SEC Filing - Saga Communications, Inc.

1 United States Securities and Exchange Commission Washington, D.C. 20549 FORM 10-Q (MARK ONE) [X] Quarterly Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 For the Quarterly Period ended September 30, 1999 or [ ] Transition Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 For the transition period from _________ to _________ Commission file number 1-11588 Saga Communications, Inc. ------------------------------------------------------ (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter) Delaware 38-3042953 ------------------------------- ---------------- (State or other jurisdiction of (I.R.S. Employer incorporation or organization) Identification No.) 73 Kercheval Avenue Grosse Pointe Farms, Michigan 48236 ---------------------------------------- ---------- (Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code) (313) 886-7070 ---------------------------------------------------- (Registrant's telephone number, including area code) Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes [X] No [ ] 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 5, 1999 was 11,672,278 and 1,510,637, respectively.

2 INDEX PAGE PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION Item 1. Financial Statements (Unaudited) Condensed consolidated balance sheets--September 30, 1999 and December 31, 1998 3 Condensed consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income--Three and nine months ended September 30, 1999 and 1998 5 Condensed consolidated statements of cash flows--Nine months ended September 30, 1999 and 1998 6 Notes to unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements 7 Item 2. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations 10 PART II OTHER INFORMATION Item 6. Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K 21 Signatures 22 2

3 PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Saga Communications, Inc. Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (dollars in thousands) SEPTEMBER 30, DECEMBER 31, 1999 1998 -------- -------- (UNAUDITED) ASSETS Current assets: Cash and cash equivalents $ 8,334 $ 6,664 Accounts receivable, net 17,601 14,445 Prepaid expenses 1,902 1,461 Other current assets 1,486 1,374 -------- -------- Total current assets 29,323 23,944 Property and equipment 88,062 75,606 Less accumulated depreciation (43,348) (40,042) -------- -------- Net property and equipment 44,714 35,564 Other assets: Excess of cost over fair value of assets acquired, net 20,697 19,765 Broadcast licenses, net 54,527 41,190 Other intangibles, deferred costs and investments, net 10,854 9,550 -------- -------- Total other assets 86,078 70,505 -------- -------- $160,115 $130,013 ======== ======== See notes to unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements. 3

4 Saga Communications, Inc. Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (dollars in thousands) SEPTEMBER 30, DECEMBER 31, 1999 1998 -------- -------- (UNAUDITED) LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY Current liabilities: Accounts payable $ 2,017 $ 1,871 Other current liabilities 8,874 6,637 Current portion of long-term debt 379 181 -------- -------- Total current liabilities 11,270 8,689 Deferred income taxes 6,210 5,401 Long-term debt 85,362 70,725 Broadcast program rights 604 295 Other 238 180 STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY: Common stock 131 128 Additional paid-in capital 42,126 37,355 Note receivable from principal stockholder (490) (648) Retained earnings 14,645 8,755 Accumulated other comprehensive income 31 31 Treasury stock (12) (898) -------- -------- Total stockholders' equity 56,431 44,723 -------- -------- $160,115 $130,013 ======== ======== Note: The balance sheet at December 31, 1998 has been derived from the audited financial statements at that date but does not include all of the information and footnotes required by generally accepted accounting principles for complete financial statements. See notes to unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements. 4

