Saga Communications, Inc. Reports 2nd Quarter 2008 Results

Saga Communications, Inc. Reports 2nd Quarter 2008 Results

GROSSE POINTE FARMS, Mich., Aug. 5 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Saga Communications, Inc. (NYSE:SGA) today reported that 2nd quarter 2008 free cash flow increased 5.5% to $5.9 million compared to $5.6 million for the same period last year. Net operating revenue decreased 2.8% from the comparable period in 2007 to $37.3 million and operating income decreased 12% to $7.8 million. Net income decreased $350 thousand to $3.5 million ($.17 per fully diluted share) for the quarter ended June 30, 2008 compared to $3.8 million ($.19 per fully diluted share) for the comparable period in 2007. For the same period, station operating expense increased $230 thousand to $27.3 million (station operating expense includes depreciation and amortization attributable to the stations). On a same station basis for the quarter, net operating revenue decreased 3.8% to $37.0 million, operating income decreased 13.3% to $7.6 million and station operating expense was approximately flat with last year at $27.0 million.

For the six month period ended June 30, 2008, free cash flow increased 17.2% to $7.6 million. Net operating revenue decreased 2.0% from the comparable period in 2007 to $68.9 million and operating income decreased 8.6% to $11.3 million and net income decreased $180 thousand to $4.4 million ($.22 per fully diluted share) compared to $4.6 million ($.23 per fully diluted share) for the comparable period in 2007. For the same period, station operating expense decreased $344 thousand to approximately $52.7 million (station operating expense includes depreciation and amortization attributable to the stations). On a same station basis for the six months, net operating revenue decreased 3.0% to $68.2 million, operating income decreased 10.1% to $11.1 million and station operating expense decreased $827 thousand to $52.2 million.

Capital expenditures in the second quarter of 2008 were $1.5 million of which $60 thousand were as a result of acquisitions. For the six months, capital expenditures were $3.5 million of which $330 thousand were as a result of acquisitions and $150 thousand were related to digital radio. Currently we expect capital expenditures for the year to be approximately $9.0 million.

During the quarter ended June 30, 2008, the Company bought back 297,249 shares of stock for a total purchase price of $1.6 million. For the 6 month period ended June 30, 2008 the Company bought back 536,362 shares for a total purchase price of $3.0 million. Since inception of the program and through July 31, 2008, the Company has bought back 2,645,235 shares of stock.

The attached Selected Supplemental Financial Data table discloses "as reported," "same station" and "pro forma" information by segment. The "as reported" amounts reflect 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" amounts reflect only the results of operations for stations that we owned for the entire comparable period. The "pro forma" amounts assume the 2008 and 2007 acquisitions and dispositions occurred as of January 1, 2007.

Saga Communications utilizes certain financial measures that are not calculated in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) to assess its financial performance. Such non-GAAP measures include same station financial information and free cash flow. 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 and as a primary measure for incentive based compensation of executives and other members of management. 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 of the non-GAAP financial measures to the most directly comparable GAAP measure are attached in the Selected Financial Data Non-GAAP Disclosures tables.

Saga Communications, Inc. is a broadcasting company whose business is devoted to acquiring, developing and operating broadcast properties. The Company owns or operates broadcast properties in 26 markets, including 61 FM and 30 AM radio stations, 3 state radio networks, 2 farm radio networks, 5 television stations and 4 low-power television stations. For additional information, contact us at (313) 886-7070 or visit our website at www.sagacommunications.com.

Saga's second quarter 2008 results conference call will be on Tuesday, August 5, 2008 at 2:00 PM EDT. The dial in number for domestic calls is 877/209-0397. For international callers the number is 612/332-0923. The call can be replayed for 7 days by calling domestically 800/475-6701 or internationally 320/365-3844 and referring to access code 931199. Thereafter, a transcript of the call will be available on our website.

The Company requests that all parties that have a question that they would like to submit to the Company to please email the inquiry by 1:00 PM EDT on August 5, 2008 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 will be discussed during the call.

