Boston Omaha Corporation (BOC) is a diversified holding company that has established a presence in several key industries, including outdoor advertising, surety insurance, broadband services, and asset management. With a focus on strategic acquisitions and organic growth, BOC has transformed itself into a formidable player in the markets it serves.
Company History and Background Boston Omaha Corporation was organized on August 11, 2009, but the company's current management took over operations in February 2015. The company's journey began with the acquisition of its outdoor advertising business, Link Media Holdings, LLC, in June 2015. Over the next several years, BOC completed more than twenty additional acquisitions of outdoor advertising businesses, solidifying its position as a leading player in the industry. In 2018, the company made three larger billboard acquisitions, which significantly increased its overall billboard count to approximately 2,900 billboards.
In September 2015, BOC established an insurance subsidiary, General Indemnity Group, LLC, designed to own and operate insurance businesses focused on high volume, lower policy limit commercial lines of property and casualty insurance. The company's insurance operations commenced in April 2016 with the acquisition of a surety insurance brokerage business. Later that year, BOC completed the acquisition of United Casualty and Surety Insurance Company, which at the time was licensed to issue surety bonds in only nine states but now has licenses to operate in all 50 states and the District of Columbia. Over the following years, the company acquired additional surety insurance brokerage businesses located in various regions of the United States.
BOC's foray into the broadband services market came in March 2020 with the acquisition of substantially all of the business assets of FibAire, a rural broadband internet provider serving over 8,000 customers in southern Arizona. The company continued to build out its broadband business, completing the acquisition of a second provider in Utah in December 2020 and a third provider in Utah in April 2022. As of September 30, 2024, BOC has approximately 45,600 broadband customers, with 14,000 fiber subscribers and 37,200 fiber passings completed.
Since 2015, BOC has also made a series of investments in commercial real estate, a commercial real estate management and brokerage services business, and an asset management business. In 2020, the company served as the sponsor for the initial public offering of a special purpose acquisition company named Yellowstone Acquisition Company, which later completed a business combination with Sky Harbour LLC in January 2022. BOC has also invested directly in Sky Harbour and holds a significant equity stake in the company.
The company has faced some challenges over the years, including navigating the COVID-19 pandemic and its impact on certain of its business operations. However, BOC has been able to grow its core businesses of outdoor advertising, insurance, and broadband services through strategic acquisitions, as well as diversify its operations through investments in related industries.
Financial Performance and Key Metrics BOC's financial performance has been mixed in recent years, with the company navigating various challenges and opportunities across its business segments. For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023, the company reported total revenue of $96.25 million, a decrease of 5.8% compared to the prior year. Net income for the period was a loss of $7.00 million, or a loss of $0.23 per diluted share. The company's operating cash flow for fiscal 2023 was $16.06 million, while free cash flow was negative $35.81 million.
In terms of key financial ratios, BOC's gross profit margin stood at 66.9% in fiscal 2023, while its operating profit margin was -9.2%. The company's debt-to-equity ratio was 0.17 as of December 31, 2023, indicating a relatively low level of leverage. BOC's cash and cash equivalents totaled $21.95 million as of the end of the fiscal year, with an additional $74.08 million in short-term investments.
For the first nine months of fiscal 2024, BOC reported total revenue of $80.34 million, an increase of 12.2% compared to the same period in the prior year. Net loss for the first nine months of 2024 was $6.64 million, or a loss of $0.21 per diluted share.
For the most recent quarter (Q3 2024), BOC reported revenue of $27.70 million, representing a 12.8% year-over-year increase from $24.55 million in Q3 2023. The net loss for Q3 2024 was $1.60 million. Operating cash flow for the quarter was $9.64 million, with free cash flow of $0.24 million.
Financials BOC's financial performance has shown some volatility in recent years. The company's revenue decreased in fiscal 2023 but showed growth in the first nine months of 2024 and in the most recent quarter. Despite the revenue growth, the company has reported net losses, indicating ongoing challenges in achieving profitability. The gross profit margin has remained relatively stable, suggesting consistent operational efficiency across its business segments.
The increase in revenue was mainly driven by a 5.6% increase in billboard rentals, a 7.4% increase in broadband services revenue, and a 45.6% increase in premiums earned from the company's insurance operations. The significant increase in premiums earned was due to increases in production throughout fiscal 2023 and the first nine months of fiscal 2024, which are recognized over the life of the surety bonds.
Liquidity BOC maintains a strong liquidity position with $19.43 million in cash and cash equivalents as of September 30, 2024. The company's low debt-to-equity ratio of 0.079 indicates a conservative approach to leverage, providing financial flexibility for future growth initiatives or potential acquisitions.
The company has a Credit Agreement with First National Bank of Omaha that provides for a $30.00 million term loan and a $15.00 million revolving line of credit. The term loan has a fixed interest rate of 4.00% per annum and is payable in full on December 6, 2028. The revolving line of credit has an interest rate based on the U.S. Prime Rate minus an applicable margin, is due on August 12, 2026, and had $9.60 million outstanding as of September 30, 2024.
BOC's current ratio stands at 2.09, and its quick ratio is 1.80, indicating a strong ability to meet short-term obligations.
Outdoor Advertising Segment Performance BOC's outdoor advertising segment, Link Media Holdings, has been a key driver of the company's growth. During the first nine months of fiscal 2024, the segment generated $33.64 million in revenue, an increase of 5.0% compared to the same period in 2023. Segment gross profit margin was 65.2% in the first nine months of 2024, compared to 64.3% in the same period of the prior year.