5 Saga Communications, Inc. Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (dollars in thousands except per share data) Unaudited THREE MONTHS NINE MONTHS ENDED ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, SEPTEMBER 30, -------------------- -------------------- 1999 1998 1999 1998 ------- ------- ------- ------- Net operating revenue $23,882 $19,941 $65,608 $55,720 Station operating expense: Programming and technical 5,399 4,342 14,913 12,490 Selling 5,434 4,796 16,823 15,053 Station general and administrative 3,290 2,687 9,552 8,230 ------- ------- ------- ------- Total station operating expense 14,123 11,825 41,288 35,773 ------- ------- ------- ------- Station operating income before corporate general and administrative, depreciation and amortization 9,759 8,116 24,320 19,947 Corporate general and administrative 1,128 1,017 3,766 3,278 Depreciation and amortization 2,138 1,633 5,900 4,800 ------- ------- ------- ------- Operating profit 6,493 5,466 14,654 11,869 Other expense: Interest expense 1,566 1,159 4,394 3,442 Other 198 252 92 345 ------- ------- ------- ------- Income before income tax 4,729 4,055 10,168 8,082 Income tax provision 1,983 1,663 4,275 3,420 ------- ------- ------- ------- Net income and comprehensive income $ 2,746 $ 2,392 $ 5,893 $ 4,662 ======= ======= ======= ======= Earnings per share: Basic $ .21 $ .19 $ .45 $ .37 ======= ======= ======= ======= Diluted $ .20 $ .18 $ .44 $ .36 ======= ======= ======= ======= Weighted average common shares 13,122 12,711 13,013 12,705 ------- ------- ------- ------- Weighted average common and common equivalent shares 13,413 12,979 13,278 12,967 ------- ------- ------- ------- See notes to unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements. 5

6 Saga Communications, Inc. Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (dollars in thousands) Unaudited NINE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 1999 1998 ------- ------ CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES: Cash provided by operating activities $11,577 $9,036 CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES: Acquisition of property and equipment (4,194) (2,424) Proceeds from sale of assets 599 2 Increase in intangibles and other assets (1,495) (2,149) Acquisition of stations (20,870) (2,155) ------- ------ Net cash used in investing activities (25,960) (6,726) CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES: Proceeds from long-term debt 14,500 3,500 Payments on long-term debt (185) (2,970) Purchase of shares held in treasury -- (123) Net proceeds from exercise of stock options 1,738 4 Fractional shares - five for four stock split -- (1) ------- ------ Net cash provided by financing activities 16,053 410 Net increase in cash and cash equivalents 1,670 2,720 Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period 6,664 2,209 ------- ------ Cash and cash equivalents, end of period $ 8,334 $4,929 ======= ====== See notes to unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements. 6

7 Saga Communications, Inc. Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements Unaudited 1. BASIS OF PRESENTATION The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles 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 generally accepted accounting principles for annual financial statements. In the opinion of management, all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring accruals) considered necessary for a fair presentation have been included. Operating results for the three and nine months ended September 30, 1999 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the year ending December 31, 1999. For further information, refer to the consolidated financial statements and footnotes thereto included in the Saga Communications, Inc. Annual Report (Form 10-K) for the year ended December 31, 1998. 2. INCOME TAXES The Company's effective tax rate is higher than the statutory rate as a result of certain non-deductible depreciation and amortization expenses and the inclusion of state taxes in the income tax amount. 3. ACQUISITIONS On January 1, 1999, the Company acquired an AM and FM radio station (KAFE-FM and KPUG-AM), serving the Bellingham, Washington market for approximately $6,350,000. On January 14, 1999, the Company acquired a regional and state farm information network (The Michigan Farm Radio Network) for approximately $1,660,000, approximately $1,036,000 of which was paid in the Company's Class A common stock. On April 1, 1999, the Company acquired KAVU-TV (an ABC affiliate) and a low power Univision affiliate, serving the Victoria, Texas market for approximately $11,700,000, approximately $1,840,000 of which was paid in the Company's Class A common stock. The Company also assumed an existing Local Marketing Agreement for KVCT-TV (a Fox affiliate). 7

