Salem Media Group, Inc. Announces Fourth Quarter 2021 Total Revenue of $69.1 Million

Rhea-AI Summary

Salem Media Group (NASDAQ: SALM) reported a significant increase in financial performance for Q4 and FY 2021. Q4 total revenue rose 7.2% to $69.1 million, with operating income up 220% to $20.5 million. Net income reached $16.8 million, representing $0.61 per diluted share, compared to $3.3 million or $0.12 per share in 2020. For FY 2021, total revenue increased 9.3% to $258.2 million, while net income was $41.5 million, reversing a prior year's loss. Notably, a $13 million gain from asset dispositions contributed to these results.

Positive

• Q4 total revenue increased 7.2% to $69.1 million.
• Operating income surged 220% to $20.5 million.
• Net income rose to $16.8 million, or $0.61 per diluted share.
• FY 2021 total revenue increased 9.3% to $258.2 million.
• Net income for FY 2021 reached $41.5 million, recovering from a loss the previous year.

Negative

• Operating expenses excluding specific items increased by 6.8%.
• Net cash provided by operating activities decreased 1.6% to $22.5 million.

IRVING, Texas--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Salem Media Group, Inc. (NASDAQ: SALM) released its results for the three and twelve months ended December 31, 2021.

Fourth Quarter 2021 Results

For the quarter ended December 31, 2021 compared to the quarter ended December 31, 2020:

Consolidated

• Total revenue increased 7.2% to $69.1 million from $64.5 million;
• Total operating expenses decreased 16.2% to $48.7 million from $58.1 million;
• Operating expenses, excluding gains or losses on the disposition of assets, stock-based compensation expense, changes in the estimated fair value of contingent earn-out consideration, impairments, debt modification costs, depreciation expense and amortization expense (1) increased 6.8% to $58.3 million from $54.6 million;
• Operating income increased 220.0% to $20.5 million from $6.4 million;
• The company’s net income increased $13.5 million to $16.8 million, or $0.61 net income per diluted share compared to $3.3 million, or $0.12 net income per diluted share;
• EBITDA (1) increased 131.2% to $22.7 million from $9.8 million;
• Adjusted EBITDA (1) increased 9.3% to $10.8 million from $9.9 million; and
• Net cash provided by operating activities increased to $7.7 million from net cash used for operating activities of $0.3 million.

Broadcast

• Net broadcast revenue increased 6.1% to $51.0 million from $48.1 million;
• SOI (1) increased 3.6% to $12.3 million from $11.8 million;
• Same Station (1) net broadcast revenue increased 5.7% to $50.6 million from $47.8 million; and
• Same Station SOI (1) increased 0.8% to $12.2 million from $12.1 million.

Digital Media

• Digital media revenue increased 2.9% to $11.6 million from $11.2 million; and
• Digital Media Operating Income (1) increased 15.5% to $3.0 million from $2.6 million.

Publishing

• Publishing revenue increased 27.1% to $6.5 million from $5.2 million; and
• Publishing Operating Income (1) increased 148.3% to $0.2 million from a loss of $0.4 million.

Included in the results for the quarter ended December 31, 2021 are:

• A $13.0 million ($9.6 million, net of tax, or $0.35 per diluted share) net gain on the disposition of assets relates to a $12.9 million pre-tax gain on the sale of land in Tampa, Florida as well as various other fixed asset disposals;
• The company repurchased an additional $38.6 million of the 6.75% senior secured notes due 2024 (“2024 Notes”) for $39.3 million in cash, recognizing a net loss of $1.0 million ($0.7 million, net of tax or $0.03 per share); and
• A $0.1 million non-cash compensation charge ($0.1 million, net of tax) related to the expensing of stock options.

Included in the results for the quarter ended December 31, 2020 are:

• A $0.1 million net loss on the disposition of assets which reflects various fixed asset disposals; and
• A $0.1 million non-cash compensation charge related to the expensing of stock options.

Per share numbers are calculated based on 27,534,329 diluted weighted average shares for the quarter ended December 31, 2021, and 26,791,353 diluted weighted average shares for the quarter ended December 31, 2020.

Year to Date 2021 Results

For the twelve months ended December 31, 2021 compared to the twelve months ended December 31, 2020:

Consolidated

• Total revenue increased 9.3% to $258.2 million from $236.2 million;
• Total operating expenses decreased 13.1% to $212.0 million from $244.0 million;
• Operating expenses, excluding gains or losses on the disposition of assets, stock-based compensation expense, changes in the estimated fair value of contingent earn-out consideration, impairments, debt modification costs, depreciation expense and amortization expense (1) increased 4.5% to $219.9 million from $210.5 million;
• Operating income increased 696.4% to $46.2 million from a loss of $7.8 million;
• The company’s net income increased to $41.5 million, or $1.52 net income per diluted share from a net loss of $54.1 million, or $2.03 net loss per share;
• EBITDA (1) increased 993.5% to $69.4 million from $6.3 million;
• Adjusted EBITDA (1) increased 48.8% to $38.3 million from $25.8 million; and
• Net cash provided by operating activities decreased 1.6% to $22.5 million from $22.9 million.

