ITEM 1. Business
The Company
Clear Channel Outdoor Holdings, Inc., a Delaware Corporation (“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, 2009, we owned or operated approximately 834,000 advertising displays worldwide. For the year ended December 31, 2009, we generated revenue of approximately $2.7 billion, with $1.2 billion and $1.5 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.
Prior to or at the time of our IPO, 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 Master Agreement, 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.
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.
Recent Developments
In 2008 and continuing into 2009, the global economic downturn adversely affected advertising revenues across our businesses. In the fourth quarter of 2008, we initiated an ongoing, company-wide strategic review of our costs and organizational structure to identify opportunities to maximize efficiency and realign expenses with our current and long-term business outlook (the “restructuring program”). As of December 31, 2009, we incurred a total of $88.7 million of costs in conjunction with the restructuring program. We estimate the benefit of the restructuring program was an approximate $170.6 million aggregate reduction to fixed operating and corporate expenses in 2009 and that the benefit of these initiatives will be fully realized by 2011.
No assurance can be given that the restructuring program will achieve all of the anticipated cost savings in the timeframe expected or at all, or that the cost savings will be sustainable. In addition, we may modify or terminate the restructuring program in response to economic conditions or otherwise.
Also, as a result of the economic downturn and the corresponding reduction in our revenues, we recorded non-cash impairment charges primarily related to goodwill and indefinite-lived intangibles at June 30, 2009 and December 31, 2008 of approximately $812.4 million and $3.2 billion, respectively.
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 Securities and Exchange Commission (“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 outdoor advertising, or Americas, and International outdoor advertising, or International, which represented 46% and 54% of our 2009 net revenue, respectively.
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 expenses 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.
Americas Outdoor Advertising
Our Americas business segment includes our operations in the United States, Canada and Latin America, with approximately 91% of our 2009 revenue in this segment derived from the United States. We own or operate approximately 195,000 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. For the year ended December 31, 2009, Americas outdoor advertising represented 46% of our consolidated net revenue.
Our Americas 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 Americas advertising business is focused on urban markets with dense populations.
Our Strategy
We believe outdoor advertising has attractive industry fundamentals, including a broad audience reach and a highly cost effective media for advertisers as measured by cost per thousand persons reached compared to other traditional media. Our Americas strategy focuses on our competitive strengths to position the Company through the following strategies:
Promote Overall Outdoor Media Spending. Outdoor advertising represented 3% of total dollars spent on advertising in the United States in 2008. Our strategy is to drive growth in outdoor advertising’s share of total media spending and leverage such growth with our national scale and local reach. We are focusing on developing and implementing better and improved outdoor audience delivery measurement systems to provide advertisers with
tools to determine how effectively their message is reaching the desired audience. As a result of the implementation strategies above, we believe advertisers will shift their budgets towards the outdoor advertising medium.
Significant Cost Reductions and Capital Discipline. To address the softness in advertising demand resulting from the global economic downturn, we have taken steps to reduce our fixed costs. In the fourth quarter of 2008, we commenced a restructuring plan to reduce our cost base through renegotiations of lease agreements, workforce reductions, the elimination of overlapping functions and other cost savings initiatives. In order to achieve these cost savings, we incurred a total of $17.4 million in costs in 2008 and 2009. We estimate the benefit of the restructuring program was an approximate $50.5 million aggregate reduction to fixed operating expenses in 2009 and that the benefit of these initiatives will be fully realized in 2010.
No assurance can be given that the restructuring program will achieve all of the anticipated cost savings in the timeframe expected or at all, or that the cost savings will be sustainable. In addition, we may modify or terminate the restructuring program in response to economic conditions or otherwise.
We plan to continue controlling costs to achieve operating efficiencies, sharing best practices across our markets and focusing our capital expenditures on opportunities that we expect to yield higher returns, leveraging our flexibility to make capital outlays based on the environment.
Continue to Deploy Digital Billboards. Digital outdoor advertising provides significant advantages over traditional outdoor media. Our electronic displays may be linked through centralized computer systems to instantaneously and simultaneously change advertising copy on a large number of displays. The ability to change copy by time-of-day and quickly change messaging based on advertisers’ needs creates additional flexibility for our customers. The advantages of digital allow us to penetrate new accounts and categories of advertisers as well as serve a broader set of needs for existing advertisers. We expect this to continue as we increase our quantity of digital inventory. We have deployed a total of approximately 457 digital displays in 33 markets as of December 31, 2009, of which approximately 292 are in the top 20 U.S. markets.
Sources of Revenue
Americas generated 46%, 43% and 45% of our revenue in 2009, 2008 and 2007, 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:
(1) Includes digital displays.
(2) Includes spectaculars, mall displays and wallscapes.
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.
While 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 four weeks 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 30-sheet posters is digitally printed on a single piece of polyethylene material that is then transported and secured to the poster surfaces. Advertising copy for 8-sheet posters is printed using silk screen, lithographic or digital process 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. Premiere displays, which consist of premiere panels and squares, 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 are typically 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 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.
Other Inventory
The balance of our display inventory consists of spectaculars, wallscapes and mall displays. 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, Miracle Mile in Las Vegas, 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. 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. 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.
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, direct mail, the Internet and other forms of advertisement.
Outdoor companies compete primarily based on ability to reach consumers, which is driven by location of the display.
Advertising Inventory and Markets
As of December 31, 2009, we owned or operated approximately 195,000 displays in our Americas segment. Our displays are located on owned land, leased land or land for which we have acquired permanent easements. The majority of the advertising structures on which our displays are mounted require permits. Our permits are effectively issued in perpetuity by state and local governments and are typically transferable or renewable at little or no cost. Permits typically specify the location which allows us the right to operate an advertising structure at the specified location.
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.):
(1) Included in transit displays is our airport advertising business which offers products such as traditional static wall displays, visitor information centers, and other digital products including LCD screens and touch screen kiosks. Our digital products provide multiple display opportunities unlike our traditional static wall displays. Each of the digital display opportunities is counted as a unique display in the table.
(2) Includes wallscapes, spectaculars, mall and digital displays. Our inventory includes other small displays not in the table since their contribution to our revenue is not material.
(3) Includes displays in Antigua, Aruba, Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, Grenada, Guam, Jamaica, Netherlands Antilles, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia and Virgin Islands.
Production
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 2009, the top five client categories in our Americas segment were retail, telecommunications, banking and financial services, gambling 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 20 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 Outdoor Advertising
Our International business segment includes our operations in the U.K., France, Asia and Australia, with approximately 39% of our 2009 consolidated revenue in this segment derived from France and the United Kingdom. We own or operate approximately 639,000 displays in 32 countries. For the year ended December 31, 2009, International outdoor advertising represented 54% of our consolidated net revenue.
Our International outdoor assets consist of street furniture and transit displays, billboards, mall displays, Smartbike schemes, wallscapes and other spectaculars, which we own or operate under lease agreements. Our International business is focused on urban markets with dense populations.
Strategy
Similar to our Americas outdoor advertising, we believe International outdoor advertising has attractive industry fundamentals including a broad audience reach and a highly cost effective media for advertisers as measured by cost per thousand persons reached compared to other traditional media. Our International strategy focuses on our competitive strengths to position the Company through the following strategies:
Promote Overall Outdoor Media Spending. Our strategy is to continue to drive growth in outdoor advertising’s share of total media spending and leverage such growth with our international scale and local reach. We are focusing on developing and implementing better and improved outdoor audience delivery measurement systems to provide advertisers with tools to determine how effectively their message is reaching the desired audience. As a result of the implementation strategies above, we believe advertisers will shift their budgets towards the outdoor advertising medium.
Significant Cost Reductions and Capital Discipline. To address the softness in advertising demand resulting from the global economic downturn, we have taken steps to reduce our fixed costs. In the fourth quarter of 2008, we commenced a restructuring plan to reduce our cost base through renegotiations of lease agreements, workforce reductions, elimination of overlapping functions, takedown of unprofitable advertising structures and other cost savings initiatives. In order to achieve these cost savings, we incurred a total of $65.0 million in costs in 2008 and 2009. We estimate the benefit of the restructuring program was an approximate $120.1 million aggregate reduction to our 2008 fixed operating expense base in 2009 and that the benefit of these initiatives will be fully realized by 2011.
No assurance can be given that the restructuring program will achieve all of the anticipated cost savings in the timeframe expected or at all, or that the cost savings will be sustainable. In addition, we may modify or terminate the restructuring program in response to economic conditions or otherwise.
We plan to continue controlling costs to achieve operating efficiencies, sharing best practices across our markets and focusing our capital expenditures on opportunities that we expect to yield higher returns, leveraging our flexibility to make capital outlays based on the environment.
Capitalize on Product and Geographic Opportunities. We are also focused on growing our business internationally through new product offerings, optimization of our current display portfolio and selective investments targeting promising growth markets. We have continued to innovate and introduce new products, such as our Smartbike programs, in international markets based on local demands.
Sources of Revenue
Our International segment generated 54%, 57% and 55% of our revenue in 2009, 2008 and 2007, 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:
(1) Includes revenue from spectaculars and neon displays.
(2) Includes small displays.
(3) Includes advertising revenue from mall displays, other small displays, and non-advertising revenue from sales of street furniture equipment, cleaning and maintenance services, operation of Smartbike schemes and production revenue.
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.
While 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 361 displays in more than 16 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 bus shelters with or without advertising panels, information kiosks and public wastebaskets, 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. Long-term client contracts for mall displays are also available and typically have terms of up to one year. 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, additional street furniture displays or fees from the local municipalities. 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, direct mail, the Internet and other forms of advertisement.
Outdoor companies compete primarily based on ability to reach consumers, which is driven by location of the display.
Advertising Inventory and Markets
As of December 31, 2009, we owned or operated approximately 639,000 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 2009 revenue contribution:
(1) Includes spectaculars and neon displays.
(2) Includes small displays.
(3) Includes mall displays and other small displays counted as separate displays in the table since they form a substantial part of our network and International revenue.
Equity Investments
In addition to the displays listed above, as of December 31, 2009, we had equity investments in various out-of-home advertising companies that operate in the following markets:
(1) Includes spectaculars and neon displays.
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 2009, the top five client categories in our International segment, based on International revenue derived from these categories, were retail, food and food products, telecommunications, entertainment and automotive.
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 March 10, 2010, we had approximately 1,996 United States-based employees and approximately 4,315 non-United States-based employees, of which approximately 139 were employed in corporate activities. Approximately 164 of our United States employees and approximately 337 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.
Regulation 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, the placement and permitting 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. Some local governments have initiated code enforcement and permit reviews of billboards within their jurisdiction challenging billboards located
within their jurisdiction, and in some instances the Company has had to remove billboards as a result of such reviews.
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.
We 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 regulations have a significant impact on the outdoor advertising industry and our business. International regulation of the outdoor advertising industry can vary by municipality, 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 2010 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.
ITEM 1A.
ITEM 1A. Risk Factors
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 global economic downturn resulted in a decline in advertising and marketing by 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. The continuation of the global economic downturn may continue to adversely impact our revenue, profit margins, cash flow and liquidity.
Primarily as a result of the global economic downturn, revenue decreased by $591.3 million during 2009 as compared to 2008. Our Americas revenue declined $192.1 million during 2009 compared to 2008, attributable to decreases in poster and bulletin revenues associated with cancellations and non-renewals from major national advertisers. Our International outdoor revenue also declined $399.2 million primarily as a result of challenging advertising markets and the negative impact of foreign exchange.
Additionally, we performed an interim impairment test in the fourth quarter of 2008, and again in the second quarter of 2009, primarily on our indefinite-lived assets and goodwill and recorded non-cash impairment charges of $3.2 billion and $812.4 billion, respectively. While we believe we have made reasonable estimates and utilized appropriate assumptions to calculate the fair value of our licenses, billboard permits and 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 further impairment charges in the future.
Our restructuring program may not be entirely successful.
In the fourth quarter of 2008, we commenced a restructuring program targeting a reduction in fixed costs through renegotiations of lease agreements, workforce reductions, the elimination of overlapping functions and other cost savings initiatives. The program has resulted in restructuring and other expenses, and we may incur additional costs pursuant to the restructuring program in the future. No assurance can be given that the restructuring program will achieve the anticipated cost savings in the timeframe expected or at all, or for how long any cost savings will persist. In addition, the restructuring program may be modified or terminated in response to economic conditions or otherwise.
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 sufficient 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 or to fund our other liquidity needs. If our future cash flow from operations, cash on hand 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 on or before maturity. We cannot ensure that we will be able to refinance any of our debt on a timely basis or on satisfactory terms, if at all. In addition, the terms of our existing indebtedness and other future indebtedness may limit our ability to pursue these alternatives.
The Clear Channel Worldwide Holdings, Inc. $500.0 million Series A Senior Notes and $2.0 billion Series B Senior Notes, Clear Channel Communications’ Bank Credit Facility (of which the Company is a Restricted Subsidiary) and the Master Agreement with Clear Channel Communications impose restrictions on our ability to finance operations and capital needs, make acquisitions or engage in other business activities.
The Clear Channel Worldwide Holdings, Inc. $500.0 million Series A Senior Notes and $2.0 billion Series B Senior Notes, Clear Channel Communications’ Bank Credit Facility and Master Agreement with Clear Channel Communications include restrictive covenants that, among other things, restrict our ability to:
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issue any shares of capital stock or securities convertible into capital stock;
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incur additional indebtedness;
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pay dividends and make distributions;
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make certain acquisitions and investments;
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repurchase our stock;
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create liens;
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enter into transactions with affiliates;
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enter into sale leaseback transactions;
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dispose of all or substantially all of our assets; and
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merge or consolidate.
In addition, the indentures governing the Clear Channel Worldwide Holdings, Inc. $500.0 million Series A Senior Notes and $2.0 billion Series B Senior Notes require us to prepay it in full upon a change in control (as defined in the note), and, upon asset sales, subject to certain exceptions, to prepay the note in the amount of excess proceeds received from such asset sales. 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 the 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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Certain of our International subsidiaries may borrow against a $150.0 million sub-limit included in Clear Channel Communications’ $2.0 billion revolving credit facility, 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. Our international subsidiaries have borrowed $30.0 million against the $150.0 million sub-limit.
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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 the net of the balances on our revolving promissory note issued by us to Clear Channel Communications and the revolving promissory note issued by Clear Channel Communications to us, each in the face amount of $1.0 billion, or if more or less than such amount, the aggregate unpaid principal amount of all advances. Clear Channel Communications is not required to provide us with funds to finance our working capital or other cash requirements. 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, 2009 and 2008, the asset recorded in “Due from Clear Channel Communications” on the consolidated balance sheet was $123.3 million and $431.6 million, respectively.
Our 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:
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unfavorable economic conditions, both general and relative to the outdoor advertising and all related industries, which may cause companies to reduce their expenditures on advertising;
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unfavorable shifts in population and other demographics which may cause us to lose advertising customers as people migrate to markets where we have a smaller presence, or which may cause advertisers to be willing to pay less in advertising fees if the general population shifts into a less desirable age or geographical demographic from an advertising perspective;
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an increased level of competition for advertising dollars, which may lead to lower advertising rates as we attempt to retain customers or which may cause us to lose customers to our competitors who offer lower rates that we are unable or unwilling to match;
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unfavorable fluctuations in operating costs which we may be unwilling or unable to pass through to our customers;
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technological changes and innovations that we are unable to adopt or are late in adopting that offer more attractive advertising alternatives than what we currently offer, which may lead to a loss of advertising customers or to lower advertising rates;
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unfavorable changes in labor conditions which may require us to spend more to retain and attract key employees; and
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changes in governmental regulations and policies and actions of regulatory bodies, including changes to restrictions on rebuilding non-conforming structures, which could restrict the advertising media which we employ, or changes that restrict some or all of our customers that operate in regulated areas from using certain advertising media, or from advertising at all.
We are dependent on our ability to attract, motivate and retain management and key employees.
Our business is dependent on our ability to attract, motivate and retain members of our senior management group and other key employees, including local market managers. Many of our management team have been with the Company for a significant period of time. Certain members of our senior management have recently left the Company or changed their role within the Company. Although we have hired new executive officers, if we are unable to hire new employees to replace these senior managers or are not successful in attracting, motivating and retaining other key employees, our business could be adversely affected.
We face intense competition in the outdoor advertising industry.
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.
Government regulation of outdoor advertising may restrict our outdoor advertising operations.
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, the location and permitting 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 zoning ordinances, permit enforcement, condemnation and amortization. Amortization is the attempted forced removal after a period of years 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. 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. For example, recent court rulings have upheld regulations in the City of New York that may impact the number of displays we have in certain areas within the city. 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. In addition, a number of jurisdictions, including the City of Los Angeles, have implemented legislation or interpreted existing legislation to restrict or prohibit the installation of new digital billboards. 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 overcome any such regulations could reduce our operating income if those outcomes require removal or restrictions on the use of preexisting displays. In addition, if we are unable to pass on the cost of these items to our clients, our operating income could be adversely affected.
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.
Capital requirements necessary to implement strategic initiatives could pose risks.
The purchase price of possible acquisitions, capital expenditures for deployment of digital billboards and/or other strategic initiatives could require additional indebtedness 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 we have no control, we can give no assurance that we will obtain the needed financing 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 strategic opportunity we are presented with, we may decide to forego that opportunity. Additional indebtedness could increase our leverage and make us more vulnerable to economic downturns and may limit our ability to withstand competitive pressures.
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. Any significant reduction in alcohol-related advertising 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:
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exposure to local economic conditions;
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potential adverse changes in the diplomatic relations of foreign countries with the United States;
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hostility from local populations;
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the adverse effect of currency exchange controls;
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restrictions on the withdrawal of foreign investment and earnings;
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government policies against businesses owned by foreigners;
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investment restrictions or requirements;
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expropriations of property;
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the potential instability of foreign governments;
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the risk of insurrections;
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risks of renegotiation or modification of existing agreements with governmental authorities;
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foreign exchange restrictions;
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withholding and other taxes on remittances and other payments by subsidiaries;
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changes in taxation structure; and
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changes in laws or regulations or the interpretation or application of laws or regulations.
In addition, because we own assets in foreign countries 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 Exchange Rate 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, which require us to participate in competitive bidding processes at each renewal, typically have terms ranging from three to 20 years and have revenue share and/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 we 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.
Future transactions 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:
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certain of our acquisitions may prove unprofitable and fail to generate anticipated cash flows;
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to successfully manage our large portfolio of outdoor advertising and other properties, we may need to:
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recruit additional senior management as we cannot be assured that senior management of acquired companies will continue to work for us and we cannot be certain that any of our recruiting efforts will succeed, and
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expand corporate infrastructure to facilitate the integration of our operations with those of acquired properties, because failure to do so may cause us to lose the benefits of any expansion that we decide to undertake by leading to disruptions in our ongoing businesses or by distracting our management;
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entry into markets and geographic areas where we have limited or no experience;
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we may encounter difficulties in the integration of operations and systems;
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our management’s attention may be diverted from other business concerns; and
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we may lose key employees of acquired companies.
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.
Risks 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:
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Our historical combined financial results reflect allocations of corporate expenses from Clear Channel Communications.
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Our working capital requirements and capital for our general corporate purposes, including acquisitions and capital expenditures, historically have been satisfied as part of the corporate-wide cash management policies of Clear Channel Communications. Subsequent to the IPO, Clear Channel Communications is not required to provide us with funds to finance our working capital or other cash requirements. Without the opportunity to obtain financing from Clear Channel Communications, we may in the future need to obtain additional financing from banks, or through public offerings or private placements of debt or equity securities, strategic relationships or other arrangements. We may incur debt on terms and at interest rates that will not be as favorable as those generally enjoyed by Clear Channel Communications.
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We are obligated to continue to use the services of Clear Channel Communications under the Corporate Services Agreement until such time as Clear Channel Communications owns less than 50% of the total voting power of our common stock, or longer for certain information technology services, and, in the event our Corporate Services Agreement with Clear Channel Communications terminates, we may not be able to replace the services Clear Channel Communications provides us until such time or in a timely manner or on comparable terms.
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Pursuant to a cash management arrangement, substantially all of the cash generated from our domestic Americas operations is transferred daily into accounts of our parent company, Clear Channel Communications (after satisfying the funding requirements of the Trustee Account), where funds of ours and of Clear Channel Communications may be commingled. These amounts are evidenced by a revolving promissory note issued by Clear Channel Communications to us. We do not have a commitment from Clear Channel Communications to advance funds to us, and we have no access to the cash transferred from us to Clear Channel Communications. If Clear Channel Communications were to become insolvent, we would be an unsecured creditor of Clear Channel Communications. In such event, we would be treated the same as other unsecured creditors of Clear
Channel Communications and, if we were not entitled to the cash previously transferred to Clear Channel Communications, or could not obtain such cash on a timely basis, we could experience a liquidity shortfall.
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, 2009, Clear Channel Communications indirectly 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. 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. 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 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. Three of our other directors are affiliated with CC Media Holdings and its shareholders. In addition, four 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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Cross officerships, directorships and stock ownership. The ownership interests of our directors or executive officers in the common stock of CC Media Holdings or service as a director or officer of both CC Media Holdings and us could create, or appear to create, conflicts of interest when directors and executive officers are faced with decisions that could have different implications for the two companies. For example, these decisions could relate to (i) the nature, quality and cost of services
rendered to us by Clear Channel Communications, (ii) disagreement over the desirability of a potential acquisition opportunity, (iii) employee retention or recruiting or (iv) our dividend policy.
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Intercompany transactions. From time to time, Clear Channel Communications or its affiliates may enter into transactions with us or our subsidiaries or other affiliates. Although the terms of any such transactions will be established based upon negotiations between employees of Clear Channel Communications and us and, when appropriate, subject to the approval of the independent directors on our Board or a committee of disinterested directors, there can be no assurance the terms of any such transactions will be as favorable to us or our subsidiaries or affiliates as may otherwise be obtained in arm’s length negotiations.
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Intercompany agreements. We have entered into certain agreements with Clear Channel Communications pursuant to which it provides us certain management, administrative, accounting, tax, legal and other services, for which we reimburse Clear Channel Communications on a cost basis. In addition, we entered into a number of intercompany agreements covering matters such as tax sharing and our responsibility for certain liabilities previously undertaken by Clear Channel Communications for certain of our businesses. Pursuant to the Corporate Services Agreement between Clear Channel Communications and us, we are contractually obligated to utilize the services of the chief executive officer of Clear Channel Communications as our Chief Executive Officer and the chief financial officer of Clear Channel Communications as our Chief Financial Officer until Clear Channel Communications owns shares of our common stock representing less than 50% of the total voting power of our common stock, or we provide Clear Channel Communications with six months prior written notice of termination. The terms of these agreements were established while we were a wholly owned subsidiary of Clear Channel Communications and were not the result of arm’s length negotiations. In addition, conflicts could arise in the interpretation or any extension or renegotiation of these existing agreements.
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:
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engaging in the same or similar business activities or lines of business as us; or
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doing business with any of our clients, customers or vendors.
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 (“NYSE”) 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 Committee 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 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 for all pre-merger periods and CC Media Holdings’ consolidated group for post-merger periods. 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 for pre-merger periods and CC Media Holdings for post-merger periods 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.
The 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. 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, Clear Channel Communications will have the ability to limit our ability to incur debt or issue equity securities, among other limitations, 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. Delaware 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.
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.
We currently do not pay dividends on our Class A common stock.
To date, we have never paid dividends on our Class A common stock and are subject to restrictions on our ability to pay dividends should we seek to do so in the 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, our senior notes contain restrictions on our ability to pay dividends. If we elect not to pay dividends in the future or are prevented from doing so, the price of our Class A common stock must appreciate in order to realize a gain on your investment. This appreciation may not occur.
