BOSTON OMAHA Corp (BOC)
SIC breadcrumb: Finance, Insurance, And Real Estate > Real Estate > SIC 6510 Real Estate Operators (No Developers) & Lessors
SEC company page: https://www.sec.gov/edgar/browse/?CIK=1494582. Latest filing source: 0001437749-26-010341.
Informational only - descriptive public-record data, not investment advice.
Business
Read BOC's verbatim Item 1 Business section from its latest 10-K: Business.
Risk Factors
Read BOC's verbatim Item 1A Risk Factors from its latest 10-K: Risk Factors.
Selected Fundamentals
| Metric | Value | Unit | FY | Filed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Revenue | 114,376,348 | USD | 2025 | 2026-03-30 |
| Net income | -12,427,540 | USD | 2025 | 2026-03-30 |
| Assets | 713,072,289 | USD | 2025 | 2026-03-30 |
Financials
Annual standardized facts from SEC companyfacts as of latest extracted filing date 2026-03-30. Source: https://data.sec.gov/api/xbrl/companyfacts/CIK0001494582.json. Derived margins, ratios, and free cash flow are computed from the extracted annual SEC facts.
| Metric | 2012 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 | 2025 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Revenue | 3,843,517 | 9,014,345 | 20,021,393 | 41,389,138 | 45,743,463 | 56,971,811 | 81,234,194 | 96,253,736 | 108,274,901 | 114,376,348 | |
| Net income | -3,173,375 | -6,467,910 | -9,113,937 | -1,486,923 | -49,089 | 52,748,177 | 10,233,400 | -7,004,009 | -1,292,450 | -12,427,540 | |
| Operating income | -3,138,316 | -6,772,932 | -12,257,541 | -12,412,096 | -4,994,907 | -23,766,869 | -5,229,895 | -8,852,403 | -8,467,478 | -3,928,147 | |
| Gross profit | 2,577,644 | 5,584,150 | 12,432,742 | 23,777,771 | 27,234,805 | 38,380,720 | 54,544,483 | 64,353,234 | 73,933,375 | 75,310,310 | |
| Diluted EPS | 0.00 | 1.82 | 0.34 | -0.23 | -0.04 | -0.40 | |||||
| Operating cash flow | -1,482,311 | -3,186,389 | 38,325 | 9,613,549 | 5,174,446 | 7,768,237 | -5,165,165 | 16,059,125 | 21,241,580 | 17,857,490 | |
| Capital expenditures | 710,974 | 2,268,034 | 3,120,951 | 2,812,228 | 8,573,296 | 21,005,626 | 40,057,314 | 51,866,340 | 32,201,191 | 27,898,145 | |
| Assets | 65,652,230 | 153,477,084 | 332,194,521 | 436,908,210 | 640,707,426 | 807,053,793 | 687,802,899 | 768,207,092 | 728,345,729 | 713,072,289 | |
| Liabilities | 3,462,744 | 5,088,411 | 15,633,559 | 89,937,167 | 114,114,020 | 166,458,071 | 158,059,668 | 151,754,831 | 165,626,276 | 177,000,323 | |
| Stockholders' equity | 62,189,486 | 147,153,686 | 315,215,384 | 345,240,985 | 381,566,257 | 496,325,219 | 506,621,142 | 538,207,426 | 532,819,509 | 516,135,787 | |
| Cash and cash equivalents | 95,515 | 6,838,345 | 17,105,072 | 16,028,514 | 44,665,972 | 72,508,528 | 25,493,141 | 21,946,884 | 28,289,712 | 28,624,064 | |
| Free cash flow | -2,193,285 | -5,454,423 | -3,082,626 | 6,801,321 | -3,398,850 | -13,237,389 | -45,222,479 | -35,807,215 | -10,959,611 | -10,040,655 |
Ratios
| Metric | 2012 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 | 2025 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Net margin | -82.56% | -71.75% | -45.52% | -3.59% | -0.11% | 92.59% | 12.60% | -7.28% | -1.19% | -10.87% | |
| Operating margin | -81.65% | -75.14% | -61.22% | -29.99% | -10.92% | -41.72% | -6.44% | -9.20% | -7.82% | -3.43% | |
| Return on equity | -5.10% | -4.40% | -2.89% | -0.43% | -0.01% | 10.63% | 2.02% | -1.30% | -0.24% | -2.41% | |
| Return on assets | -4.83% | -4.21% | -2.74% | -0.34% | -0.01% | 6.54% | 1.49% | -0.91% | -0.18% | -1.74% | |
| Liabilities / equity | 0.06 | 0.03 | 0.05 | 0.26 | 0.30 | 0.34 | 0.31 | 0.28 | 0.31 | 0.34 | |
| Current ratio | 10.08 | 18.65 | 9.53 | 7.48 | 9.71 | 7.23 | 2.15 | 2.56 | 2.14 | 1.98 |
Industry Peer Context
Net margin peer context
ROE peer context
ROA peer context
Financial Bridges
Income statement bridge from reported figures
Figure provenance: SEC companyfacts FY 2025. Revenue: accession 0001437749-26-010341; concept Revenues; source concepts us-gaap:Revenues | Gross profit: accession 0001437749-26-010341; concept GrossProfit; source concepts us-gaap:GrossProfit | Operating income: accession 0001437749-26-010341; concept OperatingIncomeLoss; source concepts us-gaap:OperatingIncomeLoss | Net income: accession 0001437749-26-010341; concept NetIncomeLoss; source concepts us-gaap:NetIncomeLoss
Free cash flow = operating cash flow - capital expenditures
Figure provenance: SEC companyfacts FY 2025. Operating cash flow: accession 0001437749-26-010341; concept NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities; source concepts us-gaap:NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities | Capital expenditures: accession 0001437749-26-010341; concept PaymentsToAcquirePropertyPlantAndEquipment; source concepts us-gaap:PaymentsToAcquirePropertyPlantAndEquipment | Free cash flow: accession 0001437749-26-010341; concept NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities - PaymentsToAcquirePropertyPlantAndEquipment; source concepts us-gaap:NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities; us-gaap:PaymentsToAcquirePropertyPlantAndEquipment
Financial Charts
Figure provenance: SEC companyfacts. Latest point: FY 2025 ended 2025-12-31; accession 0001437749-26-010341; filed 2026-03-30. Concept: Revenues. Source concepts: us-gaap:Revenues.
Figure provenance: SEC companyfacts. Latest point: FY 2025 ended 2025-12-31; accession 0001437749-26-010341; filed 2026-03-30. Concept: NetIncomeLoss. Source concepts: us-gaap:NetIncomeLoss.
Figure provenance: SEC companyfacts. Latest point: FY 2025 ended 2025-12-31; accession 0001437749-26-010341; filed 2026-03-30. Concept: OperatingIncomeLoss. Source concepts: us-gaap:OperatingIncomeLoss.
Figure provenance: SEC companyfacts. Latest point: FY 2025 ended 2025-12-31; accession 0001437749-26-010341; filed 2026-03-30. Concept: GrossProfit. Source concepts: us-gaap:GrossProfit.
Figure provenance: SEC companyfacts. Latest point: FY 2025 ended 2025-12-31; accession 0001437749-26-010341; filed 2026-03-30. Concept: EarningsPerShareDiluted. Source concepts: us-gaap:EarningsPerShareDiluted.
Figure provenance: SEC companyfacts. Latest point: FY 2025 ended 2025-12-31; accession 0001437749-26-010341; filed 2026-03-30. Concept: NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities. Source concepts: us-gaap:NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities.
Figure provenance: SEC companyfacts. Latest point: FY 2025 ended 2025-12-31; accession 0001437749-26-010341; filed 2026-03-30. Concept: PaymentsToAcquirePropertyPlantAndEquipment. Source concepts: us-gaap:PaymentsToAcquirePropertyPlantAndEquipment.
Figure provenance: SEC companyfacts. Latest point: FY 2025 ended 2025-12-31; accession 0001437749-26-010341; filed 2026-03-30. Concept: Assets. Source concepts: us-gaap:Assets.
Figure provenance: SEC companyfacts. Latest point: FY 2025 ended 2025-12-31; accession 0001437749-26-010341; filed 2026-03-30. Concept: Liabilities. Source concepts: us-gaap:Liabilities.
Figure provenance: SEC companyfacts. Latest point: FY 2025 ended 2025-12-31; accession 0001437749-26-010341; filed 2026-03-30. Concept: StockholdersEquity. Source concepts: us-gaap:StockholdersEquity.
Figure provenance: SEC companyfacts. Latest point: FY 2025 ended 2025-12-31; accession 0001437749-26-010341; filed 2026-03-30. Concept: CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue. Source concepts: us-gaap:CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue.
Figure provenance: SEC companyfacts. Latest point: FY 2025 ended 2025-12-31; accession 0001437749-26-010341; filed 2026-03-30. Concept: NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities - PaymentsToAcquirePropertyPlantAndEquipment. Source concepts: us-gaap:NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities; us-gaap:PaymentsToAcquirePropertyPlantAndEquipment.
Quarterly
Quarterly standardized facts from SEC companyfacts as of latest extracted filing date 2026-05-14. Source: https://data.sec.gov/api/xbrl/companyfacts/CIK0001494582.json.
| Quarter | End Date | Revenue | Net Income | Diluted EPS | Method |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022-Q2 | 2022-06-30 | -0.39 | reported discrete quarter | ||
| 2022-Q3 | 2022-09-30 | -0.05 | reported discrete quarter | ||
| 2023-Q1 | 2023-03-31 | -0.11 | reported discrete quarter | ||
| 2023-Q2 | 2023-03-31 | -3,321,154 | reported discrete quarter | ||
| 2023-Q2 | 2023-06-30 | 24,216,394 | 0.05 | reported discrete quarter | |
| 2023-Q3 | 2023-06-30 | 1,541,612 | reported discrete quarter | ||
| 2023-Q3 | 2023-09-30 | 24,548,101 | -0.05 | reported discrete quarter | |
| 2023-Q4 | 2023-12-31 | 24,673,456 | -3,581,961 | derived Q4 = FY annual - nine-month YTD | |
| 2024-Q1 | 2024-03-31 | 25,552,731 | -2,808,081 | -0.09 | reported discrete quarter |
| 2024-Q2 | 2024-03-31 | -2,808,081 | reported discrete quarter | ||
| 2024-Q2 | 2024-06-30 | 27,087,783 | -0.07 | reported discrete quarter | |
| 2024-Q3 | 2024-06-30 | -2,235,219 | reported discrete quarter | ||
| 2024-Q3 | 2024-09-30 | 27,700,936 | -0.05 | reported discrete quarter | |
| 2024-Q4 | 2024-12-31 | 27,933,451 | 5,345,986 | derived Q4 = FY annual - nine-month YTD | |
| 2025-Q1 | 2025-03-31 | 27,730,494 | -669,285 | -0.02 | reported discrete quarter |
| 2025-Q2 | 2025-03-31 | -669,285 | reported discrete quarter | ||
| 2025-Q2 | 2025-06-30 | 28,203,670 | -0.07 | reported discrete quarter | |
| 2025-Q3 | 2025-06-30 | -2,320,083 | reported discrete quarter | ||
| 2025-Q3 | 2025-09-30 | 28,734,355 | -0.08 | reported discrete quarter | |
| 2025-Q4 | 2025-12-31 | 29,707,829 | -6,850,267 | derived Q4 = FY annual - nine-month YTD | |
| 2026-Q1 | 2026-03-31 | 28,249,000 | -2,149,000 | -0.07 | reported discrete quarter |
Quarterly Charts
Figure provenance: SEC companyfacts. Latest point: FY 2026 ended 2026-03-31; accession 0001437749-26-017053; filed 2026-05-14. Concept: Revenues. Source concepts: us-gaap:Revenues.
Figure provenance: SEC companyfacts. Latest point: FY 2026 ended 2026-03-31; accession 0001437749-26-017053; filed 2026-05-14. Concept: NetIncomeLoss. Source concepts: us-gaap:NetIncomeLoss.
Figure provenance: SEC companyfacts. Latest point: FY 2026 ended 2026-03-31; accession 0001437749-26-017053; filed 2026-05-14. Concept: EarningsPerShareDiluted. Source concepts: us-gaap:EarningsPerShareDiluted.
Macro Cross-References
- CPIAUCSL - Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers: All Items in U.S. City Average
- UNRATE - Unemployment Rate
- FEDFUNDS - Federal Funds Effective Rate
- CES0500000003 - Average Hourly Earnings of All Employees, Total Private
- DFEDTARU - Federal Funds Target Range - Upper Limit
- DFEDTARL - Federal Funds Target Range - Lower Limit
- DGS3MO - Market Yield on U.S. Treasury Securities at 3-Month Constant Maturity
- DGS2 - Market Yield on U.S. Treasury Securities at 2-Year Constant Maturity
- DGS10 - Market Yield on U.S. Treasury Securities at 10-Year Constant Maturity
- DGS30 - Market Yield on U.S. Treasury Securities at 30-Year Constant Maturity
- T10Y2Y - 10-Year Treasury Constant Maturity Minus 2-Year Treasury Constant Maturity
- CPILFESL - Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers: All Items Less Food and Energy
- CPIUFDSL - Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers: Food
- CPIENGSL - Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers: Energy
- CUSR0000SAH1 - Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers: Shelter
- PCEPI - Personal Consumption Expenditures: Chain-type Price Index
- PCEPILFE - Personal Consumption Expenditures Excluding Food and Energy: Chain-type Price Index
- PPIACO - Producer Price Index by Commodity: All Commodities
- T10YIE - 10-Year Breakeven Inflation Rate
- U6RATE - Total Unemployed, Plus All Marginally Attached Workers Plus Total Employed Part Time for Economic Reasons
- PAYEMS - All Employees, Total Nonfarm
- CIVPART - Labor Force Participation Rate
- EMRATIO - Employment-Population Ratio
- UNEMPLOY - Unemployed
- CE16OV - Employment Level
- ICSA - Initial Claims
- JTSJOL - Job Openings: Total Nonfarm
- JTSQUR - Quits: Total Nonfarm
- GDPC1 - Real Gross Domestic Product
- A191RL1Q225SBEA - Real Gross Domestic Product: Percent Change from Preceding Period
- INDPRO - Industrial Production: Total Index
- TCU - Capacity Utilization: Total Index
- HOUST - New Privately-Owned Housing Units Started: Total Units
- PERMIT - New Privately-Owned Housing Units Authorized in Permit-Issuing Places: Total Units
- RSAFS - Advance Retail Sales: Retail Trade
- PCE - Personal Consumption Expenditures
- DSPIC96 - Real Disposable Personal Income
- PSAVERT - Personal Saving Rate
- M2SL - M2
- BOPGSTB - U.S. International Trade in Goods and Services: Balance
- MSPUS - Median Sales Price of Houses Sold for the United States
- HSN1F - New One Family Houses Sold: United States
- RHORUSQ156N - Homeownership Rate in the United States
- TTLCONS - Total Construction Spending: Total Construction in the United States
- RRVRUSQ156N - Rental Vacancy Rate in the United States
- TOTALSL - Total Consumer Credit Owned and Securitized
- REVOLSL - Revolving Consumer Credit Owned and Securitized
- DRCCLACBS - Delinquency Rate on Credit Card Loans, All Commercial Banks
- GDP - Gross Domestic Product
- GPDI - Gross Private Domestic Investment
- GCE - Government Consumption Expenditures and Gross Investment
- PCEC - Personal Consumption Expenditures
- NETEXP - Net Exports of Goods and Services
- GFDEBTN - Federal Debt: Total Public Debt
- GFDEGDQ188S - Federal Debt: Total Public Debt as Percent of Gross Domestic Product
- FYFSD - Federal Surplus or Deficit
- FGRECPT - Federal Government Current Receipts
- FGEXPND - Federal Government: Current Expenditures
- MANEMP - All Employees, Manufacturing
- USCONS - All Employees, Construction
- USTRADE - All Employees, Retail Trade
- USFIRE - All Employees, Financial Activities
- USGOVT - All Employees, Government
- AWHAETP - Average Weekly Hours of All Employees, Total Private
- DGORDER - Manufacturers' New Orders: Durable Goods
- NEWORDER - Manufacturers' New Orders: Nondefense Capital Goods Excluding Aircraft
- BUSINV - Total Business Inventories
- EXPGS - Exports of Goods and Services
- IMPGS - Imports of Goods and Services
- IR - Import Price Index (End Use): All Commodities
- PPIFIS - Producer Price Index by Commodity: Final Demand
Latest quarter (10-Q)
Latest 10-Q source: 0001437749-26-017053.
Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.
CAUTIONARY STATEMENT FOR FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
This Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q includes forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and other federal securities laws, PARTICULARLY THOSE ANTICIPATING FUTURE FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE, BUSINESS PROSPECTS, GROWTH, OPERATING STRATEGIES AND SIMILAR MATTERS, INCLUDING WITHOUT LIMITATION, STATEMENTS CONCERNING OPERATIONS, RESULTS OF OPERATIONS, LIQUIDITY, INVESTMENTS, OUR NEED FOR, AND ABILITY TO OBTAIN, ADDITIONAL FUNDING FOR ACQUISITIONS AND POTENTIAL BUSINESS EXPANSION, GENERAL ECONOMIC TRENDS, INFLATIONARY PRESSURES, FINANCIAL CONDITION AND THE IMPACT OF ANY FUTURE PANDEMIC OR GEOPOLITICAL EVENTS ON OUR BUSINESS. We have based these forward-looking statements on our current intent, expectations and projections about future events, and these forward-looking statements are not guaranteed to occur and may not occur. These forward-looking statements are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and assumptions about us that may cause our actual results, levels of activity, performance or achievements to be materially different from any future results, levels of activity, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. In some cases, you can identify forward-looking statements by terminology such as “may,” “will,” “should,” “could,” “would,” “intend,” “project,” “contemplate,” “potential,” “expect,” “plan,” “anticipate,” “believe,” “estimate,” “continue,” or the negative of such terms or other similar expressions. These statements are only predictions. Factors that might cause or contribute to such a discrepancy include, but are not limited to, those described in our other Securities and Exchange Commission filings.
THE OUTCOME OF THE EVENTS DESCRIBED IN THIS REPORT ALSO CONTAINS STATISTICAL AND OTHER INDUSTRY AND MARKET DATA RELATED TO OUR BUSINESS AND INDUSTRY THAT WE OBTAINED FROM INDUSTRY PUBLICATIONS AND RESEARCH, SURVEYS AND STUDIES CONDUCTED BY US AND THIRD PARTIES, AS WELL AS OUR ESTIMATES OF POTENTIAL MARKET OPPORTUNITIES. INDUSTRY PUBLICATIONS, THIRD-PARTY AND OUR OWN RESEARCH, SURVEYS AND STUDIES GENERALLY INDICATE THAT THEIR INFORMATION HAS BEEN OBTAINED FROM SOURCES BELIEVED TO BE RELIABLE ALTHOUGH THEY DO NOT GUARANTEE THE ACCURACY OR COMPLETENESS OF SUCH INFORMATION. THIS MARKET DATA INCLUDES PROJECTIONS THAT ARE BASED ON A NUMBER OF ASSUMPTIONS. IF THESE ASSUMPTIONS TURN OUT TO BE INCORRECT, ACTUAL RESULTS MAY DIFFER FROM THE PROJECTIONS BASED ON THESE ASSUMPTIONS. AS A RESULT, OUR MARKETS MAY NOT GROW AT THE RATES PROJECTED BY THIS DATA, OR AT ALL. THE FAILURE OF THESE MARKETS TO GROW AT THESE PROJECTED RATES MAY HAVE A MATERIAL ADVERSE EFFECT ON OUR BUSINESS, RESULTS OF OPERATIONS, FINANCIAL CONDITION AND THE MARKET PRICE OF OUR CLASS a COMMON STOCK.
The following discussion should be read in conjunction with our Financial Statements and related Notes thereto included elsewhere in this report. Any of the forward-looking statements that we make in this quarterly report on Form 10-Q and in other public reports and statements we make may turn out to be inaccurate as a result of our beliefs and assumptions we make in connection with the factors set forth above or because of other unidentified and unpredictable factors. IN ADDITION, OUR BUSINESS AND FUTURE RESULTS ARE SUBJECT TO A NUMBER OF OTHER FACTORS, INCLUDING THOSE FACTORS SET FORTH IN THE “risk factors” SECTION OF OUR ANNUAL REPORT ON FORM 10-K FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDED December 31, 2025, AS FILED WITH THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION (THE “SEC”) ON MARCH 30, 2026. Because of these and other uncertainties, our actual future results may be materially different from the results indicated by these forward-looking statements and you should not rely on such statements. We undertake no obligation to publish revised forward-looking statements to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events or circumstances after the date hereof. These risks could cause our actual results for 2026 and beyond to differ materially from those expressed in any forward-looking statements by or on behalf of us, and could negatively affect our financial condition, liquidity and operating and stock price performance.
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Table of Contents
Overview
We are currently engaged in outdoor billboard advertising, broadband services, surety insurance and related brokerage businesses, and an asset management business. In addition, we hold minority investments in commercial real estate management and brokerage services, a bank focused on servicing the automotive loan market, and a developer of private aviation infrastructure focused on building, leasing, and managing business aviation hangars.
Outdoor Billboard Advertising. In June 2015, we commenced our billboard business operations through acquisitions by Link, our wholly-owned subsidiary, of smaller billboard companies located in the Southeastern United States and Wisconsin. During July and August 2018, we acquired the membership interest or assets of three larger billboard companies which increased our overall billboard count to approximately 2,900 billboards. In addition, we have made several billboard acquisitions on a smaller scale since that date. We believe that we are a leading outdoor billboard advertising company in the markets we serve in the Midwest. As of March 31, 2026, we operate approximately 3,900 billboards with approximately 7,500 advertising faces. One of our principal business objectives is to continue to acquire additional billboard assets through acquisitions of existing billboard businesses in the United States when they can be made at what we believe to be attractive prices relative to other opportunities generally available to us.
Surety Insurance. In September 2015, we established an insurance subsidiary, GIG, designed to own and operate insurance businesses generally handling high volume, lower policy limit commercial lines of property and casualty insurance. In April 2016, our surety insurance business commenced with the acquisition of a surety insurance brokerage business with a national internet-based presence. In December 2016, we completed the acquisition of UCS, a surety insurance company, which at that time was licensed to issue surety bonds in only nine states. UCS now has licenses to operate in all 50 states and the District of Columbia. In addition, over the last several years, we have also acquired additional surety insurance brokerage businesses located in various regions of the United States. We currently operate our insurance brokerage businesses under our BOSS Bonds™ tradename. We offer independent insurance agents the opportunity to purchase surety insurance through our computerized portal which offers speed and ease in application processing for the independent agent. We may in the future expand the reach of our insurance activities to other forms of insurance which may have similar characteristics to surety, such as high volume and low average policy premium insurance businesses which historically have similar economics.
Broadband Services. In March 2020, we commenced our broadband services business with the acquisition of substantially all of the business assets of FibAire, a rural broadband internet provider that served over 8,000 customers in communities in southern Arizona with a high-speed fixed wireless internet service and is building an all fiber-to-the-home network in select Arizona markets. In December 2020, we acquired substantially all of the business assets of UBB, a broadband internet provider that provided high-speed internet to over 10,000 customers throughout Utah. In September 2021, we announced the launch of Fiber Fast Homes, LLC, which partners with builders, developers, and build for rent communities to build fiber-to-the-home infrastructure and provide fiber internet service to residents. In April 2022, we acquired substantially all of the business assets of InfoWest, which are fiber and fixed wireless internet service providers with over 20,000 customers throughout Southern and Central Utah, Northern Arizona, and Moapa Valley, Nevada. In addition, over the last few years, we have also acquired additional smaller broadband businesses located in Utah. As of March 31, 2026, we have approximately 50,400 broadband customers (21,600 fiber subscribers) and 50,400 fiber passings completed. We hope to continue to expand in Arizona, Florida, Nevada, Utah, and other locales.
Investments:
| Column 1 | Column 2 | Column 3 |
|---|---|---|
| ● | Since September 2015, we have made a series of investments in commercial real estate, a commercial real estate management business, brokerage and related services business, as well as an asset management business. We currently own 30% of Logic Real Estate Companies, LLC. On May 1, 2023, our BOAM subsidiary acquired 100% of the membership interests in 24th Street from the members of 24th Street other than BOAM for cash and BOC Class A common stock valued at approximately $5 million in the aggregate. Prior to the transaction, BOAM indirectly owned 48% of the membership interests of 24th Street. The consideration consisted of approximately $2.7 million in cash at closing, an additional $1.3 million in cash subject to holdback, and 45,644 shares of BOC Class A common stock (based on the average closing price of BOC Class A common stock for the 30 business day period ending two days before the closing date). The shares issued in the transaction are unregistered and have no registration rights. The purchase agreement also provides for certain payments based on performance to receive the holdback amount and certain other potential earnout payments. In addition, we have invested, through one of our subsidiaries, an aggregate of $6 million in the 24th Street Funds. These funds are managed by 24th Street and focus on opportunities within secured lending and direct investments in commercial real estate. As of March 31, 2026, the 24th Street Funds have a total of four real estate properties remaining under management. |
| Column 1 | Column 2 | Column 3 |
|---|---|---|
| ● | In May 2018, through one of our subsidiaries, we invested approximately $19 million through the purchase of common stock of CB&T Holding Corporation, the privately-held parent company of Crescent Bank & Trust, Inc. ("Crescent Bank"). Our investment now represents 15.6% of CB&T’s outstanding common stock. Crescent Bank is located in New Orleans, LA. |
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Table of Contents
[[GREPCENT_TABLE]]
[["","\u25cf","In October 2020, our subsidiary BOC Yellowstone LLC, served as sponsor for the underwritten initial public offering of a special purpose acquisition company named Yellowstone Acquisition Company. Yellowstone sold in its public offering 13,598,898 units at a price of $10.00 per unit, each unit consisting of one share of Class A common stock and a redeemable warrant to purchase one-half of a share of Class A common stock at an exercise price of $11.50 per share. Between August and November 2020, we invested, through BOC Yellowstone, approximately $7.8 million through the purchase of 3,399,724 shares of Class B common stock and 7,719,779 non-redeemable private placement warrants, each warrant entitling us to purchase one share of Class A common stock at $11.50 per share. In August 2021, Yellowstone entered into a business combination agreement with Sky Harbour LLC, a developer of private aviation infrastructure focused on building, leasing, and managing business aviation hangars. The business combination was completed on January 25, 2022 and Yellowstone changed its name to Sky Harbour Group Corporation. Sky Harbour\u2019s Class A common stock trades on the NYSE under the symbol \u201cSKYH\u201d and its warr
[Excerpt truncated for page length; source filing is linked above.]
Latest 10-K MD&A
Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.
You should read the following discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations together with our consolidated financial statements and related notes appearing elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K. The following discussion contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. Our actual results and the timing of certain events could differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements as a result of certain factors, including those discussed below and as set forth under Summary Risk Factors and “Item 1A. Risk Factors.” Please also refer to the section under the heading “Cautionary Note Concerning Forward-Looking Statements.”
Overview
We are currently engaged in outdoor billboard advertising, broadband services, surety insurance and related brokerage businesses, and an asset management business. In addition, we hold minority investments in commercial real estate management and brokerage services, a bank focused on servicing the automotive loan market, and a developer of private aviation infrastructure focused on building, leasing and managing business aviation hangars.
Outdoor Billboard Advertising. In June 2015, we commenced our billboard business operations through acquisitions by Link, our wholly owned subsidiary, of smaller billboard companies located in the Southeast United States and Wisconsin. During July and August 2018, we acquired the membership interest or assets of three larger billboard companies which increased our overall billboard count to approximately 2,900 billboards. In addition, we have made several billboard acquisitions on a smaller scale since that date. We believe that we are a leading outdoor billboard advertising company in the markets we serve in the Midwest. As of December 31, 2025, we operate approximately 3,900 billboards with approximately 7,500 advertising faces. One of our principal business objectives is to continue to acquire additional billboard assets through acquisitions of existing billboard businesses in the United States when they can be made at what we believe to be attractive prices relative to other opportunities generally available to us.
Surety Insurance. In September 2015, we established an insurance subsidiary, GIG, designed to own and operate insurance businesses generally handling high volume, lower policy limit commercial lines of property and casualty insurance. In April 2016, our surety insurance business commenced with the acquisition of a surety insurance brokerage business with a national internet-based presence. In December 2016, we completed the acquisition of UCS, a surety insurance company, which at that time was licensed to issue surety bonds in only nine states. UCS now has licenses to operate in all 50 states and the District of Columbia. In addition, we have also acquired additional surety insurance brokerage businesses located in various regions of the United States. We may in the future expand the reach of our insurance activities to other forms of insurance which may have similar characteristics to surety, such as high volume and low average policy premium insurance businesses which historically have similar economics.
Broadband Services. In March 2020, we commenced our broadband services business with the acquisition of substantially all of the business assets of FibAire, a rural broadband internet provider that served over 8,000 customers in communities in southern Arizona with a high-speed fixed wireless internet service and is building an all fiber-to-the-home network in select Arizona markets. In December 2020, we acquired substantially all of the business assets of UBB, a broadband internet provider that provided high-speed internet to over 10,000 customers throughout Utah. In September 2021, we announced the launch of Fiber Fast Homes, LLC, which partners with builders, developers and build for rent communities to build fiber-to-the-home infrastructure and provide fiber internet service to residents. In April 2022, we acquired substantially all of the business assets of InfoWest, which are fiber and fixed wireless internet service providers with over 20,000 customers throughout Southern and Central Utah, Northern Arizona and Moapa Valley, Nevada. In addition, over the last few years, we have also acquired additional smaller broadband businesses located in Utah. As of December 31, 2025, we have approximately 49,500 broadband customers (19,900 fiber customers) and 48,300 fiber passings completed. We hope to continue to expand in Arizona, Florida, Nevada, Utah, and other locales.
Investments:
| Column 1 | Column 2 | Column 3 |
|---|---|---|
| ● | Since September 2015, we have made a series of investments in commercial real estate, a commercial real estate management, brokerage and related services business as well as an asset management business. We currently own 30% of Logic. On May 1, 2023, our BOAM subsidiary acquired 100% of the membership interests in 24th Street from the members of 24th Street other than BOAM for cash and BOC Class A common stock valued at $5,016,494 in the aggregate. Prior to the transaction, BOAM indirectly owned 48% of the membership interests of 24th Street. The consideration consisted of $2,759,072 in cash at closing, an additional $1,254,102 in cash subject to holdback, and 45,644 shares of BOC Class A common stock (based on the average closing price of BOC Class A common stock for the 30 business day period ending two days before the closing date). The shares issued in the transaction are unregistered and have no registration rights. The purchase agreement also provides for certain payments based on performance to receive the holdback amount and certain other potential limited earnout payments. In addition, we have invested, through one of our subsidiaries, an aggregate of $6 million in the 24th Street Funds. These funds are managed by 24th Street and focus on opportunities within secured lending and direct investments in commercial real estate. |
| Column 1 | Column 2 | Column 3 |
|---|---|---|
| ● | In December 2017, we invested $10 million in common units of DFH, the parent company of Dream Finders Homes, LLC, a national home builder. In addition to its homebuilding operations, DFH's subsidiaries provide mortgage loan origination and title insurance services to homebuyers. On January 25, 2021, Dream Finders Homes, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of DFH, completed its initial public offering and Dream Finders Homes, Inc. became a holding company and sole manager of DFH. Upon completion of the initial public offering, our outstanding common units in DFH were converted into 4,681,099 shares of Class A common stock of Dream Finders Homes, Inc., and one of our subsidiaries purchased an additional 120,000 shares of Class A common stock in the initial public offering. Since DFH’s initial public offering through December 31, 2022, we have sold all our 4,801,099 shares of DFH Class A common stock for gross proceeds of approximately $81 million. |
| Column 1 | Column 2 | Column 3 |
|---|---|---|
| ● | In May 2018, through one of our subsidiaries, we invested approximately $19 million through the purchase of common stock of CB&T, the privately-held parent company of Crescent. Our investment now represents 15.6% of CB&T’s outstanding common stock. Crescent is located in New Orleans and generates the majority of its revenues from indirect subprime automobile lending across the United States. |
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| Column 1 | Column 2 | Column 3 |
|---|---|---|
| ● | In October 2020, our subsidiary BOC Yellowstone served as sponsor for the underwritten initial public offering of a special purpose acquisition company named Yellowstone Acquisition Company, which we refer to as "Yellowstone". Between August and November 2020, we invested, through BOC Yellowstone, approximately $7.8 million through the purchase of 3,399,724 shares of Class B common stock and 7,719,779 non-redeemable private placement warrants, each warrant entitling us to purchase one share of Class A common stock at $11.50 per share. In August 2021, Yellowstone entered into a business combination agreement with Sky Harbour LLC, a developer of private aviation infrastructure focused on building, leasing and managing business aviation hangars. The business combination was completed on January 25, 2022 and Yellowstone changed its name to Sky Harbour Group Corporation. Sky Harbour’s Class A common stock trades on the NYSE American under the symbol “SKYH” and its warrants to purchase Class A common stock trade under the symbol “SKYH.WS.” |
| Column 1 | Column 2 | Column 3 |
|---|---|---|
| ● | In September 2021, through one of our subsidiaries, we invested $55 million directly into SHG and received Series B preferred units. Upon the successful consummation of the Sky Harbour business combination, this investment converted into 5,500,000 shares of Sky Harbour's Class A common stock based upon an assumed value of $10.00 per share. In December 2021, we agreed to provide Sky Harbour an additional $45 million through the purchase of 4,500,000 shares of Class A common stock upon the closing of the Sky Harbour business combination, which was consummated in January 2022. Through December 31, 2025, we have sold 1,015,537 shares of Sky Harbour Class A common stock for gross proceeds of approximately $11.2 million. As of December 31, 2025, we held 11,671,494 shares of Sky Harbour Class A common stock and 7,719,779 Sky Harbour warrants. |
| Column 1 | Column 2 | Column 3 |
|---|---|---|
| ● | In 2021, we established the BFR Fund subsidiary within BOAM to operate a proposed build-for-rent business, focusing on developing, building, and managing single family detached and/or townhomes for long term rentals. We invested approximately $15 million of capital to finance the initial acquisitions for these projects and subsequently raised third-party capital to be invested alongside our capital. The BFR Fund acquired land parcels in Nevada with the initial plan to develop, construct, and operate build-for-rent communities. However, challenges in the market, including the increase in interest rates and the inability to achieve what we believe are appropriate risk-adjusted returns, have led us to pursue selling the BFR Fund's entitled land assets to public homebuilders. Consequently, we are winding down the BFR Fund earlier than originally targeted by returning the uninvested cash on hand to BFR Fund partners and, as we sell the BFR Fund's entitled land assets, returning that capital to BFR Fund partners as well. |
| Column 1 | Column 2 | Column 3 |
|---|---|---|
| ● | In July 2023, we invested approximately $3 million in voting preferred stock of MyBundle, a company serving the broadband industry. |
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In each of our businesses, we hope to expand our geographic reach and market share and seek to develop a competitive advantage and/or brand name for our services, which we hope will be a differentiating factor for customers. Our insurance market primarily services small contractors, small and medium-sized businesses and individuals required to provide surety bonds (i) in connection with their work for government agencies and others, (ii) in connection with contractual obligations, or (iii) to meet regulatory requirements and other needs. We have expanded the licensing of the UCS business to all 50 states and the District of Columbia and developed and brought to market an electronic portal allowing independent insurance agents to more easily and efficiently purchase surety insurance. In outdoor advertising, our plan is to continue to grow this business through acquisitions of billboard assets. We expect to expand our broadband services in Arizona, Florida, Nevada, Utah and in other locations. In the future, we expect to expand the range of services we provide in the insurance sector, seek to continue to expand our billboard operations and broadband services and to possibly consider acquisitions of other businesses, as well as investments, in other sectors, although we expect to place a primary emphasis on growing our existing business lines over the next several years. Our decision to expand outside of these current business sectors we serve or in which we have made investments will be based on the opportunity to acquire businesses which we believe provide the potential for sustainable earnings at an attractive level relative to capital employed and, with regard to investment, we believe have the potential to provide attractive returns.
We seek to enter markets where we believe demand for our services will grow in the coming years due to certain barriers to entry and/or to anticipated long-term demand for these services. In the outdoor billboard business, government restrictions often limit the number of additional billboards that may be constructed. At the same time, advances in billboard technology provide the opportunity to improve revenues through the use of digital display technologies and other new technologies. In the surety insurance business, new insurance companies must be licensed by state agencies that impose capital, management and other strict requirements on these insurers. These hurdles are at the individual state level, with statutes often providing wide latitude to regulators to impose judgmental requirements upon new entrants. In addition, new distribution channels in certain areas of surety may provide a new opportunity. In the real estate management services market, we believe the continued growth of commercial real estate in many sections of the United States will provide opportunities for management services for the foreseeable future. We also believe our investment in both CB&T and Sky Harbour has provided each company the opportunity to significantly grow its business. We invest our available capital and the surplus capital from UCS in a wide range of securities, including equity securities of public companies, various corporate and government bonds and U.S. treasuries. In broadband services, we believe that our fiber-to-the-home services can compete with traditional cable operators as broadband provides higher rates of transmission and improved speed to consumers and that, once built, other competitors may be less willing to compete in communities which we serve.
How We Generate Our Revenues and Evaluate Our Business
We currently generate revenues primarily through billboard advertising and related services, from the sale of surety insurance and related brokerage activities, by providing high-speed broadband services, and asset management services. Revenue for outdoor advertising space rental is recognized on a straight-line basis over the term of the contract and advertising revenue is reported net of agency commissions. Payments received in advance of being earned are recorded as deferred revenue. In our surety insurance business, premiums written are recognized as revenues based on a pro rata daily calculation over the respective terms of the policies in-force. Unearned premiums represent the portion of premiums written applicable to the unexpired term of the policies in-force. In connection with our surety agency business, insurance commissions are recognized at a point in time, on a bond-by-bond basis as of the policy effective date and are generally nonrefundable. In our broadband business, revenue is derived principally from internet services and is recognized on a straight-line basis over the term of the contract in the period the services are rendered. Revenue received or receivable in advance of the delivery of services is included in deferred revenue.
Segment gross profit is a key metric that we use to evaluate segment operating performance and to determine resource allocation between segments. We define segment gross profit as segment revenues less segment direct cost of services. In our billboard business, direct cost of services includes land leases, utilities, repairs and maintenance of equipment, sales commissions, contract services, and other billboard level expenses. In our broadband business, direct costs of services includes network operations and data costs, software costs, cell site rent and utilities, and other broadband level expenses. In our surety business, direct cost of services includes commissions, premium taxes, fees and assessments, and losses and loss adjustment expenses.
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Results of Operations
Year Ended December 31, 2025 Compared to Year Ended December 31, 2024
The following is a comparison of our results of operations for the year ended December 31, 2025, which we refer to as “fiscal 2025,” compared to the year ended December 31, 2024 which we refer to as “fiscal 2024.”
Revenues. For fiscal 2025 and fiscal 2024, our revenues in dollars and as a percentage of total revenues were as follows:
| For the Years Ended December 31, | ||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 2024 | 2025 vs 2024 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Amount | As a % of Total Revenues | Amount | As a % of Total Revenues | $ Variance | ||||||||||||||||
| Revenues: | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Billboard rentals, net | $ | 45,851,335 | 40.1 | % | $ | 45,153,076 | 41.7 | % | $ | 698,259 | ||||||||||
| Broadband services | 41,194,668 | 36.0 | % | 39,098,228 | 36.1 | % | 2,096,440 | |||||||||||||
| Premiums earned | 23,182,446 | 20.3 | % | 19,759,540 | 18.2 | % | 3,422,906 | |||||||||||||
| Insurance commissions | 2,057,170 | 1.8 | % | 1,962,692 | 1.8 | % | 94,478 | |||||||||||||
| Investment and other income | 2,090,729 | 1.8 | % | 2,301,365 | 2.2 | % | (210,636 | ) | ||||||||||||
| Total Revenues | $ | 114,376,348 | 100.0 | % | $ | 108,274,901 | 100.0 | % | $ | 6,101,447 |
We realized total revenues of $114,376,348 during fiscal 2025, an increase of 5.6% over revenues of $108,274,901 during fiscal 2024. The key factors impacting revenue across each of our businesses during fiscal 2025 were as follows:
| Column 1 | Column 2 | Column 3 |
|---|---|---|
| ● | Net billboard rentals increased by 1.5% in fiscal 2025 when compared to fiscal 2024, reflecting steady rental and occupancy rates across a number of our markets. |
| Column 1 | Column 2 | Column 3 |
|---|---|---|
| ● | Revenue from broadband services increased by 5.4% in fiscal 2025 when compared to fiscal 2024, mainly reflecting subscriber growth across a number of our markets. |
| Column 1 | Column 2 | Column 3 |
|---|---|---|
| ● | Premiums earned from our UCS insurance subsidiary increased by 17.3% in fiscal 2025 when compared to the fiscal 2024. The increase in premiums earned was primarily due to increases in gross written premium production throughout fiscal 2025. We recognize revenues for written premium over the life of the surety bond and, as a result, increased sales activities are not fully reflected in the quarter in which the surety bond is issued. |
| Column 1 | Column 2 | Column 3 |
|---|---|---|
| ● | Revenue from insurance commissions generated by our surety brokerage operations increased by 4.8% in fiscal 2025 when compared to fiscal 2024, mainly due to increased production through outside insurance carriers. |
| Column 1 | Column 2 | Column 3 |
|---|---|---|
| ● | Investment and other income at UCS and BOAM decreased by 9.2% from $2,301,365 in fiscal 2024 to $2,090,729 in fiscal 2025, mainly due to winding down BOAM's operations. |
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Expenses. For fiscal 2025 and fiscal 2024, our expenses in dollars and as a percentage of total revenues were as follows:
| For the Years Ended December 31, | ||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 2024 | 2025 vs 2024 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Amount | As a % of Total Revenues | Amount | As a % of Total Revenues | $ Variance | ||||||||||||||||
| Costs and Expenses: | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Cost of billboard revenues | $ | 14,931,320 | 13.0 | % | $ | 15,496,805 | 14.3 | % | $ | (565,485 | ) | |||||||||
| Cost of broadband revenues | 9,701,996 | 8.5 | % | 9,444,030 | 8.7 | % | 257,966 | |||||||||||||
| Cost of insurance revenues | 14,432,722 | 12.6 | % | 9,400,691 | 8.7 | % | 5,032,031 | |||||||||||||
| Employee costs | 34,284,576 | 29.9 | % | 38,146,193 | 35.2 | % | (3,861,617 | ) | ||||||||||||
| Professional fees | 4,117,922 | 3.6 | % | 4,898,144 | 4.5 | % | (780,222 | ) | ||||||||||||
| General and administrative | 15,882,612 | 13.9 | % | 16,237,654 | 15.0 | % | (355,042 | ) | ||||||||||||
| Depreciation | 17,020,257 | 14.9 | % | 14,495,747 | 13.4 | % | 2,524,510 | |||||||||||||
| Amortization | 7,751,053 | 6.8 | % | 7,683,952 | 7.1 | % | 67,101 | |||||||||||||
| Accretion | 217,876 | 0.2 | % | 218,472 | 0.2 | % | (596 | ) | ||||||||||||
| (Gain) loss on disposition of assets | (35,839 | ) | (0.0 | %) | 720,691 | 0.7 | % | (756,530 | ) | |||||||||||
| Total Costs and Expenses | $ | 118,304,495 | 103.4 | % | $ | 116,742,379 | 107.8 | % | $ | 1,562,116 |
During fiscal 2025, we had total costs and expenses of $118,304,495, as compared to total costs and expenses of $116,742,379 in fiscal 2024. Total costs and expenses as a percentage of revenues decreased from 107.8% in fiscal 2024 to 103.4% in fiscal 2025. The key factors impacting costs and expenses across each of our businesses during fiscal 2025 were as follows:
| Column 1 | Column 2 | Column 3 |
|---|---|---|
| ● | Cost of billboard revenues decreased as a percentage of billboard revenues from 34.3% in fiscal 2024 to 32.6% in fiscal 2025. The decrease was mainly driven by lower commissions paid and other billboard cost of revenues. |
| Column 1 | Column 2 | Column 3 |
|---|---|---|
| ● | Cost of broadband revenues decreased as a percentage of broadband revenues from 24.2% in fiscal 2024 to 23.6% in fiscal 2025. The decrease was mainly driven by lower other broadband cost of revenues and software costs as well as organic revenue growth within our broadband businesses. |
| Column 1 | Column 2 | Column 3 |
|---|---|---|
| ● | Cost of insurance revenues increased as a percentage of insurance revenues from 39.4% in fiscal 2024 to 53.0% in fiscal 2025. The increase was mainly driven by an increase in commissions paid as well as higher loss and loss adjustment expense mainly due to an increase in claim payments. Losses and loss adjustment expenses are primarily reserved monthly based on a percentage of earned premiums. |
| Column 1 | Column 2 | Column 3 |
|---|---|---|
| ● | Employee costs in fiscal 2025 were $34,284,576, or 30.0% of total revenues, as compared to $38,146,193, or 35.2% in fiscal 2024. The decrease was mainly driven by one-time severance and bonus payments to our former Co-CEO as a part of his separation and stock repurchase agreement during the second quarter of fiscal 2024. Excluding the one-time severance and bonus payments, employee costs would have been 32.1% of total revenues in fiscal 2024. |
| Column 1 | Column 2 | Column 3 |
|---|---|---|
| ● | Professional fees in fiscal 2025 were $4,117,922, or 3.6% of total revenues, as compared to $4,898,144, or 4.5% of total revenues, in fiscal 2024. The decrease was mainly driving by the one-time legal fees associated with our former Co-CEO's separation and stock repurchase agreement during the second quarter of fiscal 2024. |
| Column 1 | Column 2 | Column 3 |
|---|---|---|
| ● | General and administrative expenses in fiscal 2025 were $15,882,612, or 13.9% of total revenues, as compared to $16,237,654, or 15.0% of total revenues, in fiscal 2024. The decrease was mainly driven by expense reductions within our asset management and broadband businesses. The decrease was partially offset by an increase in expenses within our insurance business and at Boston Omaha's parent company. |
| Column 1 | Column 2 | Column 3 |
|---|---|---|
| ● | Non-cash expenses in fiscal 2025 included $17,020,257 in depreciation expense, $7,751,053 in amortization expense, and $217,876 in accretion expense mainly related to asset retirement obligations for certain billboard assets. The increase in depreciation expense is mainly driven by continued capital investments within our broadband businesses. |
Net Loss from Operations. Net loss from operations in fiscal 2025 was $3,928,147, or 3.4% of total revenues, as compared to a net loss from operations of $8,467,478, or 7.8% of total revenues, in fiscal 2024. The decrease in net loss from operations was primarily due to one-time costs associated with our former Co-CEO's separation and stock repurchase agreement during the second quarter of fiscal 2024, improved operations within our broadband and billboard businesses, and lower expenses within our asset management business, which were partially offset by higher commissions paid and loss and loss adjustment expense within our insurance business. Our net loss from operations included $24,989,186 from non-cash amortization, depreciation and accretion expenses in fiscal 2025, as compared to $22,398,171 in fiscal 2024.
