an investor are broadcast licenses. The fair value calculation contains assumptions incorporating variables that are based on past experiences and judgments about future operating performance using industry normalized information for an average station within a market. These variables include, but are not limited to: (1) the forecasted growth rate of each radio market, including population, household income, retail sales and other expenditures that would influence advertising expenditures; (2) the estimated available advertising revenue within the market and the related market share and profit margin of an average station within a market; (3) estimated capital start-up costs and losses incurred during the early years; (4) risk-adjusted discount rate; (5) the likely media competition within the market area; and (6) terminal values. If the carrying amount of FCC licenses is greater than their estimated fair value in a given market, the carrying amount of FCC licenses in that market is reduced to its estimated fair value.

We also evaluate goodwill for impairment annually, or more frequently if certain circumstances are present. If the carrying amount of goodwill in a reporting unit is greater than the implied value of goodwill determined by completing a hypothetical purchase price allocation using estimated fair value of the reporting unit, the carrying amount of goodwill in that reporting unit is reduced to its implied value.

We evaluate amortizable intangible assets for recoverability when circumstances indicate impairment may have occurred, using an undiscounted cash flow methodology. If the future undiscounted cash flows for the intangible asset are less than net book value, then the net book value is reduced to the estimated fair value. Amortizable intangible assets are included in other intangibles, deferred costs and investments in the consolidated balance sheets.

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SAGA COMMUNICATIONS, INC.

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – (Continued)

The Company considered the current and expected future economic and market conditions, and other potential indicators of impairment and determined a triggering event had not occurred which would necessitate any interim impairment tests during the nine months ended September 30, 2024. We will continue to monitor changes in economic and market conditions, and if any event or circumstances indicate a triggering event has occurred, we will perform an interim impairment test of our intangible assets at the appropriate time.

If actual market conditions are less favorable than those estimated by us or if events occur or circumstances change that would reduce the fair value of our broadcast licenses below the carrying value, we may be required to recognize impairment charges in future periods. Such a charge could have a material effect on our consolidated financial statements.

Intangible assets that have finite lives are amortized over their useful lives using the straight-line method. Favorable lease agreements are amortized over the lives of the leases ranging from five to twenty-six years. Other intangibles are amortized over one to fifteen years. Customer relationships are amortized over three years.

5. Common Stock and Treasury Stock

Our founder and former Chairman, President and CEO, Edward K. Christian, passed away on August 19, 2022. As of the date of his passing, Mr. Christian, who was also our principal shareholder, held approximately 65% of the combined voting power of the Company’s Common Stock based on Class B Common Stock (together with the Class A Common Stock, collectively, the “Common Stock”) generally being entitled to ten votes per share. As a result, Mr. Christian was generally able to control the vote on most matters submitted to the vote of stockholders and, therefore, was able to direct our management and policies, except with respect to (i) the election of two Class A directors, (ii) those matters where the shares of our Class B Common Stock are only entitled to one vote per share, and (iii) other matters requiring a class vote under the provisions of our certificate of incorporation, bylaws or applicable law. Mr. Christian’s passing resulted in the conversion of his Class B shares into Class A shares that were transferred to an estate planning trust that now owns approximately 16% of the common stock outstanding. As a result, we no longer have any shares of Class B Common Stock issued or outstanding.

Dividends. Shareholders are entitled to receive such dividends as may be declared by our Board of Directors out of funds legally available for such purpose. However, no dividend may be declared or paid in cash or property on any share of any class of Common Stock unless simultaneously the same dividend is declared or paid on each share of the other class of common stock. In the case of any stock dividend, holders of Class A Common Stock are entitled to receive the same percentage dividend (payable in shares of Class A Common Stock) as the holders of Class B Common Stock receive (payable in shares of Class B Common Stock).

Voting Rights. Holders of shares of Common Stock vote as a single class on all matters submitted to a vote of the shareholders, with each share of Class A Common Stock entitled to one vote. Prior to Mr. Christian’s passing, each share of Class B Common Stock was entitled to ten votes, except (i) in the election for directors, (ii) with respect to any “going private” transaction between the Company and the principal stockholder, and (iii) as otherwise provided by law.

Prior to Mr. Christian’s passing, in the election of directors, the holders of Class A Common Stock, voting as a separate class, were entitled to elect twenty-five percent, or two, of our directors. The holders of the Common Stock, voting as a single class with each share of Class A Common Stock entitled to one vote and each share of Class B Common Stock entitled to ten votes, were entitled to elect the remaining directors. The Board of Directors consisted of eight members at December 31, 2023. Currently, our Board of Directors consists of seven members. Holders of Common Stock are not entitled to cumulative voting in the election of directors.

The holders of the Common Stock vote as a single class with respect to any proposed “going private” transaction with the principal stockholder or an affiliate of the principal stockholder, with each share of each class of Common Stock entitled to one vote per share.

