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Clear Channel Outdoor Holdings 10-K 2009 Documents found in this filing:Table of Contents
UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION WASHINGTON, DC 20549
FORM 10-K
For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2008, or
For the transition period from to . Commission File Number 1-32663
CLEAR CHANNEL OUTDOOR HOLDINGS, INC. (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
200 East Basse Road San Antonio, Texas 78209 Telephone (210) 832-3700 (Address, including zip code, and telephone number, including area code, of registrant’s principal executive offices)
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: None.
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act. YES ¨ NO x Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Exchange Act. YES ¨ NO x Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. YES x NO ¨ Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of registrant’s knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K. ¨ Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):
Indicate by checkmark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). YES ¨ NO x As of June 30, 2008, the aggregate market value of the Common Stock beneficially held by non-affiliates of the registrant was approximately $722.7 million based on the closing sales price as reported on the New York Stock Exchange. (For purposes hereof, directors, executive officers and 10% or greater shareholders have been deemed affiliates). On February 26, 2009, there were 40,654,329 outstanding shares of Class A Common Stock, excluding 24,520 shares held in treasury, and 315,000,000 outstanding shares of Class B Common Stock. DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE Portions of our Definitive Proxy Statement for the 2009 Annual Meeting, expected to be filed within 120 days of our fiscal year end, are incorporated by reference into Part III.
Table of ContentsCLEAR CHANNEL OUTDOOR HOLDINGS, INC. INDEX TO FORM 10-K
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The Company Clear Channel Outdoor Holdings, Inc., or the Company, provides clients with advertising opportunities through billboards, street furniture displays, transit displays and other out-of-home advertising displays, such as wallscapes, spectaculars, neons and mall displays, which we own or operate in key markets worldwide. Our business consists of two reportable operating segments: Americas and International. As of December 31, 2008, we owned or operated approximately 908,000 advertising displays worldwide. For the year ended December 31, 2008, we generated revenue of approximately $3.3 billion, with $1.4 billion and $1.9 billion from our Americas and International segments, respectively. Our History In 1997, Clear Channel Communications, Inc., or Clear Channel Communications, our parent company, entered the outdoor advertising industry with its acquisition of Eller Media Company. In 1998, Clear Channel Communications acquired Universal Outdoor, giving Clear Channel Communications an outdoor presence in 33 major United States markets with over 88,000 displays. Also in 1998, Clear Channel Communications acquired More Group plc, a European-based company operating in 25 countries. In June 2002, Clear Channel Communications acquired The Ackerley Group, further increasing its market share. On November 11, 2005, we became a publicly traded company through an initial public offering, or IPO, in which we sold 10%, or 35.0 million shares, of our Class A common stock. Prior to our IPO we were an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of Clear Channel Communications. Clear Channel Communications currently owns all of our outstanding shares of Class B common stock representing approximately 89% of the outstanding shares of our common stock and approximately 99% of the total voting power of our common stock. We entered into agreements with Clear Channel Communications that govern the relationship between Clear Channel Communications and us and provide for, among other things, the provision of services by Clear Channel Communications to us and the allocation of employee benefit, tax and other liabilities and obligations attributable to our operations. These agreements include the Corporate Services Agreement, Employee Matters Agreement and Tax Matters Agreement. All of the agreements relating to our ongoing relationship with Clear Channel Communications were made in the context of a parent-subsidiary relationship and the terms of these agreements may be more or less favorable to us than if they had been negotiated with unaffiliated third parties. Clear Channel Communications has the right to terminate these agreements in various circumstances. As of the date of the filing of this report, no notice of termination of any of these agreements has been received from Clear Channel Communications. For as long as Clear Channel Communications continues to own shares of our common stock representing more than 50% of the total voting power of our common stock, it will have the ability to direct the election of all members of our Board of Directors and to exercise a controlling influence over our business and affairs, including any determination with respect to mergers or other business combinations, our acquisition or disposition of assets, our incurrence of indebtedness, our issuance of any additional common stock or other equity services, our repurchase or redemption of common stock or any preferred stock, if applicable, and our payment of dividends. Similarly, Clear Channel Communications will have the power to determine or significantly influence the outcome of matters submitted to a vote of our shareholders, including the power to prevent an acquisition or any other change in control, and to take other actions that might be favorable to Clear Channel Communications.
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Table of ContentsRecent Developments On July 30, 2008, Clear Channel Communications completed its merger with a subsidiary of CC Media Holdings, Inc., or CC Media Holdings, a company formed by a group of private equity funds sponsored by Bain Capital Partners, LLC and Thomas H. Lee Partners, L.P. Clear Channel Communications is now owned indirectly by CC Media Holdings. The global economic slowdown has adversely affected advertising revenues across our businesses in recent months. In this regard, we performed an interim impairment test in the fourth quarter of 2008 and recorded a non-cash impairment of approximately $3.2 billion. On January 20, 2009, CC Media Holdings announced that it had commenced a restructuring program targeting a reduction of fixed costs by approximately $350 million on an annualized basis. As part of the program, it eliminated approximately 1,850 full-time positions representing approximately 9% of total workforce. The restructuring program will also include other actions, including elimination of overlapping functions and other cost savings initiatives. The program is expected to result in restructuring and other non-recurring charges of approximately $200 million, although additional costs may be incurred as the program evolves. It is estimated that approximately 40% of the anticipated cost savings and related charges will be attributable to us. The cost savings initiatives are expected to be fully implemented by the end of the first quarter of 2010. No assurance can be given that the restructuring program will be successful or will achieve the anticipated cost savings in the timeframe expected or at all. In addition, the restructuring program may be modified or terminated in response to economic conditions or otherwise. As of December 31, 2008 we had recognized approximately $35.5 million of expenses related to our restructuring program. These expenses primarily related to severance of approximately $27.8 million and $7.7 million related to other professional fees. You can find more information about us at our Internet website located at www.clearchanneloutdoor.com. Our filings are available free of charge via a link on our Internet website after we electronically file such material with the SEC. The contents of our website are not deemed to be part of this Annual Report on Form 10-K or any of our other filings with the SEC. Our Business Segments We have two reportable business segments: Americas and International, which represented 43% and 57% of our 2008 net revenue, respectively. In addition to the information provided below, see Note N to the consolidated financial statements for more information about our segments. We believe we offer advertisers a diverse platform of media assets across geographies and outdoor products. We intend to continue to execute upon our long-standing outdoor advertising strategies, while closely managing expense growth and focusing on achieving operating efficiencies throughout our businesses. Within each of our operating segments, we share best practices across our markets in an attempt to replicate our successes throughout the markets in which we operate. Our Americas business segment includes our operations in the United States, Canada and Latin America, with approximately 92% of our 2008 revenue in this segment derived from the United States. We own or operate approximately 237,000 displays in our Americas segment and have operations in 49 of the 50 largest markets in the United States, including all of the 20 largest markets. Our International business segment includes our operations in Asia, Australia and Europe, with approximately 40% of our 2008 revenue in this segment derived from France and the United Kingdom. We own or operate approximately 670,000 displays in 36 countries. Our assets consist of billboards, street furniture and transit displays, airport displays, mall displays, and wallscapes and other spectaculars, which we own or operate under lease management agreements. Our advertising business is focused on urban markets with dense populations.
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Table of ContentsOur Strategy We have made and continue to make investments in research tools that enable our clients to better understand how our displays can successfully reach their target audiences and promote their advertising campaigns. We are working closely with clients, advertising agencies and other diversified media companies to develop more sophisticated systems that will provide improved demographic measurements of outdoor advertising. We believe that these measurement systems will further enhance the attractiveness of outdoor advertising for both existing clients and new advertisers. We intend to continue to work toward ensuring that our customers have a superior experience by leveraging our presence in each of our markets and by increasing our focus on customer satisfaction and improved measurement systems. Finally, we aim to capitalize on advances in electronic displays, including flat screens, LCDs and LEDs, as an alternative to traditional methods of outdoor advertising. These electronic displays may be linked through centralized computer systems to instantaneously and simultaneously change static advertisements on a large number of displays. Digital outdoor advertising provides advantages to advertisers, including the flexibility to change messaging over the course of a day, the ability to quickly change messaging and the ability to enhance targeting by reaching different demographics at different times of day. Digital outdoor displays provide us with advantages, as they are operationally efficient and eliminate safety issues from manual copy changes. Americas Sources of Revenue Americas generated 43%, 45% and 46% of our combined revenue in 2008, 2007 and 2006, respectively. Americas’ revenue is derived from the sale of advertising copy placed on our display inventory. Our display inventory consists primarily of billboards, street furniture displays and transit displays. The margins on our billboard contracts tend to be higher than those on contracts for other displays, due to their greater size, impact and location along major roadways that are highly trafficked. Billboards comprise approximately two-thirds of our display revenues. The following table shows the approximate percentage of revenue derived from each category for our Americas advertising inventory:
Our Americas segment generates revenues from local, regional and national sales. Our advertising rates are based on a number of different factors including location, competition, size of display, illumination, market and gross ratings points. Gross ratings points are the total number of impressions delivered, expressed as a percentage of a market population, of a display or group of displays. The number of impressions delivered by a display is measured by the number of people passing the site during a defined period of time. For all of our billboards in the United States, we use independent, third-party auditing companies to verify the number of impressions delivered by a display. “Reach” is the percent of a target audience exposed to an advertising message at least once during a specified period of time, typically during a period of four weeks. “Frequency” is the average number of exposures an individual has to an advertising message during a specified period of time. Out-of-home frequency is typically measured over a four-week period.
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Table of ContentsWhile location, price and availability of displays are important competitive factors, we believe that providing quality customer service and establishing strong client relationships are also critical components of sales. In addition, we have long-standing relationships with a diversified group of advertising brands and agencies that allow us to diversify client accounts and establish continuing revenue streams. Billboards Our billboard inventory primarily includes bulletins and posters. Bulletins. Bulletins vary in size, with the most common size being 14 feet high by 48 feet wide. Almost all of the advertising copy displayed on bulletins is computer printed on vinyl and transported to the bulletin where it is secured to the display surface. Because of their greater size and impact, we typically receive our highest rates for bulletins. Bulletins generally are located along major expressways, primary commuting routes and main intersections that are highly visible and heavily trafficked. Our clients may contract for individual bulletins or a network of bulletins, meaning the clients’ advertisements are rotated among bulletins to increase the reach of the campaign. Our client contracts for bulletins generally have terms ranging from one month to one year. Posters. Posters are available in two sizes, 30-sheet and 8-sheet displays. The 30-sheet posters are approximately 11 feet high by 23 feet wide, and the 8-sheet posters are approximately 5 feet high by 11 feet wide. Advertising copy for posters is printed using silk-screen or lithographic processes to transfer the designs onto paper that is then transported and secured to the poster surfaces. Posters generally are located in commercial areas on primary and secondary routes near point-of-purchase locations, facilitating advertising campaigns with greater demographic targeting than those displayed on bulletins. Our poster rates typically are less than our bulletin rates, and our client contracts for posters generally have terms ranging from four weeks to one year. Two types of posters are premiere panels and squares. Premiere displays are innovative hybrids between bulletins and posters that we developed to provide our clients with an alternative for their targeted marketing campaigns. The premiere displays utilize one or more poster panels, but with vinyl advertising stretched over the panels similar to bulletins. Our intent is to combine the creative impact of bulletins with the additional reach and frequency of posters. Street Furniture Displays Our street furniture displays, marketed under our global Adshel™ brand, are advertising surfaces on bus shelters, information kiosks, public toilets, freestanding units and other public structures, and are primarily located in major metropolitan cities and along major commuting routes. Generally, we own the street furniture structures and are responsible for their construction and maintenance. Contracts for the right to place our street furniture displays in the public domain and sell advertising space on them are awarded by municipal and transit authorities in competitive bidding processes governed by local law. Generally, these contracts have terms ranging from 10 to 20 years. As compensation for the right to sell advertising space on our street furniture structures, we pay the municipality or transit authority a fee or revenue share that is either a fixed amount or a percentage of the revenue derived from the street furniture displays. Typically, these revenue sharing arrangements include payments by us of minimum guaranteed amounts. Client contracts for street furniture displays typically have terms ranging from four weeks to one year, and, similar to billboards, may be for network packages. Transit Displays Our transit displays are advertising surfaces on various types of vehicles or within transit systems, including on the interior and exterior sides of buses, trains, trams and taxis, and within the common areas of rail stations and airports. Similar to street furniture, contracts for the right to place our displays on such vehicles or within such transit systems and to sell advertising space on them generally are awarded by public transit authorities in competitive bidding processes or are negotiated with private transit operators. These contracts typically have terms of up to five years. Our client contracts for transit displays generally have terms ranging from four weeks to one year.
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Table of ContentsOther Inventory The balance of our display inventory consists of spectaculars, mall displays and wallscapes. Spectaculars are customized display structures that often incorporate video, multidimensional lettering and figures, mechanical devices and moving parts and other embellishments to create special effects. The majority of our spectaculars are located in Times Square in New York City, Dundas Square in Toronto, Fashion Show in Las Vegas, Sunset Strip in Los Angeles, Westgate City Center in Glendale, Arizona, the Boardwalk in Atlantic City and across from the Target Center in Minneapolis. Client contracts for spectaculars typically have terms of one year or longer. We also own displays located within the common areas of malls on which our clients run advertising campaigns for periods ranging from four weeks to one year. Contracts with mall operators grant us the exclusive right to place our displays within the common areas and sell advertising on those displays. Our contracts with mall operators generally have terms ranging from five to ten years. Client contracts for mall displays typically have terms ranging from six to eight weeks. Finally, a wallscape is a display that drapes over or is suspended from the sides of buildings or other structures. Generally, wallscapes are located in high-profile areas where other types of outdoor advertising displays are limited or unavailable. Clients typically contract for individual wallscapes for extended terms. Competition The outdoor advertising industry in the Americas is fragmented, consisting of several larger companies involved in outdoor advertising, such as CBS and Lamar Advertising Company, as well as numerous smaller and local companies operating a limited number of display faces in a single or a few local markets. We also compete with other advertising media in our respective markets, including broadcast and cable television, radio, print media, the Internet and direct mail. Advertising Inventory and Markets As of December 31, 2008, we owned or operated approximately 237,000 displays in our Americas segment. The following table sets forth certain selected information with regard to our Americas advertising inventory, with our markets listed in order of their designated market area (“DMA® ”) region ranking (DMA® is a registered trademark of Nielsen Media Research, Inc.):
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Table of ContentsProduction In a majority of our markets, our local production staff performs the full range of activities required to create and install advertising copy. Production work includes creating the advertising copy design and layout, coordinating its printing and installing the copy on displays. We provide creative services to smaller advertisers and to advertisers not represented by advertising agencies. National advertisers often use preprinted designs that require only installation. Our creative and production personnel typically develop new designs or adopt copy from other media for use on our inventory. Our creative staff also can assist in the development of marketing presentations, demonstrations and strategies to attract new clients. Client Categories In 2008, the top five client categories in our Americas segment, based on Americas revenue derived from these categories, were retail, telecommunications, automotive, banking and financial services, and amusements. Construction and Operation We typically own the physical structures on which our clients’ advertising copy is displayed. We build some of the structures at our billboard fabrication business in Illinois and erect them on sites we either lease or own or for which we have acquired permanent easements. The site lease terms generally range from 1 to 50 years. In addition to the site lease, we must obtain a permit to build the sign. Permits are typically issued in perpetuity by the state or local government and typically are transferable or renewable for a minimal, or no, fee. Bulletin and poster advertising copy is either printed with computer generated graphics on a single sheet of vinyl or placed on lithographed or silk-screened paper sheets supplied by the advertiser. These advertisements are then transported to the site and in the case of vinyl, wrapped around the face of the site, and in the case of paper, pasted and applied like wallpaper to the site. The operational process also includes conducting visual inspections of the inventory for display defects and taking the necessary corrective action within a reasonable period of time. International Sources of Revenue Our International segment generated 57%, 55% and 54% of our combined revenue in 2008, 2007 and 2006, respectively. International revenue is derived from the sale of advertising copy placed on our display inventory. Our International display inventory consists primarily of billboards, street furniture displays, transit displays and other out-of-home advertising displays, such as neon displays. The following table shows the approximate percentage of revenue derived from each category of our International segment:
Our International segment generates revenues worldwide from local, regional and national sales. Similar to the Americas, advertising rates generally are based on the gross ratings points of a display or group of displays. The number of impressions delivered by a display, in some countries, is weighted to account for such factors as illumination, proximity to other displays and the speed and viewing angle of approaching traffic.