8 Saga Communications, Inc. Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued) Unaudited 3. ACQUISITIONS (CONTINUED) On May 1, 1999, the Company acquired an AM radio station (KIXT-AM) serving the Bellingham, Washington market for approximately $1,000,000. On July 1, 1999, the Company acquired WXVT-TV (a CBS affiliate) serving the Greenville, Mississippi market for approximately $5,200,000, approximately $600,000 of which was paid in the Company's Class A common stock. All acquisitions were accounted for as purchases and, accordingly, the total costs were allocated to the acquired assets and assumed liabilities based on their estimated fair values as of the acquisition date. The excess of consideration paid over the estimated fair value of the net assets acquired has been recorded as broadcast licenses and excess of cost over fair value of assets acquired. The following unaudited pro forma results of operations of the Company for the nine months ended September 30, 1999 and 1998 assume the 1998 and 1999 acquisitions occurred as of January 1, 1998. 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. Pro Forma Results of Operations for Acquisitions: Nine Months Ended (In thousands except per share data) September 30, 1999 1998 ------- ------- Net operating revenue $67,691 $63,311 ------- ------- Net income $ 5,792 $ 4,004 ======= ======= Basic earnings per share $ .45 $ .32 ======= ======= Diluted earnings per share $ .44 $ .31 ======= ======= 8

9 Saga Communications, Inc. Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued) Unaudited 4. COMMITMENTS On September 30, 1999, the Company entered into two interest rate swap agreements with a total notional amount of $24,500,000. Coincident with these agreements, the Company also sold an interest rate cap under the same terms with a fixed price of 6.0%. The swap agreements will be used to convert the variable Eurodollar interest rate of a portion of its bank borrowings to a fixed interest rate. In accordance with the terms of the swap agreements, the Company pays 5.685% calculated on a $24,500,000 notional amount. The Company receives LIBOR (5.50875% at September 30, 1999) calculated on a notional amount of $24,500,000. The interest rate cap agreement requires that if on any reset date LIBOR is greater than 6.00% the Company will pay the difference between 6.00% and the LIBOR rate at the reset date calculated on the notional amount of $24,500,000. As a result of this combination, the Company will pay a rate of 5.685% with benefits up to 6%. Should LIBOR increase above 6.00%, the Company will pay LIBOR less a 31.5 basis point benefit. Net receipts or payments under the agreements will be recognized as an adjustment to interest expense. These agreements expire in September 2001. 5. SUBSEQUENT EVENT On November 9, 1999, the Company entered into an agreement to purchase two FM and one AM radio station (KICD-AM/FM and KIGL-FM) serving the Spencer, Iowa market for approximately $6,400,000. 9

10 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. GENERAL The Company's financial results are dependent on a number of factors, the most significant of which is the 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 quarterly 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, local market competition, relative efficiency of radio and/or broadcasting compared to other advertising media, signal strength and government regulation and policies. The primary operating expenses involved in owning and operating radio stations are employee salaries, depreciation and amortization, programming expenses, solicitation of advertising, and promotion expenses. In addition to these expenses, owning and operating television stations involve the cost of acquiring certain syndicated programming. During the years ended December 31, 1998 and 1997, and the nine month periods ended September 30, 1999 and 1998, none of the Company's operating locations represented more than 15% of the Company's station operating income (i.e., net operating revenue less station operating expense), other than the Columbus, Ohio and Milwaukee, Wisconsin stations. For the years ended December 31, 1998 and 1997, Columbus accounted for an aggregate of 22% and 24%, respectively, and Milwaukee accounted for an aggregate of 24%, of the Company's station operating income. For the nine months ended September 30, 1999 and 1998, Columbus accounted for an aggregate of 14% and 22%, respectively, and Milwaukee accounted for an aggregate of 22% and 25%, respectively, of the Company's station operating income. While radio revenues in each of the Columbus and Milwaukee markets have remained relatively stable historically, an adverse change in these radio markets or these location's relative market position could have a significant impact on the Company's operating results as a whole. A decrease in revenue and station operating income has been experienced at the FM station in the Company's Columbus, Ohio market, the effect of which is discussed in the comparative information of this section. 10