This press release contains certain forward-looking statements that are based upon current expectations and involve certain risks and uncertainties within the meaning of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Words such as "believes," "expects," "anticipates," "guidance" and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Key risks, including risks associated with Saga's ability to effectively integrate the stations it acquires and the impact of federal regulation on Saga's business, are described in the reports Saga Communications, Inc. periodically files with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, including Item 1A of our annual report on Form 10-K. Readers should note that these statements may be impacted by several factors, including national and local economic changes and changes in the radio and television broadcast industry in general, as well as Saga's actual performance. Results may vary from those stated herein and Saga undertakes no obligation to update the information contained here.

Saga Communications, Inc.
Selected Consolidated Financial Data
For The Three and Six Months Ended
June 30, 2008 and 2007
(amounts in 000's except per share data)
(Unaudited)

Three Months Ended Six Months Ended
June 30, June 30,
2008 2007 2008 2007
Operating Results
Net operating revenue $37,342 $38,421 $68,874 $70,304
Station operating expense 27,246 27,016 52,667 53,011
Corporate general and administrative 2,574 2,606 5,126 4,922
Gain on asset exchange (224) - (224) -
Operating income 7,746 8,799 11,305 12,371
Interest expense 1,876 2,281 3,871 4,578
Other expense, net 7 47 27 82
Income before income tax 5,863 6,471 7,407 7,711
Income tax expense 2,403 2,661 3,037 3,161
Net income $3,460 $3,810 $4,370 $4,550
Earnings per share
Basic $0.17 $0.19 $0.22 $0.23
Diluted $0.17 $0.19 $0.22 $0.23
Weighted average common shares 19,800 20,083 19,931 20,066
Weighted average common shares and
common shares equivalents 19,803 20,113 19,937 20,101

Free Cash Flow
Net income $3,460 $3,810 $4,370 $4,550
Plus: Depreciation and amortization:
Station 2,196 1,939 4,153 3,834
Corporate 53 51 106 98
Deferred tax provision 1,524 1,557 1,926 1,827
Non-cash compensation 354 329 720 615
Gain on asset exchange (224) - (224) -
Other expense, net 7 47 27 82
Less: Capital expenditures (1,479) (2,149) (3,525) (4,563)
Free cash flow $5,891 $5,584 $7,553 $6,443

Balance Sheet Data
Working capital $22,936 $20,886
Net fixed assets 75,846 74,308
Net intangible assets and other
assets 228,975 213,427
Total assets 344,392 325,668
Long term debt (including current
portion of $1,061 and $0, respectively) 134,411 129,911
Stockholders' equity 151,381 141,761

Saga Communications, Inc.
Selected Supplemental Financial Data
For The Three Months Ended
June 30, 2008 and 2007
(amounts in 000's except per share data)
(Unaudited)

As-Reported Same Station Pro Forma (1)
Three Months Three Months Three Months
Ended Ended Ended
June 30, June 30, June 30,
2008 2007 2008 2007 2008 2007
Consolidated
Net operating
revenue $37,342 $38,421 $36,969 $38,421 $37,342 $38,752
Station operating
expense 27,246 27,016 26,991 27,016 27,246 27,284
Corporate general
and administrative 2,574 2,606 2,574 2,606 2,574 2,606
Gain on asset
exchange (224) - (224) - (224) -
Operating income 7,746 8,799 $7,628 $8,799 7,746 8,862
Interest expense 1,876 2,281 1,876 2,281
Other expense, net 7 47 7 47
Income tax expense 2,403 2,661 2,403 2,686
Net income $3,460 $3,810 $3,460 $3,848
Earnings per share:
Basic $0.17 $0.19 $0.17 $0.19
Diluted $0.17 $0.19 $0.17 $0.19

As-Reported Same Station Pro Forma (1)
Three Months Three Months Three Months
Ended Ended Ended
June 30, June 30, June 30,
2008 2007 2008 2007 2008 2007
Radio Segment
Net operating
revenue $32,629 $33,843 $32,256 $33,843 $32,629 $34,174
Station operating
expense 23,398 23,455 23,143 23,455 23,398 23,723
Operating income $9,231 $10,388 $9,113 $10,388 $9,231 $10,451

