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Boston Omaha(BOC) - 2024 Q4 - Annual Report
BOCBoston Omaha(BOC)2025-03-28 12:47

Billboard Operations - As of December 31, 2024, Boston Omaha Corporation operates approximately 4,000 billboards with approximately 7,600 advertising faces, having increased from about 2,900 billboards in 2018[25]. - The company plans to continue acquiring additional billboard assets when opportunities arise at attractive prices relative to other investments[25]. - The company has options to build additional billboards in several states, with over 95% of current billboards on leased properties[62]. - The outdoor billboard advertising market was estimated at 6.3billionintheU.S.in2023,withadditionalrevenuesfromotheroutdooradvertisingsolutionsestimatedat6.3 billion in the U.S. in 2023, with additional revenues from other outdoor advertising solutions estimated at 2.4 billion[62]. - The outdoor advertising industry is highly fragmented, with major players generating over 50% of total revenues, presenting acquisition opportunities for smaller competitors[80]. - The company may expand the deployment of digital billboards, although existing regulations may impose restrictions due to aesthetic or safety concerns[96]. Broadband Services - The broadband subsidiary, Boston Omaha Broadband, LLC, serves approximately 46,900 broadband customers, including 15,600 fiber customers, and has completed 39,800 fiber passings[31]. - The company aims to grow its broadband services in underserved communities in Arizona, Nevada, and Utah, where demand for higher speed internet is increasing[78]. - The demand for broadband services has surged since the COVID pandemic, with expectations for continued growth as remote connectivity becomes more essential[67]. - The broadband services aim to capitalize on the shift towards telecommuting and increased consumer demand for internet access, particularly in rural areas[78]. Surety Insurance - The surety insurance subsidiary, United Casualty and Surety Insurance Company, is now licensed to operate in all 50 states and the District of Columbia, expanding from just nine states at the time of acquisition[28]. - The company has made six acquisitions in the surety insurance sector, paying approximately 21.7million,andcontributed21.7 million, and contributed 33.7 million in statutory capital to UCS, which is rated "A-" by A.M. Best[55]. - UCS has specialized in providing surety bonds since 1989 and is licensed to operate in all 50 states and the District of Columbia[75]. - The surety market is estimated at 9.6billionbasedon2023industryreports,indicatingsignificantgrowthpotential[65].Thecompanyemphasizesastrongunderwritingprocessforsuretyinsurance,whichincludesassessingthefinancialhealthandoperatinghistoryofcustomers[76].Adverseeconomicconditions,suchasinflationandrecession,couldleadtoincreasedclaimsfrequencyandseverity,negativelyimpactingthesuretyinsurancebusiness[202].InvestmentsandAcquisitionsBostonOmahaCorporationhasmadeatotalinvestmentofapproximately9.6 billion based on 2023 industry reports, indicating significant growth potential[65]. - The company emphasizes a strong underwriting process for surety insurance, which includes assessing the financial health and operating history of customers[76]. - Adverse economic conditions, such as inflation and recession, could lead to increased claims frequency and severity, negatively impacting the surety insurance business[202]. Investments and Acquisitions - Boston Omaha Corporation has made a total investment of approximately 81 million from the sale of 4,801,099 shares of Dream Finders Homes, Inc. since its initial public offering[36]. - The company invested approximately 55milliondirectlyintoSkyHarbourGroupCorporation,convertingthisinvestmentinto5,500,000sharesofClassAcommonstock[36].Thecompanyhasmademinorityinvestmentsinvariousindustries,includinga55 million directly into Sky Harbour Group Corporation, converting this investment into 5,500,000 shares of Class A common stock[36]. - The company has made minority investments in various industries, including a 19 million investment in CB&T Holding Corporation, representing 15.6% of its outstanding common stock[36]. - Since June 2015, the company has spent over 530milliononacquisitionsinoutdoorbillboardadvertising,broadbandservices,suretyinsurance,andminorityequityinterests[53].Thecompanyhasinvestedapproximately530 million on acquisitions in outdoor billboard advertising, broadband services, surety insurance, and minority equity interests[53]. - The company has invested approximately 10 million in Dream Finders Homes, converting to 4,681,099 shares of Class A common stock upon its IPO, selling all shares for gross proceeds of about 81million[58].InSeptember2021,thecompanyinvested81 million[58]. - In September 2021, the company invested 55 million in SHG, converting to 5,500,000 shares of Sky Harbour's