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Saga Communications, Inc. Reports 1st Quarter 2025 Results

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Saga Communications (SGA) reported declining financial results for Q1 2025. Net revenue decreased 4.3% to $24.2 million compared to $25.3 million in Q1 2024. The company reported an operating loss of $2.3 million and a net loss of $1.6 million ($0.25 per diluted share). Station operating expense decreased 2.2% to $22.0 million.

Q2 2025 revenue pacing shows improvement, with April down high single digits, May down low single digits, and June approximately flat. The company maintains a strong balance sheet with $27.0 million in cash and short-term investments. Saga paid a quarterly dividend of $0.25 per share, totaling $1.6 million, and announced plans for potential stock buybacks using proceeds from non-core asset sales.

Saga Communications (SGA) ha riportato risultati finanziari in calo per il primo trimestre 2025. I ricavi netti sono diminuiti del 4,3%, attestandosi a 24,2 milioni di dollari rispetto ai 25,3 milioni di dollari del primo trimestre 2024. L'azienda ha registrato una perdita operativa di 2,3 milioni di dollari e una perdita netta di 1,6 milioni di dollari (0,25 dollari per azione diluita). Le spese operative delle stazioni sono scese del 2,2% a 22,0 milioni di dollari.

Le previsioni di fatturato per il secondo trimestre 2025 mostrano un miglioramento, con aprile in calo a una cifra alta, maggio in calo a una cifra bassa e giugno sostanzialmente stabile. L'azienda mantiene un bilancio solido con 27,0 milioni di dollari in contanti e investimenti a breve termine. Saga ha pagato un dividendo trimestrale di 0,25 dollari per azione, per un totale di 1,6 milioni di dollari, e ha annunciato piani per potenziali riacquisti di azioni utilizzando i proventi della vendita di asset non core.

Saga Communications (SGA) reportó resultados financieros a la baja para el primer trimestre de 2025. Los ingresos netos disminuyeron un 4,3%, alcanzando 24,2 millones de dólares en comparación con 25,3 millones en el primer trimestre de 2024. La compañía informó una pérdida operativa de 2,3 millones de dólares y una pérdida neta de 1,6 millones de dólares (0,25 dólares por acción diluida). Los gastos operativos de las estaciones disminuyeron un 2,2% hasta 22,0 millones de dólares.

Las previsiones de ingresos para el segundo trimestre de 2025 muestran una mejora, con abril cayendo en dígitos altos, mayo en dígitos bajos y junio aproximadamente estable. La empresa mantiene un balance sólido con 27,0 millones de dólares en efectivo e inversiones a corto plazo. Saga pagó un dividendo trimestral de 0,25 dólares por acción, totalizando 1,6 millones de dólares, y anunció planes para posibles recompras de acciones utilizando los ingresos de la venta de activos no estratégicos.

Saga Communications (SGA)는 2025년 1분기 실적이 하락했다고 보고했습니다. 순수익은 2024년 1분기 2,530만 달러에서 4.3% 감소한 2,420만 달러를 기록했습니다. 회사는 230만 달러의 영업 손실과 160만 달러(희석 주당 0.25달러)의 순손실을 보고했습니다. 방송국 운영비는 2.2% 감소하여 2,200만 달러였습니다.

2025년 2분기 매출 전망은 개선되어 4월은 두 자릿수 상단 하락, 5월은 한 자릿수 하락, 6월은 거의 변동이 없습니다. 회사는 2,700만 달러의 현금 및 단기 투자 자산으로 견고한 재무 상태를 유지하고 있습니다. Saga는 주당 0.25달러의 분기 배당금을 지급해 총 160만 달러를 배당했으며, 비핵심 자산 매각 수익을 활용한 주식 자사주 매입 계획을 발표했습니다.