As-Reported Same Station Pro Forma (1)
Three Months Three Months Three Months
Ended Ended Ended
June 30, June 30, June 30,
2008 2007 2008 2007 2008 2007
Television Segment
Net operating
revenue $4,713 $4,578 $4,713 $4,578 $4,713 $4,578
Station operating
expense 3,848 3,561 3,848 3,561 3,848 3,561
Gain on asset
exchange (224) - (224) - (224) -
Operating income $1,089 $1,017 $1,089 $1,017 $1,089 $1,017

As-Reported Same Station Pro Forma (1)
Three Months Three Months Three Months
Ended Ended Ended
June 30, June 30, June 30,
2008 2007 2008 2007 2008 2007
Depreciation and
amortization
by segment
Radio Segment $1,591 $1,539 $1,562 $1,539 $1,591 $1,599
Television Segment 605 400 605 400 605 400
Corporate and Other 53 51 53 51 53 51
$2,249 $1,990 $2,220 $1,990 $2,249 $2,050

(1) Pro Forma results assume all acquisitions and dispositions in 2007 and
2008 occurred as of January 1, 2007.

Saga Communications, Inc.
Selected Supplemental Financial Data
For the Six Months Ended
June 30, 2008 and 2007
(amounts in 000's except per share data)
(Unaudited)

As-Reported Same Station Pro Forma (1)
Six Months Ended Six Months Ended Six Months Ended
June 30, June 30, June 30,
2008 2007 2008 2007 2008 2007
Consolidated
Net operating
revenue $68,874 $70,304 $68,202 $70,304 $68,874 $70,945
Station operating
expense 52,667 53,011 52,184 53,011 52,667 53,568
Corporate general
and
administrative 5,126 4,922 5,126 4,922 5,126 4,922
Gain on asset
exchange (224) - (224) - (224) -
Operating income 11,305 12,371 $11,116 $12,371 11,305 12,455
Interest expense 3,871 4,578 3,871 4,578
Other expense, net 27 82 27 82
Income tax expense 3,037 3,161 3,037 3,195
Net income $4,370 $4,550 $4,370 $4,600
Earnings per share:
Basic $0.22 $0.23 $0.22 $0.23
Diluted $0.22 $0.23 $0.22 $0.23

As-Reported Same Station Pro Forma (1)
Six Months Ended Six Months Ended Six Months Ended
June 30, June 30, June 30,
2008 2007 2008 2007 2008 2007
Radio Segment
Net operating
revenue $60,010 $61,736 $59,338 $61,736 $60,010 $62,377
Station operating
expense 45,311 45,968 44,828 45,968 45,311 46,525
Operating income $14,699 $15,768 $14,510 $15,768 $14,699 $15,852

As-Reported Same Station Pro Forma (1)
Six Months Ended Six Months Ended Six Months Ended
June 30, June 30, June 30,
2008 2007 2008 2007 2008 2007
Television Segment
Net operating
revenue $8,864 $8,568 $8,864 $8,568 $8,864 $8,568
Station operating
expense 7,356 7,043 7,356 7,043 7,356 7,043
Gain on asset
exchange (224) - (224) - (224) -
Operating income $1,732 $1,525 $1,732 $1,525 $1,732 $1,525

As-Reported Same Station Pro Forma (1)
Six Months Ended Six Months Ended Six Months Ended
June 30, June 30, June 30,
2008 2007 2008 2007 2008 2007
Depreciation and
amortization
by segment
Radio Segment $3,153 $3,045 $3,096 $3,045 $3,153 $3,165
Television Segment 1,000 789 1,000 789 1,000 789
Corporate and Other 106 98 106 98 106 98
$4,259 $3,932 $4,202 $3,932 $4,259 $4,052

(1) Pro Forma results assume all acquisitions and dispositions in 2007
and 2008 occurred as of January 1, 2007.

