Exhibit 99.2

Revised Item 1A. Risk Factors; Revised Item 6. Selected Financial Data; Revised Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations; Revised Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data; Revised Item 15. Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules; Revised Exhibit 11 – Computation of Per Share Earnings; Revised Exhibit 23 – Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm – Ernst and Young LLP.

 

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 current global economic slowdown has resulted in a decline in advertising and marketing services among our customers, resulting in a decline in advertising revenues across our businesses. This reduction in advertising revenues has had an adverse effect on our revenue, profit margins, cash flow and liquidity, particularly during the second half of 2008. The continuation of the global economic slowdown may continue to adversely impact our revenue, profit margins, cash flow and liquidity.

In this regard, revenue growth during the first nine months of 2008 was partially offset by a decline of $151.2 million in the fourth quarter. This resulted in an increase in consolidated revenue of $7.5 million during 2008 compared to 2007. Our Americas revenue declined $54.8 million during 2008 compared to 2007, attributable to decreases in poster and bulletin revenues associated with cancellations and non-renewals from major national advertisers.

Our cost savings initiatives may not be entirely successful.

On January 20, 2009, CC Media Holdings announced that it had commenced a restructuring program targeting a reduction of fixed costs by approximately $350 million on an annualized basis. As part of the program, it eliminated approximately 1,850 full-time positions representing approximately 9% of total workforce. The restructuring program will also include other actions, including elimination of overlapping functions and other cost savings initiatives. The program is expected to result in restructuring and other non-recurring charges of approximately $200 million, although additional costs may be incurred as the program evolves. It is estimated that approximately 40% of the anticipated cost savings and related charges will be attributable to us. The cost savings initiatives are expected to be fully implemented by the end of the first quarter of 2010. No assurance can be given that the restructuring program will be successful or will achieve the anticipated cost savings in the timeframe expected or at all. In addition, the restructuring program may be modified or terminated in response to economic conditions or otherwise.

We have substantial indebtedness that could restrict our operations and impair our financial condition.

At December 31, 2008, our total indebtedness for borrowed money was $2.6 billion, approximately $2.5 billion of which is indebtedness owed to Clear Channel Communications. As of December 31, 2008, approximately $69.5 million of such total indebtedness (excluding interest) is due in 2009, $2.5 billion is due in 2010, $0.4 million is due in 2011, $0.4 million is due in 2012, $0.7 million is due in 2013 and $30.0 million thereafter. We may also incur additional substantial indebtedness in the future.

Our substantial indebtedness could have adverse consequences, including:

 

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increasing our vulnerability to adverse economic, regulatory and industry conditions, including those currently present;

 

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limiting our ability to compete and our flexibility in planning for, or reacting to, current changes in our business and the industry;

 

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limiting our ability to borrow additional funds; and

 

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requiring us to dedicate a substantial portion of our cash flow from operations to payments on our indebtedness, thereby reducing funds available for working capital, capital expenditures and other purposes.

If our cash flow and capital resources are insufficient to service our debt obligations, we may be forced to sell assets, seek additional equity or debt capital or restructure our indebtedness. However, given the current economic climate, these

 

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measures might be unsuccessful or inadequate in permitting us to meet scheduled debt service obligations. In light of the current credit crisis, we may be unable to restructure or refinance our obligations and obtain additional equity financing or sell assets on satisfactory terms or at all. As a result, inability to meet our debt obligations could cause us to default on those obligations. A default under any debt instrument could, in turn, result in defaults under other debt instruments. Any such defaults could materially impair our financial condition and liquidity. In addition, the $2.5 billion note and Master Agreement with Clear Channel Communications include restrictive covenants that, among other things, restrict our ability to incur additional indebtedness or issue equity securities.

To service our debt obligations and to fund capital expenditures, we will require a significant amount of cash to meet our needs, which depends on many factors beyond our control.

Our ability to service our debt obligations and to fund capital expenditures for display construction or renovation will require a significant amount of cash, which depends on many factors beyond our control. This is subject to general economic, financial, competitive, legislative, regulatory and other factors beyond our control, which may prevent us from securing any cash to meet these needs. Our ability to make payments on and to refinance our indebtedness will also depend on our ability to generate cash in the future.

We cannot ensure that our business will generate sufficient cash flow or that future borrowings will be available to us in an amount sufficient to enable us to pay our indebtedness, including our indebtedness to Clear Channel Communications, or to fund our other liquidity needs. If our future cash flow from operations and other capital resources are insufficient to pay our obligations as they mature or to fund our liquidity needs, we may be forced to reduce or delay our business activities and capital expenditures, sell assets, or attempt to obtain additional equity capital or restructure or refinance all or a portion of indebtedness debt, including the indebtedness with Clear Channel Communications, on or before maturity. We cannot ensure that we will be able to refinance any of our debt, including the indebtedness with Clear Channel Communications, on a timely basis or on satisfactory terms, if at all. In addition, the terms of our existing indebtedness, including the indebtedness with Clear Channel Communications and other future indebtedness may limit our ability to pursue any of these alternatives.

