EDGAR 10-K Filing

Company CIK: 1090425
Filing Year: 2021
Filename: 1090425_10-K_2021_0001564590-21-009276.json

---

ITEM 1. BUSINESS
ITEM 1.
BUSINESS
GENERAL
Lamar Advertising Company is one of the largest outdoor advertising companies in the United States based on number of displays and has operated under the Lamar name since 1902. We operate in a single operating and reporting segment, advertising. We rent space for advertising on billboards, buses, shelters, benches, logo plates and in airport terminals. We offer our customers a fully integrated service, satisfying all aspects of their display requirements from ad copy production to placement and maintenance.
We operate three types of outdoor advertising displays: billboards, logo signs and transit advertising displays.
Billboards. As of December 31, 2020, we owned and operated approximately 153,200 billboard advertising displays in 45 states and Canada. We rent most of our advertising space on two types of billboards: bulletins and posters.
•
Bulletins are generally large, illuminated advertising structures that are located on major highways and target vehicular traffic.
•
Posters are generally smaller advertising structures that are located on major traffic arteries and city streets and target vehicular and pedestrian traffic.
In addition to traditional billboards, we also rent space on digital billboards, which are generally located on major traffic arteries and city streets. As of December 31, 2020, we owned and operated over 3,600 digital billboard advertising displays in 43 states and Canada.
Logo signs. We rent advertising space on logo signs located near highway exits.
•
Logo signs generally advertise nearby gas, food, camping, lodging and other attractions.
We are the largest provider of logo signs in the United States, operating 23 of the 26 privatized state logo sign contracts. As of December 31, 2020, we operated over 137,100 logo sign advertising displays in 23 states and the province of Ontario, Canada.
Transit advertising displays. We also rent advertising space on the exterior and interior of public transportation vehicles, in airport terminals, and on transit shelters and benches in over 75 markets. As of December 31, 2020, we operated over 47,700 transit advertising displays in 22 states and Canada.
CORPORATE HISTORY
We have operated under the Lamar name since our founding in 1902 and have been publicly traded on NASDAQ under the symbol “LAMR” since 1996.
During 2014, we completed a reorganization in order to qualify as a real estate investment trust (a “REIT”) for federal income tax purposes.
In this Annual Report, unless the context otherwise requires, we refer to Lamar Advertising Company and its consolidated subsidiaries (and its predecessor and its consolidated subsidiaries), as applicable, as the “Company”, “Lamar Advertising” or “we”, and we refer to Lamar Advertising’s wholly owned subsidiary Lamar Media Corp. as “Lamar Media.”
OPERATING STRATEGIES
We strive to be a leading provider of outdoor advertising services in each of the markets that we serve, and our operating strategies for achieving that goal include:
Continuing to provide high quality local sales and service. We seek to identify and closely monitor the needs of our tenants and to provide them with a full complement of high quality advertising services. Local advertising constituted approximately 78% of our net revenues for the year ended December 31, 2020, which management believes is higher than the industry average. We believe that the experience of our regional, territory and local managers has contributed greatly to our success. For example, our regional managers have been with us for an average of 35 years. In an effort to provide high quality sales and service at the local level, we employed approximately 975 local account executives as of December 31, 2020. Local account executives are typically supported by
additional local staff and have the ability to draw upon the resources of our central office, as well as our offices in other markets, in the event business opportunities or customers’ needs support such an allocation of resources.
Continuing a centralized control and decentralized management structure. Our management believes that, for our particular business, centralized control and a decentralized organization provide for greater economies of scale and are more responsive to local market demands. Therefore, we maintain centralized accounting and financial control over our local operations, but our local managers are responsible for the day-to-day operations in each local market and are compensated according to that market’s financial performance.
Continuing to focus on internal growth. Within our existing markets we seek to increase our revenue and improve cash flow by employing highly-targeted local marketing efforts to improve our display occupancy rates and by increasing advertising rates where and when demand can absorb rate increases. Our local offices spearhead this effort and respond to local customer demands quickly.
In addition, we routinely invest in upgrading our existing displays and constructing new displays. Since January 1, 2011, we invested approximately $1.1 billion in capitalized expenditures, which include improvements to our existing real estate portfolio and the construction of new locations. Our regular improvement and expansion of our advertising display inventory allows us to provide high quality service to our current tenants and to attract new tenants.
Continuing to pursue other outdoor advertising opportunities. We plan to renew existing logo sign contracts and pursue additional logo sign contracts. Logo sign opportunities arise periodically, both from states initiating new logo sign programs and states converting from government-owned and operated programs to privately-owned and operated programs. Furthermore, we plan to pursue additional tourist oriented directional sign programs in both the United States and Canada and also other motorist information signing programs as opportunities present themselves. In addition, in an effort to maintain market share, we continue to pursue attractive transit advertising opportunities as they become available.
Reinvesting in capital expenditures including digital technology. We have a history of investing in capital expenditures, particularly in our digital platform. We spent approximately $62.3 million in total capital expenditures in fiscal year 2020, of which approximately $22.6 million was spent on digital technology. While our capital expenditures were sharply reduced during 2020 due to the pandemic, we expect our 2021 capitalized expenditures to be approximate $150.0 million, which is consistent with pre-pandemic historical spending.
CAPITAL ALLOCATION STRATEGY
The objective of our capital allocation strategy is to simultaneously increase adjusted funds from operations and our return on invested capital. To maintain our REIT status, we are required to distribute to our stockholders annually an amount equal to at least 90% of our REIT taxable income, excluding net capital gains. After complying with our REIT distribution requirements, we plan to continue to allocate our available capital among investment alternatives that meet our return on investment criteria. During 2020, we generated $569.9 million of cash from operating activities, which was used to fund capital expenditures, acquisitions, dividends to our stockholders, and a portion of the expenses incurred in connection with financing transactions.
•
Capital expenditures program. We will continue to reinvest in our existing assets and expand our outdoor advertising display portfolio through new construction. This includes growth and maintenance capital expenditures associated with the construction of new and existing billboard displays, the entrance into and renewal of logo sign and transit contracts, and the purchase of real estate and operating equipment.
•
Acquisitions. We will seek to pursue strategic acquisitions of outdoor advertising businesses and assets. This includes acquisitions in our existing markets and in new markets where we can meet our return on investment criteria. When evaluating investments in new markets, our return on investment criteria reflects the additional risks inherent to the particular geographic area.
COMPANY OPERATIONS
Billboard Advertising
We rent most of our advertising space on two types of billboard advertising displays: bulletins and posters. As of December 31, 2020, we owned and operated approximately 153,200 billboard advertising displays in 45 states and Canada. In 2020, we derived approximately 76% of our billboard advertising net revenues from bulletin rentals and 24% from poster rentals.
Bulletins are large, advertising structures (the most common size is 14 feet high by 48 feet wide, or 672 square feet) consisting of panels on which advertising copy is displayed. We wrap advertising copy printed with computer-generated graphics on a single
sheet of vinyl around the structure. To attract more attention, some of the panels may extend beyond the linear edges of the display face and may include three-dimensional embellishments. Because of their greater impact and higher cost, bulletins are usually located on major highways and target vehicular traffic. At December 31, 2020, we operated approximately 74,400 bulletin displays.
We generally rent individually-selected bulletin space to advertisers for the duration of the contract (ranging from 4 to 52 weeks). We also rent bulletins as part of a rotary plan under which we rotate the advertising copy from one bulletin location to another within a particular market at stated intervals (usually every sixty to ninety days) to achieve greater reach within that market.
Posters are smaller advertising structures (the most common size is 11 feet high by 23 feet wide, or 253 square feet; we also operate junior posters, which are 5 feet high by 11 feet wide, or 55 square feet). Poster panels utilize a single flexible sheet of polyethylene material that inserts onto the face of the panel. Posters are concentrated on major traffic arteries and target vehicular traffic, and junior posters are concentrated on city streets and target hard-to-reach pedestrian traffic and nearby residents. At December 31, 2020, we operated approximately 78,800 poster displays.
We generally rent poster space for 4 to 26 weeks, determined by the advertiser’s campaign needs. Posters are sold in packages of Target Rating Point (“TRP”) levels, which determine the percentage of a target audience an advertiser needs to reach. A package may include a combination of poster locations in order to meet reach and frequency campaign goals.
In addition to the traditional static displays, we also rent digital billboards. Digital billboards are large electronic light emitting diode (“LED”) displays (the most common sizes are 14 feet high by 48 feet wide, or 672 square feet; 10.5 feet high by 36 feet wide, or 378 square feet; and 10 feet high by 21 feet wide, or 210 square feet) that are generally located on major traffic arteries and city streets. Digital billboards are capable of generating over one billion colors and vary in brightness based on ambient conditions. They display completely digital advertising copy from various advertisers in a slide show fashion, rotating each advertisement approximately every 6 to 8 seconds. At December 31, 2020, our inventory included over 3,600 digital display billboards in various markets. These 3,600 digital billboards generated approximately 26% of billboard advertising net revenue.
We own the physical structures on which the advertising copy is displayed. We build the structures on locations we either own or lease. In each local office, one employee typically performs site leasing activities for the markets served by that office. See Item 2. - “Properties.”
In the majority of our markets, our local production staffs perform the full range of activities required to create and install billboard advertising displays. Production work includes creating the advertising copy design and layout, coordinating its printing and installing the designs on the displays. Our talented design staff uses state-of-the-art technology to prepare creative, eye-catching displays for our tenants. We can also help with the strategic placement of advertisements throughout an advertiser’s market by using software that allows us to analyze the target audience and its demographics. Our artists also assist in developing marketing presentations, demonstrations and strategies to attract new tenant advertisers.
In marketing billboard displays to advertisers, we compete with other forms of out-of-home advertising and other media. When selecting the media and provider through which to advertise, advertisers consider a number of factors and advertising providers, which are described in the section titled - “Competition” below.
Logo Sign Advertising
We entered the logo sign advertising business in 1988 and have become the largest provider of logo sign services in the United States, operating 23 of the 26 privatized state logo contracts. We erect logo signs, which generally advertise nearby gas, food, camping, lodging and other attractions, and directional signs, which direct vehicle traffic to nearby services and tourist attractions, near highway exits. As of December 31, 2020, we operated approximately 41,950 logo sign structures containing over 137,100 logo advertising displays in the United States and Canada.
We operate the logo sign contracts in the province of Ontario, Canada and in the following states:
Colorado
Georgia
Louisiana
Mississippi
Nebraska
New Jersey
South Carolina
Delaware
Kansas
Michigan
Missouri(1)
Nevada
New Mexico
Tennessee
Florida
Kentucky
Minnesota
Montana
New Hampshire
Ohio
Utah
Oklahoma
Wisconsin
(1)
The logo sign contract in Missouri is operated by a 66 2/3% owned partnership.
We also operate the tourist oriented directional signing (“TODS”) programs for the states of Colorado, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Michigan, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, Ohio, South Carolina, Utah, and the province of Ontario, Canada, providing approximately 16,600 advertising displays.
Our logo and TODS operations are decentralized. Generally, each office is staffed with an experienced local general manager, local sales and office staff and a local signing sub-contractor. This decentralization allows the management staff of Interstate Logos, L.L.C. (the subsidiary that operates all of the logo and directional sign-related businesses) to travel extensively to the various operations and serve in a technical and management advisory capacity and monitor regulatory and contract compliance. We also run a silk screening operation in Baton Rouge, Louisiana and a display construction company in Atlanta, Georgia.
State logo sign contracts represent the exclusive right to erect and operate logo signs within a state for a period of time. The terms of the contracts vary, but generally range from five to ten years, with additional renewal terms. Each logo sign contract generally allows the state to terminate the contract prior to its expiration and, in most cases, with compensation for the termination to be paid to the Company. When a logo sign contract expires, we transfer ownership of the advertising structures to the state. Depending on the contract, we may or may not be entitled to compensation at that time. Of our 24 logo sign contracts in place, in the United States and Canada, at December 31, 2020, four are subject to renewal or expiration in 2021.
States usually award new logo sign contracts and renew expiring logo sign contracts through an open proposal process. In bidding for new and renewal contracts, we compete against other logo sign providers, as well as local companies based in the state soliciting proposals.
In marketing logo signs to advertisers, we compete with other forms of out-of-home advertising and other media. When selecting the media and provider through which to advertise, advertisers consider a number of factors and advertising providers which are described in the section titled - “Competition” below.
Transit Advertising
We entered into the transit advertising business in 1993 as a way to complement our existing business and maintain market share in certain markets. Transit contracts are generally with the local municipalities and airport authorities and allow us the exclusive right to rent advertising space to customers in airports and on buses, benches or shelters. The terms of the contracts vary but generally range between 3-15 years, many with renewable options for contract extension. We rent transit advertising displays in airport terminals and on bus shelters, benches and buses in over 75 transit markets, and our production staff provides a full range of creative and installation services to our transit advertising tenants. As of December 31, 2020, we operated over 47,700 transit advertising displays in 22 states and Canada.
Municipalities usually award new transit advertising contracts and renew expiring transit advertising contracts through an open bidding process. In bidding for new and renewal contracts, we compete against national outdoor advertising providers and local, on-premise sign providers and sign construction companies. Transit advertising operators incur significant start-up costs to build and install the advertising structures (such as transit shelters) upon being awarded contracts.
In marketing transit advertising displays to advertisers, we compete with other forms of out-of-home advertising and other media. When selecting the media and provider through which to advertise, advertisers consider a number of factors and advertising providers which are described in the section titled - “Competition” below.
COMPETITION
Although the outdoor advertising industry has encountered a wave of consolidation, the industry remains fragmented. The industry is comprised of several large outdoor advertising and media companies with operations in multiple markets, as well as smaller, local companies operating a limited number of structures in one or a few local markets.
Although we primarily focus on small to mid-size markets where we can attain a strong market share, in each of our markets we compete against other providers of outdoor advertising and other types of media, including:
•
Larger outdoor advertising providers, such as (i) Clear Channel Outdoor Holdings, Inc., which operates billboards, street furniture displays, transit displays and other out-of-home advertising displays and (ii) Outfront Media, Inc. (formerly CBS Outdoor), which operates traditional outdoor, street furniture and transit advertising properties.
•
Broadcast and cable television, radio, print media, direct mail marketing, the internet, social media and applications used in conjunction with wireless devices.
•
An increasing variety of out-of-home advertising media, such as advertising displays in shopping centers, malls, airports, stadiums, movie theaters, supermarkets and advertising displays on taxis, trains and buses.
In selecting the form of media through which to advertise, advertisers evaluate their ability to target audiences having a specific demographic profile, lifestyle, brand or media consumption or purchasing behavior or audiences located in, or traveling through, a particular geography. Advertisers also compare the relative costs of available media, evaluating the number of impressions (potential viewings), exposure (the opportunity for advertising to be seen) and circulation (traffic volume in a market), as well as potential effectiveness, quality of related services (such as advertising copy design and layout) and customer service. In competing with other media, we believe that outdoor advertising is relatively more cost-efficient than other media, allowing advertisers to reach broader audiences and target specific geographic areas or demographic groups within markets.
We believe that our strong emphasis on sales and customer service and our position as a major provider of advertising services in each of our primary markets enables us to compete effectively with the other outdoor advertising companies, as well as with other media, within those markets.
GEOGRAPHIC DIVERSIFICATION
Our advertising displays are geographically diversified across the United States and Canada. The following table sets forth information regarding the geographic diversification of our advertising displays, which are listed in order of contribution to total revenue. Markets with less than 1% of total displays are grouped in the category “all other United States.”
Percentage of Revenues for the year ended,
December 31, 2020
Number of Displays for the year ended,
December 31, 2020
Market
Static
Billboard
Displays
Digital
Billboard
Displays
Transit
Displays
Logo
Displays
Total
Displays
Static
Billboard
Displays
Digital
Billboard
Displays
Transit
Displays
Logo
Displays
Total
Displays
Percentage
of Total
Displays
Pittsburgh, PA
2.0
%
3.5
%
0.6
%
-
2.1
%
2,919
-
3,316
0.9
%
New York, NY
2.4
%
1.7
%
-
-
2.0
%
-
-
1,037
0.3
%
Las Vegas, NV
1.4
%
1.7
%
7.6
%
-
1.7
%
1,498
-
2,367
0.7
%
Seattle, WA
2.0
%
1.0
%
2.5
%
-
1.7
%
1,685
2,278
-
3,981
1.1
%
Gary, IN
1.6
%
2.6
%
-
-
1.7
%
1,680
-
-
1,796
0.5
%
Cleveland, OH
1.6
%
2.2
%
1.6
%
-
1.7
%
2,306
2,495
-
4,859
1.4
%
San Bernardino, CA
1.6
%
2.0
%
1.8
%
-
1.6
%
1,179
-
1,888
0.5
%
Dallas, TX
1.9
%
0.8
%
1.9
%
-
1.5
%
1,347
-
1,828
0.5
%
Nashville, TN
1.5
%
2.2
%
-
-
1.5
%
1,695
-
-
1,760
0.5
%
Knoxville, TN
1.7
%
0.8
%
-
-
1.3
%
2,167
-
-
2,198
0.6
%
Raleigh, NC
1.6
%
0.9
%
-
-
1.3
%
2,697
-
-
2,741
0.8
%
Atlanta, GA
1.1
%
2.4
%
-
-
1.3
%
-
-
0.2
%
Oklahoma City, OK
1.4
%
1.3
%
-
-
1.2
%
2,137
-
-
2,170
0.6
%
Richmond, VA
1.3
%
1.6
%
-
-
1.2
%
1,285
-
-
1,326
0.4
%
Reading, PA
1.1
%
2.0
%
-
-
1.2
%
1,229
-
-
1,332
0.4
%
Hartford, CT
1.0
%
2.1
%
-
-
1.2
%
-
0.3
%
Phoenix, AZ
0.3
%
2.5
%
7.1
%
-
1.2
%
3,313
-
3,502
1.0
%
Birmingham, AL
1.2
%
1.2
%
0.5
%
-
1.1
%
1,517
-
1,869
0.6
%
Greenville-Spartanburg, SC
1.2
%
1.2
%
-
-
1.0
%
1,883
-
-
1,929
0.6
%
Indianapolis, IN
1.3
%
0.8
%
-
-
1.0
%
2,309
-
-
2,331
0.7
%
Baton Rouge, LA
1.1
%
1.1
%
-
-
1.0
%
1,422
-
-
1,461
0.4
%
Columbus, OH
1.0
%
1.4
%
-
-
1.0
%
1,725
-
-
1,786
0.5
%
Cincinnati, OH
1.0
%
1.5
%
-
-
1.0
%
1,141
-
-
1,174
0.3
%
Providence, RI
0.9
%
1.6
%
-
-
1.0
%
-
-
0.2
%
Austin, TX
1.3
%
0.4
%
-
-
1.0
%
-
-
0.3
%
All US Logo
Programs*
-
-
-
90.3
%
5.5
%
-
-
-
141,869
141,869
40.0
%
All Other United
States
65.5
%
59.5
%
67.2
%
-
59.9
%
112,561
2,464
31,309
-
146,334
41.2
%
All Other Canada*
-
-
9.2
%
9.7
%
1.1
%
4,477
11,841
16,441
4.5
%
Total
100.0
%
100.0
%
100.0
%
100.0
%
100.0
%
149,504
3,650
47,707
153,710
354,571
100.0
%
Total Revenue
(in millions)
$
1,048.5
$
354.7
$
82.7
$
83.0
$
1,568.9
* Logo displays at December 31, 2020 include 16,590 displays related to the tourist oriented direction signing ("TODS") programs.
TAXABLE REIT SUBSIDIARIES
We hold and operate certain of our assets that cannot be held and operated directly by a REIT through taxable REIT subsidiaries, or TRSs. A TRS is a subsidiary of a REIT that pays corporate taxes on its taxable income. The assets held in our TRSs primarily consist of our transit advertising business, advertising services business and our foreign operations. We may, from time to time, change the election of previously designated TRSs to be treated as qualified REIT subsidiaries (“QRSs”) or other disregarded entities, and may reorganize and transfer certain assets or operations from ‎our TRSs to other subsidiaries, including QRSs.‎
Our TRS assets and operations will continue to be subject, as applicable, to U.S. federal and state corporate income taxes. Furthermore, our assets and operations outside the United States will continue to be subject to foreign taxes in the jurisdictions in which those assets and operations are located. Net income from our TRSs will either be retained by our TRSs and used to fund their operations, or distributed to us, where it will be reinvested in our business or be available for distribution to Lamar Advertising’s stockholders. As of December 31, 2020, the annual revenue generated by our TRSs in the aggregate was approximately $232.5 million.
ADVERTISING TENANTS
Our tenant base is diverse. The table below sets forth the ten industries from which we derived most of our billboard advertising revenues for the year ended December 31, 2020, as well as the percentage of billboard advertising revenues attributable to the advertisers in those industries. The individual advertisers in these industries accounted for approximately 75% of our billboard advertising net revenues in the year ended December 31, 2020. No individual tenant accounted for more than 2.0% of our billboard advertising net revenues in that period.
Categories
Percentage of Net
Billboard
Advertising Revenues
Service
%
Health Care
%
Restaurants
%
Retailers
%
Automotive
%
Insurance
%
Gaming
%
Amusement - Entertainment/Sports
%
Financial - Banks, Credit Unions
%
Education
%
Real Estate
%
%
REGULATION
Outdoor advertising is subject to governmental regulation at the federal, state and local levels. Regulations generally restrict the size, spacing, lighting and other aspects of advertising structures and pose a significant barrier to entry and expansion in many markets. Federal law, principally the Highway Beautification Act of 1965 (the “HBA”), regulates outdoor advertising on Federal - Aid Primary, Interstate and National Highway Systems roads. The HBA requires states, through the adoption of individual Federal/State agreements, to “effectively control” outdoor advertising along these roads, and mandates a state compliance program and state standards regarding size, spacing and lighting. These state standards, or their local and municipal equivalents, may be modified over time in response to legal challenges or otherwise, which may have an adverse effect on our business. The HBA requires any state or political subdivision that compels the removal of a lawful billboard along a Federal - Aid Primary or Interstate highway to pay just compensation to the billboard owner.
All states have passed billboard control statutes and regulations at least as restrictive as the federal requirements, including laws requiring the removal of illegal signs at the owner’s expense (and without compensation from the state). Although we believe that the number of our billboards that may be subject to removal as illegal is immaterial, and no state in which we operate has banned billboards entirely, from time to time governments have required us to remove signs and billboards legally erected in accordance with federal, state and local permit requirements and laws. Municipal and county governments generally also have sign controls as part of their zoning laws and building codes. We contest laws and regulations that we believe unlawfully restrict our constitutional or other legal rights and may adversely impact the growth of our outdoor advertising business.
Using federal funding for transportation enhancement programs, state governments have purchased and removed billboards for beautification, and may do so again in the future. Under the power of eminent domain, state or municipal governments have laid claim to property and forced the removal of billboards. Under a concept called amortization by which a governmental body asserts that a billboard operator has earned compensation by continued operation over time, local governments have attempted to force removal of legal but nonconforming billboards (i.e., billboards that conformed with applicable zoning regulations when built but which do not conform to current zoning regulations). Although the legality of amortization is questionable, it has been upheld in some instances. Often, municipal and county governments also have sign controls as part of their zoning laws, with some local governments prohibiting construction of new billboards or allowing new construction only to replace existing structures. Although we have generally been able to obtain satisfactory compensation for those of our billboards purchased or removed as a result of governmental action, there is no assurance that this will continue to be the case in the future.
We have also introduced and intend to continue to expand the deployment of digital billboards that display static digital advertising copy from various advertisers that change every 6 to 8 seconds. We have encountered some existing regulations that restrict or prohibit these types of digital displays but it has not yet materially impacted our digital deployment. Since digital billboards have been developed and introduced relatively recently into the market on a large scale, existing regulations that currently do not apply to them by their terms could be revised or new regulations could be enacted to impose greater restrictions. These regulations may impose greater restrictions on digital billboards due to alleged concerns over aesthetics or driver safety.
Relatively few large scale studies have been conducted to date regarding driver safety issues, if any, related to digital billboards. The results of future studies may result in regulations at the federal or state level that impose greater restrictions on digital billboards. Any new restrictions on digital billboards could have a material adverse effect on both our existing inventory of digital billboards and our plans to expand our digital deployment, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition.
LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
From time to time, we are involved in litigation in the ordinary course of business, including disputes involving advertising contracts, site leases, employment claims and construction matters. We are also involved in routine administrative and judicial proceedings regarding billboard permits, fees and compensation for condemnations. We are not a party to any lawsuit or proceeding which, in the opinion of management, is likely to have a material adverse effect on us.
REAL ESTATE PORTFOLIO
Our management headquarters is located in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. We also own 125 local operating facilities with front office administration and sales office space connected to back-shop poster and bulletin production space. In addition, we lease an additional 146 operating facilities at an aggregate lease expense for 2020 of approximately $8.5 million.
We own over 9,700 parcels of property beneath our advertising displays. As of December 31, 2020, we leased over 69,700 outdoor sites, accounting for an annualized lease expense of approximately $283.3 million. This amount represented approximately 20% of billboard advertising net revenues for that period. These leases are for varying terms ranging from month-to-month to a term of over ten years, and many provide us with renewal options. Our lease agreements generally permit us to use the land for the construction, repair and relocation of outdoor advertising displays, including all rights necessary to access and maintain the site. Approximately 72% of our leases will expire or be subject to renewal in the next 5 years, 18% will expire or be subject to renewal in 6 to 10 years and 10% thereafter. There is no significant concentration of displays under any one lease or subject to negotiation with any one landlord. An important part of our management activity is to manage our lease portfolio and negotiate suitable lease renewals and extensions.
The following table illustrates the number of leased and owned sites by state as of December 31, 2020, which is sorted from greatest to least in number and percentage of leased sites. States in which we lease less than 2% of our portfolio are grouped in the category “All Other States”.
State
# of billboard leased sites
% of total
# of owned billboard sites
% of total
Texas
5,245
7.5
%
1,010
10.3
%
Pennsylvania
4,839
6.9
%
1,585
16.2
%
California
4,276
6.1
%
1.5
%
Ohio
4,195
6.0
%
6.0
%
North Carolina
4,000
5.7
%
2.8
%
Tennessee
3,046
4.4
%
4.5
%
Louisiana
2,993
4.3
%
5.2
%
Alabama
2,972
4.3
%
5.1
%
Wisconsin
2,630
3.8
%
3.5
%
Georgia
2,603
3.7
%
2.7
%
Florida
2,404
3.4
%
4.3
%
South Carolina
2,338
3.4
%
1.4
%
New York
2,149
3.1
%
2.2
%
Missouri
2,017
2.9
%
2.8
%
Michigan
1,937
2.8
%
2.8
%
Mississippi
1,866
2.7
%
4.1
%
Indiana
1,790
2.6
%
2.8
%
Oklahoma
1,740
2.5
%
1.4
%
Virginia
1,600
2.3
%
1.8
%
Illinois
1,475
2.1
%
3.3
%
All Other States
13,658
19.5
%
1,500
15.3
%
69,773
100.0
%
9,765
100.0
%
CONTRACT EXPIRATIONS
We derive revenues primarily from renting advertising space to customers on our advertising displays. Our contracts with customers generally cover periods ranging from one week to one year and are generally billed every four weeks. Since contract terms are short-term in nature, we do not consider revenues by year of contract expiration to be meaningful.
HUMAN CAPITAL RESOURCES
We employed approximately 3,300 people as of December 31, 2020. Approximately 270 employees were engaged in overall management and general administration at our corporate headquarters in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, and the remainder, including approximately 975 local account executives, were employed in our operating offices.
Fifteen of our local offices employ billposters and construction personnel who are covered by collective bargaining agreements. We believe that our relationship with our employees, including our approximately 105 unionized employees, is favorable, and we have never experienced a strike or work stoppage.
As Lamar’s business continues to grow, so does the Company’s strong commitment to recruiting a work force with diverse talents, as well as to developing and retaining the successful members of our sales and management teams. Our 975 local account executives and approximately 170 local management employees have been with the Company for an average of 11 years. We regularly provide on-site training and remote sales training videos to enhance the skills of our sales and management team members.
We employ approximately 1,100 operations employees, including operations management. These employees are responsible for installing advertising copy, maintaining our billboard inventory and ensuring our billboards, logos and transit displays are in safe operating condition. We empower these employees to have a safety-first mentality, which includes the authority to stop an installation or other work job for any safety concern. We also provide training and certification to our operations employees, including training for crane operations and climbing safety. Our management regularly conducts scheduled safety meetings and unscheduled job observations to ensure that we maintain a safety mindset every day.
Due to the effects of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, we have implemented a number of health and safety precautions for our employees. These precautions include office and vehicle occupancy limitations to maintain proper social distancing, daily temperature checks, mask requirements, additional office cleaning and contact tracing in the event of a positive COVID-19 case. We also monitor updates from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and state and local government guidelines to ensure our health and safety precautions stay up to date.
INFLATION
In the last three years, inflation has not had a significant impact on our business.
SEASONALITY
Our revenues and operating results are subject to seasonality. Typically, we experience our strongest financial performance in the summer and fall, and our weakest financial performance in the first quarter of the calendar year, partly because retailers cut back their advertising spending immediately following the holiday shopping season. We expect this trend to continue in the future. Because a significant portion of our expenses is fixed, a reduction in revenues in any quarter is likely to result in a period-to-period decline in operating performance and net earnings.
AVAILABLE INFORMATION
We make our annual reports on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K, and amendments to these reports available free of charge through our website, www.lamar.com, as soon as reasonably practicable after filing them with, or furnishing them to, the Securities and Exchange Commission. Information contained on our website is not part of this Annual Report.

