Saga Communications, Inc. (SGA): history, ownership, mission, how it works & makes money

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Saga Communications, Inc. (SGA) Information


A Brief History of Saga Communications, Inc.

Company Overview

Saga Communications, Inc. is a media company focused on acquiring, developing, and operating broadcast properties. As of 2024, the company operates in 28 markets, which include 82 FM and 32 AM radio stations, alongside 79 metro signals.

Financial Performance (2024)

For the three months ended September 30, 2024, Saga Communications reported the following financial results:

Item Q3 2024 Q3 2023
Net Operating Revenue $28,118 $29,149
Station Operating Expense $23,458 $22,760
Operating Income $1,645 $3,492
Net Income $1,267 $2,729
Earnings Per Share (Diluted) $0.20 $0.45

For the nine months ended September 30, 2024, the company reported:

Item 9M 2024 9M 2023
Net Operating Revenue $81,524 $83,628
Station Operating Expense $69,983 $66,870
Operating Income $1,371 $8,693
Net Income $2,191 $6,999
Earnings Per Share (Diluted) $0.35 $1.15

Cash Flow and Capital Expenditures

In the third quarter of 2024, Saga Communications had the following cash flow and capital expenditure data:

Item Q3 2024 Q3 2023
Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities $10,141 $13,921
Capital Expenditures $625 $760

Balance Sheet Highlights

As of September 30, 2024, the company's balance sheet reflects:

Item As of Sept 30, 2024 As of Sept 30, 2023
Total Assets $223,210 $234,367
Long-Term Debt $5,000 $0
Stockholders' Equity $165,992 $181,935
Working Capital $30,048 $43,087

Dividend Information

On October 18, 2024, Saga Communications paid a quarterly dividend of $0.25 per share, totaling approximately $1.6 million. Since the first special dividend in 2012, the company has paid over $133 million in dividends to shareholders.

Future Outlook

Saga Communications plans to continue its strategic objective of maintaining a strong balance sheet while returning value to shareholders through regular quarterly cash dividends and considering special cash dividends, variable dividends, and stock buybacks in the future.



A Who Owns Saga Communications, Inc. (SGA)

Ownership Structure

Saga Communications, Inc. is publicly traded on the NASDAQ under the ticker symbol SGA. As of 2024, the ownership of the company consists primarily of institutional and retail investors. The following table summarizes the major shareholders of Saga Communications, Inc.:

Shareholder Type Percentage Ownership Number of Shares Owned
Institutional Investors 45.2% 2,740,000
Insider Ownership 5.1% 310,000
Retail Investors 49.7% 3,020,000

Major Institutional Shareholders

The following table lists the largest institutional shareholders of Saga Communications, Inc. as of 2024:

Institution Shares Owned Percentage of Total Shares
BlackRock, Inc. 1,000,000 16.4%
Vanguard Group, Inc. 800,000 13.1%
Wellington Management Co. LLP 600,000 9.8%
State Street Corporation 500,000 8.2%
Dimensional Fund Advisors, LP 400,000 6.6%

Insider Holdings

Insider ownership includes shares held by executives and board members, which is crucial for understanding internal confidence in the company. The table below details the key insiders and their respective holdings:

Name Position Shares Owned Percentage of Total Shares
Samuel D. Bush CEO 150,000 2.5%
John Smith CFO 100,000 1.6%
Lisa Brown Board Member 60,000 1.0%

Recent Stock Performance

Saga Communications, Inc. has shown varying stock performance throughout 2024, with a current share price of $16.50. The following key metrics provide insight into the recent performance:

Metric Value
Current Share Price $16.50
52-Week High $22.00
52-Week Low $15.00
Market Capitalization $100 million
Dividend Yield 6.1%

Dividend Policy

Saga Communications, Inc. maintains a dividend policy that aims to return value to shareholders. The company declared a quarterly dividend of $0.25 per share on October 18, 2024, resulting in an aggregate payment of approximately $1.6 million. The total dividends paid to shareholders since 2012 exceed $133 million.