Broadcast

• Net broadcast revenue increased 7.5% to $191.4 million from $178.1 million;
• SOI (1) increased 23.0% to $45.7 million from $37.2 million;
• Same station (1) net broadcast revenue increased 7.5% to $190.0 million from $176.8 million; and
• Same station SOI (1) increased 19.0% to $45.7 million from $38.4 million.

Digital media

• Digital media revenue increased 6.5% to $42.2 million from $39.6 million; and
• Digital Media Operating Income (1) increased 6.3% to $8.4 million from $7.9 million.

Publishing

• Publishing revenue increased 33.1% to $24.6 million from $18.5 million; and
• Publishing Operating Income (1) increased 141.4% to $1.4 million from a loss of $3.4 million.

   

Included in the results for the twelve months ended December 31, 2021 are:

• A $2.5 million ($1.9 million, net of tax, or $0.07 per share) charge for debt modification costs. On September 10, 2021, the company refinanced $112.8 million of the 2024 Notes by exchanging into $114.7 million (reflecting a call premium of 1.688%) of 7.125% Senior Secured Notes due 2028 (“2028 Notes”). The transaction was assessed on a lender-specific level and was accounted for as a debt modification in accordance with ASC 470 with $2.5 million of fees paid to third parties included in operating expenses for the period;
• A $23.6 million ($17.4 million, net of tax, or $0.64 per diluted share) net gain on the disposition of assets relates to $12.9 million pre-tax gain on the sale of land in Tampa, Florida, a $10.5 million pre-tax gain on the sale of land in Lewisville, Texas, a $0.5 million pre-tax gain on the sale of Singing News Magazine and Singing News Radio and a $0.1 million pre-tax gain on the sale of the Hilary Kramer Financial Newsletter and related assets that was offset by a $0.4 million of additional costs recorded upon closing on the radio station WKAT-AM and an FM translator in Miami, Florida as well as various other fixed asset disposals;
• The company repurchased an additional $43.3 million of the 2024 Notes for $44.0 million in cash, recognizing a net loss of $1.0 million ($0.8 million, net of tax or $0.03 per share); and
• A $0.3 million non-cash compensation charge ($0.2 million, net of tax or $0.01 per share) related to the expensing of stock options.

Included in the results for the twelve months ended December 31, 2020 are:

• A $1.6 million ($1.2 million, net of tax, or $0.04 per share) net loss on the disposition of assets which includes a $1.4 million estimated pre-tax loss for the write-off of Miami assets as a result of the company’s plan to exit the market and reflects various fixed asset disposals;
• A $17.3 million impairment charge ($12.8 million, net of tax, or $0.48 per share), of which $0.3 million related to impairment of mastheads, and the remainder to broadcast licenses due to the financial impact of the COVID-19 pandemic;
• A $0.3 million impairment charge ($0.2 million, net of tax, or $0.01 per share) related to the company’s goodwill; and
• A $0.3 million non-cash compensation charge ($0.2 million, net of tax, or $0.01 per share) related to the expensing of stock options.

Per share numbers are calculated based on 27,296,618 diluted weighted average shares for the twelve months ended December 31, 2021, and 26,683,363 weighted average shares for the twelve months ended December 31, 2020.

Balance Sheet

As of December 31, 2021, the company had $114.7 million outstanding on the 2028 Notes, $60.2 million outstanding on 2024 Notes, and no outstanding balance on the ABL Facility.

Acquisitions and Divestitures

The following transactions were completed since October 1, 2021:

• On February 15, 2022, the company closed on the acquisition of WLCC-AM in Brandon, Florida for $600,000 in cash.
• On January 10, 2022, the company closed on the sale of 4.5 acres of land in Phoenix, Arizona for $2.0 million in cash.
• On November 30, 2021, the company closed on the sale of approximately 77 acres of land in Tampa, Florida for $13.5 million in cash.

Pending transactions

• On August 23, 2021, the company entered into an agreement to sell just over nine acres of land in the Denver area for $8.2 million. The company expects to close this sale early in 2022 and plans to continue broadcasting both KRKS-AM and KBJD-AM from this site.
• On June 2, 2021, the company entered into an agreement to acquire radio station KKOL-AM in Seattle, Washington for $0.5 million. The company paid $0.1 million of cash into an escrow account and began operating the station under a Local Marketing Agreement (“LMA”) on June 7, 2021.
• On February 5, 2020, the company entered into an agreement with Word Broadcasting to sell radio stations WFIA-AM, WFIA-FM and WGTK-AM in Louisville, Kentucky for $4.0 million with credits applied from amounts previously paid, including a portion of the monthly fees paid under a Time Brokerage Agreement (“TBA”). Due to changes in debt markets, the transaction was not funded, and it is uncertain when, or if, the transaction will close. Word Broadcasting continues to program the stations under a TBA that began in January 2017.

Conference Call Information

Salem will host a teleconference to discuss its results on March 3, 2022 at 4:00 p.m. Central Time. To access the teleconference, please dial (877) 524-8416, and then ask to be joined into the Salem Media Group Fourth Quarter 2021 call or listen via the investor relations portion of the company’s website, located at investor.salemmedia.com. A replay of the teleconference will be available through March 17, 2022 and can be heard by dialing (877) 660-6853, passcode 13725291 or on the investor relations portion of the company’s website, located at investor.salemmedia.com.