---

ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS
ITEM 1A.
RISK FACTORS
Risks Related to Our Capital Structure
The Company’s substantial debt may adversely affect its business, financial condition and financial results.
The Company has borrowed substantially in the past and will continue to borrow in the future. At December 31, 2020, Lamar Advertising Company’s wholly owned subsidiary, Lamar Media, had approximately $2.89 billion of total debt outstanding, net of deferred financing costs, consisting of approximately $586.9 million in bank debt outstanding under Lamar Media’s senior credit facility, $2.18 billion in various series of senior notes, $122.1 million under the Accounts Receivable Securitization Program and $2.8 million in other seller notes. Despite the level of debt presently outstanding, the terms of the indentures governing Lamar Media’s notes and the terms of the senior credit facility and Accounts Receivable Securitization Program allow Lamar Media to incur substantially more debt, including approximately $736.0 million and $52.5 million available for borrowing under the revolving credit facility and Accounts Receivable Securitization Program, respectively, as of December 31, 2020. Furthermore, on January 22, 2021, Lamar Media issued $550.0 million in aggregate principal amount of 3 5/8% Senior Notes due 2031, the proceeds of which, together with cash on hand and borrowings under our revolving credit facility and Accounts Receivable Securitization Program, were used to redeem all $650.0 million in aggregate principal amount of 5 3/4% Senior Notes on February 3, 2021.
The Company’s substantial debt and its use of cash flow from operations to make principal and interest payments on its debt may, among other things:
•
make it more difficult for the Company to comply with the financial covenants in its senior credit facility and in its Accounts Receivable Securitization Program, which could result in a default and an acceleration of all amounts outstanding under the facility or under the Accounts Receivable Securitization Program;
•
limit the cash flow available to fund the Company’s working capital, capital expenditures, acquisitions or other general corporate requirements;
•
limit the Company’s ability to obtain additional financing to fund future dividend distributions, working capital, capital expenditures or other general corporate requirements;
•
place the Company at a competitive disadvantage relative to those of its competitors that have less debt;
•
force the Company to seek and obtain alternate or additional sources of funding, which may be unavailable, or may be on less favorable terms, or may require the Company to obtain the consent of lenders under its senior credit facility or the holders of its other debt;
•
limit the Company’s flexibility in planning for, or reacting to, changes in its business and industry; and
•
increase the Company’s vulnerability to general adverse economic and industry conditions.
Any of these problems could adversely affect the Company’s business, financial condition and financial results.
The Company may be unable to generate sufficient cash flow to satisfy its significant debt service obligations. ‎
The Company’s ability to generate cash flow from operations to make principal and interest payments on its debt will depend on its future performance, which will be affected by a range of economic, competitive and business ‎factors. The Company cannot control many of these factors, including general economic conditions (including, but not limited to, ‎the impact of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic on the general economy), its customers’ allocation of advertising ‎expenditures among available media and the amount spent on advertising in general, and its business would be ‎negatively impacted if the general economy were to deteriorate in the future. If its operations do not generate sufficient ‎cash flow from operations to satisfy its debt service obligations, the Company may need to borrow additional funds to make ‎these payments or undertake alternative financing plans, such as refinancing or restructuring its debt, or reducing or ‎delaying capital investments and acquisitions. The Company cannot guarantee that such additional funds or alternative financing will ‎be available on favorable terms, if at all. The Company’s inability to generate sufficient cash flow from operations or obtain ‎additional funds or alternative financing on acceptable terms could have a material adverse effect on our business, ‎financial condition and results of operations.
Restrictions in the Company’s and Lamar Media’s debt agreements reduce operating flexibility and contain covenants and restrictions that create the potential for defaults, which could adversely affect the Company’s business, financial condition and financial results.
The terms of Lamar Media’s senior credit facility and the indentures relating to Lamar Media’s outstanding notes restrict the ability of the Company and Lamar Media to, among other things:
•
incur or repay debt;
•
dispose of assets;
•
create liens;
•
make investments;
•
enter into affiliate transactions; and
•
pay dividends and make inter-company distributions.
At December 31, 2020, the terms of Lamar Media’s senior credit facility and of its Accounts Receivable Securitization Program also restrict the Company from exceeding a specified secured debt ratio. Lamar Media is also subject to certain other financial covenants relating to the incurrence of additional debt. Please see “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations - Liquidity and Capital Resources” for a description of the specific financial ratio requirements under the senior credit facility.
The Company’s ability to comply with the financial covenants in the senior credit facility, Accounts Receivable Securitization Program and the indentures governing Lamar Media’s outstanding notes (and to comply with similar covenants in any future agreements) depends on its operating performance, which in turn depends significantly on prevailing economic, financial and business conditions and other factors that are beyond the Company’s control. Therefore, despite its best efforts and execution of its strategic plan, the Company may be unable to comply with these financial covenants in the future.
The Company is currently in compliance with all financial covenants. However, if in the future there are economic declines the Company can make no assurance that these declines will not negatively impact the Company’s financial results and, in turn, its ability to meet these financial covenant requirements. If Lamar Media fails to comply with its financial covenants, Lamar Media could be in default under the senior credit facility and the Accounts Receivable Securitization Program‎ (which could result in an event of default under the indentures governing its outstanding notes). In the event of such a default under the senior credit facility, the lenders under the senior credit facility could accelerate ‎all of the debt outstanding, could elect to institute foreclosure proceedings against Lamar Media’s assets, and it could be forced ‎into bankruptcy or liquidation. Any of these events could adversely affect Lamar Media’s business, financial condition and financial ‎results. In the event of such a default under the Accounts Receivable Securitization Program, the lenders under the ‎Accounts Receivable Securitization Program could accelerate all of the debt outstanding, could elect to institute ‎foreclosure proceedings against the assets of the Special Purpose Subsidiaries (as defined herein), and the Special Purpose
Subsidiaries ‎could be forced into bankruptcy or liquidation. ‎Any of these events could adversely affect the Company’s business, financial condition and financial results.
In addition, these restrictions reduce the Company’s operating flexibility and could prevent the Company from exploiting investment, acquisition, marketing, or other time-sensitive business opportunities.
The Company is controlled by significant stockholders who have the power to determine the outcome of all matters submitted to the stockholders for approval and whose interest in the Company may be different than yours.
As of December 31, 2020, members of the Reilly family, including Kevin P. Reilly, Jr., the Company’s Executive Chairman, and Sean Reilly, the Company’s President and Chief Executive Officer, and their affiliates, owned in the aggregate approximately 15% of the Company’s outstanding common stock, assuming the conversion of all Class B common stock to Class A common stock. As of that date, their combined holdings represented approximately 63% of the voting power of Lamar Advertising’s outstanding capital stock, which would give the Reilly family and their affiliates the power to:
•
elect the Company’s entire Board of Directors;
•
control the Company’s management and policies; and
•
determine the outcome of any corporate transaction or other matter requiring stockholder approval, including charter amendments, mergers, consolidations, financings and asset sales.
The Reilly family may have interests that are different than yours in making these decisions.
Risks Related to Our Business
The Company’s growth through acquisitions may be difficult, which could adversely affect our future financial performance. In addition, if we are unable to successfully integrate any completed acquisitions, our financial performance would also be adversely affected.
The Company has historically grown through acquisitions. During the year ended December 31, 2020, we completed acquisitions for a total cash purchase price of approximately $45.6 million. In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Company limited acquisition activity as a means to conserve liquidity in 2020. The Company plans to resume strategic acquisition activities during 2021 as the economic conditions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic improve and opportunities arise.
The future success of our acquisition strategy could be adversely affected by many factors, including the following:
•
the pool of suitable acquisition candidates is dwindling, and we may have a more difficult time negotiating acquisitions on favorable terms;
•
we may face increased competition for acquisition candidates from other outdoor advertising companies, some of which may have greater financial resources than we do, which may result in higher prices for those businesses and assets;
•
we may not have access to the capital needed to finance potential acquisitions and may be unable to obtain any required consents from our current lenders to obtain alternate financing;
•
compliance with REIT requirements may hinder our ability to make certain investments and may limit our acquisition opportunities;
•
we may be unable to integrate acquired businesses and assets effectively with our existing operations and systems as a result of unforeseen difficulties that could divert significant time, attention and effort from management that could otherwise be directed at developing existing business;
•
we may be unable to retain key personnel of acquired businesses;
•
we may not realize the benefits and cost savings anticipated in our acquisitions; and
•
as the industry consolidates further, larger mergers and acquisitions may face substantial scrutiny under antitrust laws.
These obstacles to our opportunistic acquisition strategy may have an adverse effect on our future financial results.
The Company could suffer losses due to asset impairment charges for goodwill and other intangible assets.
The Company tested goodwill for impairment on December 31, 2020. Based on the Company’s review at December 31, 2020, no impairment charge was required. The Company continues to assess whether factors or indicators become apparent that would require an interim impairment test between our annual impairment test dates. For instance, if our market capitalization is below our equity book value for a period of time without recovery, we believe there is a strong presumption that would indicate a triggering event has occurred and it is more likely than not that the fair value of one or both of our reporting units are below their carrying amount. This would require us to test the reporting units for impairment of goodwill. If this presumption cannot be overcome a reporting unit could be impaired under ASC 350 “Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets” and a non-cash charge would be required. Any such charge could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s net earnings.
The Company’s logo sign contracts are subject to state award and renewal.
In 2020, the Company generated approximately 5% of its revenues from state-awarded logo sign contracts. In bidding for these contracts, the Company competes against other national logo sign providers as well as numerous smaller local logo sign providers. As a logo sign provider, the Company incurs significant start-up costs upon being awarded a new contract. These contracts generally have a term of five to ten years, with additional renewal periods. Some states reserve the right to terminate a contract early, and most contracts require the state to pay compensation to the Company as a logo sign provider for early termination. At the end of the contract term, the Company, as a logo sign provider, transfers ownership of the logo sign structures to the state. Depending on the contract, the logo provider may or may not be entitled to compensation for the structures at the end of the contract term.
Of the Company’s 24 logo sign contracts in place at December 31, 2020, four are subject to renewal or expiration in 2021. The Company may be unable to renew its expiring contracts. The Company may also lose the bidding on new contracts.
If the Company’s contingency plans relating to hurricanes and other natural disasters fail, the resulting losses could hurt the Company’s business.
The Company has determined that it is uneconomical to insure against losses resulting from hurricanes and other natural disasters. Although the Company has developed contingency plans designed to mitigate the threat posed by hurricanes and other forms of inclement weather to its real estate portfolio (e.g., removing advertising faces at the onset of a storm, when possible, which better permits the structures to withstand high winds during the storm), these plans could fail and significant losses could result.
Our cash distributions are not guaranteed and may fluctuate.
A REIT generally is required to distribute at least 90% of its REIT taxable income to its stockholders. The Company may have available net operating loss (“NOL”) carry forwards that could reduce or substantially eliminate its REIT taxable income, and thus it may not be required to distribute material amounts of cash to qualify for taxation as a REIT. The Company expects that, for the foreseeable future, it may utilize available NOL carry forwards to reduce its REIT taxable income.
The Board of Directors of the Company, in its sole discretion, will determine on a quarterly basis the amount of cash to be distributed to its stockholders based on a number of factors including, but not limited to, the Company’s results of operations, cash flow and capital requirements, economic conditions, tax considerations, borrowing capacity and other factors, including debt covenant restrictions that may impose limitations on cash payments, future acquisitions and divestitures, any stock repurchase program, and general market demand for its advertising space available for rent. Consequently, the Company’s distribution levels may fluctuate.
The Lamar Advertising charter, the Lamar Advertising bylaws and Delaware law may inhibit a takeover that stockholders consider favorable and could also limit the market price of Lamar Advertising stock.
Provisions of the Lamar Advertising charter, the Lamar Advertising bylaws and applicable provisions of Delaware law may make it more difficult for or prevent a third party from acquiring control of Lamar Advertising without the approval of the Board of Directors. These provisions:
•
impose restrictions on ownership and transfer of Lamar Advertising common stock that are intended to facilitate the Company’s compliance with certain REIT rules relating to share ownership;
•
limit who may call a special meeting of stockholders;
•
establish advance notice and informational requirements and time limitations on any director nomination or proposal that a stockholder wishes to make at a meeting of stockholders;
•
do not permit cumulative voting in the election of its directors, which would otherwise permit less than a majority of stockholders to elect directors; and
•
provide the Board of Directors the ability to issue additional classes and shares of preferred stock and to set voting rights, preferences and other terms of the preferred stock without stockholder approval.
In addition, Section 203 of the DGCL generally limits the Company’s ability to engage in any business combination with certain persons who own 15% or more of its outstanding voting stock or any of its associates or affiliates who at any time in the past three years have owned 15% or more of its outstanding voting stock.
These provisions may have the effect of entrenching the Company’s management team and may deprive the Company’s stockholders of the opportunity to sell their shares to potential acquirers at a premium over prevailing prices. This potential inability to obtain a control premium could reduce the price of Lamar Advertising common stock.
Risks Related to Our Industry
The Company’s revenues are sensitive to the state of the economy and the financial markets generally and other external events beyond the Company’s control.
The Company rents advertising space on outdoor structures to generate revenues. Advertising spending is particularly sensitive to changes in economic conditions.
Additionally, the occurrence of any of the following external events could further depress the Company’s revenues:
•
a widespread reallocation of advertising expenditures to other available media by significant renters of the Company’s displays; and
•
a decline in the amount spent on advertising in general or outdoor advertising in particular.
The Company faces competition from larger and more diversified outdoor advertisers and other forms of advertising that could hurt its performance.
While the Company enjoys a significant market share in many of its small and medium-sized markets, the Company faces competition from other outdoor advertisers and other media in all of its markets. Although the Company is one of the largest companies focusing exclusively on outdoor advertising in a relatively fragmented industry, it competes against larger companies with diversified operations, such as television, radio and other broadcast media. These diversified competitors have the advantage of cross-selling complementary advertising products to advertisers.
The Company also competes against an increasing variety of out-of-home advertising media, such as advertising displays in shopping centers, malls, airports, stadiums, movie theaters and supermarkets, and on taxis, trains and buses. To a lesser extent, the Company also faces competition from other forms of media, including radio, newspapers, direct mail advertising, telephone directories and the Internet. The industry competes for advertising revenue along the following dimensions: exposure (the number of “impressions” an advertisement makes), advertising rates (generally measured in cost-per-thousand impressions), ability to target specific demographic groups or geographies, effectiveness, quality of related services (such as advertising copy design and layout) and customer service. The Company may be unable to compete successfully along these dimensions in the future, and the competitive pressures that the Company faces could adversely affect its profitability or financial performance.
Federal, state and local regulation impact the Company’s operations, financial condition and financial results.
Outdoor advertising is subject to governmental regulation at the federal, state and local levels. Regulations generally restrict the size, spacing, lighting and other aspects of advertising structures and pose a significant barrier to entry and expansion in many markets. Federal law, principally the Highway Beautification Act of 1965, or the HBA, regulates outdoor advertising on Federal - Aid Primary, Interstate and National Highway Systems roads. The HBA requires states, through the adoption of individual Federal/State Agreements, to “effectively control” outdoor advertising along these roads, and mandates a state compliance program and state standards regarding size, spacing and lighting. These state standards, or their local and municipal equivalents, may be modified over time in response to legal challenges or otherwise, which may have an adverse effect on our business. The HBA
requires any state or political subdivision that compels the removal of a lawful billboard along a Federal - Aid Primary or Interstate highway to pay just compensation to the billboard owner.
All states have passed billboard control statutes and regulations at least as restrictive as the federal requirements, including laws requiring the removal of illegal signs at the owner’s expense (and without compensation from the state). Although the Company believes that the number of our billboards that may be subject to removal as illegal is immaterial, and no state in which we operate has banned billboards entirely, from time to time governments have required us to remove signs and billboards legally erected in accordance with federal, state and local permit requirements and laws. Municipal and county governments generally also have sign controls as part of their zoning laws and building codes. We contest laws and regulations that we believe unlawfully restrict our constitutional or other legal rights and may adversely impact the growth of our outdoor advertising business.
Using federal funding for transportation enhancement programs, state governments have purchased and removed billboards for beautification, and may do so again in the future. Under the power of eminent domain, state or municipal governments have laid claim to property and forced the removal of billboards. Under a concept called amortization by which a governmental body asserts that a billboard operator has earned compensation by continued operation over time, local governments have attempted to force removal of legal but nonconforming billboards (i.e., billboards that conformed to applicable zoning regulations when built but which do not conform to current zoning regulations). Although the legality of amortization is questionable, it has been upheld in some instances. Often, municipal and county governments also have sign controls as part of their zoning laws, with some local governments prohibiting construction of new billboards or allowing new construction only to replace existing structures. Although we have generally been able to obtain satisfactory compensation for those of our billboards purchased or removed as a result of governmental action, there is no assurance that this will continue to be the case in the future.
We also intend to expand the deployment of digital billboards that display static digital advertising copy from various advertisers that change every 6 to 8 seconds. We have encountered some existing regulations that restrict or prohibit these types of digital displays but it has not yet materially impacted our digital deployment. Since digital billboards have been developed and introduced relatively recently into the market on a large scale, however, existing regulations that currently do not apply to them by their terms could be revised or new regulations could be enacted to impose greater restrictions. These regulations may impose greater restrictions on digital billboards due to alleged concerns over aesthetics or driver safety.
Relatively few large scale studies have been conducted to date regarding driver safety issues, if any, related to digital billboards. The results of future studies may result in regulations at the federal or state level that impose greater restrictions on digital billboards. Any new restrictions on digital billboards could have a material adverse effect on both our existing inventory of digital billboards and our plans to expand our digital deployment, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition.
Pandemics or disease outbreaks, such as COVID-19, have affected and are expected to continue to materially affect our business, results of operations and financial condition.
Any outbreaks of contagious diseases and other adverse public health developments could have a significant adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition. The outbreak of COVID-19 in 2020 resulted in the implementation of significant governmental measures to control the spread of the virus, including quarantines, travel restrictions, business shutdowns and restrictions on non-essential activities in the United States and abroad. Such restrictions have had and may continue to have an adverse impact on the volume of vehicles on roadways (particularly in larger markets), pedestrians in airports and riders on public transit, which has temporarily reduced the size of the audience for our advertising in certain jurisdictions. The restrictions have also negatively affected the financial condition of numerous advertising customer segments including, but not limited to, entertainment, retail, restaurant and automotive advertisers, which have temporarily or permanently closed or limited their operations, and caused certain of our advertisers to decrease or eliminate the amount they spend on advertising with us on a temporary basis.
The Company’s business has been affected adversely due to decreased demand for its advertising in jurisdictions that have imposed such restrictions. In the United States, state and local governments have begun to lift certain of these restrictions in many locations, however, the extension of existing measures or implementation of new similar measures may further adversely affect the Company’s business in the future. Even if such measures are further relaxed, the perceived risk of infection may continue to alter the behavior of the audience for our advertising, which may continue to negatively affect the Company’s business. Such risks are also expected to continue to affect the financial condition of certain of our advertising customers, which may have a negative effect on the Company’s business if advertising customers continue to reduce advertising expenditures generally or for outdoor advertising specifically.
In addition to the above, the general market volatility resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic has caused fluctuations in the Company’s stock price.
These and other potential impacts of COVID-19 (or other epidemics, pandemics or other health crises) have and are expected to continue to adversely affect the Company’s business, financial condition and results of operations. The ultimate extent of the impact of COVID-19 or any epidemic, pandemic or other health crisis on our business, financial condition and results of operations will
depend on future developments, which are highly uncertain and cannot be predicted, including new information that may emerge concerning the severity of COVID-19 and the actions taken to contain COVID-19 and address its impact, among others. To the extent the COVID-19 pandemic adversely affects the Company’s business and financial results, it may also have the effect of heightening many of the other risks described in this “Risk factors” section.
Risks Related to Our Status as a REIT
If Lamar Advertising fails to remain qualified as a REIT, both Lamar Advertising and Lamar Media would be taxed as regular C corporations and would not be able to deduct distributions to the stockholders of Lamar Advertising when computing their taxable income.
Lamar Advertising elected to qualify as a REIT for U.S. federal income tax purposes starting with its taxable year ended December 31, 2014 and for each subsequent taxable year thereafter. REIT qualification involves the application of highly technical and complex provisions of the U.S. Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, (the “Code”) to Lamar Advertising’s assets and operations as well as various factual determinations concerning matters and circumstances not entirely within our control. There are limited judicial or administrative interpretations of these provisions. Although Lamar Advertising plans to operate in a manner consistent with the REIT qualification rules, the Company cannot assure you that it will so qualify or remain so qualified. Lamar Media is treated as a qualified REIT subsidiary of Lamar Advertising that is disregarded as separate from its parent REIT for U.S. federal income tax purposes.
If, in any taxable year, Lamar Advertising fails to qualify for taxation as a REIT, and is not entitled to relief under the Code:
•
it will not be allowed a deduction for distributions to its stockholders in computing its taxable income;
•
it and its subsidiaries, including Lamar Media, will be subject to applicable federal and state income tax, including any applicable state-level alternative minimum tax, on its taxable income at regular corporate rates; and
•
it would be disqualified from REIT tax treatment for the four taxable years following the year during which it was so disqualified.
Any such corporate tax liability could be substantial and would reduce the amount of cash available for distributions to Lamar Advertising’s stockholders, may require it to borrow funds (under Lamar Media’s senior credit facility or otherwise) or liquidate some investments to pay any such additional tax liability. This adverse impact could last for five or more years because, unless it is entitled to relief under certain statutory provisions, it will be taxable as a corporation, beginning in the year in which the failure occurs, and it will not be allowed to re-elect to be taxed as a REIT for the following four years.
Even if it qualifies as a REIT, certain of Lamar Advertising’s and its subsidiaries’ business activities will be subject to U.S. and foreign taxes which will continue to reduce its cash flows, and it will have potential deferred and contingent tax liabilities.
Even if it qualifies as a REIT, Lamar Advertising may be subject to certain U.S. federal, state and local taxes and foreign taxes on its income and assets, including any applicable state-level alternative minimum taxes, taxes on any undistributed income, and state, local or foreign income, franchise, property and transfer taxes. In addition, the Company could in certain circumstances be required to pay an excise or penalty tax, which could be significant in amount, in order to utilize one or more relief provisions under the Code to maintain qualification for taxation as a REIT.
In order to maintain its qualification as a REIT, the Company holds certain of its non-qualifying REIT assets and receives certain non-qualifying items of income through one or more TRSs. These non-qualifying REIT assets consist principally of the Company’s advertising services business and its transit advertising business. Those TRS assets and operations will continue to be subject, as applicable, to U.S. federal and state corporate income taxes. Furthermore, the Company’s assets and operations outside the United States are subject to foreign taxes in the jurisdictions in which those assets and operations are located. In addition, the Company may incur a 100% excise tax on transactions with a TRS if they are not conducted on an arm’s-length basis. Any of these taxes would decrease the Company’s earnings and its cash available for distributions to stockholders.
The Company was subject to a U.S. federal income tax at the highest regular corporate rate (currently 21%) on all or a portion of the gain recognized from a sale of assets occurring within five years after the effective date of our REIT conversion, to the extent of the built-in gain based on the fair market value of those assets held by the Company on the effective date of REIT conversion in excess of the Company’s then tax basis in those assets. Such five-year period has expired with respect to the Company but certain tax years for which this rule applied remain open such that additional taxes could be assessed with respect to sales in those tax years. The same rules apply to any assets we acquire from a “C” corporation in a carry-over basis transaction with built-in gain at the time of the acquisition by us. Gain from a sale of an asset occurring after the specified period ends will not be subject to this corporate level tax.
Failure to make sufficient distributions would jeopardize Lamar Advertising’s qualification as a REIT and/or would subject it to U.S. federal income and excise taxes.
As a REIT, Lamar Advertising is required to distribute to its stockholders with respect to each taxable year at least 90% of its REIT taxable income (excluding capital gains and net of any available NOL carry forwards) in order to qualify as a REIT, and 100% of its REIT taxable income (excluding capital gains and net of any available NOL carry forwards) in order to avoid U.S. federal income and excise taxes. For these purposes, Lamar Advertising’s subsidiaries that are not TRSs, including Lamar Media, will be treated as part of the REIT and therefore Lamar Advertising also will be required to distribute out their taxable income.
Because the REIT distribution requirements will prevent us from retaining earnings, we may be required to refinance debt at maturity with additional debt or equity, which may not be available on acceptable terms, or at all.
Covenants specified in our existing and future debt instruments may limit Lamar Advertising’s ability to make required REIT distributions.
Lamar Media’s senior credit facility and the indentures relating to Lamar Media’s outstanding notes contain certain covenants that could limit Lamar Advertising’s distributions to its stockholders. If these limits prevent Lamar Advertising from satisfying its REIT distribution requirements, it could fail to qualify for taxation as a REIT. If these limits do not jeopardize Lamar Advertising’s qualification for taxation as a REIT but do nevertheless prevent it from distributing 100% of its REIT taxable income, it will be subject to U.S. federal corporate income tax, and potentially a nondeductible excise tax, on the retained amounts.
Lamar Advertising and its subsidiaries may be required to borrow funds, sell assets, or raise equity to satisfy its REIT distribution requirements or maintain the asset tests.
In order to meet the REIT distribution requirements and maintain its qualification and taxation as a REIT and avoid corporate income taxes, Lamar Advertising and/or its subsidiaries, including Lamar Media, may need to borrow funds, sell assets or raise equity, even if the then-prevailing market conditions are not favorable for these borrowings, sales or offerings. Any insufficiency of its cash flows to cover Lamar Advertising’s REIT distribution requirements could require it to raise short- and long-term debt, to sell assets, or to offer equity securities in order to fund distributions required to maintain its qualification and taxation as a REIT and avoid corporate income taxes. Furthermore, the REIT distribution requirements may increase the financing Lamar Advertising needs to fund capital expenditures, future growth and expansion initiatives. This would increase its total leverage.
In addition, if Lamar Advertising fails to comply with certain asset tests at the end of any calendar quarter, it must correct the failure within 30 days after the end of the calendar quarter or qualify for certain statutory relief provisions to avoid losing its REIT qualification. As a result, it may be required to liquidate otherwise attractive investments. These actions may reduce its income and amounts available for distribution to its stockholders.
Complying with REIT requirements may cause Lamar Advertising, its subsidiaries (other than TRSs) to forego otherwise attractive opportunities.
To qualify as a REIT for U.S. federal income tax purposes, Lamar Advertising must continually satisfy tests concerning, among other things, the sources of its income, the nature and diversification of its assets, the amounts it distributes to its stockholders and the ownership of Lamar Advertising common stock. For these purposes, Lamar Advertising is treated as owning the assets of and receiving or accruing the income of its subsidiaries (other than TRSs). Thus, compliance with these tests will require Lamar Advertising and its subsidiaries to refrain from certain activities and may hinder their ability to make certain attractive investments, including investments in the businesses to be conducted by TRSs, and to that extent limit their opportunities. Furthermore, acquisition opportunities in domestic and international markets may be adversely affected if Lamar Advertising needs or requires the target company to comply with certain REIT requirements prior to closing.
Ownership limitations contained in the Lamar Advertising charter may restrict stockholders from acquiring or transferring certain amounts of shares.
In order for Lamar Advertising to remain qualified as a REIT, no more than 50% of the value of the outstanding shares of its stock may be owned, directly or indirectly or through application of certain attribution rules, by five or fewer “individuals” (as defined in the Code) at any time during the last half of a taxable year (other than the first taxable year for which an election to be a REIT has been made). To preserve its REIT qualification, the Lamar Advertising charter generally prohibits any person or entity from owning actually and by virtue of the applicable constructive ownership provisions more than 5% of the outstanding shares of Lamar Advertising common stock. These ownership limitations could restrict stockholders from acquiring or transferring certain amounts of shares of its stock. The Lamar Advertising charter also provides a separate share ownership limitation for certain members of the Reilly family and their affiliates that allows them to own actually and by virtue of the applicable constructive ownership provisions no more than 19% of the outstanding shares of Lamar Advertising common stock and, during the second half of any taxable year other than its first taxable year as a REIT, no more than 33% in value of the aggregate of the outstanding shares of all classes and series of its stock, in each case excluding any shares of its stock that are not treated as outstanding for federal income tax purposes.
The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act and the CARES Act, as well as any future tax legislation, may impact the Company’s business and security holders.
On December 22, 2017, H.R. 1, informally titled the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (the “TCJA”) was signed into law. The TCJA made major changes to the Code, including a number of provisions of the Code that affect the taxation of REITs and their stockholders. Among the changes made by the TCJA are permanently reducing the generally applicable corporate tax rate, generally reducing the tax rate applicable to individuals and other non-corporate taxpayers for tax years beginning after December 31, 2017 and before January 1, 2026, eliminating or modifying certain previously allowed deductions (including substantially limiting interest deductibility and, for individuals, the deduction for non-business state and local taxes). On March 27, 2020, legislation intended to support the economy during the COVID-19 pandemic, the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (the “CARES Act”), was signed into law. The CARES Act made technical corrections, or temporary modifications, to certain of the provisions of the TCJA, including, without limitation, the provisions of the TCJA concerning NOLs and interest expense deductions. Certain CARES Act related interest expense deduction changes are discussed in the following subsection. With respect to NOLs, effective for taxable years beginning on or after January 1, 2018, the TCJA limited the deduction for NOL carryforwards to 80% of taxable income (before the deduction) and eliminated NOL carrybacks for individuals and non-REIT corporations (NOL carrybacks did not apply to REITs under prior law), but allows for indefinite NOL carryforwards. The CARES Act repealed such 80% limitation for carryforwards to taxable years beginning before January 1, 2021. The CARES Act also allows a five-year carryback for NOLs arising in 2018, 2019, or 2020. The TCJA’s NOL limitations (even as modified by the CARES Act) may result in Lamar Advertising having to make additional distributions in order to comply with REIT distribution requirements or avoid taxes on retained income and gains.
The individual and collective impact of the changes made by the TCJA and the CARES Act on REITs and their security holders are uncertain and may not become evident for some period of time. The effect of any technical corrections with respect to the TCJA and the CARES Act could have an adverse effect on Lamar Advertising, its subsidiaries, and holders of its securities. It is also possible additional tax legislation could be enacted in the future, as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic or otherwise, which could have an adverse effect on Lamar Advertising, its subsidiaries, and holders of its securities.
Lamar Advertising may potentially be unable to deduct the full amount of its interest expense pursuant to the TCJA and the CARES Act.
For taxable years beginning after December 31, 2017, interest deductions for businesses with average annual gross receipts of over $25 million are capped at 30% of the business’ “adjusted taxable income” plus business interest income pursuant to the TCJA. For these purposes, for taxable years beginning after December 31, 2017 and before January 1, 2022, “adjusted taxable income” is computed without regard to deductions allowable for depreciation, amortization, or depletion. The CARES Act increased the aforementioned 30% limitation to 50% for taxable years beginning in 2019 or 2020 and permitted an entity to elect to use its 2019 adjusted taxable income to calculate the applicable limitation for its 2020 taxable year. For taxable years beginning after December 31, 2021, “adjusted taxable income” is calculated by taking deductions allowable for depreciation, amortization, or depletion into account. This limitation, however, does not apply to an “electing real property trade or business.” As a REIT, Lamar Advertising would generally constitute a real property trade or businesses, and thus would retain the ability to fully deduct interest expenses if it makes such an election. However, an entity making such an election must use a longer depreciation cost recovery period for its property. Lamar Advertising has not made such election to date and has not yet determined whether it will make such election at a later date.
Legislative changes or other actions affecting REITs could have a negative effect on Lamar Advertising and its subsidiaries.
At any time, the U.S. federal income tax laws governing REITs or the administrative and judicial interpretations of those laws may be amended or interpreted in a different manner. Federal and state tax laws are constantly under review by persons involved
in the legislative process, the IRS, the U.S. Department of the Treasury, and state taxing authorities. Additional changes to the tax laws, regulations and administrative and judicial interpretations, which may have retroactive application, could adversely affect Lamar Advertising and its subsidiaries. The Company cannot predict with certainty whether, when, in what forms, or with what effective dates, the tax laws, regulations and administrative and judicial interpretations applicable to Lamar Advertising may be changed. Accordingly, the Company cannot assure you that any such change will not significantly affect Lamar Advertising’s ability to qualify for taxation as a REIT or the U.S. federal income tax consequences to it of such qualification.
The ability of the Board of Directors of Lamar Advertising to revoke its REIT election, without stockholder approval, may cause adverse consequences to its stockholders.
The Lamar Advertising charter provides that the Board of Directors may revoke or otherwise terminate the REIT election, without the approval of its stockholders, if the board determines that it is no longer in the Company’s best interest to continue to qualify as a REIT. If the Company ceases to be a REIT, it will be subject to U.S. federal income tax at regular corporate rates and applicable state and local corporate taxes, which may have adverse consequences on its total return to its stockholders.

---

ITEM 1B. UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS
ITEM 1B.
UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS
None.

---

ITEM 2. PROPERTIES
ITEM 2.
PROPERTIES
Our management headquarters is located in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. We also own 125 local operating facilities with front office administration and sales office space connected to back-shop poster and bulletin production space. In addition, the Company leases an additional 146 operating facilities at an aggregate lease expense for 2020 of approximately $8.5 million.
We own over 9,700 parcels of property beneath our outdoor advertising structures. As of December 31, 2020, we leased over 69,700 active outdoor sites, accounting for a total annual lease expense of approximately $283.3 million. This amount represented approximately 20% of billboard advertising net revenues for the year ended December 31, 2020. These leases are for varying terms ranging from month-to-month to a term of over ten years, and many provide the Company with renewal options. There is no significant concentration of displays under any one lease or subject to negotiation with any one landlord. An important part of our management activity is to manage our lease portfolio and negotiate suitable lease renewals and extensions.

---

ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
ITEM 3.
LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
The Company from time to time is involved in litigation in the ordinary course of business, including disputes involving advertising contracts, site leases, employment claims and construction matters. The Company is also involved in routine administrative and judicial proceedings regarding billboard permits, fees and compensation for condemnations. The Company is not a party to any lawsuit or proceeding which, in the opinion of management, is likely to have a material adverse effect on the Company.

---

ITEM 4. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURE
ITEM 4.
MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES
Not applicable.
PART II

---

ITEM 5. MARKET FOR REGISTRANT'S COMMON EQUITY
ITEM 5.
MARKET FOR THE REGISTRANT’S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES
The Company’s Class A common stock has been publicly traded since August 2, 1996 and is currently listed on the NASDAQ Global Select Market under the symbol “LAMR.” As of December 31, 2020, the Class A common stock was held by 96 stockholders of record. The Company believes, however, that the actual number of beneficial holders of the Class A common stock may be substantially greater than the stated number of holders of record because a substantial portion of the Class A common stock is held in street name.
The Company’s Class B common stock is not publicly traded and is held of record by members of the Reilly family and their affiliated entities, including the Reilly Family, LLC (the “RFLLC”), formerly the Reilly Family Limited Partnership. Kevin P. Reilly, Jr., our Executive Chairman of the Board, is the executive manager of the RFLLC and Sean E. Reilly, our President and Chief Executive Officer, and Wendell Reilly and Anna Reilly, each of whom is a member of our Board of Directors are also managers of the RFLLC.
The Company’s Series AA preferred stock is entitled to preferential dividends, in an annual aggregate amount of $364,904, before any dividends may be paid on the common stock. All dividends related to the Company’s preferred stock are paid on a quarterly basis. In addition, the Company’s senior credit facility and other indebtedness have terms restricting the payment of dividends.
Dividends
As a REIT, we must annually distribute to our common stockholders an amount equal to at least 90% of our REIT taxable income (determined before the deduction for distributed earnings and excluding any net capital gain). Generally, we expect to distribute all or substantially all of our REIT taxable income to avoid being subject to income tax or excise tax on undistributed REIT taxable income. The amount, timing and frequency of future distributions will be at the sole discretion of our Board of Directors and will be declared based upon various factors, a number of which may be beyond our control, including our financial condition and operating cash flows, the amount required to maintain REIT status and reduce any income and excise taxes that we otherwise would be required to pay, limitations on distributions in our existing and future debt instruments, our ability to utilize net operating losses (“NOLs”) to offset our distribution requirements, limitations on our ability to fund distributions using cash generated through our TRSs and other factors that our Board of Directors may deem relevant.
Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities
On March 16, 2020, the Company’s Board of Directors authorized the repurchase of up to $250.0 million of the Company’s Class A common stock. The repurchase program will expire on September 30, 2021 unless extended by the Board of Directors. There were no repurchases under the program as of December 31, 2020. The Company’s management may opt not to make any repurchases under the program, or may make aggregate purchases less than the total amount authorized.
The following table sets forth shares of Class A common stock withheld by the Company to satisfy withholding obligations arising in connection with stock awards to employees:
Period
Total Number of Shares Purchased
Average Price Paid Per Share
Total Number of Shares Purchased as Part of Publicly Announced Plans or Programs
Approximate Dollar Value of Shares that May Yet Be Purchased Under the Plans or Programs
October 1 through October 31, 2020
2,375
$
71.02
-
$
250,000,000
November 1 through November 30, 2020
-
-
-
$
250,000,000
December 1 through December 31, 2020
2,392
$
83.22
-
$
250,000,000
Total
4,767
$
77.14

---

ITEM 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA
ITEM 6.
SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA
Lamar Advertising Company
The selected consolidated statement of income, statement of cash flows and balance sheet data presented below are derived from the year ended December 31 audited consolidated financial statements of the Company, which are prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (“GAAP”). The data presented below should be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements, related notes and Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations included herein.
(Dollars in Thousands)
Statement of Income Data:
Net revenues
$
1,568,856
$
1,753,644
$
1,627,222
$
1,541,260
$
1,500,294
Operating expenses:
Direct advertising expenses
557,661
590,078
561,848
540,880
525,597
General and administrative expenses
358,818
403,038
372,324
338,573
345,789
Depreciation and amortization
251,296
250,028
225,261
211,104
204,958
(Gain) loss on disposition of assets
(9,026
)
(7,241
)
7,233
(4,664
)
(15,095
)
Total operating expenses
1,158,749
1,235,903
1,166,666
1,085,893
1,061,249
Operating income
410,107
517,741
460,556
455,367
439,045
Other expense (income):
Loss on extinguishment of debt
25,235
-
15,429
3,198
Interest income
(797
)
(764
)
(534
)
(6
)
(6
)
Interest expense
137,623
150,616
129,732
128,396
123,688
Total other expense
162,061
149,852
144,627
128,461
126,880
Income before income taxes
248,046
367,889
315,929
326,906
312,165
Income tax expense (benefit)
4,660
(4,222
)
10,697
9,230
13,356
Net income
243,386
372,111
305,232
317,676
298,809
Preferred stock dividends
Net income applicable to common stock
$
243,021
$
371,746
$
304,867
$
317,311
$
298,444
Net income per share basic
$
2.41
$
3.71
$
3.09
$
3.24
$
3.07
Net income per share diluted
$
2.41
$
3.71
$
3.08
$
3.23
$
3.05
Cash dividends declared per common share
$
2.50
$
3.84
$
3.65
$
3.32
$
3.02
Statement of Cash Flow Data:
Cash flows provided by operating activities
$
569,873
$
630,865
$
564,846
$
507,016
$
521,823
Cash flows used in investing activities
$
96,888
$
362,034
$
584,148
$
400,066
$
680,983
Cash flows (used in) provided by financing activities
$
(377,917
)
$
(264,357
)
$
(73,563
)
$
(28,641
)
$
171,908
Balance Sheet Data(1)
Cash and cash equivalents
$
121,569
$
26,188
$
21,494
$
115,471
$
35,530
Working capital (deficit)
(167,302
)
(362,639
)
(91,366
)
94,525
36,929
Total assets
5,791,441
5,941,155
4,544,641
4,214,345
3,898,884
Total debt (including current maturities)
2,886,516
2,980,118
2,888,688
2,556,690
2,349,183
Total long-term obligations
4,040,801
4,088,041
2,957,822
2,784,858
2,552,032
Stockholders’ equity
1,202,768
1,180,306
1,131,784
1,103,493
1,069,528
(1)
Certain balance sheet reclassifications were made in order to be comparable to the current year presentation.