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Under Florida law, the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the outstanding shares of any class of common stock is required to approve, among other things, a change in the designations, preferences and limitations of the shares of such class of common stock.

Liquidation Rights. Upon our liquidation, dissolution, or winding-up, the holders of Class A Common Stock (which constitute all of our outstanding Common Stock holders) are entitled to share ratably in accordance with the number of shares held in all assets available for distribution after payment in full of creditors.

The following summarizes information relating to the number of shares of our common stock issued in connection with stock transactions through September 30, 2024:


	Common Stock Issued
	Class A	Class B

	(Shares in thousands)
Balance, January 1, 2023	7,867	—
Issuance of restricted stock	140	—
Balance, December 31, 2023	8,007	—
Forfeiture of restricted stock	(1)	—
Balance, September 30, 2024	8,006	—

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, 2024, we have remaining authorization of $18.0 million for future repurchases of our Class A Common Stock. On September 14, 2017, the Board of Directors authorized the repurchase of our Class A Common Stock under our trading plan adopted pursuant to Securities and Exchange Commission Rule 10b5-1. The Rule 10b5-1 repurchase plan allows us to repurchase our shares during periods when we would normally not be active in the market due to our internal trading blackout periods. Under the plan, we may repurchase our Class A Common Stock in any combination of open market, block transactions and privately negotiated transactions subject to market conditions, legal requirements including applicable SEC regulations (which include certain price, market, volume and timing constraints), specific repurchase instructions and other corporate considerations. Purchases under the plan are funded by cash on our balance sheet. The plan does not obligate us to acquire any particular amount of Class A Common Stock. Our original purchase authorization was effective until September 1, 2018 and has been extended several times, with the most recent authorization instructions extension being through May 28, 2020. We halted the directions for any additional buybacks under our plan in 2020. We continue to monitor economic conditions to determine if and when it makes sense to make additional buybacks under our plan. During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2024, 715 shares were retained for the payment of withholding taxes for $11,000 related to the vesting of restricted stock. During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2023, no shares were repurchased under the Stock Buy-Back Program.

6. Leases

We lease certain land, buildings and equipment for use in our operations. We recognize lease expense for these leases on a straight-line basis over the lease term and combine lease and non-lease components for all leases. Right-of-use (“ROU”) assets and lease liabilities are recorded on the balance sheet for all leases with an expected term of at least one year. Some leases include one or more options to 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 residual value guarantees or material restrictive covenants. As of September 30, 2024, 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 $6.2 million and $7.0 million at September 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023 respectively. Lease liabilities were $6.5 million and $7.3 million at September 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023, respectively. During the nine months ended September 30, 2024, we recorded additional ROU assets under operating

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leases of $1,080,000. Payments on lease liabilities during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023 totaled $483,000, $1,446,000, $415,000, and $941,000, respectively.

Lease expense includes cost for leases with terms in excess of one year. For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023, our total lease expense was $483,000, $1,432,000, $457,000 and $917,000, respectively. Short-term lease costs are de minimis in nature.

We have no financing leases and minimum annual rental commitments under non-cancellable operating leases consisted of the following at September 30, 2024 (in thousands):


Years Ending December 31,
2024 (a)	$	428
2025		1,750
2026		1,531
2027		1,342
2028		933
Thereafter		1,846
Total lease payments (b)		7,830
Less: Interest (c)		1,303
Present value of lease liabilities (d)	$	6,527

(a)	Remaining payments are for the three-months ending December 31, 2024.

(b)	Lease payments include options to extend lease terms that are reasonably certain of being exercised. There were no legally binding minimum lease payments for leases signed but not yet commenced at September 30, 2024.

(c)	Our leases do not provide a readily determinable implicit rate. Therefore, we must estimate our discount rate for such leases to determine the present value of lease payments at the lease commencement date.

(d)	The weighted average remaining lease term and weighted average discount rate used in calculating our lease liabilities were 6.3 years and 5.6%, respectively, at September 30, 2024.

7. Acquisitions and Dispositions

We actively seek and explore opportunities for expansion through the acquisition of additional broadcast properties. The consolidated statements of income include the operating results of the acquired stations from their respective dates of acquisition. All acquisitions were accounted for as purchases and, accordingly, the total purchase consideration was allocated to the acquired assets and assumed liabilities based on their estimated fair values as of the acquisition dates. The excess of the consideration paid over the estimated fair value of net assets acquired have been recorded as goodwill. The Company accounts for acquisitions under the provisions of FASB ASC Topic 805, Business Combinations.

Management utilizes an independent appraisal in assigning 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 (or income) approach and a market approach when appropriate. The key assumptions used in the value of FCC licenses are revenue growth rates, market revenue shares at maturity, operating income margins at maturity and discount rate. Goodwill fair value is the amount of the purchase price exceeding the values allocated to the tangible and identifiable intangible assets and includes the value of the assembled workforce. .

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