Saga Communications (SGA) a annoncé des résultats financiers en baisse pour le premier trimestre 2025. Le chiffre d'affaires net a diminué de 4,3 % pour atteindre 24,2 millions de dollars, contre 25,3 millions de dollars au premier trimestre 2024. La société a enregistré une perte d'exploitation de 2,3 millions de dollars et une perte nette de 1,6 million de dollars (0,25 dollar par action diluée). Les charges d'exploitation des stations ont diminué de 2,2 % pour s'établir à 22,0 millions de dollars.

Les perspectives de revenus pour le deuxième trimestre 2025 montrent une amélioration, avec une baisse à un chiffre élevé en avril, une baisse à un chiffre faible en mai, et une stabilité approximative en juin. La société conserve un bilan solide avec 27,0 millions de dollars en liquidités et placements à court terme. Saga a versé un dividende trimestriel de 0,25 dollar par action, totalisant 1,6 million de dollars, et a annoncé des projets de rachats d'actions potentiels financés par les recettes de la vente d'actifs non stratégiques.

Saga Communications (SGA) meldete rückläufige Finanzergebnisse für das erste Quartal 2025. Der Nettoumsatz sank um 4,3 % auf 24,2 Millionen US-Dollar im Vergleich zu 25,3 Millionen US-Dollar im ersten Quartal 2024. Das Unternehmen verzeichnete einen operativen Verlust von 2,3 Millionen US-Dollar und einen Nettoverlust von 1,6 Millionen US-Dollar (0,25 US-Dollar pro verwässerter Aktie). Die Betriebskosten der Stationen sanken um 2,2 % auf 22,0 Millionen US-Dollar.

Die Umsatzentwicklung für das zweite Quartal 2025 zeigt eine Verbesserung: Im April ging der Umsatz um hohe einstellige Prozentzahlen zurück, im Mai um niedrige einstellige Prozentzahlen und im Juni blieb er ungefähr stabil. Das Unternehmen verfügt über eine starke Bilanz mit 27,0 Millionen US-Dollar in bar und kurzfristigen Investitionen. Saga zahlte eine Quartalsdividende von 0,25 US-Dollar pro Aktie, insgesamt 1,6 Millionen US-Dollar, und kündigte Pläne für mögliche Aktienrückkäufe an, die aus Erlösen aus dem Verkauf nicht zum Kerngeschäft gehörender Vermögenswerte finanziert werden sollen.

Positive
  • Strong cash position with $27.0 million in cash and short-term investments
  • Progressive improvement in Q2 2025 revenue pacing from high single-digit decline to flat
  • Continued dividend payments, with $137 million paid since 2012
  • Planned stock buyback program announced
Negative
  • Net revenue declined 4.3% to $24.2 million
  • Operating loss of $2.3 million in Q1 2025
  • Net loss of $1.6 million ($0.25 per share)
  • Additional expenses expected in Q2 due to proxy contest

Insights

Saga Communications reported Q1 operating loss amid declining revenues, with slight sequential improvements projected for Q2 2025.

Saga Communications' Q1 2025 results reveal continuing challenges in the radio broadcasting sector. The company reported a 4.3% decrease in net revenue to $24.2 million, with station operating expenses down 2.2% to $22.0 million. Despite cost reductions, Saga posted an operating loss of $2.3 million, only marginally better than last year's $2.4 million loss.

The same-station metrics paint an even more concerning picture, with revenue declining 6.6% to $23.6 million. This larger drop in comparable operations suggests core business deterioration beyond any portfolio changes.

Looking forward, Q2 revenue trends show a pattern of sequential improvement: April was down high single digits, May improved to low single-digit declines, and June is trending approximately flat compared to 2024. This gradual stabilization, while not representing growth, indicates some operational improvements.

Despite ongoing operational challenges, Saga maintains a solid balance sheet with $27.0 million in cash and short-term investments as of March 31. The company continues its capital return program, paying a $0.25 per share quarterly dividend totaling approximately $1.6 million. The company has introduced $5 million in long-term debt (compared to zero last year), suggesting a shift in financial strategy.

The $110,000 expense related to a potential proxy contest initiated by a shareholder deserves investor attention, as it signals potential governance tensions or strategic disagreements. This situation bears watching, as additional related expenses are expected in Q2.