---

ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
ITEM 7.
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
This report contains forward-looking statements. These statements are subject to risks and uncertainties including those described in Item 1A under the heading “Risk Factors,” and elsewhere in this Annual Report, that could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected in these forward-looking statements. The Company cautions investors not to place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements contained in this document. These statements speak only as of the date of this document, and the Company undertakes no obligation to update or revise the statements, except as may be required by law.
LAMAR ADVERTISING COMPANY
The following is a discussion of the consolidated financial condition and results of operations of the Company for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018. This discussion should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements of the Company and the related notes.
OVERVIEW
The Company’s net revenues are derived primarily from the rental of advertising space on outdoor advertising displays owned and operated by the Company. Revenue growth is based on many factors that include the Company’s ability to increase occupancy of its existing advertising displays; raise advertising rates; and acquire new advertising displays and its operating results are therefore affected by general economic conditions, as well as trends in the advertising industry. Advertising spending is particularly sensitive to changes in general economic conditions, which affect the rates the Company is able to charge for advertising on its displays and its ability to maximize advertising sales or occupancy on its displays.
Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic
The unprecedented and rapid spread of COVID-19 and the related government-imposed restrictions and social distancing measures implemented throughout the world have reduced demand for out-of-home advertising. Beginning in late March 2020, large public events were cancelled, and governments began imposing restrictions on non-essential activities, which in turn led to advertisers suspending, delaying or cancelling their advertising campaigns. The government-imposed restrictions have had an adverse impact on the volume of vehicles on roadways (particularly in larger markets), pedestrians in airports and riders on public transit and numerous advertising customer segments including, but not limited to, entertainment, retail, restaurant and amusement advertisers.
As a result, demand for billboard, transit and airport advertising declined, which has had an adverse impact on our revenues and financial position. The decrease in outdoor advertising demand during the twelve months ended December 31, 2020 resulted in a 10.5% decrease in our consolidated net revenues as compared to the same period in 2019. As revenues declined, the Company responded with a variety of cost saving and liquidity measures as discussed below. While we cannot predict the length and severity of the reduction in demand due to the pandemic, we observed an improvement in customer activity beginning in June and through December as the government-imposed restrictions on travel were eased. However, the pace of the recovery remains uncertain given the continued impact of the pandemic on the overall U.S. and global economy, and new or renewed government-imposed restrictions on travel may be enacted in the future. Our liquidity measures and expense management initiatives may be modified as we monitor the timing of economic recovery.
In response to the ongoing pandemic, we have implemented measures to mitigate the impact on our financial position and operations. These measures include, but are not limited to, the following:
•
maintaining substantial liquidity and strengthening our debt maturity schedule by completing the following financing transactions
o
issuing $400.0 million in 4 7/8% Senior Notes on May 13, 2020, the proceeds of which, along with cash on hand, were used to pay-down all then outstanding balances under our revolving credit facility;
o
redeeming our $535.0 million 5% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2023 in the third quarter of 2020, which we funded through a combination of cash on hand, borrowings under our revolving credit facility and the Accounts Receivable Securitization Program and through the issuance of an additional $150.0 million in 4% Senior Notes due 2030 on August 19, 2020;
o
issuing $550.0 million in 3 5/8% Senior Notes due 2031 on January 22, 2021, the proceeds of which, along with cash on hand and borrowings under our revolving credit facility and Accounts Receivable Securitization Program, were used to redeem our $650.0 million in aggregate outstanding principal amount 5 3/4% Senior Notes due 2026 on February 3, 2021;
•
reducing our consolidated operating costs (exclusive of depreciation and amortization and gain on disposition of assets) by $76.6 million or 7.7% for the twelve months ended December 31, 2020 over the same period in 2019 which included:
o
reductions in our transit and airport franchise costs and billboard lease costs; and
o
reducing our workforce by approximately 8% through attrition and selected layoffs;
•
sharply curtailing spending on capital projects, including new digital displays;
•
limiting acquisition activity; and
•
utilizing portions of the CARES Act for deferral of employer portions of social security taxes through the end of 2020, with 50% of the deferral due December 31, 2021 and the remaining 50% due December 31, 2022.
We will continue to evaluate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on our business and we may access the debt and/or equity capital markets for additional liquidity, if necessary.
The Company’s management and Board of Directors are continuing to evaluate our quarterly dividend plans for 2021. This evaluation includes ensuring the Company remains in compliance with its REIT dividend requirements for the year. On February 25, 2021, the Board of Directors approved a dividend of $0.75 per common share to be paid on March 31, 2021. Subject to the approval of the Board of Directors, the Company expects aggregate dividends for 2021 to be $3.00 per common share, including the dividend payable on March 31, 2021.
As of December 31, 2020, we did not incur any impairment charges related to goodwill or long-lived assets (including operating lease right of use assets). We also did not incur any significant credit losses for the year ended December 31, 2020.
While some of our corporate, front office and sales workforce continues to work from home, a large majority has returned to their offices while adhering to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and state and local governmental guidelines and recommendations. The impacts of working from home have been minimal on productivity. Also, while working from home has minimally impacted our processes, there have been no material impacts to our internal control environment.
We continue to actively monitor the situation and may take further actions that alter our business operations as may be required by federal, state or local authorities, or that we determine are in the best interests of our employees, customers, partners and stockholders.
Acquisitions and capital expenditures
Historically, the Company has made strategic acquisitions of outdoor advertising assets to increase the number of outdoor advertising displays it operates in existing and new markets. The Company continues to evaluate and pursue strategic acquisition opportunities as they arise. The Company has financed its historical acquisitions and intends to finance any future acquisition activity from available cash, borrowings under the senior credit facility or the issuance of debt or equity securities. See “Liquidity and Capital Resources-Sources of Cash,” for more information. During the year ended December 31, 2020, the Company completed acquisitions for a total cash purchase price of approximately $45.6 million. See “Uses of Cash-Acquisitions,” for more information.
The Company’s business requires expenditures for maintenance and capitalized costs associated with the construction of new billboard displays, the entrance into and renewal of logo sign and transit contracts, and the purchase of real estate and operating equipment. The following table presents a breakdown of capitalized expenditures for the past three years:
(In thousands)
Billboard - Traditional
$
11,131
$
48,194
$
37,905
Billboard - Digital
22,618
57,519
45,938
Logos
13,108
10,762
11,438
Transit
3,212
2,308
5,364
Land and buildings
6,303
13,453
8,420
PP&E
5,900
8,720
8,573
Total capital expenditures
$
62,272
$
140,956
$
117,638
We expect our 2021 capital expenditures to be approximately $150.0 million.
NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES
Our management reviews our performance by focusing on several key performance indicators not prepared in conformity with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles in the United States (“GAAP”). We believe these non-GAAP performance indicators are meaningful supplemental measures of our operating performance and should not be considered in isolation of, or as a substitute for their most directly comparable GAAP financial measures.
Included in our analysis of our results of operations are discussions regarding earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (“adjusted EBITDA”), Funds From Operations (“FFO”), as defined by the National Association of Real Estate Investment Trusts, Adjusted Funds From Operations (“AFFO”) and acquisition-adjusted net revenue.
We define adjusted EBITDA as net income before income tax expense (benefit), interest expense (income), loss (gain) on extinguishment of debt and investments, stock-based compensation, depreciation and amortization, gain or loss on disposition of assets and investments, capitalized contract fulfillment costs, net and the impact of the adoption of ASU NO. 2016-2, “Leases (Codified as ASC 842).”
FFO is defined as net income before gains or losses from the sale or disposal of real estate assets and investments and real estate related depreciation and amortization and including adjustments to eliminate unconsolidated affiliates and non-controlling interest.
We define AFFO as FFO before (i) straight-line income and expense; (ii) impact of ASC 842 adoption; (iii) capitalized contract fulfillment costs, net, (iv) stock-based compensation expense; (v) non-cash tax expense (benefit); (vi) non-real estate related depreciation and amortization; (vii) amortization of deferred financing and debt issuance costs, (viii) loss on extinguishment of debt; (ix) non-recurring infrequent or unusual losses (gains); (x) less maintenance capital expenditures; and (xi) an adjustment for unconsolidated affiliates and non-controlling interest.
Acquisition-adjusted net revenue adjusts our net revenue for the prior period by adding to it the net revenue generated by the acquired assets before our acquisition of these assets for the same time frame that those assets were owned in the current period. In calculating acquisition-adjusted revenue, therefore, we include revenue generated by assets that we did not own in the period but acquired in the current period. We refer to the amount of pre-acquisition revenue generated by the acquired assets during the prior period that corresponds with the current period in which we owned the assets (to the extent within the period to which this report relates) as “acquisition net revenue”. In addition, we also adjust the prior period to subtract revenue generated by the assets that have been divested since the prior period and, therefore, no revenue derived from those assets is reflected in the current period.
Adjusted EBITDA, FFO, AFFO and acquisition-adjusted net revenue are not intended to replace net income or any other performance measures determined in accordance with GAAP. Neither FFO nor AFFO represent cash flows from operating activities in accordance with GAAP and, therefore, these measures should not be considered indicative of cash flows from operating activities as a measure of liquidity or of funds available to fund our cash needs, including our ability to make cash distributions. Rather, adjusted EBITDA, FFO, AFFO and acquisition-adjusted net revenue are presented as we believe each is a useful indicator of our current operating performance. We believe that these metrics are useful to an investor in evaluating our operating performance because (1) each is a key measure used by our management team for purposes of decision making and for evaluating our core operating results; (2) adjusted EBITDA is widely used in the industry to measure operating performance as depreciation and amortization may vary significantly among companies depending upon accounting methods and useful lives, particularly where acquisitions and non-operating factors are involved; (3) acquisition-adjusted net revenue is a supplement to net revenue to enable investors to compare period over period results on a more consistent basis without the effects of acquisitions and divestures, which reflects our core performance and organic growth (if any) during the period in which the assets were owned and managed by us; (4) adjusted EBITDA, FFO and AFFO each provides investors with a meaningful measure for evaluating our period-to-period operating performance by eliminating items that are not operational in nature; and (5) each provides investors with a measure for comparing our results of operations to those of other companies.
Our measurement of adjusted EBITDA, FFO, AFFO and acquisition-adjusted net revenue may not, however, be fully comparable to similarly titled measures used by other companies. Reconciliations of adjusted EBITDA, FFO, AFFO and acquisition-adjusted net revenue to net income, the most directly comparable GAAP measure, have been included herein.
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
The following table presents certain items in the Consolidated Statements of Income as a percentage of net revenues for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018:
Year Ended December 31,
Net revenues
100.0
%
100.0
%
100.0
%
Operating expenses:
Direct advertising expenses
35.5
%
33.6
%
34.5
%
General and administrative expenses
18.3
%
18.2
%
17.8
%
Corporate expenses
4.5
%
4.8
%
5.1
%
Depreciation and amortization
16.0
%
14.3
%
13.8
%
Operating income
26.1
%
29.5
%
28.3
%
Loss on extinguishment of debt
1.6
%
-
0.9
%
Interest expense
8.8
%
8.6
%
8.0
%
Income tax expense (benefit)
0.3
%
(0.2
)%
0.7
%
Net income
15.5
%
21.2
%
18.8
%
Year ended December 31, 2020 compared to Year ended December 31, 2019
Net revenues decreased $184.8 million or 10.5% to $1.57 billion for the year ended December 31, 2020 from $1.75 billion for the same period in 2019. This decrease was attributable primarily to a decrease in billboard and transit net revenues of $134.3 million and $49.2 million, respectively, over the prior period, which is primarily related to the effects of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
Net revenues for the year ended December 31, 2020, as compared to acquisition-adjusted net revenues for the comparable period in 2019, decreased $191.2 million, or 10.9%. The $191.2 million decrease in net revenues is primarily due to a $146.9 million and $46.9 million decrease in billboard and transit net revenues, respectively, which are due to the effects of the ongoing pandemic. The decrease in billboard and transit net revenues was slightly offset by an increase of $2.6 million in logo net revenues. See “Reconciliations” below.
Total operating expenses, exclusive of depreciation and amortization and (gain) loss on disposition of assets, decreased $76.6 million, or 7.7% to $916.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2020 from $993.1 million in the same period in 2019. The $76.6 million decrease over the prior year is primarily comprised of a decrease in total direct, general and administrative and corporate expenses (excluding stock-based compensation) of $65.8 million primarily related to reductions in our billboard lease costs, transit and airport franchise costs, as well as reductions in our workforce.
Depreciation and amortization expense increased $1.3 million to $251.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2020 as compared to $250.0 million for the same period in 2019.
For the year ended December 31, 2020, the Company recognized a gain on disposition of assets of $9.0 million as compared to a gain on disposition of assets of $7.2 million for the same period in 2019. The gain on disposition of assets for the year ended December 31, 2020 was primarily from gains on the sale of billboard assets of $4.5 million and a $3.2 million gain from the sale of the Company aircraft in December 2020.
Due primarily to the above factors, operating income decreased $107.6 million to $410.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2020 compared to $517.7 million for the same period in 2019.
During the year ended December 31, 2020, the Company recorded a $25.2 million loss on debt extinguishment related to Lamar Media’s early repayment of its 5 3/8% Senior Notes and 5% Senior Subordinated Notes and refinancing of the senior credit facility. The $25.2 million loss is comprised of a cash redemption premium and fees of $14.3 million and a non-cash write off of unamortized deferred financing costs of approximately $10.9 million.
Interest expense decreased $13.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2020 to $137.6 million as compared to $150.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2019. The decrease in interest expense is primarily related to the Company’s debt transactions completed in 2020, as well as a reduction in our senior credit facility interest rates.
The decrease in operating income and increase in loss on extinguishment of debt, offset by the decrease in interest expense over the comparable period in 2019, resulted in a $119.8 million decrease in net income before income taxes.
The Company recorded income tax expense of $4.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2020 as compared to an income tax benefit of $4.2 million for the same period in 2019. The $4.7 million tax expense equates to an effective tax rate for the year ended December 31, 2020 of approximately 1.9%, which differs from the federal statutory rate primarily due to our qualification for taxation as a REIT and adjustments for foreign items.
As a result of the above factors, the Company recognized net income for the year ended December 31, 2020 of $243.4 million, as compared to net income of $372.1 million for the same period in 2019.
Reconciliations:
Because acquisitions occurring after December 31, 2018 have contributed to our net revenue results for the periods presented, we provide 2019 acquisition-adjusted net revenue, which adjusts our 2019 net revenue for the year ended December 31, 2019 by adding to or subtracting from it the net revenue generated by the acquired or divested assets prior to our acquisition or divestiture of these assets for the same time frame that those assets were owned in the year ended December 31, 2020.
Reconciliations of 2019 reported net revenue to 2019 acquisition-adjusted net revenue for the year ended December 31, 2019 as well as a comparison of 2019 acquisition-adjusted net revenue to 2020 reported net revenue for the year ended December 31, 2020, are provided below:
Reconciliation and Comparison of Reported Net Revenue to Acquisition-Adjusted Net Revenue
Year ended
December 31,
(in thousands)
Reported net revenue
$
1,568,856
$
1,753,644
Acquisition net revenue
-
6,438
Adjusted totals
$
1,568,856
$
1,760,082
Key Performance Indicators
Net Income/Adjusted EBITDA
(in thousands)
Year Ended December 31,
Amount of
Increase
Percent
Increase
(Decrease)
(Decrease)
Net income
$
243,386
$
372,111
$
(128,725
)
(34.6
)%
Income tax expense (benefit)
4,660
(4,222
)
8,882
Loss on extinguishment of debt
25,235
-
25,235
Interest expense (income), net
136,826
149,852
(13,026
)
Gain on disposition of assets
(9,026
)
(7,241
)
(1,785
)
Depreciation and amortization
251,296
250,028
1,268
Impact of ASC 842 adoption
-
3,894
(3,894
)
Capitalized contract fulfillment costs, net
(9,186
)
9,573
Stock-based compensation expense
18,772
29,647
(10,875
)
Adjusted EBITDA
$
671,536
$
784,883
$
(113,347
)
(14.4
)%
Adjusted EBITDA for the year ended December 31, 2020 decreased 14.4% to $671.5 million. The decrease in adjusted EBITDA was primarily attributable to the decrease in our gross margin (net revenue less direct advertising expense, exclusive of depreciation and amortization, capitalized contract fulfillment costs, net and the impact of ASC 842 adoption) of $146.5 million, and was partially offset by a decrease in general and administrative and corporate expenses of $33.2 million, excluding the impact of stock-based compensation expense.
Net Income/FFO/AFFO
(in thousands)
Year Ended December 31,
Amount of
Increase
Percent
Increase
(Decrease)
(Decrease)
Net income
$
243,386
$
372,111
$
(128,725
)
(34.6
)%
Depreciation and amortization related to real estate
238,932
235,802
3,130
Gain from disposition of real estate assets and
investments
(5,790
)
(6,775
)
Non-cash tax benefit for REIT converted assets
-
(17,031
)
17,031
Adjustments for unconsolidated affiliates and
non-controlling interest
(142
)
FFO
$
477,157
$
584,878
$
(107,721
)
(18.4
)%
Straight-line expense (income)
3,597
(361
)
3,958
Impact of ASC 842 adoption
-
3,894
(3,894
)
Capitalized contract fulfillment costs, net
(9,186
)
9,573
Stock-based compensation expense
18,772
29,647
(10,875
)
Non-cash portion of tax provision
(797
)
2,901
(3,698
)
Gain from one-time sale of non-real estate assets
(3,197
)
-
(3,197
)
Non-real estate related depreciation and amortization
12,364
14,226
(1,862
)
Amortization of deferred financing costs
5,909
5,365
Loss on extinguishment of debt
25,235
-
25,235
Capital expenditures - maintenance
(24,028
)
(49,155
)
25,127
Adjustments for unconsolidated affiliates and
non-controlling interest
(629
)
(771
)
AFFO
$
514,770
$
581,438
$
(66,668
)
(11.5
)%
FFO for the year ended December 31, 2020 was $477.2 million as compared to FFO of $584.9 million for the same period in 2019. AFFO for the year ended December 31, 2020 decreased 11.5% to $514.8 million as compared to $581.4 million for the same period in 2019. The decrease in AFFO was primarily attributable to the decrease in our gross margin (net revenue less direct advertising expense, exclusive of depreciation and amortization, capitalized contract fulfillment costs, net and the impact of ASC 842 adoption), offset by decreases in general and administrative and corporate expenses (excluding the effect of stock based compensation expense).
Year ended December 31, 2019 compared to Year ended December 31, 2018
Net revenues increased $126.4 million or 7.8% to $1.75 billion for the year ended December 31, 2019 from $1.63 billion for the same period in 2018. This increase was attributable primarily to an increase in billboard net revenues of $124.6 million or 8.8% over the prior period, which is primarily related to the integration of outdoor assets acquired during 2018 and 2019, and the addition of approximately 330 digital displays during the year ended December 31, 2019. In addition, transit revenue increased $2.1 million, which represents an increase of 1.6% over the prior period.
Net revenues for the year ended December 31, 2019, as compared to acquisition-adjusted net revenues for the comparable period in 2018, increased $45.7 million, or 2.7%. The $45.7 million increase in revenue primarily consisted of a $41.7 million increase in billboard revenue primarily due to increases in digital revenue and a $4.1 million increase in transit revenue over the acquisition-adjusted net revenue for the comparable period in 2018. See “Reconciliations” below.
Total operating expenses, exclusive of depreciation and amortization and (gain) loss on disposition of assets, increased $58.9 million, or 6.3% to $993.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2019 from $934.2 million in the same period in 2018. The $58.9 million increase over the prior year is primarily comprised of an increase in total direct, general and administrative and corporate expenses (excluding stock-based compensation) of $58.7 million primarily related to the operations of our outdoor advertising assets.
Depreciation and amortization expense increased $24.8 million to $250.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2019 as compared to $225.3 million for the same period in 2018, primarily related to the addition of approximately $516.2 million of depreciable assets acquired through acquisitions and $258.6 million in capitalized expenditures during fiscal years 2018 and 2019.
For the year ended December 31, 2019, the Company recognized a gain on disposition of assets of $7.2 million primarily resulting from an amendment of a transit contract in the first quarter of 2019. The gain in 2019 represents an increase of $14.5 million over the same period in 2018, largely due to the gain in 2019 coupled with the Company’s loss recognized in 2018 on the sale of its Puerto Rico assets in April 2018 of $7.8 million.
Due primarily to the above factors, operating income increased $57.2 million to $517.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2019 compared to $460.6 million for the same period in 2018.
During the year ended December 31, 2018, the Company recorded a $15.4 million loss on debt extinguishment related to Lamar Media’s prepayment of its 5 7/8% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2022. The $15.4 million loss is comprised of a cash redemption premium of $9.8 million and a non-cash write off of unamortized deferred financing costs of approximately $5.6 million. See “Uses of Cash” for more information. There were no transactions resulting in a loss on debt extinguishment in fiscal year 2019.
Interest expense increased $20.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2019 to $150.6 million as compared to $129.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2018. The increase in interest expense is primarily related to the increased debt outstanding as compared to the same period in 2018.
The increase in operating income and decrease in loss on extinguishment of debt, offset by the increase in interest expense over the comparable period in 2018, resulted in a $52.0 million increase in net income before income taxes.
The Company recorded an income tax benefit of $4.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2019 as compared to income tax expense of $10.7 million for the same period in 2018. The $4.2 million income tax benefit is comprised of a $17.0 million non-cash tax benefit resulting from REIT converted assets offset by income tax expense of $12.8 million. The $12.8 million tax expense equates to an effective tax rate for the year ended December 31, 2019 of approximately 3.5%, which differs from the federal statutory rate primarily due to our qualification for taxation as a REIT and adjustments for foreign items.
As a result of the above factors, the Company recognized net income for the year ended December 31, 2019 of $372.1 million, as compared to net income of $305.2 million for the same period in 2018.
Reconciliations:
Because acquisitions occurring after December 31, 2017 have contributed to our net revenue results for the periods presented, we provide 2018 acquisition-adjusted net revenue, which adjusts our 2018 net revenue for the year ended December 31, 2018 by adding to or subtracting from it the net revenue generated by the acquired or divested assets prior to our acquisition or divestiture of these assets for the same time frame that those assets were owned in the year ended December 31, 2019.
Reconciliations of 2018 reported net revenue to 2018 acquisition-adjusted net revenue for the year ended December 31, 2018 as well as a comparison of 2018 acquisition-adjusted net revenue to 2019 reported net revenue for the year ended December 31, 2019, are provided below:
Reconciliation and Comparison of Reported Net Revenue to Acquisition-Adjusted Net Revenue
Year ended
December 31,
(in thousands)
Reported net revenue
$
1,753,644
$
1,627,222
Acquisition net revenue
-
80,745
Adjusted totals
$
1,753,644
$
1,707,967
Key Performance Indicators
Net Income/Adjusted EBITDA
(in thousands)
Year Ended December 31,
Amount of
Increase
Percent
Increase
(Decrease)
(Decrease)
Net income
$
372,111
$
305,232
$
66,879
21.9
%
Income tax (benefit) expense
(4,222
)
10,697
(14,919
)
Loss on extinguishment of debt
-
15,429
(15,429
)
Interest expense (income), net
149,852
129,198
20,654
(Gain) loss on disposition of assets
(7,241
)
7,233
(14,474
)
Depreciation and amortization
250,028
225,261
24,767
Impact of ASC 842 adoption
3,894
-
3,894
Capitalized contract fulfillment costs, net
(9,186
)
-
(9,186
)
Stock-based compensation expense
29,647
29,443
Adjusted EBITDA
$
784,883
$
722,493
$
62,390
8.6
%
Adjusted EBITDA for the year ended December 31, 2019 increased 8.6% to $784.9 million. The increase in adjusted EBITDA was primarily attributable to the increase in our gross margin (net revenue less direct advertising expense, exclusive of depreciation and amortization, capitalized contract fulfillment costs, net and the impact of ASC 842 adoption) of $92.7 million, and was partially offset by an increase in general and administrative and corporate expenses of $30.3 million, excluding the impact of stock-based compensation expense and the impact of ASC 842 adoption.
Net Income/FFO/AFFO
(in thousands)
Year Ended December 31,
Amount of
Increase
Percent
Increase
(Decrease)
(Decrease)
Net income
$
372,111
$
305,232
$
66,879
21.9
%
Depreciation and amortization related to real estate
235,802
212,457
23,345
(Gain) loss from disposition of real estate assets and
investments
(6,775
)
8,689
(15,464
)
Non-cash tax benefit for REIT converted assets
(17,031
)
-
(17,031
)
Adjustments for unconsolidated affiliates and
non-controlling interest
FFO
$
584,878
$
527,026
$
57,852
11.0
%
Straight-line income
(361
)
(2,036
)
1,675
Impact of ASC 842 adoption
3,894
-
3,894
Capitalized contract fulfillment costs, net
(9,186
)
-
(9,186
)
Stock-based compensation expense
29,647
29,443
Non-cash portion of tax provision
2,901
2,241
Non-real estate related depreciation and amortization
14,226
12,804
1,422
Amortization of deferred financing costs
5,365
4,920
Loss on extinguishment of debt
-
15,429
(15,429
)
Capital expenditures - maintenance
(49,155
)
(43,108
)
(6,047
)
Adjustments for unconsolidated affiliates and
non-controlling interest
(771
)
(648
)
(123
)
AFFO
$
581,438
$
544,490
$
36,948
6.8
%
FFO for the year ended December 31, 2019 was $584.9 million as compared to FFO of $527.0 million for the same period in 2018. AFFO for the year ended December 31, 2019 increased 6.8% to $581.4 million as compared to $544.5 million for the same period in 2018. AFFO growth was primarily attributable to the increase in our gross margin (net revenue less direct advertising expense, exclusive of depreciation and amortization, capitalized contract fulfillment costs, net and the impact of ASC 842 adoption),
offset by increases in general and administrative and corporate expenses (excluding the effect of stock based compensation expense and the impact of ASC 842 adoption).
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
Overview
The Company has historically satisfied its working capital requirements with cash from operations and borrowings under its senior credit facility. The Company’s wholly owned subsidiary, Lamar Media Corp., is the principal borrower under the senior credit facility and maintains all corporate operating cash balances. Any cash requirements of the Company, therefore, must be funded by distributions from Lamar Media.
Sources of Cash
Total Liquidity at December 31, 2020. As of December 31, 2020 we had approximately $910.1 million of total liquidity, which is comprised of approximately $121.6 million in cash and cash equivalents, approximately $736.0 million of availability under the revolving credit facility and $52.5 million of availability under our Accounts Receivable Securitization Program. We expect the liquidity measures taken in 2020 (as discussed above) and the remaining availability under the revolving credit facility and Accounts Receivable Securitization Program to be adequate for the Company to meet its operational requirements for the next twelve months as we continue to contend with the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. We are currently in compliance with the maintenance covenant included in the senior credit facility, and we would remain in compliance after giving effect to borrowing the full amount available to us under the revolving credit facility.
As of December 31, 2020 and 2019, the Company had a working capital deficit of $167.3 million and $362.6 million, respectively. The working capital deficit for the year ended December 31, 2020 is primarily related to $195.4 million in current operating lease liabilities which has a corresponding right of use asset recorded in long term assets. We expect to have enough cash on hand and availability under our revolving credit facility to meet our operating needs for the next twelve months.
Cash Generated by Operations. For the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018 our cash provided by operating activities was $569.9 million, $630.9 million and $564.8 million, respectively. The decrease in cash provided by operating activities for the year ended December 31, 2020 over the same period in 2019 relates to a decrease in revenues offset by a decrease in operating expenses (excluding depreciation and amortization). Due to the adverse economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, we may not generate cash flows from operations during 2021 in excess of our cash needs for operations, capital expenditures and dividends, as described herein. However, we do expect to have sufficient cash on hand and availability under our revolving credit facility and Accounts Receivable Securitization Program to meet our operating cash needs for the next twelve months. See - “Cash Flows” for more information.
Accounts Receivable Securitization Program. On December 18, 2018, we entered into the Accounts Receivable Securitization Program. The Accounts Receivable Securitization Program provides up to $175.0 million in borrowing capacity, plus an accordion feature that would permit the borrowing capacity to be increased by up to $125.0 million. Borrowing capacity under the Accounts Receivable Securitization Program is limited to the availability of eligible accounts receivable collateralizing the borrowings under the agreements governing the Accounts Receivable Securitization Program. In connection with the Accounts Receivable Securitization Program, Lamar Media and certain of its subsidiaries (such subsidiaries, the “Subsidiary Originators”) sell and/or contribute their existing and future accounts receivable and certain related assets to one of two special purpose subsidiaries, Lamar QRS Receivables, LLC (the “QRS SPV”) and Lamar TRS Receivables, LLC (the “TRS SPV” and together with the QRS SPV the “Special Purpose Subsidiaries”), each of which is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Lamar Media. Existing and future accounts receivable relating to Lamar Media and its qualified REIT subsidiaries will be sold and/or contributed to the QRS SPV and existing and future accounts receivable relating to Lamar Media’s TRSs will be sold and/or contributed to the TRS SPV. Each of the Special Purpose Subsidiaries has granted the lenders party to the Accounts Receivable Securitization Program a security interest in all of its assets, which consist of the accounts receivable and related assets sold or contributed to them, as described above, in order to secure the obligations of the Special Purpose Subsidiaries under the agreements governing the Accounts Receivable Securitization Program. Pursuant to the Accounts Receivable Securitization Program, Lamar Media has agreed to service the accounts receivable on behalf of the two Special Purpose Subsidiaries for a fee. Lamar Media has also agreed to guaranty its performance in its capacity as servicer and originator, as well as the performance of the Subsidiary Originators, of their obligations under the agreements governing the Accounts Receivable Securitization Program. None of Lamar Media, the Subsidiary Originators or the Special Purpose Subsidiaries guarantees the collectability of the receivables under the Accounts Receivable Securitization Program. In addition, each of the Special Purpose Subsidiaries is a separate legal entity with its own separate creditors who will be entitled to access the assets of such Special Purpose Subsidiary before the assets become available to Lamar Media. Accordingly, the assets of the Special Purpose Subsidiaries are not
available to pay creditors of Lamar Media or any of its subsidiaries, although collections from receivables in excess of the amounts required to repay the lenders and the other creditors of the Special Purpose Subsidiaries may be remitted to Lamar Media.
On June 30, 2020 Lamar Media and the Special Purpose Subsidiaries entered into the Third Amendment (the “Third Amendment”) of the Accounts Receivable Securitization Program which increased the maximum three month average Delinquency Ratio, Dilution Ratio, and Days’ Sales Outstanding to 11.00% (from 8.00%), 7.00% (from 4.00%) and 75 days (from 65 days), respectively. Additionally, the Third Amendment established a new Minimum Funding Threshold, which requires the Special Purpose Subsidiaries to maintain borrowings under the Accounts Receivable Securitization Program on any day equal to the lesser of (i) 50.00% of the aggregate ‎Commitment of all Lenders or (ii) the Borrowing Base, though the Special Purpose Subsidiaries had the right to borrow less than the ‎Minimum Funding Threshold during certain periods prior to December 21, 2020, at their election.
On October 23, 2020, Lamar Media and the Special Purpose Subsidiaries entered into the Fourth Amendment (the “Fourth ‎Amendment”) to the Accounts Receivable Securitization Program. The Fourth Amendment increased the ‎maximum three month average Delinquency Ratio generally to 13.00% (and up to 16.00% for up to two additional periods upon ‎written notice from Lamar Media), and increased the maximum three month average Dilution Ratio to 5.00% for the remaining term ‎of the Accounts Receivable Securitization Program. Additionally, the Fourth Amendment increased the Minimum Funding ‎Threshold which, as amended, requires the Special Purpose Subsidiaries to maintain minimum borrowings under the Accounts ‎Receivable Securitization Program on any day equal to the lesser of (i) 70.00% of the aggregate Commitment of all Lenders or (ii) the ‎Borrowing Base, though the Special Purpose Subsidiaries had the right to borrow less than the Minimum Funding Threshold during ‎certain periods prior to December 21, 2020, at their election.
As of December 31, 2020, there were $122.5 million of outstanding aggregate borrowings under the Accounts Receivable Securitization Program at a borrowing rate of approximately 1.5%.
The Accounts Receivable Securitization Program will mature on December 17, 2021. Lamar Media may amend the facility to extend the maturity date, enter into a new securitization facility with a different maturity date, or refinance the indebtedness outstanding under the Accounts Receivable Securitization Program using borrowings under its senior credit facility or from other financing sources.
“At-the-Market” Offering Program. On May 1, 2018, the Company entered into an equity distribution agreement (the “Sales Agreement”) with J.P. Morgan Securities LLC, Wells Fargo Securities LLC and SunTrust Robinson Humphrey, Inc. as our sales agents (each a “Sales Agent”, and collectively, the “Sales Agents”). Under the terms of the Sales Agreement, the Company may, from time to time, issue and sell shares of its Class A common stock, par value $.001 per share (the “Class A Common Stock”), having an aggregate offering price of up to $400.0 million through the Sales Agents as either agents or principals. Sales of the Class A Common Stock, if any, may be made in negotiated transactions or transactions that are deemed to be “at-the-market offerings” as defined in Rule 415 under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, including sales made directly on or through the Nasdaq Global Select Market and any other existing trading market for the Class A Common Stock, or sales made to or through a market maker other than on an exchange. The Company has no obligation to sell any of the Class A Common Stock under the Sales Agreement and may at any time suspend solicitations and offers under the Sales Agreement. The Company intends to use the net proceeds, if any, from the sale of the Class A Common Stock pursuant to the Sales Agreement for general corporate purposes, which may include the repayment, refinancing, redemption or repurchase of existing indebtedness, working capital, capital expenditures, acquisition of outdoor advertising assets and businesses and other related investments. During the year ended December 31, 2019, the Company received gross proceeds of approximately $21.4 million, resulting in net proceeds of approximately $21.2 million, in exchange for ‎issuing 266,410 shares of its Class A common stock under this program. During the year ended December 31, 2019, the aggregate ‎commissions paid to the sales agent was approximately $0.2 million. ‎ The Company did not offer any shares of its Class A common stock under this program during the year ended December 31, 2020.
Shelf Registration Statement. On August 6, 2018, we filed an automatically effective shelf registration statement (No. 333-226614) that registered the offer and sale of an indeterminate amount of additional shares of our Class A common stock. On August 23, 2018, we filed a prospectus supplement to the shelf registration statement relating to the offer and resale of 163,137 shares of Class A common stock previously issued in connection with an acquisition. During the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019, the Company did not issue any shares under this shelf registration, however, we may issue additional shares under the shelf registration statement in the future in connection with future acquisitions or for other general corporate purposes.
Credit Facilities. On February 6, 2020, Lamar Media entered into a Fourth Amended and Restated Credit Agreement (the “Fourth Amended and Restated Credit Agreement”) with certain of Lamar Media’s subsidiaries as guarantors, JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. as administrative agent and the lenders party thereto, under which the parties agreed to amend and restate Lamar Media’s
existing senior credit facility. The Fourth Amended and Restated Credit Agreement amended and restated the Third Amended and Restated Credit Agreement dated as of May 15, 2017, as amended (the “Third Amended and Restated Credit Agreement”).
The senior credit facility, as established by the Fourth Amended and Restated Credit Agreement (the “senior credit facility”), consists of (i) a new $750.0 million senior secured revolving credit facility which will mature on February 6, 2025 (the “revolving credit facility”), (ii) a new $600.0 million Term B loan facility (the “Term B loans”) which will mature on February 6, 2027, and (iii) an incremental facility (the “Incremental Facility”) pursuant to which Lamar Media may incur additional term loan tranches or increase its revolving credit facility subject to a pro forma secured debt ratio calculated as described under “Restrictions under Senior Credit Facility” of 4.50 to 1.00, as well as certain other conditions, including lender approval. Lamar Media borrowed all $600.0 million in Term B loans on February 6, 2020. The entire amount of the Term B loans will be payable at maturity. The net proceeds from the Term B loans, together with borrowing under the revolving credit facility and a portion of the proceeds of the issuance of the 3 3/4% Senior Notes due 2028 and 4% Senior Notes due 2030 (both as described below), were used to repay all outstanding amounts under the Third Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, and all revolving commitments under that facility were terminated.
The Term B loans bear interest at rates based on the Adjusted LIBO Rate (“Eurodollar term loans”) or the Adjusted Base Rate (“Base Rate term loans”), at Lamar Media’s option. Eurodollar Term B loans bear interest at a rate per annum equal to the Adjusted LIBO Rate plus 1.50%. Base Rate Term B loans bear interest at a rate per annum equal to the Adjusted Base Rate plus 0.50%. The revolving credit facility bears interest at rates based on the Adjusted LIBO Rate (“Eurodollar revolving loans”) or the Adjusted Base Rate (“Base Rate revolving loans”), at Lamar Media’s option. Eurodollar revolving loans bear interest at a rate per annum equal to the Adjusted LIBO Rate plus 1.50% (or the Adjusted LIBO Rate plus 1.25% at any time the Total Debt Ratio is less than or equal to 3.25 to 1). Base Rate revolving loans bear interest at a rate per annum equal to the Adjusted Base Rate plus 0.50% (or the Adjusted Base Rate plus 0.25% at any time the total debt ratio is less than or equal to 3.25 to 1). The guarantees, covenants, events of default and other terms of the senior credit facility apply to the Term B loans and revolving credit facility.
As of December 31, 2020, the aggregate balance outstanding under the senior credit facility was $600.0 million, consisting of $600.0 million in Term B loans aggregate principal balance and no balances outstanding under our revolving credit facility. Lamar Media had approximately $736.0 million of unused capacity under the revolving credit facility. For the year ended December 31, 2020, the Company recorded a loss on debt extinguishment of approximately $5.6 million related to the refinancing of the senior credit facility.
Note Offerings. On February 6, 2020, Lamar Media issued, through an institutional private placement, $1.0 billion in aggregate principal amount of new senior notes consisting of $600.0 million in aggregate principal amount of 3 3/4% Senior Notes due 2028 (the “3 3/4% Senior Notes”) and $400.0 million in aggregate principal amount of 4% Senior Notes due 2030 (the “4% Senior Notes”). Lamar Media used the proceeds of this offering to repay its existing Term A loans, redeem in full all $510.0 million in aggregate principal amount of its outstanding 5 3/8% Senior Notes due 2024 and partially repay borrowings under its revolving credit facility. The Company recorded a loss on debt extinguishment of approximately $12.6 million for these transactions, of which $9.1 million was cash related to its redemption of the 5 3/8% Senior Notes. See Uses of Cash-Note Redemption for more information.
On May 13, 2020, Lamar Media issued, through an institutional private placement, $400.0 million in aggregate principal amount of 4 7/8% Senior Notes due 2029 (the “4 7/8% Senior Notes”). The issuance of the 4 7/8% Senior Notes resulted in net proceeds to Lamar Media of approximately $395.0 million. Lamar Media used the proceeds of this offering to repay outstanding borrowings under its revolving credit facility and for general corporate purposes.
On August 19, 2020, Lamar Media issued, through an institutional private placement, $150.0 million in aggregate principal amount of 4% Senior Notes due 2030 (the “Additional 4% Notes”). The issuance was an add-on to the existing 4% Senior Notes due 2030 that Lamar Media issued on February 6, 2020. Other than with respect to the issuance date and issue price, the Additional 4% Notes have the same terms as the 4% Senior Notes and resulted in proceeds to Lamar Media of approximately $146.9 million. Lamar Media used the proceeds of this offering to redeem a portion of its 5% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2023. See Uses of Cash-Note Redemption for more information.
On January 22, 2021, Lamar Media issued, through an institutional private placement, $550.0 million in aggregate principal amount of 3 5/8% Senior Notes due 2031 (the “3 5/8% Senior Notes”). The issuance of the 3 5/8% Senior Notes resulted in net proceeds to Lamar Media of approximately $542.5 million. Lamar Media used the proceeds of this offering, together with cash on hand and borrowings under the revolving credit facility and Accounts Receivable Securitization Program, to redeem all of its outstanding $650.0 million aggregate principal amount 5 3/4% Senior Notes due 2026. See Uses of Cash-Note Redemption for more information.
Factors Affecting Sources of Liquidity
Internally Generated Funds. The key factors affecting internally generated cash flow are general economic conditions, specific economic conditions in the markets where the Company conducts its business and overall spending on advertising by advertisers. As a result of COVID-19, we incurred an adverse effect on our internally generated cash flows for the year ended December 31, 2020, and while we are uncertain of the timing and pace of an economic rebound, we experienced an increase in customer spending in the six months ended December 31, 2020 compared to the six months ended June 30, 2020, which we expect to continue into 2021 as more of the population becomes vaccinated and government imposed restrictions are eased.
Credit Facilities and Other Debt Securities. The Company and Lamar Media must comply with certain covenants and restrictions related to the senior credit facility, its outstanding debt securities and its Accounts Receivable Securitization Program.
Restrictions under Debt Securities. The Company and Lamar Media must comply with certain covenants and restrictions related to its outstanding debt securities. As of December 31, 2020, Lamar Media has outstanding the $650.0 million 5 3/4% Senior Notes issued in January 2016 and February 2019 (the “5 3/4% Senior Notes”), the $600.0 million 3 3/4% Senior Notes issued February 2020, the $550.0 million 4% Senior Notes issued in February 2020 and August 2020, and the $400.0 million 4 7/8% Senior Notes issued in May 2020.
The indentures relating to Lamar Media’s outstanding notes restrict its ability to incur additional indebtedness but permit the incurrence of indebtedness (including indebtedness under the senior credit facility), (i) if no default or event of default would result from such incurrence and (ii) if after giving effect to any such incurrence, the leverage ratio (defined as the sum of (x) total consolidated debt plus (y) the aggregate liquidation preference of any preferred stock of Lamar Media’s restricted subsidiaries to trailing four fiscal quarter EBITDA (as defined in the indentures)) would be less than 7.0 to 1.0. Currently, Lamar Media is not in default under the indentures of any of its outstanding notes and, therefore, would be permitted to incur additional indebtedness subject to the foregoing provision.
In addition to debt incurred under the provisions described in the preceding paragraph, the indentures relating to Lamar Media’s outstanding notes permit Lamar Media to incur indebtedness pursuant to the following baskets:
•
up to $2.00 billion (or up to $1.50 billion in the case of the indentures governing the 5 3/4% Senior Notes) of indebtedness under the senior credit facility;
•
indebtedness outstanding on the date of the indentures or debt incurred to refinance outstanding debt;
•
inter-company debt between Lamar Media and its restricted subsidiaries or between restricted subsidiaries;
•
certain purchase money indebtedness and capitalized lease obligations to acquire or lease property in the ordinary course of business that cannot exceed the greater of $50.0 million or 5% of Lamar Media’s net tangible assets;
•
additional debt not to exceed $75.0 million; and
•
up to $500.0 million of permitted securitization financings, excluding the indentures governing the 5 3/4% Senior Notes.
Restrictions under Senior Credit Facility. Lamar Media is required to comply with certain covenants and restrictions under the senior credit facility. If the Company or Lamar Media fails to comply with these tests, the lenders under the senior credit facility will be entitled to exercise certain remedies, including the termination of the lending commitments and the acceleration of the debt payments under the senior credit facility. At December 31, 2020, and currently, we were in compliance with all such tests under the senior credit facility.
Lamar Media must maintain a secured debt ratio, defined as total consolidated secured debt of Lamar Advertising, Lamar Media and its restricted subsidiaries, minus the lesser of (x) $150.0 million and (y) the aggregate amount of unrestricted cash and cash equivalents of Lamar Advertising, Lamar Media and its restricted subsidiaries (other than the Special Purpose Subsidiaries (as defined above under “Sources of Cash-Accounts Receivable Securitization Program)) to EBITDA, as defined below, for the period of four consecutive fiscal quarters then ended, of less than or equal to 4.5 to 1.0.
Lamar Media is restricted from incurring additional indebtedness subject to exceptions, one of which is that it may incur additional indebtedness not exceeding the greater of $250.0 million and 6% of its total assets.
Lamar Media is also restricted from incurring additional unsecured senior indebtedness under certain circumstances unless, after giving effect to the incurrence of such indebtedness, it is in compliance with the secured debt ratio covenant and if, after giving effect to the incurrence of such indebtedness, Lamar Media would have a total debt ratio, defined as (a) total consolidated debt (including subordinated debt) of Lamar Advertising, Lamar Media and its restricted subsidiaries as of any date minus the lesser of (i) $150.0
million and (ii) the aggregate amount of unrestricted cash and cash equivalents of Lamar Advertising, Lamar Media and its restricted subsidiaries (other than the Special Purpose Subsidiaries) to (b) EBITDA, as defined below, for the most recent four fiscal quarters then ended, of less than 7.0 to 1.0.
Lamar Media is also restricted from incurring additional subordinated indebtedness under certain circumstances unless, after giving effect to the incurrence of such indebtedness, it is in compliance with the secured debt ratio covenant and its total debt ratio is less than 7.0 to 1.0.
Under the senior credit facility, “EBITDA” means, for any period, operating income for Lamar Advertising, Lamar Media and its restricted subsidiaries (determined on a consolidated basis without duplication in accordance with GAAP) for such period (calculated (A) before (i) taxes, (ii) interest expense, (iii) depreciation, (iv) amortization, (v) any other non-cash income or charges accrued for such period, (vi) charges and expenses in connection with the senior credit facility, any actual or proposed acquisition, disposition or investment (excluding, in each case, purchases and sales of advertising space and operating assets in the ordinary course of business) and any actual or proposed offering of securities, incurrence or repayment of indebtedness (or amendment to any agreement relating to indebtedness), including any refinancing thereof, or recapitalization and (vii) any loss or gain relating to amounts paid or earned in cash prior to the stated settlement date of any swap agreement that has been reflected in operating income for such period) and for purposes of calculating EBITDA under the Fourth Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, (viii) any loss on sales of receivables and related assets to a Securitization Entity in connection with a Permitted Securitization Financing) and (B) after giving effect to the amount of cost savings, operating expense reductions and other operating improvements or synergies projected by Lamar Media in good faith to be realized as a result of any acquisition, investment, merger, amalgamation or disposition within 18 months of any such acquisition, investment, merger, amalgamation or disposition, net of the amount of actual benefits realized during such period from such action; provided, (a) the aggregate amount for all such cost savings, operating expense reductions and other operating improvements or synergies will not exceed an amount equal to 15% of EBITDA for the applicable four quarter period and (b) any such adjustment to EBITDA may only take into account cost savings, operating expense reductions and other operating improvements or synergies that are (I) directly attributable to such acquisition, investment, merger, amalgamation or disposition, (II) expected to have a continuing impact on Lamar Media and its restricted subsidiaries and (III) factually supportable, in each case all as certified by the chief financial officer of Lamar Media) on behalf of Lamar Media, and excluding (except to the extent received or paid in cash by Lamar Advertising, Lamar Media or any of its restricted subsidiaries income or loss attributable to equity in affiliates for such period), excluding any extraordinary and unusual gains or losses during such period, and excluding the proceeds of any casualty events and dispositions. For purposes hereof, the effect thereon of any adjustments required under Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 141R shall be excluded. If during any period for which EBITDA is being determined, Lamar Media has consummated any acquisition or disposition, EBITDA will be determined on a pro forma basis as if such acquisition or disposition had been made or consummated on the first day of such period.
The Company believes that its current level of cash on hand, availability under the senior credit facility and future cash flows from operations are sufficient to meet its operating needs for the next twelve months. All debt obligations are reflected on the Company’s balance sheet.
Restrictions under Accounts Receivable Securitization Program. The agreements governing the Accounts Receivable Securitization Program contain customary representations and warranties, affirmative and negative covenants, and termination event provisions, including but not limited to those providing for the acceleration of amounts owed under the Accounts Receivable Securitization Program if, among other things, the Special Purpose Subsidiaries fail to make payments when due, Lamar Media, the Subsidiary Originators or the Special Purpose Subsidiaries become insolvent or subject to bankruptcy proceedings or certain judicial judgments, breach certain representations and warranties or covenants or default under other material indebtedness, a change of control occurs, or if Lamar Media fails to maintain the maximum secured debt ratio of 4.5 to 1.0 required under Lamar Media’s senior credit facility.
Uses of Cash
Capital Expenditures. Capital expenditures excluding acquisitions were approximately $62.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2020. We anticipate our 2021 total capital expenditures will be approximately $150.0 million.
Acquisitions. During the year ended December 31, 2020, the Company completed 14 acquisitions for a total cash purchase price of approximately $45.6 million. The acquisitions occurring during the year ended December 31, 2020 were financed using available cash on hand and borrowings under the revolving credit facility.
Note Redemption. On February 20, 2020, the Company used a portion of the proceeds from the 3 3/4% Senior Notes and 4% Senior Notes to redeem in full all $510.0 million in aggregate principal amount of Lamar Media’s 5 3/8% Senior Notes. The notes were redeemed at a redemption price equal to 101.792% of the aggregate principal amount of the outstanding notes, plus accrued and
unpaid interest up to the redemption date. The Company recorded a loss on debt extinguishment of approximately $12.6 million related to the note redemption.
During the quarter ended September 30, 2020, the Company redeemed in full all $535.0 million in aggregate principal amount of Lamar Media’s outstanding 5% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2023 (the “5% Notes”), redeeming half of the 5% Notes on August 31, 2020 and the remainder on September 16, 2020. The total 5% Notes redemption was funded with a combination of cash on hand, borrowings under the revolving credit facility and Accounts Receivable Securitization Program along with proceeds received from the Additional 4% Notes issuance completed on August 19, 2020. The redemption resulted in a loss on debt extinguishment of $7.1 million, of which $4.5 million was in cash prepayment penalties.
On February 3, 2021, the Company redeemed in full all $650.0 million aggregate principal amount 5 3/4% Senior Notes due 2026. The 5 3/4% Senior Notes redemption was completed using the proceeds received from the 3 5/8% Senior Notes offering completed on January 22, 2021, together with cash on hand and borrowings under the revolving credit facility and Accounts Receivable Securitization Program. See Sources of Cash-Note Offering for more information.
Dividends. During the year ended December 31, 2020, the Company declared and paid distributions of $251.9 million, or $2.50 per share, of common stock. During the year ended December 31, 2019, the Company declared and paid distributions of $384.8 million or $3.84 per share of common stock. During the year ended December 31, 2018, the Company declared distributions of $361.1 million or $3.65 per share of common stock. On February 25, 2021, the Company’s Board of Directors approved a dividend of $0.75 per common share to be paid on March 31, 2021. Subject to the approval of the Company’s Board of Directors, the Company expects aggregate quarterly distributions to stockholders in 2021 will be $3.00 per common share, including the dividend payable on March 31, 2021.
The Company must annually distribute to its stockholders an amount equal to at least 90% of its REIT taxable income (determined before the deduction for distributed earnings and excluding any net capital gain). The amount, timing and frequency of future distributions will be at the sole discretion of the Board of Directors and will be declared based upon various factors, a number of which may be beyond the Company’s control, including financial condition and operating cash flows, the amount required to maintain REIT status and reduce any income and excise taxes that the Company otherwise would be required to pay, limitations on distributions in our existing and future debt instruments, the Company’s ability to utilize net operating losses to offset, in whole or in part, the Company’s distribution requirements, limitations on its ability to fund distributions using cash generated through its TRSs and other factors that the Board of Directors may deem relevant.
Stock and Debt Repurchasing Program. On March 16, 2020, the Company’s Board of Directors authorized the repurchase of up to $250.0 million of the Company’s Class A common stock. Additionally, the Board of Directors has authorized Lamar Media to repurchase up to $250.0 million in outstanding senior or senior subordinated notes and other indebtedness outstanding from time to time under the senior credit facility. The repurchase program will expire on September 30, 2021 unless extended by the Board of Directors. There were no repurchases under the program as of December 31, 2020. The Company’s management may opt not to make any repurchases under the program, or may make aggregate purchases less than the total amount authorized.
Debt Service and Contractual Obligations. As of December 31, 2020, we had outstanding debt of approximately $2.89 billion. In the future, Lamar Media has principal reduction obligations and revolver commitment reductions under the senior credit facility. In addition, it has fixed commercial commitments. These commitments are detailed on a contractual basis as follows:
Payments Due by Period
Contractual Obligations
Total
Less Than
1 Year
1 - 3 Years
3 - 5 Years
After
5 Years
(In millions)
Long-term debt
$
2,886.5
$
122.5
$
0.7
$
0.8
$
2,762.5
Interest obligations on long-term debt(1)
770.0
113.2
222.6
222.5
211.7
Billboard site, transit, and other operating and financing leases
1,731.6
260.8
394.1
300.6
776.1
Total payments due
$
5,388.1
$
496.5
$
617.4
$
523.9
$
3,750.3
(1)
Interest rates on our variable rate instruments are assuming rates at the December 2020 levels.
Amount of Expiration Per Period
Other Commercial Commitments
Total Amount
Committed
Less Than 1
Year
1 - 3 Years
3 - 5 Years
After
5 Years
(In millions)
Revolving Bank Facility(2)
$
750.0
$
-
$
-
$
750.0
$
-
Standby Letters of Credit(3)
$
14.0
$
12.7
$
0.5
$
0.8
$
-
(2)
Lamar Media had no borrowings outstanding under the revolving credit facility at December 31, 2020.
(3)
The standby letters of credit are issued under Lamar Media’s revolving credit facility and reduce the availability of the facility by the same amount.
Cash Flows
The Company’s cash flows provided by operating activities decreased by $61.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2020, primarily resulting from a decrease in revenues of approximately $184.8 million and offset by a decrease in operating expenses (excluding stock-based compensation and depreciation and amortization) of approximately $65.8 million, as compared to the comparable period in 2019.
Cash flows used in investing activities decreased $265.1 million from $362.0 million in 2019 to $96.9 million in 2020 primarily due to a net decrease in the amount of assets acquired through acquisitions and capital expenditures of $259.4 million, as compared to the same period in 2019.
The Company’s cash flows used in financing activities were $377.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2020 as compared to $264.4 million in 2019. This increase in cash used in financing activities of $113.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2020 is primarily due to financing transactions during the year and offset by a decrease in cash paid for dividends and distributions over the comparable period in 2019.
CRITICAL ACCOUNTING ESTIMATES
Our discussion and analysis of our results of operations and liquidity and capital resources are based on our consolidated financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with GAAP. The preparation of these financial statements requires us to make estimates and judgments that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses. On an ongoing basis, we evaluate our estimates and judgments, including those related to intangible assets, goodwill impairment and asset retirement obligations. We base our estimates on historical and anticipated results and trends and on various other assumptions that we believe are reasonable under the circumstances, including assumptions as to future events and, where applicable, established valuation techniques. These estimates form the basis for making judgments about carrying values of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. By their nature, estimates are subject to an inherent degree of uncertainty. Actual results may differ from our estimates. We believe that the following significant accounting policies and assumptions may involve a higher degree of judgment and complexity than others.
Goodwill Impairment. The Company has a significant amount of goodwill on its consolidated balance sheet and must perform an impairment test of goodwill annually or on a more frequent basis if events and circumstances indicate that the asset might be impaired. We have identified two reporting units (Logo operations and Billboard operations) in accordance with Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 350 and no changes have been made to our reporting units from the prior period.
In our annual or interim measurement for impairment of goodwill, the Company conducts a qualitative assessment by examining relevant events and circumstances that could have a negative impact on the Company’s goodwill, which include macroeconomic conditions, industry and market conditions, cost factors, overall financial performance, reporting unit dispositions and acquisitions, the market capitalization of the Company and other relevant events specific to the Company. If, after assessing the totality of events or circumstances described above, the Company determines that it is more likely than not that the fair value of either of the Company's reporting units is less than its carrying amount, the Company will perform a quantitative impairment test. If impairment is indicated as a result of the quantitative impairment test, a goodwill impairment charge would be recorded to write the goodwill down to its implied fair value. Based on the goodwill impairment analysis performed on December 31, 2020, we determined that the fair value of each reporting unit exceeded the carrying value and no impairment charge was recorded.
Asset Retirement Obligations. The Company had an asset retirement obligation of $222.9 million as of December 31, 2020. This liability relates to the Company’s obligation upon the termination or non-renewal of a lease to dismantle and remove its billboard structures from the leased land and to reclaim the site to its original condition. The Company records the present value of obligations
associated with the retirement of tangible long-lived assets in the period in which they are incurred. The liability is capitalized as part of the related long-lived asset’s carrying amount. Over time, accretion of the liability is recognized as an operating expense and the capitalized cost is depreciated over the expected useful life of the related asset. In calculating the liability, the Company calculates the present value of the estimated cost to dismantle using an average cost to dismantle, adjusted for inflation and market risk.
This calculation includes 100% of the Company’s billboard structures on leased land (which currently consist of approximately 75,800 structures). The Company uses a 15-year retirement period based on historical operating experience in its core markets, including the actual time that billboard structures have been located on leased land in such markets and the actual length of the leases in the core markets, which includes the initial term of the lease, plus consideration of any renewal period. Historical third-party cost information is used to estimate the cost of dismantling of the structures and the reclamation of the site. The interest rate used to calculate the present value of such costs over the retirement period is based on the Company’s historical credit-adjusted risk free rate.
Acquisitions. The Company accounts for transactions that meet the definition of a business and group asset purchases as acquisitions. For transactions that meet the definition of a business combination, the Company allocates 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, 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 group purchases, the Company allocates the purchase price to the assets acquired and the liabilities assumed at their estimated relative fair values as of the date of the acquisition. If a transaction is determined to be a group of assets, any direct acquisition costs are capitalized. Transaction costs for transactions determined to be a business combination are expensed as incurred.
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, the Company must 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, the Company must estimate the applicable discount rate and the timing and amount of future cash flows.
Lease Liabilities and Right of Use Assets: On January 1, 2019, the Company adopted ASU No. 2016-02, “Leases (Codified as ASC 842),” which resulted in recording operating lease liabilities and right of use assets on our consolidated balance sheet. Our operating lease liabilities (including short-term liabilities) and right of use asset balances were $1.18 billion and $1.22 billion as of December 31, 2020, respectively. The balance is recorded based on the present value of the remaining minimum rental payments under the leasing standard for our existing operating leases. The key estimates for our leases include (1) the discount rate used to discount the unpaid lease payments to present value and (2) lease term. Our leases generally do not include a readily determinable implicit rate, therefore, using a portfolio approach, we determine our collateralized incremental borrowing rate to discount the lease payments based on the information available at lease commencement. Our lease terms include the noncancellable period of the lease plus any additional periods covered by either a Company option to extend (or not to terminate) the lease that the Company is reasonable certain to exercise, or an option to extend the lease controlled by the lessor. The Company has determined we are not reasonably certain to exercise renewals or termination options, and as a result we use the lease’s initial stated term as the lease term for our lease population.
ACCOUNTING STANDARDS AND REGULATORY UPDATE
In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-13, Financial Instruments - Credit Losses (Topic 326) - Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments, and additional changes modifications, clarifications, or interpretations related to this guidance thereafter, which require a reporting entity to estimate credit losses on certain types of financial instruments, and present assets held at amortized cost and available-for-sale debt securities at the amount expected to be collected. The new guidance is effective for annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2019. The Company adopted this guidance on January 1, 2020 and the impact of the adoption was not material to the Company’s consolidated financial statements. As of December 31, 2020, the Company’s allowance for credit losses considered the current and future impacts caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, based on available information to date. The Company will continue to actively monitor the impact of COVID-19 on expected credit losses.
LAMAR MEDIA CORP.
The following is a discussion of the consolidated financial condition and results of operations of Lamar Media for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018. This discussion should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements of Lamar Media and the related notes.
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
The following table presents certain items in the Consolidated Statements of Income as a percentage of net revenues for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018:
Year Ended December 31,
Net revenues
100.0
%
100.0
%
100.0
%
Operating expenses:
Direct advertising expenses
35.5
%
33.6
%
34.5
%
General and administrative expenses
18.3
%
18.2
%
17.8
%
Corporate expenses
4.5
%
4.8
%
5.1
%
Depreciation and amortization
16.0
%
14.3
%
13.8
%
Operating income
26.2
%
29.5
%
28.3
%
Loss on extinguishment of debt
1.6
%
-
0.9
%
Interest expense
8.8
%
8.6
%
8.0
%
Income tax expense (benefit)
0.3
%
(0.2
)%
0.7
%
Net income
15.5
%
21.2
%
18.8
%
Year ended December 31, 2020 compared to Year ended December 31, 2019
Net revenues decreased $184.8 million or 10.5% to $1.57 billion for the year ended December 31, 2020 from $1.75 billion for the same period in 2019. This decrease was attributable primarily to a decrease in billboard and transit net revenues of $134.3 million and $49.2 million, respectively, over the prior period, which is primarily related to the effects of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
Net revenues for the year ended December 31, 2020, as compared to acquisition-adjusted net revenues for the comparable period in 2019, decreased $191.2 million, or 10.9%. The $191.2 million decrease in net revenues is primarily due to a $146.9 million and $46.9 million decrease in billboard and transit net revenues, respectively, which are due to the effects of the ongoing pandemic. The decrease in billboard and transit net revenues was slightly offset by an increase of $2.6 million in logo net revenues. See “Reconciliations” below.
Total operating expenses, exclusive of depreciation and amortization and (gain) loss on disposition of assets, decreased $76.7 million, or 7.7% to $916.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2020 from $992.7 million in the same period in 2019. The $76.7 million decrease over the prior year is primarily comprised of a decrease in total direct, general and administrative and corporate expenses (excluding stock-based compensation) of $65.8 million primarily related to reductions in our billboard lease costs, transit and airport franchise costs, as well as reductions in our workforce.
Depreciation and amortization expense increased $1.3 million to $251.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2020 as compared to $250.0 million for the same period in 2019.
For the year ended December 31, 2020, Lamar Media recognized a gain on disposition of assets of $9.0 million as compared to a gain on disposition of assets of $7.2 million for the same period in 2019. The gain on disposition of assets for the year ended December 31, 2020 was primarily from gains on the sale of billboard assets of $4.5 million and a $3.2 million gain from the sale of the Company aircraft in December 2020.
Due primarily to the above factors, operating income decreased $107.6 million to $410.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2020 compared to $518.2 million for the same period in 2019.
During the year ended December 31, 2020, Lamar Media recorded a $25.2 million loss on debt extinguishment related to Lamar Media’s early repayment of its 5 3/8% Senior Notes and 5% Senior Subordinated Notes and refinancing of the senior credit facility. The $25.2 million loss is comprised of a cash redemption premium and fees of $14.3 million and a non-cash write off of unamortized deferred financing costs of approximately $10.9 million. See “Uses of Cash” for more information.
Interest expense decreased $13.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2020 to $137.6 million as compared to $150.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2019. The decrease in interest expense is primarily related Lamar Media’s debt transactions completed in 2020, as well as a reduction in our senior credit facility interest rates.
The decrease in operating income and increase in loss on extinguishment of debt, offset by the decrease in interest expense over the comparable period in 2019, resulted in a $119.8 million decrease in net income before income taxes.
Lamar Media recorded income tax expense of $4.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2020 as compared to an income tax benefit of $4.2 million for the same period in 2019. The $4.7 million tax expense equates to an effective tax rate for the year ended December 31, 2020 of approximately 1.9%, which differs from the federal statutory rate primarily due to our qualification for taxation as a REIT and adjustments for foreign items.
As a result of the above factors, Lamar Media recognized net income for the year ended December 31, 2020 of $243.9 million, as compared to net income of $372.5 million for the same period in 2019.
Reconciliations:
Because acquisitions occurring after December 31, 2018 have contributed to our net revenue results for the periods presented, we provide 2019 acquisition-adjusted net revenue, which adjusts our 2019 net revenue for the year ended December 31, 2019 by adding to or subtracting from it the net revenue generated by the acquired or divested assets prior to our acquisition or divestiture of these assets for the same time frame that those assets were owned in the year ended December 31, 2020.
Reconciliations of 2019 reported net revenue to 2019 acquisition-adjusted net revenue for the year ended December 31, 2019 as well as a comparison of 2019 acquisition-adjusted net revenue to 2020 reported net revenue for the year ended December 31, 2020, are provided below:
Reconciliation and Comparison of Reported Net Revenue to Acquisition-Adjusted Net Revenue
Year ended December 31,
(in thousands)
Reported net revenue
$
1,568,856
$
1,753,644
Acquisition net revenue
-
6,438
Adjusted totals
$
1,568,856
$
1,760,082
Key Performance Indicators
Net Income/Adjusted EBITDA
(in thousands)
Year Ended December 31,
Amount of
Increase
Percent
Increase
(Decrease)
(Decrease)
Net income
$
243,873
$
372,540
$
(128,667
)
(34.5
)%
Income tax expense (benefit)
4,660
(4,222
)
8,882
Loss on extinguishment of debt
25,235
-
25,235
Interest expense, net
136,826
149,852
(13,026
)
Gain on disposition of assets
(9,026
)
(7,241
)
(1,785
)
Depreciation and amortization
251,296
250,028
1,268
Impact of ASC 842 adoption
-
3,894
(3,894
)
Capitalized contract fulfillment costs, net
(9,186
)
9,573
Stock-based compensation expense
18,772
29,647
(10,875
)
Adjusted EBITDA
$
672,023
$
785,312
$
(113,289
)
(14.4
)%
Adjusted EBITDA for the year ended December 31, 2020 decreased 14.4% to $672.0 million. The decrease in adjusted EBITDA was primarily attributable to the decrease in our gross margin (net revenue less direct advertising expense, exclusive of depreciation and amortization, capitalized contract fulfillment costs, net and the impact of ASC 842 adoption) of $146.5 million, and
was partially offset by a decrease in general and administrative and corporate expenses of $33.2 million, excluding the impact of stock-based compensation expense.
Net Income/FFO/AFFO
(in thousands)
Year Ended December 31,
Amount of
Increase
Percent
Increase
(Decrease)
(Decrease)
Net income
$
243,873
$
372,540
$
(128,667
)
(34.5
)%
Depreciation and amortization related to real estate
238,932
235,802
3,130
Gain from disposition of real estate assets and
investments
(5,790
)
(6,775
)
Non-cash tax benefit for REIT converted assets
-
(17,031
)
17,031
Adjustments for unconsolidated affiliates and
non-controlling interest
(142
)
FFO
$
477,644
$
585,307
$
(107,663
)
(18.4
)%
Straight-line expense (income)
3,597
(361
)
3,958
Impact of ASC 842 adoption
-
3,894
(3,894
)
Capitalized contract fulfillment costs, net
(9,186
)
9,573
Stock-based compensation expense
18,772
29,647
(10,875
)
Non-cash portion of tax provision
(797
)
2,901
(3,698
)
Gain from one-time sale of non-real estate assets
(3,197
)
-
(3,197
)
Non-real estate related depreciation and amortization
12,364
14,226
(1,862
)
Amortization of deferred financing costs
5,909
5,365
Loss on extinguishment of debt
25,235
-
25,235
Capital expenditures - maintenance
(24,028
)
(49,155
)
25,127
Adjustments for unconsolidated affiliates and
non-controlling interest
(629
)
(771
)
AFFO
$
515,257
$
581,867
$
(66,610
)
(11.4
)%
FFO for the year ended December 31, 2020 was $477.6 million as compared to FFO of $585.3 million for the same period in 2019. AFFO for the year ended December 31, 2020 decreased 11.4% to $515.3 million as compared to $581.9 million for the same period in 2019. The decrease in AFFO was primarily attributable to the decrease in our gross margin (net revenue less direct advertising expense, exclusive of depreciation and amortization, capitalized contract fulfillment costs, net and the impact of ASC 842 adoption), offset by decreases in general and administrative and corporate expenses (excluding the effect of stock based compensation expense).
Year ended December 31, 2019 compared to Year ended December 31, 2018
Net revenues increased $126.4 million or 7.8% to $1.75 billion for the year ended December 31, 2019 from $1.63 billion for the same period in 2018. This increase was attributable primarily to an increase in billboard net revenues of $124.6 million or 8.8% over the prior period, which is primarily related to the integration of outdoor assets acquired during 2018 and 2019, and the addition of approximately 330 digital displays during the year ended December 31, 2019. In addition, transit revenue increased $2.1 million, which represents an increase of 1.6% over the prior period.
Net revenues for the year ended December 31, 2019, as compared to acquisition-adjusted net revenues for the comparable period in 2018, increased $45.7 million, or 2.7%. The $45.7 million increase in revenue primarily consisted of a $41.7 million increase in billboard revenue primarily due to increases in digital revenue and a $4.1 million increase in transit revenue over the acquisition-adjusted net revenue for the comparable period in 2018. See “Reconciliations” below.
Total operating expenses, exclusive of depreciation and amortization and (gain) loss on disposition of assets, increased $58.9 million, or 6.3% to $992.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2019 from $933.8 million in the same period in 2018. The $58.9 million increase over the prior year is primarily comprised of an increase in total direct, general and administrative and corporate expenses (excluding stock-based compensation) of $58.7 million primarily related to the operations of our outdoor advertising assets.
Depreciation and amortization expense increased $24.8 million to $250.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2019 as compared to $225.3 million for the same period in 2018, primarily related to the addition of approximately $516.2 million of depreciable assets acquired through acquisitions and $258.6 million in capitalized expenditures during fiscal years 2018 and 2019.
For the year ended December 31, 2019, Lamar Media recognized a gain on disposition of assets of $7.2 million primarily resulting from an amendment of a transit contract in the first quarter of 2019. The gain in 2019 represents an increase of $14.5 million over the same period in 2018, largely due to the gain in 2019 coupled with Media’s loss recognized in 2018 on the sale of its Puerto Rico assets in April of 2018 of $7.8 million.
Due primarily to the above factors, operating income increased $57.2 million to $518.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2019 compared to $461.0 million for the same period in 2018.
During the year ended December 31, 2018, Lamar Media recorded a $15.4 million loss on debt extinguishment related to Lamar Media’s prepayment of its 5 7/8% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2022. The $15.4 million loss is comprised of a cash redemption premium of $9.8 million and a non-cash write off of unamortized deferred financing costs of approximately $5.6 million. See “Uses of Cash” for more information. There were no transactions resulting in a loss on debt extinguishment in fiscal year 2019.
Interest expense increased $20.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2019 to $150.6 million as compared to $129.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2018. The increase in interest expense is primarily related to the increased debt outstanding as compared to the same period in 2018.
The increase in operating income and decrease in loss on extinguishment of debt, offset by the increase in interest expense over the comparable period in 2018, resulted in a $52.0 million increase in net income before income taxes.
Lamar Media recorded an income tax benefit of $4.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2019 as compared to income tax expense of $10.7 million for the same period in 2018. The $4.2 million benefit is comprised of a $17.0 million non-cash tax benefit resulting from REIT converted assets offset by income tax expense of $12.8 million. The $12.8 million tax expense equates to an effective tax rate for the year ended December 31, 2019 of approximately 3.5%, which differs from the federal statutory rate primarily due to our qualification for taxation as a REIT and adjustments for foreign items.
As a result of the above factors, Lamar Media recognized net income for the year ended December 31, 2019 of $372.5 million, as compared to net income of $305.6 million for the same period in 2018.
Reconciliations:
Because acquisitions occurring after December 31, 2017 have contributed to our net revenue results for the periods presented, we provide 2018 acquisition-adjusted net revenue, which adjusts our 2018 net revenue for the year ended December 31, 2018 by adding to or subtracting from it the net revenue generated by the acquired or divested assets prior to our acquisition or divestiture of these assets for the same time frame that those assets were owned in the year ended December 31, 2019.
Reconciliations of 2018 reported net revenue to 2018 acquisition-adjusted net revenue for the year ended December 31, 2018 as well as a comparison of 2018 acquisition-adjusted net revenue to 2019 reported net revenue for the year ended December 31, 2019, are provided below:
Reconciliation and Comparison of Reported Net Revenue to Acquisition-Adjusted Net Revenue
Year ended December 31,
(in thousands)
Reported net revenue
$
1,753,644
$
1,627,222
Acquisition net revenue
-
80,745
Adjusted totals
$
1,753,644
$
1,707,967
Key Performance Indicators
Net Income/Adjusted EBITDA
(in thousands)
Year Ended December 31,
Amount of
Increase
Percent
Increase
(Decrease)
(Decrease)
Net income
$
372,540
$
305,631
$
66,909
21.9
%
Income tax (benefit) expense
(4,222
)
10,697
(14,919
)
Loss on extinguishment of debt
-
15,429
(15,429
)
Interest expense (income), net
149,852
129,198
20,654
(Gain) loss on disposition of assets
(7,241
)
7,233
(14,474
)
Depreciation and amortization
250,028
225,261
24,767
Impact of ASC 842 adoption
3,894
-
3,894
Capitalized contract fulfillment costs, net
(9,186
)
-
(9,186
)
Stock-based compensation expense
29,647
29,443
Adjusted EBITDA
$
785,312
$
722,892
$
62,420
8.6
%
Adjusted EBITDA for the year ended December 31, 2019 increased 8.6% to $785.3 million. The increase in adjusted EBITDA was primarily attributable to the increase in our gross margin (net revenue less direct advertising expense, exclusive of depreciation and amortization, capitalized contract fulfillment costs, net and the impact of ASC 842 adoption) of $92.7 million, and was partially offset by an increase in general and administrative and corporate expenses of $30.3 million, excluding the impact of stock-based compensation expense and the impact of ASC 842 adoption.
Net Income/FFO/AFFO
(in thousands)
Year Ended December 31,
Amount of
Increase
Percent
Increase
(Decrease)
(Decrease)
Net income
$
372,540
$
305,631
$
66,909
21.9
%
Depreciation and amortization related to real estate
235,802
212,457
23,345
(Gain) loss from disposition of real estate assets and
investments
(6,775
)
8,689
(15,464
)
Non-cash tax benefit for REIT converted assets
(17,031
)
-
(17,031
)
Adjustments for unconsolidated affiliates and
non-controlling interest
FFO
$
585,307
$
527,425
$
57,882
11.0
%
Straight-line income
(361
)
(2,036
)
1,675
Impact of ASC 842 adoption
3,894
-
3,894
Capitalized contract fulfillment costs, net
(9,186
)
-
(9,186
)
Stock-based compensation expense
29,647
29,443
Non-cash portion of tax provision
2,901
2,241
Non-real estate related depreciation and amortization
14,226
12,804
1,422
Amortization of deferred financing costs
5,365
4,920
Loss on extinguishment of debt
-
15,429
(15,429
)
Capital expenditures - maintenance
(49,155
)
(43,108
)
(6,047
)
Adjustments for unconsolidated affiliates and
non-controlling interest
(771
)
(648
)
(123
)
AFFO
$
581,867
$
544,889
$
36,978
6.8
%
FFO for the year ended December 31, 2019 was $585.3 million as compared to FFO of $527.4 million for the same period in 2018. AFFO for the year ended December 31, 2019 increased 6.8% to $581.9 million as compared to $544.9 million for the same period in 2018. AFFO growth was primarily attributable to the increase in our gross margin (net revenue less direct advertising expense, exclusive of depreciation and amortization, capitalized contract fulfillment costs, net and the impact of ASC 842 adoption), offset by increases in general and administrative and corporate expenses (excluding the effect of stock based compensation expense and the impact of ASC 842 adoption).