Follow us on Twitter @SalemMediaGrp.

A reconciliation of non-GAAP operating expenses, excluding gains or losses on the disposition of assets, stock-based compensation expense, changes in the estimated fair value of contingent earn-out consideration, impairments, depreciation expense and amortization expense to the most directly comparable GAAP measure is not available without unreasonable efforts on a forward-looking basis due to the potential high variability, complexity and low visibility with respect to the charges excluded from this non-GAAP financial measure, in particular, the change in the estimated fair value of earn-out consideration, impairments and gains or losses from the disposition of fixed assets. The company expects the variability of the above charges may have a significant, and potentially unpredictable, impact on its future GAAP financial results.

About Salem Media Group, Inc.

Salem Media Group is America’s leading multimedia company specializing in Christian and conservative content, with media properties comprising radio, digital media and book and newsletter publishing. Each day Salem serves a loyal and dedicated audience of listeners and readers numbering in the millions nationally. With its unique programming focus, Salem provides compelling content, fresh commentary and relevant information from some of the most respected figures across the Christian and conservative media landscape. Learn more about Salem Media Group, Inc. at www.salemmedia.com, Facebook and Twitter.

First Quarter 2022 Outlook

For the first quarter of 2022, the company is projecting total revenue to increase between 3% and 5% from the first quarter of 2021 total revenue of $59.4 million. The company is also projecting operating expenses before gains or losses on the sale or disposal of assets, stock-based compensation expense, changes in the estimated fair value of contingent earn-out consideration, impairments, depreciation expense and amortization expense to increase between 6% and 9% compared to the first quarter of 2021 non-GAAP operating expenses of $51.4 million.

Forward-Looking Statements

Statements used in this press release that relate to future plans, events, financial results, prospects or performance are forward-looking statements as defined under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Actual results may differ materially from those anticipated as a result of certain risks and uncertainties, including but not limited to the ability of Salem to close and integrate announced transactions, market acceptance of Salem’s radio station formats, competition from new technologies, adverse economic conditions, and other risks and uncertainties detailed from time to time in Salem's reports on Forms 10-K, 10-Q, 8-K and other filings filed with or furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date hereof. Salem undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements to reflect new information, changed circumstances or unanticipated events.

(1) Regulation G

Management uses certain non-GAAP financial measures defined below in communications with investors, analysts, rating agencies, banks and others to assist such parties in understanding the impact of various items on its financial statements. The company uses these non-GAAP financial measures to evaluate financial results, develop budgets, manage expenditures and as a measure of performance under compensation programs.

The company’s presentation of these non-GAAP financial measures should not be considered as a substitute for or superior to the most directly comparable financial measures as reported in accordance with GAAP.

Regulation G defines and prescribes the conditions under which certain non-GAAP financial information may be presented in this earnings release. The company closely monitors EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA, Station Operating Income (“SOI”), Same Station net broadcast revenue, Same Station broadcast operating expenses, Same Station Operating Income, Digital Media Operating Income, Publishing Operating Income (Loss), and operating expenses excluding gains or losses on the disposition of assets, stock-based compensation, changes in the estimated fair value of contingent earn-out consideration, impairments, depreciation and amortization, all of which are non-GAAP financial measures. The company believes that these non-GAAP financial measures provide useful information about its core operating results, and thus, are appropriate to enhance the overall understanding of its financial performance. These non-GAAP financial measures are intended to provide management and investors a more complete understanding of its underlying operational results, trends and performance.

The company defines Station Operating Income (“SOI”) as net broadcast revenue minus broadcast operating expenses. The company defines Digital Media Operating Income as net Digital Media Revenue minus Digital Media Operating Expenses. The company defines Publishing Operating Income (Loss) as net Publishing Revenue minus Publishing Operating Expenses. The company defines EBITDA as net income before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization. The company defines Adjusted EBITDA as EBITDA before gains or losses on the disposition of assets, before changes in the estimated fair value of contingent earn-out consideration, before impairments, before net miscellaneous income and expenses, before gain on bargain purchase, before (gain) loss on early retirement of long-term debt and before non-cash compensation expense. SOI, Digital Media Operating Income, Publishing Operating Income (Loss), EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA are commonly used by the broadcast and media industry as important measures of performance and are used by investors and analysts who report on the industry to provide meaningful comparisons between broadcasters. SOI, Digital Media Operating Income, Publishing Operating Income (Loss), EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA are not measures of liquidity or of performance in accordance with GAAP and should be viewed as a supplement to and not a substitute for or superior to its results of operations and financial condition presented in accordance with GAAP. The company’s definitions of SOI, Digital Media Operating Income, Publishing Operating Income (Loss), EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA are not necessarily comparable to similarly titled measures reported by other companies.