Cautionary Statement 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, our future operating and financial performance and availability of capital resources and the terms thereof. Statements expressing expectations and projections with respect to future matters 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 future 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 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:
•
risks associated with the global economic crisis and its impact on capital markets and liquidity;
•
the impact of the global economic downturn, which has adversely affected advertising revenues across our businesses and other general economic and political conditions in the United States and in other countries in which we currently do business, including those resulting from recessions, political events and acts or threats of terrorism or military conflicts;
•
our restructuring program may not be entirely successful;
•
the impact of the geopolitical environment;
•
our ability to integrate the operations of recently acquired companies;
•
shifts in population and other demographics;
•
industry conditions, including competition;
•
fluctuations in operating costs;
•
technological changes and innovations;
•
changes in labor conditions;
•
fluctuations in exchange rates and currency values;
•
capital expenditure requirements;
•
the outcome of pending and future litigation settlements;
•
legislative or regulatory requirements;
•
changes in interest rates;
•
the effect of leverage on our financial position and earnings;
•
taxes;
•
access to capital markets and borrowed indebtedness;
•
the impact of the above and similar factors on Clear Channel Communications, our primary direct or indirect external source of capital; and
•
certain other factors set forth in our other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
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.
ITEM 1B.
ITEM 1B. Unresolved Staff Comments
None.
ITEM 2.
ITEM 2. Properties
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.
With respect to each of the Americas outdoor and International outdoor operating segments, we primarily lease our outdoor display sites and own or have acquired permanent easements for relatively few parcels of real property that serve as the sites for our outdoor displays. 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.
ITEM 3.
ITEM 3. Legal Proceedings
We are currently involved in certain legal proceedings arising in the ordinary course of business and, as required, have accrued an 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 in our assumptions or the effectiveness of our strategies related to these proceedings. Additionally, due to the inherent uncertainty of litigation, there can be no assurance that the resolution of any particular claim or proceeding would not have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial condition or results of operations.
On or about July 12, 2006, two of the Company’s operating businesses in the Sao Paulo, Brazil market received notices of infraction from the state taxing authority, seeking to impose a value added tax (“VAT”) on such businesses, retroactively for the period from December 31, 2001 through January 31, 2006. The taxing authority contends that the Company’s businesses fall within the definition of “communication services” and as such are subject to the VAT. The aggregate amount of tax initially claimed to be owed by both businesses equals approximately $64.6 million, comprised of approximately $18.7 million in taxes, approximately $37.5 million in penalty and approximately $8.4 million in interest (as of December 31, 2009 at an exchange rate of 0.55). In addition, the taxing authority is seeking to impose an additional aggregate amount of interest on the tax and penalty amounts until the initial tax, penalty and interest are paid of approximately $20.4 million (as of December 31, 2009 at an exchange rate of 0.55). The aggregate amount of additional interest accrues monthly at an interest rate promulgated by the Brazilian government, which at December 31, 2009 is equal to approximately $0.56 million per month.
The Company has filed petitions to challenge the imposition of this tax against each of its businesses, which are proceeding separately. The Company’s challenge for L&C Outdoor Ltda. was unsuccessful at the first administrative level, but successful at the second administrative level. The state taxing authority has filed an appeal to the next administrative level which requires consideration by a full panel of 16 administrative law judges. The
Company’s challenge for Publicidad Klimes Sao Paulo Ltda. was unsuccessful at the first administrative level, and denied at the second administrative level on or about September 24, 2009. The Company is appealing to the third administrative level which has a panel of 16 judges. If the Company is not successful with either of its administrative petitions, it may appeal to the judicial level.
Executive Officers of the Registrant
Set forth below are the names and ages and current positions of our executive officers as of March 16, 2010:
Name
Age
Position
Term as
Director
Mark P. Mays
Chairman of the Board, President, Chief Executive Officer and Director
Expires 2012
Thomas W. Casey
Chief Financial Officer
Ronald Cooper
Chief Executive Officer - Americas
Jonathan D. Bevan
Chief Operating Officer - International
William Eccleshare
President and Chief Executive Officer - International
Herbert W. Hill, Jr.
Senior Vice President and Chief Accounting Officer
Robert H. Walls, Jr
Executive Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary
Franklin G. Sisson, Jr.
Executive Vice President - Sales and Marketing
David Clark
Executive Vice President - Americas General Counsel
The officers named above serve until the next Board of Directors meeting immediately following the Annual Meeting of Shareholders. We expect to retain the individuals named above as our executive officers at such Board of Directors meeting.
Mark P. Mays has served as our Chief Executive Officer since August 2005 and Director since April 1997. Mr. M. Mays is the brother of Randall T. Mays, one of our Directors and our former Chief Financial Officer. Mr. M. Mays has also served as Chief Executive Officer of Clear Channel Communications since October 2004. Prior thereto, he served as President and Chief Operating Officer of Clear Channel Communications from February 1997 to October 2004 and as President and Chief Executive Officer from October 2004 to February 2006, when he relinquished his duties as President until he was reappointed President in January 2010.
Thomas W. Casey has served as our Chief Financial Officer since January 4, 2010. Previously, Mr. Casey served as Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Washington Mutual, Inc. until October 2008. Prior thereto, Mr. Casey served as Vice President of General Electric Company and Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of GE Financial Assurance since 1999.
Ronald Cooper has served as our Chief Executive Officer - Americas since December 10, 2009. Previously, Mr. Cooper was the President and Chief Operating Officer of Adelphia Communications Corporation from 2003 until 2006. Prior thereto he served as the Chief Operating Officer of AT&T Broadband from 2001 to 2002 and as President and Chief Operating Officer of RELERA Data Centers & Solutions from 2000 to 2001.
Jonathan D. Bevan has served as our Chief Operating Officer - International since October 2009. Prior thereto, he served as our Chief Financial Officer - International and Director of Corporate Development from November 2006 to November 2009. Prior thereto, he served as our Chief Financial Officer - International from January 2006 to November 2006. Prior thereto, he served as Chief Operating Officer - International for the remainder of the relevant five-year period.
William Eccleshare has served as Chief Executive Officer of our International division since September 1, 2009. Previously, he was Chairman and CEO of BBDO Europe since 2005. Prior thereto, he was Chairman and CEO of Young & Rubicam EMEA since 2002.
Herbert W. Hill, Jr. has served as Senior Vice President and Chief Accounting Officer of the Company since April 2006 and has served as Senior Vice President and Chief Accounting Officer of Clear Channel Communications since 1997. Mr. Hill’s service as Senior Vice President, Chief Accounting Officer and Assistant Secretary of the Company will end effective March 31, 2010. Following March 31, 2010, Mr. Hill has agreed to continue with the Company as Director of Special Accounting and Information Systems Operations for an additional year.
Robert H. Walls, Jr has served as Executive Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary since January 1, 2010. Previously, Mr. Walls served as Managing Director and was a founding partner of Post Oak Energy Capital, LP through December 31, 2009. Prior thereto, Mr. Walls was Executive Vice President and General Counsel at Enron Corp., and a member of its Chief Executive Office since 2002. Prior thereto, he was Executive Vice President and General Counsel at Enron Global Assets and Services, Inc. and Deputy General Counsel at Enron Corp.
Franklin G. Sisson, Jr. has served as Executive Vice President - Sales and Marketing since 2001.
David Clark has served as Executive Vice President and General Counsel - Americas since July 15, 2009. Mr. Clark has been a member of our legal team since 2004, most recently serving as a Senior Vice President and Associate General Counsel.
PART II
ITEM 5.
ITEM 5. Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities
Our Class A common stock trades on the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”) under the symbol “CCO.” There were 87 shareholders of record as of March 10, 2010. 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 never paid dividends on our Class A common stock and our ability to pay dividends on our common stock is subject to restrictions should we seek to do so in the 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 on the receipt of dividends or other distributions from our subsidiaries to pay dividends. In addition, our senior notes contain restrictions on our ability to pay dividends. If we were to declare and pay cash dividends in the future, holders of Class A common stock and Class B common stock would share equally, on a per share basis, in any such cash dividend.
Equity Compensation Plans
The following table summarizes information as of December 31, 2009, relating to the Company’s equity compensation plan pursuant to which grants of options, restricted stock or other rights to acquire shares may be granted from time to time.
(1) Represents the Clear Channel Outdoor Holdings, Inc. 2005 Stock Incentive Plan.
Sales of Unregistered Securities
We did not sell any equity securities during 2009 that were not registered under the Securities Act of 1933.
Purchases of Equity Securities by the Issuer and Affiliated Purchases.
During the three months ended December 31, 2009, we accepted shares in payment of income taxes due upon the vesting of restricted stock awards as follows:
ITEM 6.
ITEM 6. Selected Financial Data
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 following tables set forth our summary historical consolidated financial and other data as of the dates and for the periods indicated. The summary historical financial data are derived from our audited consolidated
financial statements. Historical results are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for future periods. Acquisitions and dispositions impact the comparability of the historical consolidated financial data reflected in this schedule of Selected Financial Data.
We adopted Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 160, Noncontrolling Interests in Consolidated Financial Statements - an amendment of ARB No. 51, codified in ASC 810-10-45 on January 1, 2009. Adoption of this standard requires retrospective application in the financial statements of earlier periods on January 1, 2009. In connection with our subsidiary’s offering of $500.0 million aggregate principal amount of Series A Senior Notes and $2.0 billion aggregate principal amount of Series B Senior Notes, we filed a Form 8-K on December 11, 2009 to retrospectively recast the historical financial statements and certain disclosures included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2008 for the adoption of ASC 810-10-45.
The summary historical consolidated financial and other data should be read in conjunction with “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” and our consolidated financial statements and the related notes thereto appearing elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K. The statement of operations for the year ended December 31, 2008 is comprised of two periods: post-merger and pre-merger. We applied purchase accounting adjustments to the opening balance sheet on July 31, 2008 as the 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. For additional discussion regarding the pre-merger and post-merger periods, please refer to the consolidated financial statements in Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
(1) Effective January 1, 2007, the Company adopted FASB Interpretation No. 48, Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes, codified in ASC 740-10. In accordance with the provisions of ASC 740-10, the effects of adoption were accounted for as a cumulative-effect adjustment recorded to the balance of retained earnings on the date of adoption.
(2) Effective January 1, 2006, the Company adopted FASB Statement No. 123(R), Share-Based Payment, codified in ASC 718-10. In accordance with the provisions of ASC 718-10, the Company elected to adopt the standard using the modified prospective method.
(3) We recorded non-cash impairment charges of $890.7 million in 2009 and $3.2 billion in 2008 as a result of the global economic downturn which adversely affected advertising revenues across our businesses.
ITEM 7.
ITEM 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
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:
•
Overview. This section provides a general description of our business, as well as other matters we believe are important in understanding our results of operations and financial condition and in anticipating future trends.
•
Results of Operations. This section provides an analysis of our results of operations for the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007.
Our discussion is presented on both a consolidated and segment basis. Our reportable operating segments are Americas and International. Approximately 91% of our 2009 Americas revenue was derived from the United States, with the balance derived primarily from Canada and Latin America. Approximately 39% of our 2009 International revenue was derived from France and the United Kingdom.
We manage our segments primarily focusing on operating income. Corporate expenses, impairment charges, other operating income (expense) - net, interest expense, equity in earnings (loss) of nonconsolidated affiliates, other income (expense) - net and income taxes are managed on a total company basis and are, therefore, included only in our discussion of consolidated results.
•
Liquidity and Capital Resources. This section provides a discussion of our liquidity and capital resources as of December 31, 2009, as well as an analysis of our cash flows for the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007. The discussion of our liquidity and capital resources includes summaries of (i) our primary sources of liquidity, (ii) our key debt covenants and (iii) our outstanding debt and commitments (both firm and contingent) that existed as of December 31, 2009.
•
Seasonality, Market Risk Management and Inflation. These sections discuss seasonality and how we manage exposure to potential losses arising from adverse changes in foreign currency exchange rates, interest rates and inflation.
•
Recent Accounting Pronouncements and Critical Accounting Estimates. These sections discuss accounting policies considered to be important to our financial condition and results of operations and which require significant judgment and estimates on the part of management in their application. In addition, all of our significant accounting policies, including our critical accounting policies, are summarized in Note A to our consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this Annual Report.
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. (together, the “Sponsors”). 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. ASC 805-50-S99-1 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. A portion of the consideration paid has been 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 allocation was recorded as goodwill.
During the first seven months of 2009, the Company decreased the initial fair value estimate of its permits, contracts, site leases and other assets and liabilities primarily in its Americas segment by $100.7 million based on additional information received, which resulted in an increase to goodwill of $55.8 million and a decrease to deferred taxes of $44.9 million. During the third quarter of 2009, the Company adjusted deferred taxes by $24.5 million to true-up its tax rates in certain jurisdictions that were estimated in the initial purchase price allocation. In addition, during the third quarter of 2009, we recorded a $45.0 million increase to goodwill in our International outdoor segment related to the fair value of certain noncontrolling interests which existed at the merger date, with no related tax effect. This noncontrolling interest was recorded pursuant to ASC 480-10-S99 which determines the classification of redeemable noncontrolling interests. We subsequently determined that the increase in goodwill related to these noncontrolling interests should have been included in the impairment charges resulting from the interim goodwill impairment test. As a result, during the fourth quarter of 2009, we impaired this entire goodwill amount, which after consideration of foreign exchange movements, was $41.4 million.
The purchase price allocation was complete as of July 30, 2009 in accordance with ASC 805-10-25, which requires that the allocation period not exceed one year from the date of acquisition.
Format of Presentation
Our consolidated statements of operations and statements of cash flows are presented for two periods: post-merger and pre-merger. The merger resulted in a new basis of accounting beginning on July 31, 2008 and the financial reporting periods are presented as follows:
•
The year ended December 31, 2009 and the period from July 31, 2008 through December 31, 2008 includes the post-merger period, reflecting the purchase accounting adjustments related to the merger that were pushed down to us.
•
The period from January 1, 2008 through July 30, 2008 and the year ended December 31, 2007 reflect the pre-merger period. The consolidated financial statements for all pre-merger periods were prepared using our historical basis of accounting. As a result of the merger and the associated purchase accounting, the consolidated financial statements of the post-merger periods are not comparable to periods preceding the merger.
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 2009 and 2007.
Management’s discussion and analysis of our results of operations and financial condition should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and related footnotes. Our discussion is presented on both a consolidated and segment basis. Our reportable operating segments are Americas Outdoor Advertising (“Americas” or “Americas outdoor advertising”) and International Outdoor Advertising (“International” or “International outdoor advertising”).
We manage our operating segments primarily focusing on their operating income, while Corporate expenses, Impairment charge, Other operating income (expense) - net, Interest expense, Gain (loss) on marketable securities, Equity in earnings (loss) of nonconsolidated affiliates, Other income (expense) - net and Income tax benefit (expense) are managed on a total company basis and are, therefore, included only in our discussion of consolidated results.
There are several agreements which govern our relationship with Clear Channel Communications including the Master Agreement, 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. 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. As of December 31, 2009, the outstanding balance on the sub-limit was approximately $150.0 million, of which $30.0 million was drawn by us and the remaining amount drawn by Clear Channel Communications.
Impairment Charges
Impairments to Definite-lived Tangibles and Intangibles
We review our definite-lived tangibles and intangibles for impairment when events and circumstances indicate that amortizable long-lived assets might be impaired and the undiscounted cash flows estimated to be generated from 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. 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.
During fourth quarter of 2009, we recorded impairments of $28.8 million primarily related to contract intangible assets and street furniture tangible assets in our International segment based on the provisions of ASC 360-10. ASC 360-10 states that long-lived assets should be tested for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. The decline in our contract intangible assets was primarily driven by a decline in cash flow projections from these contracts. The remaining balance of the contract intangible assets, for the contracts that were impaired, after impairment was $4.4 million.
During the second quarter of 2009, we recorded a $21.3 million impairment to taxi contract intangible assets in our Americas segment and a $26.2 million impairment primarily related to street furniture tangible assets and contract intangible assets in our International segment under ASC 360-10. We determined fair values using a discounted cash flow model. The decline in fair value of the contracts was primarily driven by a decline in the revenue projections since the date of the merger. The decline in revenue related to taxi contracts and street furniture and billboard contracts was in the range of 10% to 15%. The balance of these taxi contracts and street furniture and billboard contracts after the impairment charges, for the contracts that were impaired, was $3.3 million and $16.0 million, respectively. We subsequently sold our taxi advertising business in the fourth quarter of 2009 and recorded a loss of $20.9 million.
Interim Impairments to Billboard Permits
The Company’s indefinite-lived intangibles consist primarily of billboard permits in its Americas segment. Due to significant differences in both business practices and regulations, billboards in our International segment are subject to long-term, finite contracts unlike our permits in the United States and Canada. Accordingly, there are no indefinite-lived assets in our International segment.
The United States and global economies have undergone a period of economic uncertainty, which 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 disruptions in the credit and financial markets and the impact of adverse economic, financial and industry conditions on the demand for advertising negatively impacted the key assumptions in the discounted cash flow models that were used to value our billboard permits as of the
merger date. Therefore, we performed an interim impairment test on our billboard permits as of December 31, 2008, which resulted in a non-cash impairment charge of $722.6 million.
Our cash flows during the first six months of 2009 were below those in the discounted cash flow model used to calculate the impairment at December 31, 2008. As a result, we performed an interim impairment test as of June 30, 2009 on our billboard permits resulting in a non-cash impairment charge of $345.4 million.
Our impairment tests consisted of a comparison of the fair value of the billboard permits at the market level with their carrying amount. If the carrying amount of the billboard permit exceeded its fair value, an impairment loss was recognized equal to that excess. After an impairment loss is recognized, the adjusted carrying amount of the billboard permit is its new accounting basis. The fair value of the billboard permits was determined using the direct valuation method as prescribed in ASC 805-20-S99. Under the direct valuation method, the fair value of the billboard permits was calculated at the market level as prescribed by ASC 350-30-35. We engaged Mesirow Financial Consulting LLC (“Mesirow Financial”) to assist us in the development of the assumptions and our determination of the fair value of our billboard permits.
Our application of the direct valuation method attempts to isolate the income that is properly attributable to the permit alone (that is, apart from other tangible and identified intangible assets and goodwill). It is based upon modeling a hypothetical “greenfield” build up to a “normalized” enterprise that, by design, lacks inherent goodwill and whose only other assets have essentially been paid for (or added) as part of the build-up process. We forecasted revenue, expenses and cash flows over a ten-year period for each of our markets in our application of the direct valuation method. We also calculated a “normalized” residual year which represents the perpetual cash flows of each market. The residual year cash flow was capitalized to arrive at the terminal value of the permits in each market.
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 develops 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 flow 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 billboard permit within a market.
Management uses its internal forecasts to estimate industry normalized information as it believes these forecasts are similar to what a market participant would expect to generate. This is due to the pricing structure and demand for outdoor signage in a market being relatively constant regardless of the owner of the operation. Management also relied on its internal forecasts because there is nominal public data available for each of its markets.
The build-up period represents the time it takes for the hypothetical start-up operation to reach normalized operations in terms of achieving a mature market revenue share and profit margin. Management believes that a one-year build-up period is required for a start-up operation to erect the necessary structures and obtain advertisers in order to achieve mature market revenue share. It is estimated that a start-up operation would be able to obtain 10% of the potential revenues in the first year of operations and 100% in the second year. Management assumed industry revenue growth of negative 9% and negative 16% during the build-up period for the December 31, 2008 and June 30, 2009 interim impairment tests, respectively. However, the cost structure is expected to reach the normalized level over three years due to the time required to recognize the synergies and cost savings associated with the ownership of the permits within the market.
For the normalized operating margin in the third year, management assumed a hypothetical business would operate at the lower of the operating margin for the specific market or the industry average margin of 46% and 45% based on an analysis of comparable companies in the December 31, 2008 and June 30, 2009 impairment models, respectively. For the first and second year of operations, the operating margin was assumed to be 50% of the
“normalized” operating margin for both the December 31, 2008 and June 30, 2009 impairment models. The first and second-year expenses include the non-recurring start-up costs necessary to build the operation (i.e., development of customers, workforce, etc.).
In addition to cash flows during the projection period, a “normalized” residual cash flow was calculated based upon industry-average growth of 3% beyond the discrete build-up projection period in both the December 31, 2008 and June 30, 2009 impairment models. The residual cash flow was then capitalized to arrive at the terminal value.
The present value of the cash flows is calculated using an estimated required rate of return based upon industry-average market conditions. In determining the estimated required rate of return, management calculated a discount rate using both current and historical trends in the industry.
We calculated the discount rate as of the valuation date and also one-year, two-year, and three-year historical quarterly averages. The discount rate was calculated by weighting the required returns on interest-bearing debt and common equity capital in proportion to their estimated percentages in an expected capital structure. The capital structure was estimated based on the quarterly average of data for publicly traded companies in the outdoor advertising industry.
The calculation of the discount rate required the rate of return on debt, which was based on a review of the credit ratings for comparable companies (i.e. market participants). We used the yield on a Standard & Poor’s “B” rated corporate bond for the pre-tax rate of return on debt and tax-effected such yield based on applicable tax rates.
The rate of return on equity capital was estimated using a modified CAPM. Inputs to this model included the yield on long-term U.S. Treasury Bonds, forecast betas for comparable companies, calculation of a market risk premium based on research and empirical evidence and calculation of a size premium derived from historical differences in returns between small companies and large companies using data published by Ibbotson Associates.
Our concluded discount rate used in the discounted cash flow models to determine the fair value of the permits was 9.5% at December 31, 2008 and 10% at June 30, 2009. Applying the discount rate, the present value of cash flows during the discrete projection period and terminal value were added to estimate the fair value of the hypothetical start-up operation. The initial capital investment was subtracted to arrive at the value of the permits. The initial capital investment represents the expenditures required to erect the necessary advertising structures.
The discount rate used in the December 31, 2008 impairment model increased approximately 100 basis points over the discount rate used to value the permits in the preliminary purchase price allocation as of July 30, 2008. Industry revenue forecasts declined 10% through 2013 compared to the forecasts used in the preliminary purchase price allocation as of July 30, 2008. These market driven changes were primarily responsible for the decline in fair value of the billboard permits below their carrying value. As a result, we recognized a non-cash impairment charge, which totaled $722.6 million. The fair value of our permits was $1.5 billion at December 31, 2008.
The discount rate used in the June 30, 2009 impairment model increased approximately 50 basis points over the discount rate used to value the permits at December 31, 2008. Industry revenue forecasts declined 8% through 2013 compared to the forecasts used in the 2008 impairment test. These market driven changes were primarily responsible for the decline in fair value of the billboard permits below their carrying value. As a result, we recognized a non-cash impairment charge in all but five of our markets in the United States and Canada, which totaled $345.4 million. The fair value of our permits was $1.1 billion at June 30, 2009.
The following table shows the increase to the billboard permit impairment that would have occurred using hypothetical percentage reductions in fair value, had the hypothetical reductions in fair value existed at the time of our impairment testing:
Annual Impairment Test to Billboard Permits
We perform our annual impairment test on October 1 of each year. We engaged Mesirow Financial to assist us in the development of the assumptions and our determination of the fair value of our billboard permits. The aggregate fair value of our permits on October 1, 2009 increased approximately 8% from the fair value at June 30, 2009. The increase in fair value resulted primarily from an increase of $57.7 million related to improved industry revenue forecasts. The discount rate was unchanged from the June 30, 2009 interim impairment analysis. We calculated the discount rate as of the valuation date and also one-year, two-year and three-year quarterly averages. The discount rate as of the valuation date was calculated by weighting the required returns on interest-bearing debt and common equity capital in proportion to their estimated percentages in an expected capital structure. The capital structure was estimated based on the quarterly average of data for publicly traded companies in the outdoor advertising industry. The fair value of our permits at October 1, 2009 was approximately $1.2 billion.