As of September 30, 2024, the company operates approximately 4,000 billboards with approximately 7,600 advertising faces across several states, including Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia, and Wisconsin. Net billboard rentals increased 5.6% in the third quarter of fiscal 2024 compared to the prior year period, reflecting improved rental and occupancy rates. The segment's gross margin was 64.8% in the third quarter of 2024.
The outdoor advertising market has faced some challenges in recent years, including the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, but BOC has been able to navigate these headwinds through strategic acquisitions and operational efficiencies. The company continues to explore opportunities to expand its billboard footprint in the Midwest and Southeast regions of the United States.
Broadband Services Segment Performance BOC's broadband services segment, Boston Omaha Broadband, has seen significant growth in recent years. During the first nine months of fiscal 2024, the segment generated $29.14 million in revenue, an increase of 11.1% compared to the same period in 2023. Segment gross profit margin was 74.7% in the first nine months of 2024, up from 72.5% in the same period of the prior year.
Broadband services revenue increased 7.4% in the third quarter of fiscal 2024 compared to the prior year period, driven by subscriber growth. The segment's gross margin was 75.1% in the third quarter of 2024. As of September 30, 2024, the company has approximately 45,600 broadband customers, including 14,000 fiber subscribers and 37,200 fiber passings completed.
The company's focus on fiber-to-the-home infrastructure and high-speed internet services has allowed BOC to capitalize on the increasing demand for reliable and fast broadband connectivity, particularly in underserved rural and suburban markets. BOC continues to invest in expanding its broadband footprint in Arizona, Florida, Nevada, and Utah, as well as exploring opportunities in other regions.
Insurance Segment Performance BOC's insurance segment, General Indemnity Group, has also contributed to the company's overall performance. During the first nine months of fiscal 2024, the segment generated $17.35 million in revenue, an increase of 32.4% compared to the same period in 2023. Segment gross profit margin was 61.2% in the first nine months of 2024, up from 60.8% in the same period of the prior year.
Premiums earned from the insurance segment increased 45.6% in the third quarter of fiscal 2024 compared to the prior year period, while the segment's gross margin was 60.5% in the third quarter of 2024. The significant increase in premiums earned was due to increases in production throughout fiscal 2023 and the first nine months of fiscal 2024, which are recognized over the life of the surety bonds.
The company's surety insurance and brokerage operations have benefited from increased production and sales activities, as well as favorable market conditions. BOC continues to explore opportunities to expand its insurance capabilities and product offerings, both organically and through strategic acquisitions.
Asset Management Segment Performance In 2023, BOC acquired 100% of the membership interests in 24th Street Asset Management, a real estate-focused asset management firm. The asset management segment, which also includes the company's investment in the 24th Street Funds, generated $218,160 in revenue during the first nine months of fiscal 2024.
The company's asset management operations have faced some challenges in recent quarters, as BOC has been winding down its Boston Omaha Asset Management (BOAM) subsidiary and implementing cost-cutting measures. The company's focus in this segment is on managing its existing investments, including its stake in Sky Harbour Group Corporation, while exploring strategic opportunities to deploy capital in a prudent and value-creating manner.
Outlook and Future Prospects BOC's management has emphasized the company's commitment to sustainable growth and value creation for its shareholders. The company's diverse business portfolio, which includes market-leading positions in outdoor advertising, broadband services, and insurance, provides a degree of stability and resilience in the face of changing economic conditions.
Moving forward, BOC plans to continue pursuing strategic acquisitions and organic growth opportunities across its core business segments. In the outdoor advertising and broadband services sectors, the company is well-positioned to capitalize on industry trends, such as the increasing adoption of digital billboards and the growing demand for high-speed internet connectivity.
In the insurance segment, BOC aims to expand its product offerings and geographic reach, leveraging its expertise in the surety bond market and exploring opportunities in adjacent insurance lines. The company's asset management operations will focus on prudent capital allocation and maximizing the value of its existing investments.
Risks and Challenges As with any diversified holding company, BOC faces a range of risks and challenges that could impact its future performance. These include, but are not limited to, the following:
1. Competitive Pressures: The company operates in highly competitive industries, and it must continue to innovate and adapt to maintain its market positions.
2. Regulatory Changes: Shifts in government regulations, particularly in the insurance and broadband sectors, could affect BOC's operations and financial results.
3. Integration Challenges: The successful integration of acquired businesses is critical to BOC's growth strategy, and any integration issues could negatively impact the company's performance.
4. Economic Conditions: Adverse economic conditions, such as a recession or slowdown in consumer spending, could adversely affect the company's revenue and profitability across its business segments.
5. Technological Disruption: Rapid technological changes in the industries in which BOC operates could require significant investments and adaptations to maintain competitiveness.
Despite these challenges, BOC's diversified business model, strong market positions, and experienced management team position the company well to navigate the evolving landscape and capitalize on future growth opportunities.
Conclusion Boston Omaha Corporation has established itself as a diverse holding company with a range of business interests, including outdoor advertising, surety insurance, broadband services, and asset management. Through strategic acquisitions and organic growth, BOC has built market-leading positions in several industries and is well-positioned to continue creating value for its shareholders.
The company's financial performance has been mixed in recent years, with revenue growth in its core segments offset by ongoing profitability challenges. However, BOC's management remains focused on sustainable growth and prudent capital allocation. The company's strong liquidity position, conservative leverage, and diversified business model provide a solid foundation for future growth.
As BOC continues to navigate the evolving market conditions in its core business segments, investors will be closely watching the company's ability to execute on its strategic initiatives, improve profitability, and capitalize on emerging opportunities in the outdoor advertising, broadband, insurance, and asset management sectors. The company's success in integrating acquisitions, expanding its market presence, and driving operational efficiencies will be key factors in determining its long-term performance and value creation for shareholders.