The company defines Adjusted Free Cash Flow as Adjusted EBITDA less cash paid for capital expenditures, less cash paid for income taxes, and less cash paid for interest. The company considers Adjusted Free Cash Flow to be a liquidity measure that provides useful information to management and investors about the amount of cash generated by its operations after cash paid for capital expenditures, cash paid for income taxes and cash paid for interest. A limitation of Adjusted Free Cash Flow as a measure of liquidity is that it does not represent the total increase or decrease in its cash balance for the period. The company uses Adjusted Free Cash Flow, a non-GAAP liquidity measure, both in presenting its results to stockholders and the investment community, and in its internal evaluation and management of the business. The company’s presentation of Adjusted Free Cash Flow is not intended to be considered in isolation or as a substitute for the financial information prepared and presented in accordance with GAAP. The company’s definition of Adjusted Free Cash Flow is not necessarily comparable to similarly titled measures reported by other companies.

The company defines Same Station net broadcast revenue as broadcast revenue from its radio stations and networks that the company owns or operates in the same format on the first and last day of each quarter, as well as the corresponding quarter of the prior year. The company defines Same Station broadcast operating expenses as broadcast operating expenses from its radio stations and networks that the company owns or operates in the same format on the first and last day of each quarter, as well as the corresponding quarter of the prior year. The company defines Same Station SOI as Same Station net broadcast revenue less Same Station broadcast operating expenses. Same Station operating results include those stations that the company owns or operates in the same format on the first and last day of each quarter, as well as the corresponding quarter of the prior year. Same Station operating results for a full calendar year are calculated as the sum of the Same Station-results for each of the four quarters of that year. The company uses Same Station operating results, a non-GAAP financial measure, both in presenting its results to stockholders and the investment community, and in its internal evaluations and management of the business. The company believes that Same Station operating results provide a meaningful comparison of period over period performance of its core broadcast operations as this measure excludes the impact of new stations, the impact of stations the company no longer owns or operates, and the impact of stations operating under a new programming format. The company’s presentation of Same Station operating results is not intended to be considered in isolation or as a substitute for the financial information prepared and presented in accordance with GAAP. The company’s definition of Same Station operating results is not necessarily comparable to similarly titled measures reported by other companies.

For all non-GAAP financial measures, investors should consider the limitations associated with these metrics, including the potential lack of comparability of these measures from one company to another.

The Supplemental Information tables that follow the condensed consolidated financial statements provide reconciliations of the non-GAAP financial measures that the company uses in this earnings release to the most directly comparable measures calculated in accordance with GAAP. The company uses non-GAAP financial measures to evaluate financial performance, develop budgets, manage expenditures, and determine employee compensation. The company’s presentation of this additional information is not to be considered as a substitute for or superior to the directly comparable measures as reported in accordance with GAAP.

Salem Media Group, Inc.
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations
(in thousands, except share and per share data)
		Three Months Ended								Twelve Months Ended
		December 31,								December 31,
		2020				2021				2020				2021
		(Unaudited)
Net broadcast revenue		$	48,086			$	51,021			$	178,127			$	191,443
Net digital media revenue			11,238				11,561				39,593				42,164
Net publishing revenue			5,153				6,547				18,519				24,640
Total revenue			64,477				69,129				236,239				258,247
Operating expenses:
Broadcast operating expenses			36,238				38,752				140,942				145,720
Digital media operating expenses			8,602				8,517				31,725				33,797
Publishing operating expenses			5,507				6,376				21,950				23,220
Unallocated corporate expenses			4,285				4,719				16,194				17,483
Change in the estimated fair value of contingent earn-out consideration			—				—				(12	)			—
Debt modification costs			—				179				—				2,526
Impairment of indefinite-lived long-term assets other than goodwill			—				—				17,254				—
Impairment of goodwill			—				—				307				—
Depreciation and amortization			3,372				3,157				14,058				12,828
Net (gain) loss on the disposition of assets			81				(13,023	)			1,575				(23,575	)
Total operating expenses			58,085				48,677				243,993				211,999
Operating income (loss)			6,392				20,452				(7,754	)			46,248
Other income (expense):
Interest income			—				9				1				10
Interest expense			(4,006	)			(3,912	)			(16,075	)			(15,799	)
Gain on the forgiveness of PPP loans			—				—				—				11,212
Gain (loss) on early retirement of long-term debt			—				(970	)			49				(1,026	)
Net miscellaneous income and (expenses)			36				23				(9	)			110
Net income (loss) before income taxes			2,422				15,602				(23,788	)			40,755
Provision for (benefit from) income taxes			(906	)			(1,238	)			30,274				(759	)
Net income (loss)		$	3,328			$	16,840			$	(54,062	)		$	41,514
Basic income (loss) per share Class A and Class B common stock		$	0.12			$	0.62			$	(2.03	)		$	1.54
Diluted income (loss) per share Class A and Class B common stock		$	0.12			$	0.61			$	(2.03	)		$	1.52
Basic weighted average Class A and Class B common stock shares outstanding			26,683,363				27,093,713				26,683,363				26,892,540
Diluted weighted average Class A and Class B common stock shares outstanding			26,791,353				27,534,329				26,683,363				27,296,618

