SAGA COMMUNICATIONS INC

1. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Nature of Business

Saga Communications, Inc. is a media company whose business is devoted to acquiring, developing and operating broadcast properties including opportunities complimentary to our core radio business including digital, e-commerce and non-traditional revenue initiatives. We currently own or operated seventy-nine FM, thirty-three AM radio stations andeighty metro signals, serving twenty-seven markets throughout the United States.

Principles of Consolidation

The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Saga Communications, Inc. and our wholly-owned subsidiaries. All significant intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

Use of Estimates

The preparation of the financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (GAAP) requires us to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the financial statements and accompanying notes. Our accounting estimates require the use of judgment as future events and the effect of these events cannot be predicted with certainty. The accounting estimates may change as new events occur, as more experience is acquired and as more information is obtained. We evaluate and update assumptions and estimates on an ongoing basis and may use outside experts to assist in the our evaluation, as considered necessary. Actual results may differ from estimates provided and there may be changes to those estimates in the future periods.

Concentration of Risk

Certain cash deposits with financial institutions may at times exceed FDIC insurance limits.

Our top five markets when combined represented 36%,38% and 39% of our net operating revenue for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021, respectively.

We sell advertising to local and national companies throughout the United States. We perform ongoing credit evaluations of our customers and generally do not require collateral. We maintain an allowance for credit losses at a level which we believe is sufficient to cover potential credit losses.

Cash and Cash Equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents consist of cash on hand and time deposits with original maturities of three months or less. We didnot have any time deposits at December 31, 2023 and 2022.

Financial Instruments

We account for marketable securities in accordance with ASC 320, “Investments – Debt Securities,” which require that certain debt securities be classified into one of three categories: held-to-maturity, available-for-sale, or trading securities, and depending upon the classification, value the security at amortized cost or fair market value. At December 31, 2023 and 2022, we have recorded$10.6 million and $10.1 million, respectively, of held-to-maturity U.S. Treasury Bills at amortized cost basis that have a fair market value of $10.6 million and $10.0 million respectively. Our held-to-maturity U.S. Treasury Bills all have original maturity dates ranging from March 2024 to July 2024.

Our financial instruments are comprised of cash and cash equivalents, short-term investments, accounts receivable, accounts payable and long-term debt. The carrying value of cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable and accounts payable approximate fair value due to their short maturities. The carrying value of long-term debt approximates fair value as it carries interest rates that either fluctuate with the secured overnight financing rate (“SOFR”), prime rate or have been reset at the prevailing market rate at December 31, 2023.

Allowance for Credit Losses

A provision for credit losses is recorded based on our judgment of the collectability of receivables. Amounts are written off when determined to be fully uncollectible. Delinquent accounts are based on contractual terms. The activity in the allowance for credit losses during the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021 was as follows:

Barter Transactions

Our radio stations trade air time for goods and services used principally for promotional, sales and other business activities. An asset and a liability are recorded at the fair market value of goods or services received. Barter revenue is recorded when commercials are broadcast, and barter expense is recorded when goods or services received are used.

Property and Equipment

Property and equipment are carried at cost. Expenditures for maintenance and repairs are expensed as incurred. When property and equipment is sold or otherwise disposed of, the related cost and accumulated depreciation is removed from the respective accounts and the gain or loss realized on disposition is reflected in earnings. Depreciation is provided using the straight-line method based on the estimated useful life of the assets. We review our property and equipment for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. Recoverability of these assets is measured by comparison of their carrying amounts to future undiscounted cash flows the assets are expected to generate. If the assets are considered to be impaired, the impairment to be recognized equals the amount by which the carrying value of the assets exceeds its fair market value. We did not record any impairment of property and equipment during 2023, 2022 and 2021.

Property and equipment consisted of the following:

Depreciation expense for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021, was $5,013,000, $5,133,000 and $5,362,000, respectively.

Intangible Assets

Intangible assets deemed to have indefinite useful lives, which include broadcast licenses and goodwill, are not amortized and are subject to impairment tests which are conducted as of October 1 of each year, or more frequently if impairment indicators arise.

We have 112 broadcast licenses serving 27 markets, which require renewal over the period of 2027-2030. In determining that the Company’s broadcast licenses qualified as indefinite-lived intangible assets, management considered a variety of factors including our broadcast licenses may be renewed indefinitely at little cost; our broadcast licenses are essential to our business and we intend to renew our licenses indefinitely; we have never been denied the renewal of an FCC broadcast license nor do we believe that there will be any compelling challenge to the renewal of our broadcast licenses; and we do not believe that the technology used in broadcasting will be replaced by another technology in the foreseeable future.

Separable intangible assets that have finite lives are amortized over their useful lives using the straight-line method. Favorable lease agreements are amortized over the leases length, ranging fromone totwenty-six years. Other intangibles are amortized overone tofifteen years. Customer relationships are amortized over three years.

Deferred Costs

The costs related to the issuance of debt are capitalized and amortized to interest expense over the life of the Credit Facility. During the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021, we recognized interest expense related to the amortization of debt issuance costs of $36,000, $10,000 and $37,000, respectively.

At December 31, 2023 and 2022 the net book value of debt issuance costs related to our line of credit was $130,000, and $166,000, respectively, and was presented in other intangibles, deferred costs and investments in our Consolidated Balance Sheets.

Leases

We determine whether a contract is or contains a lease at inception. The lease liabilities and right-of-use assets are recorded on the balance sheet for all leases with an expected term of at least one year, based on the present value of the lease payments using (1) the rate implicit in the lease or (2) our incremental borrowing rate (“IBR”). Our IBR is defined as the rate of interest we would have to pay to borrow on a collateralized basis over a similar term an amount equal to the lease payments in a similar economic environment. We follow the accounting guidance for leases, which includes the recognition of lease expense for leases on a straight-line basis over the lease term. See Note 12 – Commitments and Contingencies for more information on Leases.

Common Stock

Our founder and former Chairman, President, and CEO, Edward K. Christian, passed away on August 19, 2022. As of the date of his passing, Mr. Christian, who was also our principal shareholder, held approximately 65% of the combined voting power of the Company’s Common Stock based on our Class B Common Stock (together with the Class A Common Stock, collectively, the “Common Stock”) generally being entitled toten votes per share. As a result, Mr. Christian was generally able to control the vote on most matters submitted to the vote of shareholders and, therefore, was able to direct our management and policies, except with respect to (i) the election oftwo Class A directors, (ii) those matters where the shares of our Class B Common Stock were only entitled toone vote per share, and (iii) other matters requiring a class vote under the provisions of our certificate of incorporation, bylaws or applicable law. Mr. Christian’spassing resulted in the conversion of his Class B Shares into Class A Shares that were transferred to an estate planning trust that now owns approximately 16% of the common stock outstanding. As a result, weno longer have any shares of Class B Common Stock issued oroutstanding.

Treasury Stock

In March 2013, our Board of Directors authorized an increase in the amount committed to our Stock Buy-Back Program (the “Buy-Back Program”) from $60 million to $75.8 million. The Buy-Back Program allows us to repurchase our Class A Common Stock. As of December 31, 2023, we had remaining authorization of $18.0 million for future repurchases of our Class A Common Stock.