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Table of ContentsWhile location, price and availability of displays are important competitive factors, we believe that providing quality customer service and establishing strong client relationships are also critical components of sales. Our entrepreneurial culture allows local management to operate their markets as separate profit centers, encouraging customer cultivation and service. Billboards The sizes of our International billboards are not standardized. The billboards vary in both format and size across our networks, with the majority of our International billboards being similar in size to our posters used in our Americas business (30-sheet and 8-sheet displays). Our International billboards are sold to clients as network packages with contract terms typically ranging from one to two weeks. Long-term client contracts are also available and typically have terms of up to one year. We lease the majority of our billboard sites from private landowners. Billboards include our spectacular and neon displays. DEFI, our International neon subsidiary, is a global provider of neon signs with approximately 400 displays in more than 15 countries worldwide. Client contracts for International neon displays typically have terms of approximately five years. Street Furniture Displays Our International street furniture displays are substantially similar to their Americas street furniture counterparts, and include bus shelters, freestanding units, public toilets, various types of kiosks and benches. Internationally, contracts with municipal and transit authorities for the right to place our street furniture in the public domain and sell advertising on such street furniture typically provide for terms ranging from 10 to 15 years. The major difference between our International and Americas street furniture businesses is in the nature of the municipal contracts. In our International business, these contracts typically require us to provide the municipality with a broader range of urban amenities such as public wastebaskets and lampposts, as well as space for the municipality to display maps or other public information. In exchange for providing such urban amenities and display space, we are authorized to sell advertising space on certain sections of the structures we erect in the public domain. Our International street furniture is typically sold to clients as network packages, with contract terms ranging from one to two weeks. Long-term client contracts are also available and typically have terms of up to one year. Transit Displays Our International transit display contracts are substantially similar to their Americas transit display counterparts, and typically require us to make only a minimal initial investment and few ongoing maintenance expenditures. Contracts with public transit authorities or private transit operators typically have terms ranging from three to seven years. Our client contracts for transit displays generally have terms ranging from one week to one year, or longer. Other International Inventory and Services The balance of our revenue from our International segment consists primarily of advertising revenue from mall displays, other small displays and non-advertising revenue from sales of street furniture equipment, cleaning and maintenance services and production revenue. Internationally, our contracts with mall operators generally have terms ranging from five to ten years and client contracts for mall displays generally have terms ranging from one to two weeks, but are available for up to six-month periods. Our International inventory includes other small displays that are counted as separate displays since they form a substantial part of our network and International revenue. We also have a bike rental program which provides bicycles for rent to the general public in several municipalities. In exchange for providing the bike rental program, we generally derive revenue from advertising rights to the bikes, bike stations, or additional street furniture displays. Several of our International markets sell equipment or provide cleaning and maintenance services as part of a billboard or street furniture contract with a municipality. Production revenue relates to the production of advertising posters, usually for small customers. Competition The International outdoor advertising industry is fragmented, consisting of several larger companies involved in outdoor advertising, such as CBS and JC Decaux, as well as numerous smaller and local companies operating a limited number of display faces in a single or a few local markets. We also compete with other advertising media in our respective markets, including broadcast and cable television, radio, print media, the Internet and direct mail.
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Table of ContentsAdvertising Inventory and Markets As of December 31, 2008, we owned or operated approximately 670,000 displays in our International segment. The following table sets forth certain selected information with regard to our International advertising inventory, which are listed in descending order according to 2008 revenue contribution:
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Table of ContentsEquity Investments In addition to the displays listed above, as of December 31, 2008, we had equity investments in various out-of-home advertising companies that operate in the following markets:
Production The majority of our International clients are advertisers targeting national audiences whose business generally is placed with us through advertising agencies. These agencies often provide our International clients creative services to design and produce both the advertising copy and the physical printed advertisement. Advertising copy, both paper and vinyl, is shipped to centralized warehouses operated by us. The copy is then sorted and delivered to sites where it is installed on our displays. Client Categories In 2008, the top five client categories in our International segment, based on International revenue derived from these categories, were retail, food and food products, telecommunications, automotive and entertainment. Construction and Operation The International manufacturing process largely consists of two elements: the manufacture and installation of advertising structures and the weekly preparation of advertising posters for distribution throughout our networks. Generally, we outsource the manufacturing of advertising structures to third parties and regularly seek competitive bids. We use a wide range of suppliers, located in each of our markets. The design of street furniture structures (such as bus shelters, bicycle racks, kiosks and public toilets) is typically done in conjunction with a third party design or architectural firm. These street furniture designs then form the basis of a competitive bidding process to select a manufacturer. Our street furniture sites are posted by our own employees or subcontractors who also clean and maintain the sites. The decision to use our own employees or subcontractors is made on a market-by-market basis taking into consideration the mix of products in the market and local labor costs. Employees As of February 27, 2009, we had approximately 2,100 United States employees and approximately 5,300 non-United States employees, of which approximately 120 were employed in corporate activities. Approximately 220 of our United States employees and approximately 230 of our non-United States employees are subject to collective bargaining agreements in their respective countries. We are a party to numerous collective bargaining agreements, none of which represent a significant number of employees. We believe that our relationship with our employees is good.
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Table of ContentsRegulation of our Business The outdoor advertising industry in the United States is subject to governmental regulation at the federal, state and local levels. These regulations may include, among others, restrictions on the construction, repair, maintenance, lighting, upgrading, height, size, spacing and location of and, in some instances, content of advertising copy being displayed on outdoor advertising structures. In addition, the outdoor advertising industry outside of the United States is subject to certain foreign governmental regulation. Domestically, in recent years, outdoor advertising has become the subject of targeted state and municipal taxes and fees. These laws may affect prevailing competitive conditions in our markets in a variety of ways. Such laws may reduce our expansion opportunities, or may increase or reduce competitive pressure from other members of the outdoor advertising industry. No assurance can be given that existing or future laws or regulations, and the enforcement thereof, will not materially and adversely affect the outdoor advertising industry. However, 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. Federal law, principally the Highway Beautification Act, or HBA, regulates outdoor advertising on Federal-Aid Primary, Interstate and National Highway Systems roads within the United States (“controlled roads”). The HBA regulates the size and placement of billboards, requires the development of state standards, mandates a state’s compliance program, promotes the expeditious removal of illegal signs and requires just compensation for takings. To satisfy the HBA’s requirements, all states have passed billboard control statutes and regulations which regulate, among other things, construction, repair, maintenance, lighting, height, size, spacing and the placement of outdoor advertising structures. We are not aware of any state which has passed control statutes and regulations less restrictive than the prevailing federal requirements, including the requirement that an owner remove any non-grandfathered non-compliant signs along the controlled roads, at the owner’s expense and without compensation. Local governments generally also include billboard control as part of their zoning laws and building codes regulating those items described above and include similar provisions regarding the removal of non-grandfathered structures that do not comply with certain of the local requirements. As part of their billboard control laws, state and local governments regulate the construction of new signs. Some jurisdictions prohibit new construction, some jurisdictions allow new construction only to replace existing structures and some jurisdictions allow new construction subject to the various restrictions discussed above. In certain jurisdictions, restrictive regulations also limit our ability to relocate, rebuild, repair, maintain, upgrade, modify, or replace existing legal non-conforming billboards. While these regulations set certain limits on the construction of new outdoor advertising displays, they also benefit established companies, including us, by creating barriers to entry and by protecting the outdoor advertising industry against an oversupply of inventory. Federal law neither requires nor prohibits the removal of existing lawful billboards, but it does mandate the payment of compensation if a state or political subdivision compels the removal of a lawful billboard along the controlled roads. In the past, state governments have purchased and removed existing lawful billboards for beautification purposes using federal funding for transportation enhancement programs, and these jurisdictions may continue to do so in the future. From time to time, state and local government authorities use the power of eminent domain and amortization to remove billboards. Thus far, we have been able to obtain satisfactory compensation for our billboards purchased or removed as a result of these types of governmental action, although there is no assurance that this will continue to be the case in the future. Other important outdoor advertising regulations include the Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act of 1991 (currently known as SAFETEA-LU), the Bonus Act/Bonus Program, the 1995 Scenic Byways Amendment and various increases or implementations of property taxes, billboard taxes and permit fees. From time to time, legislation has been introduced in both the United States and foreign jurisdictions attempting to impose taxes on revenue from outdoor advertising. Several state and local jurisdictions have already imposed such taxes as a percentage of our outdoor advertising revenue in that jurisdiction. While these taxes have not had a material impact on our business and financial results to date, we expect state and local governments to continue to try to impose such taxes as a way of increasing revenue.
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Table of ContentsWe have introduced and intend to expand the deployment of digital billboards that display static digital advertising copy from various advertisers that change up to several times per minute. We have encountered some existing regulations that restrict or prohibit these types of digital displays. However, since digital technology for changing static copy has only recently been developed and introduced into the market on a large scale, existing regulations that currently do not apply to digital technology by their terms could be revised to impose greater restrictions. These regulations may impose greater restrictions on digital billboards due to alleged concerns over aesthetics or driver safety. International regulation of the outdoor advertising industry varies by region and country, but generally limits the size, placement, nature and density of out-of-home displays. Other regulations may limit the subject matter and language of out-of-home displays. NYSE Matters The certifications of our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer required under Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act have been filed as Exhibits 31.1 and 31.2 to this Annual Report. Additionally, in 2008 our Chief Executive Officer submitted a Section 303A.12(a) CEO Certification to the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”) certifying that he was not aware of any violation by Clear Channel Outdoor Holdings, Inc. of the NYSE’s corporate governance listing standards.
Risks Related to Our Business We may be adversely affected by a general deterioration in economic conditions. The risks associated with our businesses become more acute in periods of a slowing economy or recession, which may be accompanied by a decrease in advertising. Expenditures by advertisers tend to be cyclical, reflecting overall economic conditions and budgeting and buying patterns. The current global economic slowdown has resulted in a decline in advertising and marketing services among our customers, resulting in a decline in advertising revenues across our businesses. This reduction in advertising revenues has had an adverse effect on our revenue, profit margins, cash flow and liquidity, particularly during the second half of 2008. The continuation of the global economic slowdown may continue to adversely impact our revenue, profit margins, cash flow and liquidity. In this regard, revenue growth during the first nine months of 2008 was partially offset by a decline of $151.2 million in the fourth quarter. This resulted in an increase in consolidated revenue of $7.5 million during 2008 compared to 2007. Our Americas revenue declined $54.8 million during 2008 compared to 2007, attributable to decreases in poster and bulletin revenues associated with cancellations and non-renewals from major national advertisers. Our cost savings initiatives may not be entirely successful. On January 20, 2009, CC Media Holdings announced that it had commenced a restructuring program targeting a reduction of fixed costs by approximately $350 million on an annualized basis. As part of the program, it eliminated approximately 1,850 full-time positions representing approximately 9% of total workforce. The restructuring program will also include other actions, including elimination of overlapping functions and other cost savings initiatives. The program is expected to result in restructuring and other non-recurring charges of approximately $200 million, although additional costs may be incurred as the program evolves. It is estimated that approximately 40% of the anticipated cost savings and related charges will be attributable to us. The cost savings initiatives are expected to be fully implemented by the end of the first quarter of 2010. No assurance can be given that the restructuring program will be successful or will achieve the anticipated cost savings in the timeframe expected or at all. In addition, the restructuring program may be modified or terminated in response to economic conditions or otherwise.
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Table of ContentsWe have substantial indebtedness that could restrict our operations and impair our financial condition. At December 31, 2008, our total indebtedness for borrowed money was $2.6 billion, approximately $2.5 billion of which is indebtedness owed to Clear Channel Communications. As of December 31, 2008, approximately $69.5 million of such total indebtedness (excluding interest) is due in 2009, $2.5 billion is due in 2010, $0.4 million is due in 2011, $0.4 million is due in 2012, $0.7 million is due in 2013 and $30.0 million thereafter. We may also incur additional substantial indebtedness in the future. Our substantial indebtedness could have adverse consequences, including:
If our cash flow and capital resources are insufficient to service our debt obligations, we may be forced to sell assets, seek additional equity or debt capital or restructure our indebtedness. However, given the current economic climate, these measures might be unsuccessful or inadequate in permitting us to meet scheduled debt service obligations. In light of the current credit crisis, we may be unable to restructure or refinance our obligations and obtain additional equity financing or sell assets on satisfactory terms or at all. As a result, inability to meet our debt obligations could cause us to default on those obligations. A default under any debt instrument could, in turn, result in defaults under other debt instruments. Any such defaults could materially impair our financial condition and liquidity. In addition, the $2.5 billion note and Master Agreement with Clear Channel Communications include restrictive covenants that, among other things, restrict our ability to incur additional indebtedness or issue equity securities. To service our debt obligations and to fund capital expenditures, we will require a significant amount of cash to meet our needs, which depends on many factors beyond our control. Our ability to service our debt obligations and to fund capital expenditures for display construction or renovation will require a significant amount of cash, which depends on many factors beyond our control. This is subject to general economic, financial, competitive, legislative, regulatory and other factors beyond our control, which may prevent us from securing any cash to meet these needs. Our ability to make payments on and to refinance our indebtedness will also depend on our ability to generate cash in the future. We cannot ensure that our business will generate sufficient cash flow or that future borrowings will be available to us in an amount sufficient to enable us to pay our indebtedness, including our indebtedness to Clear Channel Communications, or to fund our other liquidity needs. If our future cash flow from operations and other capital resources are insufficient to pay our obligations as they mature or to fund our liquidity needs, we may be forced to reduce or delay our business activities and capital expenditures, sell assets, or attempt to obtain additional equity capital or restructure or refinance all or a portion of indebtedness debt, including the indebtedness with Clear Channel Communications, on or before maturity. We cannot ensure that we will be able to refinance any of our debt, including the indebtedness with Clear Channel Communications, on a timely basis or on satisfactory terms, if at all. In addition, the terms of our existing indebtedness, including the indebtedness with Clear Channel Communications and other future indebtedness may limit our ability to pursue any of these alternatives. The $2.5 billion note and agreements with Clear Channel Communications impose restrictions on our ability to finance operations and capital needs, make acquisitions or engage in other business activities and require prepayment from substantially all proceeds from debt or equity raised by us. The $2.5 billion note and Master Agreement with Clear Channel Communications include restrictive covenants that, among other things, restrict our ability to:
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In addition, the note with Clear Channel Communications requires us to prepay it in full upon a change of control (as defined in the note), and, upon our issuances of equity and incurrences of indebtedness, subject to certain exceptions, to prepay the note in the amount of net proceeds received from such events. Our failure to comply with the terms and covenants in our indebtedness could lead to a default under the terms of those documents, which would entitle Clear Channel Communications or other holders to accelerate the indebtedness and declare all amounts owed due and payable. The existence of these restrictions limits our ability to finance operations and capital needs, make acquisitions or engage in other business activities, including our ability to grow and increase our revenue or respond to competitive changes. The following is a discussion of our sources of capital:
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Table of ContentsOur financial performance may be adversely affected by certain variables which are not in our control. Certain variables that could adversely affect our financial performance by, among other things, leading to decreases in overall revenue, the numbers of advertising customers, advertising fees, or profit margins include:
We face intense competition in the outdoor advertising industry that may adversely affect the advertising fees we can charge, and consequently lower our operating margins and profits. We operate in a highly competitive industry, and we may not be able to maintain or increase our current advertising and sales revenues. Our advertising properties compete for audiences and advertising revenue with other outdoor advertising companies, as well as with other media, such as radio, newspapers, magazines, television, direct mail, satellite radio and Internet based media, within their respective markets. Market shares are subject to change, which could have the effect of reducing our revenue in that market. Our competitors may develop services or advertising media that are equal or superior to those we provide or that achieve greater market acceptance and brand recognition than we achieve. It is possible that new competitors may emerge and rapidly acquire significant market share in any of our business segments. An increased level of competition for advertising dollars may lead to lower advertising rates as we attempt to retain customers or may cause us to lose customers to our competitors who offer lower rates that we are unable or unwilling to match. Environmental, health, safety and land use laws and regulations may limit or restrict some of our operations. As the owner or operator of various real properties and facilities, we must comply with various foreign, federal, state and local environmental, health, safety and land use laws and regulations. We and our properties are subject to such laws and regulations relating to the use, storage, disposal, emission and release of hazardous and non-hazardous substances and employee health and safety as well as zoning restrictions. Historically, we have not incurred significant expenditures to comply with these laws. However, additional laws which may be passed in the future, or a finding of a violation of or liability under existing laws, could require us to make significant expenditures and otherwise limit or restrict some of our operations.
