SAGA COMMUNICATIONS INC
10-Q, 1997-08-08
RADIO BROADCASTING STATIONS
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<PAGE>   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 June 30, 1997

                                       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 July 31, 1997 was
8,947,256 and 1,208,510, respectively.


<PAGE>   2
                                      INDEX
                                                                          PAGE

PART I.     FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1.     Financial Statements (Unaudited)

            Condensed consolidated balance sheets--June 30, 1997 
            and December 31, 1996                                            3

            Condensed consolidated statements of income --Three 
            and six months ended June 30, 1997 and 1996                      5

            Condensed consolidated statements of cash flows -- Six 
            months ended June 30, 1997 and 1996                              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 4.     Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders             16

Item 6.     Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K                                16

Signatures                                                                  17




                                       2
<PAGE>   3

                         PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION


ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS


                            Saga Communications, Inc.
                      Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets
                             (dollars in thousands)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                     JUNE 30,    DECEMBER 31,
                                                       1997           1996
                                                     -----------------------
                                                    (UNAUDITED)
<S>                                                  <C>             <C>    
ASSETS
Current assets:
   Cash and temporary investments                    $  2,157        $ 4,339
   Accounts receivable, net                            12,792         11,629
   Prepaid expenses                                     1,069          1,100
   Other current assets                                 1,255          1,007
                                                     -----------------------
Total current assets                                   17,273         18,075

Property and equipment                                 68,907         63,031
   Less accumulated depreciation                      (34,853)       (33,327)
                                                     -----------------------
Net property and equipment                             34,054         29,704

Other assets:
   Excess of cost over fair value of 
      assets acquired, net                             19,718         20,047
   Broadcast licenses, net                             32,349         20,906
   Other intangibles, net                               6,741          7,683
                                                     -----------------------
Total other assets                                     58,808         48,636
                                                     -----------------------
                                                     $110,135        $96,415
                                                     =======================
</TABLE>
  





See notes to unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.


                                       3
<PAGE>   4

                          Saga Communications, Inc.
                      Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets
                             (dollars in thousands)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                     JUNE 30,     DECEMBER 31,
                                                      1997           1996
                                                   --------------------------
                                                   (UNAUDITED)

<S>                                                 <C>             <C>    
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
Current liabilities
   Accounts payable                                 $    742        $ 1,008
   Other current liabilities                           5,834          4,671
   Current portion of long-term debt                   5,482          1,399
                                                    -----------------------
Total current liabilities                             12,058          7,078


Deferred income taxes                                  3,691          3,408
Long-term debt                                        58,992         52,355
Broadcast program rights                                 361            461


STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY:
   Common stock                                          101            100
   Additional paid-in capital                         36,178         35,864
   Note receivable from principal stockholder           (790)          (790)
   Accumulated deficit                                  (456)        (2,061)
                                                    -----------------------
Total stockholders' equity                            35,033         33,113
                                                    -----------------------
                                                    $110,135        $96,415
                                                    -----------------------
</TABLE>



Note: The balance sheet at December 31, 1996 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
<PAGE>   5
                            Saga Communications, Inc.
                   Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income
                      (in thousands except per share data)
                                    Unaudited


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                 THREE MONTHS ENDED          SIX MONTHS ENDED
                                                       JUNE 30,                   JUNE 30,
                                                 ------------------          ----------------
                                                 1997          1996          1997          1996
                                                -------------------------------------------------
<S>                                             <C>           <C>           <C>           <C>    
Net operating revenue                           $17,508       $14,003       $31,023       $24,958

                                                
Station operating expense:
     Programming and technical                    3,686         2,944         7,354         5,816
     Selling                                      5,132         3,922         8,930         7,016
     Station general and administrative           2,414         1,887         4,955         3,784
                                                -------------------------------------------------
       Total station operating expense           11,232         8,753        21,239        16,616
                                                -------------------------------------------------
Station operating income before corporate
   general and administrative,
   depreciation and amortization                  6,276         5,250         9,784         8,342
     Corporate general and administrative         1,074           892         1,881         1,640
     Depreciation and amortization                1,450         1,303         2,732         2,572
                                                -------------------------------------------------
Operating profit                                  3,752         3,055         5,171         4,130
Other expenses:
     Interest expense                             1,172           780         2,383         1,513
     Loss on the sale of assets                       1            17             7            20
                                                -------------------------------------------------
Income before income tax                          2,579         2,258         2,781         2,597
Income tax provision                              1,087           965         1,175         1,110
                                                -------------------------------------------------
Net income                                      $ 1,492       $ 1,293       $ 1,606       $ 1,487
                                                =================================================

Net income per common share (primary and
   fully diluted)                               $   .15       $   .13       $   .16       $   .15
                                                =================================================
Weighted average common and common
   equivalents outstanding (Note 3)              10,285        10,246        10,280        10,218
                                                =================================================

</TABLE>


See notes to unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.