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Other Income (Expense). During fiscal 2025, we had net other expense of $14,456,549. Net other expense included (i) other investment losses of $19,874,269 mainly driven by a $17,554,005 unrealized loss on the Sky Harbour warrants held by Boston Omaha as these warrants are valued based on a mark-to-market reporting method and losses of $6,920,718 within BOAM primarily related to changes in the fair value of the underlying assets within the 24th Street and BFR Funds, which were partially offset by $4,134,847 in realized gains on the sale of 730,095 shares of Sky Harbour Class A common stock, and (ii) interest expense of $2,330,043 mainly incurred under Link's term loan and revolver and BOB's credit facility. These items were partially offset by income of $6,544,671 from unconsolidated affiliates mainly related to our equity method position in Sky Harbour and interest and dividend income of $1,203,092. During fiscal 2024, we had net other income of $11,564,072. Net other income included $29,059,717 in other investment income mainly driven by a $16,983,514 unrealized gain on the Sky Harbour warrants held by Boston Omaha, other investment income of $7,815,912 primarily related to the sale of real estate and changes in the fair value of remaining assets within the 24th Street Funds and BFR Fund, $1,957,056 in non-cash gains associated with the transfer of Sky Harbour Class A common stock to our former Co-CEO as a part of his separation and stock repurchase agreement, $1,137,684 in realized gains on the sale of 285,442 shares of Sky Harbour Class A common stock, and interest and dividend income of $1,385,884. These items were partially offset by a loss of $17,283,281 from unconsolidated affiliates mainly related to non-cash losses from our equity method position in Sky Harbour and interest expense of $1,598,248 mainly incurred under Link's term loan and revolver.
Generally accepted accounting principles ("GAAP") requires us to include the unrealized changes in market prices of investments in public equity securities in our reported earnings. Due to the size of our percentage ownership interest in Sky Harbour's Class A common stock and our right to elect one of the seven members of Sky Harbour's Board of Directors, our investment is recorded under the equity method and, in contrast to our mark-to-market quarterly valuation of our Sky Harbour warrants, we do not include any unrealized gains or losses related to the change in Sky Harbour's Class A common stock price in our reported earnings. In the future, if we are deemed to no longer have significant influence, we may no longer be able to record our investment under the equity method and will be required to include any unrealized gains or losses related to the change in Sky Harbour's stock price in our reported earnings. While we intend to hold our current securities for the longer term, we may in the future choose to sell them for a variety of reasons resulting in realized losses or gains.
Additionally, we have evaluated our investment in Sky Harbour as of December 31, 2025, and determined that there was not an other-than-temporary impairment. Our conclusion was based on several contributing factors, including: (i) our assessment that the underlying business and financial condition of Sky Harbour is favorable, (ii) Sky Harbour's stock price trading above our carrying value for an extended period of time, and (iii) our ability and intent to hold the investment. We will continue to review our investment in Sky Harbour for an other-than-temporary impairment on a quarterly basis or upon the occurrence of certain events. If Sky Harbour's stock price drops below our carrying value of $6.36 per share for a sustained period of time, it will likely result in an impairment of our investment. There may also be a future impairment of our investment if our expectations about Sky Harbour's prospective results of operations and cash flows decline, which could be influenced by a variety of factors including adverse market conditions.
Net Loss Attributable to Common Stockholders. We had a net loss attributable to common stockholders in the amount of $12,427,540 in fiscal 2025, or a loss per share of $0.40, based on 31,413,667 diluted weighted average shares outstanding. This is compared to a net loss attributable to common stockholders of $1,292,450 in fiscal 2024, or a loss per share of $0.04, based on 31,496,857 diluted weighted average shares outstanding.
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The following tables report results for the following four segments in which we operate: billboards, broadband, insurance and asset management for fiscal 2025 and fiscal 2024:
Results of Billboard Operations
| For the Years Ended December 31, | ||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 2024 | |||||||||||||||
| Amount | As a % of Segment Operating Revenues | Amount | As a % of Segment Operating Revenues | |||||||||||||
| Operating Revenues | ||||||||||||||||
| Billboard rentals, net | $ | 45,851,335 | 100.0 | % | $ | 45,153,076 | 100.0 | % | ||||||||
| Cost of Revenues | ||||||||||||||||
| Ground rents | 8,468,658 | 18.5 | % | 8,241,212 | 18.3 | % | ||||||||||
| Utilities | 1,884,017 | 4.1 | % | 1,846,056 | 4.1 | % | ||||||||||
| Commissions paid | 2,857,484 | 6.2 | % | 3,543,865 | 7.8 | % | ||||||||||
| Other costs of revenues | 1,721,161 | 3.8 | % | 1,865,672 | 4.1 | % | ||||||||||
| Total cost of revenues | 14,931,320 | 32.6 | % | 15,496,805 | 34.3 | % | ||||||||||
| Gross margin | 30,920,015 | 67.4 | % | 29,656,271 | 65.7 | % | ||||||||||
| Other Operating Expenses | ||||||||||||||||
| Employee costs | 8,621,513 | 18.8 | % | 7,812,497 | 17.3 | % | ||||||||||
| Professional fees | 290,820 | 0.6 | % | 223,165 | 0.5 | % | ||||||||||
| General and administrative | 4,042,182 | 8.8 | % | 4,033,121 | 8.9 | % | ||||||||||
| Depreciation | 5,311,586 | 11.6 | % | 5,151,286 | 11.4 | % | ||||||||||
| Amortization | 3,885,881 | 8.5 | % | 3,902,738 | 8.7 | % | ||||||||||
| Accretion | 204,101 | 0.5 | % | 204,659 | 0.5 | % | ||||||||||
| (Gain) loss on disposition of assets | (76,985 | ) | (0.2 | %) | 63,455 | 0.1 | % | |||||||||
| Total expenses | 22,279,098 | 48.6 | % | 21,390,921 | 47.4 | % | ||||||||||
| Segment Income from Operations | 8,640,917 | 18.8 | % | 8,265,350 | 18.3 | % | ||||||||||
| Interest expense, net | (1,467,443 | ) | (3.2 | %) | (1,410,216 | ) | (3.1 | %) | ||||||||
| Net Income Attributable to Common Stockholders | $ | 7,173,474 | 15.6 | % | $ | 6,855,134 | 15.2 | % |
Comparison of Fiscal 2025 to Fiscal 2024. In fiscal 2025, there was a 1.5% increase in net billboard revenues from fiscal 2024, reflecting steady rental and occupancy rates across a number of our markets. This growth was achieved despite the headwind of last year's political spend, which did not repeat in fiscal 2025. The key factors affecting our billboard operations results during fiscal 2025 were as follows:
| Column 1 | Column 2 | Column 3 |
|---|---|---|
| ● | Ground rent expense as a percentage of total segment operating revenues increased from 18.3% in fiscal 2024 to 18.5% in fiscal 2025. |
| Column 1 | Column 2 | Column 3 |
|---|---|---|
| ● | Commissions paid as a percentage of total segment operating revenues decreased from 7.8% in fiscal 2024 to 6.2% in fiscal 2025. The decrease is mainly due to the change in Link's management compensation structure to align with strategic goals whereby certain commissions were replaced by other compensation reported under employee costs, as stated below. |
| Column 1 | Column 2 | Column 3 |
|---|---|---|
| ● | Employee costs as a percentage of total segment operating revenues increased from 17.3% in fiscal 2024 to 18.8% in fiscal 2025. The increase is mainly due to the filling of open positions to align processes and lower operating costs in other expense categories as well as the change in Link's management compensation structure whereby, as stated above, certain commissions were replaced by other compensation reported under employee costs. |
| Column 1 | Column 2 | Column 3 |
|---|---|---|
| ● | General and administrative expenses as a percentage of total segment operating revenues decreased from 8.9% in fiscal 2024 to 8.8% in fiscal 2025. |
| Column 1 | Column 2 | Column 3 |
|---|---|---|
| ● | Depreciation and amortization expense as a percentage of total segment operating revenues were 11.6% and 8.5% in fiscal 2025 compared to 11.4% and 8.7% in fiscal 2024, respectively. |
| Column 1 | Column 2 | Column 3 |
|---|---|---|
| ● | Net interest expense was $1,467,443 in fiscal 2025 compared to net interest expense of $1,410,216 in fiscal 2024. The increase is mainly driven by the revolving line of credit. |
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Results of Broadband Operations
| For the Years Ended December 31, | ||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 2024 | |||||||||||||||
| Amount | As a % of Segment Operating Revenues | Amount | As a % of Segment Operating Revenues | |||||||||||||
| Operating Revenues | ||||||||||||||||
| Broadband revenues | $ | 41,194,668 | 100.0 | % | $ | 39,098,228 | 100.0 | % | ||||||||
| Cost of Revenues | ||||||||||||||||
| Network operations and data costs | 5,461,665 | 13.3 | % | 5,081,153 | 13.0 | % | ||||||||||
| Software costs | 741,771 | 1.8 | % | 798,992 | 2.1 | % | ||||||||||
| Cell site rent and utilities | 1,398,994 | 3.4 | % | 1,415,053 | 3.6 | % | ||||||||||
| Other costs of revenues | 2,099,566 | 5.1 | % | 2,148,832 | 5.5 | % | ||||||||||
| Total cost of revenues | 9,701,996 | 23.6 | % | 9,444,030 | 24.2 | % | ||||||||||
| Gross margin | 31,492,672 | 76.4 | % | 29,654,198 | 75.8 | % | ||||||||||
| Other Operating Expenses | ||||||||||||||||
| Employee costs | 14,546,120 | 35.3 | % | 15,541,832 | 39.7 | % | ||||||||||
| Professional fees | 507,448 | 1.2 | % | 850,528 | 2.2 | % | ||||||||||
| General and administrative | 6,904,287 | 16.8 | % | 7,418,184 | 19.0 | % | ||||||||||
| Depreciation | 11,417,378 | 27.7 | % | 9,078,651 | 23.2 | % | ||||||||||
| Amortization | 3,566,037 | 8.7 | % | 3,509,856 | 9.0 | % | ||||||||||
| Accretion | 13,775 | 0.0 | % | 13,813 | 0.0 | % | ||||||||||
| Loss on disposition of assets | 41,146 | 0.1 | % | 657,236 | 1.7 | % | ||||||||||
| Total expenses | 36,996,191 | 89.8 | % | 37,070,100 | 94.8 | % | ||||||||||
| Segment Loss from Operations | (5,503,519 | ) | (13.4 | %) | (7,415,902 | ) | (19.0 | %) | ||||||||
| Interest expense, net | (583,887 | ) | (1.4 | %) | (32,019 | ) | (0.1 | %) | ||||||||
| Noncontrolling interest in subsidiary income | (15,304 | ) | (0.0 | %) | - | - | ||||||||||
| Net Loss Attributable to Common Stockholders | $ | (6,102,710 | ) | (14.8 | %) | $ | (7,447,921 | ) | (19.1 | %) |
Comparison of Fiscal 2025 to Fiscal 2024. In fiscal 2025, total operating revenues increased by 5.4% when compared to fiscal 2024 mainly reflecting subscriber growth across a number of our markets. The key factors affecting our broadband operations results during fiscal 2025 were as follows:
| Column 1 | Column 2 | Column 3 |
|---|---|---|
| ● | Network operations and data costs as a percentage of total segment operating revenues increased from 13.0% in fiscal 2024 to 13.3% in fiscal 2025. The increase is mainly driven by increased cell site circuit costs related to new project developments. |
| Column 1 | Column 2 | Column 3 |
|---|---|---|
| ● | Other costs of revenues as a percentage of total segment operating revenues decreased from 5.5% in fiscal 2024 to 5.1% in fiscal 2025. The decrease is mainly driven by a focused effort to reduce spending within our broadband businesses. |
| Column 1 | Column 2 | Column 3 |
|---|---|---|
| ● | Employee costs as a percentage of total segment operating revenues decreased from 39.7% in fiscal 2024 to 35.3% in fiscal 2025. The decrease is mainly driven by headcount reductions within our broadband businesses. |
| Column 1 | Column 2 | Column 3 |
|---|---|---|
| ● | Professional fees as a percentage of total segment operating revenues decreased from 2.2% in fiscal 2024 to 1.2% in fiscal 2025. The decrease is mainly driven by one-time consulting fees in fiscal 2024 related to government program applications. |
| Column 1 | Column 2 | Column 3 |
|---|---|---|
| ● | General and administrative expenses as a percentage of total segment operating revenues decreased from 19.0% in fiscal 2024 to 16.8% in fiscal 2025. The decrease is mainly driven by a focused effort to reduce general and administrative spending within our broadband businesses. |
| Column 1 | Column 2 | Column 3 |
|---|---|---|
| ● | Depreciation expense increased by $2,338,727 from fiscal 2024. The increase in depreciation expense is mainly driven by continued capital investments across all of our broadband businesses. |
| Column 1 | Column 2 | Column 3 |
|---|---|---|
| ● | Net interest expense was $583,887 in fiscal 2025 compared to $32,019 in fiscal 2024. The increase is mainly driven by the borrowings on the BOB credit facility. |
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Results of Insurance Operations
| For the Years Ended December 31, | ||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 2024 | |||||||||||||||
| Amount | As a % of Segment Operating Revenues | Amount | As a % of Segment Operating Revenues | |||||||||||||
| Operating Revenues | ||||||||||||||||
| Premiums earned | $ | 23,182,446 | 85.1 | % | $ | 19,759,540 | 82.9 | % | ||||||||
| Insurance commissions | 2,057,170 | 7.6 | % | 1,962,692 | 8.2 | % | ||||||||||
| Investment and other income | 1,996,819 | 7.3 | % | 2,129,218 | 8.9 | % | ||||||||||
| Total operating revenues | 27,236,435 | 100.0 | % | 23,851,450 | 100.0 | % | ||||||||||
| Cost of Revenues | ||||||||||||||||
| Commissions paid | 7,113,926 | 26.1 | % | 5,707,648 | 23.9 | % | ||||||||||
| Premium taxes, fees, and assessments | 659,453 | 2.4 | % | 519,588 | 2.2 | % | ||||||||||
| Losses and loss adjustment expense | 6,659,343 | 24.5 | % | 3,173,455 | 13.3 | % | ||||||||||
| Total cost of revenues | 14,432,722 | 53.0 | % | 9,400,691 | 39.4 | % | ||||||||||
| Gross margin | 12,803,713 | 47.0 | % | 14,450,759 | 60.6 | % | ||||||||||
| Other Operating Expenses | ||||||||||||||||
| Employee costs | 9,265,087 | 34.0 | % | 8,499,669 | 35.6 | % | ||||||||||
| Professional fees | 1,116,729 | 4.1 | % | 487,447 | 2.0 | % | ||||||||||
| General and administrative | 3,098,548 | 11.4 | % | 2,647,495 | 11.1 | % | ||||||||||
| Depreciation | 180,380 | 0.6 | % | 154,897 | 0.7 | % | ||||||||||
| Amortization | 160,246 | 0.6 | % | 160,247 | 0.7 | % | ||||||||||
| Total expenses | 13,820,990 | 50.7 | % | 11,949,755 | 50.1 | % | ||||||||||
| Segment (Loss) Income from Operations | (1,017,277 | ) | (3.7 | %) | 2,501,004 | 10.5 | % | |||||||||
| Other investment income | 301,915 | 1.1 | % | 218,015 | 0.9 | % | ||||||||||
| Equity in income of unconsolidated affiliates | 1,853,386 | 6.8 | % | - | - | |||||||||||
| Net Income Attributable to Common Stockholders | $ | 1,138,024 | 4.2 | % | $ | 2,719,019 | 11.4 | % |
Comparison of Fiscal 2025 to Fiscal 2024. In fiscal 2025, total operating revenues increased by 14.2% when compared to fiscal 2024, mainly due to increased earned premiums at our UCS insurance subsidiary. The key factors affecting our insurance operations results during fiscal 2025 were as follows:
| Column 1 | Column 2 | Column 3 |
|---|---|---|
| ● | Premiums earned from our UCS insurance subsidiary increased 17.3% in fiscal 2025 when compared to fiscal 2024. The increase in premiums earned was primarily due to increases in production throughout fiscal 2025. We recognize revenues for written premium over the life of the surety bond and, as a result, increased sales activities are not fully reflected in the quarter in which the surety bond is issued. |
| Column 1 | Column 2 | Column 3 |
|---|---|---|
| ● | Insurance commissions generated by our surety brokerage operations increased by 4.8% in fiscal 2025 when compared to fiscal 2024, mainly due to increased production through outside insurance carriers. |
| Column 1 | Column 2 | Column 3 |
|---|---|---|
| ● | Investment and other income at UCS decreased from $2,129,218 in fiscal 2024 to $1,996,819 in fiscal 2025, mainly due to a decrease in yields on invested assets. |
| Column 1 | Column 2 | Column 3 |
|---|---|---|
| ● | Commissions paid as a percentage of total segment operating revenues increased from 23.9% in fiscal 2024 to 26.1% in fiscal 2025, mainly due to increased production from non-affiliated insurance brokerage firms. |
| Column 1 | Column 2 | Column 3 |
|---|---|---|
| ● | Losses and loss adjustment expenses as a percentage of insurance revenues increased from 13.3% in fiscal 2024 to 24.5% in fiscal 2025, mainly due to an increase in claim payments. Losses and loss adjustment expenses are primarily reserved monthly based on a percentage of earned premiums. |
| Column 1 | Column 2 | Column 3 |
|---|---|---|
| ● | Employee costs as a percentage of total segment operating revenues decreased from 35.6% in fiscal 2024 to 34.0% in fiscal 2025. The decrease is mainly driven by organic revenue growth within our insurance businesses, which was partially offset by an increase in headcount and higher salary costs. |
| Column 1 | Column 2 | Column 3 |
|---|---|---|
| ● | Professional fees as a percentage of total segment operating revenues increased from 2.0% in fiscal 2024 to 4.1% in fiscal 2025, mainly due to fees associated with several internal projects. |
| Column 1 | Column 2 | Column 3 |
|---|---|---|
| ● | General and administrative expenses as a percentage of total segment operating revenues increased from 11.1% in fiscal 2024 to 11.4% in fiscal 2025, mainly due to an increase in rent costs and software development costs related to IT projects. |
| Column 1 | Column 2 | Column 3 |
|---|---|---|
| ● | During fiscal 2025, UCS had equity in income of unconsolidated affiliates of $1,853,386 related to UCS' investment in Sky Harbour Class A common stock and $301,915 in other investment income from realized and unrealized gains on investments in publicly held securities. As of December 31, 2025, UCS had $868,043 in publicly held securities (marked to market) and $17,533,794 in Sky Harbour Class A common stock (equity method). We expect to continue to invest a portion of our excess capital in accordance with insurance regulatory limitations in both publicly traded equity securities and bonds. These investments are subject to the risk of loss in value depending upon market conditions and factors outside of our control. |
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Results of Asset Management Operations
| For the Years Ended December 31, | ||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 2024 | |||||||||||||||
| Amount | As a % of Segment Operating Revenues | Amount | As a % of Segment Operating Revenues | |||||||||||||
| Operating Revenues | ||||||||||||||||
| Investment and other income | $ | 93,910 | 100.0 | % | $ | 172,147 | 100.0 | % | ||||||||
| Cost of Revenues | ||||||||||||||||
| Total cost of revenues | - | - | - | - | ||||||||||||
| Gross margin | 93,910 | 100.0 | % | 172,147 | 100.0 | % | ||||||||||
| Other Operating Expenses | ||||||||||||||||
| Employee costs | - | - | 766,064 | 445.0 | % | |||||||||||
| Professional fees | 706,417 | 752.2 | % | 754,253 | 438.2 | % | ||||||||||
| General and administrative | 165,035 | 175.8 | % | 562,824 | 326.9 | % | ||||||||||
| Depreciation | - | - | - | - | ||||||||||||
| Amortization | - | - | - | - | ||||||||||||
| Total expenses | 871,452 | 928.0 | % | 2,083,141 | 1210.1 | % | ||||||||||
| Segment Loss from Operations | (777,542 | ) | (828.0 | %) | (1,910,994 | ) | (1110.1 | %) | ||||||||
| Interest and dividend income | 29,218 | 31.1 | % | 536,524 | 311.6 | % | ||||||||||
| Other investment (loss) income | (6,920,718 | ) | (7369.5 | %) | 7,815,912 | 4540.3 | % | |||||||||
| Noncontrolling interest in subsidiary loss (income) | 5,893,202 | 6275.4 | % | (4,599,100 | ) | (2671.6 | %) | |||||||||
| Net (Loss) Income Attributable to Common Stockholders | $ | (1,775,840 | ) | (1891.0 | %) | $ | 1,842,342 | 1070.2 | % |
Comparison of Fiscal 2025 to Fiscal 2024. In September 2017, we formed our asset management business. Throughout fiscal 2022 and fiscal 2023 we had been hiring within our asset management business to ensure adequate staffing for the anticipated demands and needs of the business. In May 2023, we acquired 100% of the membership interests in 24th Street from the members of 24th Street other than BOAM. As previously mentioned, we are winding down BOAM's operations and have implemented significant cost cutting measures, which occurred principally in the second half of fiscal 2024. Therefore, comparisons of our asset management results for fiscal 2025 to fiscal 2024 may not be meaningful. The key factors affecting our asset management operations results during fiscal 2025 were as follows:
| Column 1 | Column 2 | Column 3 |
|---|---|---|
| ● | Employee costs in fiscal 2025 were completely removed as we wind down BOAM's operations and implement cost-cutting measures. |
| Column 1 | Column 2 | Column 3 |
|---|---|---|
| ● | Professional fees decreased by $47,836 in fiscal 2025 when compared to fiscal 2024. The decrease is mainly driven by the services agreement with Local Asset Management LLC to provide management services associated with the wind down of the 24th Street and BFR Funds. The Services Agreement provides for consulting fees which reduce over time as assets managed within the funds are sold. |
| Column 1 | Column 2 | Column 3 |
|---|---|---|
| ● | General and administrative expenses decreased by $397,789 in fiscal 2025 when compared to fiscal 2024 as we wind down BOAM's operations and implement cost-cutting measures. |
| Column 1 | Column 2 | Column 3 |
|---|---|---|
| ● | Interest and dividend income decreased by $507,306 in fiscal 2025 when compared to fiscal 2024. The decrease is mainly related to the distribution of excess cash in the 24th Street and BFR Funds to limited partners during the second quarter of fiscal 2024. |
| Column 1 | Column 2 | Column 3 |
|---|---|---|
| ● | Other investment loss in fiscal 2025 primarily included the changes in the fair value of the 24th Street and BFR Funds mainly driven by the decrease in value of certain underlying real estate. |
| Column 1 | Column 2 | Column 3 |
|---|---|---|
| ● | Noncontrolling interest in subsidiary loss in fiscal 2025 primarily included the external limited partners' share of GAAP losses within the 24th Street and BFR Funds, mainly driven by the change in fair value referenced above. |
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Cash Flows
Cash Flows for Fiscal 2025 compared to Fiscal 2024. The table below summarizes our cash flows in dollars for fiscal 2025 and fiscal 2024:
| 2025 | 2024 | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Net cash provided by operating activities | $ | 17,857,490 | $ | 21,241,580 | ||||
| Net cash (used in) provided by investing activities | (13,546,607 | ) | 28,099,816 | |||||
| Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities | 1,206,318 | (47,557,174 | ) | |||||
| Net (decrease) increase in cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash | $ | 5,517,201 | $ | 1,784,222 |
Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities. Net cash provided by operating activities was $17,857,490 during fiscal 2025 as compared to net cash provided by operating activities of $21,241,580 during fiscal 2024. The decrease in net cash provided by operating activities was mainly driven by an increase in expenses within our insurance business, an increase in prepaid expenses as well as a decrease in accounts payable and accrued expenses. These items were partially offset by improved cash flow generation within our billboard and broadband businesses as well as lower expenses within our asset management business and Boston Omaha's parent company.
Net Cash (Used in) Provided by Investing Activities. Net cash used in investing activities was $13,546,607 during fiscal 2025 as compared to net cash provided by investing activities of $28,099,816 during fiscal 2024. During fiscal 2025, net cash used in investing activities is primarily attributable to $27,898,145 in capital expenditures, mainly within our broadband businesses, which was partially offset by $14,366,051 in net cash proceeds mainly from the sale or maturity of U.S. Treasury securities, sale of real estate investments within BOAM, and sale of marketable equity securities.
Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities. Net cash provided by financing activities was $1,206,318 during fiscal 2025 as compared to net cash used in financing activities of $47,557,174 during fiscal 2024. During fiscal 2025, net cash provided by financing activities mainly consisted of $11,500,000 in borrowings on BOB's credit facility, $3,936,347 in collateral received at UCS, and $525,256 in proceeds from the issuance of stock related to Magnolia Capital Fund, LP's exercise in full of its remaining Class B warrants. These items were partially offset by $7,084,357 in distributions to noncontrolling interests from the 24th Street and BFR Funds, $5,752,737 in stock repurchases, and $2,293,195 in principal payments on long-term debt.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
Currently, we own billboards in Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia, and Wisconsin, a surety insurance company we acquired in December 2016, surety insurance brokerage firms we acquired in 2016, 2017 and 2021, broadband services providers whose assets we acquired in 2020, 2022 and 2023, minority investments in commercial real estate management and brokerage services, a bank focused on servicing the automotive loan market, and a developer of private aviation infrastructure focused on building, leasing and managing business aviation hangars. At December 31, 2025, we had approximately $28.6 million in unrestricted cash and $20.7 million in short-term U.S. treasury securities. Our strategy is to continue to expand certain parts of our existing businesses as well as acquire other businesses and open new businesses which we believe have the potential to generate positive cash flows when made at what we believe to be attractive prices relative to other opportunities generally available to us. We currently expect to finance any future acquisitions and investments with cash, debt and seller or third-party financing. In the future, we may satisfy all or a portion of the purchase price for an acquisition with our equity securities. In addition, we have made investments in several companies and expect to continue to make investments in the securities of both publicly traded and privately held companies. We reserve the right to dispose of a business or subset of a business unit if, based upon management’s periodic review of our portfolio, our Board of Directors determines that such action would be in our best interest.
On November 14, 2025, the Board approved and authorized the Share Repurchase Program, pursuant to which we announced our intention to repurchase up to $30 million of our Class A common stock, from time to time, in the open market, privately negotiated transactions, or otherwise in compliance with Rule 10b-18 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. The Board also authorized the Company, in its discretion, to establish “Rule 10b5-1 trading plans” for these share repurchases. The Share Repurchase Program went into effect on or about November 18, 2025 and will terminate on December 31, 2026, unless earlier terminated in the discretion of the Board. The actual timing, number, and value of shares repurchased under the Share Repurchase Program will depend on a number of factors, including constraints specified in applicable SEC regulations, price, general business and market conditions, and alternative investment opportunities. Pursuant to the Share Repurchase Program, the Company is not obligated to repurchase any specific number of shares of its Class A common stock and shall not repurchase more than 25% of the average daily volume of its stock over the previous 20 trading days. During fiscal 2025, we repurchased 444,753 shares of our Class A common stock for a total cost of approximately $5,800,000.
There can be no assurance that we will consummate any subsequent acquisitions. Furthermore, our acquisitions are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, including as to when, whether and to what extent the anticipated benefits and cost savings of a particular acquisition will be realized. Our failure to successfully identify and complete future acquisitions of assets or businesses could reduce future potential earnings, available cash, and slow our anticipated growth. If we elect to sell all or a portion of a business unit, the sale of the disposed unit may disrupt operations, cause key talent loss, or create difficulties in separating shared services, impacting the remaining business's financial performance. If we elect to sell all or a portion of a business unit, we may may fail to secure a buyer, fail to consummate the transaction, or face prolonged closing timelines due to delays in obtaining any required approvals by government agencies or our lenders. Divestitures can also result in reduced cash flow, unexpected tax consequences, or the need to write down goodwill associated with the disposed business unit. Although we have entered into, and expect to continue to enter into, non-binding letters of intent to acquire businesses on a regular basis, we do not currently have any agreements, commitments or understandings for any specific material acquisitions that are probable of being consummated at this time.
To date, we have raised funds through the sale of our common stock in public offerings, sales of our common stock in “at the market” programs, term loan financings through our Link and BOB subsidiaries, proceeds from the sale of publicly traded securities held by us, cash flow from operations, and, prior to 2019, through private placements of our common stock.
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2022 Shelf Registration Statement
In April 2022, we filed a shelf registration statement on Form S-3 (File No. 333-264470) that was declared effective on May 11, 2022, and which has now expired, relating to the registration of Class A common stock, preferred stock, par value $0.001 per share, which we refer to as “preferred stock,” debt securities and warrants of the Company for up to $500 million. Additionally, in the 2022 Shelf Registration Statement, we registered for resale up to 8,297,039 shares of Class A common stock acquired in 2018 or earlier in private placements in accordance with the terms of a 2018 registration rights agreement. We will not receive any proceeds from the sale of Class A common stock by the selling shareholders. Currently, the selling stockholders are the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, or “MIT,” as well as 238 Plan Associates LLC, an MIT pension and benefit fund, and a limited partnership holding our Class A common stock for the economic benefit of MIT. No officer or director has any beneficial interest in any shares eligible for resale by the selling shareholders. Also, we registered shares held by Adam Peterson and his affiliates underlying the Class A common stock and shares of Class A common stock issuable upon conversion of shares of Class B common stock of which shares have been sold. In May 2022, we also registered 1,018,660 shares of Class A common stock held by Magnolia and Boulderado and their affiliates. All of the shares held by Boulderado were repurchased by the Company in May 2024 and, as a result, 522,231 shares of our Class A common stock are available for resale under that registration statement. Based upon filings by these shareholders with the SEC, as of December 31, 2025, certain of our stockholders still hold 7,713,933 registered shares of our Class A common stock. The 2022 shelf registration statement expired in May 2025.
We may in the future file a new shelf registration statement which would allow us, from time to time, in one or more offerings, to offer and sell Class A common stock or preferred stock, various series of debt securities and/or warrants. We or any selling security holders may offer these securities from time to time in amounts, at prices and on terms determined at the time of the offering. We may sell these securities to or through one or more underwriters, dealers or agents, or directly to purchasers on a delayed or continuous basis. Unless otherwise set forth in an applicable prospectus supplement, we intend to use the net proceeds from the sale of the securities that we may offer for general corporate purposes, including, but not limited to, financing our existing businesses and operations, and expanding our businesses and operations through additional hires, strategic alliances, and acquisitions. Unless otherwise set forth in a prospectus supplement, we will not receive any proceeds from the sale of securities by any selling stockholders.
Link Credit Agreement
On August 12, 2019, Link entered into a Credit Agreement (the “Credit Agreement”) with First National Bank of Omaha (the “Lender”) under which Link could borrow up to $40 million (the “Credit Facility”). The Credit Agreement provided for an initial term loan (“Term Loan 1”), an incremental term loan (“Term Loan 2”) and a revolving line of credit. Link initially borrowed approximately $18 million under Term Loan 1 and $5.5 million under Term Loan 2. On December 6, 2021, Link entered into a Fourth Amendment to Credit Agreement, which modified the Credit Agreement by increasing the borrowing limit to $30 million and combining the outstanding balances under Term Loan 1 and Term Loan 2 as well as any incremental borrowings into a term loan (“Term Loan”). The Term Loan is secured by all assets of Link and its operating subsidiaries, including a pledge of equity interests of each of Link’s subsidiaries. In addition, each of Link’s subsidiaries has joined as a guarantor to the obligations under the Credit Agreement. The loan is not guaranteed by Boston Omaha or any of our non-billboard businesses.
Principal amounts under the Term Loan were payable in monthly installments according to a 15-year amortization schedule with principal payments commencing on January 1, 2022. Starting July 1, 2023, principal amounts under the Term Loan are payable in monthly installments according to a 25-year amortization schedule. The Term Loan is payable in full on December 6, 2028. The Term Loan has a fixed interest rate of 4.00% per annum.
On May 30, 2024, Link entered into a Ninth Amendment to Credit Agreement, which modified the Credit Agreement by increasing the maximum availability under the revolving line of credit from $10,000,000 to $15,000,000. Interest payments are based on the U.S. Prime Rate minus an applicable margin ranging between 0.65% and 1.15% dependent on Link’s consolidated leverage ratio.
On October 20, 2025, Link entered into a Tenth Amendment to Credit Agreement, which modified the Credit Agreement by extending the revolving line of credit maturity date and updating the definition of the consolidated fixed charge coverage ratio. The revolving line of credit is now due and payable on August 12, 2029. In order to consolidate the various amendments to the Credit Agreement, the Tenth Amendment to Credit Agreement incorporated the previous amendments to the Credit Agreement into a Restated Credit Agreement.
Long-term debt included within our Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2025 consists of Link’s Term Loan borrowings of approximately $25,700,000, of which approximately $890,000 is classified as current, and $9,100,000 related to the revolving line of credit as of December 31, 2025.
Under the Term Loan, Link is required to comply with the following financial covenants: A consolidated leverage ratio for any test period ending on the last day of any fiscal quarter of Link (a) beginning with the fiscal quarter ended June 30, 2024 of not greater than 3.50 to 1.00, (b) beginning with the fiscal quarter ending December 31, 2026 of not greater than 3.25 to 1.00 and (c) beginning with the fiscal quarter ending December 31, 2027 and thereafter of not greater than 3.00 to 1.00, and a minimum consolidated fixed charge coverage ratio of not less than 1.15 to 1.00 measured quarterly, based on rolling four quarters. The Company was in compliance with these covenants as of December 31, 2025.
The Credit Agreement includes representations and warranties, reporting covenants, affirmative covenants, negative covenants, financial covenants and events of default customary for financings of this type. Upon the occurrence of an event of default the Lender may accelerate the loan. Upon the occurrence of certain insolvency and bankruptcy events of default the loan will automatically accelerate. The foregoing summary of the Credit Agreement and the transactions contemplated thereby does not purport to be a complete description and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the terms and conditions of the Credit Agreement and Security Agreement, copies of which are attached as Exhibit 10.1 and Exhibit 10.2, respectively to our Form 8-K as filed with the SEC on August 13, 2019, a First Amendment to Credit Agreement with the Lender as filed as Exhibit 10.1 on Form 8-K as filed with the SEC on October 29, 2019, a Second Amendment to Credit Agreement with the Lender as filed as Exhibit 10.1 on Form 8-K as filed with the SEC on June 30, 2020, a Third Amendment to Credit Agreement with the Lender as filed as Exhibit 10.1 on Form 8-K as filed with the SEC on August 24, 2021, a Fourth Amendment to Credit Agreement with the Lender as filed as Exhibit 10.1 on Form 8-K as filed with the SEC on December 9, 2021, a Fifth Amendment to Credit Agreement with the Lender as filed as Exhibit 10.1 on Form 8-K as filed with the SEC on June 3, 2022, a Sixth Amendment to Credit Agreement with the Lender as filed as Exhibit 10.1 on Form 8-K as filed with the SEC on April 11, 2023, a Seventh Amendment to Credit Agreement with the Lender as filed as Exhibit 10.1 on Form 8-K as filed with the SEC on September 26, 2023, an Eighth Amendment to Credit Agreement with the Lender as filed as Exhibit 10.1 on Form 8-K as filed with the SEC on February 16, 2024, a Ninth Amendment to Credit Agreement with the Lender as filed as Exhibit 10.1 on Form 8-K as filed with the SEC on June 5, 2024, and a Tenth Amendment to Credit Agreement with the Lender as filed as Exhibit 10.20 to this Report on Form 10-K.
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Boston Omaha Broadband Credit Agreements
On September 17, 2024, three operating subsidiaries of Boston Omaha Broadband, LLC ("BOB") entered into a Credit Agreement (the “BOB Credit Agreement”) with First National Bank of Omaha (the “Lender”) under which certain subsidiaries of BOB can borrow up to $20,000,000 in the aggregate in term loans (the “BOB Credit Facility”). The BOB Credit Agreement was subsequently split into separate credit agreements with each of the Borrowers in order to allow certain borrowers to apply for federal loan funding, hereinafter referred to as the "BOB Credit Agreements." All material terms of the original BOB Credit Agreement remain unchanged in the Amended and Restated Credit Agreement for FIF Airebeam, LLC and FIF St. George, LLC and the Credit Agreement for FIF Utah, LLC. The three operating subsidiaries which are the borrowers under the BOB Credit Agreements are FIF AireBeam LLC, FIF St. George, LLC, and FIF Utah LLC (collectively, the “Borrowers”). The loans are guaranteed by BOB but are not guaranteed by BOC or any other businesses owned by BOC and its other subsidiaries. The loans under the BOB Credit Facility are secured by all assets of each of the Borrowers. Funds available under the BOB Credit Facility are to be used for capital expenditures associated with capital acquisition and leasing of capital equipment for expansion of the Borrowers’ businesses.
On October 29, 2025, BOB entered into a First Amendment to BOB Credit Agreements, which modified the BOB Credit Agreement by extending the term loan draw expiration date to December 31, 2025.
The BOB Credit Agreements provided for incremental drawdowns of the term loan in minimum increments of $1,000,000. Each term loan is due five years following the borrowing date of such term loan. As of December 31, 2025, the outstanding term loan end dates range from October 1, 2029 to November 18, 2030. Principal under each term loan is amortized in equal monthly payments over a 10-year period from the date of each term loan. Interest under each term loan accrues at the “Applicable Margin,” which is set at (a) 2.75% per annum with respect to any SOFR Loan, and (b) 1.75% per annum with respect to any Base Rate Loan. There was a fee during the first year of the BOB Credit Facility equal to 0.25% of any unused portion of the $20 million loan commitment.
Pursuant to the BOB Credit Agreements, BOB is required to comply with the following financial covenants: A consolidated leverage ratio for any test period ending on the last day of any fiscal quarter of BOB of not greater than 3.50 to 1.00, a minimum consolidated fixed charge coverage ratio of not less than 1.15 to 1.00 measured quarterly, based on rolling four quarters, and maximum capital expenditures not exceeding Consolidated Adjusted EBITDA less dividends and distributions paid to BOB, the cash portion of taxes, unfinanced maintenance capital expenditures, principal amortization payments or redemptions on indebtedness to be paid in cash, cash payments made with respect to capital lease obligations during the period, and cash interest expense for the period.
The BOB Credit Agreements include representations and warranties, reporting covenants, affirmative covenants, negative covenants, financial covenants and events of default customary for financings of this type. Upon the occurrence of an event of default the Lender may accelerate the loan. Upon the occurrence of certain insolvency and bankruptcy events of default the loan will automatically accelerate. All assets of the Borrowers, their Subsidiaries and BOB are secured by the grant of a security interest in substantially all of their assets to the Lender. The foregoing summaries of the BOB Credit Agreements and the transactions contemplated thereby do not purport to be a complete description and are qualified in their entirety by reference to the terms and conditions of each of the BOB Credit Agreements, copies of which are included as Exhibits 10.22 and 10.28 to this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
Long-term debt included within our Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2025 consists of approximately $14,000,000 under BOB's credit facility, of which approximately $1,500,000 is classified as current, and approximately $34,800,000 under Link's credit facility, of which approximately $890,000 is classified as current and $9,100,000 is related to its revolving line of credit. Long-term debt included within our Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2024 consisted of approximately $3,400,000 under BOB's credit facility, of which approximately $350,000 was classified as current, and $36,123,138 under Link's credit facility, of which $851,444 was classified as current and $9,600,000 was related to its revolving line of credit.
Investments in Yellowstone Acquisition Company and Sky Harbour
In 2020, we acted as the sponsor for the initial public offering of Yellowstone and purchased 3,399,724 shares of Yellowstone Class B common stock and 7,719,779 private placement warrants at a combined cost of approximately $7.8 million. On August 1, 2021, we entered into an equity purchase agreement with Sky Harbour LLC by which Sky Harbour LLC unitholders would acquire a majority interest in the combined businesses following the completion of a business combination. As part of the equity purchase agreement, and immediately prior to the completion by Sky Harbour LLC of a private activity bond financing raising $160 million in proceeds in September 2021, we purchased Class B Preferred Units in Sky Harbour LLC for a purchase price of $55 million, which Class B Preferred Units converted to 5,500,000 shares of Sky Harbour Class A common stock upon the closing of the Sky Harbour business combination on January 25, 2022. Also, upon the closing of the business combination, we purchased an additional 4,500,000 shares of Sky Harbour Class A common stock for a purchase price of $45 million.
| Column 1 | Column 2 | Column 3 |
|---|---|---|
| ● | Upon the closing of the Sky Harbour business combination, our Class B common stock converted to Class A common stock of Sky Harbour and our private placement warrants are now exercisable to purchase 7,719,779 shares of Class A common stock of Sky Harbour. |
| Column 1 | Column 2 | Column 3 |
|---|---|---|
| ● | Each Sky Harbour Warrant is exercisable for one share of Class A common stock at a price of $11.50 per share, subject to adjustment, with each Sky Harbour Warrant being exercisable through January 25, 2027. Unlike Sky Harbour’s publicly traded warrants, these warrants are not redeemable by Sky Harbour as long as we or permitted transferees hold these warrants. The Sky Harbour Warrants are also exercisable on a cashless basis. |
| Column 1 | Column 2 | Column 3 |
|---|---|---|
| ● | Our Sky Harbour Class A common stock and the Sky Harbour Warrants and the shares underlying the warrants were subject to a lockup which expired on January 24, 2023. |
| Column 1 | Column 2 | Column 3 |
|---|---|---|
| ● | Subsequent to the closing of the Sky Harbour business combination, we distributed 75,000 shares of Sky Harbour Class A common stock to the outside directors of Yellowstone and 206,250 shares of Sky Harbour Class A common stock to an investor in the Yellowstone IPO. As of December 31, 2025, we hold 11,671,494 shares of Sky Harbour Class A common stock and 7,719,779 Sky Harbour Warrants. |
| Column 1 | Column 2 | Column 3 |
|---|---|---|
| ● | All the shares of Sky Harbour Class A common stock and Sky Harbour warrants to purchase Class A common stock that we hold have been registered under the Securities Act. However, our ability to resell any significant portion of these shares is limited by the large number of Sky Harbour shares and warrants we hold relative to the average trading volume of these securities. |
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Future Working Capital Requirements
We believe that our existing cash and short-term investments, funds available through the Credit Agreement Link entered into on August 12, 2019, as amended, funds available through the Credit Agreement Boston Omaha Broadband entered into on September 17, 2024, any funds that we may receive from cash flows from operations, and any funds that we may receive through the sale of the remaining real estate assets in the 24th Street and BFR Funds will be sufficient to meet working capital requirements and anticipated capital expenditures for the next 12 months. At December 31, 2025, we had approximately $28.6 million in unrestricted cash and $20.7 million in short-term U.S. treasury securities.
If future additional significant acquisition opportunities and expansion opportunities within our billboard and broadband services businesses become available in excess of our currently available cash, U.S. Treasury securities, and marketable equity securities, we may need to seek additional capital through long term debt borrowings, the sale of our securities, and/or other financing options and we may not be able to obtain such debt or equity financing on terms favorable to us or at all. In the future, we may use a number of different sources to finance our acquisitions and operations, including current cash on hand, potential future cash flows from operations, seller financing, debt financings including but not limited to long-term debt and line of credit facilities, including additional credit facilities which may or may not be secured by our assets or those of our operating subsidiaries, additional common or preferred equity issuances or any combination of these sources, to the extent available to us, or other sources that may become available from time to time, which could include asset sales and issuance of debt securities. In addition to current credit facilities at Link and Boston Omaha Broadband, any future debt that we incur may be recourse or non-recourse and may be secured or unsecured. Existing credit facilities at Link and Boston Omaha Broadband impose restrictions that could increase our vulnerability to general adverse economic and industry conditions by limiting our flexibility in planning for and reacting to changes in our billboard, insurance, asset management, and broadband businesses. Specifically, these restrictions place limits on Link, Boston Omaha Broadband, and their subsidiaries’ ability to, among other things, incur additional indebtedness, make additional acquisitions and investments, pay dividends, repurchase stock, create liens, enter into transactions with affiliates, merge, consolidate, transfer or sell assets. Both credit facilities require Link and Boston Omaha Broadband to meet a fixed charge coverage ratio and other financial covenants. Link’s ability as well as Boston Omaha Broadband's ability to comply with these loan covenants may be affected by factors beyond their control and a breach of any loan covenants would likely result in an event of default under either Credit Agreement, which would permit the Lender to declare all amounts incurred thereunder to be immediately due and payable and to terminate their commitment to make future extensions of credit. We also may take advantage of joint venture or other partnering opportunities as such opportunities arise in order to acquire properties that would otherwise be unavailable to us. Any future credit facilities which we or any of our subsidiaries may enter into would likely impose similar restrictions and risks.
We may use the proceeds of any future borrowings to acquire assets or for general corporate purposes. In determining when to use leverage, we will assess the appropriateness of new equity or debt capital based on market conditions, including assumptions regarding future cash flow, the creditworthiness of customers, and future rental and subscriber rates.
We conduct and plan to continue to conduct our activities in such a manner as not to be deemed an investment company under the Investment Company Act of 1940 (the "Investment Company Act"). Therefore, no more than 40% of our total assets can be invested in investment securities, as such term is defined in the Investment Company Act. In addition, we do not invest or intend to invest in securities as our primary business. Although we do not currently hold investments in an amount which would cause us to register under the Investment Company Act, we run the risk of inadvertently being deemed to be an investment company that is required to register under the Investment Company Act because a significant portion of our assets consists of investments in companies in which we own less than a majority interest. The risk varies depending on events beyond our control, such as significant appreciation or depreciation in the market value of certain of our publicly traded holdings, adverse developments with respect to our ownership of certain of our subsidiaries, and transactions involving the sale of certain assets. If we are deemed to be an inadvertent investment company, we may seek to rely on a safe-harbor under the Investment Company Act that would provide us a one-year grace period to take steps to avoid being deemed to be an investment company. In order to ensure we avoid being deemed an investment company, we have taken, and may need to continue to take, steps to reduce the percentage of our assets that constitute investment assets under the Investment Company Act. These steps have included, among others, selling marketable securities that we might otherwise hold for the long-term and deploying our cash in non-investment assets. We have recently sold marketable securities, including at times at a loss, and we may be forced to sell our investment assets at unattractive prices or to sell assets that we otherwise believe benefit our business in the future to remain below the requisite threshold. We may also seek to acquire additional non-investment assets to maintain compliance with the Investment Company Act, and we may need to incur debt, issue additional equity or enter into other financing arrangements that are not otherwise attractive to our business. Any of these actions could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations and financial condition. Moreover, we can make no assurance that we would successfully be able to take the necessary steps to avoid being deemed to be an investment company in accordance with the safe-harbor. If we were unsuccessful, then we would have to register as an investment company, and we would be unable to operate our business in its current form. We would be subject to extensive, restrictive, and potentially adverse statutory provisions and regulations relating to, among other things, operating methods, management, capital structure, indebtedness, dividends, and transactions with affiliates. If we were deemed to be an investment company and did not register as an investment company when required to do so, there would be a risk, among other material adverse consequences, that we could become subject to monetary penalties or injunctive relief, or both, that we would be unable to enforce contracts with third parties, and/or that third parties could seek to obtain rescission of transactions with us undertaken during the period in which we were deemed to be an unregistered investment company.