GROSSE POINTE FARMS, Mich., May 08, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Saga Communications, Inc. (Nasdaq - SGA) (the “Company”, “Saga”, “we” or “our”) today reported that net revenue decreased 4.3% to $24.2 million for the quarter ended March 31, 2025 compared to $25.3 million for the same period last year. Station operating expense decreased 2.2% for the quarter to $22.0 million compared to the same period last year. For the quarter, our operating loss was $2.3 million compared to an operating loss of $2.4 million for the same quarter last year and station operating income (a non-GAAP financial measure) decreased to $2.2 million from $2.8 million for the same period last year. Capital expenditures were $700 thousand for the quarter compared to $1.1 million for the same period last year. We had a net loss of $1.6 million for the quarter consistent with the same period last year. Diluted loss per share was $0.25 in the first quarter of 2025.

On a same-station basis for the quarter ended March 31, 2025, we had an operating loss of $2.1 million. Net revenue decreased 6.6% to $23.6 million, and station operating expense decreased 5.0% to $21.3 million.

Revenue pacing for the second quarter remains uncertain but is improving as the quarter progresses. For the second quarter we are currently pacing down mid single digits. April was down high single digits. May improved to being down low single digits and June is approximately flat with the same period last year.

Included in the corporate general and administrative expense line item, for the quarter ended March 31, 2025, is $110,000 in expenses relating to a potential proxy contest initiated by a Saga shareholder. There will also be additional legal, proxy consulting, and annual meeting expenses reflected in the second quarter earnings report.

The Company paid a quarterly dividend of $0.25 per share on March 7, 2025. The aggregate amount of the quarterly dividend was approximately $1.6 million. To date Saga has paid over $137 million in dividends to shareholders since the first special dividend was paid in 2012 as well as has bought back over $58 million in Saga stock. Further, as part of its overall capital allocation plan for fiscal year 2025, Saga has announced it intends to use a portion of the proceeds from the potential sale of non-core assets to fund stock buybacks, which may include open market repurchases, block trades or other forms of buybacks.

The Company’s balance sheet reflects $27.0 million in cash and short-term investments as of March 31, 2025 and $27.2 million as of May 5, 2025. The Company expects to spend approximately $4.0$4.5 million for capital expenditures during 2025.

Saga’s 2025 First Quarter conference call will be held on Thursday, May 8, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. The dial-in number for the call is (973) 528-0008. Enter conference code 530273. A recording and transcript of the call will be posted to the Company’s website as soon as it is available after the call.

The Company requests that all parties that have a question that they would like to submit to the Company please email the inquiry by 10:00 a.m. on May 8, 2025 to SagaIR@sagacom.com. The Company will discuss, during the limited period of the conference call, those inquiries it deems of general relevance and interest. Only inquiries made in compliance with the foregoing directions will be discussed during the call.

Saga utilizes certain financial measures that are not calculated in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) to assess its financial performance. The attached Selected Supplemental Financial Data tables disclose “actual”, “same station”, and “proforma” financial information as well as the Company’s reconciliation of non-GAAP measures: GAAP operating income to station operating income, GAAP net income to trailing twelve-month consolidated EBITDA and actual operating results to same station operating results as well as other financial data. The actual financial information reflects our historical financial results and include the results of operations for stations that we did not own for the entire comparable period. The same station financial information reflects only the results of operations for stations that we owned for the entire comparable period. The proforma financial information assume all acquisitions in 2024 occurred as of January 1, 2024. Such non-GAAP measures include same station financial information, pro forma financial information, station operating income, trailing 12-month consolidated EBITDA, and leverage ratio. These non-GAAP measures are generally recognized by the broadcasting industry as measures of performance and are used by Saga to assess its financial performance including, but not limited to, evaluating individual station and market-level performance, evaluating overall operations, as a primary measure for incentive-based compensation of executives and other members of management and as a measure of financial position. Saga’s management believes these non-GAAP measures are used by analysts who report on the industry and by investors to provide meaningful comparisons between broadcasting groups, as well as an indicator of their market value. These measures are not measures of liquidity or of performance in accordance with GAAP and should be viewed as a supplement to and not as a substitute for the results of operations presented on a GAAP basis including net operating revenue, operating income, and net income. Reconciliations for all the non-GAAP financial measures to the most directly comparable GAAP measure are attached in the Selected Supplemental Financial Data tables.