                                       5
<PAGE>   6
                            Saga Communications, Inc.
                 Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
                             (dollars in thousands)
                                    Unaudited

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                             SIX MONTHS ENDED
                                                                  JUNE 30,
                                                            1997            1996
                                                          ------------------------
<S>                                                       <C>             <C>     
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
      Cash provided by operating activities               $  4,277        $  3,335

CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
      Acquisition of property and equipment                 (1,274)           (899)
      Proceeds from sale of assets                             306            --
      Increase in intangibles and other assets                (430)         (2,955)
      Acquisition of stations                              (15,383)        (16,982)
                                                          ------------------------
Net cash used in investing activities                      (16,781)        (20,836)

CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
      Proceeds from long-term debt                          11,250          18,848
      Payments on long-term debt                            (1,030)         (2,359)
      Net proceeds from exercise of stock options              102             134
                                                          ------------------------
Net cash provided by financing activities                   10,322          16,623
                                                          ------------------------

Net decrease in cash and temporary investments              (2,182)           (878)

Cash and temporary investments, beginning of period          4,339           3,221
                                                          ------------------------

Cash and temporary investments, end of period             $  2,157        $  2,343
                                                          ------------------------

</TABLE>





See notes to unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.



                                       6
<PAGE>   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 six months ended June 30, 1997 are not
necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the year ended
December 31, 1997. 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, 1996.

In February, 1997 SFAS No. 128 "Earnings Per Share" was issued effective for
fiscal years beginning after December 15, 1997. Adoption of this statement is
not expected to have a material effect on the Company.

The Company enters into interest-rate swap agreements to modify the interest
characteristics of its outstanding debt. Each interest rate swap agreement is
designated with all or a portion of the principal balance and term of a specific
debt obligation. These agreements involve the exchange of amounts based on a
fixed interest rate for amounts based on variable interest rates over the life
of the agreement without an exchange of the notional amount upon which the
payments are based. The differential to be paid or received as interest rates
change is accrued and recognized as an adjustment of the interest expense
related to the debt (the accrual accounting method). The related amount payable
to or receivable from counterparties is included in other liabilities or assets.
The fair values of the swap agreements are not recognized in the financial
statements. Gains and losses on terminations of interest-rate swap agreements
are deferred as an adjustment to interest expense related to the debt over the
remaining term of the original contract life of the terminated swap agreement.
In the event of the early extinguishment of a designated debt obligation, any
realized or unrealized gain or loss from the swap would be recognized in income
coincident with the extinguishment. Any swap agreements that are not designated
with outstanding debt or notional amounts (or durations) of interest-rate swap
agreements in excess of the principal amounts (or maturities) of the underlying
debt obligations are recorded as an asset or liability at fair value, with
changes in fair value recorded in other income or expense (the fair value
method).



                                       7
<PAGE>   8


                            Saga Communications, Inc.
        Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)
                                    Unaudited



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.   STOCK SPLIT

On April 1, 1997 the Company consummated a five-for-four split of its Class A
and Class B Common Stock, resulting in additional shares being issued of
1,772,004 and 241,702, respectively, for holders of record on March 17, 1997.
All share and per share information in the accompanying financial statements has
been restated retroactively to reflect the split. The common stock and
accumulated deficit accounts at December 31, 1996 reflect the retroactive
capitalization of the split.


4.   SUBSEQUENT EVENT

On July 7, 1997, the Company entered into an agreement to purchase an FM radio
station (WOXF-FM) serving the Manchester, New Hampshire market for approximately
$3,300,000. The transaction is subject to the approval of the Federal
Communications Commission. The Company began operating the radio station under
the terms of a local market agreement on July 1, 1997, which is expected to
remain in effect until such time as the Company concludes its pending
acquisition of the station.