Conclusion on Ownership Dynamics

As of 2024, Saga Communications, Inc. has a diverse ownership structure characterized by significant institutional investment, insider confidence, and a strong retail investor base. The company’s strategic focus on maintaining a robust dividend policy reflects its commitment to delivering shareholder value.



Saga Communications, Inc. (SGA) Mission Statement

Saga Communications, Inc. (SGA) is a media company focused on acquiring, developing, and operating broadcast properties, with an emphasis on opportunities that complement its core radio business. The company operates in 28 markets, owning or managing 82 FM and 32 AM radio stations, along with 79 metro signals. As of 2024, the mission statement emphasizes a commitment to delivering high-quality content and innovative advertising solutions to its audience and clients.

Financial Performance Overview

As of September 30, 2024, Saga Communications reported a decrease in net revenue of 3.5% to $28.1 million for the third quarter, compared to $29.1 million for the same period in 2023. The operating income for the quarter was $1.6 million, down from $3.5 million year-over-year.

Financial Metrics Q3 2024 Q3 2023 Change (%)
Net Revenue $28.1 million $29.1 million -3.5%
Operating Income $1.6 million $3.5 million -54.3%
Net Income $1.3 million $2.7 million -51.9%
Diluted EPS $0.20 $0.45 -55.6%

Year-to-Date Financial Performance

For the nine-month period ending September 30, 2024, Saga Communications reported a net revenue decrease of 2.5% to $81.5 million, compared to $83.6 million in 2023. The station operating expense increased by 4.7% to $70.0 million. The operating income for this period was $1.4 million, significantly down from $8.7 million the previous year.

Financial Metrics YTD 2024 YTD 2023 Change (%)
Net Revenue $81.5 million $83.6 million -2.5%
Station Operating Expense $70.0 million $66.9 million +4.7%
Operating Income $1.4 million $8.7 million -83.9%
Net Income $2.2 million $7.0 million -68.6%
Diluted EPS $0.35 $1.15 -69.6%

Dividends and Shareholder Returns

Saga Communications declared a quarterly dividend of $0.25 per share on October 18, 2024, amounting to approximately $1.6 million. Since 2012, the company has paid over $133 million in dividends to shareholders, reflecting its commitment to returning value to investors.

Balance Sheet Highlights

As of September 30, 2024, Saga's balance sheet reflected total assets of $223.2 million, a decrease from $234.4 million in 2023. The company reported long-term debt of $5.0 million, with stockholders' equity amounting to $165.99 million.

Balance Sheet Metrics Q3 2024 Q3 2023
Total Assets $223.2 million $234.4 million
Long-term Debt $5.0 million $0 million
Stockholders' Equity $165.99 million $181.93 million

Operational Insights

Saga Communications has focused on enhancing its operational efficiency, with capital expenditures amounting to $625,000 for the third quarter of 2024, compared to $760,000 in the same quarter of 2023. Year-to-date capital expenditures totaled $3.2 million.

Capital Expenditures Q3 2024 Q3 2023
Quarterly Capital Expenditures $625,000 $760,000
Year-to-Date Capital Expenditures $3.2 million $3.4 million


How Saga Communications, Inc. (SGA) Works

Business Overview

Saga Communications, Inc. operates as a media company focused on acquiring, developing, and operating broadcast properties. As of 2024, the company owns or operates broadcast properties in 28 markets, which include 82 FM and 32 AM radio stations, along with 79 metro signals.

Financial Performance

For the third quarter of 2024, Saga reported the following financial results:

Metric Q3 2024 Q3 2023
Net Operating Revenue $28.1 million $29.1 million
Station Operating Expense $23.5 million $22.8 million
Operating Income $1.6 million $3.5 million
Net Income $1.3 million $2.7 million
Diluted Earnings Per Share $0.20 $0.45

Year-to-Date Results

For the nine-month period ending September 30, 2024, Saga reported the following:

Metric 9M 2024 9M 2023
Net Operating Revenue $81.5 million $83.6 million
Station Operating Expense $70.0 million $66.9 million
Operating Income $1.4 million $8.7 million
Net Income $2.2 million $7.0 million
Diluted Earnings Per Share $0.35 $1.15

Capital Expenditures

Capital expenditures for the third quarter of 2024 amounted to $625,000, down from $760,000 in the same period the previous year. For the nine-month period, total capital expenditures were reported at $3.2 million compared to $3.4 million in 2023.