---

ITEM 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
ITEM 7A.QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
Lamar Advertising Company and Lamar Media Corp.
Lamar Advertising Company is exposed to interest rate risk in connection with variable rate debt instruments issued by its wholly owned subsidiary Lamar Media Corp. The information below summarizes the Company’s interest rate risk associated with its principal variable rate debt instruments outstanding at December 31, 2020, and should be read in conjunction with Note 9 of the Notes to the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements.
Lamar Media Corp. has variable rate debt outstanding under the senior credit facility and its Accounts Receivable Securitization Program. Because interest rates may increase or decrease at any time, the Company is exposed to market risk as a result of the impact that changes in interest rates may have on the applicable borrowings outstanding. Increases in the interest rates applicable to these borrowings would result in increased interest expense and a reduction in the Company’s net income.
At December 31, 2020 there was approximately $709.0 million of indebtedness outstanding under the senior credit facility and Accounts Receivable Securitization Program, or approximately 24.6% of the Company’s outstanding long-term debt (including current maturities) on that date, bearing interest at variable rates. The aggregate interest expense for 2020 with respect to borrowings under the senior credit facility and the Accounts Receivable Securitization Program was $20.6 million, and the weighted average interest rate applicable to these borrowings during 2020 was 2.1%. Assuming that the weighted average interest rate was 200 basis points higher (that is 4.1% rather than 2.1%), then the Company’s 2020 interest expense would have increased by approximately $18.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2020.
The Company attempted to mitigate the interest rate risk resulting from its variable interest rate long-term debt instruments by issuing fixed rate long-term debt instruments and maintaining a balance over time between the amount of the Company’s variable rate and fixed rate indebtedness. In addition, the Company has the capability under the senior credit facility to fix the interest rates applicable to its borrowings at an amount equal to Adjusted LIBO Rate or Adjusted Base Rate plus the applicable margin for periods of up to twelve months (in certain cases with the consent of the lenders), which would allow the Company to mitigate the impact of short-term fluctuations in market interest rates. In the event of an increase in interest rates, the Company may take further actions to mitigate its exposure. The Company cannot guarantee, however, that the actions that it may take to mitigate this risk will be feasible or that, if these actions are taken, that they will be effective.