Our certificate of incorporation and bylaws do not limit the amount of debt that we may incur. Our Board of Directors has not adopted a policy limiting the total amount of debt that we may incur. Our Board of Directors will consider a number of factors in evaluating the amount of debt that we may incur. If we adopt a debt policy, our Board of Directors may from time to time modify such policy in light of then-current economic conditions, relative costs of debt and equity capital, market values of our properties, general conditions in the markets for debt and equity securities, fluctuations in the market price of our Class A common stock if then trading on any exchange, growth and acquisition opportunities, and other factors. Our decision to use leverage in the future to finance our assets will be at our discretion and will not be subject to the approval of our stockholders, and we are not restricted by our governing documents or otherwise in the amount of leverage that we may use.
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
Except for our normal operating leases, we do not have any off-balance sheet financing arrangements, transactions or special purpose entities.
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Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates
The preparation of the consolidated financial statements and related notes to the consolidated financial statements requires us to make estimates that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenue and expenses, and related disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities. We base these estimates on historical results and various other assumptions believed to be reasonable, all of which form the basis for making estimates concerning the carrying values of assets and liabilities that are not readily available from other sources. Actual results may differ from these estimates.
In the notes accompanying the consolidated financial statements, we describe the significant accounting policies used in the preparation of our consolidated financial statements. We believe that the following represent the most significant estimates and management judgments used in preparing the consolidated financial statements.
Consolidation Policy
The financial statements of Boston Omaha Corporation include the accounts of the Company and our consolidated subsidiaries, which are comprised of voting interest entities in which we have a controlling financial interest and variable interest entities in which we are the primary beneficiary in accordance with ASC 810, Consolidation. The equity attributable to non-controlling interests in subsidiaries is shown separately in the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets.
Retention of Specialized Accounting
Each of 24th Street Fund I and 24th Street Fund II, collectively “the 24th Street Funds,” and Fund One Boston Omaha Build for Rent LP qualify as investment companies and apply specialized industry accounting. We report fund investments on our Consolidated Balance Sheets at their estimated fair value, with gains (losses) resulting from changes in fair value reflected within ‘Other investment income’ in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Operations. Accordingly, the accompanying consolidated financial statements reflect different accounting policies for investments depending on whether or not they are held through a consolidated investment company.
Goodwill
Goodwill represents future economic benefits arising from other assets acquired in a business combination that are not individually identified and separately recognized. Goodwill is subject to an annual impairment test. We designated October 1 as the date of our annual goodwill impairment test. We are required to identify our reporting units and determine the carrying value of each reporting unit. We analyze financial information of our operations to identify discrete segments that constitute a reporting unit. We assign assets acquired and liabilities assumed in business combinations to those reporting units. We have identified four reporting units: billboard operations, broadband operations, insurance brokerage and insurance carrier operations, and asset management operations. We are required to determine the fair value of each reporting unit and compare it to the carrying amount of the reporting unit. To the extent the carrying amount of a reporting unit exceeds the fair value of the reporting unit, we would be required to book an impairment loss. For our annual review of reporting units, we employ a third party valuation expert.
We conduct a qualitative assessment by examining relevant events and circumstances which could have a negative impact on our goodwill, including macroeconomic conditions, industry and market conditions, cost factors, overall financial performance, reporting unit dispositions and acquisitions, our market capitalization, and other relevant events specific to us. If, after assessing the totality of events or circumstances described above, we determine that it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount, we will perform a quantitative impairment test. If industry and economic conditions deteriorate, we may be required to assess goodwill impairment before the next annual test, which could result in impairment charges. The fair value of each of our goodwill reporting units is generally estimated using a combination of public company multiples and discounted cash flow methodologies. The discounted cash flow approach that we use for valuing goodwill as part of the impairment testing approach involves estimating future cash flows expected to be generated from the related assets, discounted to their present value using a risk-adjusted discount rate.
Losses and Loss Adjustment Expenses
Unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses represent estimates for the ultimate cost of unpaid reported and unreported claims incurred and related expenses. Estimates for losses and loss adjustment expenses are based on past experience of investigating and adjusting claims and consideration of the level of premiums written during the current and prior year. Since the reserves are based on estimates, the ultimate liability may differ from the estimated reserve. The effects of changes in estimated reserves are included in the results of operations in the period in which the estimates are updated.
MD&A history
Prior-year 10-K MD&A spans are extracted from SEC filings with the same bounded parser used for the latest filing. The latest 10-K appears above; prior years are below.
FY 2024 10-K MD&A
SEC filing source: 0001437749-25-009715.
Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.
You should read the following discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations together with our consolidated financial statements and related notes appearing elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K. The following discussion contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. Our actual results and the timing of certain events could differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements as a result of certain factors, including those discussed below and as set forth under Summary Risk Factors and “Item 1A. Risk Factors.” Please also refer to the section under the heading “Cautionary Note Concerning Forward-Looking Statements.”
Overview
We are currently engaged in outdoor billboard advertising, broadband services, surety insurance and related brokerage businesses, and an asset management business. In addition, we hold minority investments in commercial real estate management and brokerage services, a bank focused on servicing the automotive loan market, and a developer of private aviation infrastructure focused on building, leasing and managing business aviation hangars.
Outdoor Billboard Advertising. In June 2015, we commenced our billboard business operations through acquisitions by Link, our wholly owned subsidiary, of smaller billboard companies located in the Southeast United States and Wisconsin. During July and August 2018, we acquired the membership interest or assets of three larger billboard companies which increased our overall billboard count to approximately 2,900 billboards. In addition, we have made several billboard acquisitions on a smaller scale since that date. We believe that we are a leading outdoor billboard advertising company in the markets we serve in the Midwest. As of December 31, 2024, we operate approximately 4,000 billboards with approximately 7,600 advertising faces. One of our principal business objectives is to continue to acquire additional billboard assets through acquisitions of existing billboard businesses in the United States when they can be made at what we believe to be attractive prices relative to other opportunities generally available to us.
Surety Insurance. In September 2015, we established an insurance subsidiary, GIG, designed to own and operate insurance businesses generally handling high volume, lower policy limit commercial lines of property and casualty insurance. In April 2016, our surety insurance business commenced with the acquisition of a surety insurance brokerage business with a national internet-based presence. In December 2016, we completed the acquisition of UCS, a surety insurance company, which at that time was licensed to issue surety bonds in only nine states. UCS now has licenses to operate in all 50 states and the District of Columbia. In addition, over the last several years, we have also acquired additional surety insurance brokerage businesses located in various regions of the United States. We may in the future expand the reach of our insurance activities to other forms of insurance which may have similar characteristics to surety, such as high volume and low average policy premium insurance businesses which historically have similar economics.
Broadband Services. In March 2020, we commenced our broadband services business with the acquisition of substantially all of the business assets of FibAire, a rural broadband internet provider that served over 8,000 customers in communities in southern Arizona with a high-speed fixed wireless internet service and is building an all fiber-to-the-home network in select Arizona markets. In December 2020, we acquired substantially all of the business assets of UBB, a broadband internet provider that provided high-speed internet to over 10,000 customers throughout Utah. In September 2021, we announced the launch of Fiber Fast Homes, LLC, which partners with builders, developers and build for rent communities to build fiber-to-the-home infrastructure and provide fiber internet service to residents. In April 2022, we acquired substantially all of the business assets of InfoWest, which are fiber and fixed wireless internet service providers with over 20,000 customers throughout Southern and Central Utah, Northern Arizona and Moapa Valley, Nevada. In addition, over the last few years, we have also acquired additional smaller broadband businesses located in Utah. As of December 31, 2024, we have approximately 46,900 broadband customers (15,600 fiber customers) and 39,800 fiber passings completed. We hope to continue to expand in Arizona, Florida, Nevada, Utah, and other locales.
Investments:
| Column 1 | Column 2 | Column 3 |
|---|---|---|
| ● | Since September 2015, we have made a series of investments in commercial real estate, a commercial real estate management, brokerage and related services business as well as an asset management business. We currently own 30% of Logic. On May 1, 2023, our BOAM subsidiary acquired 100% of the membership interests in 24th Street from the members of 24th Street other than BOAM for cash and BOC Class A common stock valued at $5,016,494 in the aggregate. Prior to the transaction, BOAM indirectly owned 48% of the membership interests of 24th Street. The consideration consisted of $2,759,072 in cash at closing, an additional $1,254,102 in cash subject to holdback, and 45,644 shares of BOC Class A common stock (based on the average closing price of BOC Class A common stock for the 30 business day period ending two days before the closing date). The shares issued in the transaction are unregistered and have no registration rights. The purchase agreement also provides for certain payments based on performance to receive the holdback amount and certain other potential earnout payments. In addition, we have invested, through one of our subsidiaries, an aggregate of $6 million in the 24th Street Funds. These funds are managed by 24th Street and focus on opportunities within secured lending and direct investments in commercial real estate. |
| Column 1 | Column 2 | Column 3 |
|---|---|---|
| ● | In December 2017, we invested $10 million in common units of DFH, the parent company of Dream Finders Homes, LLC, a national home builder. In addition to its homebuilding operations, DFH's subsidiaries provide mortgage loan origination and title insurance services to homebuyers. On January 25, 2021, Dream Finders Homes, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of DFH, completed its initial public offering and Dream Finders Homes, Inc. became a holding company and sole manager of DFH. Upon completion of the initial public offering, our outstanding common units in DFH were converted into 4,681,099 shares of Class A common stock of Dream Finders Homes, Inc., and one of our subsidiaries purchased an additional 120,000 shares of Class A common stock in the initial public offering. Since DFH’s initial public offering through December 31, 2022, we have sold all our 4,801,099 shares of DFH Class A common stock for gross proceeds of approximately $81 million. |
| Column 1 | Column 2 | Column 3 |
|---|---|---|
| ● | In May 2018, through one of our subsidiaries, we invested approximately $19 million through the purchase of common stock of CB&T, the privately-held parent company of Crescent. Our investment now represents 15.6% of CB&T’s outstanding common stock. Crescent is located in New Orleans and generates the majority of its revenues from indirect subprime automobile lending across the United States. |
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| Column 1 | Column 2 | Column 3 |
|---|---|---|
| ● | In October 2020, our subsidiary BOC Yellowstone served as sponsor for the underwritten initial public offering of a special purpose acquisition company named Yellowstone Acquisition Company, which we refer to as "Yellowstone". Between August and November 2020, we invested, through BOC Yellowstone, approximately $7.8 million through the purchase of 3,399,724 shares of Class B common stock and 7,719,779 non-redeemable private placement warrants, each warrant entitling us to purchase one share of Class A common stock at $11.50 per share. In August 2021, Yellowstone entered into a business combination agreement with Sky Harbour LLC, a developer of private aviation infrastructure focused on building, leasing and managing business aviation hangars. The business combination was completed on January 25, 2022 and Yellowstone changed its name to Sky Harbour Group Corporation. Sky Harbour’s Class A common stock trades on the NYSE American under the symbol “SKYH” and its warrants to purchase Class A common stock trade under the symbol “SKYH.WS.” |
| Column 1 | Column 2 | Column 3 |
|---|---|---|
| ● | In September 2021, through one of our subsidiaries, we invested $55 million directly into SHG and received Series B preferred units. Upon the successful consummation of the Sky Harbour business combination, this investment converted into 5,500,000 shares of Sky Harbour's Class A common stock based upon an assumed value of $10.00 per share. In December 2021, we agreed to provide Sky Harbour an additional $45 million through the purchase of 4,500,000 shares of Class A common stock upon the closing of the Sky Harbour business combination, which was consummated in January 2022. During fiscal 2024, we sold 285,442 shares of Sky Harbour Class A common stock for gross proceeds of approximately $2.9 million. As of December 31, 2024, we held 12,401,589 shares of Sky Harbour Class A common stock and 7,719,779 Sky Harbour warrants. |
| Column 1 | Column 2 | Column 3 |
|---|---|---|
| ● | In 2021, we established the BFR Fund subsidiary within BOAM to operate a proposed build-for-rent business, focusing on developing, building, and managing single family detached and/or townhomes for long term rentals. We invested approximately $15 million of capital to finance the initial acquisitions for these projects and subsequently raised third-party capital to be invested alongside our capital. The BFR Fund acquired land parcels in Nevada with the initial plan to develop, construct, and operate build-for-rent communities. However, challenges in the market, including the increase in interest rates and the inability to achieve what we believe are appropriate risk-adjusted returns, have led us to pursue selling the BFR Fund's entitled land assets to public homebuilders. Consequently, we are winding down the BFR Fund earlier than originally targeted by returning the uninvested cash on hand to BFR Fund partners and, as we sell the BFR Fund's entitled land assets, returning that capital to BFR Fund partners as well. |
| Column 1 | Column 2 | Column 3 |
|---|---|---|
| ● | In July 2023, we invested approximately $3 million in voting preferred stock of MyBundle, a company serving the broadband industry. |
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In each of our businesses, we hope to expand our geographic reach and market share and seek to develop a competitive advantage and/or brand name for our services, which we hope will be a differentiating factor for customers. Our insurance market primarily services small contractors, small and medium-sized businesses and individuals required to provide surety bonds (i) in connection with their work for government agencies and others, (ii) in connection with contractual obligations, or (iii) to meet regulatory requirements and other needs. We have expanded the licensing of the UCS business to all 50 states and the District of Columbia and developed and brought to market an electronic portal allowing independent insurance agents to more easily and efficiently purchase surety insurance. In outdoor advertising, our plan is to continue to grow this business through acquisitions of billboard assets. We expect to expand our broadband services in Arizona, Florida, Nevada, Utah and in other locations. In the future, we expect to expand the range of services we provide in the insurance sector, seek to continue to expand our billboard operations and broadband services and to possibly consider acquisitions of other businesses, as well as investments, in other sectors, although we expect to place a primary emphasis on growing our existing business lines over the next several years. Our decision to expand outside of these current business sectors we serve or in which we have made investments will be based on the opportunity to acquire businesses which we believe provide the potential for sustainable earnings at an attractive level relative to capital employed and, with regard to investment, we believe have the potential to provide attractive returns.
We seek to enter markets where we believe demand for our services will grow in the coming years due to certain barriers to entry and/or to anticipated long-term demand for these services. In the outdoor billboard business, government restrictions often limit the number of additional billboards that may be constructed. At the same time, advances in billboard technology provide the opportunity to improve revenues through the use of digital display technologies and other new technologies. In the surety insurance business, new insurance companies must be licensed by state agencies that impose capital, management and other strict requirements on these insurers. These hurdles are at the individual state level, with statutes often providing wide latitude to regulators to impose judgmental requirements upon new entrants. In addition, new distribution channels in certain areas of surety may provide a new opportunity. In the real estate management services market, we believe the continued growth of commercial real estate in many sections of the United States will provide opportunities for management services for the foreseeable future. We also believe our investment in both CB&T and Sky Harbour has provided each company the opportunity to significantly grow its business. We invest our available capital and the surplus capital from UCS in a wide range of securities, including equity securities of public companies, various corporate and government bonds and U.S. treasuries. In broadband services, we believe that our fiber-to-the-home services can compete with traditional cable operators as broadband provides higher rates of transmission and improved speed to consumers and that, once built, other competitors may be less willing to compete in communities which we serve.
How We Generate Our Revenues and Evaluate Our Business
We currently generate revenues primarily through billboard advertising and related services, from the sale of surety insurance and related brokerage activities, by providing high-speed broadband services, and asset management services. Revenue for outdoor advertising space rental is recognized on a straight-line basis over the term of the contract and advertising revenue is reported net of agency commissions. Payments received in advance of being earned are recorded as deferred revenue. In our surety insurance business, premiums written are recognized as revenues based on a pro rata daily calculation over the respective terms of the policies in-force. Unearned premiums represent the portion of premiums written applicable to the unexpired term of the policies in-force. In connection with our surety agency business, insurance commissions are recognized at a point in time, on a bond-by-bond basis as of the policy effective date and are generally nonrefundable. In our broadband business, revenue is derived principally from internet services and is recognized on a straight-line basis over the term of the contract in the period the services are rendered. Revenue received or receivable in advance of the delivery of services is included in deferred revenue.
Segment gross profit is a key metric that we use to evaluate segment operating performance and to determine resource allocation between segments. We define segment gross profit as segment revenues less segment direct cost of services. In our billboard business, direct cost of services includes land leases, utilities, repairs and maintenance of equipment, sales commissions, contract services, and other billboard level expenses. In our broadband business, direct costs of services includes network operations and data costs, software costs, cell site rent and utilities, and other broadband level expenses. In our surety business, direct cost of services includes commissions, premium taxes, fees and assessments, and losses and loss adjustment expenses.
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Results of Operations
Year Ended December 31, 2024 Compared to Year Ended December 31, 2023
The following is a comparison of our results of operations for the year ended December 31, 2024, which we refer to as “fiscal 2024,” compared to the year ended December 31, 2023 which we refer to as “fiscal 2023.”
Revenues. For fiscal 2024 and fiscal 2023, our revenues in dollars and as a percentage of total revenues were as follows:
| For the Years Ended December 31, | |||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 2023 | 2024 vs 2023 | |||||||||||||||||
| Amount | As a % of Total Revenues | Amount | As a % of Total Revenues | $ Variance | |||||||||||||||
| Revenues: | |||||||||||||||||||
| Billboard rentals, net | $ | 45,153,076 | 41.7 | % | $ | 42,940,369 | 44.6 | % | $ | 2,212,707 | |||||||||
| Broadband services | 39,098,228 | 36.1 | % | 35,340,502 | 36.7 | % | 3,757,726 | ||||||||||||
| Premiums earned | 19,759,540 | 18.2 | % | 13,932,659 | 14.5 | % | 5,826,881 | ||||||||||||
| Insurance commissions | 1,962,692 | 1.8 | % | 1,884,007 | 2.0 | % | 78,685 | ||||||||||||
| Investment and other income | 2,301,365 | 2.2 | % | 2,156,199 | 2.2 | % | 145,166 | ||||||||||||
| Total Revenues | $ | 108,274,901 | 100.0 | % | $ | 96,253,736 | 100.0 | % | $ | 12,021,165 |
We realized total revenues of $108,274,901 during fiscal 2024, an increase of 12.5% over revenues of $96,253,736 during fiscal 2023. The key factors impacting revenue across each of our businesses during fiscal 2024 were as follows:
| Column 1 | Column 2 | Column 3 |
|---|---|---|
| ● | Net billboard rentals increased by 5.2% in fiscal 2024 when compared to fiscal 2023, reflecting an improvement in rental and occupancy rates across a number of our markets. |
| Column 1 | Column 2 | Column 3 |
|---|---|---|
| ● | Revenue from broadband services increased by 10.6% in fiscal 2024 when compared to fiscal 2023, mainly reflecting subscriber growth across a number of our markets. |
| Column 1 | Column 2 | Column 3 |
|---|---|---|
| ● | Premiums earned from our UCS insurance subsidiary increased by 41.8% in fiscal 2024 when compared to the fiscal 2023. The increase in premiums earned was primarily due to increases in gross written premium production throughout fiscal 2024. We recognize revenues for written premium over the life of the surety bond and, as a result, increased sales activities are not fully reflected in the quarter in which the surety bond is issued. |
| Column 1 | Column 2 | Column 3 |
|---|---|---|
| ● | Revenue from insurance commissions generated by our surety brokerage operations increased by 4.2% in fiscal 2024 when compared to fiscal 2023, mainly due to increased production through outside insurance carriers. |
| Column 1 | Column 2 | Column 3 |
|---|---|---|
| ● | Investment and other income at UCS and BOAM increased by 6.7% from $2,156,199 in fiscal 2023 to $2,301,365 in fiscal 2024. |
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Expenses. For fiscal 2024 and fiscal 2023, our expenses in dollars and as a percentage of total revenues were as follows:
| For the Years Ended December 31, | ||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 2023 | 2024 vs 2023 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Amount | As a % of Total Revenues | Amount | As a % of Total Revenues | $ Variance | ||||||||||||||||
| Costs and Expenses: | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Cost of billboard revenues | $ | 15,496,805 | 14.3 | % | $ | 15,136,817 | 15.7 | % | $ | 359,988 | ||||||||||
| Cost of broadband revenues | 9,444,030 | 8.7 | % | 9,955,518 | 10.3 | % | (511,488 | ) | ||||||||||||
| Cost of insurance revenues | 9,400,691 | 8.7 | % | 6,808,167 | 7.1 | % | 2,592,524 | |||||||||||||
| Employee costs | 38,146,193 | 35.2 | % | 32,561,929 | 33.8 | % | 5,584,264 | |||||||||||||
| Professional fees | 4,898,144 | 4.5 | % | 4,665,515 | 4.9 | % | 232,629 | |||||||||||||
| General and administrative | 16,237,654 | 15.0 | % | 16,112,243 | 16.8 | % | 125,411 | |||||||||||||
| Depreciation | 14,495,747 | 13.4 | % | 12,155,096 | 12.6 | % | 2,340,651 | |||||||||||||
| Amortization | 7,683,952 | 7.1 | % | 7,409,939 | 7.7 | % | 274,013 | |||||||||||||
| Accretion | 218,472 | 0.2 | % | 216,501 | 0.2 | % | 1,971 | |||||||||||||
| Loss on disposition of assets | 720,691 | 0.7 | % | 84,414 | 0.1 | % | 636,277 | |||||||||||||
| Total Costs and Expenses | $ | 116,742,379 | 107.8 | % | $ | 105,106,139 | 109.2 | % | $ | 11,636,240 |
During fiscal 2024, we had total costs and expenses of $116,742,379, as compared to total costs and expenses of $105,106,139 in fiscal 2023. Total costs and expenses as a percentage of revenues decreased from 109.2% in fiscal 2023 to 107.8% in fiscal 2024. The key factors impacting costs and expenses across each of our businesses during fiscal 2024 were as follows:
| Column 1 | Column 2 | Column 3 |
|---|---|---|
| ● | Cost of billboard revenues decreased as a percentage of billboard revenues from 35.2% in fiscal 2023 to 34.3% in fiscal 2024. The decrease was mainly related to lower ground rent expense and other costs of revenues as a percentage of billboard revenues. |
| Column 1 | Column 2 | Column 3 |
|---|---|---|
| ● | Cost of broadband revenues decreased as a percentage of broadband revenues from 28.2% in fiscal 2023 to 24.2% in fiscal 2024. The decrease was mainly driven by lower commissions paid within other broadband costs of revenues as well as reduced maintenance costs and cell site rent related to our fixed wireless networks as a percentage of broadband revenues. |
| Column 1 | Column 2 | Column 3 |
|---|---|---|
| ● | Cost of insurance revenues increased as a percentage of insurance revenues from 38.5% in fiscal 2023 to 39.4% in fiscal 2024. The increase was mainly due to higher loss and loss adjustment expense as a percentage of insurance revenues, which was partially offset by lower commissions paid as a percentage of insurance revenues. |
| Column 1 | Column 2 | Column 3 |
|---|---|---|
| ● | Employee costs in fiscal 2024 were $38,146,193, or 35.2% of total revenues, as compared to $32,561,929, or 33.8% in fiscal 2023. The increase as a percentage of total revenues was mainly driven by one-time severance and bonus payments to our former Co-CEO as a part of his separation and stock repurchase agreement. Excluding the one-time severance and bonus payments, employee costs would have decreased to 32.1% of total revenues in fiscal 2024. |
| Column 1 | Column 2 | Column 3 |
|---|---|---|
| ● | Professional fees in fiscal 2024 were $4,898,144, or 4.5% of total revenues, as compared to $4,665,515, or 4.9% of total revenues, in fiscal 2023. Excluding the one-time professional fees associated with our former Co-CEO's separation and stock repurchase agreement, professional fees would have decreased to 3.8% of total revenues in fiscal 2024. |
| Column 1 | Column 2 | Column 3 |
|---|---|---|
| ● | General and administrative expenses in fiscal 2024 were $16,237,654, or 15.0% of total revenues, as compared to $16,112,243, or 16.8% of total revenues, in fiscal 2023. The decrease as a percentage of total revenues was mainly driven by higher organic revenue growth within our billboard, broadband and insurance businesses as well as lower general and administrative expenses at Boston Omaha's parent company. |
| Column 1 | Column 2 | Column 3 |
|---|---|---|
| ● | Non-cash expenses in fiscal 2024 included $14,495,747 in depreciation expense, $7,683,952 in amortization expense, and $218,472 in accretion expense related to asset retirement obligations for certain billboard and broadband assets. The increase in depreciation expense is mainly driven by continued capital investments within our broadband businesses. |
Net Loss from Operations. Net loss from operations in fiscal 2024 was $8,467,478, or 7.8% of total revenues, as compared to a net loss from operations of $8,852,403, or 9.2% of total revenues, in fiscal 2023. The decrease in net loss from operations was primarily due to improved operations within our billboard, broadband and insurance businesses, which were partially offset by one-time costs associated with our former Co-CEO's separation agreement and an increase in depreciation expense related to continued capital investments within our broadband businesses. Our net loss from operations included $22,398,171 from non-cash amortization, depreciation and accretion expenses in fiscal 2024, as compared to $19,781,536 in fiscal 2023.
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Other Income (Expense). During fiscal 2024, we had net other income of $11,564,072. Net other income included $29,059,717 in other investment income mainly driven by a $16,983,514 unrealized gain on the Sky Harbour warrants held by Boston Omaha, other investment income of $7,815,912 primarily related to the sale of real estate properties and changes in the fair value of remaining assets within the 24th Street Funds and BFR Fund, $1,957,056 in non-cash gains associated with the transfer of Sky Harbour Class A common stock to our former Co-CEO as a part of his separation and stock repurchase agreement, $1,137,684 in realized gains on the sale of 285,442 shares of Sky Harbour Class A common stock, and interest and dividend income of $1,385,884. These items were partially offset by a loss of $17,283,281 from unconsolidated affiliates mainly related to non-cash losses from our equity method position in Sky Harbour and interest expense of $1,598,248 mainly incurred under Link's term loan and revolver. During fiscal 2023, we had net other expense of $294,060. Net other expense included a loss of $7,888,765 from unconsolidated affiliates mainly related to $13,149,861 in non-cash losses from our equity method position in Sky Harbour, which was partially offset by $4,630,610 in non-cash gains recognized in May 2023 due to our purchase of the membership interests in 24th Street held by third parties resulting in the remeasurement of our previously-held interest in 24th Street, and interest expense of $1,147,234 mainly incurred under Link's term loan. These items were partially offset by $6,132,791 in other investment income mainly related to public securities held by Boston Omaha and UCS and interest and dividend income of $2,609,148.
Generally accepted accounting principles ("GAAP") requires us to include the unrealized changes in market prices of investments in public equity securities in our reported earnings. Due to the size of our percentage ownership interest in Sky Harbour's Class A common stock and our right to elect one of the seven members of Sky Harbour's Board of Directors, our investment is recorded under the equity method and we do not include any unrealized gains or losses related to the change in Sky Harbour's stock price in our reported earnings. In the future, if we are deemed to no longer have significant influence, we may no longer be able to record our investment under the equity method and will be required to include any unrealized gains or losses related to the change in Sky Harbour's stock price in our reported earnings. While we intend to hold our current securities for the longer term, we may in the future choose to sell them for a variety of reasons resulting in realized losses or gains.
Additionally, we have evaluated our investment in Sky Harbour as of December 31, 2024, and determined that there was not an other-than-temporary impairment. Our conclusion was based on several contributing factors, including: (i) our assessment that the underlying business and financial condition of Sky Harbour is favorable, (ii) Sky Harbour's stock price trading above our carrying value for an extended period of time, and (iii) our ability and intent to hold the investment. We will continue to review our investment in Sky Harbour for an other-than-temporary impairment on a quarterly basis or upon the occurrence of certain events. If Sky Harbour's stock price drops below our carrying value of $5.80 per share for a sustained period of time, it will likely result in an impairment of our investment. There may also be a future impairment of our investment if our expectations about Sky Harbour's prospective results of operations and cash flows decline, which could be influenced by a variety of factors including adverse market conditions.
Net Loss Attributable to Common Stockholders. We had a net loss attributable to common stockholders in the amount of $1,292,450 in fiscal 2024, or a loss per share of $0.04, based on 31,496,857 diluted weighted average shares outstanding. This is compared to a net loss attributable to common stockholders of $7,004,009 in fiscal 2023, or a loss per share of $0.23, based on 31,092,850 diluted weighted average shares outstanding.
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The following tables report results for the following four segments in which we operate: billboards, broadband, insurance and asset management for fiscal 2024 and fiscal 2023:
Results of Billboard Operations
| For the Years Ended December 31, | ||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 2023 | |||||||||||||||
| Amount | As a % of Segment Operating Revenues | Amount | As a % of Segment Operating Revenues | |||||||||||||
| Operating Revenues | ||||||||||||||||
| Billboard rentals, net | $ | 45,153,076 | 100.0 | % | $ | 42,940,369 | 100.0 | % | ||||||||
| Cost of Revenues | ||||||||||||||||
| Ground rents | 8,241,212 | 18.3 | % | 7,981,107 | 18.6 | % | ||||||||||
| Utilities | 1,846,056 | 4.1 | % | 1,790,349 | 4.2 | % | ||||||||||
| Commissions paid | 3,543,865 | 7.8 | % | 3,409,923 | 7.9 | % | ||||||||||
| Other costs of revenues | 1,865,672 | 4.1 | % | 1,955,438 | 4.5 | % | ||||||||||
| Total cost of revenues | 15,496,805 | 34.3 | % | 15,136,817 | 35.2 | % | ||||||||||
| Gross margin | 29,656,271 | 65.7 | % | 27,803,552 | 64.8 | % | ||||||||||
| Other Operating Expenses | ||||||||||||||||
| Employee costs | 7,812,497 | 17.3 | % | 7,072,960 | 16.5 | % | ||||||||||
| Professional fees | 223,165 | 0.5 | % | 804,203 | 1.9 | % | ||||||||||
| General and administrative | 4,033,121 | 8.9 | % | 3,902,279 | 9.1 | % | ||||||||||
| Depreciation | 5,151,286 | 11.4 | % | 5,075,358 | 11.8 | % | ||||||||||
| Amortization | 3,902,738 | 8.7 | % | 3,933,290 | 9.1 | % | ||||||||||
| Accretion | 204,659 | 0.5 | % | 199,211 | 0.5 | % | ||||||||||
| Loss on disposition of assets | 63,455 | 0.1 | % | 206,832 | 0.5 | % | ||||||||||
| Total expenses | 21,390,921 | 47.4 | % | 21,194,133 | 49.4 | % | ||||||||||
| Segment Income from Operations | 8,265,350 | 18.3 | % | 6,609,419 | 15.4 | % | ||||||||||
| Interest expense, net | (1,410,216 | ) | (3.1 | %) | (956,251 | ) | (2.2 | %) | ||||||||
| Net Income Attributable to Common Stockholders | $ | 6,855,134 | 15.2 | % | $ | 5,653,168 | 13.2 | % |
Comparison of Fiscal 2024 to Fiscal 2023. In fiscal 2024, there was a 5.2% increase in net billboard revenues from fiscal 2023, reflecting an improvement in rental and occupancy rates across a number of our markets. The key factors affecting our billboard operations results during fiscal 2024 were as follows:
| Column 1 | Column 2 | Column 3 |
|---|---|---|
| ● | Ground rent expense decreased as a percentage of total segment operating revenues from 18.6% in fiscal 2023 to 18.3% in fiscal 2024. |
| Column 1 | Column 2 | Column 3 |
|---|---|---|
| ● | Commissions paid decreased as a percentage of total segment operating revenues from 7.9% in fiscal 2023 to 7.8% in fiscal 2024. |
| Column 1 | Column 2 | Column 3 |
|---|---|---|
| ● | Employee costs increased as a percentage of total segment operating revenues from 16.5% in fiscal 2023 to 17.3% in fiscal 2024. The increase is mainly due to the filling of open positions to align processes and lower operating costs in other expense categories. |
| Column 1 | Column 2 | Column 3 |
|---|---|---|
| ● | General and administrative expenses decreased as a percentage of total segment operating revenues from 9.1% fiscal 2023 to 8.9% in fiscal 2024. |
| Column 1 | Column 2 | Column 3 |
|---|---|---|
| ● | Depreciation and amortization expense as a percentage of total segment operating revenues decreased from 11.8% and 9.1% in fiscal 2023 to 11.4% and 8.7% in fiscal 2024, respectively. |
| Column 1 | Column 2 | Column 3 |
|---|---|---|
| ● | Net interest expense was $1,410,216 in fiscal 2024 compared to net interest expense of $956,251 in fiscal 2023. The increase is mainly driven by the additional borrowings on the revolving line of credit. |
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Results of Broadband Operations
| For the Years Ended December 31, | ||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 2023 | |||||||||||||||
| Amount | As a % of Segment Operating Revenues | Amount | As a % of Segment Operating Revenues | |||||||||||||
| Operating Revenues | ||||||||||||||||
| Broadband revenues | $ | 39,098,228 | 100.0 | % | $ | 35,340,502 | 100.0 | % | ||||||||
| Cost of Revenues | ||||||||||||||||
| Network operations and data costs | 5,081,153 | 13.0 | % | 5,268,526 | 14.9 | % | ||||||||||
| Software costs | 798,992 | 2.1 | % | 722,198 | 2.1 | % | ||||||||||
| Cell site rent and utilities | 1,415,053 | 3.6 | % | 1,597,681 | 4.5 | % | ||||||||||
| Other costs of revenues | 2,148,832 | 5.5 | % | 2,367,113 | 6.7 | % | ||||||||||
| Total cost of revenues | 9,444,030 | 24.2 | % | 9,955,518 | 28.2 | % | ||||||||||
| Gross margin | 29,654,198 | 75.8 | % | 25,384,984 | 71.8 | % | ||||||||||
| Other Operating Expenses | ||||||||||||||||
| Employee costs | 15,541,832 | 39.7 | % | 14,527,407 | 41.1 | % | ||||||||||
| Professional fees | 850,528 | 2.2 | % | 823,969 | 2.3 | % | ||||||||||
| General and administrative | 7,418,184 | 19.0 | % | 7,093,277 | 20.1 | % | ||||||||||
| Depreciation | 9,078,651 | 23.2 | % | 6,816,929 | 19.3 | % | ||||||||||
| Amortization | 3,509,856 | 9.0 | % | 3,316,403 | 9.4 | % | ||||||||||
| Accretion | 13,813 | 0.0 | % | 17,290 | 0.0 | % | ||||||||||
| Loss (gain) on disposition of assets | 657,236 | 1.7 | % | (122,418 | ) | (0.3 | %) | |||||||||
| Total expenses | 37,070,100 | 94.8 | % | 32,472,857 | 91.9 | % | ||||||||||
| Segment Loss from Operations | (7,415,902 | ) | (19.0 | %) | (7,087,873 | ) | (20.1 | %) | ||||||||
| Interest (expense) income, net | (32,019 | ) | (0.1 | %) | 17,664 | 0.1 | % | |||||||||
| Noncontrolling interest in subsidiary loss | - | - | 75,008 | 0.2 | % | |||||||||||
| Net Loss Attributable to Common Stockholders | $ | (7,447,921 | ) | (19.1 | %) | $ | (6,995,201 | ) | (19.8 | %) |
Comparison of Fiscal 2024 to Fiscal 2023. In fiscal 2024, total operating revenues increased by 10.6% when compared to fiscal 2023 mainly reflecting subscriber growth across a number of our markets. The key factors affecting our broadband operations results during fiscal 2024 were as follows:
| Column 1 | Column 2 | Column 3 |
|---|---|---|
| ● | Network operations and data costs decreased as a percentage of total segment operating revenues from 14.9% in fiscal 2023 to 13.0% in fiscal 2024. The decrease is mainly driven by reduced maintenance costs related to our fixed wireless networks. |
| Column 1 | Column 2 | Column 3 |
|---|---|---|
| ● | Other costs of revenues decreased as a percentage of total segment operating revenues from 6.7% in fiscal 2023 to 5.5% in fiscal 2024. The decrease is mainly driven by lower commissions paid. |
| Column 1 | Column 2 | Column 3 |
|---|---|---|
| ● | Employee costs decreased as a percentage of total segment operating revenues from 41.1% in fiscal 2023 to 39.7% in fiscal 2024. The decrease is mainly driven by organic revenue growth withing our broadband businesses. |
| Column 1 | Column 2 | Column 3 |
|---|---|---|
| ● | General and administrative expenses decreased as a percentage of total segment operating revenues from 20.1% in fiscal 2023 to 19.0% in fiscal 2024. The decrease is mainly driven by organic revenue growth within our broadband businesses. |
| Column 1 | Column 2 | Column 3 |
|---|---|---|
| ● | Depreciation and amortization expense increased by $2,261,722 and $193,453, respectively, from fiscal 2023. The increase in depreciation expense is mainly driven by continued capital investments across all of our broadband businesses. |
| Column 1 | Column 2 | Column 3 |
|---|---|---|
| ● | The $657,236 loss on disposition of assets in fiscal 2024 was mainly related to projects that we decided to pause indefinitely within our FFH business. |
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Table of Contents
Results of Insurance Operations
| For the Years Ended December 31, | ||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 2023 | |||||||||||||||
| Amount | As a % of Segment Operating Revenues | Amount | As a % of Segment Operating Revenues | |||||||||||||
| Operating Revenues | ||||||||||||||||
| Premiums earned | $ | 19,759,540 | 82.9 | % | $ | 13,932,659 | 78.7 | % | ||||||||
| Insurance commissions | 1,962,692 | 8.2 | % | 1,884,007 | 10.6 | % | ||||||||||
| Investment and other income | 2,129,218 | 8.9 | % | 1,889,225 | 10.7 | % | ||||||||||
| Total operating revenues | 23,851,450 | 100.0 | % | 17,705,891 | 100.0 | % | ||||||||||
| Cost of Revenues | ||||||||||||||||
| Commissions paid | 5,707,648 | 23.9 | % | 4,387,088 | 24.8 | % | ||||||||||
| Premium taxes, fees, and assessments | 519,588 | 2.2 | % | 376,828 | 2.1 | % | ||||||||||
| Losses and loss adjustment expense | 3,173,455 | 13.3 | % | 2,044,251 | 11.6 | % | ||||||||||
| Total cost of revenues | 9,400,691 | 39.4 | % | 6,808,167 | 38.5 | % | ||||||||||
| Gross margin | 14,450,759 | 60.6 | % | 10,897,724 | 61.5 | % | ||||||||||
| Other Operating Expenses | ||||||||||||||||
| Employee costs | 8,499,669 | 35.6 | % | 6,500,480 | 36.7 | % | ||||||||||
| Professional fees | 487,447 | 2.0 | % | 596,245 | 3.4 | % | ||||||||||
| General and administrative | 2,647,495 | 11.1 | % | 1,970,121 | 11.1 | % | ||||||||||
| Depreciation | 154,897 | 0.7 | % | 152,388 | 0.9 | % | ||||||||||
| Amortization | 160,247 | 0.7 | % | 160,246 | 0.9 | % | ||||||||||
| Total expenses | 11,949,755 | 50.1 | % | 9,379,480 | 53.0 | % | ||||||||||
| Segment Income from Operations | 2,501,004 | 10.5 | % | 1,518,244 | 8.5 | % | ||||||||||
| Other investment income | 218,015 | 0.9 | % | 538,621 | 3.1 | % | ||||||||||
| Net Income Attributable to Common Stockholders | $ | 2,719,019 | 11.4 | % | $ | 2,056,865 | 11.6 | % |
Comparison of Fiscal 2024 to Fiscal 2023. In fiscal 2024, total operating revenues increased by 34.7% when compared to fiscal 2023, mainly due to increased earned premiums at our UCS insurance subsidiary. The key factors affecting our insurance operations results during fiscal 2024 were as follows:
| Column 1 | Column 2 | Column 3 |
|---|---|---|
| ● | Premiums earned from our UCS insurance subsidiary increased 41.8% in fiscal 2024 when compared to fiscal 2023. The increase in premiums earned was primarily due to increases in gross written premium production throughout fiscal 2024. We recognize revenues for written premium over the life of the surety bond and, as a result, increased sales activities are not fully reflected in the quarter in which the surety bond is issued. |
| Column 1 | Column 2 | Column 3 |
|---|---|---|
| ● | Insurance commissions generated by our surety brokerage operations increased by 4.2% in fiscal 2024 when compared to fiscal 2023, mainly due to increased production through outside insurance carriers. |
| Column 1 | Column 2 | Column 3 |
|---|---|---|
| ● | Commissions paid as a percentage of total segment operating revenues decreased from 24.8% in fiscal 2023 to 23.9% in fiscal 2024. |
| Column 1 | Column 2 | Column 3 |
|---|---|---|
| ● | Losses and loss adjustment expenses as a percentage of insurance revenues increased from 11.6% in fiscal 2023 to 13.3% in fiscal 2024. Losses and loss adjustment expenses are reserved monthly based on a percentage of earned premium. |
| Column 1 | Column 2 | Column 3 |
|---|---|---|
| ● | Employee costs decreased as a percentage of total segment operating revenues from 36.7% in fiscal 2023 to 35.6% in fiscal 2024. The decrease is mainly driven by organic revenue growth within our insurance businesses. |
| Column 1 | Column 2 | Column 3 |
|---|---|---|
| ● | General and administrative expenses remained flat as a percentage of total segment operating revenues at 11.1% in fiscal 2023 and fiscal 2024. |
| Column 1 | Column 2 | Column 3 |
|---|---|---|
| ● | During fiscal 2024, our segment income from insurance operations of $2,501,004 was increased by other investment income of $218,015 mainly from realized gains on the sale of investments in publicly held securities. As of December 31, 2024, UCS had $2,393,260 in publicly held securities (marked to market) and $8,859,330 in Sky Harbour Class A common stock (equity method). We expect to continue to invest a portion of our excess capital in accordance with insurance regulatory limitations in both publicly traded equity securities and bonds. These investments are subject to the risk of loss in value depending upon market conditions and factors outside of our control. |
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Results of Asset Management Operations
| For the Years Ended December 31, | ||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 2023 | |||||||||||||||
| Amount | As a % of Segment Operating Revenues | Amount | As a % of Segment Operating Revenues | |||||||||||||
| Operating Revenues | ||||||||||||||||
| Investment and other income | $ | 172,147 | 100.0 | % | $ | 266,974 | 100.0 | % | ||||||||
| Cost of Revenues | ||||||||||||||||
| Total cost of revenues | - | - | - | - | ||||||||||||
| Gross margin | 172,147 | 100.0 | % | 266,974 | 100.0 | % | ||||||||||
| Other Operating Expenses | ||||||||||||||||
| Employee costs | 766,064 | 445.0 | % | 1,574,332 | 589.7 | % | ||||||||||
| Professional fees | 754,253 | 438.2 | % | 321,363 | 120.4 | % | ||||||||||
| General and administrative | 562,824 | 326.9 | % | 753,320 | 282.1 | % | ||||||||||
| Depreciation | - | - | - | - | ||||||||||||
| Amortization | - | - | - | - | ||||||||||||
| Total expenses | 2,083,141 | 1210.1 | % | 2,649,015 | 992.2 | % | ||||||||||
| Segment Loss from Operations | (1,910,994 | ) | (1110.1 | %) | (2,382,041 | ) | (892.2 | %) | ||||||||
| Interest and dividend income | 536,524 | 311.6 | % | 1,058,527 | 396.5 | % | ||||||||||
| Equity in income of unconsolidated affiliates | - | - | 4,630,610 | 1734.5 | % | |||||||||||
| Other investment income | 7,815,912 | 4540.3 | % | 980,410 | 367.2 | % | ||||||||||
| Noncontrolling interest in subsidiary income | (4,599,100 | ) | (2671.6 | %) | (911,292 | ) | (341.4 | %) | ||||||||
| Net Income Attributable to Common Stockholders | $ | 1,842,342 | 1070.2 | % | $ | 3,376,214 | 1264.6 | % |
Comparison of Fiscal 2024 to Fiscal 2023. In September 2017, we formed our asset management business. Throughout fiscal 2022 and fiscal 2023 we had been hiring within our asset management business to ensure adequate staffing for the anticipated demands and needs of the business. In May 2023, we acquired 100% of the membership interests in 24th Street from the members of 24th Street other than BOAM. As previously mentioned, we are winding down BOAM's operations and have implemented significant cost cutting measures, which occurred principally in the second half of fiscal 2024. Therefore, comparisons of our asset management results for fiscal 2024 to fiscal 2023 may not be meaningful. The key factors affecting our asset management operations results during fiscal 2024 were as follows:
| Column 1 | Column 2 | Column 3 |
|---|---|---|
| ● | Employee costs decreased by 51.3% in fiscal 2024 when compared to fiscal 2023 as we wind down BOAM's operations and implemented cost-cutting measures. |
| Column 1 | Column 2 | Column 3 |
|---|---|---|
| ● | Professional fees increased by 134.7% in fiscal 2024 when compared to fiscal 2023. The increase is mainly driven by the services agreement with Local Asset Management LLC to provide management services associated with the wind down of the 24th Street and BFR Funds. The Services Agreement provides for consulting fees which reduce over time as assets managed within the funds are sold. |
| Column 1 | Column 2 | Column 3 |
|---|---|---|
| ● | General and administrative expenses decreased by 25.3% in fiscal 2024 when compared to fiscal 2023 as we wind down BOAM's operations and implemented cost-cutting measures. |
| Column 1 | Column 2 | Column 3 |
|---|---|---|
| ● | Equity in income of unconsolidated affiliates in fiscal 2023 included non-cash gains recognized related to the remeasurement of our previously-held interest in 24th Street. |
| Column 1 | Column 2 | Column 3 |
|---|---|---|
| ● | Other investment income in fiscal 2024 primarily included the changes in the fair value of the 24th Street and BFR Funds mainly driven by the underlying real estate properties. |
| Column 1 | Column 2 | Column 3 |
|---|---|---|
| ● | Noncontrolling interest in subsidiary income in fiscal 2024 consists of the external limited partners' share of GAAP income within the 24th Street and BFR Funds, mainly driven by the change in fair value referenced above. |
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Cash Flows
Cash Flows for Fiscal 2024 compared to Fiscal 2023. The table below summarizes our cash flows in dollars for fiscal 2024 and fiscal 2023:
| 2024 | 2023 | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Net cash provided by operating activities | $ | 21,241,580 | $ | 16,059,125 | ||||
| Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities | 28,099,816 | (64,252,691 | ) | |||||
| Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities | (47,557,174 | ) | 32,940,258 | |||||
| Net increase (decrease) in cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash | $ | 1,784,222 | $ | (15,253,308 | ) |
Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities. Net cash provided by operating activities was $21,241,580 during fiscal 2024 as compared to net cash provided by operating activities of $16,059,125 during fiscal 2023. The increase in net cash provided by operating activities was mainly driven by improved cash flow generation within our billboard, broadband and insurance businesses. These items were partially offset by costs associated with our former Co-CEO's separation agreement as well as operating costs within our FFH business.
Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities. Net cash provided by investing activities was $28,099,816 during fiscal 2024 as compared with net cash used in investing activities of $64,252,691 during fiscal 2023. The increase in net cash provided by investing activities is primarily attributable to $60,818,906 in net proceeds from sales of investments mainly from the sale or maturity of U.S. Treasury securities and real estate investments within the 24th Street Funds and BFR Fund, which was partially offset by $32,201,191 in capital expenditures mainly within our broadband businesses.