Repurchases of shares of our Common Stock are recorded as Treasury stock and result in a reduction of Shareholders’ equity. During 2023, 2022 and 2021, we acquired 11,274 shares at an average price of $20.12 per share,6,044 shares at an average price of $24.27 per share and 16,577 shares at an average price of $26.25 per share, respectively.

Revenue Recognition

Revenue from the sale of commercial broadcast time to advertisers is recognized when commercials are broadcast. Revenue is reported net of advertising agency commissions. Agency commissions, when applicable are based on a stated percentage applied to gross billing. All revenue is recognized in accordance with the Securities and Exchange Commission’s (“SEC”) Staff Accounting Bulletin (“SAB”) No. 104, Topic 13,Revenue Recognition Revised and Updated and The Accounting Standards Codification (ASC) Topic 606,Revenue from Contracts with Customers.

Local Marketing Agreements

We have entered into Time Brokerage Agreements (“TBAs”) or Local Marketing Agreements (“LMAs”) in certain markets. In a typical TBA/LMA, the FCC licensee of a station makes available, for a fee, blocks of air time on its station to another party that supplies programming to be broadcast during that air time and sells its own commercial advertising announcements during the time periods specified. Revenue and expenses related to TBAs/LMAs are included in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Income. Assets and liabilities related to the TBAs/LMAs are included in the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets.

Advertising and Promotion Costs

Advertising and promotion costs are expensed as incurred. Such costs amounted to $1,705,000, $1,646,000 and $1,396,000 for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021, respectively.

Income Taxes

The provision for income taxes is calculated using the asset and liability method, under which deferred tax assets and liabilities are determined based on temporary differences between the financial reporting and tax basis of assets and liabilities and are measured using the enacted tax rates and laws that are expected to be in effect when the differences are expected to reverse. In assessing the realizability of deferred tax assets, we consider whether it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. The realization of deferred tax assets is primarily dependent upon the generation of future taxable income. Our effective tax rate is higher than the federal statutory rate as a result of the inclusion of state taxes in the income tax amount and permanent differences primarily relating to executive compensation.

Dividends

The Company currently intends to declare regular quarterly cash dividends, we well as variable dividends in accordance with the terms of our variable dividend policy. The Company may also declare special dividend in future periods. The declaration and payment of any future dividend, whether fixed, special or based on the variable policy will remain at the full discretion of the Board and will depend on the Company’s financial results, cash requirements, future expectations and other pertinent factors.

On December 7, 2023, the Company’s Board of Directors declared a special cash dividend of $2.00 per share on its Classes A Common Stock. This dividend, totaling approximately$12,500,000, was paid on January 12, 2024 to shareholders of record on December 20, 2023 and is recorded in dividends payable in our Consolidated Balance Sheet at December 31, 2023.

On November 16, 2023, the Company’s Board of Directors declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.25 per share on its Class A Common Stock. This dividend, totaling approximately$1,500,000, was paid on December 15, 2023 to shareholders of record on November 27, 2023.

On September 27, 2023, the Company’s Board of Directors declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.25 per share on its Class A Common Stock. This dividend, totaling approximately$1,500,000, was paid on November 3, 2023 to shareholders of record on October 11, 2023.

On May 9, 2023, the Company’s Board of Directors declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.25 per share on its Class A Common Stock. This dividend, totaling approximately$1,500,000, was paid on June 16, 2023 to shareholders of record on May 22, 2023.

On March 1, 2023, the Company’s Board of Directors declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.25 per share on its Class A Common Stock. This dividend, totaling approximately$1,500,000, was paid on April 7, 2023 to shareholders of record on March 20, 2023.

On December 7, 2022, the Company’s Board of Directors declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.25 per share and a special cash dividend of $2.00 per share on its Classes A Common Stock. This dividend, totaling approximately$13,800,000, was paid on January 13, 2023 to shareholders of record on December 21, 2022 and is recorded in dividends payable in our Consolidated Balance Sheet at December 31, 2022.

On September 20, 2022, the Company’s Board of Directors declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.25 per share and a special cash dividend of $2.00 per share on its Classes A Common Stock. This dividend, totaling approximately$13,600,000, was paid on October 21, 2022 to shareholders of record on October 3, 2022.

On June 6, 2022, the Company’s Board of Directors declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.20 per share on its Classes A and B Common Stock. This dividend, totaling approximately$1,200,000, was paid to our transfer agent on June 29, 2022. The dividend was paid by our transfer agent on July 1, 2022 to shareholders of record on June 13, 2022.

On March 1, 2022, the Company’s Board of Directors declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.16 per share on its Classes A and B Common Stock. This dividend, totaling approximately$970,000, was paid on April 8, 2022 to shareholders of record on March 21, 2022.

On December 14, 2021, the Company’s Board of Directors declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.16 per share and special cash dividend of $0.50 per share on its Classes A and B Common Stock. This dividend, totaling approximately$3,990,000, was paid on January 14, 2022 to shareholders of record on December 27, 2021 and was recorded in dividends payable on the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheet at December 31, 2021.

On September 28, 2021, the Company’s Board of Directors declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.16 per share on its Classes A and B Common Stock. This dividend, totaling approximately$960,000, was paid on October 22, 2021 to shareholders of record on October 8, 2021.

On June 18, 2021, the Company’s Board of Directors declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.16 per share on its Classes A and B Common Stock. This dividend, totaling approximately$960,000, was paid on July 16, 2021 to shareholders of record on June 30, 2021 and was recorded in dividends payable on the Company’s Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet at June 30, 2021. The Company had previously temporarily suspended the quarterly cash dividend in response to the uncertainty of the ongoing impact of COVID-19 as of June 18, 2020.

Stock-Based Compensation

Stock-based compensation cost for stock option awards is estimated on the date of grant using a Black-Scholes valuation model and is expensed on a straight-line method over the vesting period of the options. Stock-based compensation expense is recognized net of estimated forfeitures. The fair value of restricted stock awards is determined based on the closing market price of our Class A Common Stock on the grant date and is adjusted at each reporting date based on the amount of shares ultimately expected to vest. See Note 7 — Stock-Based Compensation for further details regarding the expense calculated under the fair value based method.

Segments

We serve twenty-seven radio markets (reporting units) that aggregate intoone operating segment (Radio), which also qualifies as a reportable segment. We operate underone reportable business segment for which segment disclosure is consistent with the management decision-making process that determines the allocation of resources and the measuring of performance. The Chief Operating Decision Maker (“CODM”) evaluates the results of the radio operating segment and makes operating and capital investment decisions based at the Company level. Furthermore, technological enhancements and system integration decisions are reached at the Company level and applied to all markets rather than to specific or individual markets to ensure that each market has the same tools and opportunities as every other market. Managers at the market level do not report to the CODM and instead report to other senior management, who are responsible for the operational oversight of radio markets and for communication of results to the CODM. We continually review our operating segment classification to align with operational changes in our business and may make changes as necessary.