---

ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA
ITEM 8.
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
LAMAR ADVERTISING COMPANY
AND SUBSIDIARIES
Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm - Opinion on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm - Opinion on the Consolidated Financial Statements
Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2020 and 2019
Consolidated Statements of Income and Comprehensive Income for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018
Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
58-83
Schedule II - Valuation and Qualifying Accounts for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018
Schedule III - Schedule of Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation as of December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018
Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
The management of Lamar Advertising Company is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting as such term is defined in Rule 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) under the Exchange Act.
Lamar Advertising’s management assessed the effectiveness of Lamar Advertising’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2020. In making this assessment, management used the criteria set forth by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO) in Internal Control-Integrated Framework (2013). Based on this assessment, Lamar Advertising’s management has concluded that, as of December 31, 2020, Lamar Advertising’s internal control over financial reporting is effective based on those criteria. The effectiveness of Lamar Advertising’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2020 has been audited by KPMG LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, as stated in their report, which is included in Item 8 to this Annual Report.
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
To the Stockholders and Board of Directors
Lamar Advertising Company:
Opinion on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
We have audited Lamar Advertising Company and subsidiaries' (the Company) internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2020, based on criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. In our opinion, the Company maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2020, based on criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission.
We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB), the consolidated balance sheets of the Company as of December 31, 2020 and 2019, the related consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income, stockholders’ equity, and cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2020, and the related notes and financial statement schedules II to III (collectively, the consolidated financial statements), and our report dated February 26, 2021 expressed an unqualified opinion on those consolidated financial statements.
Basis for Opinion
The Company’s management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, included in the accompanying Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audit. We are a public accounting firm registered with the PCAOB and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.
We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audit of internal control over financial reporting included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, and testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk. Our audit also included performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.
Definition and Limitations of Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.
Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.
/s/ KPMG LLP
KPMG LLP
Baton Rouge, Louisiana
February 26, 2021
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
To the Stockholders and Board of Directors
Lamar Advertising Company:
Opinion on the Consolidated Financial Statements
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Lamar Advertising Company and subsidiaries (the Company) as of December 31, 2020 and 2019, the related consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income, stockholders’ equity, and cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2020, and the related notes and financial statement schedules II to III (collectively, the consolidated financial statements). In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company as of December 31, 2020 and 2019, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2020, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.
We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB), the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2020, based on criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission, and our report dated February 26, 2021 expressed an unqualified opinion on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.
Change in Accounting Principle
As discussed in Note 7 to the consolidated financial statements, the Company has changed its method of accounting for leases as of January 1, 2019 due to the adoption of Accounting Standards Codification Topic 842, Leases (ASC 842).
Basis for Opinion
These consolidated financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these consolidated financial statements based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the PCAOB and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.
We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the consolidated financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the consolidated financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the consolidated financial statements. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the consolidated financial statements. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
Critical Audit Matter
The critical audit matter communicated below is a matter arising from the current period audit of the consolidated financial statements that was communicated or required to be communicated to the audit committee and that: (1) relates to accounts or disclosures that are material to the consolidated financial statements and (2) involved our especially challenging, subjective, or complex judgments. The communication of a critical audit matter does not alter in any way our opinion on the consolidated financial statements, taken as a whole, and we are not, by communicating the critical audit matter below, providing a separate opinion on the critical audit matter or on the accounts or disclosures to which it relates.
Assessment of the accounting lease term for the portfolio of billboard land leases
As discussed in Note 7 to the consolidated financial statements, a lessee determines the lease term at the commencement date by identifying the non-cancellable period of the lease and then adding any periods for which it is reasonably certain to exercise a renewal option (or not to exercise a termination option). The Company has over 69,000 billboard land leases for which they determined the lease term using a portfolio approach, in accordance with which the negotiated stated initial lease term for each was concluded to be the lease term under ASC 842.
We identified the assessment of the lease term for the portfolio of billboard land leases, which affects the discount rate for the lease as well as the measurement of the lease liability and right of use asset, as a critical audit matter. In the Company’s billboard land leases, the Company typically has both unilateral renewal and termination options. Determining the lease term involved a high degree of subjectivity as to whether the lease term should or should not include renewal period(s) (including periods after an optional termination date), the evaluation of which required subjective auditor judgment.
The following are the primary procedures we performed to address this critical audit matter. We evaluated the design and tested the operating effectiveness of certain internal controls over the Company’s billboard land lease process, including controls over the qualifications and experience of individuals negotiating the stated initial lease term, reconciliation of inputs into the system, approval of lease contracts, and annual evaluation of the renewals and terminations exercised by the Company during the year. We evaluated the competence, capabilities, and objectivity of the Company’s real estate team that negotiates the lease terms and conditions, and whether the team considers economic factors that are consistent with those enumerated in ASC 842 when negotiating the stated initial lease term and associated renewal and termination options. We inspected the Company’s assessment and conclusion about using the portfolio approach for its billboard land leases. We tested a sample of the Company’s billboard land lease population and obtained underlying documentation to evaluate whether the leases entered into are similar in terms of the lease agreement creation process, purpose for the lease (i.e. to host a Company billboard), and lease term considerations. We assessed the impact of billboard land leases with early terminations and renewals beyond the stated initial term to evaluate the Company’s assertion that use of the stated initial lease term as the lease term for its billboard land leases on a portfolio basis was appropriate.
/s/ KPMG LLP
KPMG LLP
We have served as the Company’s auditor since 1999.
Baton Rouge, Louisiana
February 26, 2021
LAMAR ADVERTISING COMPANY
AND SUBSIDIARIES
Consolidated Balance Sheets
December 31, 2020 and 2019
(In thousands, except share and per share data)
ASSETS
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents
$
121,569
$
26,188
Receivables, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $14,946 and $13,185
as of 2020 and 2019, respectively
240,854
254,930
Other current assets
18,147
29,051
Total current assets
380,570
310,169
Property, plant and equipment (note 5)
3,615,505
3,660,311
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization
(2,333,656
)
(2,311,196
)
Net property, plant and equipment
1,281,849
1,349,115
Operating lease right of use assets
1,222,013
1,320,779
Financing lease right of use assets
19,670
-
Goodwill (note 6)
1,912,328
1,912,274
Intangible assets, net (note 6)
914,446
992,244
Other assets
60,565
56,574
Total assets
$
5,791,441
$
5,941,155
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Current liabilities:
Trade accounts payable
$
12,017
$
14,974
Current maturities of long-term debt, net of deferred financing costs of $445 and
$6,081 in 2020 and 2019, respectively (note 9)
122,434
226,514
Current operating lease liabilities (note 7)
195,439
196,841
Current financing lease liabilities (note 7)
1,331
-
Accrued expenses (note 8)
105,288
107,225
Deferred income
111,363
127,254
Total current liabilities
547,872
672,808
Long-term debt, net of deferred financing costs of $39,672 and $18,333 in 2020 and
2019, respectively (note 9)
2,764,082
2,753,604
Operating lease liabilities (note 7)
993,776
1,068,181
Financing lease liabilities (note 7)
18,608
-
Deferred income tax liabilities (note 12)
4,854
5,713
Asset retirement obligation (note 10)
222,876
226,137
Other liabilities
36,605
34,406
Total liabilities
4,588,673
4,760,849
Stockholders’ equity (note 14):
Series AA preferred stock, par value $.001, $63.80 cumulative dividends, authorized
5,720 shares; 5,720 shares issued and outstanding at 2020 and 2019
-
-
Class A common stock, par value $.001, 362,500,000 shares authorized, 87,111,327
and 86,596,498 shares issued and 86,491,646 and 86,093,300 outstanding at 2020
and 2019, respectively
Class B common stock, par value $.001, 37,500,000 shares authorized,
14,420,085 shares issued and outstanding at 2020 and 2019
Additional paid-in-capital
1,963,850
1,922,222
Accumulated comprehensive income
Accumulated deficit
(717,331
)
(708,408
)
Cost of shares held in treasury, 619,681 and 503,198 shares in 2020 and 2019,
respectively
(44,786
)
(34,294
)
Stockholders’ equity
1,202,768
1,180,306
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity
$
5,791,441
$
5,941,155
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
LAMAR ADVERTISING COMPANY
AND SUBSIDIARIES
Consolidated Statements of Income and Comprehensive Income
Years Ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018
(In thousands, except share and per share data)
Statements of Income
Net revenues (note 2)
$
1,568,856
$
1,753,644
$
1,627,222
Operating expenses (income):
Direct advertising expenses (exclusive of depreciation and amortization)
557,661
590,078
561,848
General and administrative expenses (exclusive of depreciation
and amortization)
287,874
318,380
289,428
Corporate expenses (exclusive of depreciation and amortization)
70,944
84,658
82,896
Depreciation and amortization (note 11)
251,296
250,028
225,261
(Gain) loss on disposition of assets
(9,026
)
(7,241
)
7,233
1,158,749
1,235,903
1,166,666
Operating income
410,107
517,741
460,556
Other expense (income):
Loss on extinguishment of debt
25,235
-
15,429
Interest income
(797
)
(764
)
(534
)
Interest expense
137,623
150,616
129,732
162,061
149,852
144,627
Income before income tax expense (benefit)
248,046
367,889
315,929
Income tax expense (benefit) (note 12)
4,660
(4,222
)
10,697
Net income
243,386
372,111
305,232
Preferred stock dividends
Net income applicable to common stock
$
243,021
$
371,746
$
304,867
Earnings per share:
Basic earnings per share
$
2.41
$
3.71
$
3.09
Diluted earnings per share
$
2.41
$
3.71
$
3.08
Cash dividends declared per share of common stock
$
2.50
$
3.84
$
3.65
Weighted average common shares used in computing earnings per share:
Weighted average common shares outstanding basic
100,756,361
100,130,721
98,817,525
Weighted average common shares outstanding diluted
100,902,700
100,320,574
99,086,160
Statements of Comprehensive Income
Net income
$
243,386
$
372,111
$
305,232
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax
Foreign currency translation adjustments
(1,290
)
Comprehensive income
$
243,635
$
372,784
$
303,942
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
LAMAR ADVERTISING COMPANY
AND SUBSIDIARIES
Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity
Years Ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018
(In thousands, except share and per share data)
Series AA
PREF
Stock
Class A
CMN
Stock
Class B
CMN
Stock
Treasury
Stock
Add’l
Paid in
Capital
Accumulated
Comprehensive
Income
(Loss)
Accumulated
Deficit
Total
Balance, December 31, 2017
$
-
(21,300
)
1,762,499
1,302
(639,106
)
1,103,493
Non-cash compensation
-
-
-
-
4,012
-
-
4,012
Issuance of 150,259 shares of
common stock through stock awards
-
-
-
-
11,012
-
-
11,012
Exercise of 361,618 shares of stock
options
-
-
-
13,432
-
-
13,433
Issuance of 126,012 shares of common
stock through employee purchase plan
-
-
-
-
7,115
-
-
7,115
Issuance of 576,002 shares of common
stock for cash
-
-
-
42,069
-
-
42,070
Issuance of 163,137 shares of common
stock for purchase of assets
-
-
-
-
12,282
-
-
12,282
Purchase of 57,619 shares of
treasury stock
-
-
-
(4,112
)
-
-
-
(4,112
)
Foreign currency translation
-
-
-
-
-
(1,290
)
-
(1,290
)
Net income
-
-
-
-
-
-
305,232
305,232
Dividends/distributions to common
shareholders ($3.65 per common
share)
-
-
-
-
-
-
(361,098
)
(361,098
)
Dividends ($63.80 per preferred
share)
-
-
-
-
-
-
(365
)
(365
)
Balance, December 31, 2018
$
-
(25,412
)
1,852,421
(695,337
)
1,131,784
Non-cash compensation
-
-
-
-
4,604
4,604
Issuance of 302,507 shares of
common stock through stock awards
-
-
-
-
20,956
-
-
20,956
Exercise of 340,684 shares of stock
options
-
-
-
-
14,984
-
-
14,984
Issuance of 129,972 shares of common
stock through employee purchase plan
-
-
-
-
8,060
-
-
8,060
Issuance of 266,410 shares of common
stock for cash
-
-
-
21,197
-
-
21,198
Purchase of 114,295 shares of
treasury stock
-
-
-
(8,882
)
-
-
-
(8,882
)
Foreign currency translation
-
-
-
-
-
-
Net income
-
-
-
-
-
-
372,111
372,111
Dividends/distributions to common
shareholders ($3.84 per common
share)
-
-
-
-
-
-
(384,817
)
(384,817
)
Dividends ($63.80 per preferred
share)
-
-
-
-
-
-
(365
)
(365
)
Balance, December 31, 2019
$
-
(34,294
)
1,922,222
(708,408
)
1,180,306
Non-cash compensation
-
-
-
-
4,669
4,669
Issuance of 298,124 shares of
common stock through stock awards
-
-
-
-
25,811
-
-
25,811
Exercise of 61,949 shares of stock
options
-
-
-
-
3,138
-
-
3,138
Issuance of 154,756 shares of common
stock through employee purchase plan
-
-
-
-
8,010
-
-
8,010
Purchase of 116,483 shares of
treasury stock
-
-
-
(10,492
)
-
-
-
(10,492
)
Foreign currency translation
-
-
-
-
-
-
Net income
-
-
-
-
-
-
243,386
243,386
Dividends/distributions to common
shareholders ($2.50 per common
share)
-
-
-
-
-
-
(251,944
)
(251,944
)
Dividends ($63.80 per preferred
share)
-
-
-
-
-
-
(365
)
(365
)
Balance, December 31, 2020
$
-
(44,786
)
1,963,850
(717,331
)
1,202,768
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
LAMAR ADVERTISING COMPANY
AND SUBSIDIARIES
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
Years Ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018
(In thousands)
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income
$
243,386
$
372,111
$
305,232
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by
operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization
251,296
250,028
225,261
Stock-based compensation
18,772
29,647
29,443
Amortization included in interest expense
5,909
5,365
4,920
(Gain) loss on disposition of assets and investments
(9,026
)
(7,241
)
7,233
Loss on extinguishment of debt
25,235
-
15,429
Deferred income tax (benefit) expense
(797
)
(14,130
)
1,538
Provision for doubtful accounts
12,729
10,608
7,985
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Decrease (increase) in:
Receivables
1,287
(28,357
)
(33,292
)
Prepaid expenses
(5,433
)
Other assets
7,629
(11,257
)
2,828
Increase (decrease) in:
Trade accounts payable
1,366
Accrued expenses
10,052
(1,597
)
(6,292
)
Operating lease liabilities
24,549
9,102
-
Other liabilities
(22,580
)
15,611
8,628
Cash flows provided by operating activities
569,873
630,865
564,846
Cash flows from investing activities:
Capital expenditures
(62,272
)
(140,956
)
(117,638
)
Acquisitions
(45,584
)
(226,278
)
(477,389
)
(Increase) decrease in notes receivable
-
(448
)
Proceeds received from property insurance claims
-
4,222
Proceeds from disposition of assets and investments
10,968
5,438
6,648
Cash flows used in investing activities
(96,888
)
(362,034
)
(584,148
)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Net proceeds from issuance of common stock
11,148
44,262
62,662
Cash used for purchase of treasury shares
(10,492
)
(8,882
)
(4,112
)
Proceeds received from revolving credit facility
725,000
495,000
563,000
Payments on revolving credit facility
(875,000
)
(625,000
)
(481,000
)
Principal payments on long term debt
(9,112
)
(34,471
)
(27,328
)
Borrowings on long term debt
8,750
-
-
Proceeds received from senior credit facility term loans
598,500
-
599,250
Payments on senior credit facility term loans
(978,097
)
-
-
Proceeds received from accounts receivable securitization program
122,500
9,000
175,000
Payments on accounts receivable securitization program
(175,000
)
(9,000
)
-
Debt issuance costs
(32,950
)
(4,463
)
(7,616
)
Proceeds received from note offering
1,549,250
255,000
-
Redemption of senior notes and senior subordinated notes
(1,058,596
)
-
(509,790
)
Distributions to non-controlling interest
(1,509
)
(621
)
(541
)
Dividends/distributions
(252,309
)
(385,182
)
(443,088
)
Cash flows used in financing activities
(377,917
)
(264,357
)
(73,563
)
Effect of exchange rate changes in cash and cash equivalents
(1,112
)
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
95,381
4,694
(93,977
)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period
26,188
21,494
115,471
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
$
121,569
$
26,188
$
21,494
Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information:
Cash paid for interest
$
130,864
$
139,585
$
136,711
Cash paid for state and federal income taxes
$
4,033
$
14,449
$
8,563
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
LAMAR ADVERTISING COMPANY
AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(Dollars in thousands, except share and per share data)
(1) Description of the Business and Significant Accounting Policies
(a) Nature of Business
Lamar Advertising Company (the Company) is engaged in the outdoor advertising business, operating approximately 153,200 billboard advertising displays in 45 states and Canada. The Company’s operating strategy is to be the leading provider of outdoor advertising services in the markets it serves.
In addition, the Company operates a logo sign business in 23 states throughout the United States and the province of Ontario, Canada and operates approximately 47,700 transit advertising displays in 22 states and Canada. Logo signs are erected pursuant to state-awarded service contracts on public rights-of-way near highway exits and deliver brand name information on available gas, food, lodging and camping services. Included in the Company’s logo sign business are tourism signing contracts. The Company provides transit advertising in airport terminals, on bus shelters, benches and buses in the markets it serves.
The Company operates as a Real Estate Investment Trust (“REIT”) for U.S. federal income tax purposes and generally will not be subject to federal income taxes on its income and gains that the Company distributes to its stockholders, including the income derived from advertising rental revenue. However, even as a REIT, the Company will remain obligated to pay income taxes on earnings from the assets of its taxable REIT subsidiaries (“TRSs”). In addition, the Company’s foreign assets and operations continue to be subject to taxation in the foreign jurisdictions where those assets are held or those operations are conducted.
The unprecedented COVID-19 pandemic and the related government-imposed restrictions and social distancing measures have had an adverse effect on the demand for out-of-home advertising. As a result, demand for billboard, transit and airport advertising has declined, which has negatively affected the Company’s revenues and financial position for the year ended December 31, 2020. We have implemented measures to mitigate the impact on the Company’s financial position, which include: maintaining substantial liquidity and strengthening our debt maturity schedule (see Note 9 Long-term Debt), reducing our consolidated operating costs (exclusive of depreciation and amortization and gain on disposition of assets), limiting spending on capital projects, minimizing acquisition activity, and utilizing portions of the CARES Act for deferral of employer portions of social security taxes through the end of 2020. Management continues to monitor the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on our business and the ultimate extent of impact on our financial position and results of operations cannot currently be predicted.
(b) Principles of Consolidation
The accompanying consolidated financial statements include Lamar Advertising Company, its wholly owned subsidiary, Lamar Media Corp. (Lamar Media), and its majority-owned subsidiaries. All inter-company transactions and balances have been eliminated in consolidation.
An operating segment is a component of an enterprise:
•
that engages in business activities from which it may earn revenues and incur expenses;
•
whose operating results are regularly reviewed by the enterprise’s chief operating decision maker to make decisions about resources to be allocated to the segment and assess its performance; and
•
for which discrete financial information is available.
We define the term ‘chief operating decision maker’ to be our executive management group, which consist of our Executive Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer, and Chief Financial Officer. Currently, all operations are reviewed on a consolidated basis for budget and business plan performance by our executive management group. Additionally, operational performance at the end of each reporting period is viewed in the aggregate by our management group. Any decisions related to changes in invested capital, personnel, operational improvement or training, or to allocate other company resources are made based on the combined results.
We operate in a single operating and reporting segment, advertising. We rent advertising space on billboards, buses, shelters, benches, logo plates and in airport terminals.
LAMAR ADVERTISING COMPANY
AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(Dollars in thousands, except share and per share data)
(c) Property, Plant and Equipment
Property, plant and equipment are stated at cost. Depreciation is calculated using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets.
(d) Goodwill and Intangible Assets
Goodwill is subject to an annual impairment test. The Company designated December 31 as the date of its annual goodwill impairment test. The Company is required to identify its reporting units and determine the carrying value of each reporting unit. The Company has identified two reporting units, Billboard operations and Logo operations, by assigning the assets and liabilities, including the existing goodwill and intangible assets, to those reporting units. The Company is 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, the Company would be required to book an impairment loss.
The Company conducts a qualitative assessment by examining relevant events and circumstances which could have a negative impact on the Company’s goodwill, which includes macroeconomic conditions, industry and market conditions, cost factors, overall financial performance, reporting unit dispositions and acquisitions, the market capitalization of the Company and other relevant events specific to the Company. If, after assessing the totality of events or circumstances described above, the Company determines that it is more likely than not that the fair value of either of the Company's reporting units is less than its carrying amount, the Company will perform a quantitative impairment test. If industry and economic conditions deteriorate, the Company may be required to assess goodwill impairment before the next annual test, which could result in impairment charges.
The Company performed its annual measurement for impairment of the goodwill of its reporting units and concluded the fair value of each reporting unit exceeded its carrying amount at its annual impairment test date on December 31, 2020 and 2019; therefore, the Company was not required to recognize an impairment loss.
Intangible assets, consisting primarily of site locations, customer lists and contracts, and non-competition agreements are amortized using the straight-line method over the assets estimated useful lives, generally from 2 to 15 years.
(e) Impairment of Long-Lived Assets
Long-lived assets, such as property, plant and equipment, lease right of use assets and purchased intangibles subject to amortization, are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. Recoverability of assets to be held and used is measured by a comparison of the carrying amount of an asset to estimated undiscounted future cash flows expected to be generated by the asset or asset group before interest expense. If the carrying amount of an asset exceeds its estimated future cash flows, an impairment charge is recognized by the amount by which the carrying amount of the asset exceeds the fair value of the asset or asset group. Assets to be disposed of would be separately presented in the balance sheet and reported at the lower of the carrying amount or fair value less costs to sell, and are no longer depreciated. The assets and liabilities of a disposed group classified as held for sale would be presented separately in the appropriate asset and liability sections of the balance sheet.
(f) Acquisitions
The Company accounts for transactions that meet the definition of a business and group asset purchases as acquisitions. For transactions that meet the definition of a business combination, the Company allocates 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. 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 group purchases, the Company proportionally allocates the purchase price to the assets based on relative fair value acquired and the liabilities assumed at their estimated fair values as of the date of the acquisition. If a transaction is determined to be a group of assets, any direct acquisition costs are capitalized. Transaction costs for transactions determined to be a business combination are expensed as incurred.
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, the Company must
LAMAR ADVERTISING COMPANY
AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(Dollars in thousands, except share and per share data)
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, the Company must estimate the applicable discount rate and the timing and amount of future cash flows.
(g) Lease Liabilities
On January 1, 2019, the Company adopted ASC 842, Leases, using a modified retrospective transition with January 1, 2019 as the effective date of our initial application. We also elected the package of practical expedients, which permitted us not to reassess under the new standard our prior conclusions about lease identification, lease classification and initial direct costs. We also elected the practical expedient pertaining to land easements, which allows the Company not to reassess its accounting treatment for our previously existing land easements as to whether they qualify as a lease under ASC 842.
The Company is party to various operating leases for production facilities, vehicles and sites upon which advertising structures are built, including our billboard land leases, leases of logo structures and leases of transit advertising space. The leases expire at various dates, have varying options to renew and cancel, and may contain escalation provisions. We expense our non-variable lease payments ratably over the lease term. Also, certain of our leases contain variable lease payments based on percentage of revenue or consumer price index or other inflation-based indices. The variable lease costs are expensed in the period incurred.
Financing lease right of use assets are amortized over the life of the lease which is recorded in depreciation and amortization on the consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income. Interest related to financing lease liabilities is recorded in interest expense on the consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income.
The key estimates for our leases include (1) the discount rate used to discount the unpaid lease payment to present value and (2) lease term. Our leases generally do not include a readily determinable implicit rate, therefore, using a portfolio approach, we determine our collateralized incremental borrowing rate to discount the lease payment based on the information available at lease commencement. Our lease terms include the noncancellable period of the lease plus any additional periods covered by either a Company option to extend (or not to terminate) the lease that the Company is reasonably certain to exercise, or an option to extend the lease controlled by the lessor. The Company has determined we are not reasonably certain to exercise renewals or termination options, and as a result we use the lease’s initial stated term as the lease term for our lease population.
(h) Deferred Income
Deferred income consists principally of advertising revenue invoiced in advance. Deferred advertising revenue is recognized in income over the term of the contract.
(i) Revenue Recognition
The Company recognizes outdoor advertising revenue on an accrual basis ratably over the term of the contracts. Production revenue and the related expense for the advertising copy are recognized upon satisfaction of its performance obligation.
The Company engages in barter transactions where the Company trades advertising space for goods and services. The Company recognizes revenues and expenses from barter transactions at fair value, which is determined based on the Company’s own historical practice of receiving cash for similar advertising space from buyers unrelated to the party in the barter transaction. The amount of revenue and expense recognized for advertising barter transactions is as follows:
Net revenues
$
8,088
$
9,636
$
8,955
Direct advertising expenses
$
3,971
$
3,982
$
3,633
General and administrative expenses
$
3,144
$
4,986
$
4,758
(j) Income Taxes
As a REIT, the Company is generally not subject to federal income taxes on income and gains distributed to the Company’s stockholders. However, the Company remains obligated to pay income taxes on earnings from domestic TRSs. In addition, the Company’s foreign assets and operations continue to be subject to taxation in the foreign jurisdictions where those assets are held or where those operations are conducted, including those designated as Qualified REIT Subsidiaries, or QRSs, for federal income tax
LAMAR ADVERTISING COMPANY
AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(Dollars in thousands, except share and per share data)
purposes. Accordingly, the consolidated financial statements reflect provisions for federal, state, local and foreign income taxes. The Company recognizes deferred tax assets and liabilities for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax basis, as well as operating loss and tax credit carryforwards. The Company measures deferred tax assets and liabilities using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences and carry forwards are expected to be recovered or settled. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities as a result of a change in tax rates is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date.
(k) Dividends/Distributions
As a REIT, the Company must annually distribute to its stockholders an amount equal to at least 90% of its REIT taxable income (determined before the deduction for distributed earnings and excluding any net capital gain). During the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019, the Company declared and paid distributions of its REIT taxable income of $251,944 or $2.50 per share and $384,817 or $3.84 per share, respectively. During the year ended December 31, 2018, the Company paid cash distributions of its REIT taxable income in an aggregate amount of $442,632 or $4.48 per share. The distributions paid during 2018 include distributions declared and accrued as of December 31, 2017 of $81,534 or $0.83 per share. The amount, timing and frequency of future distributions will be at the sole discretion of the Board of Directors and will be declared based upon various factors, a number of which may be beyond the Company’s control, including the financial condition and operating cash flows, the amount required to maintain REIT status and reduce any income and excise taxes that the Company otherwise would be required to pay, limitations on distributions in its existing and future debt instruments, the Company’s ability to utilize net operating losses (“NOLs”) to offset, in whole or in part, the Company’s distribution requirements, limitations on its ability to fund distributions using cash generated through its TRSs and other factors that the Board of Directors may deem relevant. During each of the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019, the Company paid dividend distributions to holders of its Series AA Preferred Stock of $365 or $63.80 per share. During the year ended December 31, 2018, the Company paid cash dividend distributions to holders of its Series AA Preferred Stock in an aggregate amount of $456 or $79.75 per share, including $91, or $15.95 per share, related to distributions accrued for in 2017.
(l) Earnings Per Share
The calculation of basic earnings per share excludes any dilutive effect of stock options, while diluted earnings per share includes the dilutive effect of stock options. For the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018 there were no dilutive shares excluded from the calculation.
(m) Stock Based Compensation
Compensation expense for share-based awards is recognized based on the grant date fair value of those awards. Stock based compensation expense includes an estimate for pre-vesting forfeitures and is recognized over the requisite service periods of the awards on a straight-line basis, which generally commensurates with the vesting term. Non-cash compensation expense recognized during the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019, and 2018 were $18,772, $29,647 and $29,443, respectively. The $18,772 expensed during the year ended December 31, 2020 consists of (i) $4,249 related to stock options and the employee stock purchase plan, (ii) $12,602 related to stock grants made under the Company’s performance-based stock incentive program in 2020, (iii) $1,451 related to non-performance restricted stock awards and (iv) $470 related to restricted stock awards to directors. See Note 15 for information on the assumptions used to calculate the fair value of stock-based compensation.
(n) Cash and Cash Equivalents
The Company considers all highly-liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less to be cash equivalents.
(o) Credit Losses
The Company estimates credit losses on financial instruments based on amounts expected to be collected. The allowance for doubtful accounts is estimated based on historical collections, accounts receivable aging, economic indicators, and expected future trends.
(p) Foreign Currency Translation
Local currencies generally are considered the functional currencies outside the United States. Assets and liabilities for operations in local-currency environments are translated at year-end exchange rates. Income and expense items are translated at
LAMAR ADVERTISING COMPANY
AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(Dollars in thousands, except share and per share data)
average rates of exchange prevailing during the year. Foreign currency translation adjustments are recorded as a component of other comprehensive income (loss) in the Consolidated Statements of Income and Comprehensive Income and as a component of accumulated comprehensive income (loss) in the Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity.
(q) Asset Retirement Obligations
The Company is required to record the fair value of obligations associated with the retirement of tangible long-lived assets in the period in which it is incurred. The liability is capitalized as part of the related long-lived asset’s carrying amount. Over time, accretion of the liability is recognized as an operating expense and the capitalized cost is depreciated over the expected useful life of the related asset. The Company’s asset retirement obligations relate primarily to the dismantlement, removal, site reclamation and similar activities of its leased properties.
(r) Use of Estimates
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
(s) Comprehensive Income
Total comprehensive income is presented in the Consolidated Statements of Income and Comprehensive Income and the components of accumulated comprehensive income (loss) are presented in the Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity. Comprehensive income (loss) is composed of foreign currency translation effects.
(t) Fair Value Measurements
The Company determines the fair value of its financial instruments using the fair value hierarchy, which requires an entity to maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs when measuring fair value.
(u) Subsequent Events
The Company has performed an evaluation of subsequent events through the date on which the financial statements are issued.
(2) Revenue
On January 1, 2018, we adopted FASB Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2014-09 (Codified as ASC 606), Revenue from Contracts with Customers using the cumulative effect transition method applied to those contracts which were not completed as of January 1, 2018 and are not accounted for under ASC 840, Leases. Results for reporting periods beginning after January 1, 2018 are presented under ASC 606 or 840.
A majority of our billboard, logo, and transit space contracts were accounted for under ASC 840 and continued to be accounted for under the topic until January 1, 2019, our adoption date of ASU No. 2016-02 (Codified as ASC 842), Leases. Contracts which began prior to January 1, 2019 and were accounted for under ASC 840 continued to be accounted for as a lease until the contract ends or is modified. Contracts beginning or modified on or after January 1, 2019 which do not meet the criteria of a lease under ASC 842 are accounted for under ASC 606, Revenue. The majority of our advertising space contracts do not meet the definition of a lease under ASC 842.
Due to the transition of our advertising space contracts into ASC 606 we are now required to capitalize our costs to fulfill a contract and expense the costs over the contract period. These costs include our costs to install advertising copy onto billboards. These costs were expensed as incurred under ASC 840. During the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019, we capitalized $22,698 and $24,920, respectively, of costs to fulfill a contract which is included in other current assets on the Consolidated Balance Sheets, net of expensed costs of $23,085 and $15,734, respectively. The expensed costs are recorded in direct advertising expenses (exclusive of depreciation and amortization) in the Consolidated Statements of Income and Comprehensive Income.
LAMAR ADVERTISING COMPANY
AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(Dollars in thousands, except share and per share data)
Revenue Recognition
Advertising revenues: The majority of our revenues are derived from contracts for advertising space on billboard, logo and transit displays and were accounted for under ASC 840, Leases prior to January 1, 2019. Upon the Company’s adoption of ASC 842, Leases on January 1, 2019 the majority of our contracts for advertising space transitioned to being accounted for under ASC 606, Revenue. The contract revenues, under both ASC 840, Leases and ASC 606, Revenue, are recognized ratably over their contract life.
Other revenues: Our other component of revenue primarily consists of production services which includes creating and printing the advertising copy. Revenue for production contracts are recognized under ASC 606, Revenue. Contract revenues for production services are recognized upon satisfaction of the contract which is typically less than one week.
Arrangements with multiple performance obligations: Our contracts with customers may include multiple performance obligations. For such arrangements, we allocate revenue to each performance obligation based on the relative standalone selling price. We determine standalone selling prices based on the prices charged to customers using expected cost plus margin.
Deferred revenues: We record deferred revenues when cash payments are received or due in advance of our performance obligation. The term between invoicing and when a payment is due is not significant. For certain services we require payment before the product or services are delivered to the customer. The balance of deferred income is considered short-term and will be recognized in revenue within twelve months.
Practical expedients and exemptions: Upon our transition to ASC 606 from ASC 840, the Company utilized the following practical expedients and exemptions from ASC 606. We generally expense sales commissions when incurred because the amortization period is one year or less. These costs are recorded within direct advertising expense (exclusive of depreciation and amortization). We do not disclose the value of unsatisfied performance obligations as the majority of our contracts with customers have an original expected length of less than one year. For contracts with customers which exceed one year, the future amount to be invoiced to the customer corresponds directly with the value to be received by the customer.
The following table presents our disaggregated revenue by source including revenues accounted for under ASC 840, ASC 842 and ASC 606 for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018.
Billboard Advertising
$
1,403,239
$
1,537,542
$
1,412,978
Logo Advertising
82,944
84,201
84,424
Transit Advertising
82,673
131,901
129,820
Net Revenues
$
1,568,856
$
1,753,644
$
1,627,222
(3) Acquisitions
Year Ended December 31, 2020
During the twelve months ended December 31, 2020, the Company completed several acquisitions of outdoor advertising assets for a total purchase price of $46,160, of which $45,584 was in cash and $576 in non-cash consideration.
Each of these acquisitions was accounted for under the acquisition method of accounting, and, accordingly, the accompanying consolidated financial statements include the results of operations of each acquired entity from the date of acquisition. The acquisition purchase price has been proportionally allocated to assets based on relative fair value acquired and liabilities assumed based on fair market value at the dates of acquisition.
LAMAR ADVERTISING COMPANY
AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(Dollars in thousands, except share and per share data)
The following is a summary of the allocation of the purchase price in the above transactions.
Total
Property, plant and equipment
$
13,376
Site locations
27,902
Non-competition agreements
Customer lists and contracts
3,979
Asset acquisition costs
Current assets
Current liabilities
(295
)
Operating right of use assets
7,269
Operating lease liabilities
(6,368
)
$
46,160
The total amount of acquired intangible assets have a weighted average useful life of approximately 14 years. The intangible assets include customer lists and contracts of $3,979 (7 year weighted average useful life) and site locations of $27,902 (15 year weighted average useful life). The aggregate amortization expense related to the 2020 acquisitions for the year ended December 31, 2020 was approximately $1,356.
Year Ended December 31, 2019
During the twelve months ended December 31, 2019, the Company completed several acquisitions of outdoor advertising assets for a total purchase price of $226,278, net of acquired cash of $1,508. This amount includes $227,588 of outdoor advertising assets purchased in 2019, offset by $1,310 in post-closing adjustments to acquired working capital related to the purchase of Fairway Outdoor Advertising (“Fairway”) in 2018.
Each of these acquisitions was accounted for under the acquisition method of accounting, and, accordingly, the accompanying consolidated financial statements include the results of operations of each acquired entity from the date of acquisition. The acquisition purchase price has been allocated to assets acquired and liabilities assumed based on fair market value at the dates of acquisition.
The following is a summary of the allocation of the purchase price in the above transactions, which includes the final fair value allocation of the asset acquired and liabilities assumed in a business combination completed on July 15, 2019, for an aggregate purchase price of $127,000.
Total
Property, plant and equipment
$
37,988
Site locations
131,208
Non-competition agreements
Customer lists and contracts
23,032
Asset acquisition costs
Other intangibles
3,115
Goodwill
29,360
Current assets
1,860
Current liabilities
(832
)
Operating right of use assets
23,934
Operating lease liabilities
(21,573
)
Other liabilities
(1,500
)
$
227,588
Total acquired intangible assets for the year ended December 31, 2019 were $187,711, of which $29,360 was assigned to goodwill. Goodwill is not amortized for financial statement purposes, and no goodwill related to 2019 acquisitions is expected to be deductible for tax purposes. The remaining $158,351 of acquired intangible assets have a weighted average useful life of approximately 14 years. The intangible assets include customer lists and contracts of $23,032 (7 year weighted average useful life)
LAMAR ADVERTISING COMPANY
AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(Dollars in thousands, except share and per share data)
and site locations of $131,208 (15 year weighted average useful life). The aggregate amortization expense related to the 2019 acquisitions for the year ended December 31, 2019 was approximately $7,570.
As of December 31, 2019, we finalized our fair value allocation of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed from Fairway on December 21, 2018. Our updated fair value allocation of Fairway during 2019 includes property, plant and equipment, intangibles and goodwill of $96,840, $188,400 and $145,534, respectively. During the period ended December 31, 2019, goodwill was adjusted $36,583 due to updates from the original preliminary purchase price allocation provided as of December 31, 2018. The updated allocation resulted in prior and current period changes to depreciation and amortization. These changes were considered immaterial and recorded during the year ended December 31, 2019. During the year ended December 31, 2019, assets purchased from Fairway, which were initially placed into our taxable REIT subsidiary, were transferred to our qualifying REIT subsidiary. As a result, the Company recorded an income tax benefit of $17,031 in deferred tax liabilities assumed from our purchase.
The following unaudited pro forma financial information for the Company gives effect to the 2019 and 2018 acquisitions as if they had occurred on January 1, 2018. These pro forma results do not purport to be indicative of the results of operations which actually would have resulted had the acquisitions occurred on such date or to project the Company’s results of operations for any future period.
(unaudited)
Net revenues
$
1,764,493
$
1,724,821
Net income applicable to common stock
$
369,300
$
292,012
Net income per common share - basic
$
3.69
$
2.96
Net income per common share - diluted
$
3.68
$
2.95
(4) Non-cash Financing and Investing Activities
For the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019, there were no significant non-cash investing activities. For the year ended December 31, 2018, the Company had non-cash investing activities for the issuance of 163,137 shares of its Class A common stock related to acquisition purchases. The issuance had an approximate value of $12,282. For the year ended December 31, 2020, the Company had non-cash financing activities related to financing lease liabilities of $19,891. There were no significant non-cash financing activities during the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018.
(5) Property, Plant and Equipment
Major categories of property, plant and equipment at December 31, 2020 and 2019 are as follows:
Estimated Life
(Years)
Land
-
$
413,257
$
406,884
Building and improvements
10 - 39
187,921
181,797
Advertising structures
5 - 15
2,880,521
2,926,706
Automotive and other equipment
3 - 7
133,806
144,924
$
3,615,505
$
3,660,311
LAMAR ADVERTISING COMPANY
AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(Dollars in thousands, except share and per share data)
(6) Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets
The following is a summary of intangible assets at December 31, 2020 and 2019:
Estimated
Life
(Years)
Gross Carrying
Amount
Accumulated
Amortization
Gross Carrying
Amount
Accumulated
Amortization
Amortizable Intangible Assets:
Customer lists and contracts
7 - 10
$
645,739
$
563,135
$
641,714
$
539,405
Non-competition agreements
3 - 15
66,156
64,647
66,014
64,379
Site locations
2,412,745
1,593,805
2,384,520
1,509,335
Other
2 - 15
50,018
38,625
49,864
36,749
$
3,174,658
$
2,260,212
$
3,142,112
$
2,149,868
Unamortizable Intangible Assets:
Goodwill
$
2,165,864
$
253,536
$
2,165,810
$
253,536
The changes in the gross carrying amount of goodwill for the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019 are as follows:
Balance as of December 31, 2018
$
2,172,922
Goodwill acquired during the year
29,360
Purchase price adjustments and other
(36,472
)
Impairment losses
-
Balance as of December 31, 2019
$
2,165,810
Goodwill acquired during the year
-
Purchase price adjustments and other
Impairment losses
-
Balance as of December 31, 2020
$
2,165,864
Amortization expense for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018 was $110,201, $113,679 and $95,010, respectively. The following is a summary of the estimated amortization expense for future years:
$
106,816
101,964
91,133
87,320
83,959
Thereafter
443,254
Total
$
914,446
LAMAR ADVERTISING COMPANY
AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(Dollars in thousands, except share and per share data)
(7) Leases
On January 1, 2019 the Company adopted ASC 842, Leases, using a modified retrospective transition with January 1, 2019 as the effective date of our initial application. We also elected the package of practical expedients, which permitted us not to reassess under the new standard our prior conclusions about lease identification, lease classification and initial direct costs. We also elected the practical expedient pertaining to land easements, which allows the Company not to reassess its accounting treatment for our previously existing land easements as to whether they qualify as a lease under ASC 842.
The Company is party to various operating leases for production facilities, vehicles and sites upon which advertising structures are built, including our billboard land leases, leases of logo structures and leases of transit advertising space. The leases expire at various dates, have varying options to renew and cancel, and may contain escalation provisions. We expense our non-variable lease payments ratably over the lease term. Also, certain of our leases contain variable lease payments based on percentage of revenue or consumer price index or other inflation-based indices. The variable lease costs are expensed in the period incurred. Due to our election not to reassess conclusions about lease identification, as noted above, our transit agreements were accounted for as leases on January 1, 2019. As we enter into new or renew current transit agreements, those agreements will not likely meet the criteria of a lease under ASC 842, therefore they will no longer be accounted for as a lease.
Financing lease right of use assets are amortized over the life of the lease which is recorded in depreciation and amortization on the consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income. Interest related to financing lease liabilities is recorded in interest expense on the consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income.