11 Because audience ratings in the local market are crucial to a station's financial success, the Company endeavors to develop strong listener/viewer loyalty. The Company believes that the diversification of formats on its radio stations helps the Company to insulate itself from the effects of changes in musical tastes of the public on any particular format. The number of advertisements that can be broadcast without jeopardizing listening/viewing levels (and the resulting ratings) is limited in part by the format of a particular radio station and, in the case of television stations, by restrictions imposed by the terms of certain network affiliation and syndication agreements. The Company's stations strive to maximize revenue by constantly managing the number of commercials available for sale and adjusting prices based upon local market conditions. In the broadcasting industry, stations often utilize trade (or barter) agreements to generate advertising time sales in exchange for goods or services used or useful in the operation of the stations, instead of for cash. The Company minimizes its use of trade agreements and historically has sold over 95% of its advertising time for cash. Most advertising contracts are short-term, and generally run only for a few weeks. Most of the Company's revenue is generated from local advertising, which is sold primarily by each station's sales staff. For the nine months ended September 30, 1999 and 1998, approximately 81% of the Company's gross revenue was from local advertising. To generate national advertising sales, the Company engages an independent advertising sales representative that specializes in national sales for each of its stations. The Company's revenue varies throughout the year. Advertising expenditures, the Company's primary source of revenue, generally have been lowest during the winter months, which comprise the first quarter. As of September 30, 1998, the Company owned and operated thirty-seven radio stations, one TV station, two radio information networks, and an equity interest in six FM radio stations serving Reykjavik, Iceland. As a result of acquisitions, as of September 30, 1999 the Company owned and/or operated forty-two radio stations, five TV stations, three radio information networks, and an equity interest in six FM radio stations serving Reykjavik, Iceland. 11

12 THREE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 1999 COMPARED TO THREE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 1998 For the three months ended September 30, 1999, the Company's net operating revenue was $23,882,000 compared with $19,941,000 for the three months ended September 30, 1998, an increase of $3,941,000 or 20%. Approximately $3,000,000 or 76% of the increase was attributable to revenue generated by stations which were not owned or operated by the Company for the comparable period in 1998. The balance of the increase in net operating revenue represented a 5% increase in stations owned and operated by the Company for the entire comparable period, primarily as a result of increased advertising rates at the majority of the Company's stations. The net increase in net operating revenue in stations owned and operated by the Company for the entire comparable period was reflective of an overall increase of 7% or $1,227,000 in the Company's markets excluding Columbus, Ohio. The overall increase in markets other than Columbus, Ohio was offset by a $284,000 or 10% decrease in net operating revenue in the Columbus market. The decrease in revenue in the Columbus market was primarily due to competitive pressures in the market which resulted in a short-term decline in the station's listener ratings. While these competitive pressures created challenges, it is believed that they are only temporary in nature and will not persist beyond the fourth quarter of 1999. Station operating expense (i.e., programming, technical, selling and station general and administrative expenses) increased by $2,298,000 or 19% to $14,123,000 for the three months ended September 30, 1999, compared with $11,825,000 for the three months ended September 30, 1998. Of the total increase, approximately $2,082,000 or 91% was the result of the impact of the operation of stations which were not owned or operated by the Company for the comparable period in 1998. The remaining balance of the increase in station operating expense of $216,000 represents a total increase of 2% in stations owned and operated by the Company for the comparable period in 1998. The net increase in station operating expense in stations owned and operated by the Company for the entire comparable period was reflective of an overall increase of 1% or $145,000 in the Company's markets excluding Columbus, Ohio. The overall increase in markets other than Columbus, Ohio was offset by a $71,000 or 6% increase in station operating expense in the Columbus market. The increase in station operating expense in the Columbus market was primarily due to competitive pressures in the market. In an effort to protect the station's franchise with its target audience, additional non-budgeted monies were spent on market research, advertising and promotion. 12