Salem Media Group, Inc.
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets
(in thousands)
			December 31, 2020			December 31, 2021
Assets
Cash		$	6,325		$	1,785
Accounts receivable, net			24,469			25,663
Other current assets			15,002			14,066
Property and equipment, net			79,122			79,339
Operating and financing lease right-of-use assets			48,355			43,665
Intangible assets, net			347,547			346,438
Deferred financing costs			213			843
Other assets			3,538			4,313
Total assets		$	524,571		$	516,112
Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity
Current liabilities		$	50,860		$	51,455
Long-term debt			213,764			170,581
Operating and financing lease liabilities, less current portion			47,847			42,273
Deferred income taxes			68,883			67,012
Other liabilities			7,938			6,580
Stockholders’ Equity			135,279			178,211
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity		$	524,571		$	516,112

SALEM MEDIA GROUP, INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
(Dollars in thousands, except share and per share data)
	Class A						Class B
	Common Stock						Common Stock						Additional
													Paid-In			Accumulated				Treasury
	Shares			Amount			Shares			Amount			Capital			Deficit				Stock				Total
Stockholders’ equity, December 31, 2019		23,447,317		$	227			5,553,696		$	56		$	246,680		$	(23,294	)		$	(34,006	)		$	189,663
Stock-based compensation		—			—			—			—			103			—				—				103
Cash distributions		—			—			—			—			—			(667	)			—				(667	)
Net loss		—			—			—			—			—			(55,204	)			—				(55,204	)
Stockholders’ equity, March 31, 2020		23,447,317		$	227			5,553,696		$	56		$	246,783		$	(79,165	)		$	(34,006	)		$	133,895
Distributions per share	$	0.025					$	0.025
Stock-based compensation		—			—			—			—			96			—				—				96
Net loss		—			—			—			—			—			(2,515	)			—				(2,515	)
Stockholders’ equity, June 30, 2020		23,447,317		$	227			5,553,696		$	56		$	246,879		$	(81,680	)		$	(34,006	)		$	131,476
Stock-based compensation		—			—			—			—			74			—				—				74
Net income		—			—			—			—			—			329				—				329
Stockholders’ equity, September 30, 2020		23,447,317		$	227			5,553,696		$	56		$	246,953		$	(81,351	)		$	(34,006	)		$	131,879
Stock-based compensation		—			—			—			—			72			—				—				72
Net income		—			—			—			—			—			3,328				—				3,328
Stockholders’ equity, December 31, 2020		23,447,317		$	227			5,553,696		$	56		$	247,025		$	(78,023	)		$	(34,006	)		$	135,279

SALEM MEDIA GROUP, INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY (CONT’D)
(Dollars in thousands, except share and per share data)
	Class A					Class B
	Common Stock					Common Stock					Additional
											Paid-In			Accumulated				Treasury
	Shares		Amount			Shares		Amount			Capital			Deficit				Stock				Total
Stockholders’ equity, December 31, 2020	23,447,317		$	227		5,553,696		$	56		$	247,025		$	(78,023	)		$	(34,006	)		$	135,279
Stock-based compensation	—			—		—			—			78			—				—				78
Options exercised	185,782			2		—			—			390			—				—				392
Net income	—			—		—			—			—			323				—				323
Stockholders’ equity, March 31, 2021	23,633,099		$	229		5,553,696		$	56		$	247,493		$	(77,700	)		$	(34,006	)		$	136,072
Stock-based compensation	—			—		—			—			84			—				—				84
Net income	—			—		—			—			—			2,257				—				2,257
Stockholders’ equity, June 30, 2021	23,633,099		$	229		5,553,696		$	56		$	247,577		$	(75,443	)		$	(34,006	)		$	138,413
Stock-based compensation	—			—		—			—			78			—				—				78
Options exercised	6,725			—		—			—			13			—				—				13
Net income	—			—		—			—			—			22,094				—				22,094
Stockholders’ equity, September 30, 2021	23,639,824		$	229		5,553,696		$	56		$	247,668		$	(53,349	)		$	(34,006	)		$	160,598
Stock-based compensation	—			—		—			—			79			—				—				79
Options exercised	283,150			3		—			—			691			—				—				694
Net income	—			—		—			—			—			16,840				—				16,840
Stockholders’ equity, December 31, 2021	23,922,974		$	232		5,553,696		$	56		$	248,438		$	(36,509	)		$	(34,006	)		$	178,211