The key estimates for our leases include (1) the discount rate used to discount the unpaid lease payment to present value and (2) lease term. Our leases generally do not include a readily determinable implicit rate, therefore, using a portfolio approach, we determine our collateralized incremental borrowing rate to discount the lease payment based on the information available at lease commencement. Our lease terms include the noncancellable period of the lease plus any additional periods covered by either a Company option to extend (or not to terminate) the lease that the Company is reasonably certain to exercise, or an option to extend the lease controlled by the lessor. The Company has determined we are not reasonably certain to exercise renewals or termination options, and as a result we use the lease’s initial stated term as the lease term for our lease population.
During the year ended December 31, 2020, we had base operating lease costs of $298,135 and variable operating lease costs of $69,242, for a total operating lease cost of $367,377. During the year ended December 31, 2019, we had base operating lease costs of $312,883 and variable operating lease costs of $76,492, for a total operating lease cost of $389,375. During the year ended December 31, 2018, we had total operating lease costs of $381,890. Our operating lease costs are recorded in direct advertising expenses (exclusive of depreciation and amortization). Also, for the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019, we recorded a gain of $451 and $4,061, respectively, in (gain) loss of disposition of assets related to the amendment and termination of lease agreements. Cash payments of $286,575 and $316,527 were made reducing our operating lease liabilities for the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively, and are included in cash flows provided by operating activities in the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows.
We elected the short-term lease exemption which applies to certain of our vehicle agreements. This election allows the Company to not recognize lease right of use assets or lease liabilities for agreements with a term of twelve months or less. We recorded $4,953 and $4,691 in direct advertising expenses (exclusive of depreciation and amortization) for these agreements during the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively.
Our operating leases have a weighted-average remaining lease term of 11.8 years. The weighted-average discount rate of our operating leases is 4.7%. During the year ended December 31, 2020, we obtained $25,264 of leased assets in exchange for new operating lease liabilities, which includes liabilities obtained through acquisitions. Lease terminations during the year resulted in a $23,173 reduction to operating lease liabilities for the year ended December 31, 2020.
LAMAR ADVERTISING COMPANY
AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(Dollars in thousands, except share and per share data)
The following is a summary of the maturities of our operating lease liabilities as of December 31, 2020:
$
228,135
182,214
162,163
145,750
122,384
Thereafter
757,576
Total undiscounted operating lease payments
1,598,222
Less: Imputed interest
(409,007
)
Total operating lease liabilities
$
1,189,215
During the year ended December 31, 2020, we obtained $19,891 of leased assets in exchange for new financing lease liabilities. We had no financing lease liabilities for the year ended December 31, 2019. Our financing leases have a weighted-average remaining lease term of 6.9 years and a weighted-average discount rate of 3.1%. For the year ended December 31, 2020, amortization expense of $222 was recorded within depreciation and amortization and interest expense of $47 was recorded within interest expense, respectively, on the consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income in relation to these financing lease liabilities.
(8) Accrued Expenses
The following is a summary of accrued expenses at December 31, 2020 and 2019:
Payroll
$
17,034
$
20,223
Interest
33,583
32,734
Insurance benefits
12,499
11,554
Accrued variable lease and contract expense
19,274
12,559
Stock-based compensation
11,589
23,297
Other
11,309
6,858
$
105,288
$
107,225
LAMAR ADVERTISING COMPANY
AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(Dollars in thousands, except share and per share data)
(9) Long-term Debt
Long-term debt consists of the following at December 31, 2020 and 2019:
December 31, 2020
Debt
Deferred
financing costs
Debt, net of
deferred
financing costs
Senior Credit Facility
$
598,466
$
11,569
$
586,897
Accounts Receivable Securitization Program
122,500
122,055
3 3/4% Senior Notes
600,000
8,031
591,969
4% Senior Notes
549,280
7,911
541,369
4 7/8% Senior Notes
400,000
5,586
394,414
5 3/4% Senior Notes
653,631
6,575
647,056
Other notes with various rates and terms
2,756
-
2,756
2,926,633
40,117
2,886,516
Less current maturities
(122,879
)
(445
)
(122,434
)
Long-term debt, excluding current maturities
$
2,803,754
$
39,672
$
2,764,082
December 31, 2019
Debt
Deferred
financing costs
Debt, net of
deferred
financing costs
Senior Credit Facility
$
1,127,069
$
9,077
$
1,117,992
Accounts Receivable Securitization Program
175,000
174,154
5% Senior Subordinated Notes
535,000
3,237
531,763
5 3/8% Senior Notes
510,000
3,502
506,498
5 3/4% Senior Notes
654,345
7,752
646,593
Other notes with various rates and terms
3,118
-
3,118
3,004,532
24,414
2,980,118
Less current maturities
(232,595
)
(6,081
)
(226,514
)
Long-term debt, excluding current maturities
$
2,771,937
$
18,333
$
2,753,604
Long-term debt contractual maturities are as follows:
Debt
Deferred
financing costs
Debt, net of
deferred
financing costs
$
122,879
$
$
122,434
$
$
-
$
$
$
-
$
$
$
-
$
$
$
4,464
$
(4,044
)
Later years
$
2,802,191
$
35,208
$
2,766,983
LAMAR ADVERTISING COMPANY
AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(Dollars in thousands, except share and per share data)
Senior Credit Facility
On February 6, 2020, Lamar Media entered into a Fourth Amended and Restated Credit Agreement (the “Fourth Amended and Restated Credit Agreement”) with certain of Lamar Media’s subsidiaries as guarantors, JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. as administrative agent and the lenders party thereto, under which the parties agreed to amend and restate Lamar Media’s existing senior credit facility. The Fourth Amended and Restated Credit Agreement amended and restated the Third Amended and Restated Credit Agreement dated as of May 15, 2017, as amended (the “Third Amended and Restated Credit Agreement”).
The new senior credit facility, as established by the Fourth Amended and Restated Credit Agreement (the “senior credit facility”), consists of (i) a new $750,000 senior secured revolving credit facility which will mature on February 6, 2025 (the “revolving credit facility”), (ii) a new $600,000 Term B loan facility (the “Term B loans”) which will mature on February 6, 2027, and (iii) an incremental facility (the “Incremental Facility”) pursuant to which Lamar Media may incur additional term loan tranches or increase its revolving credit facility subject to a pro forma secured debt ratio of 4.50 to 1.00, as well as certain other conditions including lender approval. Lamar Media borrowed all $600,000 in Term B loans on February 6, 2020. The entire amount of the Term B loans will be payable at maturity. The net proceeds from the Term B loans, together with borrowing under the revolving portion of the senior credit facility and a portion of the proceeds of the issuance of the 3 3/4% Senior Notes due 2028 and 4% Senior Notes due 2030 (both as described below), were used to repay all outstanding amounts under the Third Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, and all revolving commitments under that facility were terminated. As a result of refinancing our credit facility the Company incurred a loss on debt extinguishment of $5,608 for the year ended December 31, 2020.
The Term B loans mature on February 6, 2027 with no required amortization payments. The Term B loans bear interest at rates based on the Adjusted LIBO Rate (“Eurodollar term loans”) or the Adjusted Base Rate (“Base Rate term loans”), at Lamar Media’s option. Eurodollar Term B loans bear interest at a rate per annum equal to the Adjusted LIBO Rate plus 1.50%. Base Rate Term B loans bear interest at a rate per annum equal to the Adjusted Base Rate plus 0.50%.
The revolving credit facility bears interest at rates based on the Adjusted LIBO Rate (“Eurodollar revolving loans”) or the Adjusted Base Rate (“Base Rate revolving loans”), at Lamar Media’s option. Eurodollar revolving loans bear interest at a rate per annum equal to the Adjusted LIBO Rate plus 1.50% (or the Adjusted LIBO Rate plus 1.25% at any time the Total Debt Ratio is less than or equal to 3.25 to 1). Base Rate revolving loans bear interest at a rate per annum equal to the Adjusted Base Rate plus 0.50% (or the Adjusted Base Rate plus 0.25% at any time the total debt ratio is less than or equal to 3.25 to 1). The guarantees, covenants, events of default and other terms of the senior credit facility apply to the Term B loans and revolving credit facility.
As of December 31, 2020, there were no outstanding borrowings under the revolving credit facility. Availability under the revolving credit facility is reduced by the amount of any letters of credit outstanding. Lamar Media had $13,970 in letters of credit outstanding as of December 31, 2020 resulting in $736,030 of availability under its revolving credit facility. Revolving credit loans may be requested under the revolving credit facility at any time prior to its maturity on February 6, 2025.
The terms of Lamar Media’s senior credit facility and the indentures relating to Lamar Media’s outstanding notes restrict, among other things, the ability of Lamar Advertising and Lamar Media to:
•
dispose of assets;
•
incur or repay debt;
•
create liens;
•
make investments; and
•
pay dividends.
The senior credit facility contains provisions that allow Lamar Media to conduct its affairs in a manner that allows Lamar Advertising to qualify and remain qualified as a REIT, including by allowing Lamar Media to make distributions to Lamar Advertising required for the Company to qualify and remain qualified for taxation as a REIT, subject to certain restrictions.
LAMAR ADVERTISING COMPANY
AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(Dollars in thousands, except share and per share data)
Lamar Media’s ability to make distributions to Lamar Advertising is also restricted under the terms of these agreements. Under Lamar Media’s senior credit facility, the Company must maintain a specified secured debt ratio as long as a revolving credit commitment, revolving loan or letter of credit remains outstanding, and in addition, must satisfy a total debt ratio in order to incur debt, make distributions or make certain investments.
Lamar Advertising and Lamar Media were in compliance with all of the terms of their indentures and the senior credit facility provisions during the periods presented.
Accounts Receivable Securitization Program
On December 18, 2018, Lamar Media entered into a $175,000 Receivable Financing Agreement (the “Accounts Receivable Securitization Program”) with its wholly-owned special purpose entities, Lamar QRS Receivables, LLC and Lamar TRS Receivables, LLC (the “Special Purpose Subsidiaries”) maturing on December 17, 2021. The Accounts Receivable Securitization Program is limited to the availability of eligible accounts receivable collateralizing the borrowings under the agreements governing the Accounts Receivable Securitization Program.
Pursuant to two separate Purchase and Sale Agreements dated December 18, 2018, each of which is among Lamar Media as initial Servicer, certain of Lamar Media’s subsidiaries and a Special Purpose Subsidiary, the subsidiaries sold substantially all of their existing and future accounts receivable balances to the Special Purpose Subsidiaries. The Special Purpose Subsidiaries use the accounts receivable balances to collateralize loans pursuant to the Accounts Receivable Securitization Program. Lamar Media retains the responsibility of servicing the accounts receivable balances pledged as collateral under the Accounts Receivable Securitization Program and provides a performance guaranty.
On June 30, 2020, Lamar Media and the Special Purpose Subsidiaries entered into the Third Amendment (the “Third Amendment”) to the Receivables Financing Agreement dated December 18, 2018. The Third Amendment increases the maximum three month average Delinquency Ratio, Dilution Ratio and Days’ Sales Outstanding to 11.00% (from 8.00%), 7.00% (from 4.00%) and 75 days (from 65 days), respectively, for each of the months of June, July and August 2020. The Third Amendment does not modify any other financial covenant. Additionally, the Third Amendment establishes a new Minimum Funding Threshold, which requires the Special Purpose Subsidiaries to maintain minimum borrowings under the Accounts Receivable Securitization Program on any day equal to the lesser of (i) 50.00% of the aggregate Commitment of all Lenders or (ii) the Borrowing Base, though the Special Purpose Subsidiaries had the right to borrow less than the Minimum Funding Threshold during certain periods prior to December 21, 2020 at their election.
On October 23, 2020, Lamar Media and the Special Purpose Subsidiaries entered into the Fourth Amendment (the “Fourth Amendment”) to the Receivables Financing Agreement dated December 18, 2018. The Fourth Amendment increases the maximum three month average Delinquency Ratio generally to 13.00% (and up to 16.00% for up to two additional periods upon written notice from Lamar Media), and increases the maximum three month average Dilution Ratio to 5.00% for the remaining term of the Accounts Receivable Securitization Program. Additionally, the Fourth Amendment increases the Minimum Funding Threshold which, as amended, requires the Special Purpose Subsidiaries to maintain minimum borrowings under the Accounts Receivable Securitization Program on any day equal to the lesser of (i) 70.00% of the aggregate Commitment of all Lenders or (ii) the Borrowing Base, though the Special Purpose Subsidiaries had the right to borrow less than the Minimum Funding Threshold during certain periods prior to December 21, 2020 at their election.
As of December 31, 2020 there was $122,500 outstanding aggregate borrowings under the Accounts Receivable Securitization Program. Lamar Media had an additional $52,500 available for borrowing under the Accounts Receivable Securitization Program as of December 31, 2020. The commitment fees based on the amount of unused commitments under the Accounts Receivable Securitization Program were immaterial during the year ended December 31, 2020.
The Accounts Receivable Securitization Program will mature on December 17, 2021. Lamar Media may amend the facility to extend the maturity date, enter into a new securitization facility with a different maturity date, or refinance the indebtedness outstanding under the Accounts Receivable Securitization Program using borrowings under its senior credit facility or from other financing sources.
The Accounts Receivable Securitization Program is accounted for as a collateralized financing activity, rather than a sale of assets, and therefore: (i) accounts receivable balances pledged as collateral are presented as assets and the borrowings are presented as
LAMAR ADVERTISING COMPANY
AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(Dollars in thousands, except share and per share data)
liabilities on our Consolidated Balance Sheets, (ii) our Consolidated Statements of Income and Comprehensive Income reflect the associated charges for bad debt expense (a component of general and administrative expenses) related to the pledged accounts receivable and interest expense associated with the collateralized borrowings and (iii) receipts from customers related to the underlying accounts receivable are reflected as operating cash flows and borrowings and repayments under the collateralized loans are reflected as financing cash flows within our Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows.
5% Senior Subordinated Notes
On October 30, 2012, Lamar Media completed an institutional private placement of $535,000 aggregate principal amount of 5% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2023 (the “5% Notes”). The institutional private placement resulted in net proceeds to Lamar Media of approximately $527,100.
On August 31, 2020, Lamar Media redeemed $267,500 in aggregate principal amount of the outstanding 5% Notes at a redemption price of 100.833%, plus accrued and unpaid interest up to but not including the redemption date. On September 16, 2020 Lamar Media redeemed the remaining aggregate principal amount of $267,500 of the outstanding 5% Notes at a redemption price of 100.833%, plus accrued and unpaid interest up to but not including the redemption date. These redemptions were funded using cash on hand, borrowings under the revolving credit facility and the Accounts Receivable Securitization Program and proceeds from the additional 4% Senior Notes issued on August 19, 2020. These redemptions combined resulted in a loss on debt extinguishment of $7,051, of which $4,456 was cash, for the year ended December 31, 2020.
5 3/8% Senior Notes
On January 10, 2014, Lamar Media completed an institutional private placement of $510,000 aggregate principal amount of 5 3/8% Senior Notes due 2024 (the “5 3/8% Notes”). The institutional private placement resulted in net proceeds to Lamar Media of approximately $502,300. Lamar Media used the proceeds from the 4% Senior Notes (defined below) and 3 3/4% Senior Notes (defined below) to redeem in full all of the 5 3/8% Notes on February 20, 2020 at a redemption price of 101.792% of the aggregate principal amounts of the outstanding 5 3/8% Notes, plus accrued and unpaid interest up to but not including the redemption date. In conjunction with the redemption, the Company recorded a loss on debt extinguishment of $12,576, of which $9,139 was cash, for the year ended December 31, 2020.
5 3/4% Senior Notes
On January 28, 2016, Lamar Media completed an institutional private placement of $400,000 aggregate principal amount of 5 3/4% Senior Notes due 2026 (the “5 3/4 % Senior Notes”). The institutional private placement resulted in net proceeds to Lamar Media of approximately $394,500.
On February 1, 2019, Lamar Media completed an institutional private placement of an additional $250,000 aggregate principal amount under its 5 3/4% Notes (the “Additional 5 3/4% Notes”). Other than with respect to the date of issuance, issue price and CUSIP number, the Additional 5 3/4% Notes have the same terms as the 5 3/4% Notes. The net proceeds after underwriting fees and expenses, was approximately $251,500 and were used to repay a portion of the borrowings outstanding under the revolving credit facility.
At any time prior to February 1, 2021, Lamar Media may redeem some or all of the 5 3/4% Senior Notes at a price equal to 100% of the aggregate principal amount, plus accrued and unpaid interest thereon plus a make-whole premium. On or after February 1, 2021, Lamar Media may redeem the 5 3/4% Senior Notes, in whole or in part, in cash at redemption prices specified in the 5 3/4% Senior Notes. In addition, if the Company or Lamar Media undergoes a change of control, Lamar Media may be required to make an offer to purchase each holder’s 5 3/4% Senior Notes at a price equal to 101% of the principal amount of the 5 3/4% Senior Notes, plus accrued and unpaid interest, up to but not including the repurchase date.
On February 3, 2021, the Company subsequently redeemed in full all outstanding 5 3/4% Senior Notes. See Note 24 Subsequent Events for additional information.
LAMAR ADVERTISING COMPANY
AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(Dollars in thousands, except share and per share data)
4% Senior Notes
On February 6, 2020, Lamar Media completed an institutional private placement of $400,000 aggregate principal amount of 4% Senior Notes due 2030 (the “4% Notes”). The institutional private placement on February 6, 2020 resulted in net proceeds to Lamar Media of approximately $395,000.
On August 19, 2020, Lamar Media completed an institutional private placement of an additional $150,000 aggregate principal amount of its 4% Notes (the “Additional 4% Notes”). Other than with respect to the date of issuance and issue price, the Additional 4% Notes have the same terms as the 4% Notes. The institutional private placement on August 19, 2020 resulted in net proceeds to Lamar Media of approximately $146,900.
Lamar Media may redeem up to 40% of the aggregate principal amount of the 4% Notes, at any time and from time to time, at a price equal to 104% of the aggregate principal amount redeemed, plus accrued and unpaid interest thereon, with the net cash proceeds of certain public equity offerings completed before February 15, 2023, provided that following the redemption, at least 60% of the 4% Notes that were originally issued remain outstanding and any such redemption occurs within 120 days following the closing of any such public equity offering. At any time prior to February 15, 2025, Lamar Media may redeem some or all of the 4% Notes at a price equal to 100% of the aggregate principal amount, plus accrued and unpaid interest thereon and a make-whole premium. On or after February 15, 2025, Lamar Media may redeem the 4% Notes, in whole or in part, in cash at redemption prices specified in the 4% Notes. In addition, if the Company or Lamar Media undergoes a change of control, Lamar Media may be required to make an offer to purchase each holder’s 4% Notes at a price equal to 101% of the principal amount of the 4% Notes, plus accrued and unpaid interest, up to but not including the repurchase date.
3 3/4% Senior Notes
On February 6, 2020, Lamar Media completed an institutional private placement of $600,000 aggregate principal amount of 3 3/4% Senior Notes due 2028 (the “3 3/4% Notes”). The institutional private placement on February 6, 2020 resulted in net proceeds to Lamar Media of approximately $592,500.
Lamar Media may redeem up to 40% of the aggregate principal amount of 3 3/4% Notes, at any time and from time to time, at a price equal to 103.75% of the aggregate principal amount redeemed, plus accrued and unpaid interest thereon, with the net cash proceeds of certain public equity offerings completed before February 15, 2023, provided that following the redemption, at least 60% of the 3 3/4% Notes that were originally issued remain outstanding and any such redemption occurs within 120 days following the closing of any such public equity offering. At any time prior to February 15, 2023, Lamar Media may redeem some or all of the 3 3/4% Notes at a price equal to 100% of the aggregate principal amount, plus accrued and unpaid interest thereon and a make-whole premium. On or after February 15, 2023, Lamar Media may redeem the 3 3/4% Notes, in whole or in part, in cash at redemption prices specified in the 3 3/4% Notes. In addition, if the Company or Lamar Media undergoes a change of control, Lamar Media may be required to make an offer to purchase each holder’s 3 3/4% Notes at a price equal to 101% of the principal amount of the 3 3/4% Notes, plus accrued and unpaid interest, up to but not including the repurchase date.
4 7/8% Senior Notes
On May 13, 2020, Lamar Media completed an institutional private placement of $400,000 aggregate principal amount of 4 7/8% Senior Notes due 2029 (the “4 7/8% Notes”). The institutional private placement on May 13, 2020 resulted in net proceeds to Lamar Media of approximately $395,000.
Lamar Media may redeem up to 40% of the aggregate principal amount of the 4 7/8% Notes, at any time and from time to time, at a price equal to 104.875% of the aggregate principal amount redeemed, plus accrued and unpaid interest thereon, with the net cash proceeds of certain public equity offerings completed before May 15, 2023, provided that following the redemption, at least 60% of the 4 7/8% Notes that were originally issued remain outstanding and any such redemption occurs within 120 days following the closing of any such public equity offering. At any time prior to January 15, 2024, Lamar Media may redeem some or all of the 4 7/8% Notes at a price equal to 100% of the aggregate principal amount, plus accrued and unpaid interest thereon and a make-whole premium. On or after January 15, 2024, Lamar Media may redeem the 4 7/8% Notes, in whole or in part, in cash at redemption prices specified in the 4 7/8% Notes. In addition, if the Company or Lamar Media undergoes a change of control, Lamar Media may be required to make an offer to purchase each holder’s 4 7/8% Notes at a price equal to 101% of the principal amount of the 4 7/8% Notes, plus accrued and unpaid interest, up to but not including the repurchase date.
LAMAR ADVERTISING COMPANY
AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(Dollars in thousands, except share and per share data)
Debt Repurchase Program
On March 16, 2020, the Company’s Board of Directors authorized Lamar Media to repurchase up to $250,000 outstanding senior or senior subordinated notes and other indebtedness outstanding from time to time under its Fourth Amended and Restated Credit Agreement. The repurchase program will expire on September 30, 2021 unless extended by the Board of Directors. There were no repurchases under the program as of December 31, 2020.
(10) Asset Retirement Obligation
The Company’s asset retirement obligation includes the costs associated with the removal of its structures, resurfacing of the land and retirement cost, if applicable, related to the Company’s outdoor advertising portfolio. The following table reflects information related to our asset retirement obligations:
Balance at December 31, 2018
$
222,989
Additions to asset retirement obligations
2,529
Accretion expense
4,260
Liabilities settled
(3,641
)
Balance at December 31, 2019
$
226,137
Additions to asset retirement obligations
Accretion expense
4,135
Liabilities settled
(8,054
)
Balance at December 31, 2020
$
222,876
(11) Depreciation and Amortization
The Company includes all categories of depreciation and amortization on a separate line in its Consolidated Statements of Income and Comprehensive Income. The amounts of depreciation and amortization expense excluded from the following operating expenses in its Consolidated Statements of Income and Comprehensive Income are:
Year Ended December 31,
Direct expenses
$
236,054
$
235,544
$
212,585
General and administrative expenses
4,996
4,416
4,134
Corporate expenses
10,246
10,068
8,542
$
251,296
$
250,028
$
225,261
(12) Income Taxes
Commencing January 1, 2014, the Company began operating as a REIT for U.S. income tax purposes. Since operating as a REIT, the Company filed, and intends to continue to file, as a REIT, and its TRSs filed, and intend to continue to file, as C corporations. The Company also files tax returns in various states and countries. The Company’s state tax returns reflect different combinations of the Company’s subsidiaries and are dependent on the connection each subsidiary has with a particular state. The following information pertains to the Company’s income taxes on a consolidated basis.
LAMAR ADVERTISING COMPANY
AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(Dollars in thousands, except share and per share data)
Income tax expense (benefit) consists of the following:
Current
Deferred
Total
Year ended December 31, 2020:
U.S. federal
$
2,997
$
(45
)
$
2,952
State and local
1,940
2,251
Foreign
(1,063
)
(543
)
$
5,457
$
(797
)
$
4,660
Year ended December 31, 2019:
U.S. federal
$
6,045
$
(13,450
)
$
(7,405
)
State and local
2,699
(2,654
)
Foreign
1,164
1,974
3,138
$
9,908
$
(14,130
)
$
(4,222
)
Year ended December 31, 2018:
U.S. federal
$
4,952
$
$
5,387
State and local
2,615
(123
)
2,492
Foreign
1,592
1,226
2,818
$
9,159
$
1,538
$
10,697
As of December 31, 2020 and 2019, the Company had income taxes payable of $4,707 and $384, respectively.
The U.S. and foreign components of earnings before income taxes are as follows:
U.S.
$
249,714
$
357,445
$
317,695
Foreign
(1,668
)
10,444
(1,766
)
Total
$
248,046
$
367,889
$
315,929
A reconciliation of significant differences between the reported amount of income tax expense and the expected amount of income tax expense that would result from applying the U.S. federal statutory income tax rate of 21 percent to income before taxes for the 2020, 2019 and 2018 tax years is as follows:
Income tax expense at U.S. federal statutory rate
$
52,090
$
77,257
$
66,345
Tax adjustment related to REIT(a)
(50,395
)
(70,619
)
(63,669
)
State and local income taxes, net of federal income
tax benefit
1,222
2,039
1,461
Book expenses not deductible for tax purposes
3,156
4,144
1,926
Stock-based compensation
(2,033
)
(1,177
)
1,090
Valuation allowance(b)
(1,031
)
(1,032
)
3,813
Rate change(c)
(182
)
-
(80
)
Undistributed earnings of foreign subsidiaries(d)
(78
)
(102
)
(393
)
Deferred tax adjustment due to REIT conversion(e)
-
(17,031
)
-
Other differences, net
1,911
2,299
Income tax expense (benefit)
$
4,660
$
(4,222
)
$
10,697
(a)
Includes dividend paid deduction of $52,985, $76,688 and $69,818 for the tax years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018, respectively.
(b)
For the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018, a non-cash valuation allowance of $(1,031), $(1,032) and $3,813, respectively, was recorded to income tax expense due to our limited ability to utilize Puerto Rico deferred tax assets in future years.
LAMAR ADVERTISING COMPANY
AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(Dollars in thousands, except share and per share data)
(c)
Under Act 257, the Puerto Rico corporate income tax rate was lowered from 39% to 37.5%. As a result, a non-cash benefit of $182 to income tax expense was recorded for the reduction of the Puerto Rico net deferred tax liability for the year ended December 31, 2020.
(d)
Management does not assert that the undistributed earnings of our Canadian subsidiaries will be permanently reinvested. For the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018, we recognized a deferred tax benefit of $78, $102 and $393, respectively, for future foreign withholding taxes related to undistributed earnings.
(e)
The income tax provision for the year ended December 31, 2019 is net of the deferred tax benefit of $17,031, which relates to the transfer of assets purchased from Fairway into our qualifying REIT subsidiary on June 28, 2019. The Fairway assets were initially placed in the TRS.
The tax effect of temporary differences that give rise to significant portions of the deferred tax assets and (liabilities) are presented below:
Deferred tax assets:
Allowance for doubtful accounts
$
$
Accrued liabilities not deducted for tax purposes
3,358
3,431
Net operating loss carry forwards
18,803
19,522
Tax credit carry forwards
1,140
Charitable contributions carry forward
Investment in partnerships
Gross deferred tax assets
23,553
24,979
Less: valuation allowance
(20,997
)
(22,902
)
Net deferred tax assets
2,556
2,077
Deferred tax liabilities:
Intangibles
(5,443
)
(5,898
)
Property, plant and equipment
(911
)
(701
)
Undistributed earnings of foreign subsidiaries
(1,056
)
(1,191
)
Gross deferred tax liabilities
(7,410
)
(7,790
)
Net deferred tax liabilities
$
(4,854
)
$
(5,713
)
As of December 31, 2020, we have approximately $236,584 of U.S. net operating loss carry forwards to offset future taxable income. Of this amount, $38,250 is subject to Internal Revenue Code §382 limitation but will be available to be fully utilized by no later than 2027. These carry forwards expire between 2027 through 2037. In addition, we have $1,205 of various credits available to offset future U.S. federal income tax. Under the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (“TCJA”), the corporate alternative minimum tax was repealed and our minimum tax credit carryforwards of $2,054 were fully refunded in 2020.
As of December 31, 2020, we have approximately $991,054 of state net operating loss carry forwards before valuation allowances. These state net operating losses are available to reduce future taxable income and expire at various times and amounts. In addition, we have $117 of various credits available to offset future state income tax. The valuation allowance related to state net operating loss carry forwards as of December 31, 2020 and 2019 was $321 and $0, respectively. The net changes in the total state valuation allowance for the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019 was an increase of $320 and $0, respectively.
As of December 31, 2020, we had approximately $44,207 of Puerto Rico net operating loss carry forwards before valuation allowances. These Puerto Rico net operating losses are available to offset future taxable income. These carry forwards expire between 2021 and 2029. In addition, we have $179 of alternative minimum tax credits available to offset future Puerto Rico income tax.
In assessing the realizability of deferred tax assets, management considers whether it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. The ultimate realization of deferred tax assets is dependent upon the generation of future taxable income in those jurisdictions during the periods in which those temporary differences become deductible. Management considers the scheduled reversal of deferred tax liabilities (including the impact of available carry back and carry forward periods), projected future taxable income, and tax-planning strategies in making this assessment. In order to fully realize the deferred tax assets, the Company will need to generate future taxable income before the expiration of the carry forwards governed by the tax code. Based
LAMAR ADVERTISING COMPANY
AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(Dollars in thousands, except share and per share data)
on the current level of pretax earnings, the Company will not generate the minimum amount of future taxable income to support the realization of the deferred tax assets. As a result, management has determined that a valuation allowance related to Puerto Rico net operating loss carry forwards and other deferred tax assets is necessary. The valuation allowance for these deferred tax assets as of December 31, 2020 and 2019 was $20,676 and $22,902, respectively. The net change in the total valuation allowance for the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019 was a decrease of $2,226 and $1,032, respectively. The amount of the deferred tax asset considered realizable, however, could be adjusted in the near term if estimates of future taxable income during the carry forward period increase.
As of December 31, 2020, the Company has accumulated undistributed earnings generated by our foreign subsidiaries of approximately $21,126. Management does not designate these earnings as permanently reinvested and has recognized a deferred tax liability of approximately $1,056 related to foreign withholding taxes on these earnings. We have recognized a current year tax benefit of $152 related to 2020 earnings.
Under ASC 740 Income Taxes, we provide for uncertain tax positions, and the related interest, and adjust recognized tax benefits and accrued interest accordingly. A reconciliation of the beginning and ending amount of unrecognized tax benefits is as follows:
Balance as of December 31, 2018
$
3,207
Additions for tax positions related to current year
Additions for tax positions related to prior years
Reductions for tax positions related to prior years
-
Lapse of statute of limitations
(117
)
Settlements
-
Balance as of December 31, 2019
$
4,450
Additions for tax positions related to current year
Additions for tax positions related to prior years
Reductions for tax positions related to prior years
-
Lapse of statute of limitations
(1,013
)
Settlements
-
Balance as of December 31, 2020
$
4,966
Included in the balance of unrecognized benefits at December 31, 2020 is $4,966 of tax benefits that, if recognized in future periods, would impact our effective tax rate. During the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019, we recognized interest and penalties of $173 and $334, respectively, as a component of income tax expense in connection with our liabilities related to uncertain tax positions.
Within the next twelve months, we expect to decrease our unrecognized tax benefits by approximately $1,340 as a result of the expiration of statute of limitations.
We are subject to income taxes in the U.S. and nearly all states. In addition, the Company is subject to income taxes in Canada and the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico. We are no longer subject to U.S federal income tax examinations by tax authorities for years prior to 2017, or for any U.S. state income tax audit prior to 2014. With respect to Canada and Puerto Rico, we are no longer subject to income tax audits for years before 2017 and 2016, respectively.
(13) Related Party Transactions
Affiliates, as used within these statements, are persons or entities that are affiliated with Lamar Advertising Company or its subsidiaries through common ownership and directorate control.
RTC Holdings, LLC (“RTC”), a telecommunications company, is 100% owned by entities owned by members of the Reilly family. Entities owned by Sean E. Reilly, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company; Kevin P. Reilly, Jr., Executive Chairman of the Board of Directors; and members of their respective immediate families hold a majority stake in RTC of approximately 89%. The Reilly Family, LLC, which is owned by Sean E. Reilly, Kevin P. Reilly, Jr., members of our Board of Directors Anna Reilly and Wendell Reilly, and entities owned by each of them and members of their respective immediate families, holds the remaining minority stake in RTC of approximately 11%. On May 31, 2019, RTC acquired EATELCORP, LLC (“EATEL”) and its subsidiaries. EATEL provides phone and internet services to consumers and businesses in Louisiana. EATEL also provides
LAMAR ADVERTISING COMPANY
AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(Dollars in thousands, except share and per share data)
data back-up and recovery services to businesses. During the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019, the Company was a customer of EATEL for data back-up and recovery services. The aggregate amount paid by the Company to EATEL for such services was $311 and $302 for the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively. The Company was also contracted by EATEL to provide advertising services in the aggregate amount of $134 and $137 for the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively.
The Company had no receivables from employees or executive officers at December 31, 2020 and 2019.
(14) Stockholders’ Equity
On July 16, 1999, the Board of Directors designated 5,720 shares of the 1,000,000 shares of previously undesignated preferred stock, par value $.001, as Series AA preferred stock, which shares were subsequently exchanged on a one for one basis in the REIT conversion. The Series AA preferred stock ranks senior to the Class A common stock and Class B common stock with respect to dividends and upon liquidation. Holders of Series AA preferred stock are entitled to receive, on a pari passu basis, dividends at the rate of $15.95 per share per quarter when, as and if declared by the Board of Directors. The Series AA preferred stock is entitled to receive, on a pari passu basis, $638 plus a further amount equal to any dividend accrued and unpaid to the date of distribution before any payments are made or assets distributed to the Class A common stock or Class B stock upon voluntary or involuntary liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the Company. The liquidation value of the outstanding Series AA preferred stock at December 31, 2020 was $3,649. The Series AA preferred stock is entitled to one vote per share.
All of the outstanding shares of common stock are fully paid and nonassessable. In the event of the liquidation or dissolution of the Company, following any required distribution to the holders of outstanding shares of preferred stock, the holders of common stock are entitled to share pro rata in any balance of the corporate assets available for distribution to them. The Company may pay dividends if, when and as declared by the Board of Directors from funds legally available therefore, subject to the restrictions set forth in the Company’s existing indentures and the senior credit facility. Subject to the preferential rights of the holders of any class of preferred stock, holders of shares of common stock are entitled to receive such dividends as may be declared by the Company’s Board of Directors out of funds legally available for such purpose. No dividend may be declared or paid in cash or property on any share of either class of common stock unless simultaneously the same dividend is declared or paid on each share of the other class of common stock, provided that, in the event of stock dividends, holders of a specific class of common stock shall be entitled to receive only additional shares of such class.
The rights of the Class A and Class B common stock are equal in all respects, except holders of Class B common stock have ten votes per share on all matters in which the holders of common stock are entitled to vote and holders of Class A common stock have one vote per share on such matters. The Class B common stock will convert automatically into Class A common stock upon the sale or transfer to persons other than permitted transferees (as defined in the Company’s certificate of incorporation, as amended).
On May 1, 2018, the Company entered into an equity distribution agreement (the “Sales Agreement”) with J.P. Morgan Securities LLC, Wells Fargo Securities LLC, and SunTrust Robinson Humphrey, Inc. as its sales agents (each a “Sales Agent”, and collectively, the “Sales Agents”). Under the terms of the Sales Agreement, the Company may, from time to time, issue and sell shares of its Class A common stock, par value $0.001 per share (the “Class A Common Stock”), having an aggregate offering price of up to $400,000, through the Sales Agents as either agents or principals. As of December 31, 2020, 842,412 shares of our Class A Common Stock have been sold under the Sales Agreement and accordingly $336,668 remains available to be sold under the Sales Agreement.
Sales of the Class A Common Stock, if any, may be made in negotiated transactions or transactions that are deemed to be “at-the-market offerings” as defined in Rule 415 under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, including sales made directly on or through the Nasdaq Global Select Market and any other existing trading market for the Class A Common Stock, or sales made to or through a market maker other than on an exchange. The Company has no obligation to sell any of the Class A Common Stock under the Sales Agreement and may at any time suspend solicitations and offers under the Sales Agreement.
On August 6, 2018, the Company filed an automatically effective shelf registration statement that registered the offer and sale of an indeterminate amount of additional shares of our Class A common stock. During the year ended December 31, 2018, the Company issued 163,137 shares of its Class A common stock in connection with acquisitions occurring during the period. The Company filed a prospectus supplement to the shelf registration statement relating to the offer and resale of such shares of Class A common stock. There were no shares issued under this shelf registration during the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019.
On March 16, 2020, the Company’s Board of Directors authorized the repurchase of up to $250,000 of the Company’s Class A common stock. The repurchase program will expire on September 30, 2021 unless extended by the Board of Directors. There were no repurchases under the program as of December 31, 2020.
LAMAR ADVERTISING COMPANY
AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(Dollars in thousands, except share and per share data)
(15) Stock Compensation Plans
Equity Incentive Plan. Lamar’s 1996 Equity Incentive Plan, as amended, (the “1996 Plan”) has reserved 17.5 million shares of common stock for issuance to directors and employees, including options granted and common stock reserved for issuance under its performance-based incentive program. Options granted under the 1996 Plan expire ten years from the grant date with vesting terms ranging from three to five years which primarily includes 1) options that vest in one-fifth increments beginning on the grant date and continuing on each of the first four anniversaries of the grant date and 2) options that cliff-vest on the fifth anniversary of the grant date. All grants are made at fair market value based on the closing price of our Class A common stock as reported on the NASDAQ Global Select Market on the date of grant.
In February 2013, the 1996 Plan was amended to eliminate the provision that limited the amount of Class A common stock, including shares retained from an award, that could be withheld to satisfy tax withholding obligations to the minimum tax obligations required by law (except with respect to option awards). In accordance with ASC 718, Compensation - Stock Compensation, the Company is required to classify the awards affected by the amendment as liability-classified awards at fair value each period prior to their settlement. As of December 31, 2020 and 2019, the Company recorded a liability, in accrued expenses, of $11,589 and $23,297, respectively, related to its equity incentive awards affected by this amendment.
We use a Black-Scholes-Merton option pricing model to estimate the fair value of share-based awards. The Black-Scholes-Merton option pricing model incorporates various highly subjective assumptions, including expected term and expected volatility. We have reviewed our historical pattern of option exercises and have determined that meaningful differences in option exercise activity existed among vesting schedules. Therefore, for all stock options granted after January 1, 2006, we have categorized these awards into two groups of vesting 1) 5-year cliff vest and 2) 4-year graded vest, for valuation purposes. We have determined there were no meaningful differences in employee activity under our ESPP due to the nature of the plan.
We estimate the expected term of options granted using an implied life derived from the results of a hypothetical mid-point settlement scenario, which incorporates our historical exercise, expiration and post-vesting employment termination patterns, while accommodating for partial life cycle effects. We believe these estimates will approximate future behavior.
We estimate the expected volatility of our Class A common stock at the grant date using a blend of 90% historical volatility of our Class A common stock and 10% implied volatility of publicly traded options with maturities greater than six months on our Class A common stock as of the option grant date. Our decision to use a blend of historical and implied volatility was based upon the volume of actively traded options on our common stock and our belief that historical volatility alone may not be completely representative of future stock price trends.
Our risk-free interest rate assumption is determined using the Federal Reserve nominal rates for U.S. Treasury zero-coupon bonds with maturities similar to those of the expected term of the award being valued. We assumed an expected dividend yield of 5%.
We estimate option forfeitures at the time of grant and periodically revise those estimates in subsequent periods if actual forfeitures differ from those estimates. We record stock based compensation expense only for those awards expected to vest using an estimated forfeiture rate based on our historical forfeiture data.
The fair value of each option grant is estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model with the following weighted-average assumptions used:
Grant Year
Dividend
Yield
Expected
Volatility
Risk Free
Interest Rate
Expected
Lives
5%
45%
2%
5%
46%
2%
5%
46%
2%
LAMAR ADVERTISING COMPANY
AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(Dollars in thousands, except share and per share data)
Information regarding the 1996 Plan for the year ended December 31, 2020 is as follows:
Shares
Weighted
Average
Exercise
Price
Weighted
Average
Contractual
Life
Outstanding, beginning of year
608,375
$
57.97
Granted
63,500
71.91
Exercised
(61,949
)
50.66
Forfeited
-
-
Expired
(11,000
)
50.81
Outstanding, end of year
598,926
60.34
5.42
Exercisable at end of year
422,626
55.06
4.25
At December 31, 2020 there was $2,544 of unrecognized compensation cost related to stock options granted which is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 1.62 years.
Shares available for future stock option and restricted share grants to employees and directors under existing plans were 2,435,451 at December 31, 2020. The aggregate intrinsic value of options outstanding as of December 31, 2020 was $13,824, and the aggregate intrinsic value of options exercisable was $11,927. Total intrinsic value of options exercised was $1,644 for the year ended December 31, 2020.
Stock Purchase Plan. Lamar Advertising’s 2009 Employee Stock Purchase Plan (the “2009 ESPP”), approved by our shareholders on May 28, 2009, expired by its terms on June 30, 2019. On May 30, 2019, our shareholders approved Lamar Advertising’s 2019 Employee Stock Purchase Plan (the “2019 ESPP”). The 2019 ESPP became effective upon the expiration of the 2009 ESPP. The number of shares of Class A common stock available for issuance under the 2019 ESPP was automatically increased by 86,093 shares on January 1, 2020 pursuant to the automatic increase provisions of the 2019 ESPP.
The following is a summary of 2019 ESPP share activity for the year ended December 31, 2020:
Shares
Available for future purchases, January 1, 2020
438,434
Additional shares reserved under 2019 ESPP
86,093
Purchases
(154,756
)
Available for future purchases, December 31, 2020
369,771
Performance-based compensation. Unrestricted shares of our Class A common stock may be awarded to key officers and employees under our 1996 Plan based on certain Company performance measures for fiscal year 2020. The number of shares to be issued, if any, are dependent on the level of achievement of these performance measures as determined by the Company’s Compensation Committee based on our 2020 results and were issued in the first half of 2021. The shares subject to these awards generally can range from a minimum of 0% to a maximum of either 100% of the target number of shares or 150% of a target dollar amount depending on the level at which the goals are attained. Based on the Company’s performance measures achieved through December 31, 2020, the Company has accrued $10,484 as compensation expense related to these agreements.
(16) Benefit Plans
The Company sponsors a partially self-insured group health insurance program. The Company is obligated to pay all claims under the program, which are in excess of premiums, up to program limits. The Company is also self-insured with respect to its income disability benefits and against casualty losses on advertising structures. Amounts for expected losses, including a provision for losses incurred but not reported, is included in accrued expenses in the accompanying consolidated financial statements. As of December 31, 2020, the Company maintained $8,228 in letters of credit with a bank to meet requirements of the Company’s worker’s compensation and general liability insurance carrier.
LAMAR ADVERTISING COMPANY
AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(Dollars in thousands, except share and per share data)
Savings and Profit Sharing Plan
The Company sponsors The Lamar Corporation Savings and Profit Sharing Plan covering eligible employees who have completed one year of service and are at least 21 years of age. The Company has the option to match 50% of employees’ contributions up to 5% of eligible compensation. Employees can contribute up to 100% of compensation. Full vesting on the Company’s matched contributions occurs after three years for contributions made after January 1, 2002. Annually, at the Company’s discretion, an additional profit sharing contribution may be made on behalf of each eligible employee. The Company matched contributions of $5,714, $5,688 and $4,966 for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018, respectively.
Deferred Compensation Plan
The Company sponsors a Deferred Compensation Plan for the benefit of certain of its board-elected officers who meet specific age and years of service and other criteria. Officers that have attained the age of 30 and have a minimum of 10 years of service to the Company and satisfy additional eligibility guidelines are eligible for annual contributions to the plan generally ranging from $3 to $8, depending on the employee’s length of service. The Company’s contributions to the plan are maintained in a rabbi trust and, accordingly, the assets and liabilities of the plan are reflected in the balance sheet of the Company in other assets and other liabilities. Upon termination, death or disability, participating employees are eligible to receive an amount equal to the fair market value of the assets in the employee’s deferred compensation account. For the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018, the Company contributed $1,616, $1,675 and $1,585, respectively.
On December 8, 2005, the Company’s Board of Directors approved an amendment to the Lamar Deferred Compensation Plan in order to (1) to comply with the requirements of Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code (“Section 409A”) applicable to deferred compensation and (2) to reflect changes in the administration of the plan. The Company’s Board of Directors also approved the adoption of a grantor trust pursuant to which amounts may be set aside, but remain subject to claims of the Company’s creditors, for payments of liabilities under the new plan, including amounts contributed under the old plan. The plan was further amended in August 2007 to make certain amendments to reflect Section 409A regulations issued on April 10, 2007. An additional clarifying amendment was made to the plan in December 2013.
(17) Commitment and Contingencies
Off balance sheet arrangements