Earnings Per Share

Earnings per share is calculated using the two-class method. The two-class method is an earnings allocation formula that determines earnings per share for each class of common stock and participating security. We have participating securities related to restricted stock units, granted under our Second Amended and Restated 2005 Incentive Compensation Plan and our 2023 Incentive Compensation Plan, that earn dividends on an equal basis with common shares. In applying the two-class method, earnings are allocated to both common shares and participating securities.

The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted earnings per share:

There wereno stock options outstanding that had an antidilutive effect on our earnings per share calculation for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022, and 2021, respectively. The actual effect of these shares, if any, on the diluted earnings per share calculation will vary significantly depending on fluctuations in the stock price.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

New Accounting Pronouncements

In November 2023, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued ASU 2023-07, “Segment Reporting (Topic 280): Improvements to Reportable Segment Disclosures” (“ASU 2023-07”), which requires expanded disclosure of significant segment expenses and other segment items on an annual and interim basis. ASU 2023-07 is effective for us for annual periods beginning after January 1, 2024 and interim periods beginning after January 1, 2025. We are currently evaluating the impact ASU 2023-07 will have on our financial statement disclosures.

In December 2023, the FASB issued ASU 2023-09, “Income Taxes (Topic 740): Improvements to Income Tax Disclosures” (“ASU 2023-09”), which requires expanded disclosure of our income rate reconciliation and income taxes paid. ASU 2023-09 is effective for us for annual periods beginning after January 1, 2025. We are currently evaluating the impact ASU 2023-09 will have on our financial statement disclosures.

2. Revenue

Nature of goods and services

The following is a description of principal activities from which we generate our revenue:

Broadcast Advertising Revenue

Our primary source of revenue is from the sale of advertising for broadcast on our stations. We recognize revenue from the sale of advertising as performance obligations are satisfied upon airing of the advertising; therefore, revenue is recognized at a point in time when each advertising spot is transmitted. Agency commissions are calculated based on a stated percentage applied to gross billing revenue for our advertising inventory placed by agency and are reported as a reduction of advertising revenue.

Digital Advertising Revenue

We recognize revenue from our digital initiatives across multiple platforms such as targeted digital advertising, online promotions, advertising on our websites and digital audio streams, mobile messaging, email marketing and other e-commerce. Revenue is recorded when each specific performance obligation in the digital advertising campaign takes place, typically within a one month period.

Other Revenue

Other revenue includes revenue from concerts, promotional events, tower rent and other miscellaneous items. Revenue is generally recognized when the event is completed, as the promotional events are completed or as each performance obligation is satisfied.

Disaggregation of Revenue

The following table presents revenues disaggregated by revenue source:

Contract Liabilities

Payments from our advertisers are generally due within 30 days although certain advertisers are required to pay in advance. When an advertiser pays for the services in advance of the performance obligations these prepayments are contract liabilities. Typical contract liabilities relate to prepayments for advertising spots not yet run; prepayments from sponsors for events that have not yet been held; and gift cards sold on our websites used to finance a broadcast advertising campaign. Generally all contract liabilities are expected to be recognized within one year and are included in accounts payable in the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements and are immaterial.

Transaction Price Allocated to the Remaining Performance Obligations

As the majority of our contracts areone year or less, we have utilized the optional exemption under ASC 606-10-50-14 and will not disclose information about the remaining performance obligations for contracts which have original expected durations of one year or less.

3. Broadcast Licenses, Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets

We evaluate our FCC licenses for impairment annually, or more frequently if events or changes in circumstances indicate that the asset might be impaired. We operate our broadcast licenses in each market as a single asset and determine the fair value by relying on a discounted cash flow approach assuming a start-up scenario in which the only assets held by an investor are broadcast licenses. The fair value calculation contains assumptions incorporating variables that are based on past experiences and judgments about future operating performance using industry normalized information for an average station within a market. These variables include, but are not limited to: (1) the forecasted growth rate of each radio market, including population, household income, retail sales and other expenditures that would influence advertising expenditures; (2) the estimated available advertising revenue within the market and the related market share and profit margin of an average station within a market; (3) estimated capital start-up costs and losses incurred during the early years; (4) risk-adjusted discount rate; (5) the likely media competition within the market area; and (6) terminal values. If the carrying amount of FCC licenses is greater than their estimated fair value in a given market, the carrying amount of FCC licenses in that market is reduced to its estimated fair value.

We also evaluate goodwill for impairment annually, or more frequently if certain circumstances are present. If the carrying amount of goodwill in a reporting unit is greater than the implied value of goodwill determined by completing a hypothetical purchase price allocation using estimated fair value of the reporting unit, the carrying amount of goodwill in that reporting unit is reduced to its implied value.

We evaluate amortizable intangible assets for recoverability when circumstances indicate impairment may have occurred, using an undiscounted cash flow methodology. If the future undiscounted cash flows for the intangible asset

are less than net book value, then the net book value is reduced to the estimated fair value. Amortizable intangible assets are included in other intangibles, deferred costs and investments in the consolidated balance sheets.

Broadcast Licenses

We have recorded the changes to broadcast licenses for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022 as follows:

2023 Impairment Test

We completed our impairment annual impairment test of broadcast licenses during the fourth quarter of 2023 and determined that the fair value of the broadcast licenses was greater than the carrying value recorded for each of our markets and, accordingly, no impairment was recorded.

The following table reflects certain key estimates and assumptions used in the impairment tests during the fourth quarter ended 2023, the fourth quarter of 2022 and the fourth quarter of 2021. The ranges for operating profit margin and market long-term revenue growth rates vary by market. In general, when comparing between 2023, 2022 and 2021: (1) the market specific operating profit margin range remained relatively consistent; (2) the market long-term revenue growth rates were relatively consistent; (3) the discount rate decreased from 2021 and remained relatively consistent after that; and (4) current year revenue projections decreased with amounts previously projected for 2023.

If actual market conditions are less favorable than those estimated by us or if events occur or circumstances change that would reduce the fair value of our broadcast licenses below the carrying value, we may be required to recognize additional impairment charges in future periods. Such a charge could have a material effect on our consolidated financial statements. We will continue to monitor potential triggering events and perform the appropriate analysis when deemed necessary.

2022 Impairment Test

During the fourth quarter of 2022, we completed our annual impairment test of broadcast and determined that the fair value of the broadcast licenses was greater than the carrying value recorded for each of our markets and, accordingly, no impairment was recorded.

2021 Impairment Test

During the fourth quarter of 2021, we completed our annual impairment test of broadcast and determined that the fair value of the broadcast licenses was greater than the carrying value recorded for each of our markets and, accordingly, no impairment was recorded.

Goodwill

During the fourth quarter of 2023, 2022 and 2021, the Company performed its annual impairment test of goodwill in accordance with ASC 350 and determined that the fair value was in excess of its carrying value and, accordingly, no impairment was recorded.

We have recorded the changes to goodwill for each of the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022 as follows:

Other Intangible Assets

We have recorded amortizable intangible assets at December 31, 2023 as follows:

We have recorded amortizable intangible assets at December 31, 2022 as follows:

Aggregate amortization expense for these intangible assets for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021, was $42,000, $48,000 and $387,000, respectively. Our estimated annual amortization expense for the years ending December 31, 2024, 2025, 2026, 2027 and 2028 is $71,000, $67,000, $66,000, $61,000 and $31,000, respectively.