While we believe we have 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 decline in the fair value of our billboard permits that would result from a 100 basis point decline in our discrete and terminal period revenue growth rate and profit margin assumptions and a 100 basis point increase in our discount rate assumption:
Interim Impairments to Goodwill
We test goodwill at interim dates if events or changes in circumstances indicate that goodwill might be impaired. The United States and global economies have undergone a period of economic uncertainty, which 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 disruptions in the credit and financial markets and the impact of adverse economic, financial and industry conditions on the demand for advertising negatively impacted the key assumptions in the discounted cash flow model that were used to value our reporting units as of the merger date. Therefore, we performed an interim impairment test resulting in a charge of $2.5 billion as of December 31, 2008.
Our cash flows during the first six months of 2009 were below those used in the discounted cash flow model used to calculate the impairment at December 31, 2008. Additionally, the fair value of our debt and equity at June 30, 2009 was below the carrying amount of our reporting units at June 30, 2009. As a result of these indicators, we performed an interim goodwill impairment test as of June 30, 2009 resulting in a non-cash impairment charge of $419.5 million.
Our goodwill impairment test is a two-step process. The first step, used to screen for potential impairment, compares the fair value of the reporting unit with its carrying amount, including goodwill. If applicable, the second step, used to measure the amount of the impairment loss, compares the implied fair value of the reporting unit goodwill with the carrying amount of that goodwill. We engaged Mesirow Financial to assist us in the development of the assumptions and our determination of the fair value of our reporting units.
Each of our U.S. outdoor advertising markets is a component and are aggregated into a single reporting unit for purposes of the goodwill impairment test using the guidance in ASC 350-20-55. We also determined that in our Americas segment, Canada, Mexico, Peru, and Brazil constitute separate reporting units and each country in our International segment constitutes a separate reporting unit.
The discounted cash flow model indicated that we failed the first step of the impairment test for substantially all reporting units as of December 31, 2008 and June 30, 2009, which required us to compare the implied fair value of each reporting unit’s goodwill with its carrying value.
The discounted cash flow approach we use for valuing our reporting units 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.
We forecasted revenue, expenses, and cash flows over a ten-year period for each of our reporting units. In projecting future cash flows, we consider a variety of factors including our historical growth rates, macroeconomic conditions, advertising sector and industry trends as well as company-specific information. Historically, revenues in our industries have been highly correlated to economic cycles. Based on these considerations, our assumed 2008 revenue growth rate used in the December 31, 2008 impairment model was negative followed by assumed revenue growth with an anticipated economic recovery in 2009. Additionally, our assumed 2009 revenue growth rate used in the June 30, 2009 impairment model was negative followed by assumed revenue growth with an anticipated economic recovery in 2010. To arrive at our projected cash flows and resulting growth rates, we evaluated our historical operating results, current management initiatives and both historical and anticipated industry results to assess the reasonableness of our operating margin assumptions. We also calculated a “normalized” residual year which represents the perpetual cash flows of each reporting unit. The residual year cash flow was capitalized to arrive at the terminal value of the reporting unit.
We calculated the weighted average cost of capital (“WACC”) as of December 31, 2008 and June 30, 2009 and also one-year, two-year, and three-year historical quarterly averages for each of our reporting units. WACC is an overall rate based upon the individual rates of return for invested capital (equity and interest-bearing debt). The WACC is calculated by weighting the required returns on interest-bearing debt and common equity capital in proportion to their estimated percentages in an expected capital structure. The capital structure was estimated based on the quarterly average data for publicly traded companies in the outdoor advertising industry. Our calculation of the WACC considered both current industry WACCs and historical trends in the industry.
The calculation of the WACC requires the rate of return on debt, which was based on a review of the credit ratings for comparable companies (i.e., market participants) and the indicated yield on similarly rated bonds.
The rate of return on equity capital was estimated using a modified CAPM. Inputs to this model included the yield on long-term U.S. Treasury Bonds, forecast betas for comparable companies, calculation of a market risk premium based on research and empirical evidence and calculation of a size premium derived from historical differences in returns between small companies and large companies using data published by Ibbotson Associates.
In line with advertising industry trends, our operations and expected cash flow are subject to significant uncertainties about future developments, including timing and severity of the recessionary trends and customers’ behaviors. To address these risks, we included company-specific risk premiums for each of our reporting units in the estimated WACC. Based on this analysis, as of December 31, 2008, company-specific risk premiums of 300 basis points were included for both of our Americas outdoor and International outdoor segments, resulting in WACCs of 12.5% for each of our reporting units in the Americas and International segments. As of June 30, 2009, company-specific risk premiums of 250 basis points and 350 basis points were included for our Americas outdoor and International outdoor segments, respectively, resulting in WACCs of 12.5% and 13.5% for each of our reporting
units in the Americas and International segments, respectively. Applying these WACCs, the present value of cash flows during the discrete projection period and terminal value were added to estimate the fair value of the reporting units.
The discount rate utilized in the valuation of the outdoor permits as of December 31, 2008 and June 30, 2009 excludes the company-specific risk premiums that were added to the industry WACCs used in the valuation of the reporting units. Management believes the exclusion of this premium is appropriate given the difference between the nature of the billboard permits and reporting unit cash flow projections. The cash flow projections utilized under the direct valuation method for the permits are derived from utilizing industry “normalized” information for the existing portfolio of permits. Given that the underlying cash flow projections are based on industry normalized information, application of an industry average discount rate is appropriate. Conversely, our cash flow projections for the overall reporting unit are based on our internal forecasts for each business and incorporate future growth and initiatives unrelated to the existing permit portfolio. Additionally, the projections for the reporting unit include cash flows related to non-permit based assets. In the valuation of the reporting unit, the company-specific risk premiums were added to the industry WACCs due to the risks inherent in achieving the projected cash flows of the reporting unit.
We also utilized the market approach to provide a test of reasonableness to the results of the discounted cash flow model. The market approach indicates the fair value of the invested capital of a business based on a company’s market capitalization (if publicly traded) and a comparison of the business to comparable publicly traded companies and transactions in its industry. This approach can be estimated through the quoted market price method, the market comparable method, and the market transaction method.
One indication of the fair value of a business is the quoted market price in active markets for the debt and equity of the business. The quoted market price of equity multiplied by the number of shares outstanding yields the fair value of the equity of a business on a marketable, noncontrolling basis. We then apply a premium for control and add the estimated fair value of interest-bearing debt to indicate the fair value of the invested capital of the business on a marketable, controlling basis.
The market comparable method provides an indication of the fair value of the invested capital of a business by comparing it to publicly traded companies in similar lines of business. The conditions and prospects of companies in similar lines of business depend on common factors such as overall demand for their products and services. An analysis of the market multiples of companies engaged in similar lines of business yields insight into investor perceptions and, therefore, the value of the subject business. These multiples are then applied to the operating results of the subject business to estimate the fair value of the invested capital on a marketable, noncontrolling basis. We then apply a premium for control to indicate the fair value of the business on a marketable, controlling basis.
The market transaction method estimates the fair value of the invested capital of a business based on exchange prices in actual transactions and on asking prices for controlling interests in similar companies recently offered for sale. This process involves comparison and correlation of the subject business with other similar companies that have recently been purchased. Considerations such as location, time of sale, physical characteristics, and conditions of sale are analyzed for comparable businesses.
The three variations of the market approach indicated that the fair value determined by our discounted cash flow model was within a reasonable range of outcomes as of December 31, 2008 and June 30, 2009.
Our revenue forecasts for 2009 declined 21% and 29% for Americas outdoor and International outdoor, respectively, compared to the forecasts used in the July 30, 2008 preliminary purchase price allocation primarily as a result of our revenues realized for the year ended December 31, 2008. These market driven changes were primarily responsible for the decline in fair value of our reporting units below their carrying value. As a result, we recognized a non-cash impairment charge to reduce our goodwill of $2.5 billion at December 31, 2008.
Our revenue forecasts for 2009 declined 7% and 9% for Americas and International, respectively, compared to the forecasts used in the 2008 impairment test primarily as a result of our revenues realized during the first six months of 2009. These market driven changes were primarily responsible for the decline in fair value of our reporting units below their carrying value. As a result, we recognized a non-cash impairment charge to reduce our goodwill of $419.5 million at June 30, 2009.
The following table shows the increase to the goodwill impairment that would have occurred using hypothetical percentage reductions in fair value, had the hypothetical reduction in fair value existed at the time of our impairment testing:
Annual Impairments to Goodwill
We perform our annual impairment test on October 1 of each year. We engaged Mesirow Financial to assist us in the development of the assumptions and our determination of the fair value of our reporting units. The fair value of our reporting units on October 1, 2009 increased from the fair value at June 30, 2009. The increase in fair value of our Americas reporting unit was primarily the result of a 150 basis point decline in the WACC. Application of the market approach described above supported lowering the company-specific risk premium used in the discounted cash flow model to fair value the Americas reporting unit. The increase in the aggregate fair value of the reporting units in our International outdoor segment was primarily the result of an improvement in the long-term revenue forecasts. A certain reporting unit in our International outdoor segment recognized a $41.4 million impairment to goodwill related to the fair value adjustments of certain noncontrolling interests recorded in the merger pursuant to ASC 480-10-S99.
While we believe we have made reasonable estimates and utilized appropriate 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 decline in the fair value of each of our reportable segments that would result from a 100 basis point decline in our discrete and terminal period revenue growth rate and profit margin assumptions and a 100 basis point increase in our discount rate assumption:
A rollforward of our goodwill balance from July 30, 2008 through December 31, 2009 by reporting unit is as follows:
Restructuring Program
In 2008 and continuing into 2009, the global economic downturn adversely affected advertising revenues across our businesses. In the fourth quarter of 2008, we initiated an ongoing, company-wide strategic review of our costs and organizational structure to identify opportunities to maximize efficiency and realign expenses with our current and long-term business outlook. As of December 31, 2009, we had incurred a total of $88.7 million of costs in conjunction with this restructuring program. We estimate the benefit of the restructuring program was an approximate $170.6 million aggregate reduction to fixed operating and corporate expenses in 2009 and that the benefit of these initiatives will be fully realized by 2011.
No assurance can be given that the restructuring program will achieve all of the anticipated cost savings in the timeframe expected or at all, or that the cost savings will be sustainable. In addition, we may modify or terminate the restructuring program in response to economic conditions or otherwise.
The following table shows the expenses related to our restructuring program recognized as components of direct operating expenses, selling, general and administrative (“SG&A”) expenses and corporate expenses for the years ended December 31, 2009 and 2008, respectively:
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 recession 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 displays owned or operated by us, 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 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 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 the Euro area, the United Kingdom and China, 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 one 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 four 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 three 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.
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 2009, 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 the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007, we recorded approximately $28.5 million, $28.1 million and $20.3 million, respectively, as a component of corporate expenses for these services.
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
Consolidated Results of Operations
The following tables summarize our historical results of operations:
(1) The results of operations for the year ended December 31, 2008 are presented on a combined basis and is comprised of two periods: post-merger and pre-merger, which relate to the period succeeding Clear Channel Communications’ merger and the period preceding the merger, respectively. The post-merger and pre-merger results of operations are presented as follows:
Revenue
2009 v. 2008
Our revenue for 2009 decreased approximately $591.3 million as compared to 2008. Our Americas revenue for 2009 declined approximately $192.1 million as compared to 2008, attributable to decreases in bulletin, poster and airport revenues associated with cancellations and non-renewals from larger national advertisers. Our International revenue for 2009 decreased approximately $399.2 million primarily as a result of challenging advertising climates in our markets, with approximately $118.5 million from movements in foreign exchange.
2008 v. 2007
Our revenue for 2008 increased approximately $7.5 million 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 for 2008 declined approximately $54.8 million 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 approximately $60.4 million from movements in foreign exchange.
Direct Operating Expenses
2009 v. 2008
Direct operating expenses for 2009 decreased $257.0 million compared to 2008. Our International business contributed $217.6 million to the decrease primarily from a decrease in site-lease expenses from lower revenue and cost savings from the restructuring program and $85.6 million related to movements in foreign exchange. Our Americas business contributed $39.4 million to the decrease primarily driven by decreased site-lease expenses from lower revenue and cost savings from the restructuring program.
2008 v. 2007
Direct operating expenses for 2008 increased $147.3 million 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.
SG&A
2009 v. 2008
SG&A expenses for 2009 decreased $122.0 million compared to 2008. Our International outdoor SG&A expenses decreased approximately $71.3 million primarily attributable to $23.7 million from movements in foreign exchange and an overall decline in compensation and administrative expenses. Our Americas outdoor SG&A expenses decreased approximately $50.7 million primarily related to a decline in commission expense.
2008 v. 2007
SG&A expenses for 2008 increased $68.4 million compared to 2007. Approximately $23.7 million of this increase occurred during the fourth quarter primarily as a result of severance obligations 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 obligations in 2008 associated with the restructuring plan of approximately $20.1 million. Our Americas SG&A expenses increased approximately $26.4 million largely from increased bad debt expense of $15.5 million and an increase in severance obligations in 2008 of $4.5 million associated with the restructuring plan.
Depreciation and Amortization
2009 v. 2008
Depreciation and amortization for 2009 decreased $32.7 million as compared to 2008. The decrease was primarily due to a $43.2 million decrease in depreciation expense associated with the impairment of assets in our International outdoor segment during the fourth quarter of 2008 and a $20.6 million decrease from movements in foreign exchange. The decrease was partially offset by $34.3 million related to additional amortization associated with the purchase accounting adjustments to the acquired intangible assets.
2008 v. 2007
Depreciation and amortization for 2008 increased $72.9 million as compared to 2007. The increase was primarily incurred in connection with 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.
Corporate Expenses
2009 v. 2008
Corporate expenses for 2009 decreased $5.8 million as compared to 2008. The decrease was attributable to a decrease in expenses in our International outdoor segment of approximately $7.9 million due primarily to our cost savings initiatives and reduced legal fees as compared to 2008. This decrease was partially offset by an increase in restructuring costs of $3.3 million.
2008 v. 2007
Corporate expenses for 2008 increased $5.0 million 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.
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, 2009, 2008 and 2007, we recorded approximately $28.5 million, $28.1 million and $20.3 million, respectively, as a component of corporate expenses for these services.
Other Operating Income (Expense) - Net
Other operating expense - net for 2009 was $8.2 million and primarily relates to a loss of $20.9 million on the sale of our taxi advertising business. The loss was partially offset by a $10.1 million gain on the sale of Americas and International assets.
Other operating income - net for 2008 was $15.8 million and is primarily due to a $2.6 million gain related to an asset exchange, a $4.0 million gain on the sale of property, and a $1.7 million gain on the sale of International street furniture.
Interest Expense - Net (Including Interest on Debt with Clear Channel Communications)
Interest expense for 2009 decreased $7.5 million as compared to 2008. The decrease was primarily due to a lower weighted average cost of debt of Clear Channel Communications during 2009.
Interest expense for 2008 increased $3.8 million 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 “Liquidity and Capital Resources” below for further discussion of the impact of Clear Channel Communications’ merger on interest expense.
Loss on Marketable Securities
The loss on marketable securities of $11.3 million for 2009 primarily related to the impairment of Independent News & Media PLC (“INM”). The fair value of INM was below cost for an extended period of time. As a result, we considered the guidance in ASC 320-10-S99 and reviewed the length of the time and the extent to which the market 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 an $11.3 million non-cash impairment charge to our investment in INM.
During the fourth quarter of 2008, we recorded a non-cash impairment charge to INM. The fair value of INM was below its cost each month subsequent to the closing of Clear Channel Communications’ merger. As a result, we considered the guidance in ASC 320-10-S99 and concluded that the impairment was other than temporary and recorded a $59.8 million impairment charge to our investment in INM.
Equity in Earnings (Loss) of Nonconsolidated Affiliates
Equity in loss of nonconsolidated affiliates of $31.4 million for 2009 primarily related to a $22.9 million impairment of equity investments in our International segment.
Equity in earnings of nonconsolidated affiliates for 2008 increased $64.3 million 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 expense - net recorded for the year ended December 31, 2009 primarily related to foreign exchange transaction gains/losses on short-term intercompany accounts.
Other income of $25.5 million for 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 of $10.1 million for 2007 related primarily to net foreign exchange transaction gains on short-term intercompany accounts.
Income Taxes
Our operations are included in a consolidated income tax return filed by Clear Channel Communications for pre-merger periods and CC Media Holdings for post-merger periods. 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.
For 2009, we recorded current tax benefits of $16.8 million as compared to current tax expense of $27.1 million for 2008. The change in current tax primarily was due to our ability to carryback certain net operating losses to prior years. On November 6, 2009, the Worker, Homeownership, and Business Assistance Act of 2009 (the “Act”) was enacted into law. The Act amended Section 172 of the Internal Revenue Code to allow net operating losses realized in a tax year ended after December 31, 2007 and beginning before January 1, 2010 to be carried back for up to five years (such losses were previously limited to a two-year carryback). This change will allow us to carryback 2009 taxable losses of approximately $128.6 million, based on our projections of projected taxable losses eligible for carryback, to prior years and receive refunds of previously paid Federal income taxes of approximately $45.0 million. The ultimate amount of such refunds realized from net operating loss carryback is dependent on our actual taxable losses for 2009, which may vary from our current expectations.
Deferred tax benefits for 2009 decreased $115.1 million compared to 2008, primarily due to larger impairment charges recorded in 2008 related to tax deductible intangibles.
Our effective tax rate for 2009 was 14.6%, primarily due to the non-cash impairment charge on goodwill that is not deductible for tax purposes. In addition, the Company was unable to benefit from tax losses in certain foreign jurisdictions due to the uncertainty of the ability to utilize those losses in future years.
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 (loss) before income taxes” 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. 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.
Americas Results of Operations
2009 v. 2008
Revenue for 2009 decreased approximately $192.1 million compared to 2008, primarily driven by declines in bulletin, poster and transit revenues due to cancellations and non-renewals from larger national advertisers resulting from the overall weakness in advertising and the economy. The decline in bulletin, poster and transit revenues was also impacted by a decline in rate compared to 2008.
Direct operating expenses for 2009 decreased $39.4 million compared to 2008 primarily from a $25.3 million decrease in site-lease expenses associated with cost savings from our restructuring program and the decline in revenues. This decrease was partially offset by an increase of $5.7 million of direct operating expenses related to the restructuring program. SG&A expenses decreased $50.7 million during 2009 compared to 2008 primarily from a $26.0 million decline in compensation expense associated with the decline in revenue and cost savings from the restructuring program and a $16.2 million decline in bad debt expense as a result of accounts collected and an improvement in the agings of our accounts receivable during the current year.
2008 v.
Revenue for 2008 decreased approximately $54.8 million 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.
Our Americas direct operating expenses increased $57.0 million primarily from higher site-lease expenses of $45.2 million. The increase in site-lease expense was primarily attributable to new taxi, airport and street furniture contracts and an increase of $2.4 million in severance obligations 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 obligations 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.
International Results of Operations
2009 v. 2008
Revenue for 2009 decreased approximately $399.2 million compared to 2008, with approximately $118.5 million from movements in foreign exchange. The revenue decline occurred across most countries, with the most significant decline in France of $75.5 million due to weak advertising demand. Other countries with significant declines include the U.K. and Italy, which declined $30.4 million and $28.3 million, respectively, due to weak advertising markets.
Direct operating expenses decreased $217.6 million in part due to a decrease of $85.6 million from movements in foreign exchange. The remaining decrease in direct operating expenses was primarily attributable to a $146.4 million decline in site lease expenses partially attributable to cost savings from the restructuring program and the decline in revenue. The decrease in direct operating expenses was partially offset by $12.8 million related to the restructuring program. SG&A expenses decreased $71.3 million primarily from $23.7 million related to movements in foreign exchange, $34.3 million related to a decline in compensation expense and a $25.8 million decrease in administrative expenses, both partially attributable to cost savings from the restructuring program and the decline in revenue.
Depreciation and amortization for 2009 decreased $35.4 million primarily related to a $43.2 million decrease in depreciation expense associated with the impairment of assets during the fourth quarter of 2008 and a $20.6 million decrease from movements in foreign exchange. The decrease was partially offset by $31.9 million related to additional amortization associated with the purchase accounting adjustments to the acquired intangible assets.
2008 v. 2007
Revenue for 2008 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 weakened 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.
Direct operating expenses for 2008 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 for 2008 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.
Reconciliation of Segment Operating Income (Loss)
Share-Based Payments
As of December 31, 2009, there was $18.1 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 two years.
The following table details compensation costs related to share-based payments:
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
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 under Clear Channel Communications’ credit agreements other than for direct borrowings by certain of our International subsidiaries pursuant to the $150.0 million sub-limit included in Clear Channel Communications’ $2.0 billion revolving credit facility and we are not a guarantor of any of Clear Channel Communications’ debt. 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. As of December 31, 2009, the outstanding balance on the sub-limit was approximately $150.0 million of which $30.0 million was drawn by us and the remaining amount drawn by Clear Channel Communications.
The interest rate on outstanding balances under the revolving credit facility is based upon LIBOR or, for Euro denominated borrowings, EURIBOR, plus, in each case, a margin. 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 revolving credit facility.
We have a revolving promissory note issued by Clear Channel Communications to us in the amount of $123.3 million as of December 31, 2009 described more fully in our “Liquidity - Sources of Capital” section. We are an unsecured creditor of Clear Channel Communications with respect to the revolving promissory note.
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, among other limitations, which could adversely affect our ability to meet our liquidity needs.
CC Media Holdings’ and Clear Channel Communications’ current corporate ratings are “CCC+” and “Caa2” by Standard & Poor’s Ratings Services and Moody’s Investors Service, respectively, which are speculative grade ratings. These ratings have been downgraded and then upgraded at various times during the two years ended December 31, 2009. These adjustments had no impact on our borrowing costs under the credit agreements.
In December 2009, the Company’s wholly-owned subsidiary Clear Channel Worldwide Holdings, Inc. (“CCWH”), issued $500.0 million aggregate principal amount of Series A Senior Notes due 2017 and $2.0 billion aggregate principal amount of Series B Senior Notes due 2017 (collectively, the “Notes”). The Notes are guaranteed by the Company, Clear Channel Outdoor, Inc., our wholly-owned subsidiary (“CCOI”), and certain other existing and future domestic subsidiaries of ours (collectively, the “Guarantors”).
The Notes are rated “B” and “B2” by Standard & Poor’s and Moody’s, respectively. The indentures governing the Notes require the Company to maintain at least $100 million in cash or other liquid assets or have cash available to be borrowed under committed credit facilities consisting of (i) $50.0 million at the issuer and guarantor entities (principally the Americas outdoor segment) and (ii) $50.0 million at the non-guarantor subsidiaries (principally the International outdoor segment), in each case under the sole control of the relevant entity.
In addition, interest on the Notes accrues daily and is payable into an account established by a trustee for the benefit of the bondholders (the “Trustee Account”). Failure to make daily payment on any day does not constitute an event of default so long as (a) no payment or other transfer by the Company or any of its Subsidiaries shall have been made on such day under the cash management sweep with Clear Channel Communications, Inc. and (b) on each semiannual interest payment date the aggregate amount of funds in the Trustee Account is equal to at least the aggregate amount of accrued and unpaid interest on the Notes. 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.