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Table of ContentsGovernment regulation of outdoor advertising may restrict our outdoor advertising operations on billboards. United States federal, state and local regulations have a significant impact on the outdoor advertising industry and our business. One of the seminal laws is the HBA, which regulates outdoor advertising on the 306,000 miles of Federal-Aid Primary, Interstate and National Highway Systems. The HBA regulates the size and location of billboards, mandates a state compliance program, requires the development of state standards, promotes the expeditious removal of illegal signs, and requires just compensation for takings. Construction, repair, maintenance, lighting, upgrading, height, size, spacing and the location of billboards and the use of new technologies for changing displays, such as digital displays, are regulated by federal, state and local governments. From time to time, states and municipalities have prohibited or significantly limited the construction of new outdoor advertising structures, and also permitted non-conforming structures to be rebuilt by third parties. Changes in laws and regulations affecting outdoor advertising at any level of government, including laws of the foreign jurisdictions in which we operate, could have a significant financial impact on us by requiring us to make significant expenditures or otherwise limiting or restricting some of our operations. From time to time, certain state and local governments and third parties have attempted to force the removal of our displays under various state and local laws, including condemnation and amortization. Amortization is the attempted forced removal of legal but non-conforming billboards (billboards which conformed with applicable zoning regulations when built, but which do not conform to current zoning regulations) or the commercial advertising placed on such billboards after a period of years. Pursuant to this concept, the governmental body asserts that just compensation is earned by continued operation of the billboard over time. Amortization is prohibited along all controlled roads and generally prohibited along non-controlled roads. Amortization has, however, been upheld along non-controlled roads in limited instances where provided by state and local law. Other regulations limit our ability to rebuild, replace, repair, maintain and upgrade non-conforming displays. In addition, from time to time third parties or local governments assert that we own or operate displays that either are not properly permitted or otherwise are not in strict compliance with applicable law. Although we believe that the number of our billboards that may be subject to removal based on alleged noncompliance is immaterial, from time to time we have been required to remove billboards for alleged noncompliance. Such regulations and allegations have not had a material impact on our results of operations to date, but if we are increasingly unable to resolve such allegations or obtain acceptable arrangements in circumstances in which our displays are subject to removal, modification, or amortization, or if there occurs an increase in such regulations or their enforcement, our operating results could suffer. A number of state and local governments have implemented or initiated legislative billboard controls, including taxes, fees and registration requirements in an effort to decrease or restrict the number of outdoor signs and/or to raise revenue. While these controls have not had a material impact on our business and financial results to date, we expect states and local governments to continue these efforts. The increased imposition of these controls and our inability to pass on the cost of these items to our clients could negatively affect our operating income. International regulation of the outdoor advertising industry varies by region and country, but generally limits the size, placement, nature and density of out-of-home displays. Other regulations limit the subject matter and language of out-of-home displays. For instance, the United States and most European Union countries, among other nations, have banned outdoor advertisements for tobacco products. Our failure to comply with these or any future international regulations could have an adverse impact on the effectiveness of our displays or their attractiveness to clients as an advertising medium and may require us to make significant expenditures to ensure compliance. As a result, we may experience a significant impact on our operations, revenue, International client base and overall financial condition. Additional restrictions on outdoor advertising of tobacco, alcohol and other products may further restrict the categories of clients that can advertise using our products. Out-of-court settlements between the major United States tobacco companies and all 50 states, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico and four other United States territories include a ban on the outdoor advertising of tobacco products. Other products and services may be targeted in the future, including alcohol products. Legislation regulating tobacco and alcohol advertising has also been introduced in a number of European countries in which we conduct business and could have a similar impact. Any significant reduction in alcohol-related
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Table of Contentsadvertising due to content-related restrictions could cause a reduction in our direct revenue from such advertisements and an increase in the available space on the existing inventory of billboards in the outdoor advertising industry. Doing business in foreign countries creates certain risks not found in doing business in the United States. Doing business in foreign countries carries with it certain risks that are not found in doing business in the United States. The risks of doing business in foreign countries that could result in losses against which we are not insured include:
In addition, because we own assets overseas and derive revenue from our International operations, we may incur currency translation losses due to changes in the values of foreign currencies and in the value of the United States dollar. We cannot predict the effect of exchange rate fluctuations upon future operating results. See “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations — Market Risk Management — Foreign Currency Risk.” The success of our street furniture and transit products is dependent on our obtaining key municipal concessions, which we may not be able to obtain on favorable terms. Our street furniture and transit products businesses require us to obtain and renew contracts with municipalities and other governmental entities. Many of these contracts require us to participate in competitive bidding processes, typically have terms ranging from 3 to 20 years and have revenue share or fixed payment components. Our inability to successfully negotiate, renew or complete these contracts due to governmental demands and delay and the highly competitive bidding processes for these contracts could affect our ability to offer these products to our clients, or to offer them to our clients at rates that are competitive to other forms of advertising, without adversely affecting our financial results. The lack of availability of potential acquisitions at reasonable prices could harm our growth strategy. Our strategy is to pursue strategic opportunities and to optimize our portfolio of assets. We face competition from other outdoor advertising companies for acquisition opportunities. The purchase price of possible acquisitions could require the incurrence of additional debt or equity financing on our part. Since the terms and availability of this financing depend to a large degree upon general economic conditions and third parties over which
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Table of Contentswe have no control, we can give no assurance that we will obtain the needed financing at all, or that we will obtain such financing on attractive terms. In addition, our ability to obtain financing depends on a number of other factors, many of which are also beyond our control, such as interest rates and national and local business conditions. If the cost of obtaining needed financing is too high or the terms of such financing are otherwise unacceptable in relation to the acquisition opportunity we are presented with, we may decide to forgo that opportunity. Additional indebtedness could increase our leverage and make us more vulnerable in economic downturns, including in the current downturn, and may limit our ability to withstand competitive pressures. Additional equity financing could result in dilution to our shareholders. In addition, the $2.5 billion note and Master Agreement with Clear Channel Communications include restrictive covenants that, among other things, restrict our ability to incur additional debt and make certain acquisitions and investments. Future acquisitions could pose risks. We frequently evaluate strategic opportunities both within and outside our existing lines of business. We expect from time to time to pursue additional acquisitions and may decide to dispose of certain businesses. These acquisitions or dispositions could be material. Our acquisition strategy involves numerous risks, including:
Additional acquisitions by us may require antitrust review by federal antitrust agencies and may require review by foreign antitrust agencies under the antitrust laws of foreign jurisdictions. We can give no assurances the United States Department of Justice, or DOJ, the Federal Trade Commission or foreign antitrust agencies will not seek to bar us from acquiring additional outdoor advertising properties in any market where we already have a significant position. The DOJ actively reviews proposed acquisitions of outdoor advertising properties. In addition, the antitrust laws of foreign jurisdictions will apply if we acquire international outdoor advertising properties. We may be adversely affected by the occurrence of extraordinary events, such as terrorist attacks. The occurrence of extraordinary events, such as terrorist attacks, intentional or unintentional mass casualty incidents, or similar events may substantially decrease the use of and demand for advertising, which may decrease our revenue or expose us to substantial liability. The September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks, for example, caused a nationwide disruption of commercial activities. The occurrence of future terrorist attacks, military actions by the United States, contagious disease outbreaks, or similar events cannot be predicted, and their occurrence can be expected to further negatively affect the economies of the United States and other foreign countries where we do business generally, specifically the market for advertising.
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Table of ContentsRisks Related to Our Relationship with Clear Channel Communications Our historical financial information prior to the IPO is not necessarily representative of the results we would have achieved as an independent publicly traded company and may not be a reliable indicator of our future results. The historical combined financial information prior to the IPO included in this Annual Report does not reflect the financial condition, results of operations or cash flows we would have achieved as an independent publicly traded company during the periods presented or those results we will achieve in the future. This is primarily a result of the following factors:
Because Clear Channel Communications controls substantially all of the total voting power of our common stock, investors will not be able to affect the outcome of any shareholder vote. As of December 31, 2008, Clear Channel Communications owned all of our outstanding shares of Class B common stock, representing approximately 89% of the outstanding shares of our common stock. Each share of our Class B common stock entitles its holder to 20 votes and each share of our Class A common stock entitles its holder to 1 vote on all matters on which shareholders are entitled to vote. As a result, Clear Channel Communications controlled approximately 99% of the total voting power of our common stock. For so long as Clear Channel Communications continues to own shares of our common stock representing more than 50% of the total voting power of our common stock, it will have the ability to direct the election of all members of our Board of Directors and to exercise a controlling influence over our business and affairs, including any determinations with respect to mergers or other business combinations, our acquisition or disposition of assets, our incurrence of indebtedness, our issuance of any additional common stock or other equity securities, our repurchase or redemption of common stock or preferred stock, if applicable, and our payment of dividends.
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Table of ContentsSimilarly, Clear Channel Communications will have the power to determine or significantly influence the outcome of matters submitted to a vote of our shareholders, including the power to prevent an acquisition or any other change in control. Because Clear Channel Communications’ interests as our controlling shareholder may differ from other shareholders’ interests, actions taken by Clear Channel Communications with respect to us may not be favorable to all shareholders. We have entered into a Master Agreement, a Corporate Services Agreement, a Trademark License Agreement and a number of other agreements with Clear Channel Communications setting forth various matters governing our relationship with Clear Channel Communications while it remains a significant shareholder in us. These agreements, along with the $2.5 billion note, govern our relationship with Clear Channel Communications and allow Clear Channel Communications to retain control over, among other things, our continued use of the trademark “Clear Channel,” the provision of corporate services to us, our cash management and our ability to make certain acquisitions or to merge or consolidate or to sell all or substantially all our assets. The rights of Clear Channel Communications under these agreements may allow Clear Channel Communications to delay or prevent an acquisition of us that our other shareholders may consider favorable. We are not able to terminate these agreements or amend them in a manner we deem more favorable so long as Clear Channel Communications continues to own shares of our common stock representing more than 50% of the total voting power of our common stock. Conflicts of interest may arise between Clear Channel Communications and us that could be resolved in a manner unfavorable to us. Questions relating to conflicts of interest may arise between Clear Channel Communications and us in a number of areas relating to our past and ongoing relationships. Clear Channel Communications is now owned indirectly by CC Media Holdings. Three of our directors serve as directors of CC Media Holdings. In addition, one of our directors, L. Lowry Mays, is the Chairman Emeritus of CC Media Holdings. Three of our other directors are affiliated with CC Media Holdings and its shareholders. In addition, five of our executive officers serve as executive officers of CC Media Holdings. For as long as Clear Channel Communications continues to own shares of our common stock representing more than 50% of the total voting power of our common stock, it has the ability to direct the election of all the members of our Board of Directors and to exercise a controlling influence over our business and affairs. Areas in which conflicts of interest between Clear Channel Communications and us could arise include, but are not limited to, the following:
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If Clear Channel Communications engages in the same type of business we conduct or takes advantage of business opportunities that might be attractive to us, our ability to successfully operate and expand our business may be hampered. Our amended and restated certificate of incorporation provides that, subject to any contractual provision to the contrary, Clear Channel Communications will have no obligation to refrain from:
In addition, the corporate opportunity policy set forth in our amended and restated certificate of incorporation addresses potential conflicts of interest between our company, on the one hand, and Clear Channel Communications or CC Media Holdings and its officers and directors who are officers or directors of our company, on the other hand. The policy provides that if Clear Channel Communications or CC Media Holdings acquires knowledge of a potential transaction or matter which may be a corporate opportunity for both Clear Channel Communications and us, we will have renounced our interest in the corporate opportunity. It also provides that if one of our directors or officers who is also a director or officer of Clear Channel Communications or CC Media Holdings learns of a potential transaction or matter that may be a corporate opportunity for both Clear Channel Communications and us, we will have renounced our interest in the corporate opportunity, unless that opportunity is expressly offered to that person in writing solely in his or her capacity as our director or officer. If one of our officers or directors, who also serves as a director or officer of Clear Channel Communications or CC Media Holdings, learns of a potential transaction or matter that may be a corporate opportunity for both Clear Channel Communications and us, our amended and restated certificate of incorporation provides that the director or officer will have no duty to communicate or present that corporate opportunity to us and will not be liable to us or our shareholders for breach of fiduciary duty by reason of Clear Channel Communications’ actions with respect to that corporate opportunity. This policy could result in Clear Channel Communications having rights to corporate opportunities in which both we and Clear Channel Communications have an interest. We are a “controlled company” within the meaning of the New York Stock Exchange rules and, as a result, will qualify for, and intend to rely on, exemptions from certain corporate governance requirements that may not provide as many protections as those afforded to shareholders of other companies. Clear Channel Communications owns shares of our common stock representing more than 50% of the total voting power of our common stock, and we are a “controlled company” under the NYSE corporate governance standards. As a controlled company, we may elect to utilize certain exemptions under the NYSE standards that free us from the obligation to comply with certain NYSE corporate governance requirements, including the requirements (i) that a majority of the Board of Directors consists of independent directors, (ii) that we have a Nominating and Governance Committee, and that such Committee be composed entirely of independent directors and governed by a written charter addressing the Committee’s purpose and responsibilities, (iii) that we have a Compensation Committee composed entirely of independent directors with a written charter addressing the Committee’s purpose and responsibilities and (iv) for an annual performance evaluation of the Compensation Committee. We intend to continue to utilize certain of these exemptions and, as a result, we may not create or maintain a Nominating and Governance Committee, and the Nominating and Governance Committee, if created, and the Compensation
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Table of ContentsCommittee may not consist entirely of independent directors, and our Board of Directors may not consist of a majority of independent directors. Accordingly, you may not have the same protections afforded to shareholders of companies that are subject to all of the NYSE corporate governance requirements. We only have the right to use the Clear Channel brand name, logo and corporate name for so long as Clear Channel Communications owns shares of our common stock representing at least 50% of the total voting power of our common stock. If Clear Channel Communications’ ownership falls below such threshold and we fail to establish in a timely manner a new, independently recognized brand name with a strong reputation, our revenue and profitability could decline. Our corporate name is “Clear Channel Outdoor Holdings, Inc.,” and we and our subsidiaries currently use the Clear Channel brand name and logo in marketing our products and services. Pursuant to a trademark license agreement, Clear Channel Communications grants us the right to use the “Clear Channel” mark and logo in connection with our products and services and the right to use “Clear Channel” in our corporate name and the corporate names of our subsidiaries until 12 months after the date on which Clear Channel Communications owns shares of our common stock representing less than 50% of the total voting power of our common stock. In the event our right to use the Clear Channel brand name and logo and corporate name expires, we will be required to conduct our business under a new brand name, which may not be immediately recognized by our clients and suppliers or by potential employees we are trying to recruit. We will need to expend significant time, effort and resources to establish a new brand name in the marketplace. We cannot guarantee this effort will ultimately be successful. If our effort to establish a new brand identity is unsuccessful, our business, financial condition and results of operations may suffer. Any future separation from Clear Channel Communications could adversely affect our business and profitability due to Clear Channel Communications’ strong brand and reputation. As a subsidiary of Clear Channel Communications, our businesses market many of their products and services using the “Clear Channel” brand name and logo, and we believe the association with Clear Channel Communications has provided many benefits, including:
Any future separation from Clear Channel Communications could adversely affect our ability to attract and retain highly qualified dedicated sales specialists for our products and services. We may be required to lower the prices of our products and services, increase our sales commissions and fees, change long-term advertising and marketing agreements and take other action to maintain our relationship with our clients, suppliers and dedicated sales specialists, all of which could have an adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations. Any future separation from Clear Channel Communications also could cause some of our existing clients to choose to stop doing business with us, and could cause other potential clients to decide not to purchase our products and services because we are no longer associated with Clear Channel Communications. We cannot accurately predict the effect a separation from Clear Channel Communications would have on our sales, clients or employees. The risks relating to a separation from Clear Channel Communications could materialize at various times, including:
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Table of ContentsWe do not have control over our tax decisions and could be liable for income taxes owed by Clear Channel Communications. For so long as Clear Channel Communications continues to own shares of our common stock representing at least 80% of the total voting power and value of our common stock, we and certain of our subsidiaries will be included in Clear Channel Communications’ consolidated group for U.S. federal income tax purposes. In addition, we or one or more of our subsidiaries may be included in the combined, consolidated or unitary tax returns of Clear Channel Communications or one or more of its subsidiaries for foreign, state and local income tax purposes. Under the Tax Matters Agreement, we pay to Clear Channel Communications the amount of federal, foreign, state and local income taxes which we would be required to pay to the relevant taxing authorities if we and our subsidiaries filed combined, consolidated or unitary tax returns and were not included in the consolidated, combined or unitary tax returns of Clear Channel Communications or its subsidiaries. In addition, by virtue of its controlling ownership and the Tax Matters Agreement, Clear Channel Communications effectively controls all of our tax decisions. The Tax Matters Agreement provides that Clear Channel Communications has the sole authority to respond to and conduct all tax proceedings (including tax audits) relating to us, to file all income tax returns on our behalf and to determine the amount of our liability to (or entitlement to payment from) Clear Channel Communications under the Tax Matters Agreement. This arrangement may result in conflicts of interest between Clear Channel Communications and us. For example, under the Tax Matters Agreement, Clear Channel Communications is able to choose to contest, compromise, or settle any adjustment or deficiency proposed by the relevant taxing authority in a manner that may be beneficial to Clear Channel Communications and detrimental to us. Moreover, notwithstanding the Tax Matters Agreement, federal law provides that each member of a consolidated group is liable for the group’s entire tax obligation. Thus, to the extent Clear Channel Communications or other members of the group fail to make any United States federal income tax payments required by law, we would be liable for the shortfall. Similar principles may apply for foreign, state and local income tax purposes where we file combined, consolidated or unitary returns with Clear Channel Communications or its subsidiaries for federal, foreign, state and local income tax purposes. If Clear Channel Communications spins off our Class B common stock to the CC Media Holdings shareholders, we have agreed in the Tax Matters Agreement to indemnify Clear Channel Communications for its tax-related liabilities in certain circumstances. If Clear Channel Communications spins off our Class B common stock to the CC Media Holdings shareholders in a distribution intended to be tax-free under Section 355 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, which we refer to herein as the Code, we have agreed in the Tax Matters Agreement to indemnify Clear Channel Communications and its affiliates against any and all tax-related liabilities if such a spin-off fails to qualify as a tax-free distribution (including as a result of Section 355(e) of the Code) due to actions, events or transactions relating to our stock, assets or business, or a breach of the relevant representations or covenants made by us in the Tax Matters Agreement. If neither we nor Clear Channel Communications is responsible under the Tax Matters Agreement for any such spin-off not being tax-free under Section 355 of the Code, we and Clear Channel Communications have agreed to each be responsible for 50% of the tax-related liabilities arising from the failure of such a spin-off to so qualify. Future sales or distributions of our shares by Clear Channel Communications could depress the market price for shares of our Class A common stock. Clear Channel Communications may sell all or part of the shares of our common stock it owns or distribute those shares to the CC Media Holdings shareholders, including pursuant to demand registration rights described in the Registration Rights Agreement between us and Clear Channel Communications. Sales or distributions by Clear Channel Communications of substantial amounts of our common stock in the public market or to the CC Media Holdings shareholders could adversely affect prevailing market prices for our Class A common stock. Clear Channel Communications has advised us it currently intends to continue to hold all of our common stock it owns. However, Clear Channel Communications is not subject to any contractual obligation that would prohibit it from selling, spinning off, splitting off or otherwise disposing of any shares of our common stock. Consequently, we cannot assure you Clear Channel Communications will maintain its ownership of our common stock.