Net Cash (Used in) Provided by Financing Activities. Net cash used in financing activities was $47,557,174 during fiscal 2024 as compared to net cash provided by financing activities of $32,940,258 during fiscal 2023. During fiscal 2024, net cash used in financing activities mainly consisted of $37,512,061 in distributions to noncontrolling interests from the 24th Street Funds and BFR Fund, $16,761,371 related to the repurchase of Class A and Class B common stock and Class B warrants from our former Co-CEO, $4,127,540 in collateral released by UCS, and $1,589,322 related to the repurchase of Class A common stock through our share repurchase program. These items were partially offset by $10,000,000 in additional borrowings on Link's revolving line of credit, of which $400,000 was repaid during 2024, and $3,500,000 under BOB's credit facility.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
Currently, we own billboards in Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia, and Wisconsin, a surety insurance company we acquired in December 2016, surety insurance brokerage firms we acquired in 2016, 2017 and 2021, broadband services providers whose assets we acquired in 2020, 2022 and 2023, minority investments in commercial real estate management and brokerage services, a bank focused on servicing the automotive loan market, and a developer of private aviation infrastructure focused on building, leasing and managing business aviation hangars. At December 31, 2024, we had approximately $28.3 million in unrestricted cash and $11 million in short-term treasury securities. Our strategy is to continue to acquire other billboard locations, insurance businesses, and broadband service providers as well as acquire other businesses and open new businesses which we believe have the potential to generate positive cash flows when made at what we believe to be attractive prices relative to other opportunities generally available to us. We currently expect to finance any future acquisitions and investments with cash, debt and seller or third-party financing. In the future, we may satisfy all or a portion of the purchase price for an acquisition with our equity securities. In addition, we have made investments in several companies and expect to continue to make investments in the securities of both publicly traded and privately held companies.
On July 23, 2024, the Board approved and authorized a share repurchase program (the “Share Repurchase Program”), pursuant to which the Company intends to repurchase up to $20 million of its Class A common stock, from time to time, in the open market, privately negotiated transactions, or otherwise in compliance with Rule 10b-18 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. The Board also authorized the Company, in its discretion, to establish “Rule 10b5-1 trading plans” for these share repurchases. The Share Repurchase Program went into effect on or about August 15, 2024 and will terminate on September 30, 2025, unless earlier terminated in the discretion of the Board. The actual timing, number, and value of shares repurchased under the Share Repurchase Program will depend on a number of factors, including constraints specified in applicable SEC regulations, price, general business and market conditions, and alternative investment opportunities. Pursuant to the Share Repurchase Program, the Company is not obligated to repurchase any specific number of shares of its Class A common stock and shall not repurchase more than 25% of the average daily volume of its stock over the previous 20 trading days. During fiscal 2024, we repurchased 111,323 shares of our Class A common stock for a total cost of $1,589,322.
There can be no assurance that we will consummate any subsequent acquisitions. Furthermore, our acquisitions are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, including as to when, whether and to what extent the anticipated benefits and cost savings of a particular acquisition will be realized. Our failure to successfully identify and complete future acquisitions of assets or businesses could reduce future potential earnings, available cash, and slow our anticipated growth. Although we have entered and continue to enter into non-binding letters of intent to acquire businesses on a regular basis, we do not have current agreements, commitments or understandings for any specific material acquisitions which are probable to be consummated at this time.
To date, we have raised funds through the sale of our common stock in public offerings, sales of our common stock in “at the market” programs, term loan financing through our Link subsidiary, proceeds from the sale of publicly traded securities held by us, cash flow from operations, and, prior to 2019, through private placements of our common stock. As described below, we may raise additional funds through our current shelf registration statement allowing us to raise up to $500 million through the sale of securities to fund future acquisitions and investments, which we intend to renew in May 2025.
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2022 Shelf Registration Statement
In April 2022, we filed a shelf registration statement on Form S-3 (File No. 333-264470) that was declared effective on May 11, 2022, which we refer to as the “2022 Shelf Registration Statement,” relating to the registration of Class A common stock, preferred stock, par value $0.001 per share, which we refer to as “preferred stock,” debt securities and warrants of the Company for up to $500 million. We may, from time to time, in one or more offerings, offer and sell Class A common stock or preferred stock, various series of debt securities, and/or warrants. The shelf registration statement may also be used by one or more selling security holders, to be identified in the future, of our securities. We or any selling security holders may offer these securities from time to time in amounts, at prices and on terms determined at the time of offering. We may sell these securities to or through one or more underwriters, dealers or agents, or directly to purchasers on a delayed or continuous basis. Unless otherwise set forth in an applicable prospectus supplement, we intend to use the net proceeds from the sale of the securities that we offer for general corporate purposes, including, but not limited to, financing our existing businesses and operations, and expanding our businesses and operations through additional hires, strategic alliances and acquisitions. Unless otherwise set forth in a prospectus supplement, we will not receive any proceeds from the sale of securities by any selling stockholders.
Additionally, in the 2022 Shelf Registration Statement, we registered for resale up to 8,297,093 shares of Class A common stock acquired in 2018 or earlier in private placements in accordance with the terms of a 2018 registration rights agreement. We will not receive any proceeds from the sale of Class A common stock by the selling shareholders. Currently, the selling stockholders are the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, or “MIT,” as well as 238 Plan Associates LLC, an MIT pension and benefit fund, and a limited partnership holding our Class A common stock for the economic benefit of MIT. No officer or director has any beneficial interest in any shares eligible for resale by the selling shareholders. Also, we registered shares held by Adam Peterson and his affiliates underlying the Class A common stock and shares of Class A common stock issuable upon conversion of shares of Class B common stock of which shares have been sold. In May 2022, we also registered 1,018,660 shares of Class A common stock held by Magnolia and Boulderado and their affiliates. All of the shares held by Boulderado were repurchased by the Company in May 2024 and, as a result, 522,231 shares of our Class A common stock are available for resale under that registration statement. As of December 31, 2024, certain of our stockholders still hold 8,555,957 registered shares of our Class A common stock.
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At The Market Offering Programs
Starting in March 2018, we utilized our "at the market" offering that was part of our 2018 Shelf Registration Statement. This 2018 Shelf Registration Statement, which authorized us to sell up to $200 million through the sales of securities to the public, expired in February 2021 and was superseded by the 2021 Shelf Registration Statement. We sold a total of 2,630,787 shares of Class A common stock resulting in gross proceeds of $60.1 million under the 2018 Shelf Registration Statement.
On September 29, 2021, we entered into an "at the market" equity offering program under the 2022 Shelf Registration Statement pursuant to a Sales Agreement (the "2021 Sales Agreement") by and between us and WFS. Pursuant to the terms of the 2021 Sales Agreement, we could sell, from time to time, shares of our Class A common stock, with an aggregate sales price of up to $100 million through WFS, in transactions that are deemed to be "at the market" offerings as defined in Rule 415 of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”). The 2021 Shelf Registration Statement expired on March 28, 2022 upon the filing of our 2021 Annual Report on Form 10-K as we no longer qualified as a well-known seasoned issuer. We sold a total of 122,246 shares of our Class A common stock resulting in gross proceeds of approximately $4.2 million under the 2021 Shelf Registration Statement.
On December 8, 2022, we entered into an "at the market" equity offering program (the “ATM Program”) pursuant to a Sales Agreement (the “2022 Sales Agreement”) with Wells Fargo Securities, LLC (“WFS”). This ATM Program is consistent with our historical practice of having available to management the option to issue stock from time to time in order to continue to fund the growth of its fiber-to-the-home broadband business, acquire additional billboards, and make other such investments in assets as needed to seek to grow intrinsic value per share. Our general preference is always to have options available to it from a capital allocation perspective which includes, but is not limited to, having a regularly filed ATM program.
Pursuant to the terms of the 2022 Sales Agreement, we may sell, from time to time, shares of our Class A common stock, par value $0.001 per share (the “Class A common stock”), with an aggregate sales price of up to $100 million through WFS, in transactions that are deemed to be “at the market” offerings as defined in Rule 415 of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”). Since the signing of the 2022 Sales Agreement, we sold 7,887 shares of Class A common stock for gross proceeds of approximately $205,000 in December 2022 and 1,532,065 shares of our Class A common stock for gross sale proceeds of approximately $37.5 million during fiscal 2023. We did not sell any shares of our Class A common stock during fiscal 2024.
Upon delivery of a placement notice (a “Placement Notice”) and upon the terms and subject to the conditions of the 2022 Sales Agreement, WFS will use reasonable efforts consistent with its normal trading and sales practices, applicable laws and the rules of the NYSE to sell the shares available under the ATM Program from time to time based upon our instructions for the sales, including price, time or size limits specified, and otherwise in accordance with, the terms of such Placement Notice. Pursuant to the 2022 Sales Agreement, WFS may sell shares of our Class A common stock under the ATM Program by any method permitted by law deemed to be an “at the market” offering as defined in Rule 415 of the Securities Act, including without limitation sales made through the NYSE or on any other existing trading market for the Class A common stock. Notwithstanding the foregoing, WFS may not purchase shares under the ATM Program for its own account as principal unless expressly authorized to do so by us.
We intend to use the net proceeds, if any, from any future offering under the ATM Program, after deducting WFS’ commissions and our offering expenses, for general corporate purposes, which may include financing our existing businesses and operations, and expanding our businesses and operations through additional acquisitions and minority investments, and additional hires. Such expansion may include future billboard acquisitions, broadband acquisitions, acquisitions of surety insurance companies and other growth of our insurance activities, additional investments in real estate management and other real estate service businesses, additional investments in subprime automobile lending, and acquisitions of other businesses. We have not determined the amount of net proceeds to be used for any specific purpose, and we will retain broad discretion over the allocation of net proceeds. While we have no current agreements, commitments or understandings for any specific acquisitions at this time, we may use a portion of the net proceeds for these purposes.
For sales of shares of Class A common stock under the ATM Program through WFS, we will pay WFS a commission at a mutually agreed rate of 3% of the gross sales price per share of Class A common stock sold under the ATM Program. We have no obligation to sell any shares under the 2022 Sales Agreement and may at any time suspend the ATM Program under the 2022 Sales Agreement. The 2022 Sales Agreement contains customary representations and warranties of the parties and indemnification and contribution provisions under which we and WFS have agreed to indemnify each other against certain liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities Act. The ATM Program pursuant to the 2022 Sales Agreement will automatically terminate upon the issuance and sale of all of the shares available for sale under the ATM Program through WFS. In addition, we may terminate the 2022 Sales Agreement with WFS without penalty upon 10 days’ notice.
The foregoing description of the 2022 Sales Agreement is not complete and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the full text of such agreement, a copy of which is filed as Exhibit 1.1 to the Current Report on Form 8-K dated December 8, 2022 and is incorporated herein by reference.
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Link Credit Agreement
On August 12, 2019, Link entered into a Credit Agreement (the “Credit Agreement”) with First National Bank of Omaha (the “Lender”) under which Link could borrow up to $40 million (the “Credit Facility”). The Credit Agreement provided for an initial term loan (“Term Loan 1”), an incremental term loan (“Term Loan 2”) and a revolving line of credit. Link initially borrowed approximately $18 million under Term Loan 1 and $5.5 million under Term Loan 2. On December 6, 2021, Link entered into a Fourth Amendment to Credit Agreement, which modified the Credit Agreement by increasing the borrowing limit to $30 million and combining the outstanding balances under Term Loan 1 and Term Loan 2 as well as any incremental borrowings into a term loan (“Term Loan”). The Term Loan is secured by all assets of Link and its operating subsidiaries, including a pledge of equity interests of each of Link’s subsidiaries. In addition, each of Link’s subsidiaries has joined as a guarantor to the obligations under the Credit Agreement. The loan is not guaranteed by Boston Omaha or any of our non-billboard businesses.
Principal amounts under the Term Loan were payable in monthly installments according to a 15-year amortization schedule with principal payments commencing on January 1, 2022. Starting July 1, 2023, principal amounts under the Term Loan are payable in monthly installments according to a 25-year amortization schedule. The Term Loan is payable in full on December 6, 2028. The Term Loan has a fixed interest rate of 4.00% per annum.
On May 30, 2024, Link entered into a Ninth Amendment to Credit Agreement, which modified the Credit Agreement by increasing the maximum availability under the revolving line of credit from $10,000,000 to $15,000,000. Interest payments are based on the U.S. Prime Rate minus an applicable margin ranging between 0.65% and 1.15% dependent on Link’s consolidated leverage ratio. The new revolving line of credit is due and payable on August 12, 2026.
Long-term debt included within our consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2024 consists of Link’s Term Loan borrowings of approximately $26,500,000, of which approximately $900,000 is classified as current, and $9,600,000 related to the revolving line of credit as of December 31, 2024.
Under the Term Loan, Link is required to comply with the following financial covenants: A consolidated leverage ratio for any test period ending on the last day of any fiscal quarter of Link (a) beginning with the fiscal quarter ended June 30, 2024 of not greater than 3.50 to 1.00, (b) beginning with the fiscal quarter ending December 31, 2026 of not greater than 3.25 to 1.00 and (c) beginning with the fiscal quarter ending December 31, 2027 and thereafter of not greater than 3.00 to 1.00, and a minimum consolidated fixed charge coverage ratio of not less than 1.15 to 1.00 measured quarterly, based on rolling four quarters. The Company was in compliance with these covenants as of December 31, 2024.
The Credit Agreement includes representations and warranties, reporting covenants, affirmative covenants, negative covenants, financial covenants and events of default customary for financings of this type. Upon the occurrence of an event of default the Lender may accelerate the loan. Upon the occurrence of certain insolvency and bankruptcy events of default the loan will automatically accelerate. The foregoing summary of the Credit Agreement and the transactions contemplated thereby does not purport to be a complete description and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the terms and conditions of the Credit Agreement and Security Agreement, copies of which are attached as Exhibit 10.1 and Exhibit 10.2, respectively to our Form 8-K as filed with the SEC on August 13, 2019, a First Amendment to Credit Agreement with the Lender as filed as Exhibit 10.1 on Form 8-K as filed with the SEC on October 29, 2019, a Second Amendment to Credit Agreement with the Lender as filed as Exhibit 10.1 on Form 8-K as filed with the SEC on June 30, 2020, a Third Amendment to Credit Agreement with the Lender as filed as Exhibit 10.1 on Form 8-K as filed with the SEC on August 24, 2021, a Fourth Amendment to Credit Agreement with the Lender as filed as Exhibit 10.1 on Form 8-K as filed with the SEC on December 9, 2021, a Fifth Amendment to Credit Agreement with the Lender as filed as Exhibit 10.1 on Form 8-K as filed with the SEC on June 3, 2022, a Sixth Amendment to Credit Agreement with the Lender as filed as Exhibit 10.1 on Form 8-K as filed with the SEC on April 11, 2023, a Seventh Amendment to Credit Agreement with the Lender as filed as Exhibit 10.1 on Form 8-K as filed with the SEC on September 26, 2023, an Eighth Amendment to Credit Agreement with the Lender as filed as Exhibit 10.1 on Form 8-K as filed with the SEC on February 16, 2024, and a Ninth Amendment to Credit Agreement with the Lender as filed as Exhibit 10.1 on Form 8-K as filed with the SEC on June 5, 2024.
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Boston Omaha Broadband Credit Agreement
On September 17, 2024, three operating subsidiaries of Boston Omaha Broadband, LLC ("BOB") entered into a Credit Agreement (the “BOB Credit Agreement”) with First National Bank of Omaha (the “Lender”) under which certain subsidiaries of BOB can borrow up to $20,000,000 in the aggregate in term loans (the “BOB Credit Facility”). The three operating subsidiaries which are the borrowers under the BOB Credit Agreement are FIF AireBeam LLC, FIF St. George, LLC, and FIF Utah LLC (collectively, the “Borrowers”). The loan is guaranteed by BOB but is not guaranteed by BOC or any other businesses owned by BOC and its other subsidiaries. The loans under the BOB Credit Facility are secured by all assets of each of the Borrowers. Funds available under the BOB Credit Facility are to be used for capital expenditures associated with capital acquisition and leasing of capital equipment for expansion of the Borrowers’ businesses and must be drawn by September 16, 2025.
The BOB Credit Agreement provides for incremental drawdowns of the term loan in minimum increments of $1,000,000. Each term loan is due five years following the borrowing date of such term loan. Principal under each term loan is amortized in equal monthly payments over a 10-year period from the date of each term loan. Interest under each term loan accrues at the “Applicable Margin,” which is set at (a) 2.75% per annum with respect to any SOFR Loan, and (b) 1.75% per annum with respect to any Base Rate Loan. There is a fee during the first year of the BOB Credit Facility equal to 0.25% of any unused portion of the $20 million loan commitment.
Pursuant to the BOB Credit Agreement, BOB is required to comply with the following financial covenants: A consolidated leverage ratio for any test period ending on the last day of any fiscal quarter of BOB of not greater than 3.50 to 1.00, a minimum consolidated fixed charge coverage ratio of not less than 1.15 to 1.00 measured quarterly, based on rolling four quarters, and maximum capital expenditures not exceeding Consolidated Adjusted EBITDA less dividends and distributions paid to BOB, the cash portion of taxes, unfinanced maintenance capital expenditures, principal amortization payments or redemptions on indebtedness to be paid in cash, cash payments made with respect to capital lease obligations during the period, and cash interest expense for the period.
The BOB Credit Agreement includes representations and warranties, reporting covenants, affirmative covenants, negative covenants, financial covenants and events of default customary for financings of this type. Upon the occurrence of an event of default the Lender may accelerate the loan. Upon the occurrence of certain insolvency and bankruptcy events of default the loan will automatically accelerate. All assets of the Borrowers, their Subsidiaries and BOB are secured by the grant of a security interest in substantially all of their assets to the Lender.
Long-term debt included within our consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2024 consists of approximately $3,400,000 under BOB's credit facility, of which approximately $350,000 is classified as current.
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Investments in Yellowstone Acquisition Company and Sky Harbour
In 2020, we acted as the sponsor for the initial public offering of Yellowstone and purchased 3,399,724 shares of Yellowstone Class B common stock and 7,719,799 private placement warrants at a combined cost of approximately $7.8 million. On August 1, 2021, we entered into an equity purchase agreement with Sky Harbour LLC by which Sky Harbour LLC unitholders would acquire a majority interest in the combined businesses following the completion of a business combination. As part of the equity purchase agreement, and immediately prior to the completion by Sky Harbour LLC of a private activity bond financing raising $160 million in proceeds in September 2021, we purchased Class B Preferred Units in Sky Harbour LLC for a purchase price of $55 million, which Class B Preferred Units converted to 5,500,000 shares of Sky Harbour Class A common stock upon the closing of the Sky Harbour business combination on January 25, 2022. Also, upon the closing of the business combination, we purchased an additional 4,500,000 shares of Sky Harbour Class A common stock for a purchase price of $45 million.
| Column 1 | Column 2 | Column 3 |
|---|---|---|
| ● | Upon the closing of the Sky Harbour business combination, our Class B common stock converted to Class A common stock of Sky Harbour and our private placement warrants are now exercisable to purchase 7,719,779 shares of Class A common stock of Sky Harbour. |
| Column 1 | Column 2 | Column 3 |
|---|---|---|
| ● | Each Sky Harbour Warrant is exercisable for one share of Class A common stock at a price of $11.50 per share, subject to adjustment, with each Sky Harbour Warrant being exercisable through January 25, 2027. Unlike Sky Harbour’s publicly traded warrants, these warrants are not redeemable by Sky Harbour as long as we or permitted transferees hold these warrants. The Sky Harbour Warrants are also exercisable on a cashless basis. |
| Column 1 | Column 2 | Column 3 |
|---|---|---|
| ● | Our Sky Harbour Class A common stock and the Sky Harbour Warrants and the shares underlying the warrants were subject to a lockup which expired on January 24, 2023. |
| Column 1 | Column 2 | Column 3 |
|---|---|---|
| ● | Subsequent to the closing of the Sky Harbour business combination, we distributed 75,000 shares of Sky Harbour Class A common stock to the outside directors of Yellowstone and 206,250 shares of Sky Harbour Class A common stock to an investor in the Yellowstone IPO. As of December 31, 2024, we hold 12,401,589 shares of Sky Harbour Class A common stock and 7,719,779 Sky Harbour Warrants. |
| Column 1 | Column 2 | Column 3 |
|---|---|---|
| ● | All the shares of Sky Harbour Class A common stock and Sky Harbour warrants to purchase Class A common stock that we hold have been registered under the Securities Act. However, our ability to resell any significant portion of these shares is limited by the large number of Sky Harbour shares and warrants we hold relative to the average trading volume of these securities. |
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We believe that our existing cash and short-term investments, funds available through the Credit Agreement Link entered into on August 12, 2019, as amended, funds available through the Credit Agreement Boston Omaha Broadband entered into on September 17, 2024, any funds that we may receive from cash flows from operations, and any funds that we may receive through the sale of real estate assets in the 24th Street and BFR Funds will be sufficient to meet working capital requirements and anticipated capital expenditures for the next 12 months. At December 31, 2024, we had approximately $28.3 million in unrestricted cash and $11 million in short-term treasury securities.
If future additional significant acquisition opportunities and expansion opportunities within our billboard and broadband services businesses become available in excess of our currently available cash, U.S. Treasury securities, and marketable equity securities, we may need to seek additional capital through long term debt borrowings, the sale of our securities, and/or other financing options and we may not be able to obtain such debt or equity financing on terms favorable to us or at all. In the future, we may use a number of different sources to finance our acquisitions and operations, including current cash on hand, potential future cash flows from operations, seller financing, debt financings including but not limited to long-term debt and line of credit facilities, including additional credit facilities which may or may not be secured by our assets or those of our operating subsidiaries, additional common or preferred equity issuances or any combination of these sources, to the extent available to us, or other sources that may become available from time to time, which could include asset sales and issuance of debt securities. In addition to current credit facilities at Link and Boston Omaha Broadband, any future debt that we incur may be recourse or non-recourse and may be secured or unsecured. Existing credit facilities at Link and Boston Omaha Broadband imposes restrictions that could increase our vulnerability to general adverse economic and industry conditions by limiting our flexibility in planning for and reacting to changes in our billboard, insurance, asset management, and broadband businesses. Specifically, these restrictions place limits on Link, Boston Omaha Broadband, and their subsidiaries’ ability to, among other things, incur additional indebtedness, make additional acquisitions and investments, pay dividends, repurchase stock, create liens, enter into transactions with affiliates, merge, consolidate, transfer or sell assets. Both credit facilities require Link and Boston Omaha Broadband to meet a fixed charge coverage ratio and other financial covenants. Link’s ability as well as Boston Omaha Broadband's ability to comply with these loan covenants may be affected by factors beyond their control and a breach of any loan covenants would likely result in an event of default under either Credit Agreement, which would permit the Lender to declare all amounts incurred thereunder to be immediately due and payable and to terminate their commitment to make future extensions of credit. We also may take advantage of joint venture or other partnering opportunities as such opportunities arise in order to acquire properties that would otherwise be unavailable to us. Any future credit facilities which we or any of our subsidiaries may enter into would likely impose similar restrictions and risks.
We may use the proceeds of any future borrowings to acquire assets or for general corporate purposes. In determining when to use leverage, we will assess the appropriateness of new equity or debt capital based on market conditions, including assumptions regarding future cash flow, the creditworthiness of customers, and future rental and subscriber rates.
We conduct and plan to continue to conduct our activities in such a manner as not to be deemed an investment company under the Investment Company Act of 1940 (the "Investment Company Act"). Therefore, no more than 40% of our total assets can be invested in investment securities, as such term is defined in the Investment Company Act. In addition, we do not invest or intend to invest in securities as our primary business. Although we do not currently hold investments in an amount which would cause us to register under the Investment Company Act, we run the risk of inadvertently being deemed to be an investment company that is required to register under the Investment Company Act because a significant portion of our assets consists of investments in companies in which we own less than a majority interest. The risk varies depending on events beyond our control, such as significant appreciation or depreciation in the market value of certain of our publicly traded holdings, adverse developments with respect to our ownership of certain of our subsidiaries, and transactions involving the sale of certain assets. If we are deemed to be an inadvertent investment company, we may seek to rely on a safe-harbor under the Investment Company Act that would provide us a one-year grace period to take steps to avoid being deemed to be an investment company. In order to ensure we avoid being deemed an investment company, we have taken, and may need to continue to take, steps to reduce the percentage of our assets that constitute investment assets under the Investment Company Act. These steps have included, among others, selling marketable securities that we might otherwise hold for the long-term and deploying our cash in non-investment assets. We have recently sold marketable securities, including at times at a loss, and we may be forced to sell our investment assets at unattractive prices or to sell assets that we otherwise believe benefit our business in the future to remain below the requisite threshold. We may also seek to acquire additional non-investment assets to maintain compliance with the Investment Company Act, and we may need to incur debt, issue additional equity or enter into other financing arrangements that are not otherwise attractive to our business. Any of these actions could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations and financial condition. Moreover, we can make no assurance that we would successfully be able to take the necessary steps to avoid being deemed to be an investment company in accordance with the safe-harbor. If we were unsuccessful, then we would have to register as an investment company, and we would be unable to operate our business in its current form. We would be subject to extensive, restrictive, and potentially adverse statutory provisions and regulations relating to, among other things, operating methods, management, capital structure, indebtedness, dividends, and transactions with affiliates. If we were deemed to be an investment company and did not register as an investment company when required to do so, there would be a risk, among other material adverse consequences, that we could become subject to monetary penalties or injunctive relief, or both, that we would be unable to enforce contracts with third parties, and/or that third parties could seek to obtain rescission of transactions with us undertaken during the period in which we were deemed to be an unregistered investment company.
Our certificate of incorporation and bylaws do not limit the amount of debt that we may incur. Our Board of Directors has not adopted a policy limiting the total amount of debt that we may incur. Our Board of Directors will consider a number of factors in evaluating the amount of debt that we may incur. If we adopt a debt policy, our Board of Directors may from time to time modify such policy in light of then-current economic conditions, relative costs of debt and equity capital, market values of our properties, general conditions in the markets for debt and equity securities, fluctuations in the market price of our Class A common stock if then trading on any exchange, growth and acquisition opportunities, and other factors. Our decision to use leverage in the future to finance our assets will be at our discretion and will not be subject to the approval of our stockholders, and we are not restricted by our governing documents or otherwise in the amount of leverage that we may use.
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
Except for our normal operating leases, we do not have any off-balance sheet financing arrangements, transactions or special purpose entities.
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Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates
The preparation of the consolidated financial statements and related notes to the consolidated financial statements requires us to make estimates that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenue and expenses, and related disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities. We base these estimates on historical results and various other assumptions believed to be reasonable, all of which form the basis for making estimates concerning the carrying values of assets and liabilities that are not readily available from other sources. Actual results may differ from these estimates.
In the notes accompanying the consolidated financial statements, we describe the significant accounting policies used in the preparation of our consolidated financial statements. We believe that the following represent the most significant estimates and management judgments used in preparing the consolidated financial statements.
Consolidation Policy
The financial statements of Boston Omaha Corporation include the accounts of the Company and our consolidated subsidiaries, which are comprised of voting interest entities in which we have a controlling financial interest and variable interest entities in which we are the primary beneficiary in accordance with ASC 810, Consolidation. The equity attributable to non-controlling interests in subsidiaries is shown separately in the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets.
Retention of Specialized Accounting
Each of 24th Street Fund I and 24th Street Fund II, collectively “the 24th Street Funds,” and Fund One Boston Omaha Build for Rent LP qualify as investment companies and apply specialized industry accounting. We report fund investments on our Consolidated Balance Sheets at their estimated fair value, with gains (losses) resulting from changes in fair value reflected within ‘Other investment income’ in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Operations. Accordingly, the accompanying consolidated financial statements reflect different accounting policies for investments depending on whether or not they are held through a consolidated investment company.
Goodwill
Goodwill represents future economic benefits arising from other assets acquired in a business combination that are not individually identified and separately recognized. Goodwill is subject to an annual impairment test. We designated October 1 as the date of our annual goodwill impairment test. We are required to identify our reporting units and determine the carrying value of each reporting unit. We analyze financial information of our operations to identify discrete segments that constitute a reporting unit. We assign assets acquired and liabilities assumed in business combinations to those reporting units. We have identified four reporting units: billboard operations, broadband operations, insurance brokerage and insurance carrier operations, and asset management operations. We are required to determine the fair value of each reporting unit and compare it to the carrying amount of the reporting unit. To the extent the carrying amount of a reporting unit exceeds the fair value of the reporting unit, we would be required to book an impairment loss. For our annual review of reporting units, we employ a third party valuation expert.
We conduct a qualitative assessment by examining relevant events and circumstances which could have a negative impact on our goodwill, including macroeconomic conditions, industry and market conditions, cost factors, overall financial performance, reporting unit dispositions and acquisitions, our market capitalization, and other relevant events specific to us. If, after assessing the totality of events or circumstances described above, we determine that it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount, we will perform a quantitative impairment test. If industry and economic conditions deteriorate, we may be required to assess goodwill impairment before the next annual test, which could result in impairment charges. The fair value of each of our goodwill reporting units is generally estimated using a combination of public company multiples and discounted cash flow methodologies. The discounted cash flow approach that we use for valuing goodwill as part of the impairment testing approach involves estimating future cash flows expected to be generated from the related assets, discounted to their present value using a risk-adjusted discount rate.
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Losses and Loss Adjustment Expenses
Unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses represent estimates for the ultimate cost of unpaid reported and unreported claims incurred and related expenses. Estimates for losses and loss adjustment expenses are based on past experience of investigating and adjusting claims and consideration of the level of premiums written during the current and prior year. Since the reserves are based on estimates, the ultimate liability may differ from the estimated reserve. The effects of changes in estimated reserves are included in the results of operations in the period in which the estimates are updated.
FY 2023 10-K MD&A
SEC filing source: 0001437749-24-009605.
Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.
You should read the following discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations together with our consolidated financial statements and related notes appearing elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K. The following discussion contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. Our actual results and the timing of certain events could differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements as a result of certain factors, including those discussed below and as set forth under Summary Risk Factors and “Item 1A. Risk Factors.” Please also refer to the section under the heading “Cautionary Note Concerning Forward-Looking Statements.”
Overview
We are currently engaged in outdoor billboard advertising, broadband services, surety insurance and related brokerage businesses, and an asset management business. In addition, we hold minority investments in commercial real estate management and brokerage services, a bank focused on servicing the automotive loan market, and a developer of private aviation infrastructure focused on building, leasing and managing business aviation hangars.
Outdoor Billboard Advertising. In June 2015, we commenced our billboard business operations through acquisitions by Link, our wholly-owned subsidiary, of smaller billboard companies located in the Southeast United States and Wisconsin. During July and August 2018, we acquired the membership interest or assets of three larger billboard companies which increased our overall billboard count to approximately 2,900 billboards. In addition, we have made several billboard acquisitions on a smaller scale since that date. We believe that we are a leading outdoor billboard advertising company in the markets we serve in the Midwest. As of December 31, 2023, we operate approximately 4,000 billboards with approximately 7,600 advertising faces. One of our principal business objectives is to continue to acquire additional billboard assets through acquisitions of existing billboard businesses in the United States when they can be made at what we believe to be attractive prices relative to other opportunities generally available to us.
Surety Insurance. In September 2015, we established an insurance subsidiary, GIG, designed to own and operate insurance businesses generally handling high volume, lower policy limit commercial lines of property and casualty insurance. In April 2016, our surety insurance business commenced with the acquisition of a surety insurance brokerage business with a national internet-based presence. In December 2016, we completed the acquisition of UCS, a surety insurance company, which at that time was licensed to issue surety bonds in only nine states. UCS now has licenses to operate in all 50 states and the District of Columbia. In addition, over the last several years, we have also acquired additional surety insurance brokerage businesses located in various regions of the United States. We may in the future expand the reach of our insurance activities to other forms of insurance which may have similar characteristics to surety, such as high volume and low average policy premium insurance businesses which historically have similar economics.
Broadband Services. In March 2020, we commenced our broadband services business with the acquisition of substantially all of the business assets of FibAire, a rural broadband internet provider that serves over 8,000 customers in communities in southern Arizona with a high-speed fixed wireless internet service and is building an all fiber-to-the-home network in select Arizona markets. In December 2020, we acquired substantially all of the business assets of UBB, a broadband internet provider that provides high-speed internet to over 10,000 customers throughout Utah. In September 2021, we announced the launch of Fiber Fast Homes, LLC, which partners with builders, developers and build for rent communities to build fiber-to-the-home infrastructure and provide fiber internet service to residents. In April 2022, we acquired substantially all of the business assets of InfoWest, which are fiber and fixed wireless internet service providers with over 20,000 customers throughout Southern and Central Utah, Northern Arizona and Moapa Valley, Nevada. As of December 31, 2023, we have approximately 43,000 broadband customers. We hope to continue to expand in Arizona, Florida, Nevada, Utah, and other locales.
Investments:
| Column 1 | Column 2 | Column 3 |
|---|---|---|
| ● | Since September 2015, we have made a series of investments in commercial real estate, a commercial real estate management, brokerage and related services business as well as an asset management business. We currently own 30% of Logic. On May 1, 2023, our BOAM subsidiary acquired 100% of the membership interests in 24th Street from the members of 24th Street other than BOAM for cash and BOC Class A common stock valued at $5,016,494 in the aggregate. Prior to the transaction, BOAM indirectly owned 48% of the membership interests of 24th Street. The consideration consisted of $2,759,072 in cash at closing, an additional $1,254,102 in cash subject to holdback, and 45,644 shares of BOC Class A common stock (based on the average closing price of BOC Class A common stock for the 30 business day period ending two days before the closing date). The shares issued in the transaction are unregistered and have no registration rights. The purchase agreement also provides for certain payments based on performance to receive the holdback amount and certain other potential earnout payments. In addition, we have invested, through one of our subsidiaries, an aggregate of $6 million in the 24th Street Funds. These funds are managed by 24th Street, and focus on opportunities within secured lending and direct investments in commercial real estate. |
| Column 1 | Column 2 | Column 3 |
|---|---|---|
| ● | In December 2017, we invested $10 million in common units of DFH, the parent company of Dream Finders Homes, LLC, a national home builder. In addition to its homebuilding operations, DFH's subsidiaries provide mortgage loan origination and title insurance services to homebuyers. On January 25, 2021, Dream Finders Homes, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of DFH, completed its initial public offering and Dream Finders Homes, Inc. became a holding company and sole manager of DFH. Upon completion of the initial public offering, our outstanding common units in DFH were converted into 4,681,099 shares of Class A common stock of Dream Finders Homes, Inc., and one of our subsidiaries purchased an additional 120,000 shares of Class A common stock in the initial public offering. Since DFH’s initial public offering through December 31, 2022, we have sold all 4,801,099 shares of DFH Class A common stock for gross proceeds of approximately $81 million. |
| Column 1 | Column 2 | Column 3 |
|---|---|---|
| ● | In May 2018, through one of our subsidiaries, we invested approximately $19 million through the purchase of common stock of CB&T, the privately-held parent company of Crescent. Our investment now represents 15.6% of CB&T’s outstanding common stock. Crescent is located in New Orleans and generates the majority of its revenues from indirect subprime automobile lending across the United States. |
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| Column 1 | Column 2 | Column 3 |
|---|---|---|
| ● | In October 2020, our subsidiary BOC Yellowstone served as sponsor for the underwritten initial public offering of a special purpose acquisition company named Yellowstone Acquisition Company. Yellowstone sold in its public offering 13,598,898 units at a price of $10.00 per unit, each unit consisting of one share of Class A common stock and a redeemable warrant to purchase one-half of a share of Class A common stock at an exercise price of $11.50 per share. Between August and November 2020, we invested, through BOC Yellowstone, approximately $7.8 million through the purchase of 3,399,724 shares of Class B common stock and 7,719,779 non-redeemable private placement warrants, each warrant entitling us to purchase one share of Class A common stock at $11.50 per share. In August 2021, Yellowstone entered into a business combination agreement with Sky Harbour LLC, a developer of private aviation infrastructure focused on building, leasing and managing business aviation hangars. The business combination was completed on January 25, 2022 and Yellowstone changed its name to Sky Harbour Group Corporation. Sky Harbour’s Class A common stock trades on the NYSE American under the symbol “SKYH” and its warrants to purchase Class A common stock trade under the symbol “SKYH.WS.” |
| Column 1 | Column 2 | Column 3 |
|---|---|---|
| ● | In September 2021, through one of our subsidiaries, we invested $55 million directly into SHG and received Series B preferred units. Upon the successful consummation of the Sky Harbour business combination, this investment converted into 5,500,000 shares of Sky Harbour's Class A common stock based upon an assumed value of $10.00 per share. In December 2021, we agreed to provide Sky Harbour an additional $45 million through the purchase of 4,500,000 shares of Class A common stock upon the closing of the Sky Harbour business combination, which was consummated in January 2022. |
| Column 1 | Column 2 | Column 3 |
|---|---|---|
| ● | In 2021, we established the BFR Fund subsidiary within BOAM to operate a proposed build-for-rent business, focusing on developing, building, and managing single family detached and/or townhomes for long term rentals. We invested approximately $15 million of capital to finance the initial acquisitions for these projects and subsequently raised third-party capital to be invested alongside our capital. The BFR Fund acquired land parcels in Nevada with the initial plan to develop, construct, and operate build-for-rent communities. However, challenges in the market, including the increase in interest rates and the inability to achieve what we believe are appropriate risk-adjusted returns, have led us to pursue selling the BFR Fund's entitled land assets to public homebuilders. Consequently, we plan to wind down the BFR Fund earlier than originally targeted by returning the uninvested cash on hand to BFR Fund partners and, as we sell the BFR Fund's entitled land assets, returning that capital to BFR Fund partners as well. |
| Column 1 | Column 2 | Column 3 |
|---|---|---|
| ● | In July 2023, we invested approximately $3 million in voting preferred stock of MyBundle, a company serving the broadband industry. |
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In each of our businesses, we hope to expand our geographic reach and market share and seek to develop a competitive advantage and/or brand name for our services, which we hope will be a differentiating factor for customers. Our insurance market primarily services small contractors, small and medium-sized businesses and individuals required to provide surety bonds (i) in connection with their work for government agencies and others, (ii) in connection with contractual obligations, or (iii) to meet regulatory requirements and other needs. We have expanded the licensing of the UCS business to all 50 states and the District of Columbia. In outdoor advertising, our plan is to continue to grow this business through acquisitions of billboard assets. We expect to expand our broadband services in Arizona, Florida, Nevada, Utah and in other locations. We also expect to continue to make additional investments in real estate management service businesses, as well as in other businesses. In the future, we expect to expand the range of services we provide in the insurance sector, seek to continue to expand our billboard operations and broadband services and to possibly consider acquisitions of other businesses, as well as investments, in other sectors. Our decision to expand outside of these current business sectors we serve or in which we have made investments will be based on the opportunity to acquire businesses which we believe provide the potential for sustainable earnings at an attractive level relative to capital employed and, with regard to investment, we believe have the potential to provide attractive returns.
We seek to enter markets where we believe demand for our services will grow in the coming years due to certain barriers to entry and/or to anticipated long-term demand for these services. In the outdoor billboard business, government restrictions often limit the number of additional billboards that may be constructed. At the same time, advances in billboard technology provide the opportunity to improve revenues through the use of digital display technologies and other new technologies. In the surety insurance business, new insurance companies must be licensed by state agencies that impose capital, management and other strict requirements on these insurers. These hurdles are at the individual state level, with statutes often providing wide latitude to regulators to impose judgmental requirements upon new entrants. In addition, new distribution channels in certain areas of surety may provide a new opportunity. In the real estate management services market, we believe the continued growth of commercial real estate in many sections of the United States will provide opportunities for management services for the foreseeable future. We also believe our investment in both CB&T and Sky Harbour has provided each company the opportunity to significantly grow its business. We invest our available capital and the surplus capital from UCS in a wide range of securities, including equity securities of large cap public companies, various corporate and government bonds and U.S. treasuries. In broadband services, we believe that our fiber-to-the-home services can compete with traditional cable operators as broadband provides higher rates of transmission and improved speed to consumers and that, once built, other competitors may be less willing to compete in communities which we serve.
How We Generate Our Revenues and Evaluate Our Business
We currently generate revenues primarily through billboard advertising and related services, from the sale of surety insurance and related brokerage activities, by providing high-speed broadband services, and asset management services. Revenue for outdoor advertising space rental is recognized on a straight-line basis over the term of the contract and advertising revenue is reported net of agency commissions. Payments received in advance of being earned are recorded as deferred revenue. In our surety insurance business, premiums written are recognized as revenues based on a pro rata daily calculation over the respective terms of the policies in-force. Unearned premiums represent the portion of premiums written applicable to the unexpired term of the policies in-force. In connection with our surety agency business, insurance commissions are recognized at a point in time, on a bond-by-bond basis as of the policy effective date and are generally nonrefundable. In our broadband business, revenue is derived principally from internet services and is recognized on a straight-line basis over the term of the contract in the period the services are rendered. Revenue received or receivable in advance of the delivery of services is included in deferred revenue.
Segment gross profit is a key metric that we use to evaluate segment operating performance and to determine resource allocation between segments. We define segment gross profit as segment revenues less segment direct cost of services. In our billboard business, direct cost of services includes land leases, utilities, repairs and maintenance of equipment, sales commissions, contract services, and other billboard level expenses. In our broadband business, direct costs of services includes network operations and data costs, programming costs, cell site rent and utilities, and other broadband level expenses. In our surety business, direct cost of services includes commissions, premium taxes, fees and assessments, and losses and loss adjustment expenses.
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Results of Operations
Year Ended December 31, 2023 Compared to Year Ended December 31, 2022
The following is a comparison of our results of operations for the year ended December 31, 2023, which we refer to as “fiscal 2023,” compared to the year ended December 31, 2022 which we refer to as “fiscal 2022.”
Revenues. For fiscal 2023 and fiscal 2022, our revenues in dollars and as a percentage of total revenues were as follows:
| For the Years Ended December 31, | ||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 2022 | 2023 vs 2022 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Amount | As a % of Total Revenues | Amount | As a % of Total Revenues | $ Variance | ||||||||||||||||
| Revenues: | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Billboard rentals, net | $ | 42,940,369 | 44.6 | % | $ | 39,244,726 | 48.3 | % | $ | 3,695,643 | ||||||||||
| Broadband services | 35,340,502 | 36.7 | % | 28,627,271 | 35.3 | % | 6,713,231 | |||||||||||||
| Premiums earned | 13,932,659 | 14.5 | % | 10,649,089 | 13.1 | % | 3,283,570 | |||||||||||||
| Insurance commissions | 1,884,007 | 2.0 | % | 2,050,838 | 2.5 | % | (166,831 | ) | ||||||||||||
| Investment and other income | 2,156,199 | 2.2 | % | 662,270 | 0.8 | % | 1,493,929 | |||||||||||||
| Total Revenues | $ | 96,253,736 | 100.0 | % | $ | 81,234,194 | 100.0 | % | $ | 15,019,542 |
We realized total revenues of $96,253,736 during fiscal 2023, an increase of 18.5% over revenues of $81,234,194 during fiscal 2022. Revenues increased within each our our businesses, except for our surety brokerage operations, during fiscal 2023 when compared to fiscal 2022. The key factors impacting revenue across each of our businesses during fiscal 2023 were as follows:
| Column 1 | Column 2 | Column 3 |
|---|---|---|
| ● | Net billboard rentals increased by 9.4% in fiscal 2023, when compared to fiscal 2022, reflecting an improvement in rental and occupancy rates across a number of our markets as well as the acquisition of billboards from Elevation during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2022. |
| Column 1 | Column 2 | Column 3 |
|---|---|---|
| ● | Revenue from broadband services in fiscal 2023 increased 23.5% from fiscal 2022, mainly reflecting revenues generated from the InfoWest and Go Fiber acquisitions completed in April 2022 as well as subscriber growth across a number of our markets. |
| Column 1 | Column 2 | Column 3 |
|---|---|---|
| ● | Premiums earned from our UCS insurance subsidiary increased 30.8% in fiscal 2023 when compared to the fiscal 2022. The increase in premiums earned was primarily due to increases in production throughout fiscal 2022 and fiscal 2023. We recognize revenues for written premium over the life of the surety bond and, as a result, increased sales activities are not fully reflected in the quarter in which the surety bond is issued. |
| Column 1 | Column 2 | Column 3 |
|---|---|---|
| ● | Revenue from insurance commissions generated by our surety brokerage operations decreased by 8.1% in fiscal 2023 when compared to fiscal 2022, mainly due to reduced production through outside insurance carriers. |
| Column 1 | Column 2 | Column 3 |
|---|---|---|
| ● | Investment and other income at UCS and BOAM increased from $662,270 in fiscal 2022 to $2,156,199 in fiscal 2023, mainly due to the increase in interest rates over the past 12 to 18 months for assets held by UCS and the consolidation of 24th Street during the second quarter of fiscal 2023. |
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Expenses. For fiscal 2023 and fiscal 2022, our expenses in dollars and as a percentage of total revenues were as follows:
| For the Years Ended December 31, | ||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 2022 | 2023 vs 2022 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Amount | As a % of Total Revenues | Amount | As a % of Total Revenues | $ Variance | ||||||||||||||||
| Costs and Expenses: | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Cost of billboard revenues | $ | 15,136,817 | 15.7 | % | $ | 14,395,627 | 17.7 | % | $ | 741,190 | ||||||||||
| Cost of broadband revenues | 9,955,518 | 10.3 | % | 7,538,501 | 9.3 | % | 2,417,017 | |||||||||||||
| Cost of insurance revenues | 6,808,167 | 7.1 | % | 4,755,583 | 5.9 | % | 2,052,584 | |||||||||||||
| Employee costs | 32,561,929 | 33.8 | % | 26,343,272 | 32.4 | % | 6,218,657 | |||||||||||||
| Professional fees | 4,665,515 | 4.9 | % | 5,300,275 | 6.5 | % | (634,760 | ) | ||||||||||||
| General and administrative | 16,112,243 | 16.8 | % | 12,861,992 | 15.8 | % | 3,250,251 | |||||||||||||
| Depreciation | 12,155,096 | 12.6 | % | 8,649,066 | 10.6 | % | 3,506,030 | |||||||||||||
| Amortization | 7,409,939 | 7.7 | % | 6,474,791 | 8.0 | % | 935,148 | |||||||||||||
| Accretion | 216,501 | 0.2 | % | 206,359 | 0.3 | % | 10,142 | |||||||||||||
| Loss (gain) on disposition of assets | 84,414 | 0.1 | % | (61,377 | ) | (0.1 | %) | 145,791 | ||||||||||||
| Total Costs and Expenses | $ | 105,106,139 | 109.2 | % | $ | 86,464,089 | 106.4 | % | $ | 18,642,050 |
During fiscal 2023, we had total costs and expenses of $105,106,139, as compared to total costs and expenses of $86,464,089 in fiscal 2022. Total costs and expenses as a percentage of revenues increased from 106.4% in fiscal 2022 to 109.2% in fiscal 2023. The key factors impacting costs and expenses across each of our businesses during fiscal 2023 were as follows:
| Column 1 | Column 2 | Column 3 |
|---|---|---|
| ● | Cost of billboard revenues decreased as a percentage of billboard revenues from 36.7% in fiscal 2022 to 35.3% in fiscal 2023. The decrease was mainly related to lower ground rent expense as a percentage of billboard revenues. |
| Column 1 | Column 2 | Column 3 |
|---|---|---|
| ● | Cost of broadband revenues increased as a percentage of broadband revenues from 26.3% in fiscal 2022 to 28.2% in fiscal 2023. The increase is mainly driven by the InfoWest and Go Fiber acquisitions completed in April 2022 as well as an increase in sales commissions and fuel costs. |
| Column 1 | Column 2 | Column 3 |
|---|---|---|
| ● | Cost of insurance revenues increased as a percentage of insurance revenues from 35.6% in fiscal 2022 to 38.5% in fiscal 2023. The increase was mainly due to higher commissions paid related to increased production from non-affiliated insurance brokerage firms. |
| Column 1 | Column 2 | Column 3 |
|---|---|---|
| ● | Employee costs increased from $26,343,272 in fiscal 2022 to $32,561,929 in fiscal 2023, an increase of 23.6%. The increase was mainly driven by the InfoWest and Go Fiber acquisitions and hiring within our other broadband businesses, surety brokerage operations and BOAM. |
| Column 1 | Column 2 | Column 3 |
|---|---|---|
| ● | Professional fees in fiscal 2023 were $4,665,515, or 4.9% of total revenues, as compared to $5,300,275, or 6.5% of total revenues, in fiscal 2022. The decrease was mainly related to the professional fees associated with Yellowstone completing its business combination with SHG during the first quarter of fiscal 2022. |
| Column 1 | Column 2 | Column 3 |
|---|---|---|
| ● | General and administrative expenses in fiscal 2023 were $16,112,243, or 16.8% of total revenues, as compared to $12,861,992, or 15.8% of total revenues, in fiscal 2022. The increase was mainly driven by the InfoWest and Go Fiber acquisitions, higher marketing and software related expenses within our broadband businesses, continued hiring within BOAM, and a $900,000 reduction of the contingent consideration related to the ACS acquisition during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2022. |
| Column 1 | Column 2 | Column 3 |
|---|---|---|
| ● | Non-cash expenses in fiscal 2023 included $12,155,096 in depreciation expense, $7,409,939 in amortization expense, and $216,501 in accretion expense related to asset retirement obligations for certain billboard and broadband assets. The increase in depreciation and amortization expense is mainly due to the InfoWest and Go Fiber acquisitions as well as continued capital investments across all our broadband businesses. |
Net Loss from Operations. Net loss from operations in fiscal 2023 was $8,852,403, or 9.2% of total revenues, as compared to a net loss from operations of $5,229,895, or 6.4% of total revenues, in fiscal 2022. The increase in net loss from operations in dollars was primarily due to an increase in depreciation and amortization expense related to our InfoWest and Go Fiber acquisitions and capital investments within our other broadband businesses as well as costs associated with hiring within our broadband and asset management businesses, which were partially offset by improved operations within our billboard and insurance businesses. Our net loss from operations included $19,781,536 from non-cash amortization, depreciation and accretion expenses in fiscal 2023, as compared to $15,330,216 in fiscal 2022.