Cash Flows
The following table summarizes our historical cash flows:
Operating Activities
The decline in cash flow from operations was primarily driven by an 18% decline in consolidated revenues in 2009 as compared to 2008 associated with the weak economy and challenging advertising markets. Other factors contributing to our cash flow from operations include a consolidated net loss of $872.5 million adjusted for non-cash impairment charges of $890.7 million related to goodwill and intangible assets and depreciation and amortization of $439.6 million. In addition, we recorded a $31.4 million loss in equity of nonconsolidated affiliates primarily due to a $22.9 million impairment of equity investments in our International segment. Net cash provided by operating activities was partially offset by deferred tax benefits of $132.3 million.
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 recorded 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.
Net cash flow from operating activities of $694.4 million for 2007 primarily reflected net income of $265.3 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.
Investing Activities
For the year ended December 31, 2009, we spent $84.4 million in our Americas segment for the purchase of property, plant and equipment primarily related to the construction of new billboards. We spent $91.5 million in our International segment for the purchase of property, plant and equipment related to new billboard and street furniture contracts and renewals of existing contracts. We also received proceeds of $11.3 million from the sale of International assets and $6.8 million from the sale of Americas assets.
We spent $175.8 million in our Americas segment for the purchase of property, plant and equipment primarily related to the construction of new billboards. We spent $182.5 million in our International segment for the purchase of property, plant and equipment primarily related to new billboard and street furniture contracts and renewals of existing contracts.
Our Americas segment paid $55.1 million for the acquisition of advertising structures and the final earnout payments for Interspace. 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.
We also received proceeds of $41.5 million from asset sales, $34.2 million of which was from the disposal of land and buildings in our International segment.
We spent $142.8 million in our Americas segment for the purchase of property, plant and equipment mostly related to construction of new billboards. We spent $132.9 million in our International segment for the purchase of property, plant and equipment primarily related to new billboard and street furniture contracts and renewals of existing contracts.
During 2007, our Americas segment paid $39.5 million in cash primarily to acquire display faces. In addition, our International segment paid $29.6 million, which includes the acquisition of an outdoor advertising business in Romania, additional equity interests in outdoor companies and the acquisition of advertising structures.
Financing Activities
Net cash provided by financing activities of $231.7 million for 2009 primarily reflects the $2.5 billion proceeds from issuance of CCWH senior notes in addition to the $500.0 million repayment by Clear Channel Communications on the “Due from Clear Channel Communications” account offset by the prepayment and retirement of the $2.5 billion intercompany note due to Clear Channel Communications. In addition, we purchased the remaining 15% interest in our fully consolidated subsidiary, Paneles Napsa S.A., for $13.0 million, and acquired an additional 5% interest in our consolidated subsidiary, Clear Channel Jolly Pubblicita SPA, for $12.1 million.
Net cash used in financing activities of $232.8 million for 2008 reflected a net reduction in debt and credit facilities of $67.6 million and net transfers of cash to Clear Channel Communications of $169.2 million. The net transfers of cash to Clear Channel Communications represent the activity in the “Due from/to Clear Channel Communications” account. This activity primarily relates to working capital and settlement of interest on the revolving promissory notes and the $2.5 billion note payable to Clear Channel Communications.
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. The net transfers of cash to Clear Channel Communications represent the activity in the “Due from/to Clear Channel Communications” account. This activity primarily relates to working capital and settlement of interest on the revolving promissory notes and the $2.5 billion note payable to Clear Channel Communications.
Anticipated Cash Requirements
Our primary source of liquidity is cash on hand, as well as cash flow from operations, which has been adversely affected by the global economic downturn. 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 downturn 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. A continuation of the global economic downturn may continue to adversely impact our revenue, profit margins, cash flow and liquidity.
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 revolving promissory 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 2010. However, our 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 comply with the covenants governing our indebtedness may be affected by events beyond our control, including prevailing economic, financial and industry conditions.
Furthermore, in its Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC on March 16, 2010, CC Media Holdings, our indirect parent, stated that it expects to be in compliance with the covenants in Clear Channel Communications’ material financing agreements in 2010. CC Media Holdings similarly stated in such Annual Report that its anticipated results are also subject to significant uncertainty and there can be no assurance that actual results will be in compliance with the covenants. Moreover, CC Media Holdings stated in such Annual Report that its ability to comply with the covenants in Clear Channel Communications’ material financing agreements may be affected by events beyond CC Media Holdings’ control, including prevailing economic, financial and industry conditions. As discussed therein, the breach of any covenants set forth in Clear Channel Communications’ financing agreements would result in a default thereunder, and an event of default would permit the lenders under a defaulted financing agreement to declare all indebtedness thereunder to be due and payable prior to maturity. Moreover, as discussed therein, the lenders under the revolving credit facility under Clear Channel Communications’ secured credit facilities would have the option to terminate their commitments to make further extensions of revolving credit thereunder. In addition, CC Media Holdings stated in such Annual Report that if CC Media Holdings is unable to repay Clear Channel Communications’ obligations under any secured credit facility, the lenders could proceed against any assets that were pledged to secure such facility. Finally, CC Media Holdings stated in such Annual Report that a default or acceleration under any of Clear Channel Communications’ material financing agreements could cause a default under other obligations that are subject to cross-default and cross-acceleration provisions.
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 capital markets. As of December 31, 2009, Clear Channel Communications had $1.9 billion recorded as “Cash and cash equivalents” on its consolidated balance sheets.
Our ability to fund our working capital needs, debt service and other obligations depends on our future operating performance and cash flow. 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.
Liquidity
Sources of Capital
As of December 31, 2009 and 2008, we had the following indebtedness outstanding, cash and cash equivalents and amounts due from Clear Channel Communications:
We 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, 2009, the interest rate on borrowings under this credit facility was 3.7%. As of December 31, 2009, the outstanding balance on the sub-limit was approximately $30.0 million, the remaining $120.0 million of which was drawn by Clear Channel Communications, with the entire balance to be repaid on July 30, 2014.
Promissory Notes 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. Prior to the amendment of the revolving promissory notes in December 2009, interest on the revolving promissory note owed by us accrued on the daily net negative cash position based upon LIBOR plus a margin. Interest on the revolving promissory note owed by Clear Channel Communications accrued on the daily net positive cash position based upon the average one-month generic treasury bill rate. In connection with the issuance of the CCWH Senior Notes, Clear Channel Communications and the Company modified the terms of the revolving promissory notes (recorded as Due from/to Clear Channel Communications account) to extend the maturity of each revolving promissory note to coincide with the maturity date of the Notes. In addition, the terms were modified to change the interest rate on each revolving promissory note to equal the interest rate on the Notes. 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 (after satisfying the funding requirements of the Trustee Account). 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, 2009 and December 31, 2008, the asset recorded in “Due from Clear Channel Communications” on the consolidated balance sheet was $123.3 million and $431.6 million, respectively. The net interest income for the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007 was $0.7 million, $3.5 million and $3.7 million, respectively. At December 31, 2009, the fixed interest rate on the “Due from Clear Channel Communications” account was 9.25%, which represents the interest rate on the Notes as described above. At December 31, 2009, we had no borrowings under the revolving promissory 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 agreeable 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.
As of December 31, 2008 we had a note in the original principal amount of $2.5 billion to Clear Channel Communications which was prepayable in whole at any time, or in part from time to time. The note accrued 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 was mandatorily payable upon a change of control of the Company (as defined in the note) and, subject to certain exceptions, all net proceeds from debt or equity raised by the Company had to be used to prepay such note. At December 31, 2008, the interest rate on the $2.5 billion note was 6.0%.
In December 2009, we made voluntary prepayments on the note in the amount of the total outstanding balance and subsequently retired the “Debt with Clear Channel Communications.” The interest rate on the $2.5 billion note was 5.7% prior to its retirement.
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 revolving promissory 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, among other limitations, which could adversely affect our ability to meet our liquidity needs. Under the Master Agreement with Clear Channel Communications, 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).
Clear Channel Worldwide Holdings Senior Notes
In December 2009, the Company’s wholly-owned subsidiary Clear Channel Worldwide Holdings, Inc. (“CCWH”), issued $500.0 million aggregate principal amount of Series A Senior Notes due 2017 and $2.0 billion aggregate principal amount of Series B Senior Notes due 2017 (collectively, the “Notes”). The Notes are guaranteed by the Company, Clear Channel Outdoor, Inc., our wholly-owned subsidiary (“CCOI”), and certain other existing and future domestic subsidiaries of ours (collectively, the “Guarantors”).
The Notes are senior unsecured obligations that rank pari passu in right of payment to all unsubordinated indebtedness of CCWH and the guarantees of the Notes will rank pari passu in right of payment to all unsubordinated indebtedness of the guarantors thereunder.
The indentures governing the Notes require the Company to maintain at least $100 million in cash or other liquid assets or have cash available to be borrowed under committed credit facilities consisting of (i) $50.0 million at the issuer and guarantor entities (principally the Americas outdoor segment) and (ii) $50.0 million at the non-guarantor subsidiaries (principally the International outdoor segment) (together the “Liquidity Amount”), in each case under the sole control of the relevant entity. In the event of a bankruptcy, liquidation, dissolution, reorganization, or similar proceeding of Clear Channel Communications, Inc., for the period thereafter that is the shorter of such proceeding and 60 days, the Liquidity Amount shall be reduced to $50.0 million, with a $25.0 million requirement at the issuer and guarantor entities and a $25.0 million requirement at the non-guarantor subsidiaries.
In addition, interest on the Notes accrues daily and is payable into an account established by a trustee for the benefit of the bondholders (the “Trustee Account”). Failure to make daily payment on any day does not constitute an event of default so long as (a) no payment or other transfer by the Company or any of its Subsidiaries shall have been made on such day under the cash management sweep with Clear Channel Communications, Inc. and (b) on each semiannual interest payment date the aggregate amount of funds in the Trustee Account is equal to at least the aggregate amount of accrued and unpaid interest on the Notes.
The indenture governing the Series A Notes contains covenants that limit the Company and its restricted subsidiaries ability to, among other things:
•
incur or guarantee additional debt to persons other than Clear Channel Communications and its subsidiaries or issue certain preferred stock;
•
create liens on its restricted subsidiaries assets to secure such debt;
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create restrictions on the payment of dividends or other amounts to the Company from its restricted subsidiaries that are not guarantors of the notes;
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enter into certain transactions with affiliates;
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merge or consolidate with another person, or sell or otherwise dispose of all or substantially all of its assets; or
•
sell certain assets, including capital stock of its subsidiaries, to persons other than Clear Channel Communications and its subsidiaries.
The indenture governing the Series A Notes does not include limitations on dividends, distributions, investments or asset sales.
The indenture governing the Series B Notes contains covenants that limit the Company and its restricted subsidiaries ability to, among other things:
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incur or guarantee additional debt or issue certain preferred stock;
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redeem, repurchase or retire the Company’s subordinated debt;
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make certain investments;
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create liens on its or its restricted subsidiaries’ assets to secure debt;
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create restrictions on the payment of dividends or other amounts to it from its restricted subsidiaries that are not guarantors of the Notes;
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enter into certain transactions with affiliates;
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merge or consolidate with another person, or sell or otherwise dispose of all or substantially all of its assets;
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sell certain assets, including capital stock of its subsidiaries;
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designate its subsidiaries as unrestricted subsidiaries;
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pay dividends, redeem or repurchase capital stock or make other restricted payments; or
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purchase or otherwise effectively cancel or retire any of the Series B Notes if after doing so the ratio of (a) the outstanding aggregate principal amount of the Series A Notes to (b) the outstanding aggregate principal amount of the Series B Notes shall be greater than 0.250. This stipulation ensures, among other things, that as long as the Series A Notes are outstanding, the Series B Notes are outstanding.
The Series B Notes indenture restricts the Company’s ability to incur additional indebtedness and pay dividends based on an incurrence test. In order to incur additional indebtedness the Company’s debt to adjusted EBITDA ratios (as defined by the indenture) must be lower than 6.5:1 and 3.25:1 for total debt and senior debt, respectively. Similarly, in order for the Company to pay dividends out of proceeds from indebtedness or proceeds from asset sales, the Company’s debt to adjusted EBITDA ratios (as defined by the indenture) must be lower than 6.0:1 and 3.0:1 for total debt and senior debt, respectively. If these ratios are not met, the Company has certain exceptions that allow the Company to incur additional indebtedness and pay dividends, such as a $500 million exception for the payment of dividends. Consolidated leverage, defined as total debt divided by the trailing 12-month EBITDA was 3.8:1 at December 31, 2009, and senior leverage, defined as senior debt divided by the trailing twelve month EBITDA was also 3.8:1 at December 31, 2009. The Company’s adjusted EBITDA of $684.0 million is calculated as the trailing twelve months operating income before depreciation, amortization, impairment charges, other operating income - net, all as shown in the consolidated statement of operations plus non-cash compensation, and is further adjusted for certain items, including: (i) an increase for expected cost savings (limited to $58.8 million in any twelve month period) of $53.0 million; (ii) an increase of $20.7 million for non-cash items; (iii) an increase of $53.2 million related to expenses incurred associated with our cost savings program; and (iv) an increase of $21.8 million for various other items.
Prior to the date of the closing of the CCWH offering, the Company made a demand for and received repayment of $500.0 million on the “Due from Clear Channel Communications” account.
Following such repayment, the Company contributed $500.0 million to the capital of Clear Channel Outdoor, Inc., which used the proceeds received by it to prepay $500.0 million of the “Debt with Clear Channel Communications” account. Subsequent to this repayment, the outstanding balance of the “Debt with Clear Channel Communications” account was $2.0 billion.
The proceeds of the Notes were used to (i) pay the fees and expenses of the offering, (ii) pay the initial purchasers an underwriting discount, (iii) fund $50.0 million required under the Notes’ indentures of the Liquidity Amount (the $50.0 million Liquidity Amount of the non-guarantor subsidiaries was satisfied) and (iv) make a voluntary prepayment of the remaining $2.0 billion outstanding balance (which is equal to the aggregate principal amount of the Series B Notes) under the note due to Clear Channel Communications and subsequently retire the “Debt with Clear Channel Communications”, with the balance of the proceeds available to the Company for general corporate purposes.
In connection with the offering, Clear Channel Communications and the Company modified the terms of the revolving promissory notes (recorded as Due from/to Clear Channel Communications account) to extend the maturity of each revolving promissory note to coincide with the maturity date of the Notes. In addition, the terms were modified to change the interest rate on each revolving promissory note to a fixed per annum rate equal to 9.25%.
Other debt
Other debt consists primarily of loans with international banks. At December 31, 2009, approximately $78.9 million was outstanding as other debt.
Debt Covenants
The Clear Channel Communications’ $2.0 billion revolving credit facility contains a significant financial covenant which requires Clear Channel Communications to comply on a quarterly basis with a maximum consolidated senior secured net debt to adjusted EBITDA ratio (maximum of 9.5:1). The financial covenant becomes 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 16, 2010, CC Media Holdings stated that it was in compliance with this covenant as of December 31, 2009.
In addition, as noted above, the Series B Notes indenture restricts the Company’s ability to incur additional indebtedness and pay dividends based on an incurrence test. In order to incur additional indebtedness the Company’s debt to adjusted EBITDA ratios (as defined by the indenture) must be lower than 6.5:1 and 3.25:1 for total debt and senior debt, respectively. Similarly in order for the Company to pay dividends out of proceeds from indebtedness or proceeds from asset sales, the Company’s debt to adjusted EBITDA ratios (as defined by the indenture) must be lower than 6.0:1 and 3.0:1 for total debt and senior debt, respectively. We are in compliance with these covenants as of December 31, 2009.
Dispositions and Other
During 2009, we sold international assets for $11.3 million resulting in a gain of $4.4 million in “Other operating income (expense) - net.” In addition, we sold assets for $6.8 million in our Americas outdoor segment and recorded a gain of $4.9 million in “Other operating income (expense) - net.” We sold our taxi advertising business and recorded a loss of $20.9 million in our Americas outdoor segment included in “Other operating income (expense) -net.”
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
Uses of Capital
Acquisitions
During the year ended December 31, 2009, our Americas segment paid $5.0 million primarily for the acquisition of land and buildings.
Purchases of Additional Equity Interests
During 2009, the Company’s Americas segment purchased the remaining 15% interest in our consolidated subsidiary, Paneles Napsa S.A., for $13.0 million. Our International segment also acquired an additional 5% interest in our consolidated subsidiary, Clear Channel Jolly Pubblicita SPA, for $12.1 million.
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 digital 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.
Commitments, 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.
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 2010, we are committed to $407.9 million and $266.8 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. 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.
The scheduled maturities of borrowings under the sub-limit within Clear Channel Communications’ revolving credit facility, our $2.5 billion Notes, 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, 2009, are as follows:
(1) Interest payments on long-term debt consist primarily of interest on the 9.25% Clear Channel Worldwide Holdings Senior Notes.
(2) Other long-term obligations consist of $51.3 million related to asset retirement obligations recorded pursuant to ASC 410-20, which assumes the underlying assets will be removed at some period over the next 50 years. Also included in the table is $43.5 million related to retirement plans and $6.9 million related to other long-term obligations with a specific maturity.
(3) Excluded from the table is $154.6 million related to various obligations with no specific contractual commitment or maturity, $54.9 million of which relates to unrecognized tax benefits and accrued interest and penalties recorded pursuant to ASC 740-10.
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.
MARKET 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.
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, 2009 by $3.2 million and would change comprehensive income by $2.0 million.
Foreign Currency Exchange Rate 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 $292.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2009. 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, 2009, by approximately $29.2 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, 2009 would change our equity in earnings of nonconsolidated affiliates by $3.1 million and would change our net income by approximately $1.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2009.
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.
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.
RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS
In January 2010, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2010-02, Accounting and Reporting for Decreases in Ownership of a Subsidiary-a Scope Clarification. The update is to ASC Topic 810, Consolidation. The ASU clarifies that the decrease-in-ownership provisions of ASC 810-10 and related guidance apply to (1) a subsidiary or group of assets that is a business or nonprofit activity, (2) a subsidiary or group of assets that is a business or nonprofit activity that is transferred to an equity method investee or joint venture, and (3) an exchange of a group of assets that constitutes a business or nonprofit activity for a noncontrolling interest in an entity (including an equity method investee or joint venture). In addition, the ASU expands the information an entity is required to disclose upon deconsolidation of a subsidiary. This standard is effective for fiscal years ending on or after December 15, 2009 with retrospective application required for the first period in which the entity adopted Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 160. We adopted the amendment upon issuance with no material impact to our financial position or results of operations.
In December 2009, the FASB issued ASU No. 2009-17, Improvements to Financial Reporting by Enterprises Involved with Variable Interest Entities. The update is to ASC Topic 810, Consolidation. This standard amends ASC 810-10-25 by requiring consolidation of certain special purpose entities that were previously exempted from consolidation. The revised criteria will define a controlling financial interest for requiring consolidation as: the power to direct the activities that most significantly affect the entity’s performance, and (1) the obligation to absorb losses of the entity or (2) the right to receive benefits from the entity. This standard is effective for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2009. We adopted the amendment on January 1, 2010 with no material impact to our financial position or results of operations.
In August 2009, the FASB issued ASU No. 2009-05, Measuring Liabilities at Fair Value. The update is to ASC Subtopic 820-10, Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures-Overall, for the fair value measurement of liabilities. The purpose of this update is to reduce ambiguity in financial reporting when measuring the fair value of liabilities. The guidance provided in this update is effective for the first reporting period beginning after the date of issuance. We adopted the amendment on October 1, 2009 with no material impact to our financial position or results of operations.
Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 168, The FASB Accounting Standards CodificationTM and the Hierarchy of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles, codified in ASC 105-10, was issued in June 2009. ASC 105-10 identifies the sources of accounting principles and the framework for selecting the principles used in the preparation of financial statements of nongovernmental entities that are presented in conformity with GAAP in the United States. ASC 105-10 establishes the ASC as the source of authoritative GAAP recognized by the FASB to be applied by nongovernmental entities. Following this statement, the FASB will issue new standards in the form of ASUs. ASC 105-10 is effective for financial statements issued for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. We adopted the provisions of ASC 105-10 on July 1, 2009.
Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 167, Amendments to FASB Interpretation No. 46(R) (“Statement No. 167”), which is not yet codified, was issued in June 2009. Statement No. 167 shall be effective as of the beginning of each reporting entity’s first annual reporting period that begins after November 15, 2009, for interim periods within that first annual reporting period, and for interim and annual reporting periods thereafter. Earlier application is prohibited. Statement No. 167 amends Financial Accounting Standards Board Interpretation No. 46(R), Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities, codified in ASC 810-10-25, to replace the quantitative-based risks and rewards calculation for determining which enterprise, if any, has a controlling financial interest in a variable interest entity with an approach focused on identifying which enterprise has the power to direct the activities of a variable interest entity that most significantly impact the entity’s economic performance and (1) the obligation to absorb losses of the entity or (2) the right to receive benefits from the entity. An approach that is expected to be primarily qualitative will be more effective for identifying which enterprise has a controlling financial interest in a variable interest entity. Statement No. 167 requires an additional reconsideration event when determining whether an entity is a variable interest entity when any changes in facts and circumstances occur such that the holders of the equity investment at risk, as a group, lose the power from voting rights or similar rights of those investments to direct the activities of the entity that most significantly impact the entity’s economic performance. It also requires ongoing assessments of whether an enterprise is the primary beneficiary of a variable interest entity. These requirements will provide more relevant and timely information to users of financial statements. Statement No. 167 amends ASC 810-10-25 to require additional disclosures about an enterprise’s involvement in variable interest entities, which will enhance the information provided to users of financial statements. We adopted Statement No. 167 on January 1, 2010 with no material impact to our financial position or results of operations.
Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 165, Subsequent Events, codified in ASC 855-10, was issued in May 2009. The provisions of ASC 855-10 are effective for interim and annual periods ending after June 15, 2009 and are intended to establish general standards of accounting for and disclosure of events that occur after the balance sheet date but before financial statements are issued or are available to be issued. It requires the disclosure of the date through which an entity has evaluated subsequent events and the basis for that date-that is, whether that date represents the date the financial statements were issued or were available to be issued. This disclosure should alert all users of financial statements that an entity has not evaluated subsequent events after that date in the set of financial statements being presented. In accordance with the provisions of ASC 855-10, we currently evaluate subsequent events through the date the financial statements are issued.
FASB Staff Position Emerging Issues Task Force 03-6-1, Determining Whether Instruments Granted in Share-Based Payment Transactions Are Participating Securities, codified in ASC 260-10-45, was issued in June 2008. ASC 260-10-45 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. All prior-period earnings per share data presented shall be adjusted retrospectively (including interim financial statements, summaries of earnings, and selected financial data) to conform with the provisions of ASC 260-10-45. We retrospectively adopted the provisions of ASC 260-10-45 on January 1, 2009. The adoption did not have an effect on previously reporting basic earnings per share.
Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 160, Noncontrolling Interests in Consolidated Financial Statements - an amendment of ARB No. 51, codified in ASC 810-10-45, was issued in December 2007. ASC 810-10-45 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 ASC 810-10-45 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. ASC 810-10-45 is effective for the first annual reporting period beginning on or after December 15, 2008, and earlier application is prohibited. ASC 810-10-45 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. Adoption of this standard requires retrospective application in the financial statements of earlier periods on January 1, 2009.