5.   STATION ACQUISITIONS

The Company acquired an FM radio station (KAZR-FM) serving the Des Moines, Iowa
market on March 14, 1997. The purchase price was approximately $2,700,000. The
Company began operating the radio station under the terms of a local market
agreement on August 1, 1996, which remained in effect until such closing.

The Company acquired an FM radio station (KLTI-FM) serving the Des Moines, Iowa
market on April 17, 1997. The purchase price was approximately $3,200,000. The
Company began operating the radio station under the terms of a local market
agreement on January 1, 1997, which remained in effect until such closing.




                                       8
<PAGE>   9
                            Saga Communications, Inc.
        Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)
                                    Unaudited



5.   STATION ACQUISITIONS (CONTINUED)

The Company acquired two AM and two FM radio stations (WTAX-AM, WDBR-FM,
WVAX-AM, and WYXY-FM) serving the Springfield, Illinois market on May 5, 1997.
The purchase price was approximately $6,000,000. The Company began operating the
radio station under the terms of a local market agreement on July 1, 1996, which
remained in effect until such closing.

The Company acquired two FM radio stations (WFMR-FM and WXPT-FM) serving the
Milwaukee, Wisconsin market on May 9, 1997. The purchase price was approximately
$5,000,000.

The acquisitions have been 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 dates. The excess of
consideration paid over the estimated fair value of net assets acquired has been
recorded as broadcast licenses. The condensed consolidated statements of income
include the operating results of the acquired businesses from their respective
dates of acquisition or operation under the terms of local market agreements.




                                       9
<PAGE>   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.

     In June, 1996, the Company acquired two radio stations in Yankton, South
Dakota serving the Sioux City, Iowa market and two radio stations in Portland,
Maine. In March, 1997 the Company acquired an FM radio station serving the Des
Moines, Iowa market. In April, 1997 the Company acquired another FM radio
station serving the Des Moines, Iowa market. In May, 1997 the Company acquired
four radio stations serving the Springfield, Illinois market, and two radio
stations serving the Milwaukee, Wisconsin market. In July, 1997 the Company
entered into an agreement to purchase a radio station serving the Manchester,
New Hampshire market


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, 1996 and 1995, 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 and Milwaukee stations. For the years ended December 31, 1996 and
1995, Columbus accounted for an aggregate of 22% and 30%, respectively, and
Milwaukee accounted for an aggregate of 23% and 22%, respectively, of the
Company's station operating income. For the six month periods ended June 30,
1997 and 1996, none of the Company's operating locations represented more that
15% of the Company's station operating income, other than the Columbus and
Milwaukee stations. For the six months ended June 30, 1997 and 1996, Columbus
accounted for an aggregate of 25% and 22%, respectively, and Milwaukee accounted
for an aggregate of 25% and 25%, respectively, of the Company's station
operating income. While radio revenues in each of the Columbus and Milwaukee
markets



                                       10
<PAGE>   11


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.

     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 six months ended June
30, 1997 and 1996, approximately 81% and 84%, respectively, 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.


THREE MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 1997 COMPARED TO THREE MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 1996

     For the three months ended June 30, 1997, the Company's net operating
revenue was $17,508,000 compared with $14,003,000 for the three months ended
June 30, 1996, an increase of $3,505,000 or 25%. Approximately $2,359,000 or
67.3% of the increase was attributable to revenue generated by stations which
were not owned or operated by the Company for the comparable period in 1996. The
balance of the increase in net operating revenue represented a 8.3% 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.

     Station operating expense (i.e., programming, technical, selling and
station general and administrative expenses) increased by $2,479,000 or 28% to
$11,232,000 for the three months ended June 30, 1997, compared with $8,753,000
for the three months ended June 30, 1996. Of the total increase, approximately
$1,892,000 or 76% was the result of the impact of the operation of stations
which were not owned or operated by the Company for 



                                       11
<PAGE>   12

the comparable period in 1996. The remaining balance of the increase in station
operating expense of $587,000 represents a total increase of 6.8% in stations
owned and operated by the Company for the comparable period in 1996, as a result
of the related increase in revenue.