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Other Income (Expense). In fiscal 2023, we had a net other loss of $294,060. Net other loss included a loss of $7,888,765 from unconsolidated affiliates mainly related to $13,149,861in non-cash losses from our equity method position in Sky Harbour, which was partially offset by $4,630,610 in non-cash gains recognized in May 2023 due to our purchase of the membership interests in 24th Street held by third parties resulting in the remeasurement of our previously-held interest in 24th Street, and interest expense of $1,147,234 mainly incurred under Link's term loan. These items were partially offset by $6,132,791 in other investment income mainly related to public securities held by Boston Omaha and UCS and interest and dividend income of $2,609,148. During fiscal 2022, we had net other income of $13,104,078. Net other income included a gain of $24,977,740 related to the deconsolidation of Yellowstone, $4,085,040 mainly related to our investment in the 24th Street Funds, $1,837,211 related to the remeasurement of Yellowstone's public warrants from January 1, 2022 to January 25, 2022, and interest and dividend income of $434,941. These items were partially offset by $15,635,690 in other investment losses mainly related to public securities held by Boston Omaha and UCS, a loss of $1,387,620 mainly related to our equity method position in Sky Harbour, and interest expense of $1,207,544 mainly incurred under Link's term loan.
Generally accepted accounting principles ("GAAP") requires us to include the unrealized changes in market prices of investments in public equity securities in our reported earnings. Due to the size of our percentage ownership interest in Sky Harbour's Class A common stock and our right to elect one of the seven members of Sky Harbour's Board of Directors, our investment is recorded under the equity method using the fair market value of Sky Harbour's Class A common stock as of the date of the business combination and we do not include any unrealized gains or losses related to the change in Sky Harbour's stock price in our reported earnings. In the future, if our ownership interest in Sky Harbour's Class A common stock drops below 20%, we may no longer be able to record our investment under the equity method and will be required to include any unrealized gains or losses related to the change in Sky Harbour's stock price in our reported earnings. While we intend to hold our current securities for the longer term, we may in the future choose to sell them for a variety of reasons resulting in realized losses or gains.
Additionally, we have evaluated our investment in Sky Harbour as of December 31, 2023, and determined that there was not an other-than-temporary impairment. Our conclusion was based on several contributing factors, including: (i) our assessment that the underlying business and financial condition of Sky Harbour is favorable; (ii) the period of time for which the fair value was less than the carrying value during 2023, (iii) the recovery of Sky Harbour's stock price during the last few months of 2023, and (iv) our ability and intent to hold the investment. We will continue to review our investment in Sky Harbour for an other-than-temporary impairment on a quarterly basis or upon the occurrence of certain events. If Sky Harbour's stock price drops below our carrying value of $7.15 per share for a sustained period of time, it will likely result in an impairment of our investment. There may also be a future impairment of our investment if our expectations about Sky Harbour's prospective results of operations and cash flows decline, which could be influenced by a variety of factors including adverse market conditions.
Net (Loss) Income Attributable to Common Stockholders. We had a net loss attributable to common stockholders in the amount of $7,004,009 in fiscal 2023, or a loss per share of $0.23, based on 31,092,850 diluted weighted average shares outstanding. This is compared to net income attributable to common stockholders of $10,233,400 in fiscal 2022, or income per share of $0.34, based on 29,766,247 diluted weighted average shares outstanding.
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The following tables report results for the following four segments in which we operate: billboards, broadband, insurance and asset management for fiscal 2023 and fiscal 2022:
Results of Billboard Operations
| For the Years Ended December 31, | ||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 2022 | |||||||||||||||
| Amount | As a % of Segment Operating Revenues | Amount | As a % of Segment Operating Revenues | |||||||||||||
| Operating Revenues | ||||||||||||||||
| Billboard rentals, net | $ | 42,940,369 | 100.0 | % | $ | 39,244,726 | 100.0 | % | ||||||||
| Cost of Revenues | ||||||||||||||||
| Ground rents | 7,981,107 | 18.6 | % | 7,753,495 | 19.7 | % | ||||||||||
| Utilities | 1,790,349 | 4.2 | % | 1,672,420 | 4.3 | % | ||||||||||
| Commissions paid | 3,409,923 | 7.9 | % | 3,103,413 | 7.9 | % | ||||||||||
| Other costs of revenues | 1,955,438 | 4.5 | % | 1,866,299 | 4.8 | % | ||||||||||
| Total cost of revenues | 15,136,817 | 35.2 | % | 14,395,627 | 36.7 | % | ||||||||||
| Gross margin | 27,803,552 | 64.8 | % | 24,849,099 | 63.3 | % | ||||||||||
| Other Operating Expenses | ||||||||||||||||
| Employee costs | 7,072,960 | 16.5 | % | 6,724,871 | 17.1 | % | ||||||||||
| Professional fees | 804,203 | 1.9 | % | 521,377 | 1.3 | % | ||||||||||
| General and administrative | 3,902,279 | 9.1 | % | 3,591,370 | 9.2 | % | ||||||||||
| Depreciation | 5,075,358 | 11.8 | % | 4,581,316 | 11.7 | % | ||||||||||
| Amortization | 3,933,290 | 9.1 | % | 3,674,411 | 9.4 | % | ||||||||||
| Accretion | 199,211 | 0.5 | % | 196,099 | 0.5 | % | ||||||||||
| Loss (gain) on disposition of assets | 206,832 | 0.5 | % | (175,262 | ) | (0.5 | %) | |||||||||
| Total expenses | 21,194,133 | 49.4 | % | 19,114,182 | 48.7 | % | ||||||||||
| Segment Income from Operations | 6,609,419 | 15.4 | % | 5,734,917 | 14.6 | % | ||||||||||
| Interest expense, net | (956,251 | ) | (2.2 | %) | (1,138,242 | ) | (2.9 | %) | ||||||||
| Net Income Attributable to Common Stockholders | $ | 5,653,168 | 13.2 | % | $ | 4,596,675 | 11.7 | % |
Comparison of Fiscal 2023 to Fiscal 2022. In fiscal 2023, there was a 9.4% increase in net billboard revenues from fiscal 2022, reflecting an improvement in rental and occupancy rates across a number of our markets as well as the acquisition of billboards from Elevation during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2022. The key factors affecting our billboard operations results during fiscal 2023 were as follows:
| Column 1 | Column 2 | Column 3 |
|---|---|---|
| ● | Ground rent expense decreased as a percentage of total segment operating revenues from 19.7% in fiscal 2022 to 18.6% in fiscal 2023. |
| Column 1 | Column 2 | Column 3 |
|---|---|---|
| ● | Commissions paid as a percentage of total segment operating revenues remained flat at 7.9% in fiscal 2022 and in fiscal 2023. |
| Column 1 | Column 2 | Column 3 |
|---|---|---|
| ● | Employee costs as a percentage of total segment operating revenues decreased from 17.1% in fiscal 2022 to 16.5% in fiscal 2023. The decrease is due to organic revenue growth as well as the impact from the Elevation acquisition. |
| Column 1 | Column 2 | Column 3 |
|---|---|---|
| ● | General and administrative expenses decreased slightly as a percentage of total segment operating revenues from 9.2% fiscal 2022 to 9.1% in fiscal 2023. |
| Column 1 | Column 2 | Column 3 |
|---|---|---|
| ● | Depreciation and amortization expense increased by $494,042 and $258,879, respectively, from fiscal 2022. The increases are primarily due to the Elevation acquisition. |
| Column 1 | Column 2 | Column 3 |
|---|---|---|
| ● | Net interest expense was $956,251 in fiscal 2023 compared to net interest expense of $1,138,242 in fiscal 2022. The decrease is mainly driven by interest income from investing excess cash in U.S. Treasury securities. |
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Results of Broadband Operations
| For the Years Ended December 31, | ||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 2022 | |||||||||||||||
| Amount | As a % of Segment Operating Revenues | Amount | As a % of Segment Operating Revenues | |||||||||||||
| Operating Revenues | ||||||||||||||||
| Broadband revenues | $ | 35,340,502 | 100.0 | % | $ | 28,627,271 | 100.0 | % | ||||||||
| Cost of Revenues | ||||||||||||||||
| Network operations and data costs | 5,181,917 | 14.7 | % | 4,319,410 | 15.1 | % | ||||||||||
| Programming costs | 61,646 | 0.2 | % | 90,139 | 0.3 | % | ||||||||||
| Cell site rent and utilities | 1,597,681 | 4.5 | % | 1,111,487 | 3.9 | % | ||||||||||
| Other costs of revenues | 3,114,274 | 8.8 | % | 2,017,465 | 7.0 | % | ||||||||||
| Total cost of revenues | 9,955,518 | 28.2 | % | 7,538,501 | 26.3 | % | ||||||||||
| Gross margin | 25,384,984 | 71.8 | % | 21,088,770 | 73.7 | % | ||||||||||
| Other Operating Expenses | ||||||||||||||||
| Employee costs | 14,527,407 | 41.1 | % | 10,892,844 | 38.1 | % | ||||||||||
| Professional fees | 823,969 | 2.3 | % | 659,025 | 2.3 | % | ||||||||||
| General and administrative | 7,093,277 | 20.1 | % | 5,166,722 | 18.1 | % | ||||||||||
| Depreciation | 6,816,929 | 19.3 | % | 3,869,994 | 13.5 | % | ||||||||||
| Amortization | 3,316,403 | 9.4 | % | 2,617,966 | 9.1 | % | ||||||||||
| Accretion | 17,290 | 0.0 | % | 10,260 | 0.0 | % | ||||||||||
| (Gain) loss on disposition of assets | (122,418 | ) | (0.3 | %) | 113,885 | 0.4 | % | |||||||||
| Total expenses | 32,472,857 | 91.9 | % | 23,330,696 | 81.5 | % | ||||||||||
| Segment Loss from Operations | (7,087,873 | ) | (20.1 | %) | (2,241,926 | ) | (7.8 | %) | ||||||||
| Interest income (expense), net | 17,664 | 0.1 | % | (19,831 | ) | (0.1 | %) | |||||||||
| Noncontrolling interest in subsidiary loss (income) | 75,008 | 0.2 | % | (436,648 | ) | (1.5 | %) | |||||||||
| Net Loss Attributable to Common Stockholders | $ | (6,995,201 | ) | (19.8 | %) | $ | (2,698,405 | ) | (9.4 | %) |
Comparison of Fiscal 2023 to Fiscal 2022. In fiscal 2023, total operating revenues increased by 23.5% when compared to fiscal 2022 mainly reflecting the revenues generated from the InfoWest and Go Fiber acquisitions which were completed in April 2022. The key factors affecting our broadband operations results during fiscal 2023 were as follows:
| Column 1 | Column 2 | Column 3 |
|---|---|---|
| ● | Total cost of revenues increased as a percentage of total segment operating revenues from 26.3% in fiscal 2022 to 28.2% in fiscal 2023. The increase is mainly driven by the InfoWest and Go Fiber acquisitions as well as an increase in sales commissions and fuel costs within Other costs of revenues. |
| Column 1 | Column 2 | Column 3 |
|---|---|---|
| ● | Employee costs in fiscal 2023 increased by 33.4% from fiscal 2022. The increase is mainly due to the InfoWest and Go Fiber acquisitions as well as hiring within our other broadband businesses. |
| Column 1 | Column 2 | Column 3 |
|---|---|---|
| ● | Professional fees as a percentage of total segment operating revenues remained flat at 2.3% in fiscal 2022 and in fiscal 2023. |
| Column 1 | Column 2 | Column 3 |
|---|---|---|
| ● | General and administrative expenses as a percentage of total segment operating revenues increased from 18.1% in fiscal 2022 to 20.1% in fiscal 2023. The increase is mainly due to the InfoWest and Go Fiber acquisitions as well as higher marketing and software related expenses. |
| Column 1 | Column 2 | Column 3 |
|---|---|---|
| ● | Depreciation and amortization expense increased by $2,946,935 and $698,437, respectively, from fiscal 2022. The increase in depreciation and amortization expense is mainly due to the InfoWest and Go Fiber acquisitions as well as continued capital investments across all of our broadband businesses. |
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Results of Insurance Operations
| For the Years Ended December 31, | ||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 2022 | |||||||||||||||
| Amount | As a % of Segment Operating Revenues | Amount | As a % of Segment Operating Revenues | |||||||||||||
| Operating Revenues | ||||||||||||||||
| Premiums earned | $ | 13,932,659 | 78.7 | % | $ | 10,649,089 | 79.7 | % | ||||||||
| Insurance commissions | 1,884,007 | 10.6 | % | 2,050,838 | 15.3 | % | ||||||||||
| Investment and other income | 1,889,225 | 10.7 | % | 662,270 | 5.0 | % | ||||||||||
| Total operating revenues | 17,705,891 | 100.0 | % | 13,362,197 | 100.0 | % | ||||||||||
| Cost of Revenues | ||||||||||||||||
| Commissions paid | 4,387,088 | 24.8 | % | 2,934,022 | 21.9 | % | ||||||||||
| Premium taxes, fees, and assessments | 376,828 | 2.1 | % | 289,268 | 2.2 | % | ||||||||||
| Losses and loss adjustment expense | 2,044,251 | 11.6 | % | 1,532,293 | 11.5 | % | ||||||||||
| Total cost of revenues | 6,808,167 | 38.5 | % | 4,755,583 | 35.6 | % | ||||||||||
| Gross margin | 10,897,724 | 61.5 | % | 8,606,614 | 64.4 | % | ||||||||||
| Other Operating Expenses | ||||||||||||||||
| Employee costs | 6,500,480 | 36.7 | % | 5,752,302 | 43.0 | % | ||||||||||
| Professional fees | 596,245 | 3.4 | % | 259,535 | 1.9 | % | ||||||||||
| General and administrative | 1,970,121 | 11.1 | % | 1,241,261 | 9.3 | % | ||||||||||
| Depreciation | 152,388 | 0.9 | % | 87,855 | 0.7 | % | ||||||||||
| Amortization | 160,246 | 0.9 | % | 182,414 | 1.4 | % | ||||||||||
| Total expenses | 9,379,480 | 53.0 | % | 7,523,367 | 56.3 | % | ||||||||||
| Segment Income from Operations | 1,518,244 | 8.5 | % | 1,083,247 | 8.1 | % | ||||||||||
| Other investment income (loss) | 538,621 | 3.1 | % | (3,569,262 | ) | (26.7 | %) | |||||||||
| Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Common Stockholders | $ | 2,056,865 | 11.6 | % | $ | (2,486,015 | ) | (18.6 | %) |
Comparison of Fiscal 2023 to Fiscal 2022. In fiscal 2023, total operating revenues increased by 32.5% when compared to fiscal 2022, mainly due to increased earned premiums and investment and other income at our UCS insurance subsidiary. The key factors affecting our insurance operations results during fiscal 2023 were as follows:
| Column 1 | Column 2 | Column 3 |
|---|---|---|
| ● | Premiums earned from our UCS insurance subsidiary increased 30.8% in fiscal 2023 when compared to fiscal 2022. The increase in premiums earned was primarily due to increases in production throughout fiscal 2022 and fiscal 2023. We recognize revenues for written premium over the life of the surety bond and, as a result, increased sales activities are not fully reflected in the quarter in which the surety bond is issued. |
| Column 1 | Column 2 | Column 3 |
|---|---|---|
| ● | Insurance commissions generated by our surety brokerage operations decreased by 8.1% in fiscal 2023 when compared to fiscal 2022, mainly due to reduced production through outside insurance carriers. |
| Column 1 | Column 2 | Column 3 |
|---|---|---|
| ● | Commissions paid as a percentage of total segment operating revenues increased from 21.9% in fiscal 2022 to 24.8% in fiscal 2023, mainly due to increased production from non-affiliated insurance brokerage firms. |
| Column 1 | Column 2 | Column 3 |
|---|---|---|
| ● | Losses and loss adjustment expenses as a percentage of insurance revenues increased slightly from 11.5% in fiscal 2022 to 11.6% in fiscal 2023. Losses and loss adjustment expenses are reserved monthly based on a percentage of earned premium. |
| Column 1 | Column 2 | Column 3 |
|---|---|---|
| ● | Employee costs in fiscal 2023 increased by 13.0% from fiscal 2022. The increase is mainly due to incentive plan payments as well as the hiring of production-based roles within our surety brokerage operations. |
| Column 1 | Column 2 | Column 3 |
|---|---|---|
| ● | General and administrative expenses in fiscal 2023 increased by 58.7% from fiscal 2022. The increase is mainly due to a $900,000 reduction in general and administrative expenses during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2022 related to finalizing the ACS acquisition contingent consideration. |
| Column 1 | Column 2 | Column 3 |
|---|---|---|
| ● | During fiscal 2023, our segment income from insurance operations of $1,518,244 was increased by other investment income of $538,621 mainly from unrealized gains on our investments in publicly held securities. We expect to continue to invest a portion of our excess capital in accordance with insurance regulatory limitations in both large-cap publicly traded equity securities and bonds. These investments are subject to the risk of loss in value depending upon market conditions and factors outside of our control. |
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Results of Asset Management Operations
| For the Years Ended December 31, | |||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 2022 | ||||||||||||||
| Amount | As a % of Segment Operating Revenues | Amount | As a % of Segment Operating Revenues | ||||||||||||
| Operating Revenues | |||||||||||||||
| Investment and other income | $ | 266,974 | 100.0 | % | - | - | |||||||||
| Cost of Revenues | |||||||||||||||
| Total cost of revenues | - | - | - | - | |||||||||||
| Gross margin | 266,974 | 100.0 | % | - | - | ||||||||||
| Other Operating Expenses | |||||||||||||||
| Employee costs | 1,574,332 | 589.7 | % | 746,235 | - | ||||||||||
| Professional fees | 321,363 | 120.4 | % | 813,142 | - | ||||||||||
| General and administrative | 753,320 | 282.1 | % | 278,256 | - | ||||||||||
| Depreciation | - | - | - | - | |||||||||||
| Amortization | - | - | - | - | |||||||||||
| Total expenses | 2,649,015 | 992.2 | % | 1,837,633 | - | ||||||||||
| Segment Loss from Operations | (2,382,041 | ) | (892.2 | %) | (1,837,633 | ) | - | ||||||||
| Interest and dividend income | 1,058,527 | 396.5 | % | - | - | ||||||||||
| Equity in income of unconsolidated affiliates | 4,630,610 | 1734.5 | % | - | - | ||||||||||
| Other investment income | 980,410 | 367.2 | % | - | - | ||||||||||
| Noncontrolling interest in subsidiary (income) loss | (911,292 | ) | (341.4 | %) | 290,932 | - | |||||||||
| Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Common Stockholders | $ | 3,376,214 | 1264.6 | % | $ | (1,546,701 | ) | - |
Comparison of Fiscal 2023 to Fiscal 2022. In September 2017, we formed our asset management business. Throughout fiscal 2022 and fiscal 2023 we have been hiring within our asset management business to ensure adequate staffing for the anticipated demands and needs of the business. In May 2023, we acquired 100% of the membership interests in 24th Street from the members of 24th Street other than BOAM. Therefore, comparisons of our asset management results for fiscal 2023 to fiscal 2022 may not be meaningful. In addition, as previously mentioned, we are winding down BOAM's operations and implementing cost cutting measures. The key factors affecting our asset management operations results during fiscal 2023 were as follows:
| Column 1 | Column 2 | Column 3 |
|---|---|---|
| ● | Employee costs in fiscal 2023 increased by 111.0% from fiscal 2022 as we hired for key roles within the business. |
| Column 1 | Column 2 | Column 3 |
|---|---|---|
| ● | Professional fees in fiscal 2023 decreased by 60.5% from fiscal 2022. |
| Column 1 | Column 2 | Column 3 |
|---|---|---|
| ● | General and administrative expenses in fiscal 2023 increased by 170.7% from fiscal 2022. |
| Column 1 | Column 2 | Column 3 |
|---|---|---|
| ● | Equity in income of unconsolidated affiliates in fiscal 2023 included non-cash gains recognized related to the remeasurement of our previously-held interest in 24th Street. |
| Column 1 | Column 2 | Column 3 |
|---|---|---|
| ● | Other investment income in fiscal 2023 primarily included the changes in the fair value of the special purpose entities ("SPEs") held within the 24th Street Funds, mainly driven by unrealized gains related to the commercial real estate properties held by the SPEs, offset by operating costs and commissions associated with the sale of commercial real estate properties. |
| Column 1 | Column 2 | Column 3 |
|---|---|---|
| ● | Noncontrolling interest in subsidiary income in fiscal 2023 mainly included the external limited partners' share of GAAP income within the 24th Street Funds, mainly driven by the change in fair value referenced above. |
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Cash Flows
Cash Flows for Fiscal 2023 compared to Fiscal 2022. The table below summarizes our cash flows in dollars for fiscal 2023 and fiscal 2022:
| 2023 | 2022 | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities | $ | 16,059,125 | $ | (5,165,165 | ) | |||
| Net cash (used in) provided by investing activities | (64,252,691 | ) | 87,862,907 | |||||
| Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities | 32,940,258 | (109,725,630 | ) | |||||
| Net (decrease) increase in cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash | $ | (15,253,308 | ) | $ | (27,027,888 | ) |
Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities. Net cash provided by operating activities was $16,059,125 during fiscal 2023 as compared to net cash used in operating activities of $5,165,165 during fiscal 2022. The increase in net cash provided by operating activities was mainly driven by improved cash flow generation within our billboard and insurance businesses, positive operating cash flow impact from the InfoWest and Go Fiber acquisitions, and the 2021 bonus payments under our Management Incentive Bonus Plan, which totaled $15,000,000 and were paid in January 2022. These items were partially offset by operating costs within our FFH business and our asset management business.
Net Cash (Used in) Provided by Investing Activities. Net cash used in investing activities was $64,252,691 during fiscal 2023 as compared with net cash provided by investing activities of $87,862,907 during fiscal 2022. The decrease in net cash provided by investing activities is primarily attributable to $51,866,340 in capital expenditures, $10,916,955 in business acquisitions, $4,038,855 in payments on short-term payables for business acquisitions and a $3,000,000 investment in preferred stock of a company providing streaming bundle packaging services to the broadband industry to offer to its customers, partially offset by $5,837,231 in net proceeds from sales of investments mainly from the sale or maturity of U.S. Treasury securities.
Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities. Net cash provided by financing activities was $32,940,258 during fiscal 2023 as compared to net cash used in financing activities of $109,725,630 during fiscal 2022. During fiscal 2023, net cash provided by financing activities mainly consisted of $37,526,663 in gross proceeds raised through the sale of Class A common stock using our “at the market” program and $5,550,175 in contributions received from noncontrolling interests, partially offset by $6,925,048 in collateral released by UCS, offering costs of $1,280,060 and $1,161,504 in principal payments on Link’s term loan.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
Currently, we own billboards in Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia and Wisconsin, a surety insurance company we acquired in December 2016, surety insurance brokerage firms we acquired in 2016, 2017 and 2021, broadband services providers whose assets we acquired in 2020, 2022 and 2023, minority investments in commercial real estate management and brokerage services, a bank focused on servicing the automotive loan market, and a developer of private aviation infrastructure focused on building, leasing and managing business aviation hangars. At December 31, 2023, we had approximately $22 million in unrestricted cash and $18 million in short-term treasury securities (excludes $29 million of short-term treasury securities held by funds consolidated by BOAM). Our strategy is to continue to acquire other billboard locations, insurance businesses, and broadband service providers as well as acquire other businesses and open new businesses which we believe have the potential to generate positive cash flows when made at what we believe to be attractive prices relative to other opportunities generally available to us. We currently expect to finance any future acquisitions and investments with cash, debt and seller or third-party financing. In the future, we may satisfy all or a portion of the purchase price for an acquisition with our equity securities. In addition, we have made investments in several companies and expect to continue to make investments in the securities of both publicly traded and privately held companies.
There can be no assurance that we will consummate any subsequent acquisitions. Furthermore, our acquisitions are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, including as to when, whether and to what extent the anticipated benefits and cost savings of a particular acquisition will be realized. Our failure to successfully identify and complete future acquisitions of assets or businesses could reduce future potential earnings, available cash and slow our anticipated growth. Although we have entered and continue to enter into non-binding letters of intent to acquire businesses on a regular basis, we do not have current agreements, commitments or understandings for any specific material acquisitions which are probable to be consummated at this time.
To date, we have raised funds through the sale of our common stock in public offerings, sales of our common stock in “at the market” programs, term loan financing through our Link subsidiary, proceeds from the sale of publicly traded securities held by us, cash flow from operations, and, prior to 2019, through private placements of our common stock. As described below, we may raise additional funds through our shelf registration statement allowing us to raise up to $500 million through the sale of securities to fund future acquisitions and investments.
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2022 Shelf Registration Statement
In April 2022, we filed a shelf registration statement on Form S-3 (File No. 333-264470) that was declared effective on May 11, 2022, which we refer to as the “2022 Shelf Registration Statement,” relating to the registration of Class A common stock, preferred stock, par value $0.001 per share, which we refer to as “preferred stock,” debt securities and warrants of the Company for up to $500 million. We may, from time to time, in one or more offerings, offer and sell Class A common stock or preferred stock, various series of debt securities, and/or warrants. The shelf registration statement may also be used by one or more selling security holders, to be identified in the future, of our securities. We or any selling security holders may offer these securities from time to time in amounts, at prices and on terms determined at the time of offering. We may sell these securities to or through one or more underwriters, dealers or agents or directly to purchasers on a delayed or continuous basis. Unless otherwise set forth in an applicable prospectus supplement, we intend to use the net proceeds from the sale of the securities that we offer for general corporate purposes, including, but not limited to, financing our existing businesses and operations, and expanding our businesses and operations through additional hires, strategic alliances and acquisitions. Unless otherwise set forth in a prospectus supplement, we will not receive any proceeds from the sale of securities by any selling stockholders.
Additionally, in the 2022 Shelf Registration Statement, we registered for resale up to 8,297,093 shares of Class A common stock acquired in 2018 or earlier in private placements in accordance with the terms of a 2018 registration rights agreement. We will not receive any proceeds from the sale of Class A common stock by the selling shareholders. Currently, the selling stockholders are the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, or “MIT,” as well as 238 Plan Associates LLC, an MIT pension and benefit fund, and a limited partnership holding our Class A common stock for the economic benefit of MIT. No officer or director has any beneficial interest in any shares eligible for resale by the selling shareholders.
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At The Market Offering Programs
Starting in March 2018, we utilized our "at the market" offering that was part of our 2018 Shelf Registration Statement. This 2018 Shelf Registration Statement, which authorized us to sell up to $200 million through the sales of securities to the public, expired in February 2021 and was superseded by the 2021 Shelf Registration Statement. We sold a total of 2,630,787 shares of Class A common stock resulting in gross proceeds of $60.1 million under the 2018 Shelf Registration Statement.
On September 29, 2021, we entered into an "at the market" equity offering program pursuant to a Sales Agreement (the "2021 Sales Agreement") by and between us and WFS. Pursuant to the terms of the 2021 Sales Agreement, we could sell, from time to time, shares of our Class A common stock, with an aggregate sales price of up to $100 million through WFS, in transactions that are deemed to be "at the market" offerings as defined in Rule 415 of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”). The 2021 Shelf Registration Statement expired on March 28, 2022 upon the filing of our 2021 Annual Report on Form 10-K as we no longer qualified as a well-known seasoned issuer. We sold a total of 122,246 shares of our Class A common stock resulting in gross proceeds of approximately $4.2 million under the the 2021 Shelf Registration Statement.
On December 8, 2022, we entered into an "at the market" equity offering program (the “ATM Program”) pursuant to a Sales Agreement (the “2022 Sales Agreement”) with Wells Fargo Securities, LLC (“WFS”). This ATM Program is consistent with our historical practice of having available to management the option to issue stock from time to time in order to continue to fund the growth of its fiber-to-the-home broadband business, acquire additional billboards, and make other such investments in assets as needed to seek to grow intrinsic value per share. Our general preference is always to have options available to it from a capital allocation perspective which includes, but is not limited to, having a regularly filed ATM program.
Pursuant to the terms of the 2022 Sales Agreement, we may sell, from time to time, shares of our Class A common stock, par value $0.001 per share (the “Class A common stock”), with an aggregate sales price of up to $100 million through WFS, in transactions that are deemed to be “at the market” offerings as defined in Rule 415 of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”). Since the signing of the 2022 Sales Agreement, we sold 7,887 shares of Class A common stock in December 2022 for gross proceeds of approximately $205 thousand and 1,532,065 shares of our Class A common stock during fiscal 2023 for gross sale proceeds of approximately $37.5 million.
Upon delivery of a placement notice (a “Placement Notice”) and upon the terms and subject to the conditions of the 2022 Sales Agreement, WFS will use reasonable efforts consistent with its normal trading and sales practices, applicable laws and the rules of the NYSE to sell the shares available under the ATM Program from time to time based upon our instructions for the sales, including price, time or size limits specified, and otherwise in accordance with, the terms of such Placement Notice. Pursuant to the 2022 Sales Agreement, WFS may sell shares of our Class A common stock under the ATM Program by any method permitted by law deemed to be an “at the market” offering as defined in Rule 415 of the Securities Act, including without limitation sales made through the NYSE or on any other existing trading market for the Class A common stock. Notwithstanding the foregoing, WFS may not purchase shares under the ATM Program for its own account as principal unless expressly authorized to do so by us.
We intend to use the net proceeds from the offering, after deducting WFS’ commissions and our offering expenses, for general corporate purposes, which may include financing our existing businesses and operations, and expanding our businesses and operations through additional acquisitions and minority investments, and additional hires. Such expansion may include future billboard acquisitions, broadband acquisitions, acquisitions of surety insurance companies and other growth of our insurance activities, additional investments in real estate management, homebuilding and other real estate service businesses, additional investments in subprime automobile lending, and acquisitions of other businesses. We have not determined the amount of net proceeds to be used for any specific purpose, and we will retain broad discretion over the allocation of net proceeds. While we have no current agreements, commitments or understandings for any specific acquisitions at this time, we may use a portion of the net proceeds for these purposes.
For sales of shares of Class A common stock under the ATM Program through WFS, we will pay WFS a commission at a mutually agreed rate of 3% of the gross sales price per share of Class A common stock sold under the ATM Program. We have no obligation to sell any shares under the 2022 Sales Agreement and may at any time suspend the ATM Program under the 2022 Sales Agreement. The 2022 Sales Agreement contains customary representations and warranties of the parties and indemnification and contribution provisions under which we and WFS have agreed to indemnify each other against certain liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities Act. The ATM Program pursuant to the 2022 Sales Agreement will automatically terminate upon the issuance and sale of all of the shares available for sale under the ATM Program through WFS. In addition, we may terminate the 2022 Sales Agreement with WFS without penalty upon 10 days’ notice.
The foregoing description of the 2022 Sales Agreement is not complete and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the full text of such agreement, a copy of which is filed as Exhibit 1.1 to the Current Report on Form 8-K dated December 8, 2022 and is incorporated herein by reference.
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Link Credit Agreement
On August 12, 2019, Link entered into a Credit Agreement (the “Credit Agreement”) with First National Bank of Omaha (the “Lender”) under which Link could borrow up to $40 million (the “Credit Facility”). The Credit Agreement provided for an initial term loan (“Term Loan 1”), an incremental term loan (“Term Loan 2”) and a revolving line of credit. Link initially borrowed approximately $18 million under Term Loan 1 and $5.5 million under Term Loan 2. On December 6, 2021, Link entered into a Fourth Amendment to Credit Agreement, which modified the Credit Agreement by increasing the borrowing limit to $30 million and combining the outstanding balances under Term Loan 1 and Term Loan 2 as well as any incremental borrowings into a term loan (“Term Loan”). The Term Loan is secured by all assets of Link and its operating subsidiaries, including a pledge of equity interests of each of Link’s subsidiaries. In addition, each of Link’s subsidiaries has joined as a guarantor to the obligations under the Credit Agreement. The loan is not guaranteed by Boston Omaha or any of our non-billboard businesses. Long-term debt included within our consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2023 consists of Link’s Term Loan borrowings of $27,337,766, of which $814,667 is classified as current. There were no amounts outstanding related to the revolving line of credit as of December 31, 2023.
Principal amounts under the Term Loan were payable in monthly installments according to a 15-year amortization schedule with principal payments commencing on January 1, 2022. Starting July 1, 2023, principal amounts under the Term Loan are payable in monthly installments according to a 25-year amortization schedule. The Term Loan is payable in full on December 6, 2028. During the first three years of the Term Loan, Link may prepay up to 10% of the loan principal in each year without incurring any prepayment penalty. Otherwise, there is a prepayment penalty ranging between 3.0% and 0.5%. After three years, there is no prepayment penalty. The Term Loan has a fixed interest rate of 4.00% per annum. On September 22, 2023, the maximum availability under the revolving line of credit loan facility was increased from $5,000,000 to $10,000,000. Interest payments are based on the U.S. Prime Rate minus an applicable margin ranging between 0.65% and 1.15% dependent on Link’s consolidated leverage ratio. The new revolving line of credit is due and payable on August 12, 2025.
Under the Term Loan, Link is required to comply with the following financial covenants: A consolidated leverage ratio for any test period ending on the last day of any fiscal quarter of Link (a) beginning with the fiscal quarter ended December 31, 2021 of not greater than 3.50 to 1.00, (b) beginning with the fiscal quarter ended December 31, 2022 of not greater than 3.25 to 1.00 and (c) beginning with the fiscal quarter ended December 31, 2023 and thereafter of not greater than 3.00 to 1.00, and a minimum consolidated fixed charge coverage ratio of not less than 1.15 to 1.00 measured quarterly, based on rolling four quarters. The Company was in compliance with these covenants as of December 31, 2023.
The Credit Agreement includes representations and warranties, reporting covenants, affirmative covenants, negative covenants, financial covenants and events of default customary for financings of this type. Upon the occurrence of an event of default the Lender may accelerate the loan. Upon the occurrence of certain insolvency and bankruptcy events of default the loan will automatically accelerate. The foregoing summary of the Credit Agreement and the transactions contemplated thereby does not purport to be a complete description and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the terms and conditions of the Credit Agreement and Security Agreement, copies of which are attached as Exhibit 10.1 and Exhibit 10.2, respectively to our Form 8-K as filed with the SEC on August 13, 2019, a First Amendment to Credit Agreement with the Lender as filed as Exhibit 10.1 on Form 8-K as filed with the SEC on October 29, 2019, a Second Amendment to Credit Agreement with the Lender as filed as Exhibit 10.1 on Form 8-K as filed with the SEC on June 30, 2020, a Third Amendment to Credit Agreement with the Lender as filed as Exhibit 10.1 on Form 8-K as filed with the SEC on August 24, 2021, a Fourth Amendment to Credit Agreement with the Lender as filed as Exhibit 10.1 on Form 8-K as filed with the SEC on December 9, 2021, a Fifth Amendment to Credit Agreement with the Lender as filed as Exhibit 10.1 on Form 8-K as filed with the SEC on June 3, 2022, a Sixth Amendment to Credit Agreement with the Lender as filed as Exhibit 10.1 on Form 8-K as filed with the SEC on April 11, 2023, a Seventh Amendment to Credit Agreement with the Lender as filed as Exhibit 10.1 on Form 8-K as filed with the SEC on September 26, 2023, and an Eighth Amendment to Credit Agreement with the Lender as filed as Exhibit 10.1 on Form 8-K as filed with the SEC on February 16, 2024.
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Investments in Yellowstone Acquisition Company and Sky Harbour
In 2020, we acted as the sponsor for the initial public offering of Yellowstone and purchased 3,399,724 shares of Yellowstone Class B common stock and 7,719,799 private placement warrants at a combined cost of approximately $7.8 million. On August 1, 2021, we entered into an equity purchase agreement with Sky Harbour LLC by which Sky Harbour LLC unitholders would acquire a majority interest in the combined businesses following the completion of a business combination. As part of the equity purchase agreement, and immediately prior to the completion by Sky Harbour LLC of a private activity bond financing raising $160 million in proceeds in September 2021, we purchased Class B Preferred Units in Sky Harbour LLC for a purchase price of $55 million, which Class B Preferred Units converted to 5,500,000 shares of Sky Harbour Class A common stock upon the closing of the Sky Harbour business combination on January 25, 2022. Also, upon the closing of the business combination, we purchased an additional 4,500,000 shares of Sky Harbour Class A common stock for a purchase price of $45 million.
| Column 1 | Column 2 | Column 3 |
|---|---|---|
| ● | Upon the closing of the Sky Harbour business combination, our Class B common stock converted to Class A common stock of Sky Harbour and our private placement warrants are now exercisable to purchase 7,719,779 shares of Class A common stock of Sky Harbour. |
| Column 1 | Column 2 | Column 3 |
|---|---|---|
| ● | Each Sky Harbour Warrant is exercisable for one share of Class A common stock at a price of $11.50 per share, subject to adjustment, with each Sky Harbour Warrant being exercisable through January 25, 2027. Unlike Sky Harbour’s publicly traded warrants, these warrants are not redeemable by Sky Harbour as long as we or permitted transferees hold these warrants. The Sky Harbour Warrants are also exercisable on a cashless basis. |
| Column 1 | Column 2 | Column 3 |
|---|---|---|
| ● | Our Sky Harbour Class A common stock and the Sky Harbour Warrants and the shares underlying the warrants were subject to a lockup which expired on January 24, 2023. |
| Column 1 | Column 2 | Column 3 |
|---|---|---|
| ● | Subsequent to the closing of the Sky Harbour business combination, we distributed 75,000 shares of Sky Harbour Class A common stock to the outside directors of Yellowstone and 206,250 shares of Sky Harbour Class A common stock to an investor in the Yellowstone IPO. As of December 31, 2023, we hold 13,118,474 shares of Sky Harbour Class A common stock and 7,719,779 Sky Harbour Warrants. |
| Column 1 | Column 2 | Column 3 |
|---|---|---|
| ● | All the shares of Sky Harbour Class A common stock and Sky Harbour Warrants to purchase Class A common stock that we hold have been registered under the Securities Act. However, our ability to resell any significant portion of these shares is limited by both the large number of shares and warrants we hold relative to the average trading volume of these securities as well as blackout periods which may prevent us from selling shares as one of our Co-Chief Executive Officers serves on Sky Harbour’s Board of Directors. The terms of the Sky Harbour business combination prohibited us from selling any of our securities in Sky Harbour prior to January 25, 2023 and has since expired. |
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We believe that our existing cash and short-term investments, funds available through the Credit Agreement Link entered into on August 12, 2019, as amended, and any funds that we may receive from cash flows from operations will be sufficient to meet working capital requirements and anticipated capital expenditures for the next 12 months. At December 31, 2023, we had approximately $22 million in unrestricted cash and $18 million in short-term treasury securities (excludes $29 million of short-term treasury securities held by funds consolidated by BOAM).
If future additional significant acquisition opportunities, expansion opportunities within our billboard and broadband services businesses, and possible further development under our build for rent business become available in excess of our currently available cash, U.S. Treasury securities, and marketable equity securities, we may need to seek additional capital through long term debt borrowings, the sale of our securities, and/or other financing options and we may not be able to obtain such debt or equity financing on terms favorable to us or at all. In the future, we may use a number of different sources to finance our acquisitions and operations, including current cash on hand, potential future cash flows from operations, seller financing, debt financings including but not limited to long-term debt and line of credit facilities, including additional credit facilities which may or may not be secured by our assets or those of our operating subsidiaries, additional common or preferred equity issuances or any combination of these sources, to the extent available to us, or other sources that may become available from time to time, which could include asset sales and issuance of debt securities. In addition to Link’s current credit facility, any future debt that we incur may be recourse or non-recourse and may be secured or unsecured. Link’s existing credit facility imposes restrictions on Link that could increase our vulnerability to general adverse economic and industry conditions by limiting our flexibility in planning for and reacting to changes in our billboard, insurance, asset management, and broadband businesses. Specifically, these restrictions place limits on Link and its subsidiaries’ ability to, among other things, incur additional indebtedness, make additional acquisitions and investments, pay dividends, repurchase stock, create liens, enter into transactions with affiliates, merge or consolidate or transfer or sell our billboard assets. Link’s credit facility requires it to meet a fixed charge coverage ratio and other financial covenants. Link’s ability to comply with these loan covenants may be affected by factors beyond its control and a breach of any loan covenants would likely result in an event of default under the Credit Agreement, which would permit the Lender to declare all amounts incurred thereunder to be immediately due and payable and to terminate their commitment to make future extensions of credit. We also may take advantage of joint venture or other partnering opportunities as such opportunities arise in order to acquire properties that would otherwise be unavailable to us. Any future credit facilities which we or any of our subsidiaries may enter into would likely impose similar restrictions and risks.
We may use the proceeds of any future borrowings to acquire assets or for general corporate purposes. In determining when to use leverage, we will assess the appropriateness of new equity or debt capital based on market conditions, including assumptions regarding future cash flow, the creditworthiness of customers, and future rental rates.
We conduct and plan to continue to conduct our activities in such a manner as not to be deemed an investment company under the Investment Company Act of 1940 (the "Investment Company Act"). Therefore, no more than 40% of our total assets can be invested in investment securities, as such term is defined in the Investment Company Act. In addition, we do not invest or intend to invest in securities as our primary business. Although we do not currently hold investments in an amount which would cause us to register under the Investment Company Act, we run the risk of inadvertently being deemed to be an investment company that is required to register under the Investment Company Act because a significant portion of our assets consists of investments in companies in which we own less than a majority interest. The risk varies depending on events beyond our control, such as significant appreciation or depreciation in the market value of certain of our publicly traded holdings, adverse developments with respect to our ownership of certain of our subsidiaries, and transactions involving the sale of certain assets. If we are deemed to be an inadvertent investment company, we may seek to rely on a safe-harbor under the Investment Company Act that would provide us a one-year grace period to take steps to avoid being deemed to be an investment company. In order to ensure we avoid being deemed an investment company, we have taken, and may need to continue to take, steps to reduce the percentage of our assets that constitute investments assets under the Investment Company Act. These steps have included, among others, selling marketable securities that we might otherwise hold for the long-term and deploying our cash in non-investment assets. We have recently sold marketable securities, including at times at a loss, and we may be forced to sell our investment assets at unattractive prices or to sell assets that we otherwise believe benefit our business in the future to remain below the requisite threshold. We may also seek to acquire additional non-investment assets to maintain compliance with the Investment Company Act, and we may need to incur debt, issue additional equity or enter into other financing arrangements that are not otherwise attractive to our business. Any of these actions could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations and financial condition. Moreover, we can make no assurance that we would successfully be able to take the necessary steps to avoid being deemed to be an investment company in accordance with the safe-harbor. If we were unsuccessful, then we would have to register as an investment company, and we would be unable to operate our business in its current form. We would be subject to extensive, restrictive, and potentially adverse statutory provisions and regulations relating to, among other things, operating methods, management, capital structure, indebtedness, dividends, and transactions with affiliates. If we were deemed to be an investment company and did not register as an investment company when required to do so, there would be a risk, among other material adverse consequences, that we could become subject to monetary penalties or injunctive relief, or both, that we would be unable to enforce contracts with third parties, and/or that third parties could seek to obtain rescission of transactions with us undertaken during the period in which we were deemed to be an unregistered investment company.
Our certificate of incorporation and bylaws do not limit the amount of debt that we may incur. Our Board of Directors has not adopted a policy limiting the total amount of debt that we may incur. Our Board of Directors will consider a number of factors in evaluating the amount of debt that we may incur. If we adopt a debt policy, our Board of Directors may from time to time modify such policy in light of then-current economic conditions, relative costs of debt and equity capital, market values of our properties, general conditions in the markets for debt and equity securities, fluctuations in the market price of our Class A common stock if then trading on any exchange, growth and acquisition opportunities, and other factors. Our decision to use leverage in the future to finance our assets will be at our discretion and will not be subject to the approval of our stockholders, and we are not restricted by our governing documents or otherwise in the amount of leverage that we may use.
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
Except for our normal operating leases, we do not have any off-balance sheet financing arrangements, transactions or special purpose entities.