Our off-balance sheet commitments consist of guaranteed minimum payments to local transit municipalities and airport authorities for agreements which entitle us to rent advertising space to customers, in airports and on buses, benches or shelters. These agreements no longer meet the criteria of a lease under ASC 842, Leases, adopted on January 1, 2019 and are a result from our normal course of business. The following is a summary of the minimum payments related to these agreements.
$
30,775
$
26,640
$
19,357
$
16,247
$
12,679
Thereafter
$
4,515
Legal matters
The Company is involved in various claims and legal actions arising in the ordinary course of business. In the opinion of management, the ultimate disposition of these matters will not have a material adverse effect on the Company’s consolidated financial position, results of operations, or liquidity.
(18) Distribution Restrictions
Lamar Media’s ability to make distributions to Lamar Advertising is restricted under both the terms of the indentures relating to Lamar Media’s outstanding notes and by the terms of its senior credit facility. As of December 31, 2020 and 2019, Lamar Media was
LAMAR ADVERTISING COMPANY
AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(Dollars in thousands, except share and per share data)
permitted under the terms of its outstanding senior subordinated and senior notes to make transfers to Lamar Advertising in the form of cash dividends, loans or advances in amounts up to $3,625,712 and $3,389,763, respectively.
As of December 31, 2020, Lamar Media’s senior credit facility allows it to make transfers to Lamar Advertising in any taxable year up to the amount of Lamar Advertising’s taxable income (without any deduction for dividends paid). In addition, as of December 31, 2020, transfers to Lamar Advertising are permitted under Lamar Media’s senior credit facility and as defined therein up to the available cumulative credit, as long as no default has occurred and is continuing and, after giving effect to such distributions, (i) the total debt ratio is less than 7.0 to 1 and (ii) the secured debt ratio does not exceed 4.5 to 1. As of December 31, 2020, the total debt ratio was less than 7.0 to 1 and Lamar Media’s secured debt ratio was less than 4.5 to 1, and the available cumulative credit was $2,376,192.
(19) Fair Value of Financial Instruments
At December 31, 2020 and 2019, the Company’s financial instruments included cash and cash equivalents, marketable securities, accounts receivable, investments, accounts payable and borrowings. The fair values of cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, accounts payable and short-term borrowings and current portion of long-term debt approximated carrying values because of the short-term nature of these instruments. Investments and initial recognition of asset retirement obligations are reported at fair values. Fair values for investments held at cost are not readily available, but are estimated to approximate fair value. The estimated fair value of the Company’s long term debt (including current maturities) was $2,979,266, which is greater than both the gross and carrying amount of $2,926,633 as of December 31, 2020. The majority of the fair value is determined using observed prices of publicly traded debt (level 1 in the fair value hierarchy) and the remaining is valued based on quoted prices for similar debt (level 2 in the fair value hierarchy).
(20) Information about Geographic Areas
Revenues from external customers attributable to foreign countries totaled $22,819, $34,517 and $35,146 for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018, respectively. Net carrying value of long lived assets located in foreign countries totaled $8,727 and $4,549 as of December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively. All other revenues from external customers and long lived assets relate to domestic operations.
(21) New Accounting Pronouncements
In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-13, Financial Instruments - Credit Losses (Topic 326) - Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments, and additional changes modifications, clarifications, or interpretations related to this guidance thereafter, which require a reporting entity to estimate credit losses on certain types of financial instruments, and present assets held at amortized cost and available-for-sale debt securities at the amount expected to be collected. The new guidance is effective for annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2019. The Company adopted this guidance on January 1, 2020 and the impact of the adoption was not material to the Company’s consolidated financial statements. As of December 31, 2020, our allowance for credit losses considered the current and future impacts caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, based on available information to date. The Company will continue to actively monitor the impact of COVID-19 on expected credit losses.
(22) Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited)
The tables below represent the balances for the selected quarterly financial data of the Company for each reporting period in the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019.
Year 2020 Quarters
March 31
June 30
September 30
December 31
Net revenues
$
406,569
$
347,652
$
386,110
$
428,525
Net revenues less direct advertising expenses
$
257,075
$
213,593
$
249,801
$
290,726
Net income applicable to common stock
$
40,402
$
31,338
$
62,667
$
108,614
Net income per common share basic
$
0.40
$
0.31
$
0.62
$
1.08
Net income per common share diluted
$
0.40
$
0.31
$
0.62
$
1.08
LAMAR ADVERTISING COMPANY
AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(Dollars in thousands, except share and per share data)
Year 2019 Quarters
March 31
June 30
September 30
December 31
Net revenues
$
384,457
$
448,742
$
457,786
$
462,659
Net revenues less direct advertising expenses
$
243,987
$
302,352
$
308,940
$
308,287
Net income applicable to common stock
$
51,162
$
118,305
$
99,618
$
102,661
Net income per common share basic
$
0.51
$
1.18
$
0.99
$
1.02
Net income per common share diluted
$
0.51
$
1.18
$
0.99
$
1.02
(23) Divestiture of Assets
On April 16, 2018 the Company sold its assets in Puerto Rico for $3,000 in cash and non-cash consideration consisting of a note receivable for $9,250 due April 2024. The Company recorded a loss on the sale of $7,809 for the year ended December 31, 2018. There were no significant divestitures of assets for the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019.
(24) Subsequent Events
On January 22, 2021, Lamar Media issued, through an institutional private placement, $550,000 in aggregate principal amount of 3 5/8% Senior Notes due 2031 (the “3 5/8% Senior Notes”). The issuance of the 3 5/8% Senior Notes resulted in net proceeds to Lamar Media of approximately $542,500. Lamar Media used the proceeds of this offering, together with cash on hand and borrowings under its senior secured revolving credit facility and Accounts Receivable Securitization Program, to redeem all of its outstanding $650,000 aggregate principal amount 5 3/4% Senior Notes due 2026 on February 3, 2021.
SCHEDULE II
LAMAR ADVERTISING COMPANY
AND SUBSIDIARIES
Valuation and Qualifying Accounts
Years Ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018
(In thousands)
Balance at
Beginning
of Period
Charged to
Costs and
Expenses
Deductions
Balance at
End of
Period
Year ended December 31, 2020
Deducted in balance sheet from trade accounts receivable:
Allowance for doubtful accounts
$
13,185
12,729
10,968
$
14,946
Deducted in balance sheet from deferred tax assets:
Valuation allowance
$
22,902
-
1,905
$
20,997
Year ended December 31, 2019
Deducted in balance sheet from trade accounts receivable:
Allowance for doubtful accounts
$
11,161
11,608
9,584
$
13,185
Deducted in balance sheet from deferred tax assets:
Valuation allowance
$
23,934
-
1,032
$
22,902
Year ended December 31, 2018
Deducted in balance sheet from trade accounts receivable:
Allowance for doubtful accounts
$
10,055
8,472
7,366
$
11,161
Deducted in balance sheet from deferred tax assets:
Valuation allowance
$
20,120
3,814
-
$
23,934
SCHEDULE III
LAMAR ADVERTISING COMPANY
AND SUBSIDIARIES
Schedule of Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation
December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018
(In thousands)
Description(1)
Encumbrances
Initial Cost(2)
Gross Carrying
Amount(3)
Accumulated
Depreciation
Construction
Date
Acquisition
Date
Useful Lives
354,571 Displays
-
-
$
3,293,778
$
(2,192,700
)
Various
Various
5 to 20 years
(1)
No single asset exceeded 5% of the total gross carrying amount at December 31, 2020
(2)
This information is omitted, as it would be impracticable to compile such information on a site-by-site basis
(3)
Includes sites under construction
The following table summarizes activity for the Company’s real estate assets, which consists of advertising displays and the related accumulated depreciation.
December 31,
December 31,
December 31,
Gross real estate assets:
Balance at the beginning of the year
$
3,333,590
$
3,201,434
$
3,074,046
Capital expenditures on new advertising displays(4)
21,598
59,604
54,151
Capital expenditures on improvements/redevelopments of existing advertising displays
13,021
25,025
12,781
Capital expenditures other recurring
12,631
36,354
34,758
Land acquisitions(6)
8,980
22,965
15,368
Acquisition of advertising displays(5) (6)
4,446
23,589
82,617
Assets sold or written-off
(100,906
)
(35,320
)
(70,494
)
Foreign exchange
(61
)
(1,793
)
Balance at the end of the year
$
3,293,778
$
3,333,590
$
3,201,434
Accumulated depreciation:
Balance at the beginning of the year
$
2,166,579
$
2,082,335
$
2,025,251
Depreciation
111,049
111,531
106,700
Assets sold or written-off
(85,267
)
(27,890
)
(48,488
)
Foreign exchange
(1,128
)
Balance at the end of the year
$
2,192,700
$
2,166,579
$
2,082,335
(4)
Includes non-cash amounts of $621, $554 and $446 at December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018, respectively
(5)
Includes non-cash amounts $1,928 and $7,199 at December 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively
(6)
Includes preliminary allocation of assets acquired from Fairway at December 31, 2018
LAMAR MEDIA CORP.
AND SUBSIDIARIES
Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm - Opinion on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm - Opinion on the Consolidated Financial Statements
Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2020 and 2019
Consolidated Statements of Income and Comprehensive Income for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018
Consolidated Statements of Stockholder’s Equity for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
95-106
Schedule II - Valuation and Qualifying Accounts for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018
Schedule III - Schedule of Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation as of December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018
Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
The management of Lamar Media Corp. is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting, as such term is defined in Rule 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) under the Exchange Act.
Lamar Media Corp.’s management assessed the effectiveness of Lamar Media Corp.’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2020. In making this assessment, management used the criteria set forth by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO) in Internal Control-Integrated Framework (2013). Based on this assessment, Lamar Media Corp.’s management has concluded that, as of December 31, 2020, Lamar Media Corp.’s internal control over financial reporting is effective based on those criteria. The effectiveness of Lamar Media Corp.’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2020 has been audited by KPMG LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, as stated in their report, which is included in Item 8 to this Annual Report.
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
To the Stockholder and Board of Directors
Lamar Media Corp.:
Opinion on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
We have audited Lamar Media Corp. and subsidiaries' (the Company) internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2020, based on criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. In our opinion, the Company maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2020, based on criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission.
We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB), the consolidated balance sheets of the Company as of December 31, 2020 and 2019, the related consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income, stockholder’s equity, and cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2020, and the related notes and financial statement schedules II to III (collectively, the consolidated financial statements), and our report dated February 26, 2021 expressed an unqualified opinion on those consolidated financial statements.
Basis for Opinion
The Company’s management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, included in the accompanying Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audit. We are a public accounting firm registered with the PCAOB and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.
We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audit of internal control over financial reporting included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, and testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk. Our audit also included performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.
Definition and Limitations of Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.
Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.
/s/ KPMG LLP
KPMG LLP
Baton Rouge, Louisiana
February 26, 2021
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
To the Stockholder and Board of Directors
Lamar Media Corp.:
Opinion on the Consolidated Financial Statements
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Lamar Media Corp. and subsidiaries (the Company) as of December 31, 2020 and 2019, the related consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income, stockholder’s equity, and cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2020, and the related notes and financial statement schedules II to III (collectively, the consolidated financial statements). In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company as of December 31, 2020 and 2019, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2020, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.
We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB), the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2020, based on criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission, and our report dated February 26, 2021 expressed an unqualified opinion on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.
Change in Accounting Principle
As discussed in Note 1 to the consolidated financial statements, which refers to Note 7 to the consolidated financial statements of Lamar Advertising Company, the Company has elected to change its method of accounting for leases as of January 1, 2019, due to the adoption of Accounting Standards Codification Topic 842, Leases (ASC 842).
Basis for Opinion
These consolidated financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these consolidated financial statements based on our audit. We are a public accounting firm registered with the PCAOB and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.
We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the consolidated financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. Our audit included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the consolidated financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the consolidated financial statements. Our audit also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the consolidated financial statements. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.
Critical Audit Matter
The critical audit matter communicated below is a matter arising from the current period audit of the consolidated financial statements that was communicated or required to be communicated to the audit committee and that: (1) relates to accounts or disclosures that are material to the consolidated financial statements and (2) involved our especially challenging, subjective, or complex judgments. The communication of a critical audit matter does not alter in any way our opinion on the consolidated financial statements, taken as a whole, and we are not, by communicating the critical audit matter below, providing a separate opinion on the critical audit matter or on the accounts or disclosures to which it relates.
Assessment of the accounting lease term for the portfolio of billboard land leases
As discussed in Note 1 to the consolidated financial statements, which refers to Note 7 to the consolidated financial statements of Lamar Advertising Company, a lessee determines the lease term at the commencement date by identifying the non-cancellable period of the lease and then adding any periods for which it is reasonably certain to exercise a renewal option (or not to exercise a termination option). The Company has over 69,000 billboard land leases for which they determined the lease term using a portfolio approach, in accordance with which the negotiated stated initial lease term for each was concluded to be the lease term under ASC 842.
We identified the assessment of the lease term for the portfolio of billboard land leases, which affects the discount rate for the lease as well as the measurement of the lease liability and right of use asset, as a critical audit matter. In the Company’s billboard land leases, the Company typically has both unilateral renewal and termination options. Determining the lease term involved a high degree of subjectivity as to whether the lease term should or should not include renewal period(s) (including periods after an optional termination date), the evaluation of which required subjective auditor judgment.
The following are the primary procedures we performed to address this critical audit matter. We evaluated the design and tested the operating effectiveness of certain internal controls over the Company’s billboard land lease process, including controls over the qualifications and experience of individuals negotiating the stated initial lease term, reconciliation of inputs into the system, approval of lease contracts, and annual evaluation of the renewals and terminations exercised by the Company during the year. We evaluated the competence, capabilities, and objectivity of the Company’s real estate team that negotiates the lease terms and conditions, and whether the team considers economic factors that are consistent with those enumerated in ASC 842 when negotiating the stated initial lease term and associated renewal and termination options. We inspected the Company’s assessment and conclusion about using the portfolio approach for its billboard land leases. We tested a sample of the Company’s billboard land lease population and obtained underlying documentation to evaluate whether the leases entered into are similar in terms of the lease agreement creation process, purpose for the lease (i.e. to host a Company billboard), and lease term considerations. We assessed the impact of billboard land leases with early terminations and renewals beyond the stated initial term to evaluate the Company’s assertion that use of the stated initial lease term as the lease term for its billboard land leases on a portfolio basis was appropriate.
/s/ KPMG LLP
KPMG LLP
We have served as the Company’s auditor since 1992.
Baton Rouge, Louisiana
February 26, 2021
LAMAR MEDIA CORP.
AND SUBSIDIARIES
Consolidated Balance Sheets
December 31, 2020 and 2019
(In thousands, except share and per share data)
ASSETS
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents
$
121,069
$
25,688
Receivables, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $14,946 and $13,185 as of
2020 and 2019, respectively
240,854
254,930
Other current assets
18,147
29,051
Total current assets
380,070
309,669
Property, plant and equipment
3,615,505
3,660,311
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization
(2,333,656
)
(2,311,196
)
Net property, plant and equipment
1,281,849
1,349,115
Operating lease right of use assets
1,222,013
1,320,779
Financing lease right of use assets
19,670
-
Goodwill (note 3)
1,902,177
1,902,123
Intangible assets, net (note 3)
913,978
991,776
Other assets
54,950
50,959
Total assets
$
5,774,707
$
5,924,421
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDER’S EQUITY
Current liabilities:
Trade accounts payable
$
12,017
$
14,974
Current maturities of long-term debt, net of deferred financing costs of $445 and
$6,081 in 2020 and 2019, respectively (note 5)
122,434
226,514
Current operating lease liabilities
195,439
196,841
Current financing lease liabilities
1,331
-
Accrued expenses (note 4)
98,478
101,266
Deferred income
111,363
127,254
Total current liabilities
541,062
666,849
Long-term debt, net of deferred financing costs of $39,672 and $18,333 in 2020 and
2019, respectively (note 5)
2,764,082
2,753,604
Operating lease liabilities
993,776
1,068,181
Financing lease liabilities
18,608
-
Deferred income tax liabilities
4,854
5,713
Asset retirement obligation
222,876
226,137
Other liabilities
36,605
34,406
Total liabilities
4,581,863
4,754,890
Stockholder’s equity:
Common stock, $.01 par value, authorized 3,000 shares; 100 shares issued and
outstanding at 2020 and 2019
-
-
Additional paid-in-capital
3,034,357
2,992,729
Accumulated comprehensive income
Accumulated deficit
(1,842,447
)
(1,823,883
)
Stockholder’s equity
1,192,844
1,169,531
Total liabilities and stockholder’s equity
$
5,774,707
$
5,924,421
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
LAMAR MEDIA CORP.
AND SUBSIDIARIES
Consolidated Statements of Income and Comprehensive Income
Years Ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018
(In thousands)
Statements of Income
Net revenues
$
1,568,856
$
1,753,644
$
1,627,222
Operating expenses (income):
Direct advertising expenses (exclusive of depreciation and amortization)
557,661
590,078
561,848
General and administrative expenses (exclusive of depreciation and
amortization)
287,874
318,380
289,428
Corporate expenses (exclusive of depreciation and amortization)
70,457
84,229
82,497
Depreciation and amortization
251,296
250,028
225,261
(Gain) loss on disposition of assets
(9,026
)
(7,241
)
7,233
1,158,262
1,235,474
1,166,267
Operating income
410,594
518,170
460,955
Other expense (income):
Loss on extinguishment of debt
25,235
-
15,429
Interest income
(797
)
(764
)
(534
)
Interest expense
137,623
150,616
129,732
162,061
149,852
144,627
Income before income tax expense
248,533
368,318
316,328
Income tax (benefit) expense
4,660
(4,222
)
10,697
Net income
$
243,873
$
372,540
$
305,631
Statements of Comprehensive Income
Net income
$
243,873
$
372,540
$
305,631
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax
Foreign currency translation adjustments
(1,290
)
Comprehensive income
$
244,122
$
373,213
$
304,341
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
LAMAR MEDIA CORP.
AND SUBSIDIARIES
Consolidated Statements of Stockholder’s Equity
Years Ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018
(In thousands, except share and per share data)
Common
Stock
Additional
Paid-In
Capital
Accumulated
Comprehensive
Income
(Loss)
Accumulated
Deficit
Total
Balance, December 31, 2017
$
-
2,832,940
1,302
(1,743,144
)
1,091,098
Contribution from parent
-
89,967
-
-
89,967
Foreign currency translations
-
-
(1,290
)
-
(1,290
)
Net income
-
-
-
305,631
305,631
Dividend to parent
-
-
-
(365,210
)
(365,210
)
Balance, December 31, 2018
$
-
2,922,907
(1,802,723
)
1,120,196
Contribution from parent
-
69,822
-
-
69,822
Foreign currency translations
-
-
-
Net income
-
-
-
372,540
372,540
Dividend to parent
-
-
-
(393,700
)
(393,700
)
Balance, December 31, 2019
$
-
2,992,729
(1,823,883
)
1,169,531
Contribution from parent
-
41,628
-
-
41,628
Foreign currency translations
-
-
-
Net income
-
-
-
243,873
243,873
Dividend to parent
-
-
-
(262,437
)
(262,437
)
Balance, December 31, 2020
$
-
3,034,357
(1,842,447
)
1,192,844
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
LAMAR MEDIA CORP.
AND SUBSIDIARIES
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
Years Ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018
(In thousands)
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income
$
243,873
$
372,540
$
305,631
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating
activities:
Depreciation and amortization
251,296
250,028
225,261
Non-cash compensation
18,772
29,647
29,443
Amortization included in interest expense
5,909
5,365
4,920
(Gain) loss on disposition of assets and investments
(9,026
)
(7,241
)
7,233
Loss on extinguishment of debt
25,235
-
15,429
Deferred income tax (benefit) expense
(797
)
(14,130
)
1,538
Provision for doubtful accounts
12,729
10,608
7,985
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
(Increase) decrease in:
Receivables
1,287
(28,357
)
(33,292
)
Prepaid expenses
(5,433
)
Other assets
7,629
(11,257
)
3,270
Increase (decrease) in:
Trade accounts payable
1,366
Accrued expenses
10,052
(1,597
)
(6,292
)
Operating lease liabilities
24,549
9,102
-
Other liabilities
(53,911
)
(10,743
)
(19,974
)
Cash flows provided by operating activities
539,029
604,940
537,085
Cash flows from investing activities:
Capital expenditures
(62,272
)
(140,956
)
(117,638
)
Acquisitions
(45,584
)
(226,278
)
(477,389
)
(Increase) decrease in notes receivable
-
(448
)
Proceeds received from property insurance claims
-
4,222
Proceeds from disposition of assets and investments
10,968
5,438
6,648
Cash flows used in investing activities
(96,888
)
(362,034
)
(584,148
)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Proceeds received from revolving credit facility
725,000
495,000
563,000
Payments on revolving credit facility
(875,000
)
(625,000
)
(481,000
)
Principal payments on long term debt
(9,112
)
(34,471
)
(27,328
)
Borrowings on long term debt
8,750
-
-
Proceeds received from senior credit facility term loans
598,500
-
599,250
Proceeds received from accounts receivable securitization program
122,500
9,000
175,000
Payments on accounts receivable securitization program
(175,000
)
(9,000
)
-
Debt issuance costs
(32,950
)
(4,463
)
(7,616
)
Proceeds received from note offering
1,549,250
255,000
-
Redemption of senior notes and senior subordinated notes
(1,058,596
)
-
(509,790
)
Payment on senior credit facility term loans
(978,097
)
-
-
Distributions to non-controlling interest
(1,509
)
(621
)
(541
)
Dividends to parent
(262,437
)
(393,700
)
(446,744
)
Contributions from parent
41,628
69,822
89,967
Cash flows used in financing activities
(347,073
)
(238,433
)
(45,802
)
Effect of exchange rate changes in cash and cash equivalents
(1,112
)
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
95,381
4,694
(93,977
)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period
25,688
20,994
114,971
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
$
121,069
$
25,688
$
20,994
Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information:
Cash paid for interest
$
130,864
$
139,585
$
136,711
Cash paid for state and federal income taxes
$
4,033
$
14,449
$
8,563
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
LAMAR MEDIA CORP.
AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(Dollars in thousands, except share and per share data)
(1) Description of the Business and Significant Accounting Policies
(a) Nature of Business
Lamar Media Corp. (“Lamar Media”) is a wholly owned subsidiary of Lamar Advertising Company. Lamar Media is engaged in the outdoor advertising business operating approximately 153,200 outdoor advertising displays in 45 states and Canada. Lamar Media’s operating strategy is to be the leading provider of outdoor advertising services in the markets it serves.
In addition, Lamar Media operates a logo sign business in 23 states throughout the United States as well as the province of Ontario, Canada. Logo signs are erected pursuant to state-awarded service contracts on public rights-of-way near highway exits and deliver brand name information on available gas, food, lodging and camping services. Included in the Company’s logo sign business are tourism signing contracts. The Company provides transit advertising in airport terminals, on bus shelters, benches and buses in the markets it serves.
The unprecedented COVID-19 pandemic and the related government-imposed restrictions and social distancing measures have had an adverse effect on the demand for out-of-home advertising. As a result, demand for billboard, transit and airport advertising has declined, which has negatively affected Lamar Media’s revenues and financial position for the year ended December 31, 2020. We have implemented measures to mitigate the impact on Lamar Media’s financial position, which include: maintaining substantial liquidity and strengthening our debt maturity schedule, reducing our consolidated operating costs (exclusive of depreciation and amortization and gain on disposition of assets), limiting spending on capital projects, minimizing acquisition activity, and utilizing portions of the CARES Act for deferral of employer portions of social security taxes through the end of 2020. Management continues to monitor the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on our business and the ultimate extent of impact on our financial position and results of operations cannot currently be predicted.
Certain footnotes are not provided for the accompanying financial statements as the information in notes 2, 3, 5, 7, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 23 and 24 and portions of note 1 to the consolidated financial statements of Lamar Advertising Company included elsewhere in this filing are substantially equivalent to that required for the consolidated financial statements of Lamar Media Corp. Earnings per share data is not provided for the operating results of Lamar Media Corp. as it is a wholly owned subsidiary of Lamar Advertising Company.
(b) Principles of Consolidation
The accompanying consolidated financial statements include Lamar Media, its wholly owned subsidiaries, The Lamar Company, L.L.C., Lamar Central Outdoor, LLC, Lamar TRS Holdings, LLC, Lamar Advertising Southwest, Inc., Interstate Logos, L.L.C., Lamar Obie Company, LLC, Lamar Canadian Outdoor Company, Lamar Advertising of Puerto Rico, Inc., Lamar QRS Receivables, LLC, Fairway Media Group, LCC, Ashby Street Outdoor Holdings, LLC and their majority-owned subsidiaries. All inter-company transactions and balances have been eliminated in consolidation.
(2) Non-cash Financing Activities
During the year ended December 31, 2020, the Company had non-cash financing activities related to financing lease liabilities of $19,891. There were no significant non-cash financing activities during the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018.
LAMAR MEDIA CORP.
AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(Dollars in thousands, except share and per share data)
(3) Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets
The following is a summary of intangible assets at December 31, 2020 and 2019:
Estimated
Life
(Years)
Gross Carrying
Amount
Accumulated
Amortization
Gross Carrying
Amount
Accumulated
Amortization
Amortizable Intangible Assets:
Customer lists and contracts
7-10
$
645,739
$
563,135
$
641,714
$
539,405
Non-competition agreement
3-15
66,156
64,647
66,014
64,379
Site locations
2,412,745
1,593,805
2,384,520
1,509,335
Other
2-15
49,472
38,547
49,318
36,671
$
3,174,112
$
2,260,134
$
3,141,566
$
2,149,790
Unamortizable Intangible Assets:
Goodwill
$
2,154,844
$
252,667
$
2,154,790
$
252,667
The changes in the gross carrying amount of goodwill for the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019 are as follows:
Balance as of December 31, 2018
$
2,161,902
Goodwill acquired during the year
29,360
Purchase price adjustments and other
(36,472
)
Impairment losses
-
Balance as of December 31, 2019
2,154,790
Goodwill acquired during the year
-
Purchase price adjustments and other
Impairment losses
-
Balance as of December 31, 2020
$
2,154,844
(4) Accrued Expenses
The following is a summary of accrued expenses at December 31, 2020 and 2019:
Payroll
$
17,034
$
20,223
Interest
33,583
32,734
Accrued variable lease and contract expense
19,274
12,559
Stock-based compensation
11,589
23,297
Other
16,998
12,453
$
98,478
$
101,266
LAMAR MEDIA CORP.
AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(Dollars in thousands, except share and per share data)
(5) Long-term Debt
Long-term debt consists of the following at December 31, 2020 and 2019:
December 31, 2020
Debt
Deferred
financing costs
Debt, net of
deferred
financing costs
Senior Credit Facility
$
598,466
$
11,569
$
586,897
Accounts Receivable Securitization Program
122,500
122,055
3 3/4% Senior Notes
600,000
8,031
591,969
4% Senior Notes
549,280
7,911
541,369
4 7/8% Senior Notes
400,000
5,586
394,414
5 3/4% Senior Notes
653,631
6,575
647,056
Other notes with various rates and terms
2,756
-
2,756
2,926,633
40,117
2,886,516
Less current maturities
(122,879
)
(445
)
(122,434
)
Long-term debt, excluding current maturities
$
2,803,754
$
39,672
$
2,764,082
December 31, 2019
Debt
Deferred
financing costs
Debt, net of
deferred
financing costs
Senior Credit Facility
$
1,127,069
$
9,077
$
1,117,992
Accounts Receivable Securitization Program
175,000
174,154
5% Senior Subordinated Notes
535,000
3,237
531,763
5 3/8% Senior Notes
510,000
3,502
506,498
5 3/4% Senior Notes
654,345
7,752
646,593
Other notes with various rates and terms
3,118
-
3,118
3,004,532
24,414
2,980,118
Less current maturities
(232,595
)
(6,081
)
(226,514
)
Long-term debt, excluding current maturities
$
2,771,937
$
18,333
$
2,753,604
Long-term debt contractual maturities are as follows:
Debt
Deferred
financing costs
Debt, net of
deferred
financing costs
$
122,879
$
$
122,434
$
$
-
$
$
$
-
$
$
$
-
$
$
$
4,464
$
(4,044
)
Later years
$
2,802,191
$
35,208
$
2,766,983
LAMAR MEDIA CORP.
AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(Dollars in thousands, except share and per share data)
(6) Related Party Transactions
Affiliates, as used within these statements, are persons or entities that are affiliated with Lamar Media Corp. or its subsidiaries through common ownership and directorate control.
As of December 31, 2020 and 2019, there was a payable to Lamar Advertising Company, its parent, in the amount of $3,928 and $4,779, respectively.
Effective December 31, 2020 and 2019, Lamar Advertising Company contributed $41,628 and $69,822, respectively, to Lamar Media which resulted in an increase in Lamar Media’s additional paid-in capital.
(7) Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited)
The tables below represent the balances for the selected quarterly financial data of the Company for each reporting period in the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019.
Year 2020 Quarters
March 31
June 30
September 30
December 31
Net revenues
$
406,569
$
347,652
$
386,110
$
428,525
Net revenues less direct advertising expenses
$
257,075
$
213,593
$
249,801
$
290,726
Net income
$
40,617
$
31,534
$
62,895
$
108,827
Year 2019 Quarters
March 31
June 30
September 30
December 31
Net revenues
$
384,457
$
448,742
$
457,786
$
462,659
Net revenues less direct advertising expenses
$
243,987
$
302,352
$
308,940
$
308,287
Net income
$
51,362
$
118,485
$
99,832
$
102,861
LAMAR MEDIA CORP.
AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(Dollars in thousands, except share and per share data)
(8) Summarized Financial Information of Subsidiaries
Separate condensed consolidating financial information for Lamar Media, subsidiary guarantors and non-guarantor subsidiaries are presented below. Lamar Media and its subsidiary guarantors have fully and unconditionally guaranteed Lamar Media’s obligations with respect to its publicly issued notes. All guarantees are joint and several. As a result of these guarantee arrangements, we are required to present the following condensed consolidating financial information. The following condensed consolidating financial information should be read in conjunction with the accompanying consolidated financial statements and notes. The condensed consolidating financial information is provided as an alternative to providing separate financial statements for guarantor subsidiaries. Separate financial statements of Lamar Media’s subsidiary guarantors are not included because the guarantees are full and unconditional and the subsidiary guarantors are 100% owned and jointly and severally liable for Lamar Media’s outstanding publicly issued notes. The accounts for all companies reflected herein are presented using the equity method of accounting for investments in subsidiaries.
Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheet as of December 31, 2020
Lamar Media Corp.
Guarantor Subsidiaries
Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries
Eliminations
Lamar Media Consolidated
ASSETS
Total current assets
$
110,678
$
19,471
$
249,921
$
-
$
380,070
Net property, plant and equipment
-
1,268,765
13,084
-
1,281,849
Operating lease right of use assets
-
1,200,115
21,898
-
1,222,013
Intangibles and goodwill, net
-
2,798,343
17,812
-
2,816,155
Other assets
3,912,122
258,433
132,448
(4,228,383
)
74,620
Total assets
$
4,022,800
$
5,545,127
$
435,163
$
(4,228,383
)
$
5,774,707
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDER'S EQUITY
Current liabilities:
Current maturities of long-term debt
$
-
$
$
122,055
$
-
$
122,434
Current operating lease liabilties
-
188,712
6,727
-
195,439
Other current liabilities
33,583
170,320
19,286
-
223,189
Total current liabilities
33,583
359,411
148,068
-
541,062
Long-term debt
2,761,705
2,377
-
-
2,764,082
Operating lease liabilities
-
979,785
13,991
-
993,776
Other noncurrent liabilities
34,668
245,891
266,968
(264,584
)
282,943
Total liabilities
2,829,956
1,587,464
429,027
(264,584
)
4,581,863
Stockholders’ equity
1,192,844
3,957,663
6,136
(3,963,799
)
1,192,844
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity
$
4,022,800
$
5,545,127
$
435,163
$
(4,228,383
)
$
5,774,707
LAMAR MEDIA CORP.
AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(Dollars in thousands, except share and per share data)
Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheet as of December 31, 2019
Lamar Media Corp.
Guarantor Subsidiaries
Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries
Eliminations
Lamar Media Consolidated
ASSETS
Total current assets
$
13,859
$
53,756
$
242,054
$
-
$
309,669
Net property, plant and equipment
-
1,340,675
8,440
-
1,349,115
Operating lease right of use assets
-
1,293,674
27,105
-
1,320,779
Intangibles and goodwill, net
-
2,875,644
18,255
-
2,893,899
Other assets
4,193,629
229,905
184,805
(4,557,380
)
50,959
Total assets
$
4,207,488
$
5,793,654
$
480,659
$
(4,557,380
)
$
5,924,421
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDER'S EQUITY
Current liabilities:
Current maturities of long-term debt
$
51,480
$
$
175,000
$
-
$
226,514
Current operating lease liabilities
-
189,071
7,770
-
196,841
Other current liabilities
26,960
196,689
19,845
-
243,494
Total current liabilities
78,440
385,794
202,615
-
666,849
Long-term debt
2,753,570
-
-
2,753,604
Operating lease liabilities
-
1,049,220
18,961
-
1,068,181
Other noncurrent liabilities
205,947
231,416
250,859
(421,966
)
266,256
Total liabilities
3,037,957
1,666,464
472,435
(421,966
)
4,754,890
Stockholders’ equity
1,169,531
4,127,190
8,224
(4,135,414
)
1,169,531
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity
$
4,207,488
$
5,793,654
$
480,659
$
(4,557,380
)
$
5,924,421
LAMAR MEDIA CORP.
AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(Dollars in thousands, except share and per share data)
Condensed Consolidating Statements of Income and Comprehensive Income for the Year Ended December 31, 2020
Lamar Media Corp.
Guarantor Subsidiaries
Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries
Eliminations
Lamar Media Consolidated
Statement of Income
Net revenues
$
-
$
1,536,534
$
33,965
$
(1,643
)
$
1,568,856
Operating expenses
Direct advertising expenses (1)
-
533,803
25,501
(1,643
)
557,661
General and administrative expenses (1)
-
281,293
6,581
-
287,874
Corporate expenses (1)
-
69,478
-
70,457
Depreciation and amortization
-
249,299
1,997
-
251,296
(Gain) loss on disposition of assets
-
(9,036
)
-
(9,026
)
-
1,124,837
35,068
(1,643
)
1,158,262
Operating income
-
411,697
(1,103
)
-
410,594
Loss on debt extinguishment
25,235
-
-
-
25,235
Equity in (earnings) loss of subsidiaries
(404,332
)
-
-
404,332
-
Interest expense (income), net
135,224
(175
)
1,777
-
136,826
Income (loss) before income tax expense
243,873
411,872
(2,880
)
(404,332
)
248,533
Income tax expense (benefit)(2)
-
5,203
(543
)
-
4,660
Net income (loss)
$
243,873
$
406,669
$
(2,337
)
$
(404,332
)
$
243,873
Statement of Comprehensive Income
Net income (loss)
$
243,873
$
406,669
$
(2,337
)
$
(404,332
)
$
243,873
Total other comprehensive income, net of tax
-
-
-
Total comprehensive income (loss)
$
243,873
$
406,669
$
(2,088
)
$
(404,332
)
$
244,122
(1) Caption is exclusive of depreciation and amortization.
(2) The income tax expense reflected in each column does not include any tax effect of the equity in earnings from subsidiaries.
LAMAR MEDIA CORP.
AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(Dollars in thousands, except share and per share data)
Condensed Consolidating Statements of Income and Comprehensive Income for the Year Ended December 31, 2019
Lamar Media Corp.
Guarantor Subsidiaries
Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries
Eliminations
Lamar Media Consolidated
Statement of Income
Net revenues
$
-
$
1,709,691
$
46,804
$
(2,851
)
$
1,753,644
Operating expenses
Direct advertising expenses (1)
-
564,877
28,052
(2,851
)
590,078
General and administrative expenses (1)
-
310,813
7,567
-
318,380
Corporate expenses (1)
-
82,652
1,577
-
84,229
Depreciation and amortization
-
247,191
2,837
-
250,028
Gain on disposition of assets
-
(3,103
)
(4,138
)
-
(7,241
)
-
1,202,430
35,895
(2,851
)
1,235,474
Operating income
-
507,261
10,909
-
518,170
Equity in (earnings) loss of subsidiaries
(517,516
)
-
-
517,516
-
Interest expense (income), net
144,976
(149
)
5,025
-
149,852
Income (loss) before income tax expense
372,540
507,410
5,884
(517,516
)
368,318
Income tax (benefit) expense (2)
-
(7,360
)
3,138
-
(4,222
)
Net income (loss)
$
372,540
$
514,770
$
2,746
$
(517,516
)
$
372,540
Statement of Comprehensive Income
Net income (loss)
$
372,540
$
514,770
$
2,746
$
(517,516
)
$
372,540
Total other comprehensive income, net of tax
-
-
-
Total comprehensive income (loss)
$
372,540
$
514,770
$
3,419
$
(517,516
)
$
373,213
(1) Caption is exclusive of depreciation and amortization.
(2) The income tax expense reflected in each column does not include any tax effect of the equity in earnings from subsidiaries.
LAMAR MEDIA CORP.
AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(Dollars in thousands, except share and per share data)
Condensed Consolidating Statements of Income and Comprehensive Income for the Year Ended December 31, 2018
Lamar Media Corp.
Guarantor Subsidiaries
Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries
Eliminations
Lamar Media Consolidated
Statement of Income
Net revenues
$
-
$
1,579,619
$
50,352
$
(2,749
)
$
1,627,222
Operating expenses
Direct advertising expenses (1)
-
537,269
27,307
(2,728
)
561,848
General and administrative expenses (1)
-
280,874
8,554
-
289,428
Corporate expenses (1)
-
80,861
1,636
-
82,497
Depreciation and amortization
-
219,341
5,920
-
225,261
(Gain) loss on disposition of assets
-
(576
)
7,809
-
7,233
-
1,117,769
51,226
(2,728
)
1,166,267
Operating income (loss)
-
461,850
(874
)
(21
)
460,955
Equity in (earnings) loss of subsidiaries
(450,791
)
-
-
450,791
-
Interest expense (income), net
129,731
(99
)
(413
)
(21
)
129,198
Other expenses
15,429
-
-
-
15,429
Income (loss) before income tax expense
305,631
461,949
(461
)
(450,791
)
316,328
Income tax expense (2)
-
7,879
2,818
-
10,697
Net income (loss)
$
305,631
$
454,070
$
(3,279
)
$
(450,791
)
$
305,631
Statement of Comprehensive Income
Net income (loss)
$
305,631
$
454,070
$
(3,279
)
$
(450,791
)
$
305,631
Total other comprehensive loss, net of tax
-
-
(1,290
)
-
(1,290
)
Total comprehensive income (loss)
$
305,631
$
454,070
$
(4,569
)
$
(450,791
)
$
304,341
(1) Caption is exclusive of depreciation and amortization.
(2) The income tax expense reflected in each column does not include any tax effect of the equity in earnings from subsidiaries.
LAMAR MEDIA CORP.
AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(Dollars in thousands, except share and per share data)
Condensed Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows for the Year Ended December 31, 2020
Lamar Media Corp.
Guarantor Subsidiaries
Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries
Eliminations
Lamar Media Consolidated
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net cash provided by (used in)
operating activities
$
495,872
$
668,673
$
(5,639
)
$
(619,877
)
$
539,029
Cash flows from investing activities:
Capital expenditures
-
(56,772
)
(5,500
)
-
(62,272
)
Acquisitions
(46,161
)
-
-
(45,584
)
Proceeds from disposition of assets and
investments
-
10,968
-
-
10,968
Investment in subsidiaries
(46,161
)
-
-
46,161
-
Increease in intercompany notes receivable
(60,183
)
-
-
60,183
-
Increase in notes receivable
-
-
-
-
-
Net cash (used in) provided by
investing activities
(105,767
)
(91,965
)
(5,500
)
106,344
(96,888
)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Proceeds received from revolving credit facility
725,000
-
-
-
725,000
Payment on revolving credit facility
(875,000
)
-
-
-
(875,000
)
Principal payments on long term debt
-
(9,112
)
-
-
(9,112
)
Borrowings on long term debt
-
8,750
-
-
8,750
Proceeds received from note offering
1,549,250
-
-
-
1,549,250
Redemption of senior notes and senior subordinated notes
(1,058,596
)
-
-
-
(1,058,596
)
Proceeds received from senior credit facility term loans
598,500
-
-
-
598,500
Payments on senior credit facility term loans
(978,097
)
-
-
-
(978,097
)
Payment on accounts receivable securitization program
-
-
(175,000
)
-
(175,000
)
Proceeds received from accounts receivable securitization program
-
-
122,500
-
122,500
Debt issuance costs
(32,950
)
-
-
-
(32,950
)
Intercompany loan proceeds
-
(9,176
)
69,359
(60,183
)
-
Distributions to non-controlling interest
-
-
(1,509
)
-
(1,509
)
Dividends (to) from parent
(262,437
)
(619,877
)
-
619,877
(262,437
)
Contributions from (to) parent
41,628
46,161
-
(46,161
)
41,628
Net cash (used in) provided by
financing activities
(292,702
)
(583,254
)
15,350
513,533
(347,073
)
Effect of exchange rate changes in cash and
cash equivalents
-
-
-
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents
97,403
(6,546
)
4,524
-
95,381
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of
period
13,185
8,278
4,225
-
25,688
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
$
110,588
$
1,732
$
8,749
$
-
$
121,069
LAMAR MEDIA CORP.
AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(Dollars in thousands, except share and per share data)
Condensed Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows for the Year Ended December 31, 2019
Lamar Media Corp.
Guarantor Subsidiaries
Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries
Eliminations
Lamar Media Consolidated
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net cash provided by (used in)
operating activities
$
469,907
$
738,030
$
6,660
$
(609,657
)
$
604,940
Cash flows from investing activities:
Capital expenditures
-
(136,696
)
(4,260
)
-
(140,956
)
Acquisitions
-
(226,278
)
-
-
(226,278
)
Proceeds from disposition of assets and
investments
-
5,438
-
-
5,438
Proceeds received from insurance claims
-
-
-
Investment in subsidiaries
(226,278
)
-
-
226,278
-
Decrease in intercompany notes receivable
3,787
-
-
(3,787
)
-
Increase in notes receivable
(448
)
-
-
-
(448
)
Net cash (used in) provided by
investing activities
(222,939
)
(357,326
)
(4,260
)
222,491
(362,034
)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Proceeds received from revolving credit
facility
495,000
-
-
-
495,000
Payment on revolving credit facility
(625,000
)
-
-
-
(625,000
)
Principal payments on long-term debt
(34,471
)
-
-
-
(34,471
)
Proceeds received from accounts receivable
securitization program
-
-
9,000
-
9,000
Payments on accounts receivable
securitization program
-
-
(9,000
)
-
(9,000
)
Debt issuance costs
(4,463
)
-
-
-
(4,463
)
Proceeds received from note offering
255,000
-
-
-
255,000
Intercompany loan proceeds (payments)
-
(702
)
(3,085
)
3,787
-
Distributions to non-controlling interest
-
-
(621
)
-
(621
)
Dividends (to) from parent
(393,700
)
(609,657
)
-
609,657
(393,700
)
Contributions from (to) parent
69,822
226,278
-
(226,278
)
69,822
Net cash (used in) provided by
financing activities
(237,812
)
(384,081
)
(3,706
)
387,166
(238,433
)
Effect of exchange rate changes in cash and
cash equivalents
-
-
-
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents
9,156
(3,377
)
(1,085
)
-
4,694
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of
period
4,029
11,655
5,310
-
20,994
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
$
13,185
$
8,278
$
4,225
$
-
$
25,688
LAMAR MEDIA CORP.
AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(Dollars in thousands, except share and per share data)
Condensed Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows for the Year Ended December 31, 2018
Lamar Media Corp.
Guarantor Subsidiaries
Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries
Eliminations
Lamar Media Consolidated
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net cash provided by (used in)
operating activities
$
430,896
$
689,718
$
(17,143
)
$
(566,386
)
$
537,085
Cash flows from investing activities:
Acquisitions
-
(477,389
)
-
-
(477,389
)
Capital expenditures
-
(113,259
)
(4,379
)
-
(117,638
)
Proceeds from disposition of assets and
investments
-
3,839
2,809
-
6,648
Proceeds received from insurance claims
-
-
4,222
-
4,222
Investment in subsidiaries
(498,226
)
-
-
498,226
-
Decrease in intercompany notes receivable
30,034
-
-
(30,034
)
-
Decrease in notes receivable
-
-
-
Net cash (used in) provided by
investing activities
(468,183
)
(586,809
)
2,652
468,192
(584,148
)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Proceeds received from revolving credit
facility
563,000
-
-
-
563,000
Payment on revolving credit facility
(481,000
)
-
-
-
(481,000
)
Principal payments on long-term debt
(27,297
)
(31
)
-
-
(27,328
)
Proceeds received from senior credit facility
term loans
599,250
-
-
-
599,250
Proceeds received from accounts receivable
securitization program
-
-
175,000
-
175,000
Debt issuance costs
(7,616
)
-
-
-
(7,616
)
Redemption on senior subordinated notes
(509,790
)
-
-
-
(509,790
)
Intercompany loan proceeds (payments)
175,000
(24,688
)
(180,346
)
30,034
-
Distributions to non-controlling interest
-
-
(541
)
-
(541
)
Contributions from (to) parent
89,967
498,226
-
(498,226
)
89,967
Dividends (to) from parent
(446,744
)
(566,386
)
-
566,386
(446,744
)
Net cash (used in) provided by
financing activities
(45,230
)
(92,879
)
(5,887
)
98,194
(45,802
)
Effect of exchange rate changes in cash and
cash equivalents
-
-
(1,112
)
-
(1,112
)
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents
(82,517
)
10,030
(21,490
)
-
(93,977
)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of
period
86,546
1,625
26,800
-
114,971
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
$
4,029
$
11,655
$
5,310
$
-
$
20,994
SCHEDULE II
LAMAR MEDIA CORP.
AND SUBSIDIARIES
Valuation and Qualifying Accounts
Years Ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018
(In thousands)
Balance at
Beginning
of Period
Charged to
Costs and
Expenses
Deductions
Balance at
End of
Period
Year ended December 31, 2020
Deducted in balance sheet from trade accounts receivable:
Allowance for doubtful accounts
$
13,185
12,729
10,968
$
14,946
Deducted in balance sheet from deferred tax assets:
Valuation allowance
$
22,902
-
1,905
$
20,997
Year ended December 31, 2019
Deducted in balance sheet from trade accounts receivable:
Allowance for doubtful accounts
$
11,161
11,608
9,584
$
13,185
Deducted in balance sheet from deferred tax assets:
Valuation allowance
$
23,934
-
1,032
$
22,902
Year ended December 31, 2018
Deducted in balance sheet from trade accounts receivable:
Allowance for doubtful accounts
$
10,055
8,472
7,366
$
11,161
Deducted in balance sheet from deferred tax assets:
Valuation allowance
$
20,120
3,814
-
$
23,934
SCHEDULE III
LAMAR MEDIA CORP.
AND SUBSIDIARIES
Schedule of Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation
December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018
(In thousands)
Description(1)
Encumbrances
Initial Cost(2)
Gross Carrying
Amount(3)
Accumulated
Depreciation
Construction
Date
Acquisition
Date
Useful Lives
354,571 Displays
-
-
$
3,293,778
$
(2,192,700
)
Various
Various
5 to 20 years
(1)
No single asset exceeded 5% of the total gross carrying amount at December 31, 2020
(2)
This information is omitted, as it would be impracticable to compile such information on a site-by-site basis
(3)
Includes sites under construction
The following table summarizes activity for the Company’s real estate assets, which consists of advertising displays and the related accumulated depreciation.
December 31,
December 31,
December 31,
Gross real estate assets:
Balance at the beginning of the year
$
3,333,590
$
3,201,434
$
3,074,046
Capital expenditures on new advertising displays(4)
21,598
59,604
54,151
Capital expenditures on improvements/redevelopments of existing advertising displays
13,021
25,025
12,781
Capital expenditures other recurring
12,631
36,354
34,758
Land acquisitions(6)
8,980
22,965
15,368
Acquisition of advertising displays(5)(6)
4,446
23,589
82,617
Assets sold or written-off
(100,906
)
(35,320
)
(70,494
)
Foreign exchange
(61
)
(1,793
)
Balance at the end of the year
$
3,293,778
$
3,333,590
$
3,201,434
Accumulated depreciation:
Balance at the beginning of the year
$
2,166,579
$
2,082,335
$
2,025,251
Depreciation
111,049
111,531
106,700
Assets sold or written-off
(85,267
)
(27,890
)
(48,488
)
Foreign exchange
(1,128
)
Balance at the end of the year
$
2,192,700
$
2,166,579
$
2,082,335
(4)
Includes non-cash amounts of $621, $554 and $446 at December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018, respectively
(5)
Includes non-cash amounts of $1,928 and $7,199 at December 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively
(6)
Includes preliminary allocation of assets acquired from Fairway at December 31, 2018