The $2.5 billion note and agreements with Clear Channel Communications impose restrictions on our ability to finance operations and capital needs, make acquisitions or engage in other business activities and require prepayment from substantially all proceeds from debt or equity raised by us.

The $2.5 billion note and Master Agreement with Clear Channel Communications include restrictive covenants that, among other things, restrict our ability to:

 

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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 note with Clear Channel Communications requires us to prepay it in full upon a change of control (as defined in the note), and, upon our issuances of equity and incurrences of indebtedness, subject to certain exceptions, to prepay the note in the amount of net proceeds received from such events. Our failure to comply with the terms and covenants in our indebtedness could lead to a default under the terms of those documents, which would entitle Clear Channel Communications or other holders to accelerate the indebtedness and declare all amounts owed due and payable.

 

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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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We are limited in our borrowing from third parties to no more than $400.0 million (including borrowings under the $150.0 million sub-limit of Clear Channel Communications’ $2.0 billion revolving credit facility). As a result of current borrowings and commitments, we were limited to approximately $206.8 million in additional external borrowings as of December 31, 2008.

 

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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.

 

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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, 2008, the asset recorded in “Due from Clear Channel Communications” on the consolidated balance sheet was $431.6 million.

 

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Currently, we do not have any committed external sources of capital independent from Clear Channel Communications.

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 face intense competition in the outdoor advertising industry that may adversely affect the advertising fees we can charge, and consequently lower our operating margins and profits.

We operate in a highly competitive industry, and we may not be able to maintain or increase our current advertising and sales revenues. Our advertising properties compete for audiences and advertising revenue with other outdoor advertising companies, as well as with other media, such as radio, newspapers, magazines, television, direct mail, satellite radio and Internet based media, within their respective markets. Market shares are subject to change, which could have the effect of reducing our revenue in that market. Our competitors may develop services or advertising media that are equal or superior to those we provide or that achieve greater market acceptance and brand recognition than we achieve. It is possible that new competitors may emerge and rapidly acquire significant market share in any of our business segments. An increased level of competition for advertising dollars may lead to lower advertising rates as we attempt to retain customers or may cause us to lose customers to our competitors who offer lower rates that we are unable or unwilling to match.

Environmental, health, safety and land use laws and regulations may limit or restrict some of our operations.

As the owner or operator of various real properties and facilities, we must comply with various foreign, federal, state and local environmental, health, safety and land use laws and regulations. We and our properties are subject to such laws and regulations relating to the use, storage, disposal, emission and release of hazardous and non-hazardous substances and employee health and safety as well as zoning restrictions. Historically, we have not incurred significant expenditures to comply with these laws. However, additional laws which may be passed in the future, or a finding of a violation of or liability under existing laws, could require us to make significant expenditures and otherwise limit or restrict some of our operations.

Government regulation of outdoor advertising may restrict our outdoor advertising operations on billboards.

United States federal, state and local regulations have a significant impact on the outdoor advertising industry and our business. One of the seminal laws is the HBA, which regulates outdoor advertising on the 306,000 miles of Federal-Aid Primary, Interstate and National Highway Systems. The HBA regulates the size and location of billboards, mandates a state compliance program, requires the development of state standards, promotes the expeditious removal of illegal signs, and requires just compensation for takings. Construction, repair, maintenance, lighting, upgrading, height, size, spacing and the location of billboards and the use of new technologies for changing displays, such as digital displays, are regulated by federal, state and local governments. From time to time, states and municipalities have prohibited or significantly limited the construction of new outdoor advertising structures, and also permitted non-conforming structures to be rebuilt by third parties. Changes in laws and regulations affecting outdoor advertising at any level of government, including laws of the foreign jurisdictions in which we operate, could have a significant financial impact on us by requiring us to make significant expenditures or otherwise limiting or restricting some of our operations.

From time to time, certain state and local governments and third parties have attempted to force the removal of our displays under various state and local laws, including condemnation and amortization. Amortization is the attempted forced removal of legal but non-conforming billboards (billboards which conformed with applicable zoning regulations when built, but which do not conform to current zoning regulations) or the commercial advertising placed on such billboards after a period of years. Pursuant to this concept, the governmental body asserts that just compensation is earned by continued operation of the billboard over time. Amortization is prohibited along all controlled roads and generally prohibited along non-controlled roads. Amortization has, however, been upheld along non-controlled roads in limited instances where provided by state and local law. Other regulations limit our ability to rebuild, replace, repair, maintain and upgrade non-conforming displays. In addition, from time to time third parties or local governments assert that we own or operate displays that either are not properly permitted or otherwise are not in strict compliance with applicable law. Although we believe that the number of our billboards that may be subject to removal based on alleged noncompliance is immaterial, from time to time we have been required to remove billboards for alleged noncompliance. Such regulations and allegations have not had a material impact on our results of operations to date, but if we are increasingly unable to resolve such allegations or obtain acceptable arrangements in circumstances in which our displays are subject to removal, modification, or amortization, or if there occurs an increase in such regulations or their enforcement, our operating results could suffer.