FASB Staff Position No. FAS 157-2, Effective Date of FASB Statement No. 157, codified in ASC 820-10, was issued in February 2008. ASC 820-10 delays the effective date of FASB Statement No. 157, Fair Value Measurements, for nonfinancial assets and liabilities, except for items that are recognized or disclosed at fair value in the financial statements on a recurring basis (at least annually), to fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2008. We adopted the provisions of ASC 820-10 on January 1, 2009 with no material impact to our financial position or results of operations.
FASB Staff Position No. FAS 157-4, Determining Fair Value When the Volume and Level of Activity for the Asset or Liability Have Significantly Decreased and Identifying Transactions That Are Not Orderly, codified in ASC 820-10-35), was issued in April 2009. ASC 820-10-35 provides additional guidance for estimating fair value when the volume and level of activity for the asset or liability have significantly decreased. ASC 820-10-35 also includes guidance on identifying circumstances that indicate a transaction is not orderly. This guidance is effective for interim and annual reporting periods ending after June 15, 2009, and shall be applied prospectively. Early adoption is permitted for periods ending after March 15, 2009. Earlier adoption for periods ending before March 15, 2009 is not permitted. We adopted the provisions of ASC 820-10-35 on April 1, 2009 with no material impact to our financial position or results of operations.
FASB Staff Position No. FAS 115-2 and FAS 124-2, Recognition and Presentation of Other-Than-Temporary Impairments, codified in ASC 320-10, was issued in April 2009. It amends the other-than-temporary impairment guidance in U.S. GAAP for debt securities to make the guidance more operational and to improve the presentation and disclosure of other-than-temporary impairments on debt and equity securities in the financial statements. ASC 320-10 does not amend existing recognition and measurement guidance related to other-than-temporary impairments of equity securities. This guidance is effective for interim and annual reporting periods ending after June 15, 2009, with early adoption permitted for periods ending after March 15, 2009. Earlier adoption for periods ending before March 15, 2009 is not permitted. We adopted the provisions of ASC 320-10 on April 1, 2009 with no material impact to our financial position or results of operations.
FASB Staff Position No. FAS 107-1 and APB 28-1, Interim Disclosures about Fair Value of Financial Instruments, codified in ASC 825-10, was issued in April 2009. ASC 825-10 amends prior authoritative guidance to require disclosures about fair value of financial instruments for interim reporting periods of publicly traded companies as well as in annual financial statements. The provisions of ASC 825-10 are effective for interim reporting periods ending after June 15, 2009, with early adoption permitted for periods ending after March 15, 2009. We adopted the disclosure requirements of ASC 825-10 on April 1, 2009.
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 on Form 10-K. Management believes that the following accounting estimates are the most critical to aid in fully understanding and evaluating our reported financial results, and they require management’s most 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 collectability 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, 2009, would have changed by approximately $5.1 million and our net loss for the same period would have changed by approximately $3.2 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 aggregate impairment charges on the statement of operations of approximately $76.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2009. 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. For additional information, please refer to the Impairment Charges section included in the beginning of this MD&A.
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 ASC 805-20-S99. Under the direct valuation method, the fair value of the indefinite-lived assets was calculated at the market level as prescribed by ASC 350-30-35. 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 ASC 350-30 we performed an interim impairment test as of December 31, 2008 and again as of June 30, 2009. The estimated fair value of permits was below their carrying values at the date of each interim impairment test. As a result, we recognized non-cash impairment charges of $722.6 million and $345.4 million at December 31, 2008 and June 30, 2009, respectively, related to our indefinite-lived permits. For additional information, please refer to the Impairment Charges section included in the beginning of this MD&A.
If our future results are not consistent with our estimates, we could be exposed to future impairment losses that could be material to our results of operations.
Goodwill
Goodwill represents the excess of the purchase price over the fair value of identifiable net assets acquired in business combinations. We test goodwill at interim dates if events or changes in circumstances indicate that goodwill might be impaired. 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 ASC 350-20, we performed an interim impairment test on goodwill as of December 31, 2008 and again as of June 30, 2009.
The estimated fair value of our reporting units was below their carrying values at the date of each interim impairment test, which required us to compare the implied fair value of each reporting unit’s goodwill with its carrying value. As a result, we recognized non-cash impairment charges of $2.5 billion and $419.5 million at December 31, 2008 and June 30, 2009, respectively, to reduce our goodwill. For additional information, please refer to the Impairment Charges section included in the beginning of this MD&A.
If our future results are not consistent with our estimates, we could be exposed to future impairment losses that could be material to our results of operations.
Asset Retirement Obligations
ASC 410-20 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. When the liability is recorded, the cost 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 present 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, 2009 would increase approximately $0.2 million. Similarly, if our assumption of the risk-adjusted credit rate increased approximately 1%, our liability would decrease approximately $0.1 million.
Stock Based Compensation
Under the fair value recognition provisions of ASC 718-10, 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 for the pre-merger periods and CC Media Holdings for the post-merger periods. 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 the notes to the financial statements and reflect our assessment of actual future taxes to be paid, 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 ASC 740-10, which requires us to record reserves for estimates of probable settlements of Federal and state audits.
Litigation Accruals
We are currently involved in certain legal proceedings and, as required, have accrued our estimate of the probable costs for the resolution of these claims. Management’s estimates used 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 in our assumptions or the effectiveness of our strategies related to these proceedings.
ITEM 7A.
ITEM 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
Information concerning quantitative and qualitative disclosure about market risk is included under the caption “Market Risk Management” in Item 7 of this Form 10-K.
ITEM 8.
ITEM 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data
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.
/s/Mark P. Mays
President and Chief Executive Officer
/s/Thomas W. Casey
Chief Financial Officer
/s/Herbert W. Hill, Jr.
Senior Vice President/Chief Accounting Officer
Report 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, 2009 and 2008, and the related consolidated statements of operations, shareholders’ equity, and cash flows for the year ended December 31, 2009, the period from July 31, 2008 through December 31, 2008, the period from January 1, 2008 through July 30, 2008, and for the year 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, 2009 and 2008, the consolidated results of its operations and cash flows for the year ended December 31, 2009, the period from July 31, 2008 through December 31, 2008, the period from January 1, 2008 through July 30, 2008, and the year 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 consolidated financial statements taken as a whole, presents fairly in all material respects the information set forth therein.
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, 2009, 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 16, 2010 expressed an unqualified opinion thereon.
/s/ Ernst & Young LLP
San Antonio, Texas
March 16, 2010
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
ASSETS
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
NOTE A - SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Basis of Presentation
Clear Channel Outdoor Holdings, Inc. (the “Company”) is an outdoor advertising company which owns or operates advertising display faces domestically and internationally. On November 11, 2005, the Company became a publicly traded company through an initial public offering (“IPO”), in which 10%, or 35.0 million shares, of the Company’s Class A common stock was sold. Prior to the IPO, the Company was an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of Clear Channel Communications, Inc. (“Clear Channel Communications”), a diversified media company with operations in radio broadcasting and outdoor advertising. Clear Channel Communications indirectly holds all of the 315.0 million Class B shares of common stock outstanding, representing approximately 89% of the shares outstanding and approximately 99% of the voting power. The holders of Class A common stock and Class B common stock have identical rights, except holders of Class A common stock are entitled to 1 vote per share while holders of Class B common stock are entitled to 20 votes per share. The Class B shares of common stock are convertible, at the option of the holder at any time or upon any transfer, into shares of Class A common stock on a one-for-one basis, subject to certain limited exceptions.
The Company has evaluated subsequent events through the date that these financial statements were issued.
Clear Channel Communications’ Merger
On July 30, 2008, Clear Channel Communications completed its merger with a subsidiary of CC Media Holdings, Inc. (“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. (together, the “Sponsors”). Clear Channel Communications is now owned indirectly by CC Media Holdings. The purchase price was approximately $23.0 billion, including $94.0 million in capitalized transaction costs. The merger was accounted for as a purchase business combination in conformity with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 141, Business Combinations (“Statement 141”), and Emerging Issues Task Force (“EITF”) Issue 88-16, Basis in Leveraged Buyout Transactions (“EITF 88-16”). ASC 805-50-S99-1 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 of the Company reflect the new basis of accounting.
The purchase price allocation was complete as of July 30, 2009 in accordance with ASC 805-10-25, which requires that the allocation period not exceed one year from the date of acquisition.
Liquidity
The Company’s primary source of liquidity is cash on hand, as well as cash flow from operations, which has been adversely affected by the global economic downturn. The risks associated with the Company’s 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 global economic downturn has resulted in a decline in advertising and marketing services among the Company’s customers, resulting in a decline in its advertising revenues across its businesses. This reduction in advertising revenues has had an adverse effect on the Company’s revenue, profit margins, cash flow and liquidity. The continuation of the global economic downturn may continue to adversely impact the Company’s revenue, profit margins, cash flow and liquidity.
During the fourth quarter 2008, the Company commenced a restructuring program targeting a reduction of fixed costs. The Company recognized approximately $53.2 million and $35.5 million for the years ended December 31, 2009 and 2008, respectively, of expenses related to its restructuring program.
In December 2009, the Company made a demand for and received repayment of $500.0 million on the “Due from Clear Channel Communications” account. Following such repayment, the Company contributed $500.0 million to the capital of its direct, wholly-owned subsidiary, Clear Channel Outdoor, Inc., which used the proceeds received by
it to prepay $500.0 million of the “Debt with Clear Channel Communications” account, resulting in an outstanding balance of the “Debt with Clear Channel Communications” account of $2.0 billion.
Subsequent to this repayment, the Company’s indirect, wholly-owned subsidiary Clear Channel Worldwide Holdings, Inc. (“CCWH”), issued $500.0 million aggregate principal amount of Series A Senior Notes due 2017 and $2.0 billion aggregate principal amount of Series B Senior Notes due 2017 (collectively, the “Notes”). The proceeds of the Notes were used to (i) pay the fees and expenses of the offering, (ii) pay the initial purchasers an underwriting discount, (iii) fund $50.0 million required under the Notes’ indentures of a liquidity amount (the $50.0 million liquidity amount of the non-guarantor subsidiaries was satisfied) and (iv) make a voluntary prepayment of the remaining $2.0 billion outstanding balance (which is equal to the aggregate principal amount of the Series B Notes) under the note due to Clear Channel Communications and subsequently retire the “Debt with Clear Channel Communications”, with the balance of the proceeds available to the Company for general corporate purposes.
Based on the Company’s current and anticipated levels of operations and conditions in its markets, it believes that cash on hand, cash flows from operations and borrowing under the revolving promissory note with Clear Channel Communications will enable it to meet its working capital, capital expenditure, debt service and other funding requirements for at least the next 12 months. In addition, the Company expects to be in compliance with the covenants governing its indebtedness in 2010. Furthermore, in its Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC on March 16, 2010, CC Media Holdings stated that it expects to be in compliance with its covenants governing its indebtedness in 2010. However, the Company’s 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. See further discussion in Note F regarding debt covenants.
CC Media Holdings and Clear Channel Communications’ current corporate ratings are “CCC+” and “Caa2” by Standard & Poor’s Ratings Services and Moody’s Investors Service, respectively, which are speculative grade ratings. These ratings have been downgraded and then upgraded at various times during the two years ended December 31, 2009. The adjustments had no impact on the Company’s borrowing costs under the credit agreements.
Format of Presentation
The accompanying consolidated financial statements are presented for two periods: post-merger and pre-merger. The merger resulted in a new basis of accounting beginning on July 31, 2008 and the financial reporting periods are presented as follows:
•
The year ended December 31, 2009 and the period from July 31 through December 31, 2008 includes the post-merger period of the Company, reflecting the preliminary purchase accounting adjustments related to the merger that were pushed down to the Company.
•
The period from January 1 through July 30, 2008 and the year ended December 31, 2007 includes the pre-merger period of the Company. The consolidated financial statements for all pre-merger periods were prepared using the historical basis of accounting for the Company. As a result of the merger and the associated preliminary purchase accounting, the consolidated financial statements of the post-merger periods are not comparable to periods preceding the merger.
Summary of Purchase Accounting Adjustments
Following is a summary of the fair value adjustments pushed down to the Company:
Agreements with Clear Channel Communications
There are several agreements which govern the Company’s relationship with Clear Channel Communications including the Master Agreement, 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 report, no notice of termination of any of these agreements has been received from Clear Channel Communications.
Clear Channel Communications’ Revolving Credit Facility
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 the Company’s 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 the Company’s material wholly-owned subsidiaries, and secured by substantially all assets of such borrowers and guarantors, subject to permitted liens and other exceptions.
Nature of Business
The Company operates in the outdoor advertising industry by selling advertising on billboards, street furniture displays, transit displays and other advertising displays. The Company has two reportable business segments: Americas and International. The Americas segment primarily includes operations in the United States, Canada and Latin America; the International segment includes operations in the U.K., France, Asia and Australia.
Principles of Consolidation
The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its subsidiaries. Significant intercompany accounts have been eliminated in consolidation. Investments in nonconsolidated affiliates are accounted for using the equity method of accounting.
Cash and Cash Equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents include all highly liquid investments with an original maturity of three months or less.
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts
The Company evaluates the collectability of its accounts receivable based on a combination of factors. In circumstances where it is aware of a specific customer’s inability to meet its financial obligations, it records a specific reserve to reduce the amounts recorded to what it believes will be collected. For all other customers, it recognizes reserves for bad debt based on historical experience of bad debts as a percent of revenue for each business unit, adjusted for relative improvements or deteriorations in the agings and changes in current economic conditions. The Company believes the credit risk with respect to trade receivables is limited due to the large number and the geographic diversification of its customers.
Land Leases and Other Structure Licenses
Most of the Company’s advertising structures are located on leased land. Americas land rents are typically paid in advance for periods ranging from 1 to 12 months. International land rents are paid both in advance and in arrears, for periods ranging from 1 to 12 months. Most International street furniture display faces are operated through contracts with the municipalities for up to 20 years. The street furniture contracts often include a percent of revenue to be paid along with a base rent payment. Prepaid land leases are recorded as an asset and expensed ratably over the related rental term and license and rent payments in arrears are recorded as an accrued liability.
Purchase Accounting
The Company accounts for its business combinations under the acquisition method of accounting. The total cost of an acquisition is allocated to the underlying identifiable net assets based on their respective estimated fair values. The excess of the purchase price over the estimated fair values of the net assets acquired is recorded as goodwill. Determining the fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed requires management’s judgment and often involves the use of significant estimates and assumptions, including assumptions with respect to future cash inflows and outflows, discount rates, asset lives and market multiples, among other items. Various acquisition agreements may include contingent purchase consideration based on performance requirements of the investee. The Company accounts for these payments in accordance with the provisions of ASC 805-20-30, which establish the requirements related to recognition of certain assets and liabilities arising from contingencies.
Asset Retirement Obligation
ASC 410-20 requires the Company to estimate its obligation upon the termination or non-renewal of a lease to dismantle and remove its advertising structures from the leased land and to reclaim the site to its original condition. The Company’s asset retirement obligation is reported in “Other long-term liabilities.” The Company records the present value of obligations associated with the retirement of its advertising structures in the period in which the obligation is incurred. When the liability is recorded, the cost is capitalized as part of the related advertising structures 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.
Property, Plant and Equipment
Property, plant and equipment are stated at cost. Depreciation is computed using the straight-line method at rates that, in the opinion of management, are adequate to allocate the cost of such assets over their estimated useful lives, which are as follows:
Buildings and improvements - 10 to 39 years
Structures - 5 to 40 years
Furniture and other equipment - 3 to 20 years
Leasehold improvements - shorter of economic life or lease term assuming renewal periods, if appropriate
For assets associated with a lease or contract, the assets are depreciated at the shorter of the economic life or the lease or contract term, assuming renewal periods, if appropriate. Expenditures for maintenance and repairs are charged to operations as incurred, whereas expenditures for renewal and betterments are capitalized.
The Company tests for possible impairment of property, plant, and equipment in accordance with ASC 360-10 whenever events or changes in circumstances, such as a reduction in operating cash flow or a dramatic change in the manner the asset is intended to be used indicate the carrying amount of the asset may not be recoverable. If indicators exist, the Company compares the estimated undiscounted future cash flows related to the asset to the carrying value of the asset. If the carrying value is greater than the estimated undiscounted future cash flow amount, an impairment charge is recorded in depreciation and amortization expense in the statement of operations for amounts necessary to reduce the carrying value of the asset to fair value. The impairment loss calculations require management to apply judgment in estimating future cash flows and the discount rates that reflect the risk inherent in future cash flows.
In the second quarter of 2009, the Company recorded an $8.7 million impairment related to street furniture tangible assets in its International segment. Additionally, during the fourth quarter of 2009, the Company recorded an additional $12.3 million impairment primarily related to street furniture tangible assets in its International segment.
Intangible Assets
The Company classifies intangible assets as definite-lived, indefinite-lived, or goodwill. Definite-lived intangibles include primarily transit and street furniture contracts, site leases and other contractual rights, all of which are amortized over the shorter or either the respective lives of the agreements or over the period of time the assets are expected to contribute to the Company’s future cash flows. The Company periodically reviews the appropriateness of the amortization periods related to its definite-lived assets. These assets are stated at cost. The Company’s indefinite-lived intangibles include billboard permits in its Americas segment. The excess cost over fair value of net assets acquired is classified as goodwill. The Company’s indefinite-lived intangibles and goodwill are not subject to amortization, but are tested for impairment at least annually.
The Company tests for possible impairment of definite-lived intangible assets whenever events or changes in circumstances, such as a reduction in operating cash flow or a dramatic change in the manner the asset is intended to be used indicate the carrying amount of the asset may not be recoverable. If indicators exist, the Company compares the estimated undiscounted future cash flows related to the asset to the carrying value of the asset. If the carrying value is greater than the estimated undiscounted future cash flow amount, an impairment charge is recorded in depreciation and amortization expense in the statement of operations for amounts necessary to reduce the carrying value of the asset to fair value.
The Company impaired definite-lived intangible assets related to certain street furniture and billboard contracts in its Americas outdoor and International outdoor segments by $38.8 million as of June 30, 2009. During the fourth quarter of 2009, the Company recorded a $16.5 million impairment related to billboard contract intangible assets in its International segment.
The Company performs its annual impairment test for its permits using a direct valuation technique as prescribed in ASC 805-20-S99. The key assumptions used in the direct valuation method include market revenue growth rates, market share, profit margin, duration and profile of the build-up period, estimated start-up cost and losses incurred during the build-up period, the risk-adjusted discount rate and terminal values. The Company engages Mesirow Financial Consulting, LLC (“Mesirow Financial”), a third party valuation firm, to assist the Company in the development of these assumptions and the Company’s determination of the fair value of its permits.
The Company performed an interim impairment test as of December 31, 2008 and June 30, 2009, which resulted in non-cash impairment charges of $722.6 million and $345.4 million, respectively, on its indefinite-lived permits.
At least annually, the Company performs its impairment test for each reporting unit’s goodwill using a discounted cash flow model to determine if the carrying value of the reporting unit, including goodwill, is less than the fair value of the reporting unit. The Company identified its reporting units in accordance with ASC 350-20-55. The
Company’s reporting unit for Americas is the reportable segment. The Company determined that each country in its International segment constitutes a reporting unit.
Each of the Company’s 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 the Company to make estimates and assumptions about sales, operating margins, growth rates and discount rates based on its 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 Company engages Mesirow Financial to assist the Company in the development of these assumptions and the Company’s determination of the fair value of its reporting units.
The Company performed an interim impairment test as of December 31, 2008 and June 30, 2009, and recognized a non-cash impairment charge of $2.5 billion and $419.5 million, respectively, to reduce its goodwill.
Nonconsolidated Affiliates
In general, investments in which the Company owns 20 percent to 50 percent of the common stock or otherwise exercises significant influence over the investee are accounted for under the equity method. The Company does not recognize gains or losses upon the issuance of securities by any of its equity method investees. The Company reviews the value of equity method investments and records impairment charges in the statement of operations as a component of “Equity in earnings (loss) of nonconsolidated affiliates” for any decline in value determined to be other-than-temporary.
Other Investments
Other investments are composed of available-for-sale equity securities carried at fair value based on quoted market prices. The net unrealized gains or losses on the available-for-sale securities, net of tax, are reported in “Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)” as a component of shareholders’ equity. The Company periodically reviews the value of available-for-sale securities and records impairment charges in the statement of operations for any decline in value that is determined to be other-than-temporary. The average cost method is used to compute the realized gains and losses on sales of equity securities.
The Company periodically assesses the value of its available-for-sale securities. Based on these assessments, the Company concluded that an other-than-temporary impairment existed at December 31, 2008 and September 30, 2009, and recorded non-cash impairment charges of $59.8 million and $11.3 million, respectively, on the statement of operations in “Loss on marketable securities”. The Company assessed the value of these available-for-sale securities through December 31, 2009 and concluded that no other-than-temporary impairment existed.
Financial Instruments
Due to their short maturity, the carrying amounts of accounts and notes receivable, accounts payable, accrued liabilities and short-term borrowings approximated their fair values at December 31, 2009 and 2008. See Note F for discussion of fair value of the Company’s long-term debt.
Income Taxes
The Company accounts for income taxes using the liability method. Under this method, deferred tax assets and liabilities are determined based on differences between financial reporting bases and tax bases of assets and liabilities and are measured using the enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the periods in which the deferred tax asset or liability is expected to be realized or settled. Deferred tax assets are reduced by valuation allowances if the Company believes it is more likely than not some portion or the entire asset will not be realized. As all earnings from the Company’s foreign operations are permanently reinvested and not distributed, the Company’s income tax provision does not include additional U.S. taxes on foreign operations. It is not practical to determine the amount of Federal income taxes, if any, that might become due in the event the earnings were distributed.
The operations of the Company are included in a consolidated Federal income tax return filed by Clear Channel Communications, Inc. for the pre-merger periods and CC Media Holdings, Inc. for the post-merger periods. However, for financial reporting purposes, the Company’s provision for income taxes has been computed on the basis that the Company files separate consolidated Federal income tax returns with its subsidiaries.
Revenue Recognition
The Company’s advertising contracts typically are short-term, but can cover periods of up to three years, and are generally billed monthly. Revenue for advertising space rental is recognized ratably over the term of the contract. Advertising revenue is reported net of agency commissions. Agency commissions are calculated based on a stated percentage applied to gross billing revenue for the Company’s operations. Payments received in advance of being earned are recorded as deferred income.
Stock Based Compensation
Under the fair value recognition provisions of ASC 718-10, 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.
Foreign Currency
Results of operations for foreign subsidiaries and foreign equity investees are translated into U.S. dollars using the average exchange rates during the year. The assets and liabilities of those subsidiaries and investees, other than those of operations in highly inflationary countries, are translated into U.S. dollars using the exchange rates at the balance sheet date. The related translation adjustments are recorded in a separate component of shareholders’ equity, “Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss).” Foreign currency transaction gains and losses, as well as gains and losses from translation of financial statements of subsidiaries and investees in highly inflationary countries, are included in operations.
Advertising Expense
The Company records advertising expense as it is incurred. Advertising expenses from continuing operations were:
Use of Estimates
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) requires management to make estimates, judgments, and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the financial statements and accompanying notes including, but not limited to, legal, tax and insurance accruals. The Company bases its estimates on historical experience and on various other assumptions believed to be reasonable under the circumstances. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
New Accounting Pronouncements
In January 2010, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2010-02, Accounting and Reporting for Decreases in Ownership of a Subsidiary-a Scope Clarification. The update is to ASC Topic 810, Consolidation. The ASU clarifies that the decrease-in-ownership provisions of ASC 810-10 and related guidance apply to (1) a subsidiary or group of assets that is a business or nonprofit activity, (2) a subsidiary or group of assets that is a business or nonprofit activity that is transferred to an equity method investee or joint venture, and (3) an exchange of a group of assets that constitutes a business or nonprofit activity for a noncontrolling interest in an entity (including an equity method investee or joint venture). In addition, the ASU expands the information an entity is required to disclose upon deconsolidation of a subsidiary. This standard is effective for fiscal years ending on or after December 15, 2009 with retrospective application required for the first period in which the entity adopted Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 160. The Company adopted the amendment upon issuance with no material impact to its financial position or results of operations.