---

ITEM 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS
ITEM 9.
CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE
Lamar Advertising Company
None.
Lamar Media Corp.
None.

---

ITEM 9A. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
ITEM 9A.
CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
Conclusion Regarding the Effectiveness of Disclosure Controls and Procedures.
The Company’s and Lamar Media’s management, with the participation of the principal executive officer and principal financial officer of the Company and Lamar Media, have evaluated the effectiveness of the design and operation of the Company’s and Lamar Media’s disclosure controls and procedures, as such term is defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) promulgated under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Based on this evaluation, the principal executive officer and principal financial officer of the Company and Lamar Media concluded, as of December 31, 2020, that these disclosure controls and procedures are effective and designed to ensure that the information required to be disclosed in the Company’s and Lamar Media’s reports filed or submitted under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the requisite time periods.
Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
Lamar Advertising Company
The Company’s Management Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting is set forth on page 50 of this combined Annual Report and is incorporated herein by reference.
Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. A control system, no matter how well designed and operated, can provide only reasonable assurance with respect to financial statement preparation and presentation. Projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.
Lamar Media Corp.
Lamar Media’s Management Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting is set forth on page 87 of this combined Annual Report and is incorporated herein by reference.
Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. A control system, no matter how well designed and operated, can provide only reasonable assurance with respect to financial statement preparation and presentation. Projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.
Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
There were no changes in the Company’s or Lamar Media’s internal control over financial reporting identified in connection with the evaluation of the Company’s and Lamar Media’s internal controls performed during the fourth fiscal quarter that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s or Lamar Media’s internal control over financial reporting.

---

ITEM 9B. OTHER INFORMATION
ITEM 9B.
OTHER INFORMATION
Lamar Advertising Company
None.
Lamar Media Corp.
None.
PART III

---

ITEM 10. DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
ITEM 10.
DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
The information required by this item is incorporated by reference to Lamar Advertising Company’s Proxy Statement for its 2021 Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be filed with the SEC within 120 days after the end of the fiscal year ended December 31, 2020.
We have adopted a Code of Business Conduct and Ethics (the “code of ethics”) that applies to all of our directors, officers and employees. The code of ethics is filed as an exhibit that is incorporated by reference into this Annual Report. In addition, if we make any substantive amendments to the code of ethics or grant any wavier, including any implicit wavier, from a provision of the code to any of our executive officers or directors, we will disclose the nature of such amendment or waiver in a report on Form 8-K.

---

ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
ITEM 11.
EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
The information required by this item is incorporated by reference to Lamar Advertising Company’s Proxy Statement for its 2021 Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be filed with the SEC within 120 days after the end of the fiscal year ended December 31, 2020.

---

ITEM 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS
ITEM 12.
SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS
The information required by this item is incorporated by reference to Lamar Advertising Company’s Proxy Statement for its 2021 Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be filed with the SEC within 120 days after the end of the fiscal year ended December 31, 2020.

---

ITEM 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS
ITEM 13.
CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS, AND DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE
The information required by this item is incorporated by reference to Lamar Advertising Company’s Proxy Statement for its 2021 Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be filed with the SEC within 120 days after the end of the fiscal year ended December 31, 2020.

---

ITEM 14. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTING FEES AND SERVICES
ITEM 14.
PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTING FEES AND SERVICES
The information required by this item is incorporated by reference to Lamar Advertising Company’s Proxy Statement for its 2021 Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be filed with the SEC within 120 days after the end of the fiscal year ended December 31, 2020.
PART IV

---

ITEM 15. EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES
ITEM 15.
EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES
(A) 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
The financial statements are listed under Part II, Item 8 of this Annual Report.
2. FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES
The financial statement schedules are included under Part II, Item 8 of this Annual Report.
3. EXHIBITS
The exhibits filed as part of this report are listed on the Exhibit Index immediately preceding the signature page hereto, which Exhibit Index is incorporated herein by reference.
(B) Exhibits required by Item 601 of Regulation S-K are listed on the Exhibit Index immediately preceding the signature page hereto.