 

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A number of state and local governments have implemented or initiated legislative billboard controls, including taxes, fees and registration requirements in an effort to decrease or restrict the number of outdoor signs and/or to raise revenue. While these controls have not had a material impact on our business and financial results to date, we expect states and local governments to continue these efforts. The increased imposition of these controls and our inability to pass on the cost of these items to our clients could negatively affect our operating income.

International regulation of the outdoor advertising industry varies by region and country, but generally limits the size, placement, nature and density of out-of-home displays. Other regulations limit the subject matter and language of out-of-home displays. For instance, the United States and most European Union countries, among other nations, have banned outdoor advertisements for tobacco products. Our failure to comply with these or any future international regulations could have an adverse impact on the effectiveness of our displays or their attractiveness to clients as an advertising medium and may require us to make significant expenditures to ensure compliance. As a result, we may experience a significant impact on our operations, revenue, International client base and overall financial condition.

Additional restrictions on outdoor advertising of tobacco, alcohol and other products may further restrict the categories of clients that can advertise using our products.

Out-of-court settlements between the major United States tobacco companies and all 50 states, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico and four other United States territories include a ban on the outdoor advertising of tobacco products. Other products and services may be targeted in the future, including alcohol products. Legislation regulating tobacco and alcohol advertising has also been introduced in a number of European countries in which we conduct business and could have a similar impact. Any significant reduction in alcohol-related 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; and

 

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changes in taxation structure.

In addition, because we own assets overseas and derive revenue from our International operations, we may incur currency translation losses due to changes in the values of foreign currencies and in the value of the United States dollar. We cannot predict the effect of exchange rate fluctuations upon future operating results. See “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations — Market Risk Management — Foreign Currency Risk.”

 

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The success of our street furniture and transit products is dependent on our obtaining key municipal concessions, which we may not be able to obtain on favorable terms.

Our street furniture and transit products businesses require us to obtain and renew contracts with municipalities and other governmental entities. Many of these contracts require us to participate in competitive bidding processes, typically have terms ranging from 3 to 20 years and have revenue share or fixed payment components. Our inability to successfully negotiate, renew or complete these contracts due to governmental demands and delay and the highly competitive bidding processes for these contracts could affect our ability to offer these products to our clients, or to offer them to our clients at rates that are competitive to other forms of advertising, without adversely affecting our financial results.

The lack of availability of potential acquisitions at reasonable prices could harm our growth strategy.

Our strategy is to pursue strategic opportunities and to optimize our portfolio of assets. We face competition from other outdoor advertising companies for acquisition opportunities. The purchase price of possible acquisitions could require the incurrence of additional debt or equity financing on our part. Since the terms and availability of this financing depend to a large degree upon general economic conditions and third parties over which 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. In addition, the $2.5 billion note and Master Agreement with Clear Channel Communications include restrictive covenants that, among other things, restrict our ability to incur additional debt and make certain acquisitions and investments.

Future acquisitions could pose risks.

We frequently evaluate strategic opportunities both within and outside our existing lines of business. We expect from time to time to pursue additional acquisitions and may decide to dispose of certain businesses. These acquisitions or dispositions could be material. Our acquisition strategy involves numerous risks, including:

 

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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.

 

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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 have a lower credit rating than Clear Channel Communications and 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, where funds of ours and of Clear Channel Communications may be commingled. These amounts are evidenced by a cash management 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, 2008, Clear Channel Communications owned all of our outstanding shares of Class B common stock, representing approximately 89% of the outstanding shares of our common stock. Each share of our Class B common stock entitles its holder to 20 votes and each share of our Class A common stock entitles its holder to 1 vote on all matters on which shareholders are entitled to vote. As a result, Clear Channel Communications controlled approximately 99% of the total voting power of our common stock.

 

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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, along with the $2.5 billion note, govern our relationship with Clear Channel Communications and allow Clear Channel Communications to retain control over, among other things, our continued use of the trademark “Clear Channel,” the provision of corporate services to us, our cash management and our ability to make certain acquisitions or to merge or consolidate or to sell all or substantially all our assets. The rights of Clear Channel Communications under these agreements may allow Clear Channel Communications to delay or prevent an acquisition of us that our other shareholders may consider favorable. We are not able to terminate these agreements or amend them in a manner we deem more favorable so long as Clear Channel Communications continues to own shares of our common stock representing more than 50% of the total voting power of our common stock.

Conflicts of interest may arise between Clear Channel Communications and us that could be resolved in a manner unfavorable to us.