13 Operating profit increased by $1,027,000 or 19% to $6,493,000 for the three months ended September 30, 1999, compared with $5,466,000 for the three months ended September 30, 1998. The improvement was primarily the result of the $3,941,000 increase in net operating revenue, offset by the $2,298,000 increase in station operating expense, a $505,000 or 31% increase in depreciation and amortization, and a $111,000 or 11% increase in corporate general and administrative charges. The increase in depreciation and amortization expense was principally the result of the recent acquisitions. The increase in corporate general and administrative charges represented additional costs due to the growth of the Company as a result of the Company's recent acquisitions. The Company generated net income in the amount of approximately $2,746,000 ($0.20 per share on a fully diluted basis) during the three months ended September 30, 1999, compared with net income of $2,392,000 ($0.18 per share on a fully diluted basis) for the three months ended September 30, 1998, an increase of approximately $354,000. The increase in net income was principally the result of the $1,027,000 improvement in operating profit and a $54,000 decrease in other expense, offset by a $407,000 increase in interest expense and a $320,000 increase in income tax expense. The decrease in other expense was principally the result of a decrease in the loss from an equity investment. The increase in interest expense was principally the result of the Company's additional borrowings to finance acquisitions. The increase in income tax expense is directly associated with the improved operating performance of the Company. NINE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 1999 COMPARED TO NINE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 1998 For the nine months ended September 30, 1999, the Company's net operating revenue was $65,608,000 compared with $55,720,000 for the nine months ended September 30, 1998, an increase of $9,888,000 or 18%. Approximately $6,801,000 or 69% of the increase was attributable to revenue generated by stations which were not owned or operated by the Company for the comparable period in 1998. The balance of the increase in net operating revenue represented a 6% increase in stations owned and operated by the Company for the entire comparable period, primarily as a result of increased advertising rates at the majority of the Company's stations. The net increase in net operating revenue in stations owned and operated by the Company for the entire comparable period was reflective of an overall increase of 7% or $3,411,000 in the Company's markets excluding Columbus, Ohio. The overall increase in markets other than Columbus, Ohio was offset by a $324,000 or 4% decrease in net operating revenue in the Columbus market. The decrease in revenue in the Columbus market was primarily due to competitive pressures in the market which resulted in a short-term decline in the station's listener ratings. While these competitive pressures created challenges, it is believed that they are only temporary in nature and will not persist beyond the fourth quarter of 1999. 13

14 Station operating expense (i.e., programming, technical, selling and station general and administrative expenses) increased by $5,515,000 or 15% to $41,288,000 for the nine months ended September 30, 1999, compared with $35,773,000 for the nine months ended September 30, 1998. Of the total increase, approximately $4,631,000 or 84% was the result of the impact of the operation of stations which were not owned or operated by the Company for the comparable period in 1998. The remaining balance of the increase in station operating expense of $884,000 represents a total increase of 3% in stations owned and operated by the Company for the comparable period in 1998. The net increase in station operating expense in stations owned and operated by the Company for the entire comparable period was reflective of an overall increase of 1% or $328,000 in the Company's markets excluding Columbus, Ohio. The overall increase in markets other than Columbus, Ohio was offset by a $556,000 or 16% increase in station operating expense in the Columbus market. The increase in station operating expense in the Columbus market was primarily due to competitive pressures in the market. In an effort to protect the station's franchise with its target audience, additional non-budgeted monies were spent on market research, advertising and promotion. Operating profit increased by $2,785,000 or 24% to $14,654,000 for the nine months ended September 30, 1999, compared with $11,869,000 for the nine months ended September 30, 1998. The improvement was primarily the result of the $9,888,000 increase in net operating revenue, offset by the $5,515,000 increase in station operating expense, a $1,100,000 or 23% increase in depreciation and amortization, and a $488,000 or 15% increase in corporate general and administrative charges. The increase in depreciation and amortization expense was principally the result of the recent acquisitions. The increase in corporate general and administrative charges was primarily attributable to an increase in deferred compensation charges of $140,000 pertaining to a discretionary contribution to the 401(k) plan, and the remaining increase of approximately $348,000 represents additional costs due to the growth of the Company as a result of the Company's recent acquisitions. 14