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Table of ContentsThe terms of our arrangements with Clear Channel Communications may be more favorable than we will be able to obtain from an unaffiliated third party, and we may be unable to replace the services Clear Channel Communications provides us in a timely manner or on comparable terms. We and Clear Channel Communications entered into a Corporate Services Agreement. Pursuant to the Corporate Services Agreement, Clear Channel Communications and its affiliates agree to provide us with corporate services, including treasury, payroll and other financial services, executive officer services, human resources and employee benefit services, legal services, information systems and network services and procurement and sourcing support. We negotiated these arrangements with Clear Channel Communications in the context of a parent-subsidiary relationship. Although Clear Channel Communications is contractually obligated to provide us with services during the term of the Corporate Services Agreement, we cannot assure you these services will be sustained at the same level after the expiration of that agreement, or that we will be able to replace these services in a timely manner or on comparable terms. In addition, we cannot provide assurance that the amount we pay Clear Channel Communications for the services will be as favorable to us as that which may be available for comparable services provided by unrelated third parties. Other agreements with Clear Channel Communications also govern our relationship with Clear Channel Communications and provide for the allocation of employee benefit, tax and other liabilities and obligations attributable to our operations. The agreements also contain terms and provisions that may be more favorable than terms and provisions we might have obtained in arm’s length negotiations with unaffiliated third parties. If Clear Channel Communications ceases to provide services to us pursuant to those agreements, our costs of procuring those services from third parties may increase. Any deterioration in the financial condition of Clear Channel Communications could adversely affect our access to the credit markets and increase our borrowing costs. For so long as Clear Channel Communications maintains significant control over us, a deterioration in the financial condition of Clear Channel Communications, could have the effect of increasing our borrowing costs or impairing our access to the capital markets because of our reliance on Clear Channel Communications for availability under our “Due from Clear Channel Communications” account and its revolving credit facility. In addition, the interest rate we pay on the $2.5 billion note is based on the weighted average cost of debt for Clear Channel Communications. If that cost increases, our borrowing costs also will increase. To the extent we do not pass on our increased borrowing costs to our clients, our profitability, and potentially our ability to raise capital, could be materially affected. Also, until the first date Clear Channel Communications owns shares of our common stock representing less than 50% of the total voting power of our common stock, pursuant to the Master Agreement between us and Clear Channel Communications, as well as pursuant to the $2.5 billion note, Clear Channel Communications will have the ability to limit our ability to incur debt or issue equity securities, which could adversely affect our ability to meet our liquidity needs or to grow our business. Risks Related to Our Class A Common Stock Our stock ownership by Clear Channel Communications, provisions in our agreements with Clear Channel Communications and our corporate governance documents and Delaware law may delay or prevent an acquisition of us that our other shareholders may consider favorable, which could decrease the value of your shares of Class A common stock. For as long as Clear Channel Communications continues to own shares of our common stock representing more than 50% of the total voting power of our common stock, it will have the ability to control decisions regarding an acquisition of us by a third party. As a controlled company, we are exempt from some of the corporate governance requirements of the NYSE, including the requirement that our Board of Directors be comprised of a majority of independent directors. In addition, our amended and restated certificate of incorporation, bylaws and Delaware law contain provisions that could make it more difficult for a third party to acquire us without the consent of our Board of Directors. These provisions include restrictions on the ability of our shareholders to remove directors, supermajority voting requirements for shareholders to amend our organizational documents, restrictions on a classified board of directors and limitations on action by our shareholders by written consent. Some of these provisions, such as the limitation on shareholder action by written consent, only become effective once Clear Channel Communications no longer controls us. In addition, our Board of Directors has the right to issue preferred stock without shareholder approval, which could be used to dilute the stock ownership of a potential hostile acquirer.
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Table of ContentsDelaware law also imposes certain restrictions on mergers and other business combinations between any holder of 15% or more of our outstanding voting stock. These restrictions under Delaware law do not apply to Clear Channel Communications while it retains at least 15% or more of our Class B common stock. Although we believe these provisions protect our shareholders from coercive or otherwise unfair takeover tactics and thereby provide for an opportunity to receive a higher bid by requiring potential acquirers to negotiate with our Board of Directors, these provisions apply even if the offer may be considered beneficial by some shareholders. If Clear Channel Communications spins off our high vote Class B common stock to the CC Media Holdings shareholders and such shares do not convert into Class A common stock upon a sale or other transfer subsequent to such distribution, the voting rights of our Class A common stock will continue to be disproportionately lower than the voting rights of our Class B common stock. In connection with any distribution of shares of our Class B common stock to CC Media Holdings’ common shareholders in a spin-off, Clear Channel Communications may elect in its sole discretion whether our Class B common stock so distributed will automatically convert into shares of Class A common stock upon a transfer or sale by the recipient subsequent to the spin-off or whether the Class B common stock will continue as high vote Class B common stock after the distribution. In the event the Class B common stock does not convert into Class A common stock upon a sale or transfer subsequent to a spin-off, the voting rights of Class A common stock will continue to be disproportionately lower than the voting rights of our Class B common stock. Therefore, the holders of our Class B common stock will continue to be able to direct the election of all the members of our Board of Directors and exercise a controlling influence over our business and affairs. We currently do not intend to pay dividends on our Class A common stock. We do not expect to pay dividends on our Class A common stock in the foreseeable future. We are a holding company with no independent operations and no significant assets other than the stock of our subsidiaries. We therefore are dependent upon the receipt of dividends or other distributions from our subsidiaries to pay dividends. In addition, pursuant to the covenants on the $2.5 billion note with Clear Channel Communications, our ability to pay dividends is restricted. Accordingly, if you purchase shares in us, the price of our Class A common stock must appreciate in order to realize a gain on your investment. This appreciation may not occur. Caution Concerning Forward-Looking Statements The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 provides a safe harbor for forward-looking statements made by us or on our behalf. Except for the historical information, this report contains various forward-looking statements which represent our expectations or beliefs concerning future events, including without limitation, the future levels of cash flow from operations and availability of capital resources and the terms thereof. Management believes all statements expressing expectations and projections with respect to future matters, including our ability to negotiate contracts having more favorable terms and the availability of capital resources, are forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act. We caution that these forward-looking statements involve a number of risks and uncertainties and are subject to many variables which could impact our financial performance. These statements are made on the basis of management’s views and assumptions, as of the time the statements are made, regarding future events and business performance. There can be no assurance, however, that management’s expectations will necessarily come to pass. We do not intend, nor do we undertake any duty, to update any forward-looking statements. A wide range of factors could materially affect future developments and performance, including:
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This list of factors that may affect future performance and the accuracy of forward-looking statements is illustrative and is not intended to be exhaustive. Accordingly, all forward-looking statements should be evaluated with the understanding of their inherent uncertainty.
Not Applicable.
Our worldwide corporate headquarters is in San Antonio, Texas. The headquarters of our Americas operations is in Phoenix, Arizona, and the headquarters of our International operations is in London, England. The types of properties required to support each of our advertising branches include offices, production facilities and structure sites. A branch and production facility is generally located in an industrial or warehouse district. We own or have acquired permanent easements for relatively few parcels of real property that serve as the sites for our outdoor displays. Our remaining outdoor display sites are leased. Our leases generally range from month-to-month to year-to-year and can be for terms of ten years or longer, and many provide for renewal options. There is no significant concentration of displays under any one lease or subject to negotiation with any one landlord. We believe an important part of our management activity is to negotiate suitable lease renewals and extensions.
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From time to time, we are involved in routine legal proceedings arising in the ordinary course of business. Under our agreements with Clear Channel Communications, we have assumed and will indemnify Clear Channel Communications for liabilities related to our business. We do not believe there is any litigation pending that would have, individually or in the aggregate, a material adverse effect on our financial position, results of operations or cash flows.
There were no matters submitted to a vote of security holders in the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2008.
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Table of ContentsPART II
Our Class A common stock trades on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol “CCO.” There were 87 shareholders of record as of February 26, 2009. This figure does not include an estimate of the indeterminate number of beneficial holders whose shares may be held of record by brokerage firms and clearing agencies. The following table sets forth, for the calendar quarters indicated, the reported high and low sales price of our Class A common stock as reported on the NYSE:
See Part III, Item 12 for information regarding securities authorized for issuance under our equity compensation plans. Dividend Policy To date, we have not paid dividends on our common stock and we do not anticipate paying any dividends on the shares of our common stock in the foreseeable future. Pursuant to the covenants on the $2.5 billion note with Clear Channel Communications, our ability to pay dividends is restricted. If cash dividends were to be paid on our common stock, holders of Class A common stock and Class B common stock would share equally, on a per share basis, in any such cash dividend.
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Table of ContentsPurchases of Equity Securities by the Issuer and Affiliated Purchases The following table sets forth the Company’s purchases of our Class A common stock registered pursuant to Section 12 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 that occurred during the quarter ended December 31, 2008:
We have prepared our consolidated and combined financial statements as if Clear Channel Outdoor Holdings, Inc. had been in existence as a separate company throughout all relevant periods. The historical financial and other data prior to the IPO, which occurred on November 11, 2005, have been prepared on a combined basis from Clear Channel Communications’ consolidated financial statements using the historical results of operations and bases of the assets and liabilities of Clear Channel Communications’ Americas outdoor and International outdoor advertising businesses and give effect to allocations of expenses from Clear Channel Communications. Our historical financial data prior to the IPO may not necessarily be indicative of our future performance nor will such data reflect what our financial position and results of operations would have been had we operated as an independent publicly traded company during the periods shown. The historical financial and other data for the year ended December 31, 2008 are comprised of two periods: post-merger and pre-merger results, which relate to the period succeeding Clear Channel Communications’ merger and the periods preceding Clear Channel Communications’ merger, respectively. For purposes of this discussion, we have presented the historical financial data for the year ended December 31, 2008 on a combined basis. We believe that the presentation on a combined basis is more meaningful as it allows the financial data to be analyzed to comparable periods prior to Clear Channel Communications’ merger. The post-merger and pre-merger financial data for the year ended December 31, 2008 is presented in “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations,” and the historical audited consolidated financial statements and the accompanying notes thereto included elsewhere in this Annual Report. The results of operations data, segment data and cash flow data for the years presented below were derived from our audited consolidated and combined financial statements. You should read the information contained in this table in conjunction with “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations,” and the historical audited consolidated financial statements and the accompanying notes thereto included elsewhere in this Annual Report.
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INTRODUCTION Management’s discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations is provided as a supplement to the audited annual financial statements and accompanying notes thereto to help provide an understanding of our financial condition, changes in our financial condition and results of our operations. The information included herein should be read in conjunction with the annual financial statements and its accompanying notes and is organized as follows:
Our discussion is presented on both a consolidated and segment basis. Our reportable operating segments are Americas and International. Approximately 92% of our 2008 Americas revenue was derived from the United States, with the balance derived primarily from Canada and Latin America. Approximately 40% of our 2008 International revenue was derived from France and the United Kingdom. We manage our segments primarily focusing on operating income. Corporate expenses, impairment charge, other operating income – net, interest expense, equity in earnings of nonconsolidated affiliates, other income (expense) – net, income taxes and minority interest expense – net are managed on a total company basis and are, therefore, included only in our discussion of consolidated results.