4. Long-Term Debt

The Company hasno debt outstanding at December 31, 2023 or December 31, 2022.

On December 19, 2022, we entered into a Third Amendment to our Credit Facility, (the “Third Amendment”), which extended the maturity date to December 19, 2027, reduced the lenders to JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., and the Huntington National Bank (collectively, the “Lenders”), established an interest rate equal to the secured overnight financing rate (“SOFR”) as administered by the SOFR Administrator (currently established as the Federal Reserve Bank of New York) as the interest base and increased the basis points.

We have pledged substantially all of our assets (excluding our FCC licenses and certain other assets) in support of the Credit Facility and each of our subsidiaries has guaranteed the Credit Facility and has pledged substantially all of their assets (excluding their FCC licenses and certain other assets) in support of the Credit Facility.

Approximately $266,000 of debt issuance costs related to the Credit Facility were capitalized and are being amortized over the life of the Credit Facility. These debt issuance costs are included in other assets, net in the consolidated balance sheets. As a result of the Second Amendment, we incurred an additional $120,000 of transaction fees related to the Credit Facility that were capitalized. As a result of the Third Amendment, the Company incurred an additional$161,000 of transaction fees related to the Credit Facility that were capitalized. The cumulative transaction fees are being amortized over the remaining life of the Credit Facility.

Interest rates under the Credit Facility are payable, at our option, at alternatives equal to SOFR (5.38% at December 31, 2023), plus 1% to 2% or the base rate plus 0% to 1%. The spread over SOFR and the base rate vary from time to time, depending upon our financial leverage. Letters of credit issued under the Credit Facility will be subject to a participation fee (which is equal to the interest rate applicable to Eurocurrency Loans, as defined in the Credit Agreement) payable to each of the Lenders and a fronting fee equal to 0.25% per annum payable to the issuing bank. Under the Third Amendment, we now pay quarterly commitment fees of 0.25% per annum on the unused portion of the Credit Facility. We previously paid quarterly commitment fees of 0.2% to 0.3% per annum on the unused portion of the Revolving Credit Facility.

The Credit Facility contains a number of financial covenants (all of which we were in compliance with at December 31, 2023) which, among other things, require us to maintain specified financial ratios and impose certain limitations on us with respect to investments, additional indebtedness, dividends, distributions, guarantees, liens and encumbrances.

We had approximately $50 million of unused borrowing capacity under the Revolving Credit Facility at both December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022.

5. Supplemental Cash Flow Information

6. Income Taxes

An income tax expense of $3,375,000 was recorded for the year ended December 31, 2023 compared to income tax expense of $4,800,000 for the year ended December 31, 2022. The effective tax rate was approximately 26.2% for the year ended December 31, 2023 compared to 34.3% for the year ended December 31,2022. The 2022 year to date tax rate was impacted by$3.8 million in expenses in the third quarter related to the compensation of our CEO upon his death, in accordance with his employment agreement that are permanent differences between our book and taxable income.

Deferred income taxes reflect the net tax effects of temporary differences between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities for financial reporting purposes and the amounts used for income tax purposes. Significant components of the Company’s deferred tax liabilities and assets are as follows:

Deferred tax assets are required to be reduced by a valuation allowance if it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax asset will not be realized. At December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022, we donot have a valuation allowance for net deferred tax assets.

At December 31, 2023 and 2022, net deferred tax liabilities include a deferred tax asset of $1,350,000 and $1,313,000, respectively, relating to deferred compensation, stock-based compensation expense, accrued compensation, the allowance for credit losses, and other accrued expenses.

The significant components of the provision for income taxes are as follows:

The reconciliation of income tax at the U.S. federal statutory tax rates to income tax expense (benefit) is as follows:

The 2023, 2022 and 2021 effective tax rates exceed the federal statutory rate primarily due to non-deductible compensation related expenses and state income taxes.

The Company files income taxes in the U.S. federal jurisdiction, and in various state and local jurisdictions. The Company is no longer subject to U.S. federal examinations by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) foryears prior to 2020. The Company is subject to examination for income and non-income tax filings in various states.

As of December 31, 2023, and 2022 there wereno accrued balances recorded related to uncertain tax positions.

We classify income tax-related interest and penalties that are related to income tax liabilities as a component of income tax expense. For the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021, we had $-, $-, and $600, respectively, tax-related interest and penalties and had $0 accrued at December 31, 2023 and 2022.

7. Stock-Based Compensation

2005 Incentive Compensation Plan

On May 13, 2019 our shareholders approved an amendment to the Second Amended and Restated Saga Communications, Inc. 2005 Incentive Compensation Plan (as amended, “The Second Restated 2005 Plan”). This plan was first approved in 2005, and subsequently re-approved in 2010 and 2013. The amendment to the Second Restated 2005 Plan (i) extended the date for making awards to September 6, 2023 and (ii) increased the number of authorized shares under the Plan by 90,000 shares of Class B Common Stock. The Second Restated 2005 Plan allowed for the granting of restricted stock, restricted stock units, incentive stock options, nonqualified stock options, and performance awards to eligible employees and non-employee directors.

The number of shares of Common Stock that was allowed to be issued under the Second Restated 2005 Plan may not exceed 370,000 shares of Class B Common Stock,990,000 shares of Class A Common Stock of which up to 620,000 shares of Class A Common Stock were to be issued pursuant to incentive stock options and 370,000 Class A Common Stock were to be issued upon conversion of Class B Common Stock. Awards denominated in Class A Common Stock were to be granted to any employee or director under the Second Restated 2005 Plan. Upon the passing of Mr. Christian, we no longer have any holders of Class B Common Stock, as those awards denominated in Class B Common Stock were only able to be granted to Mr. Christian. Stock options granted under the Second Restated 2005 Plan were to be for terms not exceeding ten years from the date of grant andcould not be exercised at a price which was less than 100% of the fair market value of shares at the date of grant.

2023 Incentive Compensation Plan

On May 8, 2023 our shareholders approved the 2023 Incentive Compensation Plan (the “2023 Plan”). The 2023 Plan replaces the Second Restated 2005 Plan. The Board of Directors does not intend to make any further awards under the Second Restated 2005 Plan. However, each outstanding award under the Second Restated 2005 Plan will remain outstanding under the Second Restated 2005 Plan and will continue to be governed under its terms and any applicable award agreement. The 2023 Plan allows for the granting of restricted stock, restricted stock units, incentive stock options, nonqualified stock options, and performance awards, including cash to eligible employees and non-employee directors of the Company and its subsidiaries. The number of shares of Common Stock that may be issued under the 2023 Plan may not exceed 600,000 shares of Class A Common Stock.

Stock-Based Compensation

Our stock-based compensation expense is measured and recognized for all stock-based awards to employees using the estimated fair value of the award. Compensation expense is recognized over the period during which an employee is required to provide service in exchange for the award. For these awards, we have recognized compensation expense using a straight-line amortization method. Accounting guidance requires that stock-based compensation expense be based on awards that are ultimately expected to vest; therefore stock-based compensation has been adjusted for estimated forfeitures. When estimating forfeitures, we consider voluntary termination behaviors as well as trends of actual option forfeitures.