     Operating profit increased by $697,000 or 23% to $3,752,000 for the three
months ended June 30, 1997, compared with $3,055,000 for the three months ended
June 30, 1996. The improvement was primarily the result of the $3,505,000
increase in net operating revenue, offset by the $2,479,000 increase in station
operating expense, a $182,000 increase in corporate general and administrative
charges and a $147,000 increase in depreciation and amortization expense. The
increase in corporate general and administrative charges was primarily
attributable to deferred compensation charges and additional costs due to the
growth of the Company as a result of the recent acquisitions. The increase in
depreciation and amortization expense was principally the result of the
Company's recent acquisitions.

     The Company generated net income in the amount of approximately $1,492,000
($0.15 per share) during the three months ended June 30, 1997, compared with net
income of $1,293,000 ($0.13 per share) for the three months ended June 30, 1996,
an increase of $199,000 or 15.4%. The increase in net income was principally the
result of the $697,000 improvement in operating profit offset by a $392,000
increase in interest costs resulting primarily from an increase in borrowed
funds to finance the Company's recent acquisitions, and a $122,000 increase in
income taxes directly associated with the improved operating performance of the
Company.


SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 1997 COMPARED TO SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 1996

     For the six months ended June 30, 1997, the Company's net operating revenue
was $31,023,000 compared with $24,958,000 for the six months ended June 30,
1996, an increase of $6,065,000 or 24%. Approximately $4,551,000 or 75% of the
increase was attributable to revenue generated by stations which were not owned
or operated by the Company for the comparable period in 1996. 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.

     Station operating expense (i.e., programming, technical, selling and
station general and administrative expenses) increased by $4,623,000 or 28% to
$21,239,000 for the six months ended June 30, 1997, compared with $16,616,000
for the six months ended June 30, 1996. Of the total increase, approximately
$3,812,000 or 82% 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
1996. The remaining balance of the increase in station operating expense of
$811,000 represents a total increase of 5% in stations owned and operated by the
Company for the comparable period in 1996, as a result of the related increase
in revenue. 




                                       12
<PAGE>   13



     Operating profit increased by $1,041,000 or 25% to $5,171,000 for the six
months ended June 30, 1997, compared with $4,130,000 for the six months ended
June 30, 1996. The improvement was primarily the result of the $6,065,000
increase in net operating revenue, offset by the $4,623,000 increase in station
operating expense, a $241,000 increase in corporate general and administrative
charges and a $160,000 increase in depreciation and amortization expense. The
increase in corporate general and administrative charges was primarily
attributable to deferred compensation charges and additional costs due to the
growth of the Company as a result of the recent acquisitions. The increase in
depreciation and amortization expense was principally the result of the
Company's recent acquisitions.

     The Company generated net income in the amount of approximately $1,606,000
($0.16 per share) during the six months ended June 30, 1997, compared with net
income of $1,487,000 ($0.15 per share) for the six months ended June 30, 1996,
an increase of $119,000 or 8%. The increase in net income was principally the
result of the $1,041,000 improvement in operating profit offset by a $870,000
increase in interest costs resulting primarily from an increase in borrowed
funds to finance the Company's recent acquisitions, and a $65,000 increase in
income taxes directly associated with the improved operating performance of the
Company.


LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

     The Company's policy is generally to repay its long-term debt with excess
cash on hand to reduce its financing costs. As of June 30, 1997, the Company had
$64,474,000 of long-term debt (including the current portion thereof)
outstanding and approximately $44,750,000 of unused borrowing capacity under the
Revolving Loan (as defined below).

     The Company has a bank credit agreement (the "Credit Agreement") which
provides two financing facilities (the "Facilities"): a $54,000,000 senior
secured term loan (the "Term Loan") and a $56,000,000 senior secured reducing
revolving/term loan facility (the "Revolving Loan"). The Facilities mature June
30, 2003. 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 Revolving Loan has a total commitment of $56,000,000, of which
$51,000,000 may be used for permitted acquisitions and related transaction
expenses and $5,000,000 may be used for working capital needs and stand-by
letters of credit. On June 30, 1998 the Revolving Loan will convert to a five
year term loan. The outstanding amount of the Term Loan is required to be
reduced quarterly in amounts ranging from 2.5% to 5% of the initial commitment
and the outstanding amount of the Revolving Loan will be required to be reduced
quarterly commencing September 30, 1997 in amounts ranging from 1.25% to 5% of
the initial commitment. 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.