OVERVIEW Clear Channel Communications’ Merger On July 30, 2008, Clear Channel Communications, our parent company, completed its merger with a subsidiary of CC Media Holdings, a company formed by a group of private equity funds sponsored by Bain Capital Partners, LLC and Thomas H. Lee Partners, L.P.. Clear Channel Communications is now owned indirectly by CC Media Holdings. The merger was accounted for as a purchase business combination in conformity with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 141, Business Combinations, and Emerging Issues Task Force Issue 88-16, Basis in Leveraged Buyout Transactions. Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 54, Push Down Basis of Accounting Required in Certain Limited Circumstances, requires the application of push down accounting in situations where the ownership of an entity has changed. As a result, the post-merger financial statements reflect a new basis of accounting. Accordingly, the financial statements as of December 31, 2008 reflect Clear Channel Communications’ preliminary estimated fair value basis resulting from the merger that has been pushed down to us. A portion of the
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Table of Contentsconsideration paid has been preliminarily allocated to the assets and liabilities acquired at their respective fair values at July 30, 2008. The remaining portion was recorded at the continuing shareholders basis, due to the fact that certain shares of Clear Channel Communications’ were exchanged for shares of CC Media Holdings’ Class A common stock. Excess consideration after this preliminary allocation was recorded as goodwill. Clear Channel Communications has preliminarily estimated the fair value of the acquired assets and liabilities as of the merger date utilizing information available at the time the financial statements were prepared. These estimates are subject to refinement until all pertinent information is obtained and finalized. Clear Channel Communications is currently in the process of obtaining third-party valuations of certain of the acquired assets and liabilities in order to finalize the purchase price allocation. Clear Channel Communications will complete its purchase price allocation in 2009 and the final allocation of the purchase price may be different than the preliminary allocation. Impairment Charge The global economic slowdown has adversely affected advertising revenues across our business in recent months. As a result, we performed an impairment test in the fourth quarter of 2008 on our indefinite-lived permits and goodwill. Our permits are valued using the direct valuation approach, with the key assumptions being market revenue growth rates, market share, profit margin, duration and profile of the build-up period, estimated start-up capital costs and losses incurred during the build-up period, the risk-adjusted discount rate and terminal values. This data is populated using industry normalized information representing an average asset within a market. The estimated fair value of permits was below their carrying values. As a result, we recognized a non-cash impairment charge of $722.6 million on our permits. The United States and global economies are undergoing a period of economic uncertainty, which has caused, among other things, a general tightening in the credit markets, limited access to the credit market, lower levels of liquidity and lower consumer and business spending. These disruptions in the credit and financial markets and the continuing impact of adverse economic, financial and industry conditions on the demand for advertising negatively impacted the key assumptions in the discounted cash flow models used to value our permits. The goodwill impairment test requires us to measure the fair value of our reporting units and compare the estimated fair value to the carrying value, including goodwill. Each of our reporting units is valued using a discounted cash flow model which requires estimating future cash flows expected to be generated from the reporting unit, discounted to their present value using a risk-adjusted discount rate. Terminal values were also estimated and discounted to their present value. Assessing the recoverability of goodwill requires us to make estimates and assumptions about sales, operating margins, growth rates and discount rates based on our budgets, business plans, economic projections, anticipated future cash flows and marketplace data. There are inherent uncertainties related to these factors and management’s judgment in applying these factors. The estimated fair value of our reporting units was below their carrying values, which required us to compare the implied fair value of each reporting units’ goodwill with its carrying value. As a result, we recognized a non-cash impairment charge of $2.5 billion to reduce our goodwill. The macroeconomic factors discussed above had an adverse effect on our estimated cash flows and discount rates used in the discounted cash flow model. While we believe we had made reasonable estimates and utilized reasonable assumptions to calculate the fair value of our permits and reporting units, it is possible a material change could occur to the estimated fair value of these assets. If our actual results are not consistent with our estimates, we could be exposed to future impairment losses that could be material to our results of operations. Restructuring Program On January 20, 2009, CC Media Holdings announced that it had commenced a restructuring program targeting a reduction of fixed costs by approximately $350 million on an annualized basis. As part of the program, it eliminated approximately 1,850 full-time positions representing approximately 9% of total workforce. The restructuring program will also include other actions, including elimination of overlapping functions and other cost savings initiatives. The program is expected to result in restructuring and other non-recurring charges of approximately $200 million, although additional costs may be incurred as the program evolves. It is estimated that
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Table of Contentsapproximately 40% of the anticipated cost savings and related charges will be attributable to us. The cost savings initiatives are expected to be fully implemented by the end of the first quarter of 2010. No assurance can be given that the restructuring program will be successful or will achieve the anticipated cost savings in the timeframe expected or at all. In addition, the restructuring program may be modified or terminated in response to economic conditions or otherwise. As of December 31, 2008 we had recognized approximately $35.5 million of expenses related to our restructuring program. These expenses primarily related to severance of approximately $27.8 million and $7.7 million related to other professional fees. Format of Presentation The accompanying consolidated financial statements are presented for two periods: post-merger and pre-merger. As a result, preliminary purchase accounting adjustments, including goodwill, were pushed down to the opening balance sheet on July 31, 2008 as Clear Channel Communications’ merger occurred at the close of business on July 30, 2008. The merger resulted in a new basis of accounting beginning on July 31, 2008 and the financial reporting periods are presented as follows:
There are several agreements which govern our relationship with Clear Channel Communications including the Corporate Services Agreement, Employee Matters Agreement and Tax Matters Agreement. Clear Channel Communications has the right to terminate these agreements in various circumstances. As of the date of the filing of this Annual Report, no notice of termination of any of these agreements has been received from Clear Channel Communications. Our agreements with Clear Channel Communications continue under the same terms and conditions subsequent to Clear Channel Communications’ merger. In conjunction with the merger, Clear Channel Communications’ $1.75 billion revolving credit facility, including the $150.0 million sub-limit, was terminated. The facility was replaced with a $2.0 billion revolving credit facility with a maturity in July 2014, which includes a $150.0 million sub-limit that certain of our International subsidiaries may borrow against to the extent Clear Channel Communications has not already borrowed against this capacity and is in compliance with its covenants under the credit facility. On February 6, 2009, Clear Channel Communications borrowed the remaining availability under its $2.0 billion revolving credit facility, including the remaining availability under the $150.0 million sub-limit. The obligations of these International subsidiaries that are borrowers under the revolving credit facility are guaranteed by certain of our material wholly-owned subsidiaries, and secured by substantially all of the assets of such borrowers and guarantors, subject to permitted liens and other exceptions. The accompanying consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this Annual Report are presented for two periods for 2008: post-merger and pre-merger results, which relate to the period succeeding the merger and the periods preceding the merger, respectively. The discussion in this MD&A is presented on a combined basis of the pre-merger and post-merger periods for 2008. The 2008 post-merger and pre-merger results are presented but are not discussed separately. We believe that the discussion on a combined basis is more meaningful as it allows the results of operations to be analyzed to comparable periods in 2007 and 2006. Description of Business Our outdoor advertising business has been, and may continue to be, adversely impacted by the difficult economic conditions currently present in the United States and other countries in which we operate. The continuing
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Table of Contentsweakening economy has, among other things, adversely affected our clients’ need for advertising and marketing services, resulted in increased cancellations and non-renewals by our clients, thereby reducing our occupancy levels and could require us to lower our rates in order to remain competitive, thereby reducing our yield, or affect our client’s solvency. Any one or more of these effects could materially affect our business, financial condition and results of operations. Our revenue is derived from selling advertising space on approximately 908,000 displays owned or operated as of December 31, 2008, consisting primarily of billboards, street furniture and transit displays. Our business has been, and may continue to be, adversely impacted by the adverse economic conditions currently present in the United States and other countries in which we operate. The continuing weakening economy has, among other things, adversely affect our clients’ need for advertising and marketing services, resulted in increased cancellations and non-renewals by our clients, thereby reducing our occupancy levels, and could require us to lower our rates in order to remain competitive, thereby reducing our yield, or affect our clients’ solvency. Any one or more of these effects could materially affect our business, financial condition and results of operations. We own the majority of our advertising displays, which typically are located on sites that we either lease or own or for which we have acquired permanent easements. Our advertising contracts with clients typically outline the number of displays reserved, the duration of the advertising campaign and the unit price per display. Our advertising rates are based on a number of different factors including location, competition, size of display, illumination, market and gross ratings points. Gross ratings points are the total number of impressions delivered by a display or group of displays, expressed as a percentage of a market population. The number of impressions delivered by a display is measured by the number of people passing the site during a defined period of time and, in some International markets, is weighted to account for such factors as illumination, proximity to other displays and the speed and viewing angle of approaching traffic. Management typically monitors our business by reviewing the average rates, average revenue per display, or yield, occupancy and inventory levels of each of our display types by market. In addition, because a significant portion of our advertising operations are conducted in foreign markets, the largest being France and the United Kingdom, management reviews the operating results from our foreign operations on a constant dollar basis. A constant dollar basis allows for comparison of operations independent of foreign exchange movements. The significant expenses associated with our operations include (i) direct production, maintenance and installation expenses, (ii) site lease expenses for land under our displays and (iii) revenue-sharing or minimum guaranteed amounts payable under our billboard, street furniture and transit display contracts. Our direct production, maintenance and installation expenses include costs for printing, transporting and changing the advertising copy on our displays, the related labor costs, the vinyl and paper costs and the costs for cleaning and maintaining our displays. Vinyl and paper costs vary according to the complexity of the advertising copy and the quantity of displays. Our site lease expenses include lease payments for use of the land under our displays, as well as any revenue-sharing arrangements or minimum guaranteed amounts payable we may have with the landlords. The terms of our site leases and revenue-sharing or minimum guaranteed contracts generally range from 1 to 20 years. In our International business, normal market practice is to sell billboards and street furniture as network packages with contract terms typically ranging from one to two weeks, compared to contract terms typically ranging from 4 weeks to one year in the United States. In addition, competitive bidding for street furniture and transit display contracts, which constitute a larger portion of our International business, and a different regulatory environment for billboards, result in higher site lease cost in our International business compared to our Americas business. As a result, our margins are typically less in our International business than in the Americas. Our street furniture and transit display contracts, the terms of which range from 3 to 20 years, generally require us to make upfront investments in property, plant and equipment. These contracts may also include upfront lease payments and/or minimum annual guaranteed lease payments. We can give no assurance that our cash flows from operations over the terms of these contracts will exceed the upfront and minimum required payments.
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Table of ContentsOur 2008 and 2007 results of operations include a full year of the results of operations of Interspace Airport Advertising, or Interspace, and our results of operations for 2006 include a partial year of the results of operations of Interspace, which we acquired in July 2006. Relationship with Clear Channel Communications We became a publicly traded company on November 11, 2005, through an initial public offering, or IPO, in which we sold 10% of our common stock, or 35.0 million shares of our Class A common stock. Prior to our IPO we were an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of Clear Channel Communications. Clear Channel Communications currently owns all of our outstanding shares of Class B common stock representing approximately 89% of the outstanding shares of our common stock and approximately 99% of the total voting power of our common stock. In accordance with the Master Agreement, our branch managers follow a corporate policy allowing Clear Channel Communications to use, without charge, Americas’ displays they believe would otherwise be unsold. Our sales personnel receive partial revenue credit for that usage for compensation purposes. This partial revenue credit is not included in our reported revenue. Clear Channel Communications bears the cost of producing the advertising and we bear the costs of installing and removing this advertising. In 2008, we estimated this discounted revenue would have been less than 1% of our Americas revenue. Under the Corporate Services Agreement, Clear Channel Communications provides management services to us. These services are charged to us based on actual direct costs incurred or allocated by Clear Channel Communications based on headcount, revenue or other factors on a pro rata basis. For further discussion of these services, see Note I to the consolidated financial statements. For the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006, we recorded approximately $28.1 million, $20.3 million and $24.3 million, respectively, as a component of corporate expenses for these services. Share-Based Payments As of December 31, 2008, there was $21.2 million of total unrecognized compensation cost, net of estimated forfeitures, related to unvested share-based compensation arrangements. This cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of approximately three years. The following table details compensation costs related to share-based payments:
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Table of ContentsRESULTS OF OPERATIONS Consolidated Results of Operations The following tables summarize our historical results of operations:
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Revenue 2008 v. 2007 Our revenue increased approximately $7.5 million during 2008 as compared to 2007. Revenue growth during the first nine months of 2008 was partially offset by a decline of $151.2 million in the fourth quarter. Our Americas revenue declined approximately $54.8 million during 2008 as compared to 2007, attributable to decreases in poster and bulletin revenues associated with cancellations and non-renewals from major national advertisers. The declines were partially offset by an increase from our International revenue of approximately $62.3 million, with roughly $60.4 million from movements in foreign exchange. 2007 v. 2006 Our revenue increased approximately $384.1 million, or 13%, during 2007 as compared to 2006. Our International revenue increased $240.4 million, including approximately $133.3 million related to movements in foreign exchange and the remainder associated with growth across inventory categories. Our Americas revenue increased $143.7 million driven by increases in bulletin, street furniture, airports and taxi display revenues as well as $32.1 million from Interspace. Direct Operating Expenses 2008 v. 2007 Direct operating expenses increased $147.3 million for 2008 compared to 2007. Our International business contributed $90.3 million to the increase primarily from an increase in site lease expenses and $39.5 million related to movements in foreign exchange. Our Americas business contributed $57.0 million to the increase primarily from new contracts.
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Table of Contents2007 v. 2006 Direct operating expenses increased $220.0 million for 2007 compared to 2006. International direct operating expenses increased $163.8 million principally from $88.0 million related to movements in foreign exchange. Americas direct operating expenses increased $56.2 million primarily attributable to increased site lease expenses associated with new contracts and the increase in transit revenue as well as approximately $14.9 million from Interspace. Selling, General and Administrative Expenses (SG&A) 2008 v. 2007 SG&A increased $68.4 million during 2008 compared to 2007. Approximately $23.7 million of this increase occurred during the fourth quarter primarily as a result of severance associated with the restructuring plan. Our International business contributed approximately $41.9 million to the increase primarily from movements in foreign exchange of $11.2 million and an increase in severance in 2008 associated with the restructuring plan of approximately $20.1 million. Our Americas business’ SG&A increased approximately $26.4 million largely from increased bad debt expense of $15.5 million and an increase in severance in 2008 associated with the restructuring plan of $4.5 million. 2007 v. 2006 SG&A increased $51.0 million during 2007 compared to 2006. International SG&A expenses increased $31.9 million primarily related to movements in foreign exchange. Americas SG&A expenses increased $19.1 million mostly attributable to sales expenses associated with the increase in revenue and $6.7 million from Interspace. Depreciation and Amortization 2008 v. 2007 Depreciation and amortization increased $72.9 million in 2008 as compared to 2007. The increase was primarily due to increased amortization recorded on the preliminary fair value adjustments of $25.4 million pushed-down as a result of Clear Channel Communications’ merger and $29.3 million of accelerated depreciation on billboards in our Americas and International outdoor segments from billboards that were removed. 2007 v. 2006 Depreciation and amortization decreased $8.2 million in 2007 as compared to 2006. The decrease was primarily due to a reduction in amortization from International contracts, partially offset by an increase from Interspace and the effects of foreign exchange. Corporate Expenses Corporate expenses increased $5.0 million in 2008 as compared to 2007. The increase was primarily attributable to an increase in the Corporate Services allocation from Clear Channel Communications, partially offset by a decrease in bonus expense. Corporate expenses were comparable in 2007 to 2006. Under the Corporate Services agreement between us and Clear Channel Communications, Clear Channel Communications provides management services to us, which include, among other things, (i) treasury, payroll and other financial related services, (ii) executive officer services, (iii) human resources and employee benefits services, (iv) legal and related services, (v) information systems, network and related services, (vi) investment services, (vii) procurement and sourcing support services, and (viii) other general corporate services. These services are charged to us based on actual direct costs incurred or allocated by Clear Channel Communications based on headcount, revenue or other factors on a pro rata basis. For the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007, and 2006, we recorded approximately $28.1 million, $20.3 million, and $24.3 million, respectively, as a component of corporate expenses for these services.