Questions relating to conflicts of interest may arise between Clear Channel Communications and us in a number of areas relating to our past and ongoing relationships. Clear Channel Communications is now owned indirectly by CC Media Holdings. Three of our directors serve as directors of CC Media Holdings. In addition, one of our directors, L. Lowry Mays, is the Chairman Emeritus of CC Media Holdings. Three of our other directors are affiliated with CC Media Holdings and its shareholders. In addition, five of our executive officers serve as executive officers of CC Media Holdings. For as long as Clear Channel Communications continues to own shares of our common stock representing more than 50% of the total voting power of our common stock, it has the ability to direct the election of all the members of our Board of Directors and to exercise a controlling influence over our business and affairs.

Areas in which conflicts of interest between Clear Channel Communications and us could arise include, but are not limited to, the following:

 

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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

 

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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 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.

 

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We only have the right to use the “Clear Channel” brand name, logo and corporate name for so long as Clear Channel Communications owns shares of our common stock representing at least 50% of the total voting power of our common stock.

Our corporate name is “Clear Channel Outdoor Holdings, Inc.,” and we and our subsidiaries currently use the “Clear Channel” brand name and logo in marketing our products and services. Pursuant to a trademark license agreement, Clear Channel Communications grants us the right to use the “Clear Channel” mark and logo in connection with our products and services and the right to use “Clear Channel” in our corporate name and the corporate names of our subsidiaries until 12 months after the date on which Clear Channel Communications owns shares of our common stock representing less than 50% of the total voting power of our common stock. In the event our right to use the “Clear Channel” brand name and logo and corporate name expires, we will be required to develop, promote and conduct our business under a new brand name. Although at that time we may need to expend significant time, effort and resources to establish a new brand name in the marketplace, we do not expect that such re-branding will have a material impact on our business, financial condition or results of operations. We believe that the buying decision for our customers is based on the strength of the network of locations for outdoor advertising we can offer. The strength of our network is reflected in the value of our permits and site-leases.

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. In addition, we or one or more of our subsidiaries may be included in the combined, consolidated or unitary tax returns of Clear Channel Communications or one or more of its subsidiaries for foreign, state and local income tax purposes. Under the Tax Matters Agreement, we pay to Clear Channel Communications the amount of federal, foreign, state and local income taxes which we would be required to pay to the relevant taxing authorities if we and our subsidiaries filed combined, consolidated or unitary tax returns and were not included in the consolidated, combined or unitary tax returns of Clear Channel Communications or its subsidiaries. In addition, by virtue of its controlling ownership and the Tax Matters Agreement, Clear Channel Communications effectively controls all of our tax decisions. The Tax Matters Agreement provides that Clear Channel Communications has the sole authority to respond to and conduct all tax proceedings (including tax audits) relating to us, to file all income tax returns on our behalf and to determine the amount of our liability to (or entitlement to payment from) Clear Channel Communications under the Tax Matters Agreement. This arrangement may result in conflicts of interest between Clear Channel Communications and us. For example, under the Tax Matters Agreement, Clear Channel Communications is able to choose to contest, compromise, or settle any adjustment or deficiency proposed by the relevant taxing authority in a manner that may be beneficial to Clear Channel Communications and detrimental to us.

Moreover, notwithstanding the Tax Matters Agreement, federal law provides that each member of a consolidated group is liable for the group’s entire tax obligation. Thus, to the extent Clear Channel Communications or other members of the group fail to make any United States federal income tax payments required by law, we would be liable for the shortfall. Similar principles may apply for foreign, state and local income tax purposes where we file combined, consolidated or unitary returns with Clear Channel Communications or its subsidiaries for federal, foreign, state and local income tax purposes.

If Clear Channel Communications spins off our Class B common stock to the CC Media Holdings shareholders, we have agreed in the Tax Matters Agreement to indemnify Clear Channel Communications for its tax-related liabilities in certain circumstances.

If Clear Channel Communications spins off our Class B common stock to the CC Media Holdings shareholders in a distribution intended to be tax-free under Section 355 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, which we refer to herein as the Code, we have agreed in the Tax Matters Agreement to indemnify Clear Channel Communications and its affiliates against any and all tax-related liabilities if such a spin-off fails to qualify as a tax-free distribution (including as a result of Section 355(e) of the Code) due to actions, events or transactions relating to our stock, assets or business, or a breach of the relevant representations or covenants made by us in the Tax Matters Agreement. If neither we nor Clear Channel Communications is responsible under the Tax Matters Agreement for any such spin-off not being tax-free under Section 355 of the Code, we and Clear Channel Communications have agreed to each be responsible for 50% of the tax-related liabilities arising from the failure of such a spin-off to so qualify.

 

10


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.