                                       13
<PAGE>   14

Interest rates under the Facilities are payable, at the Company's option, at
alternatives equal to LIBOR plus 1.125% to 1.75% or the prime rate plus 
0% to .5%. 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 to 1/2% per annum on the aggregate unused portion of the
Revolving Loan.

     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 June 30, 1997, 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 (5.8% at June 30, 1997) 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 $94,000 in additional
interest expense was recognized as a result of the interest rate swap agreement
for the six months ended June 30, 1997 and an aggregate amount of $294,000 in
additional interest expense has been recognized since the inception of the
agreement.

     During the years ended December 31, 1996, and 1995, the Company had net
cash flows from operating activities of $7,679,000, and $9,483,000,
respectively. During the six months ended June 30, 1997 and 1996, the Company
had net cash flows from operating activities of $4,277,000 and $3,335,000,
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.

     In June, 1996, the Company acquired an AM and FM radio station in Yankton,
South Dakota, serving the Sioux City, Iowa market for approximately $7,000,000
and an AM and FM radio station serving the Portland, Maine market for
approximately $10,000,000. The acquisitions were financed by borrowings under
the Company's Term Loan.

     The Company acquired an FM radio station (KAZR-FM) serving the Des Moines,
Iowa market on March 14, 1997, an FM radio station (KLTI-FM) serving the Des
Moines, Iowa market on April 17, 1997, two AM and two FM radio stations
(WTAX-AM, WDBR-FM, WVAX-AM, and WYXY-FM) serving the Springfield, Illinois
market on May 5, 1997, and two FM radio stations (WFMR-FM and WXPT-FM) serving
the Milwaukee, Wisconsin market on May 9, 1997. The purchase price of these
acquisitions was approximately $2,700,000, $3,200,000, $6,000,000 and
$5,000,000, respectively. These acquisitions were 





                                       14
<PAGE>   15


financed through funds generated from operations and additional borrowings of
$11,250,000 under the Revolving Loan.

     On July 7, 1997, the Company entered into an agreement to purchase an FM
radio station (WOXF-FM) serving the Manchester, New Hampshire market for
approximately $3,300,000. The transaction is subject to the approval of the
Federal Communications Commission. The Company began operating the radio station
under the terms of a local market agreement on July 1, 1997, which is expected
to remain in effect until such time as the Company concludes it pending
acquisition of the station.

     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 Revolving Loan, additional debt or equity
financing, or a combination thereof. However, there can be no assurances that
any such financing will be available.

     The Company's capital expenditures for the six months ended June 30, 1997
were approximately $1,274,000 ($899,000 in the comparable period in 1996). The
Company anticipates capital expenditures in 1997 to be approximately $2,500,000,
which it expects to finance through funds generated from operations.


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.


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 1997 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 stations, U.S. and local economic conditions, 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.





                                       15
<PAGE>   16



                           PART II - OTHER INFORMATION


Item 4.  Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders

          (a)  The Annual Meeting of Stockholders was held on May 12, 1997.

          (b)  Not applicable

          (c)  At the Annual Meeting of Stockholders, the stockholders voted on
               the following matters: (Does not reflect the five-for-four stock
               split effective April 1, 1997)

               (1)  The six nominees for election as directors for the ensuing
                    year, and until their successors are elected and qualified,
                    received the following votes:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                    Name                             For           Withheld   
                    ----                             ---           --------   
                    <S>                           <C>               <C>       
                    Jonathan Firestone*           5,838,654         6,168     
                    Joseph P. Misiewicz*          5,837,279         7,543     
                    Edward K. Christian           6,805,462         6,168     
                    William P. Collatos           6,805,080         6,550     
                    Norman L. McKee               6,805,087         6,543     
                    Gary Stevens                  6,804,962         6,668 
</TABLE>
                    ----------------
                    * Elected by the holders of Class A Common Stock.

               (2)  The proposal to ratify the adoption of the 1997 Non-Employee
                    Directors Stock Option Plan was approved with 15,453,552
                    votes cast for, 55,195 votes cast against, 4,155 abstentions
                    and 0 broker non-votes.

               (3)  The proposal to ratify the selection by the Board of
                    Directors of Ernst & Young LLP as independent auditors to
                    audit the Company's books and accounts for the fiscal year
                    ending December 31, 1997 was approved with 15,509,447 votes
                    cast for, 1,368 votes cast against, 2,087 abstentions and 0
                    broker non-votes.

          (d)  Not applicable.