15 The Company generated net income in the amount of approximately $5,893,000 ($0.44 per share on a fully diluted basis) during the nine months ended September 30, 1999, compared with net income of $4,662,000 ($0.36 per share on a fully diluted basis) for the nine months ended September 30, 1998, an increase of approximately $1,231,000. The increase in net income was principally the result of the $2,785,000 improvement in operating profit and a decrease in other expense of $253,000, offset by a $952,000 increase in interest expense and a $855,000 increase in income tax expense. The decrease in other expense was principally the result of non-recurring income of $500,000 resulting from an agreement to downgrade a FCC license at one of the Company's stations, offset by a $250,000 increase in the loss of an unconsolidated affiliate. The increase in interest expense was principally the result of the Company's additional borrowings to finance acquisitions. The increase in income tax expense is directly associated with the improved operating performance of the Company. LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES As of September 30, 1999, the Company had $85,741,000 of long-term debt (including the current portion thereof) outstanding and approximately $65,500,000 of unused borrowing capacity under the Credit Agreement (as defined below). The Company's credit agreement (the "Credit Agreement") has three facilities (the "Facilities"): a $70,000,000 senior secured term loan (the "Term Loan"), a $60,000,000 senior secured acquisition loan facility (the "Acquisition Facility"), and a $20,000,000 senior secured revolving credit facility (the "Revolving Facility"). The Facilities mature on June 30, 2006. The Company's indebtedness under the Facilities is secured by a first priority lien on substantially all the assets of the Company and its subsidiaries, by a pledge of its subsidiaries' stock and by a guarantee of its subsidiaries. The Acquisition Facility may be used for permitted acquisitions. The Revolving Facility may be used for general corporate purposes, including working capital, capital expenditures, permitted acquisitions (to the extent that the Acquisition Facility has been fully utilized and limited to $10,000,000) and permitted stock buybacks. On December 30, 2000, the Acquisition Facility will convert to a five and a half year term loan. The outstanding amounts of the Term Loan and the Acquisition Facility are required to be reduced quarterly in amounts ranging from 2.5% to 7.5% of the initial commitment commencing on March 31, 2001. Any outstanding amount under the Revolving Facility will be due on the maturity date of June 30, 2006. In addition, the Facilities may be further reduced by specified percentages of Excess Cash Flow (as defined in the Credit Agreement) based on leverage ratios. 15

16 Interest rates under the Facilities are payable, at the Company's option, at alternatives equal to LIBOR plus 1.0% to 1.75% or the Agent bank's base rate plus 0% to .75%. The spread over LIBOR and the prime rate vary from time to time, depending upon the Company's financial leverage. The Company also pays quarterly commitment fees equal of 0.375% to 0.5% per annum on the aggregate unused portion of the Acquisition and Revolving Facilities. The Credit Agreement contains a number of financial covenants which, among other things, require the Company to maintain specified financial ratios and impose certain limitations on the Company with respect to investments, additional indebtedness, dividends, distributions, guarantees, liens and encumbrances. At September 30, 1999, the Company had an interest rate swap agreement with a total notional amount of $32,000,000 that it uses to convert the variable Eurodollar interest rate of a portion of its bank borrowings to a fixed interest rate. The swap agreement was entered into to reduce the risk to the Company of rising interest rates. In accordance with the terms of the swap agreement, dated November 21, 1995, the Company pays 6.15% calculated on a $32,000,000 notional amount. The Company receives LIBOR (5.09625% at September 30, 1999) calculated on a notional amount of $32,000,000. Net receipts or payments under the agreement are recognized as an adjustment to interest expense. The swap agreement expires in December 1999. As the LIBOR increases, interest payments received and the market value of the swap position increase. Approximately $244,000 in additional interest expense was recognized as a result of the interest rate swap agreement for the nine months ended September 30, 1999 and an aggregate amount of $751,000 in additional interest expense has been recognized since the inception of the agreement. On September 30, 1999, the Company entered into two interest rate swap agreements with a total notional amount of $24,500,000. Coincident with these agreements, the Company also sold an interest rate cap under the same terms with a fixed price of 6.0%. The swap agreements will be used to convert the variable Eurodollar interest rate of a portion of its bank borrowings to a fixed interest rate. In accordance with the terms of the swap agreements, the Company pays 5.685% calculated on a $24,500,000 notional amount. The Company receives LIBOR (5.50875% at September 30, 1999) calculated on a notional amount of $24,500,000. The interest rate cap agreement requires that if on any reset date LIBOR is greater than 6.00% the Company will pay the difference between 6.00% and the LIBOR rate at the reset date calculated on the notional amount of $24,500,000. As a result of this combination, the Company will pay a rate of 5.685% with benefits up to 6%. Should LIBOR increase above 6.00%, the company will pay LIBOR less a 31.5 basis point benefit. Net receipts or payments under the agreements will be recognized as an adjustment to interest expense. These agreements expire in September 2001. No additional interest expense was recognized as a result of the interest rate swap agreement for the nine months ended September 30, 1999. 16