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Table of ContentsImpairment Charge The global economic slowdown has adversely affected advertising revenues across our businesses in recent months. As discussed above, we performed an impairment test in the fourth quarter of 2008 and recognized a non-cash impairment charge to our indefinite-lived intangible assets and goodwill of $3.2 billion. See Note B to the consolidated financial statements for further discussion of the impairment charge. Other Operating Income — Net Other operating income – net for the year ended December 31, 2008 was $15.8 million. During the first quarter of 2008, we exchanged assets in one of our Americas markets for assets located in a different market and recognized a gain of $2.6 million. During the second quarter of 2008, we recorded a $4.0 million gain on the sale of property. In addition, we recorded a $1.7 million gain on the sale of International street furniture in the third quarter of 2008. Other operating income – net of $11.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2007, primarily related to an $8.9 million gain from the sale of street furniture assets and land in our International segment. Other operating income – net of $22.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2006, primarily related to a $13.2 million gain in our Americas segment from the exchange of assets in one of our markets for the assets of a third party located in a different market. Interest Expense (Including Interest on Debt with Clear Channel Communications) 2008 v. 2007 Interest expense increased $3.8 million during 2008 as compared to 2007. The increase was primarily due to an increase in the interest rate on the $2.5 billion note to Clear Channel Communications. The interest rate is based on Clear Channel Communications’ weighted average cost of debt. The average interest rate in 2008 was 6.2% as compared to 6.1% in 2007. See “Financial Condition and Liquidity” below for further discussion of the impact of Clear Channel Communications’ merger on interest expense. 2007 v. 2006 Interest expense decreased $4.7 million during 2007 as compared to 2006, primarily as a result of a decline in our average debt balance during the period. Loss on Marketable Securities During the fourth quarter of 2008, we recorded a non-cash impairment charge to certain available-for-sale securities. The fair value of these available-for-sale securities was below their cost each month subsequent to the closing of Clear Channel Communications’ merger. As a result, we considered the guidance in SEC Staff Accounting Bulletin Topic 5M and reviewed the length of the time and the extent to which the market value was less than cost and the financial condition and near-term prospects of the issuer. After this assessment, we concluded that the impairment was other than temporary and recorded a $59.8 million impairment charge. Equity in Earnings (Loss) of Nonconsolidated Affiliates Equity in earnings (loss) of nonconsolidated affiliates increased $64.3 million during 2008 as compared to 2007. In the first quarter of 2008, we sold our 50% interest in Clear Channel Independent, a South African outdoor advertising company, and recognized a gain of $75.6 million. This gain was partially offset by a $9.0 million impairment charge to one of our International equity method investments recorded during the third quarter of 2008. Other Income (Expense) — Net Other income of $25.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2008 primarily related to net foreign exchange transaction gains on short-term intercompany accounts of $19.8 million. In addition, we recorded income of $8.0 million related to dividends received from an International investment. Other income – net of $10.1 million and $0.3 million for the years ended December 31, 2007 and 2006, respectively, relates primarily to net foreign exchange transaction gains on short-term intercompany accounts.
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Table of ContentsIncome Taxes Our operations are included in a consolidated income tax return filed by Clear Channel Communications. However, for our financial statements, our provision for income taxes was computed on the basis that we file separate consolidated federal income tax returns with our subsidiaries. The decrease in current tax expense of $84.6 million for 2008 when compared to 2007 is primarily the result of a decrease in “Income before income taxes and minority interest” of $265.9 million which excludes the non-tax deductible impairment charge of $3.2 billion recorded in 2008. The deferred tax benefit increased $282.4 million to $247.4 million in 2008 compared to deferred tax expense of $34.9 million in 2007 primarily due to the $292.0 million of deferred tax benefit recorded in the post-merger period related to the impairment charges on permits and tax deductible goodwill. This deferred tax benefit was partially offset by additional tax depreciation deductions as a result of the bonus depreciation provisions enacted as part of the Economic Stimulus Act of 2008. Our effective tax rate for 2008 was 7.2%. The primary reason for the reduction in the effective tax rate from 2007 was the result of the impairment charge recorded in 2008 discussed in more detail above and in Note B to the consolidated financial statements. In addition, we did not record tax benefits on certain tax losses in our foreign operations due to the uncertainty of the ability to utilize those tax losses in the future. Our effective tax rate for the year ended December 31, 2007 was 36%. The increase in current tax expense of $29.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2007 over 2006 was due primarily to an increase in “Income before income taxes and minority interest” of $121.2 million. Deferred tax expense decreased $4.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2007 compared to 2006 primarily due to additional deferred tax expense of approximately $12.8 recorded in 2006 related to the filing of an amended tax return. The amendment was mainly due to a revised tax loss on the like kind exchange of certain assets. In addition, the company recorded deferred tax expense of approximately $16.7 million in 2006 related to the uncertainty of our ability to utilize certain tax losses in the future for certain international operations. The changes noted above were partially offset by additional deferred tax expense of approximately $19.8 million recorded in 2007 as a result of tax depreciation expense related to capital expenditures in certain foreign jurisdictions. Our effective tax rate for the year ended December 31, 2006 was 42%. During 2006, we recorded current tax benefits of approximately $20.4 million related to tax losses on the disposition of certain operating assets and the filing of an amended tax return. The amendment primarily related to a revised tax loss on the like kind exchange of certain outdoor assets. Americas Results of Operations
2008 v. 2007 Revenue decreased approximately $54.8 million during 2008 compared to 2007, with the entire decline occurring in the fourth quarter. Driving the decline was approximately $87.4 million attributable to poster and bulletin revenues associated with cancellations and non-renewals from major national advertisers, partially offset by an increase of $46.2 million in airport revenues, digital display revenues and street furniture revenues. Also impacting the decline in bulletin revenue was decreased occupancy while the decline in poster revenue was affected by a decrease in both occupancy and rate. The increase in airport and street furniture revenues was primarily driven by new contracts while digital display revenue growth was primarily the result of an increase in the number of digital displays. Other miscellaneous revenues also declined approximately $13.6 million.
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Table of ContentsOur Americas direct operating expenses increased $57.0 million primarily from higher site lease expenses of $45.2 million primarily attributable to new taxi, airport and street furniture contracts and an increase of $2.4 million in severance associated with the restructuring plan. Our SG&A expenses increased $26.4 million largely from increased bad debt expense of $15.5 million and an increase of $4.5 million in severance in 2008 associated with the restructuring plan. Depreciation and amortization increased approximately $17.8 million mostly as a result of $6.6 million related to additional depreciation and amortization associated with the preliminary fair value adjustments to the acquired assets and $11.3 million of accelerated depreciation from billboards that were removed. 2007 v. 2006 Americas’ revenue increased $143.7 million, or 11%, during 2007 as compared to 2006 with Interspace contributing approximately $32.1 million to the increase. The growth occurred across our inventory, including bulletins, street furniture, airports and taxi displays. The revenue growth was primarily driven by bulletin revenue attributable to increased rates and airport revenue which had both increased rates and occupancy. Leading advertising categories during the year were telecommunications, retail, automotive, financial services and amusements. Revenue growth occurred across our markets, led by Los Angeles, New York, Washington/Baltimore, Atlanta, Boston, Seattle and Minneapolis. Our Americas direct operating expenses increased $56.2 million primarily from an increase of $46.6 million in site lease expenses associated with new contracts and the increase in airport, street furniture and taxi revenues. Interspace contributed $14.9 million to the increase. Our SG&A expenses increased $19.1 million primarily from bonus and commission expenses associated with the increase in revenue and from Interspace, which contributed approximately $6.7 million to the increase. Depreciation and amortization increased $10.9 million during 2007 compared to 2006 primarily associated with $5.9 million from Interspace. International Results of Operations
2008 v. 2007 Revenue increased approximately $62.3 million, with roughly $60.4 million from movements in foreign exchange. The remaining revenue growth was primarily attributable to growth in China, Turkey and Romania, partially offset by revenue declines in France and the United Kingdom. China and Turkey benefited from strong advertising environments. We acquired operations in Romania at the end of the second quarter of 2007, which also contributed to revenue growth in 2008. The decline in France was primarily driven by the loss of a contract to advertise on railways and the decline in the United Kingdom was primarily driven by weak advertising demand. During the fourth quarter of 2008, revenue declined approximately $88.6 million compared to the fourth quarter of 2007, of which approximately $51.8 million was due to movements in foreign exchange and the remaining amount was primarily as a result of a decline in advertising demand.
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Table of ContentsDirect operating expenses increased $90.3 million. Included in the increase is approximately $39.5 million related to movements in foreign exchange. The remaining increase in direct operating expenses was driven by an increase in site lease expenses. SG&A expenses increased $41.9 million in 2008 over 2007 with approximately $11.2 million related to movements in foreign exchange and $20.1 million related to severance in 2008 associated with the restructuring plan. Depreciation and amortization expenses increased $55.1 million with $18.8 million related to additional depreciation and amortization associated with the preliminary fair value adjustments to the acquired assets, approximately $18.0 million related to an increase in accelerated depreciation from billboards to be removed, approximately $11.3 million related to impaired advertising display contracts and $4.9 million related to an increase from movements in foreign exchange. 2007 v. 2006 International revenue increased $240.4 million, or 15%, in 2007 as compared to 2006. Included in the increase was approximately $133.3 million related to movements in foreign exchange. Revenue growth occurred across inventory categories including billboards, street furniture and transit, driven by both increased rates and occupancy. Growth was led by increased revenues in France, Italy, Australia, Spain and China. Our International direct operating expenses increased approximately $163.8 million in 2007 compared to 2006. Included in the increase was approximately $88.0 million related to movements in foreign exchange. The remaining increase in direct operating expenses was primarily attributable to an increase in site lease expenses associated with the increase in revenue. SG&A expenses increased $31.9 million in 2007 over 2006 from approximately $23.4 million related to movements in foreign exchange and an increase in selling expenses associated with the increase in revenue. Additionally, we recorded a $9.8 million reduction to SG&A in 2006 as a result of the favorable settlement of a legal proceeding. Depreciation and amortization decreased $19.1 million in 2007 as compared to 2006 principally from contracts which were recorded at fair value in purchase accounting in prior years and became fully amortized at December 31, 2006. Reconciliation of Segment Operating Income (Loss)
FINANCIAL CONDITION AND LIQUIDITY Clear Channel Communications’ Merger Clear Channel Communications’ capitalization, liquidity and capital resources substantially changed due to the consummation of its merger on July 30, 2008. Upon the closing of the merger, Clear Channel Communications incurred additional debt and became highly leveraged. We are not borrowers or guarantors of Clear Channel Communications’ credit agreements other than for direct borrowings by certain of our International subsidiaries under the $150.0 million sub-limit included in Clear Channel Communications’ $2.0 billion revolving credit facility. As of December 31, 2008, the outstanding balance on the sub-limit was approximately $30.0 million. On February 6, 2009, Clear Channel Communications borrowed the remaining availability under its $2.0 billion revolving credit facility, including the remaining availability under the $150.0 million sub-limit. Clear Channel Communications made the borrowing to improve its liquidity position in light of continuing uncertainty in credit market and economic conditions.
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Table of ContentsOur Company and our consolidated subsidiaries are restricted subsidiaries under Clear Channel Communications’ credit agreements and are therefore subject to various restrictions contained therein. The interest rate we pay on our $2.5 billion promissory note is based on the weighted average cost of debt for Clear Channel Communications which was impacted due to the consummation of Clear Channel Communications’ merger. As such, the interest we pay on our $2.5 billion promissory note increased compared to what it would have been had the merger not occurred and may increase again in the future as a result of, among other events, another change in Clear Channel Communications’ capitalization, liquidity and capital resources. To the extent we cannot pass on our increased borrowing costs to our clients, our profitability, and potentially our ability to raise capital, could be materially affected. Under our Master Agreement with Clear Channel Communications and the $2.5 billion note payable to Clear Channel Communications, we are limited in our borrowing from third parties to no more than $400.0 million. Certain of our International subsidiaries have access to borrowings under a $150.0 million sub-limit included in Clear Channel Communications’ multicurrency $2.0 billion revolving credit facility with a maturity in July 2014 to the extent Clear Channel Communications has not already borrowed against this capacity and is in compliance with its covenants under the credit facility. The obligations of these International subsidiaries that are borrowers under the revolving credit facility are guaranteed by certain of our material wholly-owned subsidiaries, and secured by substantially all of the assets of such borrowers and guarantors, subject to permitted liens and other exceptions. On February 6, 2009, Clear Channel Communications borrowed the remaining availability under its $2.0 billion revolving credit facility, including the remaining availability under the $150.0 million sub-limit. The interest rate on outstanding balances under the new credit facility is based upon LIBOR or, for Euro denominated borrowings, EURIBOR, plus, in each case, a margin, which margin is generally higher than the margin under Clear Channel Communications’ previous credit facility. See discussion below under “Sources of Capital — Bank Credit Facility.” A deterioration in the financial condition of Clear Channel Communications or borrowings by Clear Channel Communications under the $150.0 million sub-limit could also further increase our borrowing costs or impair our access to the capital markets because of our reliance on Clear Channel Communications for availability under this new revolving credit facility. Also, so long as Clear Channel Communications maintains a significant interest in us, pursuant to the Master Agreement between Clear Channel Communications and us, Clear Channel Communications will have the option to limit our ability to incur debt or issue equity securities, which could adversely affect our ability to meet our liquidity needs. Cash Flows The following table summarizes our historical cash flows:
Operating Activities 2008 Net cash provided by operating activities of $603.6 million for 2008 principally reflected a net loss of $2.9 billion, adjusted for non-cash impairment charges of $3.2 billion related to goodwill and intangible assets , a $59.8 million non-cash loss on marketable securities, and depreciation and amortization of $472.4 million. In addition, we
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Table of Contentsrecorded a $75.6 million gain in equity in earnings of nonconsolidated affiliates related to the sale of our 50% interest in Clear Channel Independent based on the fair value of the equity securities received as consideration. Net cash provided by operating activities was partially offset by deferred taxes of $247.4 million. 2007 Net cash flow from operating activities of $694.4 million for 2007 primarily reflects net income of $246.0 million and depreciation and amortization of $399.5 million. Net cash flows from operating activities also reflects an increase of $137.3 million in accounts receivable as a result of the increase in revenue and an increase of $93.4 million in accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities. 2006 Net cash flow from operating activities of $538.5 million for 2006 principally reflects net income of $153.1 million and depreciation and amortization of $407.7 million. Net cash flows from operating activities also reflects an increase of $101.3 million in accounts receivable as a result of the increase in revenue and an increase of $65.4 million in accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities. Investing Activities 2008 Net cash used in investing activities of $425.8 million for 2008 mainly reflected capital expenditures of $358.3 million related to purchases of property, plant and equipment and $96.5 million related to acquisitions of operating assets, partially offset by proceeds from the sale of other assets of $41.5 million. 2007 Net cash used in investing activities of $356.4 million for 2007 is primarily related to capital expenditures of $275.7 million related to purchases of property, plant and equipment and $69.1 million related to acquisitions of operating assets. 2006 Net cash used in investing activities of $489.0 million for 2006 principally reflects capital expenditures of $233.9 million related to purchases of property, plant and equipment and $242.4 million related to acquisitions of operating assets. Financing Activities 2008 Net cash used in financing activities of $232.8 million for 2008 reflected net transfers of cash to Clear Channel Communications of $169.2 million and a net reduction in debt and credit facilities of $67.6 million. 2007 Net cash used in financing activities of $305.8 million for 2007 is primarily related to the net transfer of cash to Clear Channel Communications of $302.9 million. 2006 Net cash used in financing activities of $53.2 million for 2006 principally reflects net reductions in debt of $59.7 million. Anticipated Cash Requirements Our primary source of liquidity is cash flow from operations, which has been adversely affected by the global economic slowdown. The risks associated with our businesses become more acute in periods of a slowing economy or recession, which may be accompanied by a decrease in advertising. Expenditures by advertisers tend to be cyclical, reflecting overall economic conditions and budgeting and buying patterns. The current global economic