Item 6.  Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K

     (a)  EXHIBITS
          --------

          10   1997 Non-Employee Directors Stock Option Plan

          27   Financial Data Schedule

     (b)  Reports on Form 8-K

          None
 



                                       16
<PAGE>   17

                                   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:  August 8, 1997                     /s/ Edward K. Christian
                                          -------------------------------------
                                          Edward K. Christian
                                          President, Chief Executive Officer,
                                          and Chairman of the Board





Date:  August 8, 1997                     /s/ Catherine A. Bobinski
                                          -------------------------------------
                                          Catherine A. Bobinski
                                          Corporate Controller and
                                          Chief Accounting Officer
                                          (Principal Accounting Officer)






                                       17


<PAGE>   1


                            SAGA COMMUNICATIONS, INC.

                           1997 NON-EMPLOYEE DIRECTOR
                                STOCK OPTION PLAN



                                    Section 1
                                      Title
                                      -----

         This Plan shall be known as the "Saga Communications, Inc. 1997
Non-Employee Director Stock Option Plan".


                                    Section 2
                                 Purpose of Plan
                                 ---------------

         2.1 PURPOSE. The purpose of the Saga Communications, Inc. 1997
Non-Employee Directors Stock Option Plan is to advance the interests of Saga
Communications, Inc. and its shareholders by providing a means to attract and
retain highly-qualified persons to serve as non-employee Directors, and to
promote ownership by non-employee Directors of a greater proprietary interest in
the Company, thereby aligning such Directors' interests more closely with the
interests of shareholders of the Company.

         2.2 EFFECTIVE DATE. This Plan shall become effective January 1, 1997,
subject to approval of the shareholders of the Company by the affirmative vote
of a majority of shares present, or represented, and entitled to vote on the
subject matter, at the next Annual Meeting of shareholders of the Company at
which a quorum is present or by a written consent of the holders of a majority
of the Company's then outstanding shares.



<PAGE>   2


                                    Section 3
                                   Definitions
                                   -----------

         3.1 "Board" means the Board of Directors of the Company.

         3.2 "Common Stock" means shares of Class A Common Stock, $.01 par
value, of the Company.

         3.3 "Company" means Saga Communications, Inc., a Delaware corporation.

         3.4 "Director" means a member of the Board who is not an employee of
the Company.

         3.5 "Exchange Act" means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as
amended. References to any provisions of the Exchange Act include rules and
regulations thereunder and successor provisions and rules thereto.

         3.6 "Fair Market Value" means the closing sales price for the Common
Stock on the American Stock Exchange on the last trading day of December
immediately preceding the date of the grant, or if there were no sales on such
date the closing sales price on the nearest day before the relevant date on the
American Stock Exchange.

         3.7 "Option" means any non-qualified stock option granted under the
Plan.

         3.8 "Option Agreement" means any written agreement pursuant to the Plan
between the Company and a Director regarding any Option.

         3.9 "Optionee" means a Director who has delivered to the Company a
signed Option Agreement.

         3.10 "Option Shares" means shares of Common Stock that are issued or
may be required to be issued upon exercise of an option and shares that are
issued thereafter with respect 


                                      -2-

<PAGE>   3

to such shares, including shares issued by reason of a stock split,
consolidation, dividend, stock exchange, recapitalization, reclassification or
the like.

         3.11 "Plan" means this Saga Communications, Inc. 1997 Non-Employee
Director Stock Option Plan, as amended from time to time.

         3.12 "Retainer" means retainer and/or fees payable to a Director in his
or her capacity as a Director.

                                    Section 4
                                 Administration
                                 --------------

         4.1 ADMINISTRATION. This Plan shall be administered by the Board. The
grant of Options to purchase shares of Common Stock under this Plan and the
amount, price and nature of the awards shall be automatic as described in
Section 5. Subject to the provisions of this Plan, the Board, in its sole and
absolute discretion, is authorized to do all things necessary and or desirable
in connection with the administration of the Plan, including, without
limitation, (i) subject to Section 8 hereof, adopt, amend and rescind rules and
regulations relating to this Plan, and (ii) interpret and construe this Plan and
the terms and conditions of any Option granted hereunder. The Board's
determination of all matters referred to its discretion shall be final and
conclusive.