All stock options were fully vested and expensed at December 31, 2012, therefore there wasno compensation expense related to stock options for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021. We calculated the fair value of each option award on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option pricing model. The estimated expected volatility, expected term of options and estimated annual forfeiture rate were determined based on historical experience of similar awards, giving consideration to the contractual terms of the stock-based awards, vesting schedules and expectations of future employee behavior. The risk-free interest rate was based on the U.S. Treasury yield curve in effect at the time of grant.

There wereno options granted during 2023, 2022 and 2021 and there wereno stock options outstanding as of December 31, 2023.

The following summarizes the restricted stock transactions for the year ended December 31:

The weighted average grant date fair value of restricted stock that granted during 2023, 2022 and 2021 was $2,850,000, $1,902,000, and $1,792,000 respectively. The net value of unrecognized compensation cost related to unvested restricted stock awards aggregated $4,132,000, $2,397,000 and $2,354,000 at December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021, respectively.

For the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021 we had $1,116,000, $1,858,000 and $1,335,000, respectively, of total compensation expense related to restricted stock-based arrangements. The expense is included in corporate general and administrative expenses in our results of operations. The associated tax benefit recognized for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021 was $294,000, $149,000 and $121,000, respectively.

8. Employee Benefit Plans

401(k) Plan

We have a defined contribution pension plan (“401(k) Plan”) that covers substantially all employees. Employees can elect to have a portion of their wages withheld and contributed to the plan. The 401(k) Plan also allows us to make a discretionary contribution. Total administrative expense under the 401(k) Plan was $-, $3,500 and $1,550 in 2023, 2022 and 2021, respectively. The Company’s discretionary contribution to the plan was approximately $268,000, $256,000 and $250,000 for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021, respectively.

Deferred Compensation Plan

In 1999 we established a Nonqualified Deferred Compensation Plan which allows officers and certain management employees to annually elect to defer a portion of their compensation, on a pre-tax basis, until their retirement. The retirement benefit to be provided is based on the amount of compensation deferred and any earnings thereon. Deferred compensation expense for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021 was $226,000, $135,000 and $100,000, respectively. We invest in company-owned life insurance policies to assist in funding these programs. The cash surrender values of these policies are in a rabbi trust and are recorded as our assets.

Split Dollar Officer Life Insurance

We provide split dollar insurance benefits to certain executive officers and record an asset equal to the cumulative premiums paid on the related policies, as we will fully recover these premiums under the terms of the plan. We retain a collateral assignment of the cash surrender values and policy death benefits payable to insure recovery of these premiums.

9. Acquisitions and Dispositions

We actively seek and explore opportunities for expansion through the acquisition of additional broadcast properties. The consolidated statements of income include the operating results of the acquired stations from their respective dates of acquisition. All acquisitions were accounted for as purchases and, accordingly, the total purchase consideration was allocated to the acquired assets and assumed liabilities based on their estimated fair values as of the acquisition dates. The excess of the consideration paid over the estimated fair value of net assets acquired have been recorded as goodwill. The Company accounts for acquisition under the provisions of FASB ASC Topic 805,Business Combinations.

Management assigned fair values to the acquired property and equipment through a combination of cost and market approaches based upon each specific asset’s replacement cost, with a provision for depreciation, and to the acquired intangibles, primarily an FCC license, based on the Greenfield valuation methodology, a discounted cash flow approach.

Pending Acquisitions

On February 13, 2024, we entered into an agreement to purchase the assets of WKOA (FM), WKHY (FM), WASK (FM), WXXB (FM), WASK (AM) and W269DJ from Neuhoff Communications, Inc. serving the Greater Lafayette, Indiana radio market for $5.3 million which we expect to finance through funds generated from operations or borrowings under our credit agreement. We expect to close on this acquisition in the second quarter of 2024.

2023 Dispositions

On February 28, 2023, we closed on an agreement to sell WPVQ-AM located in our Greenfield, Massachusetts market to Hampden Communications Corp for$2,000. We recorded a$43,000 loss on the sale in our other operating (income) expense, net line item on our Consolidated Statement of Operations.

On March 20, 2023, we submitted a request to the FCC to cancel our FCC license for WHMQ-AM located in our Greenfield, Massachusetts market. We recorded a$22,000 loss on the disposal in our other operating (income) expense, net line items in our Consolidated Statement of Operations.

2022 Acquisitions

On July 12, 2021, we entered into an agreement to acquire WIZZ-AM and a translator from P. & M. Radio for $61,800 of which $5,000 was paid in 2021 and the remainder was paid on April 6, 2022 when we closed on the transaction. Management attributes the goodwill recognized in the acquisition to the power of the existing brands in the Greenfield, Massachusetts market as well as synergies and growth opportunities expected through the combination with the Company’s existing stations. The translators are start-up stations and therefore, have no pro forma revenue and expenses.

2021 Acquisitions

On January 8, 2021, the Company closed on an agreement to purchase WBQL and W288DQ from Consolidated Media, LLC, for an aggregate purchase price of$175,000, of which$25,000 was paid in 2020 and the remaining$150,000 paid in 2021. Management attributes the goodwill recognized in the acquisition to the power of the existing brands in the Clarksville, Tennessee market as well as synergies and growth opportunities expected through the combination with the Company’s existing stations. The translators are start-up stations and therefore, have no pro forma revenue and expenses.

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet of 2023 and 2022 Acquisitions:

The following condensed balance sheets represent the estimated fair value assigned to the related assets and liabilities of the 2023 and 2022 acquisitions at their respective acquisition dates.

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet of 2023 and 2022 Acquisitions

10. Related Party Transactions

Mr. Christian’s Employment Agreement

On January 25, 2022, we entered into a third amendment (the “2022 Amendment”) to the employment agreement with Edward K. Christian dated June 1, 2011 (the “2011 employment agreement”), which had previously been amended on February 12, 2016 (the “2016 amendment”) and on February 26, 2019 (the “2019 amendment”). The 2011 employment agreement, as amended by the 2016 amendment, the 2019 amendment, and the 2022 amendment, is referred to herein as the “amended 2011 employment agreement.” The 2022 amendment extended Mr. Christian’s employment with the Company from March 31, 2025 to March 31, 2027 and made certain changes to the 2011 employment agreement to cause it to be compliant with Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code. Pursuant to the amended 2011 employment agreement, we paid Mr. Christian a salary at the rate of$860,000 per year, adjusted as discussed in the next paragraph below. Mr. Christian was permitted to defer any or all of his annual salary. Additionally, the Company was authorized to pay for Mr. Christian’s tax preparation services on an annual basis, the amount of which was subject to income tax as additional compensation.

Pursuant to the 2011 employment agreement, commencing on June 1, 2012, and each anniversary thereafter, the Compensation Committee was required to determine in its discretion the amount of any increase in Mr. Christian’s then existing annual salary; provided, however, that such increase would not be less than the greater of 3% or a cost of living increase based on the consumer price index. Pursuant to the 2016 amendment, the amended 2011 employment agreement provided that such increase in Mr. Christian’s then existing salary would not be less than the greater of 4% or a cost of living increase based on the consumer price index.