This press release contains certain forward-looking statements within the meaning of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 that are based upon current expectations and involve certain risks and uncertainties. Words such as “will,” “may,” “believes,” “intends,” “expects,” “anticipates,” “guidance,” and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. The material risks facing our business are described in the reports Saga periodically files with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, including, in particular, Item 1A of our Annual Report on Form 10-K. Readers should note that forward-looking statements may be impacted by several factors, including global, national, and local economic changes and changes in the radio broadcast industry in general as well as Saga’s actual performance. Actual results may vary materially from those described herein and Saga undertakes no obligation to update any information contained herein that constitutes a forward-looking statement.

Saga is a media company whose business is devoted to acquiring, developing and operating broadcast properties with a growing focus on opportunities complimentary to our core radio business including digital, e-commerce, local on-line news services and non-traditional revenue initiatives. Saga owns or operates broadcast properties in 28 markets, including 82 FM, 31 AM radio stations and 79 metro signals. For additional information, contact us at (313) 886-7070 or visit our website at www.sagacom.com.

Contact:
Samuel D. Bush
(313) 886-7070

Saga Communications, Inc.
Selected Consolidated Financial Data
For the Three Months Ended
March 31, 2025 and 2024
(amounts in 000’s except per share data)
(Unaudited)
       
  Three Months Ended
  March 31, 
  2025
 2024
Operating Results      
Net operating revenue $ 24,212  $25,294 
Station operating expense   21,963   22,459 
Corporate general and administrative   3,167   3,083 
Depreciation and amortization   1,326   1,198 
Other operating expense (income), net   54   971 
Operating loss   (2,298)  (2,417)
Interest expense   107   43 
Interest income   (222)  (303)
Other income, net   (23)   
Loss before income tax expense   (2,160)  (2,157)
Income tax (benefit) expense      
Current   (670)  (515)
Deferred   85   (65)
    (585)  (580)
Net loss $ (1,575) $(1,577)
       
Loss per share:      
Basic $ (0.25) $(0.25)
Diluted $ (0.25) $(0.25)
       
Weighted average common shares   6,123   6,063 
Weighted average common and common equivalent shares   6,123   6,063 
       


       
  March 31, 
  2025 2024
Balance Sheet Data      
Working capital $ 28,838 $27,216
Net fixed assets $ 51,337 $51,230
Net intangible assets and other assets $ 122,362 $119,243
Total assets $ 219,305 $218,046
Long-term debt $ 5,000 $
Stockholders' equity $ 163,560 $164,372


Saga Communications, Inc.
Selected Consolidated Financial Data
For the Three Months Ended
March 31, 2025 and 2024
(amounts in 000’s except per share data)
(Unaudited)
       
  Three Months Ended
  March 31, 
  2025
 2024
  (Unaudited)
  (In thousands)
Statement of Cash Flows      
Cash flows from operating activities:      
Net loss $(1,575) $(1,577)
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:      
Depreciation and amortization  1,326   1,198 
Deferred income tax (benefit) expense  85   (65)
Amortization of deferred costs  8   9 
Compensation expense related to restricted stock awards  527   453 
Provision for credit losses  174   359 
Loss on sale of assets, net  54   971 
(Gain) on insurance claims  (23)   
Barter (revenue) expense, net  (64)  13 
Deferred and other compensation  (17)  (24)
Changes in assets and liabilities:      
Decrease (increase) in receivables and prepaid expenses  913   1,776 
Increase (decrease) in accounts payable, accrued expenses, and other liabilities  (44)  690 
Total adjustments  2,939   5,380 
Net cash provided by operating activities  1,364   3,803 
Cash flows from investing activities:      
Purchase of short-term investments  (4,498)  (4,297)
Redemption of short-term investments  4,498   6,432 
Acquisition of property and equipment (Capital Expenditures)  (696)  (1,050)
Proceeds from sale and disposal of assets     21 
Proceeds from insurance claims and other  23    
Other investing activities     (246)
Net cash (used in) provided by investing activities  (673)  860 
Cash flows from financing activities:      
Cash dividends paid  (1,604)  (14,068)
Net cash used in financing activities  (1,604)  (14,068)
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents  (913)  (9,405)
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period  18,860   29,582 
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period $17,947  $20,177 