         4.2 BOARD DETERMINATIONS. No member of the Board nor any officer,
director, employee or agent of the Company shall be liable for any action or
determination made, or other action taken, in good faith with respect to the
Plan or any Option.


                                      -3-
<PAGE>   4


                                    Section 5
                         Terms and Conditions of Options
                         -------------------------------

         5.1 AMOUNT OF GRANT. (a) On the last business day in January of each
year, each Director shall receive an Option in lieu of one hundred percent
(100%) of the Director's Retainer for the previous year. The number of shares of
Common Stock for which an Option granted pursuant to this section is exercisable
shall be equal to the amount of the Retainer divided by the Fair Market Value of
the Common Stock on the date of the grant minus $.01 per share.

         (b) In the event a Director resigns from, or otherwise is no longer a
member of, the Board prior to the applicable date of the grant, he or she shall
not be eligible to receive an Option but instead shall receive the Retainer.

         5.2 EXERCISE PRICE. The purchase price of Option Shares granted under
an Option shall be $.01 per share.

         5.3 VESTING. An Option shall vest and become exercisable immediately
upon its grant; provided, however, that any Option granted prior to the date of
shareholder approval of this Plan as referred to in Section 2.2 hereof shall not
vest and become exercisable until the date of such shareholder approval.

         5.4 MANNER OF EXERCISE. (a) Any Option shall be exercised by the holder
thereof by giving written notice, signed by such holder, to the Company stating
the number of Option Shares with respect to which the Option is being exercised,
accompanied by payment in full of the aggregate exercise price in cash or by
personal check payable to the Company. No Option may be exercised with respect
to any fractional share.

         (b) As promptly as administratively practicable following the receipt
of the exercise notice hereunder, the Company shall issue a stock certificate
registered in the name of the 



                                      -4-
<PAGE>   5

Optionee exercising such Option, representing the number of shares of Common
Stock issued to such Optionee upon exercise of the Option.

         5.5 TERMINATION OR EXPIRATION. Each Option shall not be exercisable
more than ten (10) years from the date upon which it is granted.

         5.6 TRANSFERABILITY. Neither the Option nor any interest therein may be
sold, assigned, conveyed, gifted, pledged, hypothecated or otherwise transferred
in any manner other than by will or the laws of descent and distribution. During
the recipient's lifetime, an Option may only be exercised by the Optionee or the
Optionee's guardian or legal representative.

         5.7 STOCK OPTION AGREEMENT. Each grant of an Option under this Plan
shall be evidenced by an agreement duly executed on behalf of the Company and
the Optionee, dated as of the applicable date of the grant. Each such agreement
shall set forth the number of Option Shares, the exercise price and the date
upon which the Option becomes exercisable, and shall incorporate by reference
the terms and conditions of this Plan.

                                    Section 6
                            Stock Subject to the Plan
                            -------------------------

         6.1 NUMBER OF SHARES. Subject to adjustment in accordance with the
provisions of Section 7 hereof, 100,000 shares of Common Stock shall be reserved
for issuance upon the exercise of Options granted under the Plan.

         6.2 AUTHORIZED SHARES. Any or all of the shares subject to Options
under the Plan may be authorized but unissued shares of Common Stock, or issued
shares of Common Stock that have been or shall have been reacquired by the
Company, as the Board shall from time to time determine.


                                      -5-
<PAGE>   6

         6.3 TERMINATION OR EXPIRATION OF OPTIONS. If any Option shall expire or
terminate for any reason without having been exercised in full, the unpurchased
shares of Common Stock previously subject to the Option shall again be available
for the purposes of the Plan

                                    Section 7
                    Adjustments for Changes in Capitalization
                    -----------------------------------------

         7.1 CHANGE IN OUTSTANDING COMMON STOCK. If the outstanding securities
of the class then subject to this Plan are increased, decreased, changed into or
exchanged for a different number or kind of shares of the Company through
reorganization, recapitalization, reclassification, stock dividend, stock split
or reverse stock split, upon proper authorization of the Board, an appropriate
and proportionate adjustment shall be made in the number and type of shares or
other securities or cash or other property that may be acquired pursuant to the
Options theretofore granted under this Plan and the maximum number and type of
shares or other securities that may be issued pursuant to Options thereafter
granted under this Plan.