In December 2009, the FASB issued ASU No. 2009-17, Improvements to Financial Reporting by Enterprises Involved with Variable Interest Entities. The update is to ASC Topic 810, Consolidation. This standard amends ASC 810-10-25 by requiring consolidation of certain special purpose entities that were previously exempted from consolidation. The revised criteria will define a controlling financial interest for requiring consolidation as: the power to direct the activities that most significantly affect the entity’s performance, and (1) the obligation to absorb losses of the entity or (2) the right to receive benefits from the entity. This standard is effective for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2009. The Company adopted the amendment on January 1, 2010 with no material impact to its financial position or results of operations.
In August 2009, the FASB issued ASU No. 2009-05, Measuring Liabilities at Fair Value. The update is to ASC Subtopic 820-10, Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures-Overall, for the fair value measurement of liabilities. The purpose of this update is to reduce ambiguity in financial reporting when measuring the fair value of liabilities. The guidance provided in this update is effective for the first reporting period beginning after the date of issuance. We adopted the amendment on October 1, 2009 with no material impact to our financial position or results of operations.
Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 168, The FASB Accounting Standards CodificationTM and the Hierarchy of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles, codified in ASC 105-10, was issued in June 2009. ASC 105-10 identifies the sources of accounting principles and the framework for selecting the principles used in the preparation of financial statements of nongovernmental entities that are presented in conformity with GAAP in the United States. ASC 105-10 establishes the ASC as the source of authoritative GAAP recognized by the FASB to be applied by nongovernmental entities. Following this statement, the FASB will issue new standards in the form of ASUs. ASC 105-10 is effective for financial statements issued for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. The Company adopted the provisions of ASC 105-10 on July 1, 2009.
Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 167, Amendments to FASB Interpretation No. 46(R) (“Statement No. 167”), which is not yet codified, was issued in June 2009. Statement No. 167 shall be effective as of the beginning of each reporting entity’s first annual reporting period that begins after November 15, 2009, for interim periods within that first annual reporting period, and for interim and annual reporting periods thereafter. Earlier application is prohibited. Statement No. 167 amends Financial Accounting Standards Board Interpretation No. 46(R), Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities, codified in ASC 810-10-25, to replace the quantitative-based risks and rewards calculation for determining which enterprise, if any, has a controlling financial interest in a variable interest entity with an approach focused on identifying which enterprise has the power to direct the activities of a variable interest entity that most significantly impact the entity’s economic performance and (1) the obligation to absorb losses of the entity or (2) the right to receive benefits from the entity. An approach that is expected to be primarily qualitative will be more effective for identifying which enterprise has a controlling financial interest in a variable interest entity. Statement No. 167 requires an additional reconsideration event when determining whether an entity is a variable interest entity when any changes in facts and circumstances occur such that the holders of the equity investment at risk, as a group, lose the power from voting rights or similar rights of those investments to direct the activities of the entity that most significantly impact the entity’s economic performance. It also requires ongoing assessments of whether an enterprise is the primary beneficiary of a variable
interest entity. These requirements will provide more relevant and timely information to users of financial statements. Statement No. 167 amends ASC 810-10-25 to require additional disclosures about an enterprise’s involvement in variable interest entities, which will enhance the information provided to users of financial statements. The Company adopted Statement No. 167 on January 1, 2010 with no material impact to its financial position or results of operations.
Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 165, Subsequent Events, codified in ASC 855-10, was issued in May 2009. The provisions of ASC 855-10 are effective for interim and annual periods ending after June 15, 2009 and are intended to establish general standards of accounting for and disclosure of events that occur after the balance sheet date but before financial statements are issued or are available to be issued. ASC 855-10 requires the disclosure of the date through which an entity has evaluated subsequent events and the basis for that date-that is, whether that date represents the date the financial statements were issued or were available to be issued. This disclosure should alert all users of financial statements that an entity has not evaluated subsequent events after that date in the set of financial statements being presented. In accordance with the provisions of ASC 855-10, the Company currently evaluates subsequent events through the date the financial statements are issued.
FASB Staff Position Emerging Issues Task Force 03-6-1, Determining Whether Instruments Granted in Share-Based Payment Transactions Are Participating Securities, codified in ASC 260-10-45, was issued in June 2008. ASC 260-10-45 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. All prior-period earnings per share data presented shall be adjusted retrospectively (including interim financial statements, summaries of earnings, and selected financial data) to conform with the provisions of ASC 260-10-45. The Company retrospectively adopted the provisions of ASC 260-10-45 on January 1, 2009. The adoption did not have an effect on previously reported basic earnings per share.
Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 160, Noncontrolling Interests in Consolidated Financial Statements-an amendment of ARB No. 51, codified in ASC 810-10-45, was issued in December 2007. ASC 810-10-45 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 this guidance, 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. The provisions of ASC 810-10-45 are effective for the first annual reporting period beginning on or after December 15, 2008, and earlier application is prohibited. Guidance 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. The Company adopted the provisions of ASC 810-10-45 on January 1, 2009, which resulted in a reclassification of approximately $211.8 million of noncontrolling interests to shareholders’ equity. Adoption of this standard requires retrospective application in the financial statements of earlier periods on January 1, 2009. In connection with the offering of $500.0 million aggregate principal Series A Senior Notes and $2.0 billion aggregate principal Series B Senior Notes by the Company’s subsidiary, the Company filed a Form 8-K on December 11, 2009 to retrospectively recast the historical financial statements and certain disclosures included in its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2008 for the adoption of ASC 810-10-45.
FASB Staff Position No. FAS 157-2, Effective Date of FASB Statement No. 157, codified in ASC 820-10, was issued in February 2008. ASC 820-10 delays the effective date of FASB Statement No. 157, Fair Value Measurements, for nonfinancial assets and liabilities, except for items that are recognized or disclosed at fair value in the financial statements on a recurring basis (at least annually), to fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2008. The Company adopted the provisions of ASC 820-10 on January 1, 2009 with no material impact to its financial position or results of operations.
FASB Staff Position No. FAS 157-4, Determining Fair Value When the Volume and Level of Activity for the Asset or Liability Have Significantly Decreased and Identifying Transactions That Are Not Orderly, codified in ASC 820-10-35, was issued in April 2009. ASC 820-10-35 provides additional guidance for estimating fair value when the volume and level of activity for the asset or liability have significantly decreased. ASC 820-10-35 also includes guidance on identifying circumstances that indicate a transaction is not orderly. This guidance is effective for interim and annual reporting periods ending after June 15, 2009, and shall be applied prospectively. Early adoption is permitted for periods ending after March 15, 2009. Earlier adoption for periods ending before March 15, 2009 is not permitted. The Company adopted the provisions of ASC 820-10-35 on April 1, 2009 with no material impact to its financial position or results of operations.
FASB Staff Position No. FAS 115-2 and FAS 124-2, Recognition and Presentation of Other-Than-Temporary Impairments, codified in ASC 320-10, was issued in April 2009. It amends the other-than-temporary impairment guidance in U.S. GAAP for debt securities to make the guidance more operational and to improve the presentation and disclosure of other-than-temporary impairments on debt and equity securities in the financial statements. ASC 320-10 does not amend existing recognition and measurement guidance related to other-than-temporary impairments of equity securities. This guidance is effective for interim and annual reporting periods ending after June 15, 2009, with early adoption permitted for periods ending after March 15, 2009. Earlier adoption for periods ending before March 15, 2009 is not permitted. The Company adopted the provisions of ASC 320-10 on April 1, 2009 with no material impact to its financial position or results of operations.
FASB Staff Position No. FAS 107-1 and APB 28-1, Interim Disclosures about Fair Value of Financial Instruments, codified in ASC 825-10, was issued in April 2009. ASC 825-10 amends prior authoritative guidance to require disclosures about fair value of financial instruments for interim reporting periods of publicly traded companies as well as in annual financial statements. The provisions of ASC 825-10 are effective for interim reporting periods ending after June 15, 2009, with early adoption permitted for periods ending after March 15, 2009. The Company adopted the disclosure requirements of ASC 825-10 on April 1, 2009.
NOTE B - INTANGIBLE ASSETS AND GOODWILL
Definite-lived Intangible Assets
The Company has definite-lived intangible assets which consist primarily of transit and street furniture contracts, permanent easements that provide the Company access to certain of its outdoor displays, and other contractual rights. Definite-lived intangible assets are amortized on a straight-line basis over the shorter of either the respective lives of the agreements or over the period of time the assets are expected to contribute to the Company’s future cash flows.
The following table presents the gross carrying amount and accumulated amortization for each major class of definite-lived intangible assets at December 31, 2009 and 2008:
The following table present amortization expense related to definite-lived intangible assets for each of the following periods:
During the first seven months of 2009, the Company decreased the initial fair value estimate of its permits, contracts, site leases, and other assets and liabilities by $125.3 million based on additional information received.
As acquisitions and dispositions occur in the future and as purchase price allocations are finalized, amortization expense may vary. The following table presents the Company’s estimate of amortization expense for each of the five succeeding fiscal years for definite-lived intangible assets:
Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets
The Company’s indefinite-lived intangibles consist primarily of billboard permits in its Americas segment. Due to significant differences in both business practices and regulations, billboards in the International segment are subject to long-term, finite contracts unlike permits in the United States and Canada. Accordingly, there are no indefinite-lived intangible assets in the International segment. The Company’s billboard permits are effectively issued in perpetuity by state and local governments and are transferable or renewable at little or no cost. Permits typically specify the location which allows the Company the right to operate an advertising structure at the specified location. The Company’s permits are located on owned land, leased land or land for which we have acquired permanent easements. In cases where the Company’s permits are located on leased land, the leases typically have initial terms of between one and 20 years and renew indefinitely, with rental payments generally escalating at an inflation-based index. If the Company loses its lease, the Company will typically obtain permission to relocate the permit or bank it with the municipality for future use.
The indefinite-lived intangibles and goodwill are not subject to amortization, but are tested for impairment at least annually. The Company tests for possible impairment of indefinite-lived intangible assets whenever events or changes in circumstances, such as a reduction in operating cash flow or a dramatic change in the manner for which the asset is intended to be used, indicate that the carrying amount of the asset may not be recoverable. If indicators exist, the Company compares the undiscounted cash flows related to the asset to the carrying value of the asset. If the carrying value is greater than the undiscounted cash flow amount, an impairment charge is recorded in amortization expense in the statement of operations for amounts necessary to reduce the carrying value of the asset to fair value.
Interim Impairments to Billboard Permits
The United States and global economies have undergone a period of economic uncertainty, which 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 disruptions in the credit and financial markets and the impact of adverse economic, financial and industry conditions on the demand for advertising negatively impacted the key assumptions that were used in the discounted cash flow models used to value the Company’s billboard permits as of the merger date. Therefore, the Company performed an interim impairment test on its billboard permits as of December 31, 2008, which resulted in a non-cash impairment charge of $722.6 million.
The Company’s cash flows during the first six months of 2009 were below those in the discounted cash flow model used to calculate the impairment at December 31, 2008. As a result, the Company performed an interim impairment test as of June 30, 2009 on its billboard permits resulting in a non-cash impairment charge of $345.4 million.
The impairment test consisted of a comparison of the fair value of the billboard permits at the market level with their carrying amount. If the carrying amount of the billboard permits exceeded their fair value, an impairment loss was recognized equal to that excess. After an impairment loss is recognized, the adjusted carrying amount of the billboard permit is its new accounting basis.
The fair value of the billboard permits was determined using the direct valuation method as prescribed in ASC 805-20-S99. Under the direct valuation method, the fair value of the billboard permits was calculated at the market level as prescribed by ASC 350-30-35. The Company engaged Mesirow Financial to assist it in the development of the assumptions and the Company’s determination of the fair value of the billboard permits.
The Company’s application of the direct valuation method attempts to isolate the income that is properly attributable to the permit alone (that is, apart from other tangible and identified intangible assets and goodwill). It is based upon modeling a hypothetical “greenfield” build up to a “normalized” enterprise that, by design, lacks inherent goodwill and whose only other assets have essentially been paid for (or added) as part of the build-up process. We forecasted revenue, expenses and cash flows over a ten-year period for each of our markets in our application of the direct valuation method. We also calculated a “normalized” residual year which represents the perpetual cash flows of each market. The residual year cash flow was capitalized to arrive at the terminal value of the permits in each market.
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 develops 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 flow model which results in value that is directly attributable to the indefinite-lived intangible assets.
Management uses its internal forecasts to estimate industry normalized information as it believes these forecasts are similar to what a market participant would expect to generate. This is due to the pricing structure and demand for outdoor signage in a market being relatively constant regardless of the owner of the operation. Management also relied on its internal forecasts because there is little public data available for each of its markets.
The build-up period represents the time it takes for the hypothetical start-up operation to reach normalized operations in terms of achieving a mature market revenue share and profit margin. Management believes that a one-year build-up period is required for a start-up operation to erect the necessary structures and obtain advertisers in order to achieve mature market revenue share. It is estimated that a start-up operation would be able to obtain 10% of the potential revenues in the first year of operations and 100% in the second year. Management assumed industry revenue growth of negative 9% and negative 16%, respectively, during the build-up period used in the December 31, 2008 and June 30, 2009 interim impairment tests. However, the cost structure is expected to reach the normalized level over three years due to the time required to recognize the synergies and cost savings associated with the ownership of the permits within the market.
For the normalized operating margin in the third year, management assumed a hypothetical business would operate at the lower of the operating margin for the specific market or the industry average margin of approximately 46%
and 45% based on an analysis of comparable companies in the December 31, 2008 and June 30, 2009 impairment models, respectively. For the first and second-year of operations, the operating margin was assumed to be 50% of the “normalized” operating margin for both the December 31, 2008 and June 30, 2009 impairment models. The first and second-year expenses include the non-recurring start-up costs necessary to build the operation (i.e. development of customers, workforce, etc.).
In addition to cash flows during the projection period, a “normalized” residual cash flow was calculated based upon industry-average growth of 3% beyond the discrete build-up projection period in both the December 31, 2008 and June 30, 2009 impairment models. The residual cash flow was then capitalized to arrive at the terminal value.
The present value of the cash flows is calculated using an estimated required rate of return based upon industry-average market conditions. In determining the estimated required rate of return, management calculated a discount rate using both current and historical trends in the industry.
The Company calculated the discount rate as of the valuation date and also one-year, two-year, and three-year historical quarterly averages. The discount rate was calculated by weighting the required returns on interest-bearing debt and common equity capital in proportion to their estimated percentages in an expected capital structure. The capital structure was estimated based on the quarterly average of data for publicly traded companies in the outdoor advertising industry.
The calculation of the discount rate required the rate of return on debt, which was based on a review of the credit ratings for comparable companies (i.e., market participants). Management used the yield on a Standard & Poor’s “B” rated corporate bond for the pre-tax rate of return on debt and tax-effected such yield based on applicable tax rates.
The rate of return on equity capital was estimated using a modified Capital Asset Pricing Model (“CAPM”). Inputs to this model included the yield on long-term U.S. Treasury Bonds, forecast betas for comparable companies, calculation of a market risk premium based on research and empirical evidence and calculation of a size premium derived from historical differences in returns between small companies and large companies using data published by Ibbotson Associates.
The concluded discount rate used in the discounted cash flow models to determine the fair value of the permits was 9.5% at December 31, 2008 and 10% at June 30, 2009. Applying the discount rate, the present value of cash flows during the discrete projection period and terminal value were added to estimate the fair value of the hypothetical start-up operation. The initial capital investment was subtracted to arrive at the value of the permits. The initial capital investment represents the fixed assets needed to erect the necessary advertising structures.
The discount rate used in the December 31, 2008 impairment model increased approximately 100 basis points over the discount rate used to value the permits in the preliminary purchase price allocation as of July 30, 2008. Industry revenue forecasts declined 10% through 2013 compared to the forecasts used in the preliminary purchase price allocation as of July 30, 2008. These market driven changes were primarily responsible for the decline in fair value of the billboard permits below their carrying value. As a result, the Company recognized a non-cash impairment charge which totaled $722.6 million. The fair value of the permits was $1.5 billion at December 31, 2008.
The discount rate used in the June 30, 2009 impairment model increased approximately 50 basis points over the discount rate used to value the permits at December 31, 2008. Industry revenue forecasts declined 8% through 2013 compared to the forecasts used in the 2008 impairment test. These market driven changes were primarily responsible for the decline in fair value of the billboard permits below their carrying value. As a result, the Company recognized a non-cash impairment charge in all but five of its markets in the United States and Canada, which totaled $345.4 million. The fair value of the permits was $1.1 billion at June 30, 2009.
Annual Impairment Test to Billboard Permits
The Company performs its annual impairment test on October 1 of each year. The Company engaged Mesirow Financial to assist it in the development of the assumptions and the Company’s determination of the fair value of the billboard permits. The aggregate fair value of the permits on October 1, 2009 increased approximately 8% from the
fair value at June 30, 2009. The increase in fair value was primarily from an increase of $57.7 million related to increased industry revenue forecasts. The discount rate was unchanged from the June 30, 2009 interim impairment analysis. We calculated the discount rate as of the valuation date and also one-year, two-year and three-year quarterly averages. The discount rate as of the valuation date was calculated by weighting the required returns on interest-bearing debt and common equity capital in proportion to their estimated percentages in an expected capital structure. The capital structure was estimated based on the quarterly average of data for publicly traded companies in the outdoor advertising industry. The fair value of the Company’s permits at October 1, 2009 was approximately $1.2 billion.
Goodwill
Interim Impairments to Goodwill
The Company tests goodwill at interim dates if events or changes in circumstances indicate that goodwill might be impaired. The key assumptions used in the discounted cash flow models used to value the Company’s reporting units as of December 31, 2008 were negatively impacted by the same factors contributing to the decline in fair value of its billboard permits. Therefore, the Company performed an interim impairment test and recognized a non-cash charge of $2.5 billion as of December 31, 2008 to reduce its goodwill.
The Company’s cash flows during the first six months of 2009 were below those used in the discounted cash flow model used to calculate the impairment at December 31, 2008. Additionally, the fair value of the Company’s debt and equity at June 30, 2009 was below the carrying amount of its reporting units as of June 30, 2009. As a result of these indicators, the Company performed an interim goodwill impairment test as of June 30, 2009 resulting in a non-cash impairment charge of $419.5 million.
The goodwill impairment test is a two-step process. The first step, used to screen for potential impairment, compares the fair value of the reporting unit with its carrying amount, including goodwill. If applicable, the second step, used to measure the amount of the impairment loss, compares the implied fair value of the reporting unit goodwill with the carrying amount of that goodwill.
Each of the Company’s 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 the Company to make estimates and assumptions about sales, operating margins, growth rates and discount rates based on its 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 Company engaged Mesirow Financial to assist the Company in the development of these assumptions and the Company’s determination of the fair value of its reporting units.
The following table presents the changes in the carrying amount of goodwill in each of the Company’s reportable segments for the years ended December 31, 2009 and 2008. The provisions of ASC 350-20-50-1 require the disclosure of cumulative impairment. As a result of the merger, a new basis in goodwill was recorded in accordance with ASC 805-10. All impairments shown in the table below have been recorded subsequent to the merger and, therefore, do not include any pre-merger impairment.
The U.S. outdoor advertising markets are aggregated into a single reporting unit for purposes of the goodwill impairment test using the guidance in ASC 350-20-55. The Company also determined that within its Americas outdoor segment, Canada, Mexico, Peru, and Brazil constitute separate reporting units and each country in its International outdoor segment constitutes a separate reporting unit.
The discounted cash flow model indicated that the Company failed the first step of the impairment test for certain of its reporting units, which required it to compare the implied fair value of each reporting unit’s goodwill with its carrying value.
The discounted cash flow approach the Company uses 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.
The Company forecasted revenue, expenses, and cash flows over a ten-year period for each of its reporting units. In projecting future cash flows, the Company considers a variety of factors including its historical growth rates, macroeconomic conditions, advertising sector and industry trends as well as Company-specific information. Historically, revenues in its industries have been highly correlated to economic cycles. Based on these considerations, the assumed 2008 and 2009 revenue growth rates used in the December 31, 2008 and June 30, 2009 impairment models were negative followed by assumed revenue growth with an anticipated economic recovery in 2009 and 2010, respectively. To arrive at the projected cash flows and resulting growth rates, the Company evaluated its historical operating results, current management initiatives and both historical and anticipated industry results to assess the reasonableness of the operating margin assumptions. The Company also calculated a
“normalized” residual year which represents the perpetual cash flows of each reporting unit. The residual year cash flow was capitalized to arrive at the terminal value of the reporting unit.
The Company calculated the weighted average cost of capital (“WACC”) as of December 31, 2008 and June 30, 2009 and also one-year, two-year, and three-year historical quarterly averages for each of its reporting units. WACC is an overall rate based upon the individual rates of return for invested capital (equity and interest-bearing debt). The WACC is calculated by weighting the required returns on interest-bearing debt and common equity capital in proportion to their estimated percentages in an expected capital structure. The capital structure was estimated based on the quarterly average data for publicly traded companies in the outdoor advertising industry. The calculation of the WACCs considered both current industry WACCs and historical trends in the industry.
The calculation of the WACC requires the rate of return on debt, which was based on a review of the credit ratings for comparable companies (i.e., market participants) and the indicated yield on similarly rated bonds.
The rate of return on equity capital was estimated using a modified CAPM. Inputs to this model included the yield on long-term U.S. Treasury Bonds, forecast betas for comparable companies, calculation of a market risk premium based on research and empirical evidence and calculation of a size premium derived from historical differences in returns between small companies and large companies using data published by Ibbotson Associates.
In line with advertising industry trends, the Company’s operations and expected cash flow are subject to significant uncertainties about future developments, including timing and severity of the recessionary trends and customers’ behaviors. To address these risks, the Company included company-specific risk premiums for each of the reporting units in the estimated WACC. Based on this analysis, as of December 31, 2008, company-specific risk premiums of 300 basis points were included for both the Americas outdoor and International outdoor segments, resulting in WACCs of 12.5% for each of the reporting units in the Americas outdoor and International outdoor segments. As of June 30, 2009, company-specific risk premiums of 250 basis points and 350 basis points were included for the Americas outdoor and International outdoor segments, respectively, resulting in WACCs of 12.5% and 13.5% for each of the reporting units in the Americas outdoor and International outdoor segments, respectively. Applying these WACCs, the present value of cash flows during the discrete projection period and terminal value were added to estimate the fair value of the reporting units.
The discount rate utilized in the valuation of the permits as of December 31, 2008 and June 30, 2009 excludes the company-specific risk premiums that were added to the industry WACCs used in the valuation of the reporting units. Management believes the exclusion of this premium is appropriate given the difference between the nature of the billboard permits and reporting unit cash flow projections. The cash flow projections utilized under the direct valuation method for the permits are derived from utilizing industry “normalized” information for the existing portfolio of permits. Given that the underlying cash flow projections are based on industry normalized information, application of an industry average discount rate is appropriate. Conversely, the cash flow projections for the overall reporting unit are based on its internal forecasts for each business and incorporate future growth and initiatives unrelated to the existing permit portfolio. Additionally, the projections for the reporting unit include cash flows related to non-permit based assets. In the valuation of the reporting unit, the company-specific risk premiums were added to the industry WACCs due to the risks inherent in achieving the projected cash flows of the reporting unit.