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Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates
The preparation of the consolidated financial statements and related notes to the consolidated financial statements requires us to make estimates that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenue and expenses, and related disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities. We base these estimates on historical results and various other assumptions believed to be reasonable, all of which form the basis for making estimates concerning the carrying values of assets and liabilities that are not readily available from other sources. Actual results may differ from these estimates.
In the notes accompanying the consolidated financial statements, we describe the significant accounting policies used in the preparation of our consolidated financial statements. We believe that the following represent the most significant estimates and management judgments used in preparing the consolidated financial statements.
Consolidation Policy
The financial statements of Boston Omaha Corporation include the accounts of the Company and our consolidated subsidiaries, which are comprised of voting interest entities in which we have a controlling financial interest and variable interest entities in which we are the primary beneficiary in accordance with ASC 810, Consolidation. The equity attributable to non-controlling interests in subsidiaries is shown separately in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets.
Retention of Specialized Accounting
Each of 24th Street Fund I and 24th Street Fund II, collectively “the 24th Street Funds,” and Fund One Boston Omaha Build for Rent LP qualify as investment companies and apply specialized industry accounting. We report fund investments on our consolidated balance sheets at their estimated fair value, with gains (losses) resulting from changes in fair value reflected within ‘Other investment income’ in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations. Accordingly, the accompanying consolidated financial statements reflect different accounting policies for investments depending on whether or not they are held through a consolidated investment company.
Purchased Intangibles and Other Long-Lived Assets
We amortize intangible assets with finite lives over their estimated useful lives, which range between five years and 50 years as follows:
| Years | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Customer relationships | 10 to 15 | ||
| Permits, licenses, and lease acquisition costs | 10 to 50 | ||
| Noncompetition and nonsolicitation agreements | 5 | ||
| Technology, trade names, and trademarks | 10 to 20 | ||
| Site location | 15 | ||
| Capitalized contract costs | 10 |
Purchased intangible assets, including long-lived assets are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of the assets may not be fully recoverable. Factors considered in reviewing the asset values include consideration of the use of the asset, the expected life of the asset, and regulatory or contractual provisions related to such assets. Market participation assumptions are compared to our experience and the results of the comparison are evaluated. For finite-lived intangible assets, the period over which the assets are expected to contribute directly to future cash flows is evaluated against our historical experience. Impairment losses are recognized only if the carrying amount exceeds its fair value.
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We have acquired goodwill related to our various business acquisitions. Goodwill represents future economic benefits arising from other assets acquired in a business combination that are not individually identified and separately recognized. Goodwill, by reporting unit, is reviewed annually for impairment or whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount may not be fully recoverable. For our annual review, we employ a third-party valuation expert. Factors considered in the annual evaluation include deterioration in economic conditions (both macro and geographic), limitations on accessing capital, and market value of our company. Industry and market conditions such as changes in competition, the general state of the industry, regulatory and political developments, and changes in market multiples are additional components of the valuation. Changes in key personnel, strategy, and customer retention are also reviewed. If industry and economic conditions deteriorate, we may be required to assess goodwill impairment before the next annual test, which could result in impairment charges. The discounted cash flow approach that we use for valuing goodwill as part of the impairment testing approach involves estimating future cash flows expected to be generated from the related assets, discounted to their present value using a risk-adjusted discount rate. Key assumptions utilized in estimating the future cash flows expected to be generated by each reporting unit primarily relate to forecasted revenues and premiums earned.
Goodwill
Goodwill represents future economic benefits arising from other assets acquired in a business combination that are not individually identified and separately recognized. Goodwill is subject to an annual impairment test. We designated October 1 as the date of our annual goodwill impairment test. We are required to identify our reporting units and determine the carrying value of each reporting unit. We analyze financial information of our operations to identify discrete segments that constitute a reporting unit. We assign assets acquired and liabilities assumed in business combinations to those reporting units. We have identified four reporting units: billboard operations, broadband operations, insurance brokerage and insurance carrier operations, and asset management operations. We are required to determine the fair value of each reporting unit and compare it to the carrying amount of the reporting unit. To the extent the carrying amount of a reporting unit exceeds the fair value of the reporting unit, we would be required to book an impairment loss. For our annual review of reporting units, we employ a third party valuation expert.
We conduct a qualitative assessment by examining relevant events and circumstances which could have a negative impact on our goodwill, including macroeconomic conditions, industry and market conditions, cost factors, overall financial performance, reporting unit dispositions and acquisitions, our market capitalization and other relevant events specific to us. If, after assessing the totality of events or circumstances described above, we determine that it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount, we will perform a quantitative impairment test. If industry and economic conditions deteriorate, we may be required to assess goodwill impairment before the next annual test, which could result in impairment charges. The discounted cash flow approach that we use for valuing goodwill as part of the impairment testing approach involves estimating future cash flows expected to be generated from the related assets, discounted to their present value using a risk-adjusted discount rate.
Acquisitions
For transactions that meet the definition of a business combination, we allocate the purchase price, including any contingent consideration, to the assets acquired and the liabilities assumed at their estimated fair values as of the date of the acquisition with any excess of the purchase price paid over the estimated fair value of net assets acquired recorded as goodwill. For transactions that meet the definition of a business combination, the determination of the final purchase price and the acquisition-date fair value of identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed may extend over more than one period and result in adjustments to the preliminary estimate recognized in the prior period financial statements. For transactions that meet the definition of asset purchases, we allocate the purchase price to the assets acquired and the liabilities assumed at their estimated relative fair values as of the date of the acquisition.
The fair value of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed is typically determined by using either estimates of replacement costs or discounted cash flow valuation methods. When determining the fair value of tangible assets acquired, we estimate the cost to replace the asset with a new asset, adjusted for an estimated reduction in fair value due to age of the asset, and the economic useful life. When determining the fair value of intangible assets acquired, we estimate the applicable discount rate, the timing and amount of future cash flows, the applicable income tax rates, and an appropriate customer attrition rate.
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Yellowstone Warrants Accounting
We account for warrants for shares of Yellowstone's common stock that are not indexed to Yellowstone's own stock as liabilities at fair value on the balance sheet. The warrants are subject to remeasurement at each balance sheet date and any change in fair value is recognized in our statement of operations. For issued or modified warrants that meet all of the criteria for equity classification, the warrants are required to be recorded as a component of additional paid-in capital at the time of issuance. For issued or modified warrants that do not meet all the criteria for equity classification, the warrants are required to be recorded as a liability at their initial fair value on the date of issuance, and each balance sheet date thereafter. Changes in the estimated fair value of the warrants are recognized as a non-cash gain or loss on the statements of operations. The fair value of the Public Warrants issued in connection with Yellowstone's Public Offering has been measured based on the listed market price of such Warrants (see Note 8 and Note 9 to the Notes to our Financial Statements for further discussion).
Losses and Loss Adjustment Expenses
Unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses represent estimates for the ultimate cost of unpaid reported and unreported claims incurred and related expenses. Estimates for losses and loss adjustment expenses are based on past experience of investigating and adjusting claims and consideration of the level of premiums written during the current and prior year. Since the reserves are based on estimates, the ultimate liability may differ from the estimated reserve. The effects of changes in estimated reserves are included in the results of operations in the period in which the estimates are updated.
FY 2022 10-K MD&A
SEC filing source: 0001437749-23-007868.
Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.
You should read the following discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations together with our consolidated financial statements and related notes appearing elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K. The following discussion contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. Our actual results and the timing of certain events could differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements as a result of certain factors, including those discussed below and as set forth under Summary Risk Factors and “Item 1A. Risk Factors.” Please also refer to the section under the heading “Cautionary Note Concerning Forward-Looking Statements.”
Overview
We are currently engaged in outdoor billboard advertising, broadband services, surety insurance and related brokerage businesses, and an asset management business. In addition, we hold minority investments in commercial real estate management and brokerage services, a bank focused on servicing the automotive loan market, and a developer of private aviation infrastructure focused on building, leasing and managing business aviation hangars.
Outdoor Billboard Advertising. In June 2015, we commenced our billboard business operations through acquisitions by Link, our wholly-owned subsidiary, of smaller billboard companies located in the Southeast United States and Wisconsin. During July and August 2018, we acquired the membership interest or assets of three larger billboard companies which increased our overall billboard count to approximately 2,900 billboards. In addition, we have made several billboard acquisitions on a smaller scale since that date. We believe that we are a leading outdoor billboard advertising company in the markets we serve in the Midwest. As of December 31, 2022, we operate approximately 4,000 billboards with approximately 7,600 advertising faces. One of our principal business objectives is to continue to acquire additional billboard assets through acquisitions of existing billboard businesses in the United States when they can be made at what we believe to be attractive prices relative to other opportunities generally available to us.
Surety Insurance. In September 2015, we established an insurance subsidiary, GIG, designed to own and operate insurance businesses generally handling high volume, lower policy limit commercial lines of property and casualty insurance. In April 2016, our surety insurance business commenced with the acquisition of a surety insurance brokerage business with a national internet-based presence. In December 2016, we completed the acquisition of UCS, a surety insurance company, which at that time was licensed to issue surety bonds in only nine states. UCS now has licenses to operate in all 50 states and the District of Columbia. In addition, over the last several years, we have also acquired additional surety insurance brokerage businesses located in various regions of the United States. We may in the future expand the reach of our insurance activities to other forms of insurance which may have similar characteristics to surety, such as high volume and low average policy premium insurance businesses which historically have similar economics.
Broadband Services. In March 2020, we commenced our broadband services business with the acquisition of substantially all of the business assets of FibAire, a rural broadband internet provider that serves over 8,000 customers in communities in southern Arizona with a high-speed fixed wireless internet service and is building an all fiber-to-the-home network in select Arizona markets. In December 2020, we acquired substantially all of the business assets of UBB, a broadband internet provider that provides high-speed internet to over 10,000 customers throughout Utah. In September 2021, we announced the launch of Fiber Fast Homes, LLC, which partners with builders, developers and build for rent communities to build fiber-to-the-home infrastructure and provide fiber internet service to residents. In April 2022, we acquired substantially all of the business assets of InfoWest, which are fiber and fixed wireless internet service providers with over 20,000 customers throughout Southern and Central Utah, Northern Arizona and Moapa Valley, Nevada. We hope to continue to expand in Arizona, Florida, Nevada, Utah, and other locales.
Investments:
| Column 1 | Column 2 | Column 3 |
|---|---|---|
| ● | Since September 2015, we have made a series of investments in commercial real estate, a commercial real estate management, brokerage and related services business as well as an asset management business. We currently own 30% of Logic and approximately 49.9% of 24th Street Holding Company, LLC, both directly and indirectly through our ownership in Logic. In addition, we have invested, through one of our subsidiaries, an aggregate of $6 million in 24th Street Fund I, LLC and 24th Street Fund II, LLC. These funds are managed by 24th Street Asset Management, LLC, a subsidiary of 24th Street Holding Company, LLC, and focus on opportunities within secured lending and direct investments in commercial real estate. |
| Column 1 | Column 2 | Column 3 |
|---|---|---|
| ● | In December 2017, we invested $10 million in common units of DFH, the parent company of Dream Finders Homes, LLC, a national home builder with operations in Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Maryland, North Carolina, South Carolina, Texas and Virginia. In addition to its homebuilding operations, DFH's subsidiaries provide mortgage loan origination and title insurance services to homebuyers. On January 25, 2021, Dream Finders Homes, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of DFH, completed its initial public offering and Dream Finders Homes, Inc. became a holding company and sole manager of DFH. Upon completion of the initial public offering, our outstanding common units in DFH were converted into 4,681,099 shares of Class A common stock of Dream Finders Homes, Inc., and one of our subsidiaries purchased an additional 120,000 shares of Class A common stock in the initial public offering. Since DFH’s initial public offering through December 31, 2022, we have sold all 4,801,099 shares of DFH Class A common stock for gross proceeds of approximately $81 million. |
| Column 1 | Column 2 | Column 3 |
|---|---|---|
| ● | In May 2018, through one of our subsidiaries, we invested approximately $19 million through the purchase of common stock of CB&T, the privately-held parent company of Crescent. Our investment now represents 15.6% of CB&T’s outstanding common stock. Crescent is located in New Orleans and generates the majority of its revenues from indirect subprime automobile lending across the United States. |
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| Column 1 | Column 2 | Column 3 |
|---|---|---|
| ● | In October 2020, our subsidiary BOC Yellowstone served as sponsor for the underwritten initial public offering of a special purpose acquisition company named Yellowstone Acquisition Company. Yellowstone sold in its public offering 13,598,898 units at a price of $10.00 per unit, each unit consisting of one share of Class A common stock and a redeemable warrant to purchase one-half of a share of Class A common stock at an exercise price of $11.50 per share. Between August and November 2020, we invested, through BOC Yellowstone, approximately $7.8 million through the purchase of 3,399,724 shares of Class B common stock and 7,719,779 non-redeemable private placement warrants, each warrant entitling us to purchase one share of Class A common stock at $11.50 per share. In August 2021, Yellowstone entered into a business combination agreement with Sky Harbour LLC, a developer of private aviation infrastructure focused on building, leasing and managing business aviation hangars. The business combination was completed on January 25, 2022 and Yellowstone changed its name to Sky Harbour Group Corporation. Sky Harbour’s Class A common stock trades on the NYSE American under the symbol “SKYH” and its warrants to purchase Class A common stock trade under the symbol “SKYH.WS.” |
| Column 1 | Column 2 | Column 3 |
|---|---|---|
| ● | In September 2021, through one of our subsidiaries, we invested $55 million directly into SHG and received Series B preferred units. Upon the successful consummation of the Sky Harbour business combination, this investment converted into 5,500,000 shares of Sky Harbour's Class A common stock based upon an assumed value of $10.00 per share. In December 2021, we agreed to provide Sky Harbour an additional $45 million through the purchase of 4,500,000 shares of Class A common stock upon the closing of the Sky Harbour business combination, which was consummated in January 2022. |
| Column 1 | Column 2 | Column 3 |
|---|---|---|
| ● | We recently established a subsidiary within BOAM to operate a proposed build for rent business in which we would develop and own single family detached and/or townhomes for long term rental. We have bought parcels of land in Nevada which we hope to develop or repurpose for other uses. We have provided approximately $15 million of capital to finance the initial stages of these projects and are currently in the process of seeking to raise third party capital to be invested alongside our capital. Once completed and stabilized, we expect that these properties will be financed with long term fixed rate debt capital supported by our and other potential third party equity investments. In addition to developing and managing these properties, we will seek to provide broadband services to these homes, providing us a second or third source of potential revenue from these developments. We are also exploring raising capital through BOAM to help expand our broadband operations both for these build for rent developments and other potential broadband acquisition and expansion opportunities. We may invest cash or contribute certain business assets to any such partnership in exchange for a partnership interest. |
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In each of our businesses, we hope to expand our geographic reach and market share and seek to develop a competitive advantage and/or brand name for our services, which we hope will be a differentiating factor for customers. Our insurance market primarily services small contractors, small and medium-sized businesses and individuals required to provide surety bonds (i) in connection with their work for government agencies and others, (ii) in connection with contractual obligations, or (iii) to meet regulatory requirements and other needs. We have expanded the licensing of the UCS business to all 50 states and the District of Columbia. In outdoor advertising, our plan is to continue to grow this business through acquisitions of billboard assets. We expect to expand our broadband services in Arizona, Florida, Nevada, Utah and in other locations. We also expect to continue to make additional investments in real estate management service businesses, as well as in other businesses. In the future, we expect to expand the range of services we provide in the insurance sector, seek to continue to expand our billboard operations and broadband services and to possibly consider acquisitions of other businesses, as well as investments, in other sectors. Our decision to expand outside of these current business sectors we serve or in which we have made investments will be based on the opportunity to acquire businesses which we believe provide the potential for sustainable earnings at an attractive level relative to capital employed and, with regard to investment, we believe have the potential to provide attractive returns.
We seek to enter markets where we believe demand for our services will grow in the coming years due to certain barriers to entry and/or to anticipated long-term demand for these services. In the outdoor billboard business, government restrictions often limit the number of additional billboards that may be constructed. At the same time, advances in billboard technology provide the opportunity to improve revenues through the use of digital display technologies and other new technologies. In the surety insurance business, new insurance companies must be licensed by state agencies that impose capital, management and other strict requirements on these insurers. These hurdles are at the individual state level, with statutes often providing wide latitude to regulators to impose judgmental requirements upon new entrants. In addition, new distribution channels in certain areas of surety may provide a new opportunity. In the real estate management services market, we believe the continued growth of commercial real estate in many sections of the United States will provide opportunities for management services for the foreseeable future. We also believe our investment in both CB&T and Sky Harbour has provided each company the opportunity to significantly grow its business. We invest our available capital and the surplus capital from UCS in a wide range of securities, including equity securities of large cap public companies, various corporate and government bonds and U.S. treasuries. In broadband services, we believe that our fiber-to-the-home services can compete with traditional cable operators as broadband provides higher rates of transmission and improved speed to consumers and that, once built, other competitors may be less willing to compete in communities which we serve.
How We Generate Our Revenues and Evaluate Our Business
We currently generate revenues primarily through billboard advertising and related services, from the sale of surety insurance and related brokerage activities and by providing high-speed broadband services. Revenue for outdoor advertising space rental is recognized on a straight-line basis over the term of the contract and advertising revenue is reported net of agency commissions. Payments received in advance of being earned are recorded as deferred revenue. In our surety insurance business, premiums written are recognized as revenues based on a pro rata daily calculation over the respective terms of the policies in-force. Unearned premiums represent the portion of premiums written applicable to the unexpired term of the policies in-force. In connection with our surety agency business, insurance commissions are recognized at a point in time, on a bond-by-bond basis as of the policy effective date and are generally nonrefundable. In our broadband business, revenue is derived principally from internet services and is recognized on a straight-line basis over the term of the contract in the period the services are rendered. Revenue received or receivable in advance of the delivery of services is included in deferred revenue.
Segment gross profit is a key metric that we use to evaluate segment operating performance and to determine resource allocation between segments. We define segment gross profit as segment revenues less segment direct cost of services. In our billboard business, direct cost of services includes land leases, utilities, repairs and maintenance of equipment, sales commissions, contract services, and other billboard level expenses. In our broadband business, direct costs of services includes network operations and data costs, programming costs, cell site rent and utilities, and other broadband level expenses. In our surety business, direct cost of services includes commissions, premium taxes, fees and assessments, and losses and loss adjustment expenses.
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Results of Operations
Year Ended December 31, 2022 Compared to Year Ended December 31, 2021
The following is a comparison of our results of operations for the year ended December 31, 2022, which we refer to as “fiscal 2022,” compared to the year ended December 31, 2021 which we refer to as “fiscal 2021.”
Revenues. For fiscal 2022 and fiscal 2021, our revenues in dollars and as a percentage of total revenues were as follows:
| For the Years Ended December 31, | ||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 2021 | 2022 vs 2021 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Amount | As a % of Total Revenues | Amount | As a % of Total Revenues | $ Variance | ||||||||||||||||
| Revenues: | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Billboard rentals, net | $ | 39,244,726 | 48.3 | % | $ | 31,499,235 | 55.3 | % | $ | 7,745,491 | ||||||||||
| Broadband services | 28,627,271 | 35.3 | % | 15,234,266 | 26.7 | % | 13,393,005 | |||||||||||||
| Premiums earned | 10,649,089 | 13.1 | % | 7,686,400 | 13.5 | % | 2,962,689 | |||||||||||||
| Insurance commissions | 2,050,838 | 2.5 | % | 2,212,849 | 3.9 | % | (162,011 | ) | ||||||||||||
| Investment and other income | 662,270 | 0.8 | % | 339,061 | 0.6 | % | 323,209 | |||||||||||||
| Total Revenues | $ | 81,234,194 | 100.0 | % | $ | 56,971,811 | 100.0 | % | $ | 24,262,383 |
We realized total revenues of $81,234,194 during fiscal 2022, an increase of 42.6% over revenues of $56,971,811 during fiscal 2021. Revenues increased within each our our businesses during fiscal 2022 when compared to fiscal 2021. The key factors impacting revenue across each of our businesses during fiscal 2022 were as follows:
| Column 1 | Column 2 | Column 3 |
|---|---|---|
| ● | Net billboard rentals increased by 24.6% in fiscal 2022, when compared to fiscal 2021, reflecting the acquisition of billboards from Keleher and Missouri Neon, which accounted for approximately 13.9% of our billboard revenues in fiscal 2022, as well as an improvement in rental and occupancy rates across a number of our markets. |
| Column 1 | Column 2 | Column 3 |
|---|---|---|
| ● | Revenue from broadband services in fiscal 2022 increased 87.9% from fiscal 2021, mainly reflecting revenues generated from the InfoWest and Go Fiber acquisitions. |
| Column 1 | Column 2 | Column 3 |
|---|---|---|
| ● | Premiums earned from our UCS insurance subsidiary increased 38.5% in fiscal 2022 when compared to the fiscal 2021. The increase in premiums earned was primarily due to increases in production throughout fiscal 2021 and fiscal 2022. We recognize revenues for written premium over the life of the surety bond and, as a result, increased sales activities are not fully reflected in the quarter in which the surety bond is issued. |
| Column 1 | Column 2 | Column 3 |
|---|---|---|
| ● | Revenue from insurance commissions generated by our surety brokerage operations decreased by 7.3% in fiscal 2022 when compared to fiscal 2021, mainly due to reduced production through outside insurance carriers as more bonds are placed directly with UCS. |
| Column 1 | Column 2 | Column 3 |
|---|---|---|
| ● | Investment and other income at UCS increased from $339,061 in fiscal 2021 to $662,270 in fiscal 2022. |
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Expenses. For fiscal 2022 and fiscal 2021, our expenses in dollars and as a percentage of total revenues were as follows:
| For the Years Ended December 31, | ||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 2021 | 2022 vs 2021 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Amount | As a % of Total Revenues | Amount | As a % of Total Revenues | $ Variance | ||||||||||||||||
| Costs and Expenses: | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Cost of billboard revenues | $ | 14,395,627 | 17.7 | % | $ | 12,094,834 | 21.2 | % | $ | 2,300,793 | ||||||||||
| Cost of broadband revenues | 7,538,501 | 9.3 | % | 3,313,760 | 5.8 | % | 4,224,741 | |||||||||||||
| Cost of insurance revenues | 4,755,583 | 5.9 | % | 3,182,497 | 5.6 | % | 1,573,086 | |||||||||||||
| Employee costs | 26,343,272 | 32.4 | % | 34,245,526 | 60.1 | % | (7,902,254 | ) | ||||||||||||
| Professional fees | 5,300,275 | 6.5 | % | 7,703,901 | 13.5 | % | (2,403,626 | ) | ||||||||||||
| General and administrative | 12,861,992 | 15.8 | % | 9,756,257 | 17.1 | % | 3,105,735 | |||||||||||||
| Amortization | 6,474,791 | 8.0 | % | 4,549,608 | 8.0 | % | 1,925,183 | |||||||||||||
| Depreciation | 8,649,066 | 10.6 | % | 5,579,026 | 9.8 | % | 3,070,040 | |||||||||||||
| (Gain) loss on disposition of assets | (61,377 | ) | (0.1 | %) | 178,911 | 0.3 | % | (240,288 | ) | |||||||||||
| Accretion | 206,359 | 0.3 | % | 134,360 | 0.3 | % | 71,999 | |||||||||||||
| Total Costs and Expenses | $ | 86,464,089 | 106.4 | % | $ | 80,738,680 | 141.7 | % | $ | 5,725,409 |
During fiscal 2022, we had total costs and expenses of $86,464,089, as compared to total costs and expenses of $80,738,680 in fiscal 2021. Total costs and expenses as a percentage of revenues decreased from 141.7% in fiscal 2021 to 106.4% in fiscal 2022. The key factors impacting costs and expenses across each of our businesses during fiscal 2022 were as follows:
| Column 1 | Column 2 | Column 3 |
|---|---|---|
| ● | Cost of billboard revenues decreased as a percentage of billboard revenues from 38.4% in fiscal 2021 to 36.7% in fiscal 2022. The decrease was mainly related to lower commissions paid and ground rent expense as a percentage of billboard revenues. |
| Column 1 | Column 2 | Column 3 |
|---|---|---|
| ● | Cost of broadband revenues increased as a percentage of broadband revenues from 21.8% in fiscal 2021 to 26.3% in fiscal 2022. The increase is mainly driven by the InfoWest and Go Fiber acquisitions as well as our FFH business. |
| Column 1 | Column 2 | Column 3 |
|---|---|---|
| ● | Cost of insurance revenues increased as a percentage of insurance revenues from 31.1% in fiscal 2021 to 35.6% in fiscal 2022. The increase was mainly due to higher losses and loss adjustment expenses related to contract bonds as well as favorable loss experience in fiscal 2021 driven by the cessation of the rental guarantee bond program. |
| Column 1 | Column 2 | Column 3 |
|---|---|---|
| ● | Employee costs in fiscal 2022 decreased $7,902,254 from fiscal 2021. The decrease was mainly driven by Management Incentive Bonus Plan payments recognized in fiscal 2021 totaling $15,000,000, which were partially offset by an increase in employee costs related to the InfoWest and Go Fiber acquisitions as well as employee growth within our FFH business. |
| Column 1 | Column 2 | Column 3 |
|---|---|---|
| ● | Professional fees in fiscal 2022 were $5,300,275, or 6.5% of total revenues, as compared to $7,703,901, or 13.5% of total revenues, in fiscal 2021. The decrease was mainly related to the professional fees associated with Yellowstone entering into a business combination with SHG as well as Boston Omaha's $55 million Sky Harbour Series B Preferred Units investment during the third quarter of fiscal 2021. The decrease was partially offset by professional fees associated with the InfoWest and Go Fiber acquisitions and the formation of our build for rent business and fund structure within BOAM. |
| Column 1 | Column 2 | Column 3 |
|---|---|---|
| ● | General and administrative expenses increased from $9,756,257 in fiscal 2021 to $12,861,992 in fiscal 2022, an increase of 31.8%. The increase was mainly driven by the InfoWest and Go Fiber acquisitions, our FFH business, and the Keleher and Missouri Neon acquisitions, which were partially offset by a $900,000 reduction of the contingent consideration related to the ACS acquisition. |
| Column 1 | Column 2 | Column 3 |
|---|---|---|
| ● | Non-cash expenses in fiscal 2022 included $8,649,066 in depreciation expense, $6,474,791 in amortization expense, and $206,359 in accretion expense related to asset retirement obligations for certain billboard and broadband assets. The increase in depreciation expense is mainly due to the InfoWest and Go Fiber acquisitions, measurement period adjustments to increase the fair value assigned to UBB's property, plant and equipment by $1,149,000 during the third quarter of fiscal 2021, and the Keleher and Missouri Neon acquisitions. The increase in amortization expense is mainly driven by the InfoWest and Go Fiber acquisitions. |
| Column 1 | Column 2 | Column 3 |
|---|---|---|
| ● | We continue to assess the impact that inflation has had and may have in the near future on our costs of operations and our ability to mitigate these increased costs through price increases passed on to our customers. |
Net Loss from Operations. Net loss from operations in fiscal 2022 was $5,229,895, or 6.4% of total revenues, as compared to a net loss from operations of $23,766,869, or 41.7% of total revenues, in fiscal 2021. The decrease in net loss from operations in dollars was primarily due to the management bonus payments in fiscal 2021, improved operations within our billboard business and insurance business, lower professional fees at Boston Omaha, and net income from operations generated by the InfoWest and Go Fiber acquisitions, which were partially offset by costs associated with our FFH business and our asset management business. Our net loss from operations included $15,330,216 from non-cash amortization, depreciation and accretion expenses in fiscal 2022, as compared to $10,262,994 in fiscal 2021.
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Other Income (Expense). In fiscal 2022, we had net other income of $9,019,038. Net other income included a gain of $24,977,740 related to the deconsolidation of Yellowstone (see Note 8 to the consolidated financial statements for further discussion), $1,837,211 related to the remeasurement of Yellowstone's public warrants from January 1, 2022 to January 25, 2022, and interest and dividend income of $434,941. These items were partially offset by $15,635,690 in other investment losses mainly related to public securities held by Boston Omaha and UCS, a loss of $1,387,620 mainly related to our equity method position in Sky Harbour and interest expense of $1,207,544 mainly incurred under Link's term loan. During fiscal 2021, we had net other income of $96,940,657, which included $93,163,697 in other investment income related to public equity securities mainly held by Boston Omaha, $2,854,407 related to the remeasurement of Yellowstone’s public warrants, $878,921 in equity in income of unconsolidated affiliates, $999,682 in interest and dividend income and interest expense of $956,050 mainly incurred under Link’s term loans.
Generally accepted accounting principles ("GAAP") requires us to include the unrealized changes in market prices of investments in public equity securities in our reported earnings. Due to the size of our percentage ownership interest in Sky Harbour's Class A common stock, our investment is recorded under the equity method using the fair market value of Sky Harbour's Class A common stock as of the date of the business combination and we do not include any unrealized gains or losses related to the change in Sky Harbour's stock price in our reported earnings. In the future, if our ownership interest in Sky Harbour's Class A common stock drops below 20%, we will no longer be able to record our investment under the equity method and will be required to include any unrealized gains or losses related to the change in Sky Harbour's stock price in our reported earnings. While we intend to hold our current securities for the longer term, we may in the future choose to sell them for a variety of reasons resulting in realized losses or gains.
Additionally, we have evaluated our investment in Sky Harbour as of December 31, 2022, and determined that there was not an other-than-temporary impairment. Our conclusion was based on several contributing factors, including: (i) our assessment that the underlying business and financial condition of Sky Harbour is favorable; (ii) the period of time for which the fair value has been less than the carrying value, (iii) the recovery of Sky Harbour's stock price since the beginning of 2023, and (iv) our ability and intent to hold the investment. We will continue to review our investment in Sky Harbour for an other-than-temporary impairment on a quarterly basis or upon the occurrence of certain events. If Sky Harbour's stock price drops below our carrying value of $8.15 per share for a sustained period of time, it will likely result in an impairment of our investment. There may also be a future impairment of our investment if our expectations about Sky Harbour's prospective results of operations and cash flows decline, which could be influenced by a variety of factors including adverse market conditions.
Net Income Attributable to Common Stockholders. We had net income attributable to common stockholders in the amount of $7,139,548 in fiscal 2022, or income per share of $0.24, based on 29,766,247 diluted weighted average shares outstanding. This is compared to net income attributable to common stockholders of $52,748,177 in fiscal 2021, or income per share of $1.82, based on 29,046,514 diluted weighted average shares outstanding.
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The following tables report results for the three segments in which we operate, billboards, broadband and insurance, for fiscal 2022 and fiscal 2021:
Results of Billboard Operations
| For the Years Ended December 31, | ||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 2021 | |||||||||||||||
| Amount | As a % of Segment Operating Revenues | Amount | As a % of Segment Operating Revenues | |||||||||||||
| Operating Revenues | ||||||||||||||||
| Billboard rentals, net | $ | 39,244,726 | 100.0 | % | $ | 31,499,235 | 100.0 | % | ||||||||
| Cost of Revenues | ||||||||||||||||
| Ground rents | 7,753,495 | 19.7 | % | 6,458,703 | 20.5 | % | ||||||||||
| Utilities | 1,672,420 | 4.3 | % | 1,258,236 | 4.0 | % | ||||||||||
| Commissions paid | 3,103,413 | 7.9 | % | 3,005,012 | 9.5 | % | ||||||||||
| Other costs of revenues | 1,866,299 | 4.8 | % | 1,372,883 | 4.4 | % | ||||||||||
| Total cost of revenues | 14,395,627 | 36.7 | % | 12,094,834 | 38.4 | % | ||||||||||
| Gross margin | 24,849,099 | 63.3 | % | 19,404,401 | 61.6 | % | ||||||||||
| Other Operating Expenses | ||||||||||||||||
| Employee costs | 6,724,871 | 17.1 | % | 5,838,942 | 18.5 | % | ||||||||||
| Professional fees | 521,377 | 1.3 | % | 670,897 | 2.1 | % | ||||||||||
| General and administrative | 3,591,370 | 9.2 | % | 2,840,673 | 9.0 | % | ||||||||||
| Amortization | 3,674,411 | 9.4 | % | 3,428,811 | 10.9 | % | ||||||||||
| Depreciation | 4,581,316 | 11.7 | % | 3,584,767 | 11.4 | % | ||||||||||
| Accretion | 196,099 | 0.5 | % | 120,589 | 0.4 | % | ||||||||||
| (Gain) loss on disposition of assets | (175,262 | ) | (0.5 | %) | 175,254 | 0.6 | % | |||||||||
| Total expenses | 19,114,182 | 48.7 | % | 16,659,933 | 52.9 | % | ||||||||||
| Segment Income from Operations | 5,734,917 | 14.6 | % | 2,744,468 | 8.7 | % | ||||||||||
| Interest expense, net | (1,138,242 | ) | (2.9 | %) | (927,437 | ) | (2.9 | %) | ||||||||
| Net Income Attributable to Common Stockholders | $ | 4,596,675 | 11.7 | % | $ | 1,817,031 | 5.8 | % |
Comparison of Fiscal 2022 to Fiscal 2021. In fiscal 2022, there was a 24.6% increase in net billboard revenues from fiscal 2021, reflecting the acquisition of billboards from Keleher and Missouri Neon, which accounted for approximately 13.9% of our billboard revenues in fiscal 2022, as well as an improvement in rental and occupancy rates across a number of our markets. The key factors affecting our billboard operations results during fiscal 2022 were as follows:
| Column 1 | Column 2 | Column 3 |
|---|---|---|
| ● | Ground rent expense decreased as a percentage of total segment operating revenues from 20.5% in fiscal 2021 to 19.7% in fiscal 2022. |
| Column 1 | Column 2 | Column 3 |
|---|---|---|
| ● | Commissions paid as a percentage of total segment operating revenues decreased from 9.5% in fiscal 2021 to 7.9% in fiscal 2022. The decrease is mainly driven by new incentive programs throughout several of our markets relating to manager compensation. |
| Column 1 | Column 2 | Column 3 |
|---|---|---|
| ● | Employee costs as a percentage of total segment operating revenues decreased from 18.5% in fiscal 2021 to 17.1% in fiscal 2022. The decrease is due to organic revenue growth as well as the impact from the Keleher and Missouri Neon acquisitions. |
| Column 1 | Column 2 | Column 3 |
|---|---|---|
| ● | General and administrative expenses increased slightly as a percentage of total segment operating revenues from 9.0% fiscal 2021 to 9.2% in fiscal 2022. The increase is primarily due to higher fuel costs and other travel related expenses. |
| Column 1 | Column 2 | Column 3 |
|---|---|---|
| ● | Depreciation and amortization expense increased by $996,549 and $245,600, respectively, from fiscal 2021. The increases are primarily due to the Keleher and Missouri Neon acquisitions. |
| Column 1 | Column 2 | Column 3 |
|---|---|---|
| ● | Net interest expense of $1,138,242 in fiscal 2022 compared to net interest expense of $927,437 in fiscal 2021. Net interest expense increased due to additional borrowings. The interest expense under our term loan is fixed at 4.00% per annum. |
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Results of Broadband Operations
| For the Years Ended December 31, | ||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 2021 | |||||||||||||||
| Amount | As a % of Segment Operating Revenues | Amount | As a % of Segment Operating Revenues | |||||||||||||
| Operating Revenues | ||||||||||||||||
| Broadband revenues | $ | 28,627,271 | 100.0 | % | $ | 15,234,266 | 100.0 | % | ||||||||
| Cost of Revenues | ||||||||||||||||
| Network operations and data costs | 4,319,410 | 15.1 | % | 2,134,938 | 14.0 | % | ||||||||||
| Programming costs | 90,139 | 0.3 | % | 99,868 | 0.7 | % | ||||||||||
| Cell site rent and utilities | 1,111,487 | 3.9 | % | 594,984 | 3.9 | % | ||||||||||
| Other costs of revenues | 2,017,465 | 7.0 | % | 483,970 | 3.2 | % | ||||||||||
| Total cost of revenues | 7,538,501 | 26.3 | % | 3,313,760 | 21.8 | % | ||||||||||
| Gross margin | 21,088,770 | 73.7 | % | 11,920,506 | 78.2 | % | ||||||||||
| Other Operating Expenses | ||||||||||||||||
| Employee costs | 10,892,844 | 38.1 | % | 5,754,642 | 37.8 | % | ||||||||||
| Professional fees | 659,025 | 2.3 | % | 759,713 | 5.0 | % | ||||||||||
| General and administrative | 5,166,722 | 18.1 | % | 2,183,466 | 14.3 | % | ||||||||||
| Amortization | 2,617,966 | 9.1 | % | 943,717 | 6.2 | % | ||||||||||
| Depreciation | 3,869,994 | 13.5 | % | 1,870,184 | 12.3 | % | ||||||||||
| Accretion | 10,260 | 0.0 | % | 13,771 | 0.0 | % | ||||||||||
| Loss on disposition of assets | 113,885 | 0.4 | % | 3,657 | 0.0 | % | ||||||||||
| Total expenses | 23,330,696 | 81.5 | % | 11,529,150 | 75.6 | % | ||||||||||
| Segment (Loss) Income from Operations | (2,241,926 | ) | (7.8 | %) | 391,356 | 2.6 | % | |||||||||
| Interest expense, net | (19,831 | ) | (0.1 | %) | (11,852 | ) | (0.1 | %) | ||||||||
| Noncontrolling interest in subsidiary income | (436,648 | ) | (1.5 | %) | (374,095 | ) | (2.5 | %) | ||||||||
| Net (Loss) Income Attributable to Common Stockholders | $ | (2,698,405 | ) | (9.4 | %) | $ | 5,409 | 0.0 | % |
Comparison of Fiscal 2022 to Fiscal 2021. In fiscal 2022, total operating revenues increased by 87.9% when compared to fiscal 2021 mainly reflecting the revenues generated from the InfoWest and Go Fiber acquisitions. The key factors affecting our broadband operations results during fiscal 2022 were as follows:
| Column 1 | Column 2 | Column 3 |
|---|---|---|
| ● | Total cost of revenues increased as a percentage of total segment operating revenues from 21.8% in fiscal 2021 to 26.3% in fiscal 2022. The increase is mainly driven by the InfoWest and Go Fiber acquisitions as well as our FFH business. |
| Column 1 | Column 2 | Column 3 |
|---|---|---|
| ● | Employee costs in fiscal 2022 increased by 89.3% from fiscal 2021. The increase is mainly due to the InfoWest and Go Fiber acquisitions and hiring within our FFH business. |
| Column 1 | Column 2 | Column 3 |
|---|---|---|
| ● | Professional fees as a percentage of total segment operating revenues decreased from 5.0% in fiscal 2021 to 2.3% in fiscal 2022. The decrease is mainly due to the additional revenues generated from the InfoWest and Go Fiber acquisitions. |
| Column 1 | Column 2 | Column 3 |
|---|---|---|
| ● | General and administrative expenses as a percentage of total segment operating revenues increased from 14.3% in fiscal 2021 to 18.1% in fiscal 2022. The increase as a percent of revenues is mainly due to the InfoWest and Go Fiber acquisitions and our FFH business. |
| Column 1 | Column 2 | Column 3 |
|---|---|---|
| ● | Depreciation and amortization expense increased by $1,999,810 and $1,674,249, respectively, from fiscal 2021. The increase in depreciation expense is mainly due to the InfoWest and Go Fiber acquisitions as well as measurement period adjustments to increase the fair value assigned to UBB's property, plant and equipment by $1,149,000 during the third quarter of fiscal 2021. The increase in amortization expense is mainly driven by the InfoWest and Go Fiber acquisitions. |
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Results of Insurance Operations
| For the Years Ended December 31, | ||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 2021 | |||||||||||||||
| Amount | As a % of Segment Operating Revenues | Amount | As a % of Segment Operating Revenues | |||||||||||||
| Operating Revenues | ||||||||||||||||
| Premiums earned | $ | 10,649,089 | 79.7 | % | $ | 7,686,400 | 75.1 | % | ||||||||
| Insurance commissions | 2,050,838 | 15.3 | % | 2,212,849 | 21.6 | % | ||||||||||
| Investment and other income | 662,270 | 5.0 | % | 339,061 | 3.3 | % | ||||||||||
| Total operating revenues | 13,362,197 | 100.0 | % | 10,238,310 | 100.0 | % | ||||||||||
| Cost of Revenues | ||||||||||||||||
| Commissions paid | 2,934,022 | 21.9 | % | 2,071,221 | 20.2 | % | ||||||||||
| Premium taxes, fees, and assessments | 289,268 | 2.2 | % | 249,267 | 2.5 | % | ||||||||||
| Losses and loss adjustment expense | 1,532,293 | 11.5 | % | 862,009 | 8.4 | % | ||||||||||
| Total cost of revenues | 4,755,583 | 35.6 | % | 3,182,497 | 31.1 | % | ||||||||||
| Gross margin | 8,606,614 | 64.4 | % | 7,055,813 | 68.9 | % | ||||||||||
| Other Operating Expenses | ||||||||||||||||
| Employee costs | 5,752,302 | 43.0 | % | 5,089,464 | 49.7 | % | ||||||||||
| Professional fees | 259,535 | 1.9 | % | 315,455 | 3.1 | % | ||||||||||
| General and administrative | 1,241,261 | 9.3 | % | 2,223,374 | 21.7 | % | ||||||||||
| Amortization | 182,414 | 1.4 | % | 177,080 | 1.7 | % | ||||||||||
| Depreciation | 87,855 | 0.7 | % | 29,143 | 0.3 | % | ||||||||||
| Total expenses | 7,523,367 | 56.3 | % | 7,834,516 | 76.5 | % | ||||||||||
| Segment Income (Loss) from Operations | 1,083,247 | 8.1 | % | (778,703 | ) | (7.6 | %) | |||||||||
| Interest expense, net | - | - | (2,009 | ) | (0.0 | %) | ||||||||||
| Other investment (loss) income | (3,569,262 | ) | (26.7 | %) | 2,670,468 | 26.1 | % | |||||||||
| Net (Loss) Income Attributable to Common Stockholders | $ | (2,486,015 | ) | (18.6 | %) | $ | 1,889,756 | 18.5 | % |
Comparison of Fiscal 2022 to Fiscal 2021. In fiscal 2022, total operating revenues increased by 30.5% when compared to fiscal 2021, mainly due to increased earned premiums at our UCS insurance subsidiary. The key factors affecting our insurance operations results during fiscal 2022 were as follows:
| Column 1 | Column 2 | Column 3 |
|---|---|---|
| ● | Premiums earned from our UCS insurance subsidiary increased 38.5% in fiscal 2022 when compared to fiscal 2021. The increase in premiums earned was primarily due to increases in production throughout fiscal 2021 and fiscal 2022. We recognize revenues for written premium over the life of the surety bond and, as a result, increased sales activities are not fully reflected in the quarter in which the surety bond is issued. |
| Column 1 | Column 2 | Column 3 |
|---|---|---|
| ● | Insurance commissions generated by our surety brokerage operations decreased by 7.3% in fiscal 2022 when compared to fiscal 2021, mainly due to reduced production through outside insurance carriers as more bonds are placed directly with UCS. |
| Column 1 | Column 2 | Column 3 |
|---|---|---|
| ● | Commissions paid as a percentage of total segment operating revenues increased from 20.2% in fiscal 2021 to 21.9% in fiscal 2022, mainly due to increased production from non-affiliated insurance brokerage firms. |
| Column 1 | Column 2 | Column 3 |
|---|---|---|
| ● | Losses and loss adjustment expenses as a percentage of insurance revenues increased from 8.4% in fiscal 2021 to 11.5% in fiscal 2022. Losses and loss adjustment expenses are reserved monthly based on a percentage of earned premium. The increase in loss reserves when compared to fiscal 2021 is mainly related to expected losses on contract bonds as well as favorable loss experience in fiscal 2021 driven by the cessation of the rental guarantee bond program. UCS no longer has any material exposure to the rental guarantee bond program as all of these bonds have since expired. |
| Column 1 | Column 2 | Column 3 |
|---|---|---|
| ● | Employee costs in fiscal 2022 increased by 13.0% from fiscal 2021. The increase is mainly due to the ACS acquisition as well as the hiring of finance, IT and marketing positions at GIG. |
| Column 1 | Column 2 | Column 3 |
|---|---|---|
| ● | General and administrative expenses in fiscal 2022 decreased by 44.2% from fiscal 2021. The decrease is mainly due to a $900,000 reduction of the contingent consideration related to the ACS acquisition as well as lower IT system implementation related expenses. |
| Column 1 | Column 2 | Column 3 |
|---|---|---|
| ● | During fiscal 2022, our segment income from insurance operations of $1,083,247 was more than offset by other investment losses of $3,569,262 mainly from unrealized losses on our investments in publicly held securities. We expect to continue to invest a portion of our excess capital in accordance with insurance regulatory limitations in both large-cap publicly traded equity securities and bonds. These investments are subject to the risk of loss in value depending upon market conditions and factors outside of our control. |
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Cash Flows
Cash Flows for Fiscal 2022 compared to Fiscal 2021. The table below summarizes our cash flows in dollars for fiscal 2022 and fiscal 2021:
| 2022 | 2021 | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Net cash (used in) provided by operating activities | $ | (5,165,165 | ) | $ | 7,768,237 | |||
| Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities | 87,862,907 | (45,670,808 | ) | |||||
| Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities | (109,725,630 | ) | 64,644,655 | |||||
| Net (decrease) increase in cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash | $ | (27,027,888 | ) | $ | 26,742,084 |
Net Cash (Used in) Provided by Operating Activities. Net cash used in operating activities was $5,165,165 during fiscal 2022 as compared to net cash provided by operating activities of $7,768,237 during fiscal 2021. The decrease in net cash provided by operating activities was mainly driven by the bonus payments under our Management Incentive Bonus Plan, which totaled $15,000,000 and were accrued for in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2021 but paid in January 2022, operating costs within our FFH business, which launched during the third quarter of fiscal 2021, and the formation of our build for rent business and fund structure within BOAM. These items were partially offset by improved cash flow generation within our billboard and insurance businesses as well as positive operating cash flow impact from the InfoWest and Go Fiber acquisitions.
Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities. Net cash provided by investing activities was $87,862,907 during fiscal 2022 as compared with net cash used in investing activities of $45,670,808 during fiscal 2021. The increase in net cash provided by investing activities is primarily attributable to $130,190,277 in proceeds from the sale of investments in Yellowstone's trust account related to Yellowstone's business combination with Sky Harbour as well as $95,388,097 in net proceeds mainly from the sale or maturity of U.S. Treasury trading securities and marketable equity securities held at Boston Omaha. These items were partially offset by net cash outflows related to our $45,000,000 PIPE investment in Sky Harbour in January 2022, $51,242,862 in business acquisitions, net of cash acquired, mainly related to the InfoWest, Go Fiber and Elevation Outdoor acquisitions and capital expenditures of $40,057,314.