The amended 2011 employment agreement also provided that Mr. Christian was eligible for equity awards under the 2005 Incentive Compensation Plan as shall be approved by the Compensation Committee and bonuses in such amounts as shall be determined pursuant to the terms of the CEO Plan or as otherwise determined by the Compensation Committee in its discretion based on the performance of the Company and the accomplishments of objectives established by the Compensation Committee in consultation with Mr. Christian.

Under the amended 2011 employment agreement, Mr. Christian was eligible to participate, in accordance with their terms, in all medical and health plans, life insurance, profit sharing, 401(k) Plan, pension, and such other employment benefits as are maintained by the Company or its affiliates for other key employees performing services. During the term of the employment agreement, the Company was required to maintain all existing policies of insurance on Mr. Christian’s life, including the existing split dollar policy. The Company was also required to pay for Mr. Christian to participate in an executive medical plan and to maintain its existing medical reimbursement policy. Mr. Christian was also furnished with an automobile and other fringe benefits as have been afforded him in the past or as are consistent with his position. In addition, the Company agreed to maintain an office for Mr. Christian in Sarasota County, Florida. The 2016 amendment increased the paid vacation time awarded to Mr. Christian on the anniversary date of the 2011 employment agreement from four weeks tosix weeks of paid vacation.

Payments Under the Principal Shareholder Employment Agreement

The amended 2011 employment agreement terminated upon Mr. Christian’s death on August 19, 2022. As a result of his passing the Company was required to make several payments to his estate as outlined in his employment agreement, and described above. In accordance with ASC 712-10-25,Nonretirement Postemployment Benefits,* *we accrued all necessary expenses as of September 30, 2022. As a result of our contractual obligations under the Mr. Christian’s agreement, Mr. Christian’s estate was the beneficiary of a gross amount of approximately$5.8 million in cash, common stock and a life insurance policy of which $3.9 million was recorded upon his passing in the third quarter of 2022, and $1.9 million had been accrued for in previous periods. The estate was the beneficiary of a lump-sum payment of his current base salary plus accrued unused vacation time totaling$1.9 million which was paid in October 2022. Mr. Christian’s estate was also provided with a prorated bonus that Mr. Christian earned of approximately$633,000 which was paid in March 2023. Mr. Christian had approximately$65,000 withheld as deferred compensation that was paid to the estate in January 2023. Additionally, under the agreement, any award previously granted under the Company’s 2005 Incentive Compensation Plan were immediately vested and provided to the estate. At the date of Mr. Christian’s passing, he had approximately 55,000 shares of unvested restricted stock that immediately vested at a price of $24.80 for a total of $1.4 million in common stock received by the estate. Mr. Christian’s estate is now the beneficiary of the Split Dollar life insurance policy that has a cash surrender value of approximately$971,000. Under the agreement, the Company will be responsible to pay the estate’s income tax obligation relating to the payout of the life insurance policy. The estimate of the possible loss related to that tax obligation cannot be made at this time due to uncertainties related to the timing of the transfer. Lastly, under the agreement, the Company shall continue to pay for the healthcare coverage and life insurance premiums for Mr. Christian’s spouse forten years which totals approximately $800,000.

Mr. Lada’s Letter Agreement

On August 21, 2022, we entered into a letter employment agreement with Warren S. Lada, a member of our Board, to serve as our Interim President and CEO following the death of Mr. Christian, to serve in this capacity while the Company conducted a formal search for a permanent successor to Mr. Christian. Under the terms of the letter agreement we paid Mr. Lada an annualized base salary of$750,000 during his service as Interim President and CEO; provided local transportation to the Company offices for up tothree days a week and he was eligible to participate in the Company’s benefit plans, including the 401(k) plan, as an employee, upon completion of the eligibility requirements.

Mr. Forgy’s Employment Agreement

On November 16, 2022, we entered into an employment agreement with Christopher S. Forgy, who was appointed as our President and CEO effective December 7, 2022. Mr. Forgy’s employment agreement has an initial term ofthree years, and we and Mr. Forgy may mutually agree to extend the term for an additionaltwo years. Either party may provide written notice of its intent not to extend the initial term at leastone year prior to the end of the initial term.

Under the agreement, Mr. Forgy’s base salary is set at $670,000 for the first year and will increase 4% annually. If the Company and Mr. Forgy mutually agree to renew the term of Mr. Forgy’s employment for an additionaltwo years, Mr. Forgy’s base salary would increase in the fourth and fifth year by 4% as well.

Mr. Forgy will have the opportunity to earn an annual performance bonus under the CEO Plan. His bonus in any fiscal year will be in a minimum of 35% and a maximum of 100% of his annual base salary as of January 1 of the fiscal year, and will be based on his performance and the achievement of performance goals established by the Compensation Committee within the first 90 days of the fiscal year. The Board may instead grant Mr. Forgy a discretionary bonus in the case of a financial, national or global occurrence, or a generally difficult year. Mr. Forgy was granted a$50,000 discretionary bonus for the 2022 fiscal year and a $245,000 discretionary bonus for the 2023 fiscal year. Mr. Forgy is also eligible for equity awards under the 2005 Incentive Compensation Plan, or any successor equity incentive plan, in accordance with the provisions of that plan that apply to the CEO.

Mr. Forgy will continue to participate in our employee benefit plans, including the medical reimbursement plan, 401(k) plan, deferred compensation plan, and other health and welfare benefit plans. He will be entitled tofive weeks of paid vacation days per calendar year. The Company will furnish him with an automobile, pay the initiation fee and monthly dues for a non-golf country club membership and provide Mr. Forgy with a split dollar life insurance agreement with premiums payable by the Company.

Either the Company or Mr. Forgy may terminate the employment term for any reason generally with 30 days advance notice. If Mr. Forgy’s employment is terminated by us for cause, if he resigns without good reason, or if his employment terminates by reason of death or disability, he will receive any accrued but unpaid base salary and any benefits under the Company’s benefit plans (the “accrued amounts.”)

If Mr. Forgy’s employment is terminated by us without cause or if he resigns for good reason, he will receive the accrued amounts; continuation of his base salary for the longer of 18 months or the remainder of thethree year initial term or thetwo-year renewal term, as applicable; any awarded but unpaid annual bonus with respect to any completed fiscal year preceding the termination date; immediate and full vesting of any unvested shares of restricted stock then held by Mr. Forgy; and payment or reimbursement of COBRA premiums for Mr. Forgy and his spouse for up to 18 months.

If Mr. Forgy consents to the renewal term and the Company does not consent, Mr. Forgy will be entitled to theaccrued amounts; an amount equal to 150% of the sum of (i) Mr. Forgy’s base salary paid in the prior calendar year plus (ii) his annual bonus earned for the previous fiscal year, immediate and full vesting of any unvested shares of restricted stock then held by Mr. Forgy; and payment or reimbursement of COBRA premiums for Mr. Forgy and his spouse for up to 18 months.