The Company also utilized the market approach to provide a test of reasonableness to the results of the discounted cash flow model. The market approach indicates the fair value of the invested capital of a business based on a company’s market capitalization (if publicly traded) and a comparison of the business to comparable publicly traded companies and transactions in its industry. This approach can be estimated through the quoted market price method, the market comparable method, and the market transaction method.
One indication of the fair value of a business is the quoted market price in active markets for the debt and equity of the business. The quoted market price of equity multiplied by the number of shares outstanding yields the fair value of the equity of a business on a marketable, noncontrolling basis. A premium for control is then applied and added to the estimated fair value of interest-bearing debt to indicate the fair value of the invested capital of the business on a marketable, controlling basis.
The market comparable method provides an indication of the fair value of the invested capital of a business by comparing it to publicly traded companies in similar lines of business. The conditions and prospects of companies in similar lines of business depend on common factors such as overall demand for their products and services. An analysis of the market multiples of companies engaged in similar lines of business yields insight into investor perceptions and, therefore, the value of the subject business. These multiples are then applied to the operating results of the subject business to estimate the fair value of the invested capital on a marketable, noncontrolling basis. The Company then applies a premium for control to indicate the fair value of the business on a marketable, controlling basis.
The market transaction method estimates the fair value of the invested capital of a business based on exchange prices in actual transactions and on asking prices for controlling interests in similar companies recently offered for sale. This process involves comparison and correlation of the subject business with other similar companies that have recently been purchased. Considerations such as location, time of sale, physical characteristics, and conditions of sale are analyzed for comparable businesses.
The three variations of the market approach indicated that the fair value determined by its discounted cash flow model was within a reasonable range of outcomes.
The revenue forecasts for 2009 declined 21% and 29% for Americas outdoor and International outdoor, respectively, compared to the forecasts used in the July 30, 2008 preliminary purchase price allocation primarily as a result of the revenues realized for the year ended December 31, 2008. These market driven changes were primarily responsible for the decline in fair value of the reporting units below their carrying value. As a result, the Company recognized a non-cash impairment charge to reduce its goodwill of $2.5 billion at December 31, 2008.
The revenue forecasts for 2009 declined 7% and 9% for Americas outdoor and International outdoor, respectively, compared to the forecasts used in the 2008 impairment test primarily as a result of the revenues realized during the first six months of 2009. These market driven changes were primarily responsible for the decline in fair value of the reporting units below their carrying value. As a result, the Company recognized a non-cash impairment charge to reduce its goodwill of $419.5 million at June 30, 2009.
Annual Impairments to Goodwill
The Company performs its annual impairment test on October 1 of each year. The Company engaged Mesirow Financial to assist the Company in the development of these assumptions and the Company’s determination of the fair value of its reporting units. The fair value of the Company’s reporting units on October 1, 2009 increased from the fair value at June 30, 2009. The increase in fair value of the Americas reporting unit was primarily the result of a 150 basis point decline in the WACC. Application of the market approach described above supported lowering the company-specific risk premium used in the discounted cash flow model to fair value the Americas reporting unit. The increase in the aggregate fair value of the reporting units in the International outdoor segment was primarily the result of an increase in the long-term revenue forecasts.
During the third quarter of 2009, the Company recorded a $45.0 million increase to goodwill in the International outdoor segment related to the fair value of certain noncontrolling interests, which existed at the merger date with no related tax effect. This noncontrolling interest was recorded pursuant to ASC 480-10-S99 which determines the classification of redeemable noncontrolling interests. The Company subsequently determined that the increase in goodwill related to these noncontrolling interests should have been included in the impairment charges resulting from the interim goodwill impairment tests. As a result, during the fourth quarter of 2009, the Company impaired this entire goodwill amount, which after consideration of foreign exchange movements, was $41.4 million.
NOTE C - BUSINESS ACQUISITIONS
2009 Purchases of Additional Equity Interests
During 2009, the Company’s Americas outdoor segment purchased the remaining 15% interest in its consolidated subsidiary, Paneles Napsa S.A., for $13.0 million and the Company’s International outdoor segment acquired an additional 5% interest in its consolidated subsidiary, Clear Channel Jolly Pubblicita SPA, for $12.1 million.
2008 Acquisitions
During the year ended December 31, 2008, the Company’s Americas segment paid $55.1 million for the acquisition of advertising structures and the final earnout payments for Interspace Airport Advertising, which the Company acquired in July 2006. The Company’s International segment paid $41.4 million primarily related to the acquisition of additional equity interests in outdoor companies and the acquisition of advertising structures.
Acquisition Summary
The following is a summary of the assets and liabilities acquired and the consideration given for all acquisitions made during 2008.
NOTE D - INVESTMENTS
The Company’s most significant investments in nonconsolidated affiliates are listed below:
Clear Channel Independent
The Company owned a 50% interest in Clear Channel Independent (“CCI”), formerly known as Corp Comm, a South African outdoor advertising company. In the first quarter of 2008, the Company sold its 50% interest in CCI 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 in the pre-merger period ended July 30, 2008. The equity securities received are classified as available-for-sale and recorded as “Other investments” on the consolidated balance sheet.
Alessi
The Company owns a 36.75% interest in Alessi, an Italian outdoor advertising company.
Summarized Financial Information
The following table summarizes the Company’s investments in nonconsolidated affiliates:
The investments in the table above are not consolidated, but are accounted for under the equity method of accounting, whereby the Company records its investments in these entities in the balance sheet as “Investments in, and advances to, nonconsolidated affiliates.” The Company’s interests in their operations are recorded in the statement of operations as “Equity in earnings (loss) of nonconsolidated affiliates.” There were no accumulated undistributed earnings included in retained deficit for these investments as of December 31, 2009 and 2008. The accumulated undistributed earnings included in retained earnings for these investments was $10.1 million as of December 31, 2007.
Other Investments
Other investments of $17.0 million at December 31, 2009 primarily represent marketable equity securities.
The Company’s available-for-sale security, Independent News & Media PLC (“INM”), was in an unrealized loss position for an extended period of time in 2008 and 2009. As a result, the Company considered the guidance in ASC 320-10-S99 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, the Company concluded that the impairment was other than temporary and recorded a non-cash impairment charge of $11.3 million and $59.8 million in “Loss on marketable securities” for the years ended December 31, 2009 and 2008, respectively.
NOTE E - ASSET RETIREMENT OBLIGATION
The Company has an asset retirement obligation of $51.3 million and $55.6 million as of December 31, 2009 and 2008, respectively, which is reported in “Other long-term liabilities.” The liability relates to the Company’s obligation to dismantle and remove its advertising displays from leased land and to reclaim the site to its original condition upon the termination or non-renewal of a lease. When the liability is recorded, the cost is capitalized as part of the related long-lived assets’ carrying value. Due to the high rate of lease renewals over a long period of time, the 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 present value of such costs over the retirement period is based on an estimated risk adjusted credit rate for the same period.
The following table presents the activity related to the Company’s asset retirement obligation:
NOTE F - LONG-TERM DEBT
Long-term debt at December 31, 2009 and 2008 consisted of the following:
The aggregate market value of the Company’s debt based on quoted market prices for which quotes were available was approximately $2.7 billion and $2.6 billion at December 31, 2009 and 2008, respectively.
Debt with Clear Channel Communications
As of December 31, 2008, the Company had a note in the original principal amount of $2.5 billion to Clear Channel Communications which was prepayable in whole at any time, or in part from time to time. The note accrued interest at a variable per annum rate equal to the weighted average cost of debt for Clear Channel Communications, calculated on a monthly basis. At December 31, 2008, the interest rate on the $2.5 billion note was 6.0%.
In December 2009, the Company made voluntary prepayments on the note in the amount of the total outstanding balance and subsequently retired the “Debt with Clear Channel Communications.” The interest rate on the $2.5 billion note was 5.7% prior to its retirement.
Bank Credit Facility
In connection with their merger, Clear Channel Communications entered into a multi-currency revolving credit facility with a maturity in July 2014 in the amount of $2.0 billion. Certain of the Company’s International subsidiaries may borrow under a $150.0 million sub-limit within this $2.0 billion credit facility, to the extent Clear Channel Communications has not already borrowed against this capacity and is in compliance with its covenants under the credit facility. This sub-limit allows for borrowings in various foreign currencies, which are used to hedge net assets in those currencies and provide funds to the Company’s International operations for certain working capital needs. The obligations of these International subsidiaries that are borrowers under the revolving credit facility are guaranteed by certain of the Company’s material wholly-owned subsidiaries, and secured by substantially all assets of such borrowers and guarantors, subject to permitted liens and other exceptions. The interest rate is based upon LIBOR or, for Euro denominated borrowings, EURIBOR, plus, in each case, a margin. At December 31, 2009, the interest rate on this bank credit facility was 3.7%. As of December 31, 2009, the outstanding balance on the sub-limit was approximately $150.0 million of which $30.0 million was drawn by the Company and the remaining amount drawn by Clear Channel Communications.
In conjunction with the merger, Clear Channel Communications’ $1.75 billion revolving credit facility, including the $150.0 million sub-limit, was terminated.
At December 31, 2009, the Company was in compliance with all debt covenants. Furthermore, in its Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC on March 16, 2010, CC Media Holdings stated that as of December 31, 2009, it was in compliance with its debt covenants.
Clear Channel Worldwide Holdings Senior Notes
In December 2009, the Company’s wholly-owned subsidiary CCWH, issued $500.0 million aggregate principal amount of Series A Senior Notes due 2017 and $2.0 billion aggregate principal amount of Series B Senior Notes due 2017. The Notes are guaranteed by the Company, Clear Channel Outdoor, Inc., the Company’s wholly-owned subsidiary (“CCOI”), and certain other existing and future domestic subsidiaries of the Company (collectively, the “Guarantors”).
The Notes are senior unsecured obligations that rank pari passu in right of payment to all unsubordinated indebtedness of CCWH and the guarantees of the Notes will rank pari passu in right of payment to all unsubordinated indebtedness of the guarantors thereunder.
The Notes are rated “B” and “B2” by Standard & Poor’s and Moody’s, respectively. The indentures governing the Notes require the Company to maintain at least $100 million in cash or other liquid assets or have cash available to be borrowed under committed credit facilities consisting of (i) $50.0 million at the issuer and guarantor entities (principally the Americas outdoor segment) and (ii) $50.0 million at the non-guarantor subsidiaries (principally the International outdoor segment) (together the “Liquidity Amount”), in each case under the sole control of the relevant entity. In the event of a bankruptcy, liquidation, dissolution, reorganization, or similar proceeding of Clear Channel Communications, Inc., for the period thereafter that is the shorter of such proceeding and 60 days, the Liquidity Amount shall be reduced to $50.0 million, with a $25.0 million requirement at the issuer and guarantor entities and a $25.0 million requirement at the non-guarantor subsidiaries.
In addition, interest on the Notes accrues daily and is payable into an account established by a trustee for the benefit of the bondholders (the “Trustee Account”). Failure to make daily payment on any day does not constitute an event of default so long as (a) no payment or other transfer by the Company or any of its Subsidiaries shall have been made on such day under the cash management sweep with Clear Channel Communications, Inc. and (b) on each semiannual interest payment date the aggregate amount of funds in the Trustee Account is equal to at least the aggregate amount of accrued and unpaid interest on the Notes.
The indenture governing the Series A Notes contains covenants that limit the Company and its restricted subsidiaries ability to, among other things:
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incur or guarantee additional debt to persons other than Clear Channel Communications and its subsidiaries or issue certain preferred stock;
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create liens on its restricted subsidiaries assets to secure such debt;
•
create restrictions on the payment of dividends or other amounts to the Company from its restricted subsidiaries that are not guarantors of the notes;
•
enter into certain transactions with affiliates;
•
merge or consolidate with another person, or sell or otherwise dispose of all or substantially all of its assets; and
•
sell certain assets, including capital stock of its subsidiaries, to persons other than Clear Channel Communications and its subsidiaries.
The indenture governing the Series A Notes does not include limitations on dividends, distributions, investments or asset sales.
The indenture governing the Series B Notes contains covenants that limit the Company and its restricted subsidiaries ability to, among other things:
•
incur or guarantee additional debt or issue certain preferred stock;
•
redeem, repurchase or retire the Company’s subordinated debt;
•
make certain investments;
•
create liens on its or its restricted subsidiaries’ assets to secure debt;
•
create restrictions on the payment of dividends or other amounts to it from its restricted subsidiaries that are not guarantors of the Notes;
•
enter into certain transactions with affiliates;
•
merge or consolidate with another person, or sell or otherwise dispose of all or substantially all of its assets;
•
sell certain assets, including capital stock of its subsidiaries;
•
designate its subsidiaries as unrestricted subsidiaries; and pay dividends, redeem or repurchase capital stock or make other restricted payments; and
•
purchase or otherwise effectively cancel or retire any of the Series B Notes if after doing so the ratio of (a) the outstanding aggregate principal amount of the Series A Notes to (b) the outstanding aggregate principal amount of the Series B Notes shall be greater than 0.250. This stipulation ensures, among other things, that as long as the Series A Notes are outstanding, the Series B Notes are outstanding.
Prior to the date of the closing of the CCWH offering, the Company made a demand for and received repayment of $500.0 million on the “Due from Clear Channel Communications” account.
Following such repayment, the Company contributed $500.0 million to the capital of CCOI, which used the proceeds received by it to prepay $500.0 million of the “Debt with Clear Channel Communications” account. Subsequent to this repayment, the outstanding balance of the “Debt with Clear Channel Communications” account was $2.0 billion.
The proceeds of the Notes were used to (i) pay the fees and expenses of the offering, (ii) pay the initial purchasers an underwriting discount, (iii) fund $50.0 million required under the Notes’ indentures of a Liquidity Amount (the $50.0 million Liquidity Amount of the non-guarantor subsidiaries was satisfied) and (iv) make a voluntary prepayment of the remaining $2.0 billion outstanding balance (which is equal to the aggregate principal amount of the Series B Notes) under the note to Clear Channel Communications and subsequently retire the “Debt with Clear Channel Communications”, with the balance of the proceeds available to the Company for general corporate purposes.
In connection with the offering, Clear Channel Communications and the Company modified the terms of the revolving promissory notes (recorded as Due from/to Clear Channel Communications account) to extend the maturity of each revolving promissory note to coincide with the maturity date of the Notes. In addition, the terms were modified to change the interest rate on each revolving promissory note to a fixed per annum rate equal to 9.25%.
Other Debt
Other debt includes various borrowings and capital leases utilized for general operating purposes. Included in the $78.9 million balance at December 31, 2009 is $47.1 million that matures in less than one year.
Debt Covenants
The Clear Channel Communications’ $2.0 billion revolving credit facility contains a significant financial covenant which requires Clear Channel Communications to comply on a quarterly basis with a maximum consolidated senior secured net debt to adjusted EBITDA ratio (maximum of 9.5:1). The financial covenant becomes 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 16, 2010, CC Media Holdings stated that it was in compliance with this covenant as of December 31, 2009.
In addition, as noted above, the Series B Notes indenture restricts the Company’s ability to incur additional indebtedness and pay dividends based on an incurrence test. In order to incur additional indebtedness the Company’s debt to adjusted EBITDA ratios (as defined by the indenture) must be lower than 6.5:1 and 3.25:1 for total debt and senior debt, respectively. Similarly in order for the Company to pay dividends out of proceeds from indebtedness or proceeds from asset sales, the Company’s debt to adjusted EBITDA ratios (as defined by the indenture) must be lower than 6.0:1 and 3.0:1 for total debt and senior debt, respectively. The Company is in compliance with these covenants as of December 31, 2009.
There are no significant covenants or events of default contained in the revolving promissory note issued by Clear Channel Communications to the Company or the revolving promissory note issued by the Company to Clear Channel Communications.
Debt Maturities
Future maturities of long-term debt at December 31, 2009, are as follows:
NOTE G - COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
The Company leases office space, equipment and the majority of the land occupied by its advertising structures under long-term operating leases. Some of the lease agreements contain renewal options and annual rental escalation clauses (generally tied to the consumer price index), as well as provisions for the payment of utilities and maintenance by the Company.
The Company has minimum franchise payments associated with non-cancelable contracts that enable it to display advertising on such media as buses, taxis, trains, bus shelters and terminals, as well as other similar type surfaces. The majority of these contracts contain rent provisions calculated as either the greater of a percentage of the relevant advertising revenue or a specified guaranteed minimum annual payment. In addition, the Company has commitments relating to required purchases of property, plant, and equipment under certain street furniture contracts.
The Company accounts for its rentals that include renewal options, annual rent escalation clauses, minimum franchise payments and maintenance related to displays under the guidance in ASC Topic 840, Leases.
The Company considers its non-cancelable contracts that enable it to display advertising on buses, taxis, trains, bus shelters, etc. to be leases in accordance with the guidance in ASC 840-10. These contracts may contain minimum annual franchise payments which generally escalate each year. The Company accounts for these minimum franchise payments on a straight-line basis. If the rental increases are not scheduled in the lease, for example an increase based on the CPI, those rents are considered contingent rentals and are recorded as expense when accruable. Other contracts may contain a variable rent component based on revenue. The Company accounts for these variable components as contingent rentals and records these payments as expense when accruable.
The Company accounts for annual rent escalation clauses included in the lease term on a straight-line basis under the guidance in ASC 840-10. The Company considers renewal periods in determining its lease terms if at inception of the lease there is reasonable assurance the lease will be renewed. Expenditures for maintenance are charged to operations as incurred, whereas expenditures for renewal and betterments are capitalized.
Most of the Company’s advertising structures are on leased land. In addition, the Company leases certain facilities and equipment. The Company accounts for these leases in accordance with the policies described above.
The Company’s contracts with municipal bodies or private companies relating to street furniture, billboard, transit and malls generally require the Company to build bus stops, kiosks and other public amenities or advertising structures during the term of the contract. The Company owns these structures and is generally allowed to advertise on them for the remaining term of the contract. Once the Company has built the structure, the cost is capitalized and expensed over the shorter of the economic life of the asset or the remaining life of the contract.
Certain of the Company’s contracts contain penalties for not fulfilling its commitments related to its obligations to build bus stops, kiosks and other public amenities or advertising structures. Historically, any such penalties have not materially impacted the Company’s financial position or results of operations.
As of December 31, 2009, the Company’s future minimum rental commitments under non-cancelable operating lease agreements with terms in excess of one year, minimum payments under non-cancelable contracts in excess of one year, and capital expenditure commitments consist of the following:
Rent expense charged to operations for the post-merger year ended December 31, 2009 was $999.1 million. Total rent expense for the post-merger period from July 31, 2008 through December 31, 2008 was $476.8 million. Total rent expense for the pre-merger period from January 1, 2008 through July 30, 2008 and the pre-merger year ended December 31, 2007 was $685.2 million and $1.1 billion, respectively.
The Company is currently involved in certain legal proceedings and, as required, has accrued its 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 in the Company’s assumptions or the effectiveness of its strategies related to these proceedings.
In various areas in which the Company operates, outdoor advertising is the object of restrictive and, in some cases, prohibitive zoning and other regulatory provisions, either enacted or proposed. The impact to the Company of loss of displays due to governmental action has been somewhat mitigated by Federal and state laws mandating compensation for such loss and constitutional restraints.
Certain acquisition agreements include deferred consideration payments based on performance requirements by the seller, generally over a one to five year period. Contingent payments based on performance requirements by the seller typically involve the completion of a development or obtaining appropriate permits that enable the Company to construct additional advertising displays. At December 31, 2009, the Company believes its maximum aggregate contingency, which is subject to performance requirements by the seller, is approximately $35.0 million. As the contingencies have not been met or resolved as of December 31, 2009, these amounts are not recorded. If future payments are made, amounts will be recorded as additional purchase price.
NOTE H - RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
The Company records net amounts due to or from Clear Channel Communications as “Due from/to Clear Channel Communications” on the consolidated balance sheets. The accounts represent the revolving promissory note issued by the Company to Clear Channel Communications and the revolving promissory note issued by Clear Channel Communications to the Company, 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 pursuant to the terms of the promissory notes and are generally payable on demand. Prior to the amendment of the revolving promissory notes in December 2009, interest on the revolving promissory note owed by the Company accrued on the daily net negative cash position based upon LIBOR plus a margin. Interest on the revolving promissory note owed by Clear Channel Communications accrued interest on the daily net positive cash position based upon the average one-month generic treasury bill rate. In connection with the issuance of the CCWH Senior Notes, Clear Channel Communications and the Company modified the terms of the revolving promissory notes to extend the maturity of each revolving promissory note to coincide with the maturity date of the Notes. In addition, the terms were modified to change the interest rate on each revolving promissory note to equal the interest rate on the Notes. 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, the Company maintains collection bank accounts swept daily into accounts of Clear Channel Communications (after satisfying the funding requirements of the Trustee Account). In return, Clear Channel Communications funds the Company’s controlled disbursement accounts as checks or electronic payments are presented for payment. The Company’s claim in relation to cash transferred from its concentration account is on an unsecured basis and is limited to the balance of the “Due from Clear Channel Communications” account. At December 31, 2009 and 2008, the asset recorded in “Due from Clear Channel Communications” on the consolidated balance sheet was $123.3 million and $431.6 million, respectively. The net interest income for the post-merger year ended December 31, 2009 was $0.7 million. The net interest income for the post-merger period from July 31, 2008 through December 31, 2008 was $0.9 million. The net interest income for the pre-merger period from January 1, 2008 through July 30, 2008 and for the pre-merger year ended December 31, 2007 was $2.6 million and $3.7 million, respectively. At December 31, 2009, the interest rate on the “Due from Clear Channel Communications” account was 9.25%, which represents the interest rate on the Notes as described above.
At December 31, 2008, the Company had a note in the original principal amount of $2.5 billion to Clear Channel Communications which was prepayable in whole at any time, or in part from time to time. This note accrued 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 was mandatorily payable upon a change of control of the Company (as defined in the note) and, subject to certain exceptions, all net proceeds from debt or equity raised by the Company had to be used to prepay such note. This note is further disclosed in Note F. At December 31, 2008, the interest rate on the $2.5 billion note was 6.0%. In December 2009, the Company made voluntary payments on the note in the amount of the total outstanding balance and subsequently retired the “Debt with Clear Channel Communications” as of December 31, 2009. The interest rate on the $2.5 billion note was 5.7% prior to its retirement.
Clear Channel Communications has a $2.0 billion multi-currency revolving credit facility with a maturity in July 2014 which includes a $150.0 million sub-limit that certain of the Company’s International subsidiaries may borrow against to the extent Clear Channel Communications has not already borrowed against this capacity and is compliance with its covenants under the credit facility. The obligations of these International subsidiaries that are borrowers under the revolving credit facility will be guaranteed by certain of the Company’s material wholly-owned subsidiaries, and secured by substantially all assets of such borrowers and guarantors, subject to permitted liens and other exceptions. The interest rate on outstanding balances under the new 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. This note is further disclosed in Note F. At December 31, 2009, the interest rate on this bank credit facility was 3.7%. At December 31, 2009, the outstanding balance on the $150.0 million sub-limit was $30.0 million, with the entire balance to be paid on July 30, 2014. 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 Company provides advertising space on its billboards for radio stations owned by Clear Channel Communications. For the post-merger year ended December 31, 2009, the Company recorded $2.8 million in revenue for these advertisements. For the post-merger period from July 31, 2008 through December 31, 2008, the Company recorded $4.0 million in revenue for these advertisements. For the pre-merger period from January 1, 2008 through July 30, 2008, the Company recorded $4.6 million in revenue for these advertisements. For the pre-merger year ended December 31, 2007, the Company recorded $13.8 million in revenue for these advertisements.