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. In addition, the interest rate we pay on the $2.5 billion note is based on the weighted average cost of debt for Clear Channel Communications. If that cost increases, our borrowing costs also will increase. To the extent we do not pass on our increased borrowing costs to our clients, our profitability, and potentially our ability to raise capital, could be materially affected. Also, until the first date Clear Channel Communications owns shares of our common stock representing less than 50% of the total voting power of our common stock, pursuant to the Master Agreement between us and Clear Channel Communications, as well as pursuant to the $2.5 billion note, Clear Channel Communications will have the ability to limit our ability to incur debt or issue equity securities, which could adversely affect our ability to meet our liquidity needs or to grow our business.

Risks Related to Our Class A Common Stock

Our stock ownership by Clear Channel Communications, provisions in our agreements with Clear Channel Communications and our corporate governance documents and Delaware law may delay or prevent an acquisition of us that our other shareholders may consider favorable, which could decrease the value of your shares of Class A common stock.

 

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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.

We currently do not intend to pay dividends on our Class A common stock.

We do not expect to pay dividends on our Class A common stock in the foreseeable future. We are a holding company with no independent operations and no significant assets other than the stock of our subsidiaries. We therefore are dependent upon the receipt of dividends or other distributions from our subsidiaries to pay dividends. In addition, pursuant to the covenants on the $2.5 billion note with Clear Channel Communications, our ability to pay dividends is restricted. Accordingly, if you purchase shares in us, the price of our Class A common stock must appreciate in order to realize a gain on your investment. This appreciation may not occur.

Caution Concerning Forward-Looking Statements

The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 provides a safe harbor for forward-looking statements made by us or on our behalf. Except for the historical information, this report contains various forward-looking statements which represent our expectations or beliefs concerning future events, including without limitation, the future levels of cash flow from operations and availability of capital resources and the terms thereof. Management believes all statements expressing expectations and projections with respect to future matters, including our ability to negotiate contracts having more favorable terms and the availability of capital resources, are forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act. We caution that these forward-looking statements involve a number of risks and uncertainties and are subject to many variables which could impact our financial performance. These statements are made on the basis of management’s views and assumptions, as of the time the statements are made, regarding future events and business performance. There can be no assurance, however, that management’s expectations will necessarily come to pass. We do not intend, nor do we undertake any duty, to update any forward-looking statements.

A wide range of factors could materially affect future developments and performance, including:

 

  •  

risks associated with the current global economic crisis and its impact on capital markets and liquidity;

 

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  •  

the impact of the global economic slowdown, 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 cost savings initiatives 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 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.

 

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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 historical financial and other data for the year ended December 31, 2008 are comprised of two periods: post-merger and pre-merger results, which relate to the period succeeding Clear Channel Communications’ merger and the periods preceding Clear Channel Communications’ merger, respectively. For purposes of this discussion, we have presented the historical financial data for the year ended December 31, 2008 on a combined basis. We believe that the presentation on a combined basis is more meaningful as it allows the financial data to be analyzed to comparable periods prior to Clear Channel Communications’ merger. The post-merger and pre-merger financial data for the year ended December 31, 2008 is presented in “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations,” and the historical audited consolidated financial statements and the accompanying notes thereto included elsewhere in this Annual Report.

The results of operations data, segment data and cash flow data for the years presented below were derived from our audited consolidated and combined financial statements.

You should read the information contained in this table in conjunction with “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations,” and the historical audited consolidated financial statements and the accompanying notes thereto included elsewhere in this Annual Report.

 

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(In thousands, except per share data)    Year Ended December 31,  
     2008
Combined
    2007 (1)
Pre-Merger
    2006 (2)
Pre-Merger
    2005
Pre-Merger
    2004
Pre-Merger
 

Results of Operations Data:

          

Revenue

   $ 3,289,287      $ 3,281,836      $ 2,897,721      $ 2,666,078      $ 2,447,040   

Operating expenses:

          

Direct operating expenses

     1,882,136        1,734,845        1,514,842        1,405,758        1,322,488   

Selling, general and administrative expenses

     606,370        537,994        486,994        478,343        439,286   

Depreciation and amortization

     472,350        399,483        407,730        400,639        388,217   

Corporate expenses

     71,045        66,080        65,542        61,096        53,770   

Impairment charge (3)

     3,217,649        —          —          —          —     

Other operating income— net

     15,848        11,824        22,846        3,488        10,791   

Operating income (loss)

     (2,944,415     555,258        445,459        323,730        254,070   
                                        

Interest expense (including interest on debt with Clear Channel Communications)

     161,650        157,881        162,583        198,354        159,830   

Loss on marketable securities

     59,842        —          —          —          —     

Equity in earnings (loss) of nonconsolidated affiliates

     68,733        4,402        7,460        9,844        (76

Other income (expense)— net

     25,479        10,113        331        (12,291     (16,530
                                        

Income (loss) before income taxes

     (3,071,695     411,892        290,667        122,929        77,634   

Income tax (expense) benefit:

          