Saga Communications, Inc.
Selected Supplemental Financial Data
Quarterly Proforma Information
June 30, 2008 and 2007
(amounts in 000's except per share data)
(Unaudited)

Pro Pro
Pro Pro Forma(1) Forma(1)
Forma(1) Forma(1) Three Three
Three Three Months Months
Months Months Ended Ended
Ended Ended Septem- Decem-
March 31, June 30, ber 30, ber 31,
2008 2007 2008 2007 2007 2007

Consolidated
Net operating
revenue $31,532 $32,193 $37,342 $38,752 $36,500 $37,537
Station operating
expense 25,421 26,284 27,246 27,284 26,239 27,352
Corporate general
and
administrative 2,552 2,316 2,574 2,606 2,272 2,606
Gain on asset
exchange - - (224) - - -
Operating income 3,559 3,593 7,746 8,862 7,989 7,579
Interest expense 1,995 2,297 1,876 2,281 2,283 2,093
Other expense, net 20 35 7 47 60 131
Income tax expense 634 509 2,403 2,686 2,315 2,222
Net income $910 $752 $3,460 $3,848 $3,331 $3,133
Earnings per share:
Basic $0.05 $0.04 $0.17 $0.19 $0.17 $0.16
Diluted $0.05 $0.04 $0.17 $0.19 $0.17 $0.16

Pro Pro
Pro Pro Forma(1) Forma(1)
Forma(1) Forma(1) Three Three
Three Three Months Months
Months Months Ended Ended
Ended Ended Septem- Decem-
March 31, June 30, ber 30, ber 31,
2008 2007 2008 2007 2007 2007
Radio Segment
Net operating
revenue $27,381 $28,203 $32,629 $34,174 $32,186 $32,992
Station operating
expense 21,913 22,802 23,398 23,723 22,756 23,738
Operating income $5,468 $5,401 $9,231 $10,451 $9,430 $9,254

Pro Pro
Pro Pro Forma(1) Forma(1)
Forma(1) Forma(1) Three Three
Three Three Months Months
Months Months Ended Ended
Ended Ended Septem- Decem-
March 31, June 30, ber 30, ber 31,
2008 2007 2008 2007 2007 2007
Television Segment
Net operating
revenue $4,151 $3,990 $4,713 $4,578 $4,314 $4,545
Station operating
expense 3,508 3,482 3,848 3,561 3,483 3,614
Gain on asset
exchange - - (224) - - -
Operating income $643 $508 $1,089 $1,017 $831 $931

Pro Pro
Pro Pro Forma(1) Forma(1)
Forma(1) Forma(1) Three Three
Three Three Months Months
Months Months Ended Ended
Ended Ended Septem- Decem-
March 31, June 30, ber 30, ber 31,
2008 2007 2008 2007 2007 2007
Depreciation and
amortization
by segment
Radio Segment $1,562 $1,566 $1,591 $1,599 $1,660 $1,723
Television Segment 395 389 605 400 405 425
Corporate and Other 53 47 53 51 48 58
$2,010 $2,002 $2,249 $2,050 $2,113 $2,206

(1) Pro Forma results assume all acquisitions and dispositions in 2007
and 2008 occurred as of January 1, 2007.

Saga Communications, Inc.
Selected Financial Data Non-GAAP Disclosures
For the Three Months Ended
June 30, 2008 and 2007
(amounts in 000's)
(Unaudited)

Reconciliation of As-Reported (historical)
information to Same Station Operating Income

Adjustment Adjustment
For For
As- Acquisitions Same As- Acquisitions Same
Reported and Station Reported and Station
Three Dispositions Three Three Dispositions Three
Months Not Included Months Months Not Included Months
Ended in Entire Ended Ended in Entire Ended
June 30, Comparable June 30, June 30, Comparable June 30,
2008 Period 2008 2007 Period 2007
Consolidated
Net operating
revenue $37,342 $(373) $36,969 $38,421 - $38,421
Station operating
expense 27,246 (255) 26,991 27,016 - 27,016
Corporate general
and administrative 2,574 - 2,574 2,606 - 2,606
Gain on asset
exchange (224) - (224) - - -
Operating income $7,746 $(118) $7,628 $8,799 - $8,799