Net Cash (Used in) Provided by Financing Activities. Net cash used in financing activities was $109,725,630 during fiscal 2022 as compared to net cash provided by financing activities of $64,644,655 during fiscal 2021. During fiscal 2022, net cash used in financing activities mainly consisted of $123,068,515 in redemptions and net cash outflows from Yellowstone's trust account as well as the $4,759,615 deferred underwriting fee payment related to Yellowstone's business combination with Sky Harbour, partially offset by $11,840,707 in collateral received at UCS as well as $7,800,000 in contributions received from noncontrolling interests.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
Currently, we own billboards in Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia and Wisconsin, a surety insurance company we acquired in December 2016, surety insurance brokerage firms we acquired in 2016, 2017 and 2021, broadband services providers whose assets we acquired in March 2020, December 2020 and April 2022, minority investments in commercial real estate management and brokerage services, a bank focused on servicing the automotive loan market and a developer of private aviation infrastructure focused on building, leasing and managing business aviation hangars. At December 31, 2022, we had approximately $25 million in unrestricted cash and $34 million in short-term treasury securities. Our strategy is to continue to acquire other billboard locations, insurance businesses, and broadband service providers as well as acquire other businesses and open new businesses which we believe have the potential to generate positive cash flows when made at what we believe to be attractive prices relative to other opportunities generally available to us. We currently expect to finance any future acquisitions and investments with cash, debt and seller or third-party financing. In the future, we may satisfy all or a portion of the purchase price for an acquisition with our equity securities. In addition, we have made investments in several companies and expect to continue to make investments in the securities of both publicly traded and privately held companies.
There can be no assurance that we will consummate any subsequent acquisitions. Furthermore, our acquisitions are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, including as to when, whether and to what extent the anticipated benefits and cost savings of a particular acquisition will be realized. Our failure to successfully identify and complete future acquisitions of assets or businesses could reduce future potential earnings, available cash and slow our anticipated growth. Although we have entered and continue to enter into non-binding letters of intent to acquire businesses on a regular basis, we do not have current agreements, commitments or understandings for any specific material acquisitions which are probable to be consummated at this time.
To date, we have raised funds through the sale of our common stock in public offerings, sales of our common stock in “at the market” programs, term loan financing through our Link subsidiary, proceeds from the sale of publicly traded securities held by us, cash flow from operations, and, prior to 2019, through private placements of our common stock. As described below, we may raise additional funds through our shelf registration statement allowing us to raise up to $500 million through the sale of securities to fund future acquisitions and investments.
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2020 and 2021 Underwritten Public Offerings
On May 28, 2020, we entered into an underwriting agreement, which we refer to as the “2020 Underwriting Agreement,” with Wells Fargo Securities, LLC, which we refer to as “WFS,” and Cowen and Company, LLC, as joint lead book-running managers for a public offering of 3,200,000 shares, which we refer to as the “2020 firm shares,” of our Class A common stock at a public offering price of $16.00 per share. Under the terms of the underwriting agreement, we granted the underwriters an option, exercisable for 30 days, to purchase up to an additional 480,000 shares of Class A common stock at the public offering price less underwriting discounts and commissions, which we refer to as the “option shares.” On June 2, 2020, we completed the public offering selling a total of 3,680,000 shares, including both the 2020 firm shares and all of the 2020 option shares, resulting in total gross proceeds to us of $58.9 million. The shares were sold in the offering pursuant to the Company’s shelf registration statement on Form S-3 (File No. 333-222853) that was declared effective on February 9, 2018, as supplemented by a prospectus supplement dated May 28, 2020, which we refer to as the “2018 Shelf Registration Statement.”
On March 31, 2021, we entered into an underwriting agreement, which we refer to as the “2021 Underwriting Agreement,” with WFS for a public offering of 2,300,000 shares, which we refer to as the “2021 firm shares,” of our Class A common stock, of which 2,000,000 shares were sold by Boston Omaha and 300,000 shares were sold by a selling stockholder, at a public offering price of $25.00 per share. Under the terms of the 2021 Underwriting Agreement, we granted the underwriters an option, exercisable for 30 days, to purchase up to an additional 345,000 shares of Class A common stock at the public offering price less underwriting discounts and commissions, which we refer to as the “2021 option shares.” On April 6, 2021, we announced the completion of the public offering consisting of 2,345,000 shares, including both the 2021 firm shares and all of the 2021 option shares issued as a result of the underwriters’ exercise in full of their over-allotment option, resulting in total gross proceeds to us of $58.6 million. We raised this capital to fund the planned expansion of our fiber-to-the-home broadband business, to seek to grow our Link billboard business through the acquisitions of additional billboard businesses, and for general corporate purposes. The shares were sold in the offering pursuant to the Company’s universal shelf registration statement on Form S-3ASR (File No. 333-254870) that was declared effective on March 30, 2021, which we refer to as the “2021 Shelf Registration Statement.” The 2021 Shelf Registration Statement expired on March 28, 2022 upon the filing of our 2021 Annual Report on Form 10-K as we no longer qualified as a well-known seasoned issuer.
2022 Shelf Registration Statement
In April 2022, we filed a shelf registration statement on Form S-3 (File No. 333-264470) that was declared effective on May 11, 2022, which we refer to as the “2022 Shelf Registration Statement,” relating to the registration of Class A common stock, preferred stock, par value $0.001 per share, which we refer to as “preferred stock,” debt securities and warrants of the Company for up to $500 million. We may, from time to time, in one or more offerings, offer and sell Class A common stock or preferred stock, various series of debt securities, and/or warrants. The shelf registration statement may also be used by one or more selling security holders, to be identified in the future, of our securities. We or any selling security holders may offer these securities from time to time in amounts, at prices and on terms determined at the time of offering. We may sell these securities to or through one or more underwriters, dealers or agents or directly to purchasers on a delayed or continuous basis. Unless otherwise set forth in an applicable prospectus supplement, we intend to use the net proceeds from the sale of the securities that we offer for general corporate purposes, including, but not limited to, financing our existing businesses and operations, and expanding our businesses and operations through additional hires, strategic alliances and acquisitions. Unless otherwise set forth in a prospectus supplement, we will not receive any proceeds from the sale of securities by any selling stockholders.
Additionally, in the 2022 Shelf Registration Statement, we registered for resale up to 8,297,093 shares of Class A common stock acquired in 2018 or earlier in private placements in accordance with the terms of a 2018 registration rights agreement. We will not receive any proceeds from the sale of Class A common stock by the selling shareholders. Currently, the selling stockholders are the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, or “MIT,” as well as 238 Plan Associates LLC, an MIT pension and benefit fund, and a limited partnership holding our Class A common stock for the economic benefit of MIT. No officer or director has any beneficial interest in any shares eligible for resale by the selling shareholders.
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At The Market Offering Programs
Starting in March 2018, we utilized our "at the market" offering that was part of our 2018 Shelf Registration Statement. This 2018 Shelf Registration Statement, which authorized us to sell up to $200 million through the sales of securities to the public, expired in February 2021 and was superseded by the 2021 Shelf Registration Statement. We sold a total of 2,630,787 shares of Class A common stock resulting in gross proceeds of $60.1 million under the 2018 Shelf Registration Statement.
On September 29, 2021, we entered into an "at the market" equity offering program pursuant to a Sales Agreement (the "2021 Sales Agreement") by and between us and WFS. Pursuant to the terms of the 2021 Sales Agreement, we could sell, from time to time, shares of our Class A common stock, with an aggregate sales price of up to $100 million through WFS, in transactions that are deemed to be "at the market" offerings as defined in Rule 415 of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”). The 2021 Shelf Registration Statement expired on March 28, 2022 upon the filing of our 2021 Annual Report on Form 10-K as we no longer qualified as a well-known seasoned issuer. We sold a total of 122,246 shares of our Class A common stock resulting in gross proceeds of approximately $4.2 million under the the 2021 Shelf Registration Statement.
On December 8, 2022, we entered into an "at the market" equity offering program (the “ATM Program”) pursuant to a Sales Agreement (the “2022 Sales Agreement”) with Wells Fargo Securities, LLC (“WFS”). This ATM Program is consistent with our historical practice of having available to management the option to issue stock from time to time in order to continue to fund the growth of its fiber-to-the-home broadband business, acquire additional billboards, and make other such investments in assets as needed to seek to grow intrinsic value per share. Our general preference is always to have options available to it from a capital allocation perspective which includes, but is not limited to, having a regularly filed ATM program.
Pursuant to the terms of the 2022 Sales Agreement, we may sell, from time to time, shares of our Class A common stock, par value $0.001 per share (the “Class A common stock”), with an aggregate sales price of up to $100 million through WFS, in transactions that are deemed to be “at the market” offerings as defined in Rule 415 of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”). Since the signing of the 2022 Sales Agreement, we sold 7,887 shares of Class A common stock in December 2022 for gross proceeds of approximately $205 thousand and 1,097,824 shares of our Class A common stock in January and February 2023 for gross sale proceeds of approximately $28.1 million.
Upon delivery of a placement notice (a “Placement Notice”) and upon the terms and subject to the conditions of the Sales Agreement, WFS will use reasonable efforts consistent with its normal trading and sales practices, applicable laws and the rules of the NYSE to sell the shares available under the ATM Program from time to time based upon our instructions for the sales, including price, time or size limits specified, and otherwise in accordance with, the terms of such Placement Notice. Pursuant to the 2022 Sales Agreement, WFS may sell shares of our Class A common stock under the ATM Program by any method permitted by law deemed to be an “at the market” offering as defined in Rule 415 of the Securities Act, including without limitation sales made through the NYSE or on any other existing trading market for the Class A common stock. Notwithstanding the foregoing, WFS may not purchase shares under the ATM Program for its own account as principal unless expressly authorized to do so by us.
We intend to use the net proceeds from the offering, after deducting WFS’ commissions and our offering expenses, for general corporate purposes, which may include financing our existing businesses and operations, and expanding our businesses and operations through additional acquisitions and minority investments and additional hires. Such expansion may include future billboard acquisitions, broadband acquisitions, acquisitions of surety insurance companies and other growth of our insurance activities, additional investments in real estate management, homebuilding and other real estate service businesses, additional investments in subprime automobile lending, and acquisitions of other businesses. We have not determined the amount of net proceeds to be used for any specific purpose, and we will retain broad discretion over the allocation of net proceeds. While we have no current agreements, commitments or understandings for any specific acquisitions at this time, we may use a portion of the net proceeds for these purposes.
For sales of shares of Class A common stock under the ATM Program through WFS, we will pay WFS a commission at a mutually agreed rate of 3% of the gross sales price per share of Class A common stock sold under the ATM Program. We have no obligation to sell any shares under the 2022 Sales Agreement, and may at any time suspend the ATM Program under the 2022 Sales Agreement. The 2022 Sales Agreement contains customary representations and warranties of the parties and indemnification and contribution provisions under which we and WFS have agreed to indemnify each other against certain liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities Act. The ATM Program pursuant to the 2022 Sales Agreement will automatically terminate upon the issuance and sale of all of the shares available for sale under the ATM Program through WFS.
The foregoing description of the 2022 Sales Agreement is not complete and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the full text of such agreement, a copy of which is filed as Exhibit 1.1 to the Current Report on Form 8-K dated December 8, 2022 and is incorporated herein by reference.
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Link Credit Agreement
On August 12, 2019, Link entered into a Credit Agreement (the “Credit Agreement”) with First National Bank of Omaha (the “Lender”) under which Link could borrow up to $40 million (the “Credit Facility”). The Credit Agreement provided for an initial term loan (“Term Loan 1”), an incremental term loan (“Term Loan 2”) and a revolving line of credit. Link initially borrowed approximately $18 million under Term Loan 1 and $5.5 million under Term Loan 2. On December 6, 2021, Link entered into a Fourth Amendment to Credit Agreement (the "Fourth Amendment"), which modified the Credit Agreement by increasing the borrowing limit to $30 million and combining the outstanding balances under Term Loan 1 and Term Loan 2 as well as any incremental borrowings into a term loan ("Term Loan"). The Term Loan is secured by all assets of Link and its operating subsidiaries, including a pledge of equity interests of each of Link’s subsidiaries. In addition, each of Link’s subsidiaries has joined as a guarantor to the obligations under the Credit Agreement. The loan is not guaranteed by Boston Omaha or any of our non-billboard businesses. Long-term debt included within our consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2022 consists of Link’s Term Loan borrowings of $28,499,270, of which $1,545,090 is classified as current. There were no amounts outstanding related to the revolving line of credit as of December 31, 2022.
Principal amounts under the Term Loan are payable in monthly installments according to a 15-year amortization schedule with principal payments commencing on January 1, 2022. The Term Loan is payable in full on December 6, 2028. During the first three years of the Term Loan, Link may prepay up to 10% of the loan principal in each year without incurring any prepayment penalty. Otherwise, there is a prepayment penalty ranging between 3.0% and 0.5%. After three years, there is no prepayment penalty. The Term Loan has a fixed interest rate of 4.00% per annum. The revolving line of credit loan facility has a $5,000,000 maximum availability. Interest payments are based on the U.S. Prime Rate minus an applicable margin ranging between 0.65% and 1.15% dependent on Link’s consolidated leverage ratio. The revolving line of credit is due and payable on August 12, 2023.
Under the Term Loan, Link is required to comply with the following financial covenants: A consolidated leverage ratio for any test period ending on the last day of any fiscal quarter of Link (a) beginning with the fiscal quarter ended December 31, 2021 of not greater than 3.50 to 1.00, (b) beginning with the fiscal quarter ended December 31, 2022 of not greater than 3.25 to 1.00 and (c) beginning with the fiscal quarter ending December 31, 2023 and thereafter of not greater than 3.00 to 1.00, and a minimum consolidated fixed charge coverage ratio of not less than 1.15 to 1.00 measured quarterly, based on rolling four quarters. The Company was in compliance with these covenants as of December 31, 2022.
The Credit Agreement includes representations and warranties, reporting covenants, affirmative covenants, negative covenants, financial covenants and events of default customary for financings of this type. Upon the occurrence of an event of default the Lender may accelerate the loan. Upon the occurrence of certain insolvency and bankruptcy events of default the loan will automatically accelerate. The foregoing summary of the Credit Agreement and the transactions contemplated thereby does not purport to be a complete description and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the terms and conditions of the Credit Agreement and Security Agreement, copies of which are attached as Exhibit 10.1 and Exhibit 10.2, respectively to our Form 8-K as filed with the SEC on August 13, 2019, a First Amendment to Credit Agreement with the Lender as filed as Exhibit 10.1 on Form 8-K as filed with the SEC on October 29, 2019, a Second Amendment to Credit Agreement with the Lender as filed as Exhibit 10.1 on Form 8-K as filed with the SEC on June 30, 2020, a Third Amendment to Credit Agreement with the Lender as filed as Exhibit 10.1 on Form 8-K as filed with the SEC on August 24, 2021, a Fourth Amendment to Credit Agreement with the Lender as filed as Exhibit 10.1 on Form 8-K as filed with the SEC on December 9, 2021, and a Fifth Amendment to Credit Agreement with the Lender as filed as Exhibit 10.1 on Form 8-K as filed with the SEC on June 3, 2022.
Loan to Dream Finders Homes
On October 2, 2020, we provided a term loan of $20 million to Dream Finders Holdings, LLC to be used in expanding DFH's footprint in the Southeast United States. The effective interest rate on this term loan was approximately 14% and matured on May 1, 2021. This loan was repaid with interest in early 2021.
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Investments in Yellowstone Acquisition Company and Sky Harbour
In 2020, we acted as the sponsor for the initial public offering of Yellowstone and purchased 3,399,724 shares of Yellowstone Class B common stock and 7,719,799 private placement warrants at a combined cost of approximately $7.8 million. On August 1, 2021, we entered into an equity purchase agreement with Sky Harbour LLC by which Sky Harbour LLC unitholders would acquire a majority interest in the combined businesses following the completion of a business combination. As part of the equity purchase agreement, and immediately prior to the completion by Sky Harbour LLC of a private activity bond financing raising $160 million in proceeds in September 2021, we purchased Class B Preferred Units in Sky Harbour LLC for a purchase price of $55 million, which Class B Preferred Units converted to 5,500,000 shares of Sky Harbour Class A common stock upon the closing of the Sky Harbour business combination on January 25, 2022. Also, upon the closing of the business combination, we purchased an additional 4,500,000 shares of Sky Harbour Class A common stock for a purchase price of $45 million.
| Column 1 | Column 2 | Column 3 |
|---|---|---|
| ● | Upon the closing of the Sky Harbour business combination, our Class B common stock converted to Class A common stock of Sky Harbour and our private placement warrants are now exercisable to purchase 7,719,779 shares of Class A common stock of Sky Harbour. |
| Column 1 | Column 2 | Column 3 |
|---|---|---|
| ● | Each Sky Harbour Warrant is exercisable for one share of Class A common stock at a price of $11.50 per share, subject to adjustment, with each Sky Harbour Warrant being exercisable through January 25, 2026. Unlike Sky Harbour’s publicly traded warrants, these warrants are not redeemable by Sky Harbour as long as we or permitted transferees hold these warrants. The Sky Harbour Warrants are also exercisable on a cashless basis. |
| Column 1 | Column 2 | Column 3 |
|---|---|---|
| ● | Our Sky Harbour Class A common stock and the Sky Harbour Warrants and the shares underlying the warrants remain subject to a lockup, which we refer to as the "Sky Lockup Period," for a period of at least the first to occur of (a) January 25, 2023, (b) if the last sale price of Sky Harbour's Class A common stock equals or exceeds $12.00 per share (as adjusted for stock splits, stock dividends, reorganizations, recapitalizations and the like) for any 20 trading days within any 30-trading day period commencing at least 150 days after January 25, 2022, or (c) the date on which Sky Harbour completes a liquidation, merger, capital stock exchange, reorganization or other similar transaction that results in all of the Sky Harbour stockholders having the right to exchange their shares of Class A common stock for cash, securities or other property. |
| Column 1 | Column 2 | Column 3 |
|---|---|---|
| ● | Subsequent to the closing of the Sky Harbour business combination, we distributed 75,000 shares of Sky Harbour Class A common stock to the outside directors of Yellowstone and 206,250 shares of Sky Harbour Class A common stock to an investor in the Yellowstone IPO. As of March 20, 2023, we hold 13,118,474 shares of Sky Harbour Class A common stock and 7,719,779 Sky Harbour Warrants. |
| Column 1 | Column 2 | Column 3 |
|---|---|---|
| ● | All of the shares of Sky Harbour Class A common stock that we own as well as the Sky Harbour Warrants and the shares of Sky Harbour Class A common stock underlying the Sky Harbour Warrants were registered with the SEC in 2022. |
| Column 1 | Column 2 | Column 3 |
|---|---|---|
| ● | All of the shares of Sky Harbour Class A common stock and Sky Harbour Warrants to purchase Class A common stock that we hold have been registered under the Securities Act. However, our ability to resell any significant portion of these shares are limited by both the large number of shares and warrants we hold relative to the average trading volume of these securities as well as blackout periods which may prevent us from selling shares as one of our Co-Chief Executive Officers serves on Sky's Board of Directors. The terms of the Sky Harbour business combination prohibited us from selling any of our securities in Sky Harbour prior to January 25, 2023 but has since expired. |
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We believe that our existing cash and short-term investments, funds available through the Credit Agreement Link entered into on August 12, 2019, as amended, and any funds that we may receive from cash flows from operations will be sufficient to meet working capital requirements and anticipated capital expenditures for the next 12 months. At December 31, 2022, we had approximately $25 million in unrestricted cash and $34 million in short-term treasury securities.
If future additional significant acquisition opportunities, expansion opportunities within our billboard and broadband services businesses, and possible further development under our build for rent business become available in excess of our currently available cash, U.S. Treasury securities, and marketable equity securities, we may need to seek additional capital through long term debt borrowings, the sale of our securities, and/or other financing options and we may not be able to obtain such debt or equity financing on terms favorable to us or at all. In the future, we may use a number of different sources to finance our acquisitions and operations, including current cash on hand, potential future cash flows from operations, seller financing, debt financings including but not limited to long-term debt and line of credit facilities, including additional credit facilities which may or may not be secured by our assets or those of our operating subsidiaries, additional common or preferred equity issuances or any combination of these sources, to the extent available to us, or other sources that may become available from time to time, which could include asset sales and issuance of debt securities. In addition to Link’s current credit facility, any future debt that we incur may be recourse or non-recourse and may be secured or unsecured. Link's existing credit facility imposes restrictions on Link that could increase our vulnerability to general adverse economic and industry conditions by limiting our flexibility in planning for and reacting to changes in our billboard, insurance, and broadband businesses. Specifically, these restrictions place limits on Link and its subsidiaries' ability to, among other things, incur additional indebtedness, make additional acquisitions and investments, pay dividends, repurchase stock, create liens, enter into transactions with affiliates, merge or consolidate or transfer or sell our billboard assets. Link’s credit facility requires it to meet a fixed charge coverage ratio and other financial covenants. Link’s ability to comply with these loan covenants may be affected by factors beyond its control and a breach of any loan covenants would likely result in an event of default under the Credit Agreement, which would permit the Lender to declare all amounts incurred thereunder to be immediately due and payable and to terminate their commitment to make future extensions of credit. We also may take advantage of joint venture or other partnering opportunities as such opportunities arise in order to acquire properties that would otherwise be unavailable to us. Any future credit facilities which we or any of our subsidiaries may enter into would likely impose similar restrictions and risks.
We may use the proceeds of any future borrowings to acquire assets or for general corporate purposes. In determining when to use leverage, we will assess the appropriateness of new equity or debt capital based on market conditions, including assumptions regarding future cash flow, the creditworthiness of customers, and future rental rates.
We conduct and plan to continue to conduct our activities in such a manner as not to be deemed an investment company under the Investment Company Act. Therefore, no more than 40% of our total assets can be invested in investment securities, as such term is defined in the Investment Company Act. In addition, we do not invest or intend to invest in securities as our primary business. We run the risk of inadvertently being deemed to be an investment company that is required to register under the Investment Company Act of 1940 (the “Investment Company Act”) because a significant portion of our assets consists of investments in companies in which we own less than a majority interest. The risk varies depending on events beyond our control, such as significant appreciation or depreciation in the market value of certain of our publicly traded holdings, adverse developments with respect to our ownership of certain of our subsidiaries, and transactions involving the sale of certain assets. If we are deemed to be an inadvertent investment company, we may seek to rely on a safe-harbor under the Investment Company Act that would provide us a one-year grace period to take steps to avoid being deemed to be an investment company. In order to ensure we avoid being deemed an investment company, we have taken, and may need to continue to take, steps to reduce the percentage of our assets that constitute investments assets under the Investment Company Act. These steps have included, among others, selling marketable securities that we might otherwise hold for the long-term and deploying our cash in non-investment assets. We have recently sold marketable securities, including at times at a loss, and we may be forced to sell our investment assets at unattractive prices or to sell assets that we otherwise believe benefit our business in the future to remain below the requisite threshold. We may also seek to acquire additional non-investment assets to maintain compliance with the Investment Company Act, and we may need to incur debt, issue additional equity or enter into other financing arrangements that are not otherwise attractive to our business. Any of these actions could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations and financial condition. Moreover, we can make no assurance that we would successfully be able to take the necessary steps to avoid being deemed to be an investment company in accordance with the safe-harbor. If we were unsuccessful, then we would have to register as an investment company, and we would be unable to operate our business in its current form. We would be subject to extensive, restrictive, and potentially adverse statutory provisions and regulations relating to, among other things, operating methods, management, capital structure, indebtedness, dividends, and transactions with affiliates. If we were deemed to be an investment company and did not register as an investment company when required to do so, there would be a risk, among other material adverse consequences, that we could become subject to monetary penalties or injunctive relief, or both, that we would be unable to enforce contracts with third parties, and/or that third parties could seek to obtain rescission of transactions with us undertaken during the period in which we were deemed to be an unregistered investment company.
Our certificate of incorporation and bylaws do not limit the amount of debt that we may incur. Our Board of Directors has not adopted a policy limiting the total amount of debt that we may incur. Our Board of Directors will consider a number of factors in evaluating the amount of debt that we may incur. If we adopt a debt policy, our Board of Directors may from time to time modify such policy in light of then-current economic conditions, relative costs of debt and equity capital, market values of our properties, general conditions in the markets for debt and equity securities, fluctuations in the market price of our Class A common stock if then trading on any exchange, growth and acquisition opportunities, and other factors. Our decision to use leverage in the future to finance our assets will be at our discretion and will not be subject to the approval of our stockholders, and we are not restricted by our governing documents or otherwise in the amount of leverage that we may use.
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
Except for our normal operating leases, we do not have any off-balance sheet financing arrangements, transactions or special purpose entities.
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Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates
The preparation of the consolidated financial statements and related notes to the consolidated financial statements requires us to make estimates that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenue and expenses, and related disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities. We base these estimates on historical results and various other assumptions believed to be reasonable, all of which form the basis for making estimates concerning the carrying values of assets and liabilities that are not readily available from other sources. Actual results may differ from these estimates.
In the notes accompanying the consolidated financial statements, we describe the significant accounting policies used in the preparation of our consolidated financial statements. We believe that the following represent the most significant estimates and management judgments used in preparing the consolidated financial statements.
Consolidation Policy
The financial statements of Boston Omaha Corporation include the accounts of the Company and our consolidated subsidiaries, which are comprised of voting interest entities in which we have a controlling financial interest and variable interest entities in which we are the primary beneficiary in accordance with ASC 810, Consolidation. The equity attributable to non-controlling interests in subsidiaries is shown separately in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets.
Purchased Intangibles and Other Long-Lived Assets
We amortize intangible assets with finite lives over their estimated useful lives, which range between two years and 50 years as follows:
| Years | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Customer relationships | 10 to 15 | ||
| Permits, licenses, and lease acquisition costs | 10 to 50 | ||
| Noncompetition and nonsolicitation agreements | 5 | ||
| Technology, trade names, and trademarks | 10 to 20 | ||
| Site location | 15 | ||
| Capitalized contract costs | 10 |
Purchased intangible assets, including long-lived assets are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of the assets may not be fully recoverable. Factors considered in reviewing the asset values include consideration of the use of the asset, the expected life of the asset, and regulatory or contractual provisions related to such assets. Market participation assumptions are compared to our experience and the results of the comparison are evaluated. For finite-lived intangible assets, the period over which the assets are expected to contribute directly to future cash flows is evaluated against our historical experience. Impairment losses are recognized only if the carrying amount exceeds its fair value.
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We have acquired goodwill related to our various business acquisitions. Goodwill represents future economic benefits arising from other assets acquired in a business combination that are not individually identified and separately recognized. Goodwill, by reporting unit, is reviewed annually for impairment or whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount may not be fully recoverable. For our annual review, we employ a third-party valuation expert. Factors considered in the annual evaluation include deterioration in economic conditions (both macro and geographic), limitations on accessing capital, and market value of our company. Industry and market conditions such as changes in competition, the general state of the industry, regulatory and political developments, and changes in market multiples are additional components of the valuation. Changes in key personnel, strategy, and customer retention are also reviewed. If industry and economic conditions deteriorate, we may be required to assess goodwill impairment before the next annual test, which could result in impairment charges. The discounted cash flow approach that we use for valuing goodwill as part of the impairment testing approach involves estimating future cash flows expected to be generated from the related assets, discounted to their present value using a risk-adjusted discount rate. Key assumptions utilized in estimating the future cash flows expected to be generated by each reporting unit primarily relate to forecasted revenues and premiums earned.
Acquisitions
For transactions that meet the definition of a business combination, we allocate the purchase price, including any contingent consideration, to the assets acquired and the liabilities assumed at their estimated fair values as of the date of the acquisition with any excess of the purchase price paid over the estimated fair value of net assets acquired recorded as goodwill. For transactions that meet the definition of a business combination, the determination of the final purchase price and the acquisition-date fair value of identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed may extend over more than one period and result in adjustments to the preliminary estimate recognized in the prior period financial statements. For transactions that meet the definition of asset purchases, we allocate the purchase price to the assets acquired and the liabilities assumed at their estimated relative fair values as of the date of the acquisition.
The fair value of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed is typically determined by using either estimates of replacement costs or discounted cash flow valuation methods. When determining the fair value of tangible assets acquired, we estimate the cost to replace the asset with a new asset, adjusted for an estimated reduction in fair value due to age of the asset, and the economic useful life. When determining the fair value of intangible assets acquired, we estimate the applicable discount rate, the timing and amount of future cash flows, the applicable income tax rates, and an appropriate customer attrition rate.
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Yellowstone Class A Common Stock Subject to Possible Redemption
As discussed in Note 8, all of the 13,598,898 Class A common stock sold as part of the Units in Yellowstone's Public Offering contained a redemption feature which allowed for the redemption of such public shares in connection with Yellowstone's liquidation, if there were to be a stockholder vote or tender offer in connection with the Sky Harbour's business combination and in connection with certain amendments to Yellowstone's second amended and restated certificate of incorporation. In accordance with SEC and its staff’s guidance on redeemable equity instruments, which has been codified in ASC 480-10-S99, redemption provisions not solely within the control of the Company require common stock subject to redemption to be classified outside of permanent equity. Ordinary liquidation events, which involve the redemption and liquidation of all of the entity’s equity instruments, are excluded from the provisions of ASC 480. On January 25, 2022, holders of 12,061,401 shares of Class A common stock elected to have their shares redeemed.
Yellowstone recognizes changes in redemption value immediately as they occur and adjusts the carrying value of redeemable common stock to equal the redemption value at the end of each reporting period. Increases or decreases in the carrying amount of redeemable common stock are effected by charges against additional paid in capital and accumulated deficit. Yellowstone's Class A common stock subject to redemption is included within "Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest" within our consolidated Balance Sheets.
The ability for any holder of our Yellowstone stock to have their shares redeemed expired upon the closing of the business combination between Yellowstone and Sky Harbour on January 25, 2022.
Yellowstone Warrants Accounting
We account for warrants for shares of Yellowstone's common stock that are not indexed to Yellowstone's own stock as liabilities at fair value on the balance sheet. The warrants are subject to remeasurement at each balance sheet date and any change in fair value is recognized in our statement of operations. For issued or modified warrants that meet all of the criteria for equity classification, the warrants are required to be recorded as a component of additional paid-in capital at the time of issuance. For issued or modified warrants that do not meet all the criteria for equity classification, the warrants are required to be recorded as a liability at their initial fair value on the date of issuance, and each balance sheet date thereafter. Changes in the estimated fair value of the warrants are recognized as a non-cash gain or loss on the statements of operations. The fair value of the Public Warrants issued in connection with Yellowstone's Public Offering has been measured based on the listed market price of such Warrants (see Note 8 and Note 9 to the Notes to our Financial Statements for further discussion).
Losses and Loss Adjustment Expenses
Unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses represent estimates for the ultimate cost of unpaid reported and unreported claims incurred and related expenses. Estimates for losses and loss adjustment expenses are based on past experience of investigating and adjusting claims and consideration of the level of premiums written during the current and prior year. Since the reserves are based on estimates, the ultimate liability may differ from the estimated reserve. The effects of changes in estimated reserves are included in the results of operations in the period in which the estimates are updated.
FY 2021 10-K MD&A
SEC filing source: 0001437749-22-007410.
Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.
You should read the following discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations together with our consolidated financial statements and related notes appearing elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K. The following discussion contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. Our actual results and the timing of certain events could differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements as a result of certain factors, including those discussed below and as set forth under Summary Risk Factors and “Item 1A. Risk Factors.” Please also refer to the section under the heading “Cautionary Note Concerning Forward-Looking Statements.”
Overview
We are currently engaged in outdoor billboard advertising, surety insurance and related brokerage businesses, and broadband services businesses. In addition, we hold minority investments in commercial real estate management and brokerage services, a bank focused on servicing the automotive loan market, and Sky Harbour Group Inc., a developer and operator of airplane hangars for general aviation.
Billboards. In June 2015, we commenced our billboard business operations through acquisitions by Link, our wholly-owned subsidiary, of smaller billboard companies located in the Southeast United States and Wisconsin. During July and August 2018, we acquired the membership interest or assets of three larger billboard companies which increased our overall billboard count to approximately 2,900 billboards. In addition, we have made additional billboard acquisitions on a smaller scale since that date, including our acquisition of approximately 900 billboards in 2021. We believe that we are a leading outdoor billboard advertising company in the markets we serve in the Midwest. As of December 31, 2021, we operate approximately 3,900 billboards with approximately 7,400 advertising faces. One of our principal business objectives is to continue to acquire additional billboard assets through acquisitions of existing billboard businesses in the United States when they can be made at what we believe to be attractive prices relative to other opportunities generally available to us.
Surety Insurance. In April 2016, our surety insurance business commenced with the acquisition of a surety insurance brokerage business with a national internet-based presence. In December 2016, we completed the acquisition of UCS, a surety insurance company, which at that time was licensed to issue surety bonds in only nine states. UCS now has licenses to operate in all 50 states and the District of Columbia. In addition, over the last four years, we have also acquired additional surety insurance brokerage businesses located in various regions of the United States.
Broadband Services. In March 2020, we commenced our broadband services business with the acquisition of substantially all of the assets of FibAire and provide these services to over 8,000 customers located in Arizona. In December 2020, we acquired substantially all of the business assets of UBB and provide broadband services to over 10,000 subscribers throughout Utah. In September 2021, we announced the launch of Fiber Fast Homes, LLC (“FFH”), which partners with builders, developers and build-to-rent communities to build fiber-to-the-home infrastructure and provide fiber internet service to residents. We hope to continue to expand in Arizona, Utah, and other locales.
Investments:
| Column 1 | Column 2 | Column 3 |
|---|---|---|
| ● | Since September 2015, we have made a series of investments in commercial real estate, a commercial real estate management, brokerage and related services business as well as an asset management business. We currently own 30% of Logic and approximately 49.9% of 24th Street Holding Co., both directly and indirectly through our ownership in Logic. In addition, we have invested, through one of our subsidiaries, an aggregate of $6 million in 24th Street Fund I, LLC and 24th Street Fund II, LLC. These funds are managed by 24th Street Asset Management, LLC, a subsidiary of 24th Street Holding Co. and focus on opportunities within secured lending and direct investments in commercial real estate. |
| Column 1 | Column 2 | Column 3 |
|---|---|---|
| ● | In December 2017, we invested $10 million in common units of DFH, the parent company of Dream Finders Homes, LLC, a national home builder with operations in Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Maryland, North Carolina, South Carolina, Texas, and northern Virginia. In addition to its homebuilding operations, DFH’s subsidiaries provide mortgage loan origination and title insurance services to homebuyers. In May 2019, we invested, through one of our subsidiaries, an additional $12 million in DFH through the purchase of preferred units with a mandatory preferred return of 14%. These preferred units were subsequently redeemed by DFH in 2020. On January 25, 2021, Dream Finders Homes, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of DFH, completed its initial public offering and implemented an internal reorganization (the “Merger”) pursuant to which Dream Finders Homes, Inc. became a holding company and sole manager of DFH. Upon completion of the Merger, our outstanding common units in DFH were converted into 4,681,099 shares of Class A Common Stock of Dream Finders Homes, Inc., and one of our subsidiaries purchased an additional 120,000 shares of Class A common stock in the initial public offering. Prior to its initial public offering, we loaned DFH $20 million to assist it in financing an acquisition which was consummated prior to its initial public offering. This loan was repaid in full with interest in early 2021. Since DFH’s initial public offering through December 31, 2021, we have sold 1,933,062 shares of DFH Class A common stock for gross proceeds of approximately $34.9 million. |
| Column 1 | Column 2 | Column 3 |
|---|---|---|
| ● | In May 2018, through one of our subsidiaries, we invested approximately $19 million through the purchase of common stock of CB&T Holding Corporation, the privately-held parent company of Crescent Bank & Trust, Inc. Our investment represents 14.99% of CB&T’s outstanding common stock. Crescent is located in New Orleans and generates the majority of its revenues from indirect subprime automobile lending across the United States. |
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| Column 1 | Column 2 | Column 3 |
|---|---|---|
| ● | In October 2020, we acted as the sponsor for the initial public offering of Yellowstone, a SPAC. We purchased Yellowstone Class B common stock and private placement warrants at a cost of approximately $7.8 million. On August 1, 2021, Yellowstone entered into an equity purchase agreement with Sky Harbour LLC by which Sky Harbour LLC unitholders would acquire a majority interest in the combined businesses following the completion of a business combination. As part of the equity purchase agreement, and immediately prior to the completion by Sky Harbour LLC of a private activity bond financing raising $160 million in proceeds in September 2021, we purchased Class B Preferred Units in Sky Harbour LLC for a purchase price of $55 million, which Class B Preferred Units converted to 5,500,000 shares of Sky Harbour Group Corporation (“Sky” Class A common stock upon the closing of the Sky business combination on January 25, 2022. Also, upon the closing of the Sky business combination in January 2022, we purchased an additional 4,500,000 shares of Sky Class A common stock for a purchase price of $45 million. Upon the closing of the Sky business combination, our Class B common stock converted to Class A common stock of Sky and our private placement warrants are now exercisable to purchase 7,719,779 shares of Class A common stock of Sky (the “Sky Warrants”). Each Sky Warrant is exercisable for one share of Class A common stock at a price of $11.50 per share, subject to adjustment, with each Sky Warrant being exercisable commencing February 24, 2022. Our Sky Class A common stock (other than the 4,500,000 shares of Class A common stock purchased on January 25, 2022 and the Sky Warrants) remain subject to a lockup for a period of at least the first to occur of (A) January 25, 2023, (B) if the last sale price of SHG Corporation’s Class A common stock equals or exceeds $12.00 per share (as adjusted for stock splits, stock dividends, reorganizations, recapitalizations and the like) for any 20 trading days within any 30-trading day period commencing at least 150 days after January 25, 2022, or (C) the date on which Sky completes a liquidation, merger, capital stock exchange, reorganization or other similar transaction that results in all of the Sky stockholders having the right to exchange their shares of Class A common stock for cash, securities or other property. Subsequent to the closing of the Sky business combination, we are completing the distribution of 75,000 shares of Sky Class A common stock to the outside directors of Yellowstone and 206,250 shares of Sky Class A common stock to an investor in the Yellowstone IPO. |
| Column 1 | Column 2 | Column 3 |
|---|---|---|
| ● | To date, we have invested a total of $107.8 million in Sky. Our ownership of Sky Class A common stock and Sky Warrants are currently unregistered although these shares may be registered in the future based upon certain registration rights agreements we have in place with Sky. In addition to the lock-up restrictions described above, it is possible that, based upon a number of factors, we could be deemed an affiliate of Sky and absent the registration of our Class A common stock and warrants, our ability to liquidate all or a portion of our holdings in Sky could be subject to the volume trading limitations contained in Rule 144, which generally limits the ability to sell shares in any one quarter to the greater of 1% of the issued and outstanding shares of Class A common stock or the average weekly trading volume of such shares over the four weeks preceding the date of the sale. |
| Column 1 | Column 2 | Column 3 |
|---|---|---|
| ● | We recently established a subsidiary within Boston Omaha Asset Management, LLC (“BOAM”) to operate a proposed build for rent business in which we would develop and own single family detached and/or townhomes for long term rental. We have recently bought parcels of land in Nevada which we hope to develop or repurpose for other uses. We are currently providing 100% of the financing for the initial stages of these projects but may consider a range of financing options in the future, such as raising third party capital to be invested alongside our capital. Once completed and stabilized, we expect that these properties will be financed with long term fixed rate debt capital. In addition to developing and managing these properties, we would also expect to provide broadband services to these homes, providing us a second or third source of potential revenue from these developments. |
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In each of our businesses, we hope to expand our geographic reach and market share and seek to develop a competitive advantage and/or brand name for our services, which we hope will be a differentiating factor for customers. Our insurance market primarily services small contractors, small and medium-sized businesses and individuals required to provide surety bonds (i) in connection with their work for government agencies and others, (ii) in connection with contractual obligations, or (iii) to meet regulatory requirements and other needs. We have expanded the licensing of the UCS business to all 50 states and the District of Columbia. In outdoor advertising, our plan is to continue to grow this business through acquisitions of billboard assets. We also expect to expand our broadband services in Arizona, Utah and in other locations. We also expect to continue to make additional investments in real estate management service businesses, as well as in other businesses. In the future, we expect to expand the range of services we provide in the insurance sector, seek to continue to expand our billboard operations and broadband services and to possibly consider acquisitions of other businesses, as well as investments, in other sectors. Our decision to expand outside of these current business sectors we serve or in which we have made investments will be based on the opportunity to acquire businesses which we believe provide the potential for sustainable earnings at an attractive level relative to capital employed and, with regard to investment, we believe have the potential to provide attractive returns.
We seek to enter markets where we believe demand for our services will grow in the coming years due to certain barriers to entry and/or to anticipated long-term demand for these services. In the outdoor billboard business, government restrictions often limit the number of additional billboards that may be constructed. At the same time, advances in billboard technology provide the opportunity to improve revenues through the use of digital display technologies and other new technologies. In the surety insurance business, new insurance companies must be licensed by state agencies that impose capital, management and other strict requirements on these insurers. These hurdles are at the individual state level, with statutes often providing wide latitude to regulators to impose judgmental requirements upon new entrants. In addition, new distribution channels in certain areas of surety may provide a new opportunity. In the real estate management services market, we believe the continued growth of commercial real estate in many sections of the United States will provide opportunities for management services for the foreseeable future. We also believe our investment in both CB&T and SHG provides the opportunity for each company to significantly grow its business. We invest our available capital and the surplus capital from UCS in a wide range of securities, including equity securities of large cap public companies, various corporate and government bonds and U.S. treasuries. In broadband services, we believe that our Fiber to the Home services can compete with traditional cable operators as broadband provides higher rates of transmission and improved speed to consumers and that, once built, other competitors may be less willing to compete in communities which we serve.
How We Generate Our Revenues and Evaluate Our Business
We currently generate revenues primarily through billboard advertising and related services, from the sale of surety insurance and related brokerage activities and by providing high-speed broadband services. Revenue for outdoor advertising space rental is recognized on a straight-line basis over the term of the contract and advertising revenue is reported net of agency commissions. Payments received in advance of being earned are recorded as deferred revenue. In our surety insurance business, premiums written are recognized as revenues based on a pro rata daily calculation over the respective terms of the policies in-force. Unearned premiums represent the portion of premiums written applicable to the unexpired term of the policies in-force. In connection with our surety agency business, insurance commissions are recognized at a point in time, on a bond-by-bond basis as of the policy effective date and are generally nonrefundable. In our broadband business, revenue is derived principally from internet services and is recognized on a straight-line basis over the term of the contract in the period the services are rendered. Revenue received or receivable in advance of the delivery of services is included in deferred revenue.
Segment gross profit is a key metric that we use to evaluate segment operating performance and to determine resource allocation between segments. We define segment gross profit as segment revenues less segment direct cost of services. In our billboard business, direct cost of services includes land leases, utilities, repairs and maintenance of equipment, sales commissions, contract services, and other billboard level expenses. In our surety business, direct cost of services includes commissions, premium taxes, fees and assessments, and losses and loss adjustment expenses. In our broadband business, direct costs of services includes network operations and data costs, programming costs, cell site rent and utilities, and other broadband level expenses.
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Results of Operations
Year Ended December 31, 2021 Compared to Year Ended December 31, 2020
The following is a comparison of our results of operations for the year ended December 31, 2021, which we refer to as “fiscal 2021,” compared to the year ended December 31, 2020 which we refer to as “fiscal 2020.”