Mr. Forgy agreed that, for a period of 12 months after the termination of his employment, he will not (i) solicit business of the type performed by the Company anywhere in the United States; (ii) solicit from any person who has purchased services from the Company during thethree years preceding his termination for business of the type performed by the Company in the United States, or in any other location; or (iii) offer employment to any person employed by the Company, or entice any such person to leave employment with the Company. The employment agreement also contains customary confidentiality and non-disparagement covenants.

Change in Control Agreements

In December 2007, Samuel D. Bush, Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, and Catherine Bobinski, Senior Vice President/Finance, Chief Accounting Officer and Corporate Controller, entered into Change in Control Agreements. In September 2018, Christopher S. Forgy, Senior Vice President of Operations entered into a Change in Control Agreement. In July 2020, Eric Christian, Chief Marketing Officer entered into a Change in Control Agreement. Eric Christian is the son of Edward K. Christian, our former President, CEO and Chairman. A change in control is defined to mean the occurrence of (a) any person or group becoming the beneficial owner, directly or indirectly, of more than 30% of the combined voting power of the Company’s then outstanding securities and Mr. Christian ceasing to be Chairman and CEO of the Company; (b) the consummation of a merger or consolidation of the Company with any other corporation, other than a merger or consolidation which results in the voting securities of the Company outstanding immediately prior thereto continuing to represent more than 50% of the combined voting securities of the Company or such surviving entity; or (c) the approval of the shareholders of the Company of a plan of complete liquidation of the Company or an agreement for the sale or disposition by the Company of all or substantially all of its assets.

If there is a change in control, the Company shall pay a lump sum payment within 45 days of 1.5 times the average of the executive’s last three full calendar years of such executive’s base salary and any annual cash bonus paid. In the event that such payment constitutes a “parachute payment” within the meaning of Section 280G subject to an excise tax imposed by Section 4999 of the Internal Revenue Code, the Company shall pay the executive an additional amount so that the executive will receive the entire amount of the lump sum payment before deduction for federal, state and local income tax and payroll tax. In the event of a change in control (other than the approval of plan of liquidation), the Company or the surviving entity may require as a condition to receipt of payment that the executive continue in employment for a period of up tosix months after consummation of the change in control. During such six months, executive will continue to earn his pre-existing salary and benefits. In such case, the executive shall be paid the lump sum payment upon completion of the continued employment. If, however, the executive fails to remain employed during this period of continued employment for any reason other than (a) termination without cause by the Company or the surviving entity, (b) death, (c) disability or (d) breach of the agreement by the Company or the surviving entity, then executive shall not be paid the lump sum payment. In addition, if the executive’s employment is terminated by the Company without cause withinsix months prior to the consummation of a change in control, then the executive shall be paid the lump sum payment within 45 days of such change in control.

Other Related Party Transactions

Effective June 19, 2019, we employed Eric Christian, son of Edward K. Christian, our President, CEO and Chairman at the time, as our Director of Solution Architecture. Eric Christian was promoted to Vice President of Digital Solutions in July 2020 and was subsequently was promoted to Chief Marketing Officer in February 2023. The Board of Directors approved the employment of Eric Christian and subsequent promotions. As previously disclosed, Edward K. Chrisian passed away in August 2022 and resulted in the conversion of his Class B Shares into Class A Shares that were transferred to an estate planning trust, of which Edward K. Christian’s surviving spouse, and Eric Christian’s mother is the trustee of. The estate owns approximately 16% of the Common Stock outstanding.

11. Common Stock

As previously disclosed, as a result of the passing of our founder and former Chairman, President and CEO, Edward K. Christian and the resultant transfer of his Class B shares into an estate planning trust resulted in an automatic conversion of each Class B share he held intoone fully paid and non-assessable Class A share. Weno longer have any shares of Class B Common Stock issued or outstanding, nor will there be any issued in the future.

Dividends. Shareholders are entitled to receive such dividends as may be declared by our Board of Directors out of funds legally available for such purpose. However, no dividend may be declared or paid in cash or property on any share of any class of Common Stock unless simultaneously the same dividend is declared or paid on each share of the other class of common stock. In the case of any stock dividend, holders of Class A Common Stock are entitled to receive the same percentage dividend (payable in shares of Class A Common Stock) as the holders of Class B Common Stock receive (payable in shares of Class B Common Stock).

Voting Rights. Holders of shares of Common Stock vote as a single class on all matters submitted to a vote of the shareholders, with each share of Class A Common Stock entitled toone vote. Prior to Mr. Christian’s passing, each share of Class B Common Stock was entitled toten votes, except (i) in the election for directors, (ii) with respect to any “going private” transaction between the Company and the principal shareholder, and (iii) as otherwise provided by law.

Prior to Mr. Christian’s passing, in the election of directors, the holders of Class A Common Stock, voting as a separate class, were entitled to elect twenty-five percent, or two, of our directors. The holders of the Common Stock, voting as a single class with each share of Class A Common Stock entitled toone vote and each share of Class B Common Stock entitled toten votes, were entitled to elect the remaining directors. The Board of Directors consisted ofeight members at December 31,2023. Currently, our Board of Directors consists ofeight members. Holders of Common Stock are not entitled to cumulative voting in the election of directors.

The holders of the Common Stock vote as a single class with respect to any proposed “going private” transaction with the principal shareholder or an affiliate of the principal shareholder, with each share of each class of Common Stock entitled to one vote per share.

Under Florida law, the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the outstanding shares of any class of common stock is required to approve, among other things, a change in the designations, preferences and limitations of the shares of such class of common stock.

Liquidation Rights. Upon our liquidation, dissolution, or winding-up, the holders of Class A Common Stock are entitled to share ratably in accordance with the number of shares held in all assets available for distribution after payment in full of creditors.

12. Commitments and Contingencies

Leases

We lease certain land, buildings and equipment for use in our operations. We recognize lease expense for these leases on a straight-line basis over the lease term and combine lease and non-lease components for all leases. Right-of-use ("ROU") assets and lease liabilities are recorded on the balance sheet for all leases with an expected term of at least one year. Some leases include one or more options torenew. The exercise of lease renewal options is generally at our discretion. The depreciable lives of ROU assets are limited to the expected lease term. Our lease agreements do not contain any residual value guarantees or material restrictive covenants. As of December 31, 2023, we do not have any non-cancellable operating lease commitments that have not yet commenced.

ROU assets are classified within other intangibles, deferred costs and investments, net on the condensed consolidated balance sheet while current lease liabilities are classified within other accrued expenses and long-term lease liabilities are classified within other liabilities. Leases with an initial term of 12 months or less are not recorded on the balance sheet. ROU assets were $7.0 million and $6.5 million at December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively. Lease liabilities were $7.3 million and $6.8 million at December 31,2023 and 2022, respectively. During the year ended December 31, 2023, we recorded additional ROU assets under operating leases of$2,171,000, which is a non-cash transaction. Payments on lease liabilities during the year ended December 31, 2023 and 2022 totaled $1,826,000 and $1,797,000,respectively.

Lease expense includes cost for leases with terms in excess of one year. For the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021, our total lease expense was $1,864,000, $1,807,000 and $1,765,000, respectively. Short-term lease costs are de minimus.