       7.2 OPTION AGREEMENT. Each Option Agreement may contain such provisions
as the Board, in its discretion, shall determine to be appropriate for the
termination of, adjustment in or vesting or repurchase of shares and Options, in
the event of the dissolution or liquidation of the Company, or upon any
consolidation or merger involving the Company, or upon sale or transfer of all
or substantially all of the assets of the Company, or upon exchange by the
stockholders of the Corporation of 80% or more of the shares of the Company for
securities of another entity.

       7.3 NO PROHIBITION ON COMPANY. The existence of any Option shall not in
any way prevent the Company from engaging in any of the transactions described
in this Section 7, nor shall it confer any rights upon the holder of any such
Option to participate in any such 

                                      -6-
<PAGE>   7


transaction, except those expressly conferred by the Plan and the Option
Agreement pursuant to which such Option shall have been granted.

         7.4 ASSUMPTION OF OPTION. Nothing contained in this Plan shall prevent
the assumption of an Option, or the substitution of a new option for an Option,
by any corporation, or the parent or subsidiary of any corporation, that becomes
the employer of an Optionee by reason of a merger, consolidation, acquisition,
reorganization or liquidation.

                                    Section 8
                      Amendment and Termination of the Plan
                      -------------------------------------

         8.1 TERMINATION. Unless the Plan shall have been terminated sooner, the
Plan shall terminate on, and no Option shall be granted after: (a) the later of
the tenth (10th) anniversary of: (i) the date upon or as of which the Plan is
adopted, or (ii) the date upon which the Plan is approved by the shareholders of
the Company; or (b) the date upon which the total number of shares set forth in
Section 6.1 of the Plan shall have been issued pursuant to the Plan.

         8.2 SHAREHOLDER AMENDMENT. The shareholders of the Company may
terminate, modify or amend the Plan at any time.

         8.3 BOARD AMENDMENT. The Board also may amend, modify or terminate this
Plan at any time and in any manner. However, no such amendment or termination
shall deprive the recipient of any Option theretofore granted under this Plan,
without the consent of the recipient, of any of his or her rights thereunder or
with respect thereto.

                                    Section 9
                            No Rights as Stockholder
                            ------------------------

         Neither the recipient of an Option under this Plan or an Optionee's
successor or successors in interest shall have rights as a stockholder of the
Company with respect to any 



                                      -7-
<PAGE>   8

Option Shares until the date of issuance of a stock certificate for such shares
of Common Stock. Neither this Plan nor the granting of an Option hereunder, nor
any other action taken pursuant to this Plan shall constitute or be evidence of
any agreement or understanding, express or implied, that a director has a right
to continue as a director for any period of time or at any particular rate of
compensation.

                                   Section 10
                                  Governing Law
                                  -------------

         The Plan and all rights and obligations under this Plan shall be
construed in accordance with and covered by the laws of the State of Delaware.

         EXECUTED as of the 24th day of February, 1997.


                                             SAGA COMMUNICATIONS, INC.



                                             By: /s/ Edward K. Christian
                                                 -------------------------------




                                      -8-


<TABLE> <S> <C>

<ARTICLE> 5
<MULTIPLIER> 1,000
<CURRENCY> U.S. DOLLARS
       
<S>                             <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   6-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          DEC-31-1997
<PERIOD-START>                             JAN-01-1997
<PERIOD-END>                               JUN-30-1997
<EXCHANGE-RATE>                                      1
<CASH>                                           2,157
<SECURITIES>                                         0
<RECEIVABLES>                                   12,792
<ALLOWANCES>                                         0
<INVENTORY>                                          0
<CURRENT-ASSETS>                                17,273
<PP&E>                                          68,907
<DEPRECIATION>                                (34,853)
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                                 110,135
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES>                           12,058
<BONDS>                                              0
                                0
                                          0
<COMMON>                                           101
<OTHER-SE>                                      34,932
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY>                   110,135
<SALES>                                         31,023
<TOTAL-REVENUES>                                31,023
<CGS>                                                0
<TOTAL-COSTS>                                   21,239
<OTHER-EXPENSES>                                 4,620
<LOSS-PROVISION>                                     0
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                               2,383
<INCOME-PRETAX>                                  2,781
<INCOME-TAX>                                     1,175
<INCOME-CONTINUING>                              1,606
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<NET-INCOME>                                     1,606
<EPS-PRIMARY>                                      .16
<EPS-DILUTED>                                      .16
        

</TABLE>


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