Revenues. For fiscal 2021 and fiscal 2020, our revenues in dollars and as a percentage of total revenues were as follows:
| For the Years Ended December 31, | ||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 2020 | 2021 vs 2020 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Amount | As a % of Total Revenues | Amount | As a % of Total Revenues | $ Variance | ||||||||||||||||
| Revenues: | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Billboard rentals, net | $ | 31,499,235 | 55.3 | % | $ | 28,260,964 | 61.8 | % | $ | 3,238,271 | ||||||||||
| Broadband services | 15,234,266 | 26.7 | % | 3,836,537 | 8.4 | % | 11,397,729 | |||||||||||||
| Premiums earned | 7,686,400 | 13.5 | % | 11,723,886 | 25.6 | % | (4,037,486 | ) | ||||||||||||
| Insurance commissions | 2,212,849 | 3.9 | % | 1,494,379 | 3.3 | % | 718,470 | |||||||||||||
| Investment and other income | 339,061 | 0.6 | % | 427,697 | 0.9 | % | (88,636 | ) | ||||||||||||
| Total Revenues | $ | 56,971,811 | 100.0 | % | $ | 45,743,463 | 100.0 | % | $ | 11,228,348 |
We realized total revenues of $56,971,811 during fiscal 2021, an increase of 24.5% over revenues of $45,743,463 during fiscal 2020. The increase in total revenues was largely driven by our acquisition of FibAire in March 2020, our acquisition of UBB in December 2020, and growth within our billboard business after being negatively impacted from the COVID-19 pandemic during fiscal 2020. These increases in revenue were partially offset by lower revenue within our UCS insurance subsidiary, mainly due to the suspension of its rental guarantee bond program. Due to the disruption in this market, in the second quarter of 2020, we suspended issuing new rental guarantee bonds, which could reduce future revenues at UCS. We recognize revenues for written premium over the life of the surety bond and, as a result, increased sales activities are not fully reflected in the quarter in which the surety bond is issued.
| Column 1 | Column 2 | Column 3 |
|---|---|---|
| ● | Net billboard rentals increased by 11.5% in fiscal 2021, when compared to fiscal 2020, reflecting an improvement in rental and occupancy rates across a number of our markets after being negatively impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. In addition, the acquisition of billboards from Thomas Outdoor Advertising, Inc. ("Thomas") in January 2021 accounted for approximately 3.4% of our billboard revenues in in fiscal 2021. |
| Column 1 | Column 2 | Column 3 |
|---|---|---|
| ● | Revenue from broadband services in fiscal 2021 was $15,234,266, up from $3,836,537 in fiscal 2020, mainly reflecting the FibAire acquisition in March 2020 and the UBB acquisition in December 2020. |
| Column 1 | Column 2 | Column 3 |
|---|---|---|
| ● | Premiums earned from our UCS insurance subsidiary decreased 34.4% in fiscal 2021 when compared to fiscal 2020. The decrease in premiums earned was primarily due to the suspension of issuing new bonds under the rental guarantee bond program. |
| Column 1 | Column 2 | Column 3 |
|---|---|---|
| ● | Revenue from insurance commissions generated by our surety brokerage operations increased by 48.1% in fiscal 2021 when compared to fiscal 2020, mainly reflecting the ACS acquisition in April 2021. |
| Column 1 | Column 2 | Column 3 |
|---|---|---|
| ● | Investment and other income at UCS decreased from $427,697 in fiscal 2020 to $339,061 in fiscal 2021. |
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Expenses. For fiscal 2021 and fiscal 2020, our expenses in dollars and as a percentage of total revenues were as follows:
| For the Years Ended December 31, | ||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 2020 | 2021 vs 2020 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Amount | As a % of Total Revenues | Amount | As a % of Total Revenues | $ Variance | ||||||||||||||||
| Costs and Expenses: | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Cost of billboard revenues | $ | 12,094,834 | 21.2 | % | $ | 11,272,349 | 24.7 | % | $ | 822,485 | ||||||||||
| Cost of broadband revenues | 3,313,760 | 5.8 | % | 546,106 | 1.2 | % | 2,767,654 | |||||||||||||
| Cost of insurance revenues | 3,182,497 | 5.6 | % | 6,690,203 | 14.6 | % | (3,507,706 | ) | ||||||||||||
| Employee costs | 34,245,526 | 60.1 | % | 13,041,388 | 28.5 | % | 21,204,138 | |||||||||||||
| Professional fees | 7,703,901 | 13.5 | % | 4,186,841 | 9.2 | % | 3,517,060 | |||||||||||||
| General and administrative | 9,756,257 | 17.1 | % | 6,969,521 | 15.2 | % | 2,786,736 | |||||||||||||
| Amortization | 4,549,608 | 8.0 | % | 3,987,003 | 8.7 | % | 562,605 | |||||||||||||
| Depreciation | 5,579,026 | 9.8 | % | 3,704,700 | 8.1 | % | 1,874,326 | |||||||||||||
| Loss on disposition of assets | 178,911 | 0.3 | % | 199,555 | 0.4 | % | (20,644 | ) | ||||||||||||
| Accretion | 134,360 | 0.3 | % | 140,704 | 0.3 | % | (6,344 | ) | ||||||||||||
| Total Costs and Expenses | $ | 80,738,680 | 141.7 | % | $ | 50,738,370 | 110.9 | % | $ | 30,000,310 |
During fiscal 2021, we had total costs and expenses of $80,738,680, as compared to total costs and expenses of $50,738,370 in fiscal 2020. Total costs and expenses as a percentage of revenues increased from 110.9% in fiscal 2020 to 141.7% in fiscal 2021, mainly due to bonuses totaling $7,500,000 to each of our co-Chief Executive Officers under our Management Incentive Bonus Plan and other bonuses totaling $650,000 payable to our Chief Financial Officer and a higher level of professional fees and general and administrative expenses associated with Yellowstone entering into a business combination agreement with SHG as well as Boston Omaha’s $55 million Sky Series B Preferred Units investment. Excluding the above bonus payments and costs associated with Yellowstone, our total costs and expenses as a percentage of revenues would have been 108.7% in fiscal 2021. In fiscal 2021, cost of billboard revenues and cost of insurance revenues decreased as a percentage of total revenues as compared to fiscal 2020. Cost of broadband revenues, employee costs, depreciation and general and administrative expenses increased as a percentage of total revenues mainly due to the FibAire acquisition in March 2020, the UBB acquisition in December 2020, and the consolidation of Yellowstone. Amortization, loss on disposition of assets and accretion, primarily associated with our billboard and broadband services businesses, remained relatively constant as a percentage of total revenues.
| Column 1 | Column 2 | Column 3 |
|---|---|---|
| ● | Cost of billboard revenues decreased as a percentage of billboard revenues from 39.9% in fiscal 2020 to 38.4% in fiscal 2021. The decrease was mainly related to lower ground rent expense as a percentage of billboard revenues. |
| Column 1 | Column 2 | Column 3 |
|---|---|---|
| ● | During fiscal 2021, cost of insurance revenues decreased by $3,507,706, or 52.4%, from fiscal 2020. The decrease was driven by lower commissions paid due to decreased revenues within UCS from both third-party agents and the sale of certain rental guarantee bonds as well as a decrease in loss reserves at UCS related to its rental guarantee bond program. |
| Column 1 | Column 2 | Column 3 |
|---|---|---|
| ● | Employee costs in fiscal 2021 increased $21,204,138 from fiscal 2020. The increase was mainly driven by the bonus payments under our Management Incentive Bonus Plan, the FibAire acquisition in March 2020, the UBB acquisition in December 2020, and the ACS acquisition in April 2021. The Management Incentive Bonus Plan provides for bonus payments to our senior management based upon increases in book value other than through the issuance of our stock and reflects the $93,163,697 in investment income we recognized in fiscal 2021. |
| Column 1 | Column 2 | Column 3 |
|---|---|---|
| ● | Professional fees in fiscal 2021 were $7,703,901, or 13.5% of total revenues, as compared to $4,186,841, or 9.2% of total revenues, in fiscal 2020. The increase was mainly driven by professional fees associated with Yellowstone entering into a business combination agreement with SHG as well as Boston Omaha’s $55 million Sky Series B Preferred Units investment and the preparation of proxy materials and closing documents for the Sky business combination. |
| Column 1 | Column 2 | Column 3 |
|---|---|---|
| ● | General and administrative expenses increased from $6,969,521 in fiscal 2020 to $9,756,257 in fiscal 2021, an increase of 40.0%. The increase was mainly driven by the FibAire acquisition in March 2020, the UBB acquisition in December 2020, the consolidation of Yellowstone, and an increase in other corporate related expenses. |
| Column 1 | Column 2 | Column 3 |
|---|---|---|
| ● | Non-cash expenses in fiscal 2021 included $5,579,026 in depreciation expense, $4,549,608 in amortization expense, and $134,360 in accretion expense related to asset retirement obligations for certain billboard and broadband assets. The increase in depreciation and amortization expense was mainly driven by the addition of our broadband services business. |
| Column 1 | Column 2 | Column 3 |
|---|---|---|
| ● | We continue to assess the impact that inflation has had and may have in the near future on our costs of operations and our ability to mitigate these increased costs through price increases passed on to our customers. |
Net Loss from Operations. Net loss from operations in fiscal 2021 was $23,766,869, or 41.7% of total revenues, as compared to a net loss from operations of $4,994,907, or 10.9% of total revenues, in fiscal 2020. The increase in net loss from operations in dollars was primarily due to the management bonus payments, costs associated with Yellowstone entering into a business combination agreement with SHG as well as Boston Omaha’s $55 million Sky Series B Preferred Units investment, decreased revenue within our insurance operations, an increase in other corporate related expenses which were partially offset by improved operations within our billboard business and the addition of our broadband services operations. Our net loss from operations included $10,262,994 from non-cash amortization, depreciation and accretion expenses in fiscal 2021, as compared to $7,832,407 in fiscal 2020.
Other Income (Expense). In fiscal 2021, we had net other income of $96,940,657. Net other income included $93,163,697 in other investment income related to public equity securities mainly held by Boston Omaha, $2,854,407 related to the remeasurement of Yellowstone’s public warrants, $878,921 in equity in income of unconsolidated affiliates, interest income of $676,618 primarily derived from our short-term loan to DFH, and $323,064 in dividend income mainly from public equity securities held by Boston Omaha. These items were partially offset by interest expense of $956,050 mainly incurred under Link’s term loans. During fiscal 2020, we had net other income of $2,566,655, which included $4,685,725 in other investment losses related to public equity securities mainly held by Boston Omaha, $5,575,571 in equity in income of unconsolidated affiliates, $1,661,680 in interest income, $1,074,539 in dividend income, $217,582 of expense related to the remeasurement of the warrant liability, and interest expense of $841,828 mainly incurred under Link’s term loans.
As a result of a change in GAAP effective in 2018, we are required to include the unrealized changes in market prices of investments in public equity securities in our reported earnings. While we intend to hold our current securities for the longer term, we may in the future choose to sell them for a variety of reasons resulting in realized losses or gains.
Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Common Stockholders. We had net income attributable to common stockholders in the amount of $52,748,177 in fiscal 2021, or income per share of $1.82, based on 29,046,514 diluted weighted average shares outstanding, primarily as a result of realized and unrealized gains related to our ownership in DFH. This is compared to a net loss attributable to common stockholders of $49,089 in fiscal 2020, or a loss per share of $0.00, based on 25,675,820 weighted average shares outstanding.
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The following tables report results for the three segments in which we operate, billboards, insurance and broadband, for fiscal 2021 and fiscal 2020:
Results of Billboard Operations
| For the Years Ended December 31, | ||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 2020 | |||||||||||||||
| Amount | As a % of Segment Operating Revenues | Amount | As a % of Segment Operating Revenues | |||||||||||||
| Operating Revenues | ||||||||||||||||
| Billboard rentals, net | $ | 31,499,235 | 100.0 | % | $ | 28,260,964 | 100.0 | % | ||||||||
| Cost of Revenues | ||||||||||||||||
| Ground rents | 6,458,703 | 20.5 | % | 6,119,523 | 21.7 | % | ||||||||||
| Utilities | 1,258,236 | 4.0 | % | 1,220,543 | 4.3 | % | ||||||||||
| Commissions paid | 3,005,012 | 9.5 | % | 2,715,850 | 9.6 | % | ||||||||||
| Other costs of revenues | 1,372,883 | 4.4 | % | 1,216,433 | 4.3 | % | ||||||||||
| Total cost of revenues | 12,094,834 | 38.4 | % | 11,272,349 | 39.9 | % | ||||||||||
| Gross margin | 19,404,401 | 61.6 | % | 16,988,615 | 60.1 | % | ||||||||||
| Other Operating Expenses | ||||||||||||||||
| Employee costs | 5,838,942 | 18.5 | % | 5,775,915 | 20.4 | % | ||||||||||
| Professional fees | 670,897 | 2.1 | % | 648,889 | 2.3 | % | ||||||||||
| General and administrative | 2,840,673 | 9.0 | % | 3,047,168 | 10.8 | % | ||||||||||
| Amortization | 3,428,811 | 10.9 | % | 3,291,245 | 11.7 | % | ||||||||||
| Depreciation | 3,584,767 | 11.4 | % | 3,344,960 | 11.8 | % | ||||||||||
| Accretion | 120,589 | 0.4 | % | 138,982 | 0.5 | % | ||||||||||
| Loss on disposition of assets | 175,254 | 0.6 | % | 133,914 | 0.5 | % | ||||||||||
| Total expenses | 16,659,933 | 52.9 | % | 16,381,073 | 58.0 | % | ||||||||||
| Segment Income from Operations | 2,744,468 | 8.7 | % | 607,542 | 2.1 | % | ||||||||||
| Interest expense, net | (927,437 | ) | (2.9 | %) | (833,980 | ) | (2.9 | %) | ||||||||
| Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Common Stockholders | $ | 1,817,031 | 5.8 | % | $ | (226,438 | ) | (0.8 | %) |
Comparison of Fiscal 2021 to Fiscal 2020. In fiscal 2021, net billboard revenues increased by 11.5% from fiscal 2020, reflecting an improvement in rental and occupancy rates across a number of our markets after being negatively impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. In addition, the acquisition of billboards from Thomas in January 2021 accounted for approximately 3.4% of our billboard revenues in fiscal 2021. The key factors affecting our billboard operations results during fiscal 2021 were as follows:
| Column 1 | Column 2 | Column 3 |
|---|---|---|
| ● | Ground rent expense as a percentage of total segment operating revenues decreased from 21.7% in fiscal 2020 to 20.5% in fiscal 2021. |
| Column 1 | Column 2 | Column 3 |
|---|---|---|
| ● | Commissions paid as a percentage of total segment operating revenues decreased from 9.6% in fiscal 2020 to 9.5% in fiscal 2021. |
| Column 1 | Column 2 | Column 3 |
|---|---|---|
| ● | Employee costs as a percentage of total segment operating revenues decreased from 20.4% in fiscal 2020 to 18.5% in fiscal 2021. |
| Column 1 | Column 2 | Column 3 |
|---|---|---|
| ● | General and administrative expenses decreased as a percentage of total segment operating revenues from 10.8% fiscal 2020 to 9.0% in fiscal 2021. |
| Column 1 | Column 2 | Column 3 |
|---|---|---|
| ● | Depreciation and amortization expense increased by $239,807 and $137,566, respectively, from fiscal 2020. The increases are primarily due to the Thomas acquisition in January 2021. |
| Column 1 | Column 2 | Column 3 |
|---|---|---|
| ● | Net interest expense of $927,437 in fiscal 2021 compared to net interest expense of $833,980 in fiscal 2020. |
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Results of Insurance Operations
| For the Years Ended December 31, | ||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 2020 | |||||||||||||||
| Amount | As a % of Segment Operating Revenues | Amount | As a % of Segment Operating Revenues | |||||||||||||
| Operating Revenues | ||||||||||||||||
| Premiums earned | $ | 7,686,400 | 75.1 | % | $ | 11,723,886 | 85.9 | % | ||||||||
| Insurance commissions | 2,212,849 | 21.6 | % | 1,494,379 | 11.0 | % | ||||||||||
| Investment and other income | 339,061 | 3.3 | % | 427,697 | 3.1 | % | ||||||||||
| Total operating revenues | 10,238,310 | 100.0 | % | 13,645,962 | 100.0 | % | ||||||||||
| Cost of Revenues | ||||||||||||||||
| Commissions paid | 2,071,221 | 20.2 | % | 3,468,747 | 25.4 | % | ||||||||||
| Premium taxes, fees, and assessments | 249,267 | 2.5 | % | 305,069 | 2.2 | % | ||||||||||
| Losses and loss adjustment expense | 862,009 | 8.4 | % | 2,916,387 | 21.4 | % | ||||||||||
| Total cost of revenues | 3,182,497 | 31.1 | % | 6,690,203 | 49.0 | % | ||||||||||
| Gross margin | 7,055,813 | 68.9 | % | 6,955,759 | 51.0 | % | ||||||||||
| Other Operating Expenses | ||||||||||||||||
| Employee costs | 5,089,464 | 49.7 | % | 4,322,677 | 31.7 | % | ||||||||||
| Professional fees | 315,455 | 3.1 | % | 459,096 | 3.3 | % | ||||||||||
| General and administrative | 2,223,374 | 21.7 | % | 1,886,868 | 13.8 | % | ||||||||||
| Amortization | 177,080 | 1.7 | % | 461,383 | 3.4 | % | ||||||||||
| Depreciation | 29,143 | 0.3 | % | 23,112 | 0.2 | % | ||||||||||
| Total expenses | 7,834,516 | 76.5 | % | 7,153,136 | 52.4 | % | ||||||||||
| Segment Loss from Operations | (778,703 | ) | (7.6 | %) | (197,377 | ) | (1.4 | %) | ||||||||
| Interest expense, net | (2,009 | ) | (0.0 | %) | (359 | ) | (0.0 | %) | ||||||||
| Other investment income | 2,670,468 | 26.1 | % | 178,815 | 1.3 | % | ||||||||||
| Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Common Stockholders | $ | 1,889,756 | 18.5 | % | $ | (18,921 | ) | (0.1 | %) |
Comparison of Fiscal 2021 to Fiscal 2020. In fiscal 2021, total operating revenues declined by 25.0% when compared to fiscal 2020, mainly due to the suspension of UCS's rental guarantee bond program. The key factors affecting our insurance operations results during fiscal 2021 were as follows:
| Column 1 | Column 2 | Column 3 |
|---|---|---|
| ● | Premiums earned from our UCS insurance subsidiary decreased 34.4% in fiscal 2021 when compared to fiscal 2020. The decrease in premiums earned was primarily due to the suspension of issuing new bonds under the rental guarantee bond program. |
| Column 1 | Column 2 | Column 3 |
|---|---|---|
| ● | Our brokerage operations realized a 48.1% increase in insurance commissions in fiscal 2021 when compared to fiscal 2020. The increase is mainly due to the ACS acquisition completed in April 2021. |
| Column 1 | Column 2 | Column 3 |
|---|---|---|
| ● | Commissions paid in fiscal 2021 decreased by $1,397,526 from fiscal 2020 primarily due to the suspension of UCS's rental guarantee bond program, which generally provided a higher commission structure, partially offset by increased subagent commissions, mainly due to the ACS acquisition completed in April 2021. |
| Column 1 | Column 2 | Column 3 |
|---|---|---|
| ● | Losses and loss adjustment expenses as a percentage of insurance revenues decreased from 21.4% in fiscal 2020 to 8.4% in fiscal 2021. Losses and loss adjustment expenses are reserved monthly based on a percentage of earned premium. During fiscal 2020, UCS adjusted its reserving methodology for its rental guarantee bond program in response to market disruptions caused by COVID-19. Due to the favorable development of losses within UCS throughout fiscal 2021, our actuarial analysis at the end of 2021 indicated that UCS was over-reserved by $741,083. Management released this excess back into income to remain consistent with previous years' reserving methodologies. This adjustment contributed to the lower losses and loss adjustment expense for fiscal 2021. UCS' exposure to the rental guarantee bond program has been significantly mitigated as a majority of bonds have since expired. |
| Column 1 | Column 2 | Column 3 |
|---|---|---|
| ● | Employee costs in fiscal 2021 increased by 17.7% from fiscal 2020. The increase is mainly due to the ACS acquisition completed in April 2021. |
| Column 1 | Column 2 | Column 3 |
|---|---|---|
| ● | General and administrative expenses in fiscal 2021 increased by 17.8% from fiscal 2020. The increase is mainly due to IT system implementation related expenses and the ACS acquisition completed in April 2021. |
| Column 1 | Column 2 | Column 3 |
|---|---|---|
| ● | During fiscal 2021, our segment loss from insurance operations of $778,703 was more than offset by other investment income of $2,670,468 mainly from unrealized gains on our investments in publicly held securities. We expect to continue to invest a portion of our excess capital in accordance with insurance regulatory limitations in both large-cap publicly traded equity securities and bonds. These investments are subject to the risk of loss in value depending upon market conditions and factors outside of our control. |
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Results of Broadband Operations
| For the Years Ended December 31, | ||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 2020 | |||||||||||||||
| Amount | As a % of Segment Operating Revenues | Amount | As a % of Segment Operating Revenues | |||||||||||||
| Operating Revenues | ||||||||||||||||
| Broadband revenues | $ | 15,234,266 | 100.0 | % | $ | 3,836,537 | 100.0 | % | ||||||||
| Cost of Revenues | ||||||||||||||||
| Network operations and data costs | 2,134,938 | 14.0 | % | 243,980 | 6.3 | % | ||||||||||
| Programming costs | 99,868 | 0.7 | % | 71,500 | 1.9 | % | ||||||||||
| Cell site rent and utilities | 594,984 | 3.9 | % | 65,181 | 1.7 | % | ||||||||||
| Other costs of revenues | 483,970 | 3.2 | % | 165,445 | 4.3 | % | ||||||||||
| Total cost of revenues | 3,313,760 | 21.8 | % | 546,106 | 14.2 | % | ||||||||||
| Gross margin | 11,920,506 | 78.2 | % | 3,290,431 | 85.8 | % | ||||||||||
| Other Operating Expenses | ||||||||||||||||
| Employee costs | 5,754,642 | 37.8 | % | 1,649,478 | 43.0 | % | ||||||||||
| Professional fees | 759,713 | 5.0 | % | 113,029 | 2.9 | % | ||||||||||
| General and administrative | 2,183,466 | 14.3 | % | 500,598 | 13.1 | % | ||||||||||
| Amortization | 943,717 | 6.2 | % | 234,375 | 6.1 | % | ||||||||||
| Depreciation | 1,870,184 | 12.3 | % | 336,628 | 8.8 | % | ||||||||||
| Accretion | 13,771 | 0.0 | % | 1,722 | 0.0 | % | ||||||||||
| Loss on disposition of assets | 3,657 | 0.0 | % | 65,641 | 1.7 | % | ||||||||||
| Total expenses | 11,529,150 | 75.6 | % | 2,901,471 | 75.6 | % | ||||||||||
| Segment Income from Operations | 391,356 | 2.6 | % | 388,960 | 10.2 | % | ||||||||||
| Interest expense, net | (11,852 | ) | (0.1 | %) | (3,495 | ) | (0.1 | %) | ||||||||
| Noncontrolling interest in subsidiary income | (374,095 | ) | (2.5 | %) | (40,681 | ) | (1.1 | %) | ||||||||
| Net Income Attributable to Common Stockholders | $ | 5,409 | 0.0 | % | $ | 344,784 | 9.0 | % |
Comparison of Fiscal 2021 to Fiscal 2020. In March 2020, we commenced our broadband services business with the acquisition of substantially all of the assets of FibAire. In December 2020, we acquired substantially all of the business assets of UBB. Therefore, comparisons of our broadband results for fiscal 2021 to fiscal 2020 may not be meaningful.
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Cash Flows
Cash Flows for Fiscal 2021 compared to Fiscal 2020. The table below summarizes our cash flows in dollars for fiscal 2021 and fiscal 2020:
| 2021 | 2020 | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Net cash provided by operating activities | $ | 7,768,237 | $ | 5,174,446 | ||||
| Net cash used in investing activities | (45,670,808 | ) | (169,399,964 | ) | ||||
| Net cash provided by financing activities | 64,644,655 | 202,805,802 | ||||||
| Net increase in cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash | $ | 26,742,084 | $ | 38,580,284 |
Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities. Net cash provided by operating activities was $7,768,237 during fiscal 2021 as compared to net cash provided by operating activities of $5,174,446 during fiscal 2020. The increase in net cash provided by operating activities was primarily due to the addition of our broadband services business, increased cash flow generation within our billboard business, increased distributions from unconsolidated affiliates, and favorable working capital fluctuations, which was partially offset by the decline in operating results within our insurance business as well as costs associated with Yellowstone.
Net Cash Used in Investing Activities. Net cash used in investing activities was $45,670,808 during fiscal 2021 as compared with net cash used in investing activities of $169,399,964 during fiscal 2020. During fiscal 2021, net cash used in investing activities mainly consisted of our $55,000,000 Sky Series B Preferred Units investment, acquisitions within our billboard and insurance businesses totaling $41,334,711 net of cash acquired, and $21,005,626 in capital expenditures. These investments were partially offset by $52,095,404 related to the sale of marketable securities and maturing U.S. Treasury trading securities mainly held at Boston Omaha as well as the receipt of $20,000,000 of principal payments on our note receivable from DFH.
Net Cash Provided by Financing Activities. Net cash provided by financing activities was $64,644,655 during fiscal 2021 as compared to net cash provided by financing activities of $202,805,802 during fiscal 2020. During fiscal 2021, net cash provided by financing activities mainly consisted of $62,850,213 in gross proceeds raised through a public offering of Class A common stock and our "at the market" program, as well as $8,125,402 in proceeds from long-term debt as Link's term loan was increased to $30,000,000, offset primarily by offering costs of $3,663,291.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
Currently, we own billboards in Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, Oklahoma, Virginia, West Virginia and Wisconsin, surety insurance brokerage firms we acquired in 2016, 2017 and 2021, a surety insurance company we acquired in December 2016, broadband services providers whose assets we acquired in March 2020 and December 2020 and minority investments in several real estate management entities and a bank holding entity whose primary source of revenue is in subprime automobile lending. At December 31, 2021, we had approximately $73 million in unrestricted cash and approximately $88 million in U.S. Treasury trading securities. We subsequently invested an additional $45 million in Sky in January 2022 in connection with the consummation of the Sky business combination. Our strategy is to continue to acquire other billboard locations, insurance businesses, and broadband service providers as well as acquire other businesses and open new businesses which we believe have the potential to generate positive cash flows and when made at what we believe to be attractive prices relative to other opportunities generally available to us. We currently expect to finance any future acquisitions and investments with cash, debt and seller or third-party financing. In the future, we may satisfy all or a portion of the purchase price for an acquisition with our equity securities. In addition, we have made investments in several companies and expect to continue to make investments in the securities of both publicly traded and privately held companies.
There can be no assurance that we will consummate any subsequent acquisitions. Furthermore, our acquisitions are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, including as to when, whether and to what extent the anticipated benefits and cost savings of a particular acquisition will be realized. Our failure to successfully identify and complete future acquisitions of assets or businesses could reduce future potential earnings, available cash and slow our anticipated growth. Although we have and continue to enter into non-binding letters of intent to acquire businesses on a regular basis, we do not have current agreements, commitments or understandings for any specific material acquisitions which are probable to be consummated at this time.
To date, we have raised funds through the sale of our Common Stock in public offerings, sales of our Common Stock in “at the market” programs, term loan financing through our Link subsidiary, proceeds from the sale of publicly traded securities held by us, cash flow from operations, and, prior to 2019, through private placements of our Common Stock.
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2020 and 2021 Underwritten Public Offerings
On May 28, 2020, we entered into an underwriting agreement, which we refer to as the “2020 Underwriting Agreement,” with Wells Fargo Securities, LLC, which we refer to as “WFS,” and Cowen and Company, LLC, as joint lead book-running managers for a public offering of 3,200,000 shares, which we refer to as the “2021 firm shares,” of our Class A common stock at a public offering price of $16.00 per share. Under the terms of the underwriting agreement, we granted the underwriters an option, exercisable for 30 days, to purchase up to an additional 480,000 shares of Class A common stock at the public offering price less underwriting discounts and commissions, which we refer to as the “option shares.” On June 2, 2020, we completed the public offering selling a total of 3,680,000 shares, including both the 2020 firm shares and all of the 2021 option shares, resulting in total gross proceeds to us of $58.9 million. The shares were sold in the offering pursuant to the Company’s shelf registration statement on Form S-3 (File No. 333-222853) that was declared effective on February 9, 2018, as supplemented by a prospectus supplement dated May 28, 2020, which we refer to as the “2018 Shelf Registration Statement.”
On March 31, 2021, we entered into an underwriting agreement, which we refer to as the “2021 Underwriting Agreement,” with WFS for a public offering of 2,300,000 shares, which we refer to as the “2021 firm shares,” of our Class A common stock, of which 2,000,000 shares were sold by Boston Omaha and 300,000 shares were sold by a selling stockholder, at a public offering price of $25.00 per share. Under the terms of the 2021 Underwriting Agreement, we granted the underwriters an option, exercisable for 30 days, to purchase up to an additional 345,000 shares of Class A common stock at the public offering price less underwriting discounts and commissions, which we refer to as the “2021 option shares.” On April 6, 2021, we announced the completion of the public offering consisting of 2,345,000 shares, including both the 2021 firm shares and all of the 2021 option shares issued as a result of the underwriters’ exercise in full of their over-allotment option, resulting in total gross proceeds to us of $58.6 million. We raised this capital to fund the planned expansion of our fiber-to-the-home broadband business, to seek to grow our Link billboard business through the acquisitions of additional billboard businesses, and for general corporate purposes. The shares were sold in the offering pursuant to the Company’s universal shelf registration statement on Form S-3ASR (File No. 333-254870) that was declared effective on March 30, 2021, which we refer to as the “2021 Shelf Registration Statement.” The 2021 Shelf Registration Statement will expire upon the filing of this Annual Report as we will no longer qualify as a well-known seasoned issuer as the market float of our Class A common stock held by non-affiliates will be less than $700 million during the 60-day period prior to the filing of this Annual Report. As a result, we expect to file a new shelf registration statement for the sale of up to $300 million of our securities immediately following the filing of this Annual Report. Any new shelf registration statement will not be immediately effective and will be subject to review by the SEC.
We may, from time to time, in one or more offerings, offer and sell an indeterminate amount of any combination of Class A common stock or preferred stock, various series of debt securities and/or warrants. The shelf registration statement may also be used by one or more selling security holders to be identified in the future of our securities. We or any selling security holders may offer these securities from time to time in amounts, at prices and on terms determined at the time of offering. We may sell these securities to or through one or more underwriters, dealers or agents or directly to purchasers on a delayed or continuous basis. Unless otherwise set forth in an applicable prospectus supplement, we intend to use the net proceeds from the sale of the securities that we offer for general corporate purposes, including, but not limited to, financing our existing businesses and operations, and expanding our businesses and operations through additional hires, strategic alliances and acquisitions.
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At The Market Offering Programs
Starting in March 2018, we utilized our at the market offering that was part of our 2018 Shelf Registration Statement. This 2018 Shelf Registration Statement, which authorized us to sell up to $200 million through the sales of securities to the public, expired in February 2021 and was superseded by the 2021 Shelf Registration Statement. We sold a total of 2,630,787 shares of Class A common stock and raised gross proceeds of $60.1 million under the 2018 Shelf Registration Statement.
On September 29, 2021, we entered into an at the market equity offering program (the “ATM Program”) pursuant to a Sales Agreement (the “Sales Agreement”) by and between us and WFS. This ATM Program is consistent with our historical practice of having available to management the option to issue stock from time to time in order to continue to fund the growth of its fiber to the home rural broadband business, acquire additional billboards, and make other such investments in assets as needed to seek to grow intrinsic value per share. Our general preference is always to have options available to us from a capital allocation perspective which includes, but is not limited to, having a regularly filed ATM program as well as an authorized share repurchase program.
Pursuant to the terms of the Sales Agreement, we could sell, from time to time, shares (collectively, the “Placement Shares”) of our Class A common stock, with an aggregate sales price of up to $100 million through WFS, in transactions that are deemed to be at the market offerings as defined in Rule 415 of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”). As of the date of this Report, we have sold 122,246 shares of our Class A common stock resulting in gross proceeds of approximately $4.2 million.
We intend to use the net proceeds from the sale of Placement Shares, after deducting WFS’ commissions and our offering expenses, for general corporate purposes, which may include financing existing businesses and operations, and expanding businesses and operations through additional acquisitions, minority investments and additional hires. To the extent that we raise additional funds by issuing equity or other securities, our shareholders may experience additional dilution. In the event we are required to obtain additional funds, there is no guarantee that we will be able to raise or obtain the additional funds or that the funds will be available on favorable terms to us. Upon the expiration of the 2021 Shelf Registration Statement and upon the effectiveness of the subsequent shelf registration statement which we expect to file with the SEC shortly after the filing of this Annual Report, we expect to enter into a similar sales agreement with WFS for sales of our securities under that new shelf registration statement.
For sales of Placement Shares through WFS, we paid WFS a commission at a mutually agreed rate of 3% of the gross sales price per Placement Share. The Sales Agreement contains customary representations and warranties of the parties and indemnification and contribution provisions under which we and WFS have agreed to indemnify each other against certain liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities Act.
The foregoing description of the Sales Agreement is not complete and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the full text of the Sales Agreement, a copy of which is filed as Exhibit 1.1 to the Current Report on Form 8-K as filed with the SEC on September 29, 2021.
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Link Credit Agreement
On August 12, 2019, Link entered into a Credit Agreement (the “Credit Agreement”) with First National Bank of Omaha (the “Lender”) under which Link could borrow up to $40,000,000 (the “Credit Facility”). The Credit Agreement provided for an initial term loan (“Term Loan 1”), an incremental term loan (“Term Loan 2”) and a revolving line of credit. Link initially borrowed approximately $18 million under Term Loan 1 and $5.5 million under Term Loan 2. On December 6, 2021, Link entered into a Fourth Amendment to Credit Agreement (the "Fourth Amendment"), which modified the Credit Agreement by increasing the borrowing limit to $30,000,000 and combining the outstanding balances under Term Loan 1 and Term Loan 2 as well as any incremental borrowings into a term loan ("Term Loan"). The Term Loan is secured by all assets of Link and its operating subsidiaries, including a pledge of equity interests of each of Link’s subsidiaries. In addition, each of Link’s subsidiaries has joined as a guarantor to the obligations under the Credit Agreement. The loan is not guaranteed by Boston Omaha or any of our non-billboard businesses. Long-term debt included within our consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2021 consists of Link’s Term Loan borrowings of $30,000,000, of which $1,490,427 is classified as current. There were no amounts outstanding related to the revolving line of credit as of December 31, 2021.
Principal amounts under the Term Loan are payable in monthly installments according to a 15-year amortization schedule with principal payments commencing on January 1, 2022. The Term Loan is payable in full on December 6, 2028. During the first three years of the Term Loan, Link may prepay up to 10% of the loan principal in each year without paying any prepayment penalty. Otherwise, there is a prepayment penalty ranging between 3.0% and 0.5%. After three years, there is no prepayment penalty. The Term Loan has a fixed interest rate of 4.00% per annum. The revolving line of credit loan facility has a $5,000,000 maximum availability. Interest payments are based on the U.S. Prime Rate minus an applicable margin ranging between 0.65% and 1.15% dependent on Link’s consolidated leverage ratio. The revolving line of credit is due and payable on August 12, 2023.
Under the Term Loan, Link is required to comply with the following financial covenants: A consolidated leverage ratio for any test period ending on the last day of any fiscal quarter of Link (a) beginning with the fiscal quarter ended December 31, 2021 of not greater than 3.50 to 1.00, (b) beginning with the fiscal quarter ending December 31, 2022 of not greater than 3.25 to 1.00 and (c) beginning with the fiscal quarter ended December 31, 2023 and thereafter of not greater than 3.00 to 1.00. A minimum consolidated fixed charge coverage ratio of not less than 1.15 to 1.00 measured quarterly, based on rolling four quarters. The Company was in compliance with these covenants as of December 31, 2021.
The Credit Agreement includes representations and warranties, reporting covenants, affirmative covenants, negative covenants, financial covenants and events of default customary for financings of this type. Upon the occurrence of an event of default the Lender may accelerate the loan. Upon the occurrence of certain insolvency and bankruptcy events of default the loan will automatically accelerate. The foregoing summary of the Credit Agreement and the transactions contemplated thereby does not purport to be a complete description and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the terms and conditions of the Credit Agreement and Security Agreement, copies of which are attached as Exhibit 10.1 and Exhibit 10.2, respectively to our Form 8-K as filed with the SEC on August 13, 2019, a First Amendment to Credit Agreement, a copy of which is attached as Exhibit 10.1 to our Form 8-K as filed with the SEC on October 29, 2019, a Second Amendment to Credit Agreement, a copy of which is attached as Exhibit 10.1 to our Form 8-K as filed with the SEC on June 30, 2020, a Third Amendment to Credit Agreement (the “Third Amendment”) with the Lender as filed as Exhibit 10.1 on Form 8-K as filed with the SEC on August 24, 2021, and a Fourth Amendment to Credit Agreement with the Lender as filed as Exhibit 10.1 on Form 8-K as filed with the SEC on December 9, 2021.
Loan to Dream Finders Homes
On October 2, 2020, we provided a term loan of $20,000,000 to Dream Finders Holdings, LLC to be used in expanding DFH's footprint in the Southeast United States. The effective interest rate on this term loan is approximately 14% and matured on May 1, 2021. This loan was repaid with interest in early 2021.
Investments in Yellowstone Acquisition Company and Sky Harbour LLC
In 2020, we sponsored and invested approximately $7.8 million in Yellowstone in common stock and warrants. In August 2021, through one of our subsidiaries, we entered into a Series B Purchase Agreement with Sky Harbour under which we agreed to invest $55 million directly into SHG and receive Sky Series B Preferred Units. On September 14, 2021, we completed the $55 million transaction, purchasing the Sky Series B Preferred Units. Upon the consummation of the Sky business combination in January 2022, the Sky Series B Preferred Units converted into 5,500,000 shares of Sky's Class A common stock. In December 2021, we entered into an additional subscription agreement (the "Sky Subscription Agreement") with Sky under which we agreed to provide Sky an additional $45 million through the purchase of 4,500,000 shares of Class A common stock upon the closing of the Sky business combination. As part of the Sky business combination, all SHG equity holders retained 100% of their equity in the combined company. The cash proceeds from the Sky business combination and private activity bonds issued by Sky in September 2021 are expected to be used to fund the completion of four new airport hangar campuses in addition to expansion at SHG’s location currently in operation, the acquisition of a fifth airport hangar, and general working capital purposes.
The foregoing summary of the Series B Purchase Agreement and the transactions contemplated thereby does not purport to be a complete description and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the terms and conditions of the Series B Purchase Agreement, a copy of which is attached as Exhibit 10.1 to a Form 8-K as filed with the SEC on August 3, 2021 and the additional $45 million investment as evidenced by the Subscription Agreement attached as Exhibit 1.1 to a Form 8-K as fled with the SEC on December 23, 2021. Capitalized terms used herein have the meaning given to such terms in the Series B Purchase Agreement and the Sky Subscription Agreement, as applicable.
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We believe that our existing cash and short-term investments, funds available through the Credit Agreement Link entered into on August 12, 2019, as amended, any proceeds from the Sale of Placement Shares, and any funds that we may receive from cash flows from operations will be sufficient to meet working capital requirements and anticipated capital expenditures for the next 12 months. At December 31, 2021, we had approximately $73 million in unrestricted cash, $88 million in U.S. treasury trading securities, and $71 million in marketable equity securities.
If future additional significant acquisition opportunities become available in excess of our currently available cash and U.S. Treasury securities, we may need to seek additional capital through long term debt borrowings, the sale of our securities, and/or other financing options and we may not be able to obtain such debt or equity financing on terms favorable to us or at all. In the future, we may use a number of different sources to finance our acquisitions and operations, including current cash on hand, potential future cash flows from operations, seller financing, debt financings including but not limited to long-term debt and line of credit facilities, including additional credit facilities which may or may not be secured by our assets or those of our operating subsidiaries, additional common or preferred equity issuances or any combination of these sources, to the extent available to us, or other sources that may become available from time to time, which could include asset sales and issuance of debt securities. In addition to Link’s current credit facility, any future debt that we incur may be recourse or non-recourse and may be secured or unsecured. Link's existing credit facility imposes restrictions on Link that could increase our vulnerability to general adverse economic and industry conditions by limiting our flexibility in planning for and reacting to changes in our billboard, insurance and broadband businesses. Specifically, these restrictions place limits on Link and its subsidiaries' ability to, among other things, incur additional indebtedness, make additional acquisitions and investments, pay dividends, repurchase stock, create liens, enter into transactions with affiliates, merge or consolidate or transfer or sell our billboard assets. Link’s credit facility requires it to meet a fixed charge coverage ratio and other financial covenants. Link’s ability to comply with these loan covenants may be affected by factors beyond its control and a breach of any loan covenants would likely result in an event of default under the Credit Agreement, which would permit the Lender to declare all amounts incurred thereunder to be immediately due and payable and to terminate their commitment to make future extensions of credit. We also may take advantage of joint venture or other partnering opportunities as such opportunities arise in order to acquire properties that would otherwise be unavailable to us. Any future credit facilities which we or any of our subsidiaries may enter into would likely impose similar restrictions and risks.
We may use the proceeds of any future borrowings to acquire assets or for general corporate purposes. In determining when to use leverage, we will assess the appropriateness of new equity or debt capital based on market conditions, including assumptions regarding future cash flow, the creditworthiness of customers and future rental rates.
We conduct and plan to continue to conduct our activities in such a manner as not to be deemed an investment company under the Investment Company Act. Therefore, no more than 40% of our total assets can be invested in investment securities, as such term is defined in the Investment Company Act. In addition, we do not invest or intend to invest in securities as our primary business. We run the risk of inadvertently being deemed to be an investment company that is required to register under the Investment Company Act of 1940 (the “Investment Company Act”) because a significant portion of our assets consists of investments in companies in which we own less than a majority interest. The risk varies depending on events beyond our control, such as significant appreciation or depreciation in the market value of certain of our publicly traded holdings, adverse developments with respect to our ownership of certain of our subsidiaries, and transactions involving the sale of certain assets. If we are deemed to be an inadvertent investment company, we may seek to rely on a safe-harbor under the Investment Company Act that would provide us a one-year grace period to take steps to avoid being deemed to be an investment company. In order to ensure we avoid being deemed an investment company, we have taken, and may need to continue to take, steps to reduce the percentage of our assets that constitute investments assets under the Investment Company Act. These steps have included, among others, selling marketable securities that we might otherwise hold for the long-term and deploying our cash in non-investment assets. We have recently sold marketable securities, including at times at a loss, and we may be forced to sell our investment assets at unattractive prices or to sell assets that we otherwise believe benefit our business in the future to remain below the requisite threshold. We may also seek to acquire additional non-investment assets to maintain compliance with the Investment Company Act, and we may need to incur debt, issue additional equity or enter into other financing arrangements that are not otherwise attractive to our business. Any of these actions could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations and financial condition. Moreover, we can make no assurance that we would successfully be able to take the necessary steps to avoid being deemed to be an investment company in accordance with the safe-harbor. If we were unsuccessful, then we would have to register as an investment company, and we would be unable to operate our business in its current form. We would be subject to extensive, restrictive, and potentially adverse statutory provisions and regulations relating to, among other things, operating methods, management, capital structure, indebtedness, dividends, and transactions with affiliates. If we were deemed to be an investment company and did not register as an investment company when required to do so, there would be a risk, among other material adverse consequences, that we could become subject to monetary penalties or injunctive relief, or both, that we would be unable to enforce contracts with third parties, and/or that third parties could seek to obtain rescission of transactions with us undertaken during the period in which we were an unregistered investment company.
Our certificate of incorporation and bylaws do not limit the amount of debt that we may incur. Our Board of Directors has not adopted a policy limiting the total amount of debt that we may incur. Our Board of Directors will consider a number of factors in evaluating the amount of debt that we may incur. If we adopt a debt policy, our Board of Directors may from time to time modify such policy in light of then-current economic conditions, relative costs of debt and equity capital, market values of our properties, general conditions in the markets for debt and equity securities, fluctuations in the market price of our Class A common stock if then trading on any exchange, growth and acquisition opportunities and other factors. Our decision to use leverage in the future to finance our assets will be at our discretion and will not be subject to the approval of our stockholders, and we are not restricted by our governing documents or otherwise in the amount of leverage that we may use.
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
Except for our normal operating leases, we do not have any off-balance sheet financing arrangements, transactions or special purpose entities.
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Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates
The preparation of the consolidated financial statements and related notes to the consolidated financial statements requires us to make estimates that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenue and expenses, and related disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities. We base these estimates on historical results and various other assumptions believed to be reasonable, all of which form the basis for making estimates concerning the carrying values of assets and liabilities that are not readily available from other sources. Actual results may differ from these estimates.
In the notes accompanying the consolidated financial statements, we describe the significant accounting policies used in the preparation of our consolidated financial statements. We believe that the following represent the most significant estimates and management judgments used in preparing the consolidated financial statements.
Consolidation Policy
The financial statements of Boston Omaha Corporation include the accounts of the Company and our consolidated subsidiaries, which are comprised of voting interest entities in which we have a controlling financial interest and variable interest entities in which we are the primary beneficiary in accordance with ASC 810, Consolidation. The equity attributable to non-controlling interests in subsidiaries is shown separately in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets.
Purchased Intangibles and Other Long-Lived Assets
We amortize intangible assets with finite lives over their estimated useful lives, which range between two years and 50 years as follows:
| Years | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Customer relationships | 10 to 15 | ||
| Permits, licenses, and lease acquisition costs | 10 to 50 | ||
| Noncompetition and nonsolicitation agreements | 5 | ||
| Technology, trade names, and trademarks | 10 to 20 | ||
| Site location | 15 | ||
| Capitalized contract costs | 10 |
Purchased intangible assets, including long-lived assets are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of the assets may not be fully recoverable. Factors considered in reviewing the asset values include consideration of the use of the asset, the expected life of the asset, and regulatory or contractual provisions related to such assets. Market participation assumptions are compared to our experience and the results of the comparison are evaluated. For finite-lived intangible assets, the period over which the assets are expected to contribute directly to future cash flows is evaluated against our historical experience. Impairment losses are recognized only if the carrying amount exceeds its fair value.
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We have acquired goodwill related to our various business acquisitions. Goodwill represents future economic benefits arising from other assets acquired in a business combination that are not individually identified and separately recognized. Goodwill, by reporting unit, is reviewed annually for impairment or whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount may not be fully recoverable. For our annual review, we employ a third-party valuation expert. Factors considered in the annual evaluation include deterioration in economic conditions (both macro and geographic), limitations on accessing capital, and market value of our company. Industry and market conditions such as changes in competition, the general state of the industry, regulatory and political developments, and changes in market multiples are additional components of the valuation. Changes in key personnel, strategy, and customer retention are also reviewed. If industry and economic conditions deteriorate, we may be required to assess goodwill impairment before the next annual test, which could result in impairment charges. The discounted cash flow approach that we use for valuing goodwill as part of the impairment testing approach involves estimating future cash flows expected to be generated from the related assets, discounted to their present value using a risk-adjusted discount rate. Key assumptions utilized in estimating the future cash flows expected to be generated by each reporting unit primarily relate to forecasted revenues and premiums earned.
Acquisitions
For transactions that meet the definition of a business combination, we allocate the purchase price, including any contingent consideration, to the assets acquired and the liabilities assumed at their estimated fair values as of the date of the acquisition with any excess of the purchase price paid over the estimated fair value of net assets acquired recorded as goodwill. For transactions that meet the definition of a business combination, the determination of the final purchase price and the acquisition-date fair value of identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed may extend over more than one period and result in adjustments to the preliminary estimate recognized in the prior period financial statements. For transactions that meet the definition of asset purchases, we allocate the purchase price to the assets acquired and the liabilities assumed at their estimated relative fair values as of the date of the acquisition.
The fair value of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed is typically determined by using either estimates of replacement costs or discounted cash flow valuation methods. When determining the fair value of tangible assets acquired, we estimate the cost to replace the asset with a new asset, adjusted for an estimated reduction in fair value due to age of the asset, and the economic useful life. When determining the fair value of intangible assets acquired, we estimate the applicable discount rate, the timing and amount of future cash flows, the applicable income tax rates, and an appropriate customer attrition rate.
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Class A Common Stock Subject to Possible Redemption
As discussed in Note 18, all of the 13,598,898 Class A Common Stock sold as part of the Units in Yellowstone's Public Offering contained a redemption feature which allowed for the redemption of such public shares in connection with Yellowstone's liquidation, if there is a stockholder vote or tender offer in connection with a business combination and in connection with certain amendments to Yellowstone's amended and restated certificate of incorporation. In accordance with SEC and its staff’s guidance on redeemable equity instruments, which has been codified in ASC 480-10-S99, redemption provisions not solely within the control of the Company require common stock subject to redemption to be classified outside of permanent equity. Ordinary liquidation events, which involve the redemption and liquidation of all of the entity’s equity instruments, are excluded from the provisions of ASC 480. In January 2022, the Sky business combination with Sky was completed and, as a result, the Class A common stock subject to redemption held by public stockholders ceased to exist as all redemption rights terminated upon the closing of the business combination. Upon the closing of the Sky business combination, holders of 12,061,041 shares of Sky Class A common stock exercised their right to redeem those shares for cash at an approximate price of $10.20 per share, for an aggregate of approximately $123 million, which was paid to such holders immediately following the closing of the Sky business combination, and 1,537,857 shares of Class A common stock sold in the Yellowstone initial public offering were not redeemed.
Yellowstone recognizes changes in redemption value immediately as they occur and adjusts the carrying value of redeemable common stock to equal the redemption value at the end of each reporting period. Increases or decreases in the carrying amount of redeemable common stock are reflected as charges against additional paid in capital and retained earnings.
Warrants Accounting
For issued or modified warrants that meet all of the criteria for equity classification, the warrants are required to be recorded as a component of additional paid-in capital at the time of issuance. For issued or modified warrants that do not meet all the criteria for equity classification, the warrants are required to be recorded as a liability at their initial fair value on the date of issuance, and each balance sheet date thereafter. We account for warrants for shares of Yellowstone's common stock that are not indexed to Yellowstone's own stock as liabilities at fair value on the balance sheet. The warrants are subject to remeasurement at each balance sheet date and any change in fair value is recognized in our statement of operations as a non-cash gain or loss on the statements of operations. The fair value of the warrants was initially estimated using a binomial lattice model and is subsequently valued based upon the warrants' observable trading price (see Note 9). There are no warrants for shares of Yellowstone's common stock that are indexed to Yellowstone's own stock.
Losses and Loss Adjustment Expenses
Unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses represent estimates for the ultimate cost of unpaid reported and unreported claims incurred and related expenses. Estimates for losses and loss adjustment expenses are based on past experience of investigating and adjusting claims and consideration of the level of premiums written during the current and prior year. Since the reserves are based on estimates, the ultimate liability may differ from the estimated reserve. The effects of changes in estimated reserves are included in the results of operations in the period in which the estimates are updated.