We have no financing leases and minimum annual rental commitments under non-cancellable operating leases consisted of the following at December 31, 2023 (in thousands):

Performance Fees and Royalties

We incur fees from performing rights organizations (“PRO”) to license our public performance of the musical works contained in each PRO’s repertory. The Radio Music Licensing Committee (“RMLC”), of which we are a represented participant, (1) entered into an Interim License Agreement with American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers that was effective January 1, 2022 and will remain in effect until the date on which the parties reached agreement as to, or there is court determination of, new interim or final fees, terms, and conditions of a new license for thefive year period commencing on January 1, 2022 and concluding on December 31, 2026; (2) entered into an Interim License Agreement with Broadcast Music, Inc. that was effective January 1, 2022 and will remain in effect until the date on which the parties reached agreement as to, or there is court determination of, new interim or final fees, terms, and conditions of a new license for the five year period commencing on January 1, 2022 and concluding on December 31, 2026; (3) reached an agreement with the Society of European Stage Authors and Composers that is retroactive to January 1, 2016 and is currently on an interim license at the rate that was in place at the end of 2022 and (4) in February 2022, RMLC and Global Music Rights (“GMR”) announced that the conditions of their agreement to settle the GMR-RMLC antitrust and/or unfair competition litigations had been reached and we have entered into an agreement with GMR.

To secure the rights to stream music content over the Internet, we also must obtain performance rights licenses and pay public performance royalties to copyright owners of sound recordings (typically, performing artists and record companies). We pay the applicable royalty rates to SoundExchange, the organization designated by the Copyright Royalty Board (“CRB”) to collect and distribute royalties under these statutory licenses. From time to time, SoundExchange notifies us that certain calendar years are subject to routine audits of our royalty payments. The results of such audits could result in higher royalty payments for the subject years. There is no guarantee that the licenses and associated royalty rates that currently are available to us will be available to us in the future. In addition, Congress may consider and adopt legislation that would require us to pay royalties to sound recording copyright owners for broadcasting those recordings on our terrestrial radio stations.

Contingencies

In 2003, in connection with our acquisition of one FM radio station, WJZK-FM serving the Columbus, Ohio market, we entered into an agreement whereby we would pay the seller up to an additional $1,000,000 if we obtain approval from the FCC for a city of license change.

13. Fair Value Measurements

As defined in ASC Topic 820, fair value is defined as the price that would be received from selling an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. To increase the comparability of fair value measures, the following hierarchy prioritizes the inputs to valuation methodologies used to measure fair value:

Level 1 — Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.

Level 2 — Observable inputs other than quoted prices in active markets for identical assets and liabilities, quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in markets that are not active, or other inputs that are observable or can be corroborated by observable market data.

Level 3 — Unobservable inputs in which there is little or no market data available, which requires management to develop its own assumptions in pricing the asset or liability.

Our assets and liabilities disclosed at fair value are summarized below ($000’s omitted):

Our financial instruments are comprised of cash and cash equivalents, short-term investments and long-term debt. The carrying value of cash and cash equivalents approximate fair value due to their short maturities. The fair value of cash and cash equivalents and short-term investments are derived from quoted market prices and are considered a level 1. Interest on the Credit Facility is at a variable rate, and as such the debt obligation outstanding approximates fair value and is considered a level 2.

Non-Recurring Fair Value Measurements

We have certain assets that are measured at fair value on a non-recurring basis under the circumstances and events described in Note 3 — Broadcast Licenses, Goodwill and Other Intangibles, and are adjusted to fair value only when the carrying values are more than the fair values.

During the fourth quarter of 2023, we reviewed the fair value of the assets that are measured at fair value on a non-recurring basis and concluded that these assets were not impaired as the fair value of these assets equaled or exceeded their carrying values.

During the fourth quarter of 2022, we reviewed the fair value of the assets that are measured at fair value on a non-recurring basis and concluded that these assets were not impaired as the fair value of these assets equaled or exceeded their carrying values.

During the fourth quarter of 2021, we reviewed the fair value of the assets that are measured at fair value on a non-recurring basis and concluded that these assets were not impaired as the fair value of these assets equaled or exceeded their carrying values.

14. Quarterly Results of Operations (Unaudited)

15. Litigation

The Company is subject to various outstanding claims which arise in the ordinary course of business and to other legal proceedings. Management anticipates that any potential liability of the Company, which may arise out of or with respect to these matters, will not materially affect the Company’s financial statements.

16. Other Income

In 2012, Congress mandated that the FCC conduct an incentive auction of broadcast television spectrum as set forth in the Middle Class Tax Relief and Job Creation Act of 2012 ("Spectrum Act"). The Spectrum Act authorized the FCC to conduct incentive auctions in which licensees could voluntarily relinquish their spectrum usage rights in order to permit the assignment by auction of new initial licenses subject to flexible use service rules, in exchange for a portion of the resulting auction proceeds. The Spectrum Act appropriated $1.75 billion to the TV Broadcaster Relocation Fund ("Reimbursement Fund") for costs reasonably incurred by Full Power and Class A broadcast television licensees reassigned to new channels ("repack"), as well as Multichannel Video Programming Distributors ("MVPDs") that incurred costs related to continuing to carry the signals of reassigned broadcast stations. The 2018 Reimbursement Expansion Act appropriated $1 billon in additional funds for the Reimbursement Fund and expanded eligible entities for reimbursement to include FM stations affected by the repack. During 2022, the Company received approximately $116,000 in reimbursement for our FM stations. During the first quarter of 2023, we received approximately $115,000 in reimbursement for our FM stations. Both of these reimbursements are recorded in other (income) expense, net in the Company’s Consolidated Statement of Operations. We do not anticipate receiving any additional reimbursements related to this.

During the first quarter of 2022, there was fire damage to a transmission line in our Des Moines, Iowa market. The Company’s insurance policy provided coverage for removal and replacement of the transmission line and related equipment. As part of the insurance settlement during the fourth quarter of 2022, the Company received cash proceeds of $445,000, resulting in a gain of $445,000 which is recorded in the other (income) expense, net, in the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Income.

During the first quarter of 2021, there was weather-related damage to an antenna in our Des Moines, Iowa market. The Company’s insurance policy provided coverage for removal and replacement of the antenna and related equipment. As part of the initial insurance settlement during the first quarter of 2021, the Company received cash proceeds of $250,000, resulting in a gain of $250,000. We received additional cash proceeds of $290,000 in the third quarter, resulting in a gain of $290,000. The total gain of $540,000 is recorded in other (income) expense, net, in the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Income.

17. Subsequent Events

On February 7, 2024, the Company’s Board of Directors declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.25 per share on its Class A Common Stock. This dividend, totaling approximately$1,600,000, will be paid on March 8, 2024 to shareholders of record on February 20, 2024.

On March 6, 2024 the Company’s Board of Directors declared a variable cash dividend of $0.60 per share on its Class A Common Stock. This dividend, totaling approximately$3,800,000, will be paid on April 5, 2024 to shareholders of record on March 18, 2024.

EXHIBIT INDEX