Current

     (27,126     (111,726     (82,553     (51,173     (23,422

Deferred

     247,445        (34,915     (39,527     5,689        (39,132
                                        

Income tax (expense) benefit

     220,319        (146,641     (122,080     (45,484     (62,554
                                        

Income (loss) before cumulative effect of a change in accounting principle

     (2,851,376     265,251        168,587        77,445        15,080   

Cumulative effect of a change in accounting principle, net of tax of $113,173 in 2004 (4)

     —          —          —          —          (162,858
                                        

Consolidated net income (loss)

     (2,851,376     265,251        168,587        77,445        (147,778

Amount attributable to noncontrolling interest

     (293     19,261        15,515        15,872        7,602   
                                        

Net income (loss) attributable to the Company

   $ (2,851,083   $ 245,990      $ 153,072      $ 61,573      $ (155,380
                                        

Net income (loss) per common share:

          

Basic:

          

Net income (loss) attributable to the Company before cumulative effect of a change in accounting principle

   $ (8.03   $ .69      $ .43      $ .19      $ .02   

Cumulative effect of a change in accounting principle

     —          —          —          —          (.52
                                        

Net income (loss) attributable to the Company

   $ (8.03   $ .69      $ .43      $ .19      $ (.50
                                        

Weighted average common shares

     355,233        354,838        352,155        319,890        315,000   

Diluted:

          

Net income (loss) attributable to the Company before cumulative effect of a change in accounting principle

   $ (8.03   $ .69      $ .43      $ .19      $ .02   

Cumulative effect of a change in accounting principle

     —          —          —          —          (.52
                                        

Net income (loss) attributable to the Company

   $ (8.03   $ .69      $ .43      $ .19      $ (.50
                                        

Weighted average common shares

     355,233        355,806        352,262        319,921        315,000   

 

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(In thousands)    As of December 31,
     2008
Post-Merger
   2007 (1)
Pre-Merger
   2006 (2)
Pre-Merger
   2005
Pre-Merger
   2004
Pre-Merger

Balance Sheet Data:

              

Current assets

   $ 1,554,652    $ 1,607,107    $ 1,189,915    $ 1,050,180    $ 1,107,240

Property, plant and equipment – net

     2,586,720      2,244,108      2,191,839      2,153,428      2,195,985

Total assets

     8,050,761      5,935,604      5,421,891      4,918,345      5,240,933

Current liabilities

     791,865      921,292      841,509      793,812      749,055

Long-term debt, including current maturities

     2,601,854      2,682,021      2,684,176      2,727,786      1,639,380

Shareholders’/owner’s equity

     3,543,823      2,198,594      1,768,279      1,376,714      2,792,955

 

(1) Effective January 1, 2007, the Company adopted Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Interpretation No. 48, Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes (“FIN 48”). In accordance with the provisions of FIN 48, the effects of adoption were accounted for as a cumulative-effect adjustment recorded to the balance of retained earnings on the date of adoption. See Note J to the Company’s financial statements.

 

(2) Effective January 1, 2006, the Company adopted FASB Statement No. 123(R), Share-Based Payment (“Statement No. 123(R)”). In accordance with the provisions of Statement 123(R), the Company elected to adopt the standard using the modified prospective method. See Note K to the Company’s financial statements.

 

(3) As a result of the global economic slowdown that has adversely affected advertising revenues across the Company’s businesses, the Company performed and interim impairment test as of December 31, 2008 on its indefinite-lived permits and goodwill. The interim impairment test resulted in the Company recognizing a non-cash impairment charge of $3.2 billion in 2008, as discussed more fully in Item 7.

 

(4) Cumulative effect of change in accounting principle for the year ended December 31, 2004 related to a non-cash charge recognized in accordance with the adoption of Topic D-108, Use of the Residual Method to Value Acquired Assets other than Goodwill (“Topic D-108”).

 

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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, 2008, 2007 and 2006.

Our discussion is presented on both a consolidated and segmented basis. Our reportable operating segments are Americas and International. Approximately 92% of our 2008 Americas revenue was derived from the United States, with the balance derived primarily from Canada and Latin America. Approximately 40% of our 2008 International revenue was derived from France and the United Kingdom.

We manage our segments primarily focusing on operating income. Corporate expenses, impairment charges, other operating income – net, interest expense, equity in earnings 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.

 

  •  

Financial Condition and Liquidity. This section provides a discussion of our financial condition as of December 31, 2008, as well as an analysis of our cash flows for the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006. The discussion of our financial condition and liquidity 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, 2008.

 

  •  

Seasonality and Market Risk Management. These sections discuss seasonality and how we manage exposure to potential losses arising from adverse changes in foreign currency exchange rates and interest rates.