17 During the nine months ended September 30, 1999 and 1998, the Company had net cash flows from operating activities of $11,577,000 and $9,036,000, respectively. The Company believes that cash flow from operations will be sufficient to meet quarterly debt service requirements for interest and scheduled payments of principal under the Credit Agreement. If such cash flow is not sufficient to meet such debt service requirements, the Company may be required to sell additional equity securities, refinance its obligations or dispose of one or more of its properties in order to make such scheduled payments. There can be no assurance that the Company would be able to effect any such transactions on favorable terms. On January 1, 1999, the Company acquired an AM and FM radio station (KAFE-FM and KPUG-AM), serving the Bellingham, Washington market for approximately $6,350,000. On January 14, 1999, the Company acquired a regional and state farm information network (The Michigan Farm Radio Network) for approximately $1,660,000, approximately $1,036,000 of which was paid in the Company's Class A common stock. On April 1, 1999, the Company acquired KAVU-TV (an ABC affiliate) and a low power Univision affiliate, serving the Victoria, Texas market for approximately $11,700,000, approximately $1,840,000 of which was paid in the Company's Class A common stock. The Company also assumed an existing Local Marketing Agreement for KVCT-TV (a Fox affiliate). On May 1, 1999, the Company acquired an AM radio station (KIXT-AM) serving the Bellingham, Washington market for approximately $1,000,000. On July 1, 1999, the Company acquired WXVT-TV (a CBS affiliate) serving the Greenville, Mississippi market for approximately $5,200,000, approximately $600,000 of which was paid in the Company's Class A common stock. The acquisitions during the first nine months of 1999 were financed through funds generated from operations and additional borrowings of $14,500,000 under the Credit Agreement. On November 9, 1999, the Company entered into an agreement to purchase two FM and one AM radio station (KICD-AM/FM and KIGL-FM) serving the Spencer, Iowa market for approximately $6,400,000. The Company anticipates that the above and any future acquisitions of radio and television stations will be financed through funds generated from operations, borrowings under the Credit Agreement, additional debt or equity financing, or a combination thereof. However, there can be no assurances that any such financing will be available on acceptable terms, if any. 17

18 The Company's capital expenditures for the nine months ended September 30, 1999 were approximately $4,194,000 ($2,424,000 in the comparable period in 1998). The Company anticipates capital expenditures in 1999 to be approximately $4,500,000, which it expects to finance through funds generated from operations. IMPACT OF THE YEAR 2000 The Year 2000 Issue ("Y2K") is the result of computer programs being written using two digits rather than four to define the applicable year. Any of the Company's computer programs or hardware that have date-sensitive software or embedded chips may recognize a date using "00" as the year 1900 rather than the year 2000. This could result in a system failure or miscalculations causing disruptions of operations, including, among other things, a temporary inability to produce broadcast signals, process financial transactions, or engage in similar normal business activities. In addition, disruptions in the economy generally resulting from Y2K issues could also materially adversely affect the Company. The Company could be subject to litigation for computer systems failure, equipment shutdown or failure to properly date business records. The amount of potential liability and lost revenue cannot be reasonably estimated at this time. The Company determined that it was necessary to modify or replace portions of its software and certain hardware so that those systems will properly utilize dates beyond December 31, 1999. The Company presently believes that with these modifications or replacements of existing software and certain hardware, Y2K can be mitigated. However, if such modifications and replacements are not made, or are not timely completed, Y2K could have a material impact on the operations of the Company. The Company's plan to resolve Y2K involved the following four phases: assessment, remediation, testing, and implementation. The Company has substantially completed its assessment of all systems that could be significantly affected by Y2K. The assessment indicated that some significant financial and operational systems could be affected by Y2K, including: i) accounting and financial reporting systems, ii) broadcast studio equipment and software necessary to deliver programming, iii) certain computer hardware not capable of recognizing a four digit code for the applicable year, iv) certain traffic and billing software, and v) certain local area networks. The Company has also assessed the potential external risks associated with Y2K, including Y2K compliance status of its significant external agents. To date the Company is not aware of any external agent with a Y2K issue that would materially impact the Company's result of operations, liquidity or capital resources. However, the Company has no means of ensuring that external agents will be Y2K compliant. The inability of external agents to complete their Y2K resolution process in a timely fashion could materially impact the Company. The effect of non-compliance by external agents is not determinable. 18