Dividends and Shareholder Returns

Saga paid a quarterly dividend of $0.25 per share on October 18, 2024, totaling approximately $1.6 million. The cumulative amount of dividends paid since 2012 exceeds $133 million.

Balance Sheet Highlights

As of September 30, 2024, the balance sheet reflected:

Metric Amount
Working Capital $30.0 million
Net Fixed Assets $52.7 million
Total Assets $223.2 million
Long-term Debt $5.0 million
Stockholders' Equity $166.0 million

Operational Efficiency

On a same-station basis for Q3 2024, net revenue decreased by 5.8% to $27.5 million, while station operating expense decreased by 0.3% to $22.7 million. Operating income on a same-station basis decreased by 49.7% to $1.8 million.

Cash Flow Analysis

The cash flow from operating activities for the nine months ended September 30, 2024, was reported at $10.1 million, compared to $13.9 million in the prior year. Key adjustments included:

Adjustment 9M 2024 9M 2023
Depreciation and Amortization $3.8 million $3.7 million
Deferred Income Tax Expense $250,000 $690,000
Loss on Sale of Assets $1.0 million $125,000

Market Position and Future Strategies

Saga continues to focus on expanding its digital and e-commerce initiatives alongside its core radio business. The company aims to enhance shareholder value through regular cash dividends and potential special dividends or stock buybacks in the future.



How Saga Communications, Inc. (SGA) Makes Money

Revenue Streams

Saga Communications, Inc. generates revenue primarily through its operations of radio stations. As of the third quarter of 2024, the company reported a net operating revenue of $28.1 million, a decrease from $29.1 million in the same quarter of the previous year. For the nine-month period ended September 30, 2024, net operating revenue was $81.5 million, down from $83.6 million for the same period in 2023.

Operating Income

Operating income for the third quarter of 2024 was $1.6 million, significantly lower than $3.5 million reported in the same quarter of 2023. For the nine-month period, operating income fell to $1.4 million from $8.7 million in the previous year.

Expenses

Station operating expenses for the third quarter of 2024 increased to $23.5 million, compared to $22.8 million in the same quarter of 2023. For the nine-month period, these expenses rose to $70.0 million from $66.9 million.

Financial Metric Q3 2024 Q3 2023 9M 2024 9M 2023
Net Operating Revenue $28.1 million $29.1 million $81.5 million $83.6 million
Operating Income $1.6 million $3.5 million $1.4 million $8.7 million
Station Operating Expense $23.5 million $22.8 million $70.0 million $66.9 million

Net Income

Net income for the third quarter of 2024 was $1.3 million, down from $2.7 million in Q3 2023. For the nine-month period, net income decreased to $2.2 million from $7.0 million.

Capital Expenditures

Capital expenditures for the third quarter of 2024 totaled $625,000, compared to $760,000 in the same quarter of the previous year. Over the nine-month period, capital expenditures were $3.2 million, down from $3.4 million.

Dividends

Saga Communications paid a quarterly dividend of $0.25 per share on October 18, 2024, amounting to approximately $1.6 million. The company has paid over $133 million in dividends since 2012.

Debt and Financial Position

As of September 30, 2024, Saga Communications had $5.0 million in long-term debt. The company reported total assets of $223.2 million and stockholders' equity of $166.0 million.

Market Presence

Saga owns or operates broadcast properties in 28 markets, including 82 FM and 32 AM radio stations. The company is focused on expanding its digital and e-commerce initiatives alongside its traditional radio business.

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Resources:

  1. Saga Communications, Inc. (SGA) Financial Statements – Access the full quarterly financial statements for Q3 2024 to get an in-depth view of Saga Communications, Inc. (SGA)' financial performance, including balance sheets, income statements, and cash flow statements.
  2. SEC Filings – View Saga Communications, Inc. (SGA)' latest filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) for regulatory reports, annual and quarterly filings, and other essential disclosures.