SALEM MEDIA GROUP, INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(Dollars in thousands)
(Unaudited)
		Three Months Ended December 31,							Twelve Months Ended December 31,
		2020				2021			2020				2021
OPERATING ACTIVITIES
Net income (loss)	$	3,328			$	16,840			$	(54,062	)		$	41,514
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by operating activities:
Non-cash stock-based compensation		72				79				345				319
Depreciation and amortization		3,372				3,157				14,058				12,828
Amortization of deferred financing costs		214				361				889				1,051
Non-cash lease expense		2,210				2,186				8,955				8,713
Provision for bad debts		217				(13	)			4,339				(261	)
Deferred income taxes		(849	)			(2,275	)			30,105				(1,871	)
Impairment of indefinite-lived long-term assets other than goodwill		—				—				17,254				—
Impairment of goodwill		—				—				307				—
Gain on the forgiveness of PPP loans		—				—				—				(11,212	)
Change in the estimated fair value of contingent earn-out consideration		—				—				(12	)			—
Net (gain) loss on the disposition of assets		81				(13,023	)			1,575				(23,575	)
Gain (loss) on early retirement of long-term debt		—				970				(49	)			1,026
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Accounts receivable and unbilled revenue		(1,049	)			(1,034	)			1,516				(1,101	)
Inventories		123				(53	)			222				(465	)
Prepaid expenses and other current assets		386				1,198				(957	)			(20	)
Accounts payable and accrued expenses		(2,030	)			258				3,841				2,854
Operating lease liabilities		(2,758	)			(2,463	)			(9,154	)			(9,780	)
Contract liabilities		(3,011	)			874				2,263				1,656
Deferred rent income		(40	)			(237	)			(308	)			(209	)
Other liabilities		(562	)			2				1,692				43
Income taxes payable		2				918				32				981
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities	$	(294	)		$	7,745			$	22,851			$	22,491
INVESTING ACTIVITIES
Cash paid for capital expenditures net of tenant improvement allowances		(1,051	)			(3,832	)			(4,616	)			(10,784	)
Capital expenditures reimbursable under tenant improvement allowances		(11	)			8				(151	)			(130	)
Deposit on broadcast assets and radio station acquisitions		—				(60	)			—				(160	)
Purchases of broadcast assets and radio stations		—				—				—				(600	)
Deferred payments on acquisitions		—				(700	)			—				(700	)
Purchases of digital media businesses and assets		—				—				(400	)			(3,980	)
Proceeds from sale of long-lived assets		1				13,507				189				29,278
Proceeds from the cash surrender value of life insurance policies		—				—				2,363				—
Other		24				(87	)			(329	)			(1,314	)
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities	$	(1,037	)		$	8,836			$	(2,944	)		$	11,610
FINANCING ACTIVITIES
Proceeds from 2028 Notes		—				—				—				114,731
Payments to repurchase or exchange 2024 Notes		—				(39,256	)			(3,392	)			(158,699	)
Proceeds from borrowings under ABL Facility		1,268				—				39,894				16
Payments on ABL Facility		(12,868	)			—				(47,320	)			(5,016	)
Proceeds from borrowings under PPP loans		—				—				—				11,195
Payments under PPP loans		—				—				—				17
Refund (payments) of debt issuance costs		(17	)			—				(141	)			(1,921	)
Payments of acquisition-related contingent earn-out consideration		(7	)			—				(7	)			—
Proceeds from the exercise of stock options		—				694				—				1,099
Payments on financing lease liabilities		(18	)			(15	)			(70	)			(63	)
Payment of cash distribution on common stock		—				—				(667	)			—
Book overdraft		—				—				(1,885	)			—
Net cash used in financing activities	$	(11,642	)		$	(38,577	)		$	(13,588	)		$	(38,641	)
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	$	(12,973	)		$	(21,996	)		$	6,319			$	(4,540	)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year		19,298				23,781				6				6,325
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	$	6,325			$	1,785			$	6,325			$	1,785

Salem Media Group, Inc.
Supplemental Information
(in thousands)
		Three Months Ended								Twelve Months Ended
		December 31,								December 31,
		2020				2021				2020				2021
		(Unaudited)
Reconciliation of Total Operating Expenses to Operating Expenses excluding Gains or Losses on the Disposition of Assets, Stock-based Compensation Expense, Changes in the Estimated Fair Value of Contingent Earn-out Consideration, Impairments, Debt Modification Costs, and Depreciation and Amortization Expense (Recurring Operating Expenses)
Operating Expenses		$	58,085			$	48,677			$	243,993			$	211,999
Less debt modification costs			—				(179	)			—				(2,526	)
Less depreciation and amortization expense			(3,372	)			(3,157	)			(14,058	)			(12,828	)
Less change in estimated fair value of contingent earn-out consideration			—				—				12				—
Less impairment of indefinite-lived long-term assets other than goodwill			—				—				(17,254	)			—
Less impairment of goodwill			—				—				(307	)			—
Less net gain (loss) on the disposition of assets			(81	)			13,023				(1,575	)			23,575
Less stock-based compensation expense			(72	)			(79	)			(345	)			(319	)
Total Recurring Operating Expenses		$	54,560			$	58,285			$	210,466			$	219,901
Reconciliation of Net Broadcast Revenue to Same Station Net Broadcast Revenue
Net broadcast revenue		$	48,086			$	51,021			$	178,127			$	191,443
Net broadcast revenue – acquisitions			—				(265	)			—				(608	)
Net broadcast revenue – dispositions			(128	)			(2	)			(763	)			(38	)
Net broadcast revenue – format change			(136	)			(198	)			(520	)			(759	)
Same Station net broadcast revenue		$	47,822			$	50,556			$	176,844			$	190,038
Reconciliation of Broadcast Operating Expenses to Same Station Broadcast Operating Expenses
Broadcast operating expenses		$	36,238			$	38,752			$	140,942			$	145,720
Broadcast operating expenses – acquisitions			—				(131	)			—				(337	)
Broadcast operating expenses – dispositions			(237	)			(31	)			(1,462	)			(230	)
Broadcast operating expenses – format change			(260	)			(209	)			(1,031	)			(802	)
Same Station broadcast operating expenses		$	35,741			$	38,381			$	138,449			$	144,351
Reconciliation of SOI to Same Station SOI
Station Operating Income		$	11,848			$	12,269			$	37,185			$	45,723
Station operating (income) loss – acquisitions			—				(134	)			—				(271	)
Station operating loss – dispositions			109				29				699				192
Station operating loss – format change			124				11				511				43
Same Station - Station Operating Income		$	12,081			$	12,175			$	38,395			$	45,687