Saga Communications, Inc.
Selected Supplemental Financial Data
For the Three Months Ended
March 31, 2025 and 2024
(amounts in 000’s, except per share data)
(Unaudited)
                   
  Actual Same Station (1) Pro Forma (2)
  Three Months Ended  Three Months Ended  Three Months Ended
  March 31,  March 31,  March 31, 
  2025
 2024
 2025
 2024
 2025
 2024
Operating Results                  
Net operating revenue $ 24,212  $25,294  $23,617   $25,294  $24,212   $25,922 
Station operating expense   21,963   22,459   21,344    22,459   21,963    22,987 
Corporate general and administrative   3,167   3,083   3,167    3,083   3,167    3,083 
Depreciation and amortization   1,326   1,198   1,188    1,198   1,326    1,335 
Other operating expense (income), net   54   971   54    971   54    971 
Operating loss   (2,298)  (2,417) $ (2,136) $(2,417)   (2,298)  (2,454)
Interest expense   107   43          107   122 
Interest income   (222)  (303)         (222)  (303)
Other income, net   (23)            (23)   
Loss before income tax expense   (2,160)  (2,157)         (2,160)  (2,273)
Income tax (benefit) expense                  
Current   (670)  (515)         (670)  (541)
Deferred   85   (65)         85   (78)
    (585)  (580)         (585)  (619)
Net loss $ (1,575) $(1,577)       $ (1,575) $(1,654)
                   
Loss per share:                  
Basic $ (0.25) $(0.25)       $ (0.25) $(0.26)
Diluted $ (0.25) $(0.25)       $ (0.25) $(0.26)
                   
Weighted average common shares   6,123   6,063          6,123   6,063 
Weighted average common and common equivalent shares   6,123   6,063          6,123   6,063 
                   
                   
  Actual Same Station (1) Pro Forma (2)
  Three Months Ended  Three Months Ended  Three Months Ended
  March 31,  March 31,  March 31, 
  2025  2024  2025  2024  2025  2024 
Depreciation and amortization by segment                  
Radio Stations $ 1,283  $1,152  $ 1,145  $1,152  $ 1,283  $1,289 
Corporate   43   46    43   46    43   46 
  $ 1,326  $1,198  $ 1,188  $1,198  $ 1,326  $1,335 
                   
                   

(1) Same station includes only the results of stations we owned and operated for the entire comparable period.
(2) Pro Forma results assume all acquisitions in 2024 occurred as of January 1, 2024.

Saga Communications, Inc.
Selected Supplemental Financial Data
For the Three Months Ended
March 31, 2025 and 2024
(amounts in 000’s)
(Unaudited)
        
  Three Months Ended  
  March 31,  
     2025
 2024
 
Reconciliation of GAAP operating income to station operating income (a non-GAAP financial measure)       
Operating loss $ (2,298) $(2,417) 
Plus:       
Corporate general and administrative   3,167   3,083  
Other operating expense (income), net   54   971  
Depreciation and amortization   1,326   1,198  
Station operating income $ 2,249  $2,835  
        
Other financial data       
Depreciation and amortization:       
Radio Stations $ 1,283  $1,152  
Corporate $ 43  $46  
Compensation expense related to restricted stock awards $ 527 (1)$453 (1)
Other operating expense, net (2) $ 54  $971  
Other income, net (2) $ (23) $-  
Deferred income tax expense (2) $ 85  $(65) 
Acquisition of property and equipment (Capital Expenditures) $ 696 (1)$1,050 (1)
        