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Table of Contentsslowdown has resulted in a decline in advertising and marketing services among our customers, resulting in a decline in our advertising revenues across our businesses. This reduction in advertising revenues has had an adverse effect on our revenue, profit margins, cash flow and liquidity, particularly during the second half of 2008. The continuation of the global economic slowdown may continue to adversely impact our revenue, profit margins, cash flow and liquidity. In January 2009, in response to the deterioration in general economic conditions and the resulting negative impact on our and CC Media Holdings’ business, CC Media Holdings commenced a restructuring program targeting a reduction of fixed costs by approximately $350 million on an annualized basis. As part of the program, CC Media Holdings eliminated approximately 1,850 full-time positions representing approximately 9% of total workforce. The program is expected to result in restructuring and other non-recurring charges of approximately $200 million, although additional costs may be incurred as the program evolves. It is estimated that approximately 40% of the anticipated cost savings and related charges will be attributable to us. The cost savings initiatives are expected to be fully implemented by the end of the first quarter of 2010. No assurance can be given that the restructuring program will be successful or will achieve the anticipated cost savings in the timeframe expected or at all. Based on our current and anticipated levels of operations and conditions in our markets, we believe that cash on hand, cash flows from operations and borrowing under the cash management note with Clear Channel Communications will enable us to meet our working capital, capital expenditure, debt service and other funding requirements for at least the next 12 months. In addition, we expect to be in compliance with the covenants governing our indebtedness in 2009. Furthermore, in its Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC on March 2, 2009, CC Media Holdings stated that it expects to be in compliance with its covenants governing its indebtedness discussed below in 2009. However, our and CC Media Holdings’ anticipated results are subject to significant uncertainty and there can be no assurance that actual results will be in compliance with the covenants. In addition, our ability to fund our working capital needs, debt service and other obligations, however, depends on our future operating performance and cash flow and Clear Channel Communications’ ability to meet its obligations with respect to the “Due from Clear Channel Communications” account and to lend under the cash management note, which are in turn subject to prevailing economic conditions and other factors, many of which are beyond our and Clear Channel Communications’ control. If our future operating performance does not meet our expectations or our plans materially change in an adverse manner or prove to be materially inaccurate, we may need additional financing. Continuing adverse securities and credit market conditions could significantly affect the availability of credit. In addition, the $2.5 billion note and Master Agreement with Clear Channel Communications include restrictive covenants that, among other things, restrict our ability to incur additional indebtedness. Liquidity Sources of Capital As of December 31, 2008 and 2007, we had the following indebtedness outstanding, cash and cash equivalents and amounts due from Clear Channel Communications:
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Table of ContentsWe may from time to time repay our outstanding debt or seek to purchase our outstanding equity securities. Such transactions, if any, will depend on prevailing market conditions, our liquidity requirements, contractual restrictions and other factors. Bank Credit Facility ($150.0 million sub-limit within Clear Channel Communications’ $2.0 billion revolving credit facility) In addition to net cash flows from operations, another source of liquidity was through borrowings under a $150.0 million sub-limit included in Clear Channel Communications’ multicurrency $2.0 billion revolving credit facility with a maturity in July 2014. Certain of our International subsidiaries may borrow under the sub-limit to the extent Clear Channel Communications has not already borrowed against this capacity and is in compliance with its covenants under the credit facility. The obligations of these International subsidiaries that are borrowers under the revolving credit facility are guaranteed by certain of our material wholly-owned subsidiaries, and secured by substantially all of the assets of such borrowers and guarantors, subject to permitted liens and other exceptions. On February 6, 2009, Clear Channel Communications borrowed the remaining availability under its $2.0 billion revolving credit facility, including the remaining availability under the $150.0 million sub-limit. The interest rate on outstanding balances under the credit facility is equal to an applicable margin plus, at Clear Channel Communications’ option, either (i) a base rate determined by reference to the higher of (A) the prime lending rate publicly announced by the administrative agent and (B) the federal funds effective rate from time to time plus 0.50%, or (ii) a Eurocurrency rate determined by reference to the costs of funds for deposits for the interest period relevant to such borrowing adjusted for certain additional costs. The applicable margin percentage is 2.40% in the case of base rate loans, and 3.40% in the case of Eurocurrency rate loans, subject to adjustment based upon Clear Channel Communications’ leverage ratio. At December 31, 2008, the outstanding balance on this sub-limit was approximately $30.0 million, with the entire balance to be repaid on July 30, 2014. At December 31, 2008, the interest rate on borrowings under this credit facility was 4.6%. At February 27, 2009, the outstanding balance on this sub-limit was $30.0 million, and no amount was available for future borrowings, due to the fact that Clear Channel Communications has borrowed the remaining amount available under this capacity. Debt with Clear Channel Communications As part of the day-to-day cash management services provided by Clear Channel Communications, we maintain accounts that represent net amounts due to or from Clear Channel Communications, which is recorded as “Due from/to Clear Channel Communications” on the consolidated balance sheet. The accounts represent our revolving promissory note issued by us to Clear Channel Communications and the revolving promissory note issued by Clear Channel Communications to us in the face amount of $1.0 billion, or if more or less than such amount, the aggregate unpaid principal amount of all advances. The accounts accrue interest and are generally payable on demand. Interest on the cash management note owed by us accrues on the daily net negative cash position based upon LIBOR plus a margin. Interest on the cash management note owed by Clear Channel Communications accrues interest on the daily net positive cash position based upon the average one-month generic treasury bill rate. Included in the accounts are the net activities resulting from day-to-day cash management services provided by Clear Channel Communications. As a part of these services, we maintain collection bank accounts swept daily into accounts of Clear Channel Communications. In return, Clear Channel Communications funds our controlled disbursement accounts as checks or electronic payments are presented for payment. Our claim in relation to cash transferred from our concentration account is on an unsecured basis and is limited to the balance of the “Due from Clear Channel Communications” account. If Clear Channel Communications were to become insolvent, we would be an unsecured creditor of Clear Channel Communications with respect to the revolving promissory note issued by Clear Channel Communications to us. At December 31, 2008 and December 31, 2007, the asset recorded in “Due from Clear Channel Communications” on the consolidated balance sheet was $431.6 million and $265.4 million, respectively. The net interest income for the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006 was $3.5 million, $3.7 million and $0.4 million, respectively. At December 31, 2008, the interest rate on the “Due from Clear Channel Communications” account was 0.02%, which represents the average one-month generic treasury bill rate as described above. At December 31, 2008, we had no borrowings under the cash management note to Clear Channel Communications. Unlike the management of cash from our U.S. based operations, the amount of cash, if any, which is transferred from our foreign operations to Clear Channel Communications is determined on a basis mutually
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Table of Contentsagreeable to us and Clear Channel Communications, and not on a pre-determined basis. In arriving at such mutual agreement, the reasonably foreseeable cash needs of our foreign operations are evaluated before a cash amount is considered as an excess or surplus amount for transfer to Clear Channel Communications. We have a note in the original principal amount of $2.5 billion to Clear Channel Communications which matures on August 2, 2010 and may be prepaid in whole at any time, or in part from time to time. The note accrues interest at a variable per annum rate equal to the weighted average cost of debt for Clear Channel Communications, calculated on a monthly basis. This note is mandatorily payable upon our change of control (as defined in the note) and, subject to certain exceptions, all net proceeds from debt or equity raised by us must be used to prepay such note. At December 31, 2008, the interest rate on the $2.5 billion note was 6.0%. Upon maturity of our note with Clear Channel Communications, if our cash flow and capital resources are insufficient to service our debt obligations, we may be forced to sell assets, seek additional equity or debt capital or restructure our indebtedness. However, given the current economic climate, these measures might be unsuccessful or inadequate in permitting us to meet scheduled debt service obligations. In light of the current credit crisis, we may be unable to restructure or refinance our obligations and obtain additional equity financing or sell assets on satisfactory terms or at all. As a result, inability to meet our debt obligations could cause us to default on those obligations. A default under any debt instrument could, in turn, result in defaults under other debt instruments. Any such defaults could materially impair our financial condition and liquidity. Our working capital requirements and capital for general corporate purposes, including acquisitions and capital expenditures, may be provided to us by Clear Channel Communications, in its sole discretion, pursuant to a cash management note issued by us to Clear Channel Communications. Without the opportunity to obtain financing from Clear Channel Communications, we may need to obtain additional financing from banks, or through public offerings or private placements of debt, strategic relationships or other arrangements at some future date. As stated above, we may be unable to successfully obtain additional debt or equity financing on satisfactory terms or at all. As long as Clear Channel Communications maintains a significant interest in us, pursuant to the Master Agreement between Clear Channel Communications and us, Clear Channel Communications will have the option to limit our ability to incur debt or issue equity securities, which could adversely affect our ability to meet our liquidity needs. In addition, the $2.5 billion note requires us to prepay it in full upon a change of control and, upon our issuances of equity and incurrence of debt, subject to certain exceptions, to prepay the note in the amount of net proceeds received from such events. Under the Master Agreement with Clear Channel Communications and the $2.5 billion note, we are limited in our borrowing from third parties to no more than $400.0 million (including borrowings under the $150.0 million sub-limit of Clear Channel Communications’ $2.0 billion revolving credit facility). As a result of current borrowings and commitments, we were limited to approximately $206.8 million in additional external borrowings as of December 31, 2008. Other debt Other debt consists primarily of loans with international banks. At December 31, 2008, approximately $71.9 million was outstanding as other debt. Debt Covenants The $2.5 billion note requires us to comply with various negative covenants, including restrictions on the following activities: incurring consolidated funded indebtedness (as defined in the note), excluding intercompany indebtedness, in a principal amount in excess of $400.0 million at any one time outstanding; creating liens; making investments; entering into sale and leaseback transactions (as defined in the note), which when aggregated with consolidated funded indebtedness secured by liens, will not exceed an amount equal to 10% of our total consolidated shareholders’ equity (as defined in the note) as shown on our most recently reported annual audited consolidated balance sheet; disposing of all or substantially all of our assets; entering into mergers and consolidations; declaring or making dividends or other distributions; repurchasing our equity; and entering into transactions with our affiliates. In addition, the note requires us to prepay it in full upon a change of control. The note defines a change of control to occur when Clear Channel Communications ceases to control (i) directly or indirectly, more than 50% of
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Table of Contentsthe aggregate voting equity interests of us, our operating subsidiary or our respective successors or assigns, or (ii) the ability to elect a majority of our board of directors, or the board of directors of our operating subsidiary or our respective successors or assigns. Upon our issuances of equity and incurrences of debt, subject to certain exceptions, we are also required to prepay the note in the amount of the net proceeds received by us from such events. The significant covenant contained in Clear Channel Communications’ $2.0 billion revolving credit facility requires it to comply on a quarterly basis with a maximum consolidated senior secured net debt to adjusted EBITDA ratio (as defined by the credit facility). This financial covenant becomes effective on March 31, 2009 (maximum of 9.5:1) and will become more restrictive over time beginning in the second quarter of 2013. In its Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC on March 2, 2009, CC Media Holdings stated that its secured leverage, defined as secured debt, net of cash, divided by the trailing 12-month consolidated EBITDA, as defined by the credit facility, was 6.4:1 at December 31, 2008. There are no significant covenants or events of default contained in the cash management note issued by Clear Channel Communications to us or the cash management note issued by us to Clear Channel Communications. At December 31, 2008, we were in compliance with all debt covenants. Furthermore, in its Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC on March 2, 2009, CC Media Holdings stated that as of December 31, 2008, it was in compliance with its debt covenants. Uses of Capital Acquisitions During the year ended December 31, 2008, our Americas segment paid $55.1 million in cash for the acquisition of advertising structures and the final earnout payments for Interspace Airport Advertising, which we acquired in July 2006. In addition, our International segment paid $41.4 million, primarily related to the acquisition of additional equity interests in outdoor companies and the acquisition of advertising structures. During the first quarter of 2008, we exchanged assets in one of our Americas markets for assets located in a different market and recognized a gain of $2.6 million in “Other operating income – net.” In addition, we sold our 50% interest in Clear Channel Independent and recognized a gain of $75.6 million in “Equity in earnings of nonconsolidated affiliates” based on the fair value of the equity securities received. Capital Expenditures Our capital expenditures have consisted of the following:
We define non-revenue producing capital expenditures as those expenditures required on a recurring basis. Revenue producing capital expenditures are discretionary capital investments for new revenue streams, similar to an acquisition. Part of our long-term strategy is to pursue the technology of electronic displays, including flat screens, LCDs and LEDs, as alternatives to traditional methods of displaying our clients’ advertisements. We are currently installing these technologies in certain markets. We believe cash flow from operations will be sufficient to fund these expenditures because we expect enhanced margins through: (i) lower cost of production as the advertisements will be digital and controlled by a central computer network, (ii) decreased down time on displays because the advertisements will be digitally changed rather than manually posted paper or vinyl on the face of the display, and (iii) incremental revenue through more targeted and time specific advertisements.
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Table of ContentsCommitments, Contingencies and Guarantees From time to time, we are involved in routine legal proceedings arising in the ordinary course of business and, as required, have accrued our estimate of the probable costs for the resolution of these claims. These estimates have been developed in consultation with counsel and are based upon an analysis of potential results, assuming a combination of litigation and settlement strategies. It is possible, however, that future results of operations for any particular period could be materially affected by changes to our assumptions or the effectiveness of our strategies related to these proceedings. See also “Item 3. Legal Proceedings” and “Note H—Commitments and Contingencies” in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8 included elsewhere in this Annual Report. Our short and long term cash requirements include minimum annual guarantees for our street furniture contracts and operating leases. Noncancelable contracts and operating lease requirements are included in our direct operating expenses, which historically have been satisfied by cash flows from operations. For 2009, we are committed to $403.7 million and $280.0 million for minimum annual guarantees and operating leases, respectively. Our long-term commitments for minimum annual guarantees, operating leases and capital expenditure requirements are included in “Contractual and Other Obligations,” below. Certain agreements relating to acquisitions provide for purchase price adjustments and other future contingent payments based on the financial performance of the acquired company generally over a one to five year period. We will continue to accrue additional amounts related to such contingent payments if and when it is determinable that the applicable financial performance targets will be met. The aggregate of these contingent payments, if performance targets are met, would not significantly impact our financial position or results of operations. Contractual and Other Obligations Firm Commitments In addition to the scheduled maturities on our debt, we have future cash obligations under various types of contracts. We lease office space, certain equipment and the majority of the land occupied by our advertising structures under long-term operating leases. Some of our lease agreements contain renewal options and annual rental escalation clauses (generally tied to the consumer price index), as well as provisions for our payment of utilities and maintenance. We have minimum franchise payments associated with noncancelable contracts that enable us to display advertising on such media as buses, taxis, trains, bus shelters and terminals. The majority of these contracts contain rent provisions calculated as the greater of a percentage of the relevant advertising revenue or a specified guaranteed minimum annual payment.
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Table of ContentsThe scheduled maturities of Clear Channel Communications’ revolving credit facility, our $2.5 billion note to Clear Channel Communications, other debt outstanding, future minimum rental commitments under noncancelable lease agreements, minimum payments under other noncancelable contracts, capital expenditures commitments and other long-term obligations as of December 31, 2008, are as follows:
SEASONALITY Typically, both our Americas and International segments experience their lowest financial performance in the first quarter of the calendar year, with International typically experiencing a loss from operations in this period. Our Americas segment typically experiences consistent performance in the remainder of our calendar year. Our International segment typically experiences its strongest performance in the second and fourth quarters of our calendar year. We expect this trend to continue in the future.