 

  •  

New Accounting Pronouncements, 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. Clear Channel Communications is now an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of CC Media Holdings. The merger was accounted for as a purchase business combination in conformity with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 141, Business Combinations, and Emerging Issues Task Force Issue 88-16, Basis in Leveraged Buyout Transactions. Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 54, Push Down Basis of Accounting Required in Certain Limited Circumstances, requires the application of push down accounting in situations where the ownership of an entity has changed. As a result, the post-merger financial statements reflect a new basis of accounting. Accordingly, the financial statements as of December 31, 2008 reflect Clear Channel Communications’ preliminary estimated fair value basis resulting from the merger that has been pushed down to us. A portion of the consideration paid has been preliminarily allocated to the assets and liabilities acquired at their respective fair values at July 30, 2008. The remaining portion was recorded at the continuing shareholders basis, due to the fact that certain shares of Clear Channel Communications’ common stock were exchanged for shares of CC Media Holdings’ Class A common stock. Excess consideration after this preliminary allocation was recorded as goodwill. Clear Channel Communications has preliminarily estimated the fair value of the acquired assets and liabilities as of the merger date utilizing information available at the time the financial statements were prepared. These estimates are subject to refinement until all pertinent information is obtained and finalized. Clear Channel Communications is currently in the process of

 

17


obtaining third-party valuations of certain of the acquired assets and liabilities in order to finalize the purchase price allocation. Clear Channel Communications will complete its purchase price allocation in 2009 and the final allocation of the purchase price may be different than the preliminary allocation.

Impairment Charge

The global economic slowdown has adversely affected advertising revenues across our business in recent months. As a result, we performed an impairment test in the fourth quarter of 2008 on our indefinite-lived permits and goodwill.

Our permits are valued using the direct valuation approach, with the key assumptions being market revenue growth rates, market share, profit margin, duration and profile of the build-up period, estimated start-up capital costs and losses incurred during the build-up period, the risk-adjusted discount rate and terminal values. This data is populated using industry normalized information representing an average asset within a market.

The estimated fair value of permits was below their carrying values. As a result, we recognized a non-cash impairment charge of $722.6 million on our permits. The United States and global economies are undergoing a period of economic uncertainty, which has caused, among other things, a general tightening in the credit markets, limited access to the credit market, lower levels of liquidity and lower consumer and business spending. These disruptions in the credit and financial markets and the continuing impact of adverse economic, financial and industry conditions on the demand for advertising negatively impacted the key assumptions in the discounted cash flow models used to value our permits.

The goodwill impairment test requires us to measure the fair value of our reporting units and compare the estimated fair value to the carrying value, including goodwill. Each of our reporting units is valued using a discounted cash flow model which requires estimating future cash flows expected to be generated from the reporting unit, discounted to their present value using a risk-adjusted discount rate. Terminal values were also estimated and discounted to their present value. Assessing the recoverability of goodwill requires us to make estimates and assumptions about sales, operating margins, growth rates and discount rates based on our budgets, business plans, economic projections, anticipated future cash flows and marketplace data. There are inherent uncertainties related to these factors and management’s judgment in applying these factors.

The estimated fair value of our reporting units was below their carrying values, which required us to compare the implied fair value of each reporting units’ goodwill with its carrying value. As a result, we recognized a non-cash impairment charge of $2.5 billion to reduce our goodwill. The macroeconomic factors discussed above had an adverse effect on our estimated cash flows and discount rates used in the discounted cash flow model.

While we believe we had made reasonable estimates and utilized reasonable assumptions to calculate the fair value of our permits and reporting units, it is possible a material change could occur to the estimated fair value of these assets. If our actual results are not consistent with our estimates, we could be exposed to future impairment losses that could be material to our results of operations.

Restructuring Program

On January 20, 2009, CC Media Holdings announced that it had commenced a restructuring program targeting a reduction of fixed costs by approximately $350 million on an annualized basis. As part of the program, it eliminated approximately 1,850 full-time positions representing approximately 9% of total workforce. The restructuring program will also include other actions, including elimination of overlapping functions and other cost savings initiatives. The program is expected to result in restructuring and other non-recurring charges of approximately $200 million, although additional costs may be incurred as the program evolves. It is estimated that approximately 40% of the anticipated cost savings and related charges will be attributable to us. The cost savings initiatives are expected to be fully implemented by the end of the first quarter of 2010. No assurance can be given that the restructuring program will be successful or will achieve the anticipated cost savings in the timeframe expected or at all. In addition, the restructuring program may be modified or terminated in response to economic conditions or otherwise.

As of December 31, 2008 we had recognized approximately $35.5 million of expenses related to our restructuring program. These expenses primarily related to severance of approximately $27.8 million and $7.7 million related to other professional fees.