Class A common stock after the business combination[58]. - The company has invested approximately 15millionintheBFRFundtodevelopbuildforrentcommunities,butisnowwindingdownduetomarketchallenges[58].FinancialPerformanceandCapitalManagementThenetlossfromoperationsforthefiscalyearsendedDecember31,2024and2023wasapproximately15 million in the BFR Fund to develop build-for-rent communities, but is now winding down due to market challenges[58]. Financial Performance and Capital Management - The net loss from operations for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023 was approximately 8.5 million and 8.9million,respectively[124].Thecompanyhasauthorizedasharerepurchaseprogramtobuybackupto8.9 million, respectively[124]. - The company has authorized a share repurchase program to buy back up to 20 million of its Class A common stock, which commenced on August 15, 2024[118]. - During fiscal 2024, the company repurchased 111,323 shares of its Class A common stock for a total cost of $1,589,322[118]. - The company may need to raise additional capital through public or private debt or equity financings to execute its growth strategy and fund acquisitions[126]. - The company expects to use leverage on terms it finds attractive, assessing the appropriateness of new equity or debt capital based on market conditions[115]. - The company may raise additional capital through public or private placements, potentially diluting existing investments significantly[134]. - The ability to raise additional capital through equity or debt issuance is crucial for the company's financial health[223]. Regulatory and Compliance Risks - The company is subject to various state and federal regulations regarding outdoor advertising, which may impact expansion opportunities[92]. - The company must comply with financial covenants under its Credit Agreements, including maintaining specific leverage and coverage ratios[109][110]. - The company anticipates that jurisdictions will continue to impose taxes and fees on outdoor advertising revenue, potentially affecting competitive conditions[91]. - The insurance subsidiary UCS is subject to extensive regulations that could impact its ability to operate and achieve business objectives[184]. - The risk-based capital formula requires maintaining adequate capital levels, and failure to do so could lead to regulatory actions[186]. - Changes in data privacy laws and regulations may impose additional compliance costs and operational challenges, potentially affecting financial results[179]. Operational Challenges - The company faces challenges in attracting and retaining qualified employees, which could impair growth potential and profitability[172]. - Reliance on key executive management poses risks; unexpected loss of management could adversely affect operations and financial condition[173]. - Disruptions to information technology systems and cybersecurity breaches could materially affect business operations, financial condition, and cash flows[176]. - Employees may take excessive risks despite controls in place, potentially adversely affecting financial condition and business operations[191]. - The company lacks operational control over certain minority investments, which may expose it to risks if those companies perform poorly[207]. Market and Economic Conditions - Increased competition in the outdoor billboard advertising market from larger companies may hinder revenue growth and market share[162]. - Economic conditions, including inflation and interest rates, could negatively impact consumer demand and overall financial performance[169]. - Severe weather events and public health emergencies could disrupt operations and affect customer demand[171]. - The stock price of the company's Class A common stock has been volatile, influenced by various factors including operating performance and market perception[219]. - Market prices for securities, including Class A common stock, have experienced volatility unrelated to the company's operating performance[221]. - Significant lawsuits, including stockholder litigation, could divert management's attention and harm operating results[222]. Internal Controls and Reporting - The company identified a material weakness in internal control over financial reporting related to its investment in the 24th Street Funds, which was remediated in 2023[211]. - Future material weaknesses in internal controls could adversely affect the company's ability to report financial results accurately and timely[214]. - The company is subject to extensive financial reporting requirements, which may strain its management and operational resources[208]. - Quarterly operating results may fall below investor expectations, potentially causing a substantial decline in the price of Class A common stock[220]. - Changes in accounting standards and principles may affect financial reporting and investor perceptions[223].