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Table of ContentsMARKET RISK MANAGEMENT We are exposed to market risks arising from changes in market rates and prices, including movements in interest rates, equity security prices and foreign currency exchange rates. Interest Rate Risk We had approximately $2.6 billion total debt outstanding as of December 31, 2008, of which $2.5 billion is debt with Clear Channel Communications. The debt with Clear Channel Communications accrues interest at a variable per annum rate equal to the weighted average cost of debt for Clear Channel Communications, calculated on a monthly basis. As a result of Clear Channel Communications’ merger, Clear Channel Communications’ weighted average cost of debt increased compared to what it would have been had the merger not occurred. Furthermore, in its Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC on March 2, 2009, CC Media Holdings stated that 39% of its debt was variable based on market interest rates. Each 50 basis point increase or decrease in interest rates would increase or decrease our interest expense and cash outlay for the year ended December 31, 2008, by approximately $5.3 million. This potential increase or decrease is based on the simplified assumption that the level of floating rate debt remains constant at the balance as of December 31, 2008. An increase or decrease to interest rates is then assumed and applied to that floating rate debt balance to determine the per annum effect. This potential increase or decrease does not include any adjustment for a change in the fixed rate debt of Clear Channel Communications, which currently constitutes 61% of its total debt. Equity Price Risk The carrying value of our available-for-sale equity securities is affected by changes in their quoted market prices. It is estimated that a 20% change in the market prices of these securities would change their carrying value at December 31, 2008 by $4.5 million and would change comprehensive income by $2.7 million. For a further discussion of our available-for-sale equity securities, see Note A to the consolidated financial statements. Foreign Currency Risk We have operations in countries throughout the world. The financial results of our foreign operations are measured in their local currencies, except in the hyperinflationary countries in which we operate. As a result, our financial results could be affected by factors such as changes in foreign currency exchange rates or weak economic conditions in the foreign markets in which we operate. We believe we mitigate a small portion of our exposure to foreign currency fluctuations with a natural hedge through borrowings in currencies other than the U.S. dollar. Our foreign operations reported a net loss of $142.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2008. We estimate a 10% change in the value of the U.S. dollar relative to foreign currencies would have changed our net loss for the year ended December 31, 2008, by approximately $14.2 million. Our earnings are also affected by fluctuations in the value of the U.S. dollar as compared to foreign currencies as a result of our equity method investments in various countries. It is estimated that the result of a 10% fluctuation in the value of the dollar relative to these foreign currencies at December 31, 2008 would change our equity in earnings of nonconsolidated affiliates by $6.9 million and would change our net income by approximately $4.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2008. This analysis does not consider the implication such currency fluctuations could have on the overall economic activity that could exist in such an environment in the United States or the foreign countries or on the results of operations of these foreign entities. RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 141(R), Business Combinations (“Statement 141(R)”), was issued in December 2007. Statement 141(R) requires that upon initially obtaining control, an acquirer will recognize 100% of the fair values of acquired assets, including goodwill, and assumed liabilities, with only limited exceptions, even if the acquirer has not acquired 100% of its target. Additionally, contingent consideration arrangements will be fair valued at the acquisition date and included on that basis in the purchase price consideration and transaction costs will be expensed as incurred. Statement 141(R) also modifies the recognition for preacquisition contingencies, such as environmental or legal issues, restructuring plans and acquired research and
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Table of Contentsdevelopment value in purchase accounting. Statement 141(R) amends Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 109, Accounting for Income Taxes, to require the acquirer to recognize changes in the amount of its deferred tax benefits that are recognizable because of a business combination either in income from continuing operations in the period of the combination or directly in contributed capital, depending on the circumstances. Statement 141(R) is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2008. Adoption is prospective and early adoption is not permitted. We adopted Statement 141(R) on January 1, 2009. Statement 141(R)’s impact on accounting for business combinations is dependent upon the nature of future acquisitions. Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 160, Noncontrolling Interests in Consolidated Financial Statements—an amendment of ARB No. 51 (“Statement 160”), was issued in December 2007. Statement 160 clarifies the classification of noncontrolling interests in consolidated statements of financial position and the accounting for and reporting of transactions between the reporting entity and holders of such noncontrolling interests. Under Statement 160 noncontrolling interests are considered equity and should be reported as an element of consolidated equity, net income will encompass the total income of all consolidated subsidiaries and there will be separate disclosure on the face of the income statement of the attribution of that income between the controlling and noncontrolling interests, and increases and decreases in the noncontrolling ownership interest amount will be accounted for as equity transactions. Statement 160 is effective for the first annual reporting period beginning on or after December 15, 2008, and earlier application is prohibited. Statement 160 is required to be adopted prospectively, except for reclassifying noncontrolling interests to equity, separate from the parent’s shareholders’ equity, in the consolidated statement of financial position and recasting consolidated net income (loss) to include net income (loss) attributable to both the controlling and noncontrolling interests, both of which are required to be adopted retrospectively. We adopted Statement 160 on January 1, 2009 which resulted in a reclassification of approximately $211.8 million of noncontrolling interests to shareholders’ equity. In April 2008, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued FASB Staff Position No. FAS 142-3, Determination of the Useful Life of Intangible Assets (“FSP FAS 142-3”). FSP FAS 142-3 amends the factors an entity should consider in developing renewal or extension assumptions used in determining the useful life of recognized intangible assets under FASB Statement No. 142, Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (“Statement 142”). FSP FAS 142-3 removes an entity’s requirement under paragraph 11 of Statement 142 to consider whether an intangible asset can be renewed without substantial cost or material modifications to the existing terms and conditions. It is effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2008, and early adoption is prohibited. We adopted FSP FAS 142-3 on January 1, 2009. FSP FAS 142-3’s impact is dependent upon future acquisitions. In June 2008, the FASB issued FASB Staff Position Emerging Issues Task Force 03-6-1 Determining Whether Instruments Granted in Share-Based Payment Transactions Are Participating Securities (“FSP EITF 03-6-1”). FSP EITF 03-6-1 clarifies that unvested share-based payment awards with a right to receive nonforfeitable dividends are participating securities. Guidance is also provided on how to allocate earnings to participating securities and compute basic earnings per share using the two-class method. This FSP is effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2008, and early adoption is prohibited. We adopted FSP EITF 03-6-1 on January 1, 2009. We have not yet determined the impact FSP EITF 03-6-1 will have on our earnings per share. CRITICAL ACCOUNTING ESTIMATES The preparation of our financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates, judgments and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amount of expenses during the reporting period. On an ongoing basis, we evaluate our estimates based on historical experience and on various other assumptions believed to be reasonable under the circumstances. The result of these evaluations forms the basis for making judgments about the carrying values of assets and liabilities and the reported amount of expenses not readily apparent from other sources. Because future events and their effects cannot be determined with certainty, actual results could differ from our assumptions and estimates, and such difference could be material. Our significant accounting policies are discussed in Note A to our consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this Annual Report. Management believes the following accounting estimates are the most critical to aid in fully understanding and evaluating our reported financial results, and they require management’s
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Table of Contentsmost difficult, subjective or complex judgments, resulting from the need to make estimates about the effect of matters that are inherently uncertain. The following narrative describes these critical accounting estimates, the judgments and assumptions and the effect if actual results differ from these assumptions. Allowance for Doubtful Accounts We evaluate the collectibility of our accounts receivable based on a combination of factors. In circumstances where we are aware of a specific customer’s inability to meet its financial obligations, we record a specific reserve to reduce the amounts recorded to what we believe will be collected. For all other customers, we recognize reserves for bad debt based on historical experience of bad debts as a percentage of revenue for each business unit, adjusted for relative improvements or deteriorations in the agings and changes in current economic conditions. If our agings were to improve or deteriorate resulting in a 10% change in our allowance, we estimated our bad debt expense for the year ended December 31, 2008, would have changed by approximately $4.9 million and our net income for the same period would have changed by approximately $3.0 million. Long-lived Assets Long-lived assets, such as property, plant and equipment and definite-lived intangibles are reviewed for impairment when events and circumstances indicate that depreciable and amortizable long-lived assets might be impaired and the undiscounted cash flows estimated to be generated by those assets are less than the carrying amount of those assets. When specific assets are determined to be unrecoverable, the cost basis of the asset is reduced to reflect the current fair market value. We use various assumptions in determining the current fair market value of these assets, including future expected cash flows, industry growth rates and discount rates, as well as future salvage values. Our impairment loss calculations require management to apply judgment in estimating future cash flows, including forecasting useful lives of the assets and selecting the discount rate that reflects the risk inherent in future cash flows. Using the impairment review described, we recorded an impairment charge on the statement of operations in “Depreciation and amortization” of approximately $28.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2008. If actual results are not consistent with our assumptions and judgments used in estimating future cash flows and asset fair values, we may be exposed to future impairment losses that could be material to our results of operations. Indefinite-lived Assets Indefinite-lived assets such as our billboard permits are reviewed annually for possible impairment using the direct valuation method as prescribed in SEC Staff Announcement No. D-108, Use of the Residual Method to Value Acquired Assets Other Than Goodwill. Under the direct valuation method, it is assumed that rather than acquiring indefinite-lived intangible assets as part of a going concern business, the buyer hypothetically obtains indefinite-lived intangible assets and builds a new operation with similar attributes from scratch. Thus, the buyer incurs start-up costs during the build-up phase which are normally associated with going concern value. Initial capital costs are deducted from the discounted cash flows model which results in value that is directly attributable to the indefinite-lived intangible assets. Our key assumptions using the direct valuation method are market revenue growth rates, market share, profit margin, duration and profile of the build-up period, estimated start-up capital costs and losses incurred during the build-up period, the risk-adjusted discount rate and terminal values. This data is populated using industry normalized information representing an average permit within a market. In accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 142, Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets, or Statement 142, we performed an interim impairment test as of December 31, 2008. The estimated fair value of permits was below their carrying values. As a result, we recognized a non-cash impairment charge of $722.6 million in 2008 on our indefinite-lived permits. The United States and global economies are undergoing a period of economic uncertainty, which has caused, among other things, a general tightening in the credit markets, limited access to the credit markets, lower levels of liquidity and lower consumer and business spending. These
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Table of Contentsdisruptions in the credit and financial markets and the continuing impact of adverse economic, financial and industry conditions on the demand for advertising negatively impacted the key assumptions in the discounted cash flow models used to value our permits. While we believe we had made reasonable estimates and utilized reasonable assumptions to calculate the fair value of our permits, it is possible a material change could occur. If our future actual results are not consistent with our estimates, we could be exposed to future impairment losses that could be material to our results of operations. The following table shows the impact on the fair value of our billboard permits of a 100 basis point decline in our discrete and terminal period revenue growth rate, profit margin and discount rate assumptions, respectively:
Goodwill Goodwill represents the excess of the purchase price over the fair value of identifiable net assets acquired in business combinations. We review goodwill for potential impairment annually using a discounted cash flow model to determine the fair value of our reporting units. The fair value of our reporting units is used to apply value to the net assets of each reporting unit. To the extent the carrying amount of net assets would exceed the fair value, an impairment charge may be required to be recorded. The discounted cash flow approach we use for valuing goodwill involves estimating future cash flows expected to be generated from the related assets, discounted to their present value using a risk-adjusted discount rate. Terminal values are also estimated and discounted to their present value. In accordance with Statement 142, we performed an interim impairment test as of December 31, 2008 on goodwill. The estimated fair value of our reporting units was below their carrying values, which required us to compare the implied fair value of each reporting units’ goodwill with its carrying value. As a result, we recognized a non-cash impairment charge of $2.5 billion to reduce our goodwill. The macroeconomic factors discussed above had an adverse effect on our estimated cash flows and discount rates used in the discounted cash flow model. While we believe we had made reasonable estimates and utilized reasonable assumptions to calculate the fair value of our reporting units, it is possible a material change could occur. If future results are not consistent with our assumptions and estimates, we may be exposed to impairment charges in the future. The following table shows the impact on the fair value of each of our reportable segments of a 100 basis point decline in our discrete and terminal period revenue growth rate, profit margin and discount rate assumptions, respectively:
Asset Retirement Obligations Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 143, Accounting for Asset Retirement Obligations, requires us to estimate our obligation upon the termination or nonrenewal of a lease, to dismantle and remove our billboard structures from the leased land and to reclaim the site to its original condition. We record 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. Due to the high rate of lease renewals over a long period of time, our calculation assumes all related assets will be removed at some period over the next 50 years. An estimate of third-party cost information is used with respect to the dismantling of the structures and the reclamation of the site. The interest rate used to calculate the
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Table of Contentspresent value of such costs over the retirement period is based on an estimated risk-adjusted credit rate for the same period. If our assumption of the risk-adjusted credit rate used to discount current year additions to the asset retirement obligation decreased approximately 1%, our liability as of December 31, 2008 would increase approximately $2.0 million. Similarly, if our assumption of the risk-adjusted credit rate increased approximately 1%, our liability would decrease approximately $2.0 million. Stock Based Compensation Under the fair value recognition provisions of FAS 123(R), Share-Based Payment, stock based compensation cost is measured at the grant date based on the value of the award and is recognized as expense on a straight-line basis over the vesting period. Determining the fair value of share-based awards at the grant date requires assumptions and judgments about expected volatility and forfeiture rates, among other factors. If actual results differ significantly from these estimates, our results of operations could be materially impacted. Tax Accruals The Internal Revenue Service, or IRS, and other taxing authorities routinely examine our tax returns we file as part of the consolidated income tax returns filed by Clear Channel Communications. From time to time, the IRS challenges certain of our tax positions. We believe our tax positions comply with applicable tax law and we would vigorously defend these positions if challenged. The final disposition of any positions challenged by the IRS could require us to make additional tax payments. We believe that we have adequately accrued for any foreseeable payments resulting from tax examinations and consequently do not anticipate any material impact upon their ultimate resolution. Our estimates of income taxes and the significant items giving rise to the deferred assets and liabilities are shown in Note J to our consolidated financial statements and reflect our assessment of actual future taxes to be paid on items reflected in the financial statements, giving consideration to both timing and probability of these estimates. Actual income taxes could vary from these estimates due to future changes in income tax law or results from the final review of our tax returns by federal, state or foreign tax authorities. We have considered these potential changes in accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 109, Accounting for Income Taxes and FASB Interpretation No. 48, Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes, which requires us to record reserves for estimates of probable settlements of federal and state audits. INFLATION Inflation has affected our performance in terms of higher costs for wages, salaries and equipment. Although the exact impact of inflation is indeterminable, we believe we have offset these higher costs by increasing the effective advertising rates of most of our display faces.
Required information is within Item 7.
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MANAGEMENT’S REPORT ON FINANCIAL STATEMENTS The consolidated financial statements and notes related thereto were prepared by and are the responsibility of management. The financial statements and related notes were prepared in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles and include amounts based upon management’s best estimates and judgments. It is management’s objective to ensure the integrity and objectivity of its financial data through systems of internal controls designed to provide reasonable assurance that all transactions are properly recorded in our books and records, that assets are safeguarded from unauthorized use and that financial records are reliable to serve as a basis for preparation of financial statements. The financial statements have been audited by our independent registered public accounting firm, Ernst & Young LLP, to the extent required by auditing standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) and, accordingly, they have expressed their professional opinion on the financial statements in their report included herein. The Board of Directors meets with the independent registered public accounting firm and management periodically to satisfy itself that they are properly discharging their responsibilities. The independent registered public accounting firm has unrestricted access to the Board, without management present, to discuss the results of their audit and the quality of financial reporting and internal accounting controls.
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Table of ContentsReport of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm The Board of Directors and Shareholders Clear Channel Outdoor Holdings, Inc. We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Clear Channel Outdoor Holdings, Inc. (Holdings) as of December 31, 2008 and 2007, and the related consolidated statements of operations, shareholders’ equity, and cash flows for the period from July 31, 2008 through December 31, 2008, the period from January 1, 2008 through July 30, 2008, and each of the two years in the period ended December 31, 2007. Our audits also included the financial statement schedule listed in the index as Item 15(a)2. These financial statements and schedule are the responsibility of Holdings’ management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements and schedule based on our audits. We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion. In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the consolidated financial position of Holdings at December 31, 2008 and 2007, and the consolidated results of its operations and its cash flows for the period from July 31, 2008 through December 31, 2008, the period from January 1, 2008 through July 30, 2008, and each of the two years in the period ended December 31, 2007, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. Also, in our opinion, the related financial statement schedule, when considered in relation to the basic financial statements taken as a whole, presents fairly in all material respects the information set forth therein. As discussed in Note J to the consolidated financial statements, in 2007 Holdings changed its method of accounting for income taxes, and as discussed in Note A to the consolidated financial statements, in 2006 Holdings changed its method of accounting for stock-based compensation. We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), Holdings’ internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2008, based on criteria established in Internal Control — Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission and our report dated March 2, 2009 expressed an unqualified opinion thereon. /s/ ERNST & YOUNG LLP San Antonio, Texas March 2, 2009
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Table of ContentsCONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS ASSETS
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
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Table of ContentsLIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
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Table of ContentsCONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
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Table of ContentsCONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
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Table of ContentsCONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
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