Adjustment Adjustment
For For
As- Acquisitions Same As- Acquisitions Same
Reported and Station Reported and Station
Three Dispositions Three Three Dispositions Three
Months Not Included Months Months Not Included Months
Ended in Entire Ended Ended in Entire Ended
June 30, Comparable June 30, June 30, Comparable June 30,
2008 Period 2008 2007 Period 2007
Radio Segment
Net operating
revenue $32,629 $(373) $32,256 $33,843 - $33,843
Station
operating
expense 23,398 (255) 23,143 23,455 - 23,455
Operating income $9,231 $(118) $9,113 $10,388 - $10,388

Adjustment Adjustment
For For
As- Acquisitions Same As- Acquisitions Same
Reported and Station Reported and Station
Three Dispositions Three Three Dispositions Three
Months Not Included Months Months Not Included Months
Ended in Entire Ended Ended in Entire Ended
June 30, Comparable June 30, June 30, Comparable June 30,
2008 Period 2008 2007 Period 2007
Television
Segment
Net operating
revenue $4,713 - $4,713 $4,578 - $4,578
Station operating
expense 3,848 - 3,848 3,561 - 3,561
Gain on asset
exchange (224) - (224) - - -
Operating income $1,089 - $1,089 $1,017 - $1,017

Saga Communications, Inc.
Selected Financial Data Non-GAAP Disclosures
For the Six Months Ended
June 30, 2008 and 2007
(amounts in 000's)
(Unaudited)

Reconciliation of As-Reported (historical)
information to Same Station Operating Income

Adjustment Adjustment
For For
As- Acquisitions Same As- Acquisitions Same
Reported and Station Reported and Station
Six Dispositions Six Six Dispositions Six
Months Not Included Months Months Not Included Months
Ended in Entire Ended Ended in Entire Ended
June 30, Comparable June 30, June 30, Comparable June 30,
2008 Period 2008 2007 Period 2007
Consolidated
Net operating
revenue $68,874 $(672) $68,202 $70,304 - $70,304
Station operating
expense 52,667 (483) 52,184 53,011 - 53,011
Corporate general
and
administrative 5,126 - 5,126 4,922 - 4,922
Gain on asset
exchange (224) - (224) - - -
Operating income $11,305 $(189) $11,116 $12,371 - $12,371

Adjustment Adjustment
For For
As- Acquisitions Same As- Acquisitions Same
Reported and Station Reported and Station
Six Dispositions Six Six Dispositions Six
Months Not Included Months Months Not Included Months
Ended in Entire Ended Ended in Entire Ended
June 30, Comparable June 30, June 30, Comparable June 30,
2008 Period 2008 2007 Period 2007
Radio Segment
Net operating
revenue $60,010 $(672) $59,338 $61,736 - $61,736
Station operating
expense 45,311 (483) 44,828 45,968 - 45,968
Operating income $14,699 $(189) $14,510 $15,768 - $15,768

Adjustment Adjustment
For For
As- Acquisitions Same As- Acquisitions Same
Reported and Station Reported and Station
Six Dispositions Six Six Dispositions Six
Months Not Included Months Months Not Included Months
Ended in Entire Ended Ended in Entire Ended
June 30, Comparable June 30, June 30, Comparable June 30,
2008 Period 2008 2007 Period 2007
Television
Segment
Net operating
revenue $8,864 - $8,864 $8,568 - $8,568
Station operating
expense 7,356 - 7,356 7,043 - 7,043
Gain on asset
exchange (224) - (224) - - -
Operating income $1,732 - $1,732 $1,525 - $1,525

First Call Analyst:
FCMN Contact: aparks@sagacom.com

Source: Saga Communications, Inc.

CONTACT: Samuel D. Bush, +1-313-886-7070, for Saga Communications, Inc.

Web site: http://www.sagacommunications.com/

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