19 The Company's remediation phase was to replace or upgrade to Y2K compliant software and hardware if applicable for related systems based upon its findings during the assessment phase. The Company has substantially completed this phase and anticipates completing this phase no later than November 30, 1999. The Company's testing and implementation phases will run concurrently for certain systems. Completion of the testing phase for all significant systems is expected by November 30, 1999. The Company has and will utilize both internal and external resources to replace, upgrade, test and implement the software and operating equipment for Y2K modifications. The total Y2K project cost is estimated to be approximately $500,000, which includes the cost of new software and hardware, most of which has or will be capitalized. The project is estimated to be 90% completed as of September 30, 1999, with final completion expected to be on or before November 30, 1999, which is prior to any anticipated impact on its operating systems. The cost of the project and the date on which the Company believes it will complete the Y2K modifications are based on management's best estimates, which were derived utilizing numerous assumptions of future events, including the continued availability of certain resources and other factors. However, there can be no guarantee that these estimates will be achieved and actual results could differ materially from those anticipated. Specific factors that might cause such material differences include, but are not limited to, the availability and cost of personnel trained in this area, the ability to locate and correct all relevant computer codes, and similar uncertainties. The Company has contingency plans for certain critical applications and is working on such plans for others. These contingency plans involve, among other actions, manual work arounds and adjusting staffing strategies. INFLATION The impact of inflation on the Company's 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 the Company's operations. 19

20 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, when used in this Form 10-Q words such as "believes," "anticipates," "expects," and similar expressions are intended to identify forward looking statements. The Company cautions that a number of important factors could cause the Company's actual results for 1999 and beyond to differ materially from those expressed in any forward looking statements made by or on behalf of the Company. Forward looking statements involve a number of risks and uncertainties including, but not limited to, the Company's financial leverage and debt service requirements, dependence on key personnel, dependence on key stations, U.S. and local economic conditions, Y2K issues, the successful integration of acquired stations, and regulatory matters. The Company cannot assure that it will be able to anticipate or respond timely to changes in any of the factors listed above, 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 the Company's stock. See "Business - Forward Looking Statements; Risk Factors" in the Company's 1998 Form 10-K. 20

21 PART II - OTHER INFORMATION Item 6. Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K (a) EXHIBITS 27 Financial Data Schedule (b) Reports on Form 8-K None 21

22 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 11, 1999 /s/ Samuel D. Bush --------------------------------------- Samuel D. Bush Vice President, Chief Financial Officer, and Treasurer (Principal Financial Officer) Date: November 11, 1999 /s/ Catherine A. Bobinski --------------------------------------- Catherine A. Bobinski Vice President, Corporate Controller and Chief Accounting Officer (Principal Accounting Officer) 22

5 1,000 U.S. DOLLARS 9-MOS DEC-31-1999 JAN-01-1999 SEP-30-1999 1 8,334 0 17,601 0 0 29,323 88,062 43,348 160,115 11,270 0 0 0 131 56,300 160,115 65,608 65,608 0 50,954 92 0 4,394 10,168 4,275 5,893 0 0 0 5,893 .45 .44