Salem Media Group, Inc.
Supplemental Information
(in thousands)
		Three Months Ended								Twelve Months Ended
		December 31,								December 31,
		2020				2021				2020				2021
		(Unaudited)
Calculation of Station Operating Income, Digital Media Operating Income and Publishing Operating Income (Loss)
Net broadcast revenue		$	48,086			$	51,021			$	178,127			$	191,443
Less broadcast operating expenses			(36,238	)			(38,752	)			(140,942	)			(145,720	)
Station Operating Income		$	11,848			$	12,269			$	37,185			$	45,723
Net digital media revenue		$	11,238			$	11,561			$	39,593			$	42,164
Less digital media operating expenses			(8,602	)			(8,517	)			(31,725	)			(33,797	)
Digital Media Operating Income		$	2,636			$	3,044			$	7,868			$	8,367
Net publishing revenue		$	5,153			$	6,547			$	18,519			$	24,640
Less publishing operating expenses			(5,507	)			(6,376	)			(21,950	)			(23,220	)
Publishing Operating Income (Loss)		$	(354	)		$	171			$	(3,431	)		$	1,420

The company defines EBITDA (1) as net income (loss) before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization. The table below presents a reconciliation of EBITDA (1) to Net Income (Loss), the most directly comparable GAAP measure. EBITDA (1) is a non-GAAP financial performance measure that is not to be considered a substitute for or superior to the directly comparable measures reported in accordance with GAAP.

The company defines Adjusted EBITDA (1) as EBITDA (1) before gains or losses on the disposition of assets, before changes in the estimated fair value of contingent earn-out consideration, before impairments, before net miscellaneous income and expenses, before (gain) loss on early retirement of long-term debt and before non-cash compensation expense. The table below presents a reconciliation of Adjusted EBITDA (1) to Net Income (Loss), the most directly comparable GAAP measure. Adjusted EBITDA (1) is a non-GAAP financial performance measure that is not to be considered a substitute for or superior to the directly comparable measures reported in accordance with GAAP.

	Three Months Ended December 31,									Twelve Months Ended December 31,
	2020				2021					2020					2021
	(Unaudited)
Net income (loss)	$	3,328			$	16,840			$	(54,062		)		$	41,514
Plus interest expense, net of capitalized interest		4,006				3,912				16,075					15,799
Plus provision for (benefit from) income taxes		(906	)			(1,238	)			30,274					(759	)
Plus depreciation and amortization		3,372				3,157				14,058					12,828
Less interest income		—				(9	)			(1		)			(10	)
EBITDA	$	9,800			$	22,662			$	6,344				$	69,372
Less net (gain) loss on the disposition of assets		81				(13,023	)			1,575					(23,575	)
Less debt modification costs		—				179				—					2,526
Less change in the estimated fair value of contingent earn-out consideration		—				—				(12		)			—
Plus impairment of indefinite-lived long-term assets other than goodwill		—				—				17,254					—
Plus impairment of goodwill		—				—				307					—
Plus (gain) loss on early retirement of long- term debt		—				970				(49		)			1,026
Plus net miscellaneous (income) and expenses		(36	)			(23	)			9					(110	)
Plus gain on the forgiveness of PPP loans		—				—				—					(11,212	)
Plus non-cash stock-based compensation		72				79				345					319
Adjusted EBITDA	$	9,917			$	10,844			$	25,773				$	38,346

The company defines Adjusted Free Cash Flow (1) as Adjusted EBITDA (1) less cash paid for capital expenditures, less cash paid for income taxes, and less cash paid for interest. The company considers Adjusted Free Cash Flow to be a liquidity measure that provides useful information to management and investors about the amount of cash generated by its operations after cash paid for capital expenditures, cash paid for income taxes and cash paid for interest. A limitation of Adjusted Free Cash Flow as a measure of liquidity is that it does not represent the total increase or decrease in its cash balance for the period. The company uses Adjusted Free Cash Flow, a non-GAAP liquidity measure, both in presenting its results to stockholders and the investment community, and in its internal evaluation and management of the business. The company’s presentation of Adjusted Free Cash Flow is not intended to be considered in isolation or as a substitute for the financial information prepared and presented in accordance with GAAP. The company’s definition of Adjusted Free Cash Flow is not necessarily comparable to similarly titled measures reported by other companies.

The table below presents a reconciliation of Adjusted Free Cash Flow to net cash provided by operating activities, the most directly comparable GAAP measure. Adjusted Free Cash Flow is a non-GAAP liquidity measure that is not to be considered a substitute for or superior to the directly comparable measures reported in accordance with GAAP.