(1) As presented in the Statement of Cash Flows in the Selected Consolidated Financial Data tables
(2) As presented in the Operating Results in the Selected Consolidated Financial Data tables

Saga Communications, Inc.
Selected Supplemental Financial Data
March 31, 2025
(amounts in 000's)
(Unaudited)
                
           Less:    Plus:    Trailing
  12 Months
Ended
 3 Months
Ended
 3 Months
Ended
 Add: 12 Months 
Ended
  December 31,  March 31,  March 31,  Pro Forma March 31, 
  2024
 2024
 2025
 Acquisitions(2) 2025
Reconciliation of GAAP Net Income to trailing 12 Month Consolidated Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation and Amortization ("EBITDA") (a non-GAAP financial measure) (1)                
Net income (loss) $3,460  $(1,577) $(1,575) $12 $3,474 
Exclusions:               
Gain (loss) on sale of assets, net  (1,048)  (971)  (54)    (131)
Other income, net  2,474   290   309     2,493 
Total exclusions  1,426   (681)  255     2,362 
Consolidated adjusted net income (loss) (1)  2,034   (896)  (1,830)  12  1,112 
Plus:               
Interest expense  348   43   107   52  464 
Income tax (benefit) expense  1,110   (580)  (585)  10  1,115 
Depreciation & amortization expense  5,283   1,198   1,326   92  5,503 
Non-cash compensation  1,950   453   527     2,024 
Trailing twelve month consolidated EBITDA (1) $10,725  $218  $(455) $166 $10,218 
                
Total long-term debt, including current maturities             $5,000 
Divided by trailing twelve month consolidated EBITDA (1)              10,218 
Leverage ratio              0.49 
                

(1) As defined in the Company's credit facility.
(2) Trailing Twelve Month Adjustment.

Saga Communications, Inc.
Selected Supplemental Financial Data
For the Three Months Ended
March 31, 2025 and 2024
(amounts in 000’s)
(Unaudited)
                   
Reconciliation of Actual Information to Same Station Operating Income
                   
    Adjustments      Adjustments   
  Actual For Acquisitions Same Station Actual For Acquisitions Same Station
  Three Months and Dispositions Three Months Three Months and Dispositions Three Months
  Ended Not Included in Ended Ended Not Included in Ended
  March 31,  Entire Comparable  March 31,  March 31,  Entire Comparable  March 31, 
  2025
 Period 2025
 2024
 Period 2024
Net operating revenue $24,212  $(595) $23,617  $25,294  $- $25,294 
Station operating expense  21,963   (619)  21,344   22,459   -  22,459 
Corporate general and administrative  3,167   -   3,167   3,083   -  3,083 
Depreciation and amortization  1,326   (138)  1,188   1,198   -  1,198 
Other operating expense (income), net  54   -   54   971   -  971 
Operating loss $(2,298) $162  $(2,136) $(2,417) $ - $(2,417)
                   

FAQ

What were Saga Communications (SGA) key financial results for Q1 2025?

Saga reported net revenue of $24.2 million (down 4.3%), an operating loss of $2.3 million, and a net loss of $1.6 million ($0.25 per share) in Q1 2025.

How much cash does Saga Communications (SGA) have on its balance sheet?

Saga had $27.0 million in cash and short-term investments as of March 31, 2025, and $27.2 million as of May 5, 2025.

What is Saga Communications' (SGA) dividend payment for Q1 2025?

Saga paid a quarterly dividend of $0.25 per share on March 7, 2025, totaling approximately $1.6 million.

What is the Q2 2025 revenue outlook for Saga Communications (SGA)?

Q2 revenue pacing shows improvement with April down high single digits, May down low single digits, and June approximately flat compared to the previous year.

What capital allocation plans has Saga Communications (SGA) announced for 2025?

Saga plans to use proceeds from potential non-core asset sales for stock buybacks and expects to spend $4.0-$4.5 million in capital expenditures during 2025.
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