Under the Corporate Services Agreement between Clear Channel Communications and the Company, Clear Channel Communications provides management services to the Company, 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 the Company 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 post-merger year ended December 31, 2009, the Company recorded $28.5 million as a component of corporate expense for these services. For the post-merger period from July 31, 2008 through December 31, 2008, the Company recorded $13.9 million as a component of corporate expense for these services. For the pre-merger period from January 1, 2008 through July 30, 2008, the Company recorded $14.2 million as a component of corporate expense for these services. For the pre-merger year ended December 31, 2007, the Company recorded $20.3 million as a component of corporate expenses for these services.
Pursuant to the Tax Matters Agreement between Clear Channel Communications and the Company, the operations of the Company are included in a consolidated Federal income tax return filed by Clear Channel Communications. The Company’s provision for income taxes has been computed on the basis that the Company files separate consolidated Federal income tax returns with its subsidiaries. Tax payments are made to Clear Channel Communications on the basis of the Company’s separate taxable income. Tax benefits recognized on the Company’s employee stock option exercises are retained by the Company.
The Company computes its deferred income tax provision using the liability method in accordance with Statement of ASC 740-10, as if the Company was a separate taxpayer. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are determined based on differences between financial reporting bases and tax bases of assets and liabilities and are measured using the enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the periods in which the deferred tax asset or liability is expected to be realized or settled. Deferred tax assets are reduced by valuation allowances if the Company believes it is more likely than not some portion or all of the asset will not be realized. The Company’s provision for income taxes is further disclosed in Note I.
Pursuant to the Employee Matters Agreement, the Company’s employees participate in Clear Channel Communications’ employee benefit plans, including employee medical insurance and a 401(k) retirement benefit plan. These costs are recorded as a component of selling, general and administrative expenses and were approximately $9.4 million for the post-merger year ended December 31, 2009. These costs were approximately $6.7 million for the pre-merger period from January 1, 2008 through July 30, 2008, $4.8 million for the post-merger period from July 31, 2008 through December 31, 2008 and $10.4 million for the pre-merger year ended December 31, 2007.
NOTE I - INCOME TAXES
The operations of the Company are included in a consolidated Federal income tax return filed by Clear Channel Communications, Inc. for pre-merger periods and CC Media Holdings, Inc. for the post-merger periods. However, for financial reporting purposes, the Company’s provision for income taxes has been computed on the basis that the Company files separate consolidated Federal income tax returns with its subsidiaries.
Significant components of the provision for income tax expense (benefit) are as follows:
(In thousands)
For the year ended December 31, 2009 the Company recorded current tax benefits of $16.8 million as compared to current tax expense of $27.1 million for the 2008 full year. The change in current tax was due primarily to the company’s ability to carry back certain net operating losses to prior years. On November 6, 2009, the Worker, Homeownership, and Business Assistance Act of 2009 (the “Act”) was enacted into law. The Act amended Section 172 of the Internal Revenue Code to allow net operating losses realized in a tax year ended after December 31, 2007 and beginning before January 1, 2010 to be carried back for up to five year (such losses were previously limited to a two-year carryback). This change will allow us to carryback fiscal 2009 taxable losses of approximately $128.6 million, based on our projections of projected taxable losses eligible for carryback, to prior years and receive refunds of previously paid Federal income taxes of approximately $45.0 million. The ultimate amount of such refunds realized from net operating loss carryback is dependent on our actual taxable losses for fiscal 2009, which may vary from our current expectations.
Deferred tax benefits decreased $115.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2009 compared to 2008, primarily due to larger impairment charges recorded in 2008 related to tax deductible intangibles.
The current tax benefit recorded in the post-merger period of 2008 is the result of the Company’s ability to recover a limited amount of the Company’s prior period tax liabilities through certain net operating loss carrybacks. The decrease in current tax expense for the 2008 year when compared to 2007 is primarily the result of a decrease in “Income (loss) before income taxes.” The change in deferred tax expense (benefit) recorded in 2008 compared to 2007 was primarily due to the $292.0 million of deferred tax benefit recorded in the post-merger period related to the impairment charges on tax deductible intangibles. 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.
Significant components of the Company’s deferred tax liabilities and assets as of December 31, 2009 and 2008 are as follows:
For the year ended December 31, 2009, the Company recorded certain intangible asset impairment charges that are not deductible for tax purposes, which resulted in a reduction of deferred tax liabilities of approximately $152.9 million.
In the year ended December 31, 2008, the Company recorded approximately $1.4 billion in additional deferred tax liabilities associated with the applied purchase accounting adjustments resulting from the July 30, 2008 merger transaction. The additional deferred tax liabilities primarily relate to differences between the purchase accounting adjusted book basis and the historical tax basis of the Company’s intangible assets. During the post-merger period ended December 31, 2008, the Company recorded an impairment charge to its permits and tax deductible goodwill resulting in a decrease of approximately $292.0 million in recorded deferred tax liabilities.
At December 31, 2009 and 2008, net deferred tax assets include a deferred tax asset of $11.7 million and $8.6 million, respectively, relating to stock-based compensation expense under ASC 718-10, Compensation-Stock Compensation. Full realization of this deferred tax asset requires stock options to be exercised at a price equaling or exceeding the sum of the grant price plus the fair value of the option at the grant date and restricted stock to vest at a price equaling or exceeding the fair market value at the grant date. Accordingly, there can be no assurance that the stock price of the Company’s Common Stock will rise to levels sufficient to realize the entire tax benefit currently reflected in our balance sheet. See Note J for additional discussion of ASC 718-10.
The deferred tax liabilities associated with intangibles and fixed assets primarily relates to the difference in book and tax basis of acquired permits and tax deductible goodwill created from the Company’s various stock acquisitions. In accordance with ASC 350-10, Intangibles-Goodwill and Other, the Company does not amortize its book basis in permits. As a result, this deferred tax liability will not reverse over time unless the Company recognizes future impairment charges related to its permits and tax deductible goodwill or sells its permits. As the Company continues to amortize its tax basis in its permits and tax deductible goodwill, the deferred tax liability will increase over time.
The reconciliation of income tax computed at the U.S. Federal statutory tax rates to income tax expense (benefit) is:
During 2009, the Company recorded tax benefits of approximately $149.1 million. Foreign loss before income taxes was approximately $309.8 million for 2009. The 2009 income tax benefit and 14.6% effective tax rate were impacted primarily by the goodwill impairment charges which are not deductible for tax purposes (see Note B). In addition, the Company was unable to benefit tax losses in certain foreign jurisdictions due to the uncertainty of the ability to utilize those losses in future years.
During the pre-merger period from January 1, 2008 to July 30, 2008, the Company recorded tax expense of $51.6 million which resulted in an effective tax rate of 23.8%. The decrease in the effective tax rate during this period as compared to 2007 was primarily the result of the gain from the sale of the 50% interest in Clear Channel Independent which was structured as a tax free disposition, thereby resulting in no current tax expense for the period. During the post-merger period from July 31, 2008 to December 31, 2008, the Company recorded tax benefits of $271.9 million which resulted in an effective tax rate of 8.3%. The primary reason for the reduction in effective rate is the result of the goodwill impairment charges recorded in the period which are not deductible for tax purposes (see Note B). In addition, the Company did not record tax benefits on certain tax losses in its foreign operations due to the uncertainty of the ability to utilize those tax losses in the future.
During 2007, the Company recorded tax expense of approximately $146.6 million. Foreign income before income taxes was approximately $143.9 million for 2007. The 2007 income tax expense and 36% effective tax rate were impacted by a favorable foreign income tax rate on the Company’s mix of earnings within its international operations.
All tax liabilities owed by the Company are paid by the Company or on behalf of the Company by Clear Channel Communications through an operating account that represents net amounts due to or from Clear Channel Communications.
The Company continues to record interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits in current income tax expense. The total amount of interest accrued at December 31, 2009 and 2008, was $7.3 million and $5.1 million, respectively. The total amount of unrecognized tax benefits and accrued interest and penalties at December 31, 2009 and 2008, was $54.9 million and $53.5 million, respectively, and is recorded in “Other long-term liabilities” on the Company’s consolidated balance sheet. Of this total, $54.9 million represents the amount of unrecognized tax benefits and accrued interest and penalties that, if recognized, would favorably affect the effective income tax rate in future periods.
A reconciliation of the beginning and ending amount of unrecognized tax benefits is as follows:
Pursuant to the Tax Matters Agreement between Clear Channel Communications and the Company, the operations of the Company are included in a consolidated Federal income tax return filed by Clear Channel Communications. In addition, the Company and its subsidiaries file income tax returns in various state and foreign jurisdictions. During 2009, the Company increased its liability for certain issues in prior years in foreign jurisdictions as a result of ongoing audits. In addition, certain liabilities were reversed as a result of the statute of limitations lapsing for certain tax years in foreign jurisdictions. During 2008, the Company favorably settled certain issues in foreign jurisdictions that resulted in the decrease in unrecognized tax benefits. In addition, as a result of the currency fluctuations during 2008, the balance of unrecognized tax benefits decreased approximately $12.0 million. The Company and Clear Channel Communications settled several Federal tax positions for the tax years 1999 through 2004 with the IRS during the year ended December 31, 2007. As a result of this settlement and other state and foreign settlements, the Company reduced its balance of unrecognized tax benefits and accrued interest and penalties by $19.1 million. Of this amount, $0.4 million was recorded as a decrease to current tax expense and $18.7 million as adjustments to current and deferred tax payables. The IRS is currently auditing Clear Channel Communications’ and the Company’s 2007 and pre-merger 2008 tax year and the CC Media Holdings and the Company’s post-merger 2008 tax year. Substantially all material state, local and foreign income tax matters have been concluded for the years through 2003.
NOTE J - SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Stock Options
The Company has granted options to purchase shares of its Class A common stock to employees and directors of the Company and its affiliates under its equity incentive plan at no less than the fair value of the underlying stock on the date of grant. These options are granted for a term not exceeding ten years and are forfeited, except in certain circumstances, in the event the employee or director terminates his or her employment or relationship with the Company or one of its affiliates. These options vest over a period of up to five years. The equity incentive plan contains anti-dilutive provisions that permit an adjustment of the number of shares of the Company’s common stock represented by each option for any change in capitalization.
The Company accounts for its share-based payments using the fair value recognition provisions of ASC 718-10. The fair value of the options is estimated using a Black-Scholes option-pricing model and amortized straight-line to expense over the vesting period. ASC 718-10 requires the cash flows from the tax benefits resulting from tax deductions in excess of the compensation cost recognized for those options (excess tax benefits) to be classified as
financing cash flows. The excess tax benefit that is required to be classified as a financing cash inflow after application of ASC 718-10 is not material.
The fair value of each option awarded is estimated on the date of grant using a Black-Scholes option-pricing model. Expected volatilities are based on implied volatilities from traded options on the Company’s stock, historical volatility on the Company’s stock, and other factors. The expected life of options granted represents the period of time that options granted are expected to be outstanding. The Company uses historical data to estimate option exercise and employee terminations within the valuation model. The Company includes estimated forfeitures in its compensation cost and updates the estimated forfeiture rate through the final vesting date of awards. The risk free interest rate is based on the U.S. Treasury yield curve in effect at the time of grant for periods equal to the expected life of the option. The following assumptions were used to calculate the fair value of the Company’s options on the date of grant:
The share based compensation cost is measured at the grant date based on the fair value of the award and is recognized as expense on a straight-line basis over the vesting period. The following table presents the amount of share based compensation recorded for the year ended December 31, 2009, during the five months ended December 31, 2008, the seven months ended July 30, 2008 and the year ended December 31, 2007:
The following table presents a summary of the Company’s stock options outstanding at and stock option activity during the year ended December 31, 2009 (“Price” reflects the weighted average exercise price per share):
(a) The weighted average grant date fair value of the Company’s options granted during the post-merger year ended December 31, 2009 was $3.38 per share. The weighted average grant date fair value of the Company’s options granted during the pre-merger prior from January 1, 2008 through July 30, 2008 was $7.10 per share. The weighted average grant date fair value of the Company’s options granted during the pre-merger year ended December 31, 2007 was $11.05 per share.
(b) No options exercised during the post-merger year ended December 31, 2009. Cash received from option exercises during the pre-merger period from January 1, 2008 through July 30, 2008, was $4.3 million. Cash received from option exercises during the pre-merger year ended December 31, 2007, was $10.8 million. The total intrinsic value of the options exercised during the pre-merger period from January 1, 2008 through July 30, 2008, was $0.7 million. The total intrinsic value of the options exercised during the pre-merger year ended December 31, 2007 was $2.0 million.
A summary of the Company’s nonvested options at and changes during the year ended December 31, 2009, is presented below:
(a) The total fair value of the options vested during the post-merger year ended December 31, 2009 was $9.9 million. The total fair value of the options vested during the pre-merger period from January 1, 2008 through July 30, 2008 was $5.7 million. The total fair value of the options vested during the post-merger period from July 31 through December 31, 2008 was $2.3 million. The total fair value of the options vested during the pre-merger year ended December 31, 2007 was $2.0 million.
Restricted Stock Awards
The Company also grants restricted stock awards to employees and directors of the Company and its affiliates under its equity incentive plan. These common shares hold a legend which restricts their transferability for a term of up to five years and are forfeited, except in certain circumstances, in the event the employee terminates his or her employment or relationship with the Company prior to the lapse of the restriction.
The following table presents a summary of the Company’s restricted stock outstanding at and restricted stock activity during the year ended December 31, 2009 (“Price” reflects the weighted average share price at the date of grant):
Unrecognized Share-Based Compensation Cost
As of December 31, 2009, there was $18.1 million of unrecognized compensation cost, net of estimated forfeitures, related to unvested share-based compensation arrangements. The cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of approximately two years.
Reconciliation of Earnings (Loss) per Share
(1) 6.7 million, 7.7 million, 6.3 million and 1.8 million stock options were outstanding at December 31, 2009 and 2008 (post-merger), July 30, 2008 (pre-merger) and December 31, 2007 (pre-merger), respectively, that were not included in the computation of diluted earnings per share because to do so would have been anti-dilutive as the respective options’ strike price was greater than the current market price of the shares.
NOTE K - EMPLOYEE STOCK AND SAVINGS PLANS
The Company’s U.S. employees were eligible to participate in various 401(k) savings and other plans provided by Clear Channel Communications for the purpose of providing retirement benefits for substantially all employees. Under these plans, a Company employee can make pre-tax contributions and the Company will match 50% of the employee’s first 5% of pay contributed to the plan. Employees vest in these Company matching contributions based upon their years of service to the Company. Contributions to these plans of $0.8 million for the post-merger year ended December 31, 2009 were recorded as a component of operating expenses. Contributions of these plans of $1.4 million for the pre-merger period from January 1, 2008 through July 30, 2008, $0.9 million for the post-merger period from July 31, 2008 through December 31, 2008, and $2.3 million the pre-merger year ended December 31, 2007 were recorded as a component of operating expenses. As of April 30, 2009, the Company suspended its matching contribution.
In addition, employees in the Company’s International segment participate in retirement plans administered by the Company which are not part of the 401(k) savings and other plans sponsored by Clear Channel Communications. Contributions to these plans of $17.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2009 were recorded as a component of operating expenses. Contributions to these plans of $7.7 million for the pre-merger period from January 1, 2008 through July 30, 2008 and $5.5 million for the post-merger period from July 31, 2008 through December 31, 2008 were recorded as a component of operating expenses. Contributions to these plans of $20.1 million were recorded as a component of operating expenses for the pre-merger year ended December 31, 2007.
Certain highly compensated executives of the Company are eligible to participate in a non-qualified deferred compensation plan sponsored by Clear Channel Communications, under which such executives are able to make an annual election to defer up to 50% of their annual salary and up to 80% of their bonus before taxes. Matching credits on amounts deferred may be made in the sole discretion of Clear Channel Communications and Clear Channel Communications retains ownership of all assets until distributed. Participants in the plan have the opportunity to allocate their deferrals and any matching credits among different investment options, the performance of which is used to determine the amounts paid to participants under the plan. There is no liability recorded by the Company under this deferred compensation plan as the liability of this plan is that of Clear Channel Communications’.
NOTE L - OTHER INFORMATION
The following details the components of “Other income (expense) - net:”
The following details the components of “Other current assets:”
The following details the components of “Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)”:
NOTE M - SEGMENT DATA
The Company has two reportable operating segments, which it believes best reflects how the Company is currently managed - Americas and International. The Americas segment primarily includes operations in the United States, Canada and Latin America, and the International segment includes operations in the U.K, France, Asia and Australia. Share-based payments are recorded by each segment in direct operating and selling, general and administrative expenses.
The following tables presents the Company’s operating segment results for the year ended December 31, 2009; the post-merger period from July 31, 2008 through December 31, 2008, the pre-merger period from January 1, 2008 through July 30, 2008, and the pre-merger year ended December 31, 2007:
Identifiable assets of $2.4 billion, $2.6 billion, and $2.9 billion derived from the Company’s foreign operations are included in the data above for the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007, respectively. Revenue of $1.6 billion derived from the Company’s foreign operations is included in the data above for the year ended December 31, 2009. Revenue of $1.2 billion derived from the Company’s foreign operations is included in the data above for the pre-merger period from January 1, 2008 through July 30, 2008. Revenue of $790.6 million derived from the Company’s foreign operations is included in the data above for the post-merger period from July 31, 2008 through December 31, 2008. Revenue of $1.9 billion derived from the Company’s foreign operations is included in the data above for the pre-merger year ended December 31, 2007.
NOTE N - QUARTERLY RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (Unaudited)
(1) As discussed in Note B, the fourth quarter of 2009 includes a $41.4 million adjustment related to previously recorded impairment charges.
(2) The quarterly results of operations for the quarter ended September 30, 2008 is presented on a combined basis and is comprised of two periods: post-merger and pre-merger, which relate to the period succeeding Clear Channel Communications’ merger and the period preceding the merger, respectively. The post-merger and pre-merger quarterly results of operations are presented as follows:
ITEM 9.
ITEM 9. Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure
Not applicable
ITEM 9A.
ITEM 9A. Controls and Procedures
Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures
Under the supervision and with the participation of management, including our Chief Executive Officer and our Chief Financial Officer, who joined us effective January 4, 2010, we have carried out an evaluation of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) under the Exchange Act). Based on that evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer and our Chief Financial Officer concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of December 31, 2009 to ensure that information we are required to disclose in reports that are filed or submitted under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized, and reported within the time periods specified by the SEC and is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and our Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.
Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
The management of the Company is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting. The Company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed under the supervision of the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and preparation of the Company’s financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles and includes policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that in reasonable detail accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of assets, (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures are being made only in accordance with authorizations of our management and directors, and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use or disposition of our assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.
As of December 31, 2009, management assessed the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rules 13a-15(f) or 15d-15(f) of the Exchange Act) based on the framework in Internal Control - Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. Based on the assessment, management determined that the Company maintained effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2009, based on those criteria.
Ernst & Young LLP, the independent registered public accounting firm that audited the consolidated financial statements of the Company included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K, has issued an attestation report on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2009. The report, which expresses an unqualified opinion on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2009, is included in this Item under the heading “Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm.”
There were no changes in our internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the most recent fiscal quarter that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
The Board of Directors and Shareholders
Clear Channel Outdoor Holdings, Inc.
We have audited Clear Channel Outdoor Holdings, Inc.’s (Holdings) internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2009, based on criteria established in Internal Control-Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (the COSO criteria). Holdings’ management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting, and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting included in the accompanying Report of Management on Internal Control over Financial Reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on Holdings’ internal control over financial reporting based on our audit.
We conducted our audit 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 effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audit included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk, and performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.
A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.
Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.
In our opinion, Holdings maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2009, based on the COSO criteria.
We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the consolidated balance sheets of Holdings as of December 31, 2009 and 2008, the related consolidated statements of operations, shareholders’ equity, and cash flows for the year ended December 31, 2009, the period from July 31, 2008 through December 31, 2008, the period from January 1, 2008 through July 30, 2008, and for the year ended December 31, 2007, and our report dated March 16, 2010 expressed an unqualified opinion thereon.
/s/ Ernst &Young LLP
San Antonio, Texas
March 16, 2010
ITEM 9B.
ITEM 9B. Other Information
Not applicable
PART III
ITEM 10.
ITEM 10. Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance
The information required by this item with respect to our executive officers is set forth in Part I of this Annual Report on Form 10-K and all other information required by this item is incorporated by reference to the information set forth in our Definitive Proxy Statement, expected to be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission within 120 days of our fiscal year end.
ITEM 11.
ITEM 11. Executive Compensation
The information required by this item is incorporated by reference to the information set forth in our Definitive Proxy Statement, expected to be filed within 120 days of our fiscal year end.
ITEM 12.
ITEM 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters
The information required by this item is incorporated by reference to the information set forth in our Definitive Proxy Statement, expected to be filed within 120 days of our fiscal year end.
ITEM 13.
ITEM 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence
The information required by this item is incorporated by reference to the information set forth in our Definitive Proxy Statement, expected to be filed within 120 days of our fiscal year end.
ITEM 14.
ITEM 14. Principal Accounting Fees and Services
The information required by this item is incorporated by reference to the information set forth in our Definitive Proxy Statement, expected to be filed within 120 days of our fiscal year end.
PART IV
ITEM 15.
ITEM 15. Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules
(a)1. Financial Statements.
The following consolidated financial statements are included in Item 8:
Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2009 and 2008.
Consolidated Statements of Operations for the Years Ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007.
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders’ Equity for the Years Ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007.
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Years Ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
(a)2. Financial Statement Schedule.
The following financial statement schedule for the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007 and related report of independent auditors is filed as part of this report and should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements.
Schedule II Valuation and Qualifying Accounts
All other schedules for which provision is made in the applicable accounting regulation of the Securities and Exchange Commission are not required under the related instructions or are in applicable, and therefore have been omitted.
SCHEDULE II
VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts
(1) Primarily foreign currency adjustments.
(a)3. Exhibits
* Filed herewith
** This exhibit is furnished herewith and shall not be deemed “filed” for purposes of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, or otherwise subject to the liability of that section, and shall not be deemed to be incorporated by reference into any filing under the Securities Act of 1933 or the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.
*** Previously filed and being re-filed herewith solely for the purpose of including certain exhibits and schedules previously omitted.
§ Management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement required to be filed as an exhibit pursuant to Item 601 of Regulation S-K.
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1034, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, on March 16, 2010.
CLEAR CHANNEL OUTDOOR HOLDINGS, INC.
By:
/s/ Mark P. Mays
Mark P. Mays
President and Chief Executive Officer
Power of Attorney
Each person whose signature appears below authorizes Mark P. Mays, Thomas W. Casey and Herbert W. Hill, Jr., or any one of them, each of whom may act without joinder of the others, to execute in the name of each such person who is then an officer or director of the Registrant and to file any amendments to this annual report on Form 10-K necessary or advisable to enable the Registrant to comply with the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and any rules, regulations and requirements of the Securities and Exchange Commission in respect thereof, which amendments may make such changes in such report as such attorney-in-fact may deem appropriate.
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed by the following persons on behalf of the Registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.