Salem Media Group, Inc.
Supplemental Information
(in thousands)
		Three Months Ended								Twelve Months Ended
		December 31,								December 31,
		2020				2021				2020				2021
		(Unaudited)
Net cash provided (used) by operating activities		$	(294	)		$	7,745			$	22,851			$	22,491
Non-cash stock-based compensation			(72	)			(79	)			(345	)			(319	)
Depreciation and amortization			(3,372	)			(3,157	)			(14,058	)			(12,828	)
Amortization of deferred financing costs			(214	)			(361	)			(889	)			(1,051	)
Non-cash lease expense			(2,210	)			(2,186	)			(8,955	)			(8,713	)
Provision for bad debts			(217	)			13				(4,339	)			261
Deferred income taxes			849				2,275				(30,105	)			1,871
Change in the estimated fair value of contingent earn-out consideration			—				—				12				—
Impairment of indefinite-lived long-term assets other than goodwill			—				—				(17,254	)			—
Impairment of goodwill			—				—				(307	)			—
Gain on forgiveness of PPP loans			—				—				—				11,212
Gain (loss) on the disposition of assets			(81	)			13,023				(1,575	)			23,575
Gain (loss) on early retirement of debt			—				(970	)			49				(1,026	)
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Accounts receivable and unbilled revenue			1,049				1,034				(1,516	)			1,101
Inventories			(123	)			53				(222	)			465
Prepaid expenses and other current assets			(386	)			(1,198	)			957				20
Accounts payable and accrued expenses			2,030				(258	)			(3,841	)			(2,854	)
Contract liabilities			3,011				(874	)			(2,263	)			(1,656	)
Operating lease liabilities (deferred rent)			2,758				2,463				9,154				9,780
Deferred rent income			40				237				308				209
Other liabilities			562				(2	)			(1,692	)			(43	)
Income taxes payable			(2	)			(918	)			(32	)			(981	)
Net income (loss)		$	3,328			$	16,840			$	(54,062	)		$	41,514
Plus interest expense, net of capitalized interest			4,006				3,912				16,075				15,799
Plus provision for (benefit from) income taxes			(906	)			(1,238	)			30,274				(759	)
Plus depreciation and amortization			3,372				3,157				14,058				12,828
Less interest income			—				(9	)			(1	)			(10	)
EBITDA		$	9,800			$	22,662			$	6,344			$	69,372
Plus (gain) loss on the disposition of assets			81				(13,023	)			1,575				(23,575	)
Plus debt modification costs			—				179				—				2,526
Plus change in the estimated fair value of contingent earn-out consideration			—				—				(12	)			—
Plus impairment of indefinite-lived long-term assets other than goodwill			—				—				17,254				—
Plus impairment of goodwill			—				—				307				—
Plus (gain) loss on the early retirement of long-term debt			—				970				(49	)			1,026
Plus gain on the forgiveness of PPP loans			—				—				—				(11,212	)
Plus net miscellaneous (income) and expenses			(36	)			(23	)			9				(110	)
Plus non-cash stock-based compensation			72				79				345				319
Adjusted EBITDA		$	9,917			$	10,844			$	25,773			$	38,346
Less net cash paid for capital expenditures (1)			(1,051	)			(3,832	)			(4,616	)			(10,784	)
Plus cash (paid) received for taxes			59				(118	)			(137	)			(131	)
Less cash paid for interest, net of capitalized interest			(7,428	)			(5,271	)			(15,165	)			(14,905	)
Adjusted Free Cash Flow		$	1,497			$	1,623			$	5,855			$	12,526

(1)

Net cash paid for capital expenditures reflects actual cash payments net of cash reimbursements under tenant improvement allowances and net of property and equipment acquired in trade transactions.

Selected Debt Data		Outstanding at			Applicable Interest Rate
		December 31, 2021
Senior Secured Notes due 2028 (1)	$	114,731,000			7.125%
Senior Secured Notes due 2024 (2)	$	60,174,000			6.750%
(1) $114.7 million notes with semi-annual interest payments at an annual rate of 7.125%.
(2) $60.2 million notes with semi-annual interest payments at an annual rate of 6.750%.

 

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20220301006060/en/

Evan D. Masyr

Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

(805) 384-4512

evan@salemmedia.com

Source: Salem Media Group, Inc.

FAQ

What were Salem Media Group's Q4 2021 results?

In Q4 2021, Salem Media Group reported total revenue of $69.1 million, a 7.2% increase from Q4 2020. Operating income surged by 220% to $20.5 million.

How did Salem Media Group perform in FY 2021?

For FY 2021, Salem Media Group's total revenue increased 9.3% to $258.2 million, with net income rising to $41.5 million, reversing the previous year's loss.

What financial metrics showed improvement for Salem Media Group?

Key improvements included a 220% increase in operating income for Q4 and a net income of $41.5 million for FY 2021.

What was the impact of asset dispositions on Salem Media Group's financials?

Salem Media Group recorded a $13 million net gain from asset dispositions, significantly contributing to their improved financial results.

What challenges did Salem Media Group face in their Q4 2021 report?

Despite revenue growth, operating expenses excluding certain items increased by 6.8%, and net cash from operating activities decreased by 1.6%.