 

18


Format of Presentation

The accompanying consolidated financial statements are presented for two periods: post-merger and pre-merger. Preliminary purchase accounting adjustments, including goodwill, were pushed down to the opening balance sheet on July 31, 2008 as Clear Channel Communications’ merger occurred at the close of business on July 30, 2008. The merger resulted in a new basis of accounting beginning on July 31, 2008 and the financial reporting periods are presented as follows:

 

  •  

The period from July 31, 2008 through December 31, 2008 reflect the post-merger period, including the preliminary 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 years ended December 31, 2007 and 2006 presented are pre-merger. 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 preliminary purchase accounting, the consolidated financial statements of the post-merger periods are not comparable to periods preceding the merger.

There are several agreements which govern our relationship with Clear Channel Communications including the Corporate Services Agreement, Employee Matters Agreement and Tax Matters Agreement. Clear Channel Communications has the right to terminate these agreements in various circumstances. As of the date of the filing of this Annual Report, no notice of termination of any of these agreements has been received from Clear Channel Communications. Our agreements with Clear Channel Communications continue under the same terms and conditions subsequent to Clear Channel Communications’ merger.

In conjunction with the merger, Clear Channel Communications’ $1.75 billion revolving credit facility, including the $150.0 million sub-limit, was terminated. The facility was replaced with a $2.0 billion revolving credit facility with a maturity in July 2014, which includes a $150.0 million sub-limit that certain of our International subsidiaries may borrow against to the extent Clear Channel Communications has not already borrowed against this capacity and is in compliance with its covenants under the credit facility. On February 6, 2009, Clear Channel Communications borrowed the remaining availability under its $2.0 billion revolving credit facility, including the remaining availability under the $150.0 million sub-limit. The obligations of these International subsidiaries that are borrowers under the revolving credit facility are guaranteed by certain of our material wholly-owned subsidiaries, and secured by substantially all of the assets of such borrowers and guarantors, subject to permitted liens and other exceptions.

The accompanying consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this Annual Report are presented for two periods for 2008: post-merger and pre-merger results, which relate to the period succeeding the merger and the periods preceding the merger, respectively. The discussion in this MD&A is presented on a combined basis of the pre-merger and post-merger periods for 2008. The 2008 post-merger and pre-merger results are presented but are not discussed separately. We believe that the discussion on a combined basis is more meaningful as it allows the results of operations to be analyzed to comparable periods in 2007 and 2006.

Description of Business

Our outdoor advertising business has been, and may continue to be, adversely impacted by the difficult economic conditions currently present in the United States and other countries in which we operate. The continuing 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 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. 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

 

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or group of displays, expressed as a percentage of a market population. The number of impressions delivered by a display is measured by the number of people passing the site during a defined period of time and, in some international markets, is weighted to account for such factors as illumination, proximity to other displays and the speed and viewing angle of approaching traffic. Management typically monitors our business by reviewing the average rates, average revenue per display, or yield, occupancy and inventory levels of each of our display types by market. In addition, because a significant portion of our advertising operations are conducted in foreign markets, the largest being France and the United Kingdom, management reviews the operating results from our foreign operations on a constant dollar basis. A constant dollar basis allows for comparison of operations independent of foreign exchange movements.

The significant expenses associated with our operations include (i) direct production, maintenance and installation expenses, (ii) site lease expenses for land under our displays and (iii) revenue-sharing or minimum guaranteed amounts payable under our billboard, street furniture and transit display contracts. Our direct production, maintenance and installation expenses include costs for printing, transporting and changing the advertising copy on our displays, the related labor costs, the vinyl and paper costs and the costs for cleaning and maintaining our displays. Vinyl and paper costs vary according to the complexity of the advertising copy and the quantity of displays. Our site lease expenses include lease payments for use of the land under our displays, as well as any revenue-sharing arrangements or minimum guaranteed amounts payable we may have with the landlords. The terms of our site leases and revenue-sharing or minimum guaranteed contracts generally range from 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, public ownership of display sites and associated competitive bidding for street furniture and transit display contracts constitute a larger portion of our International business, and a different regulatory environment for billboards results in higher recurring site lease cost in our International business compared to our Americas business. As a result of these factors and generally lower economy of scales in these comparatively smaller markets, 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.

Our 2008 and 2007 results of operations include a full year of the results of operations of Interspace Airport Advertising, or Interspace, and our results of operations for 2006 include a partial year of the results of operations of Interspace, which we acquired in July 2006.

Relationship with Clear Channel Communications

We became a publicly traded company on November 11, 2005, through an initial public offering, or IPO, in which we sold 10% of our common stock, or 35.0 million shares of our Class A common stock. Prior to our IPO we were an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of Clear Channel Communications. Clear Channel Communications currently owns all of our outstanding shares of Class B common stock representing approximately 89% of the outstanding shares of our common stock and approximately 99% of the total voting power of our common stock.

In accordance with the Master Agreement, our branch managers follow a corporate policy allowing Clear Channel Communications to use, without charge, Americas’ displays they believe would otherwise be unsold. Our sales personnel receive partial revenue credit for that usage for compensation purposes. This partial revenue credit is not included in our reported revenue. Clear Channel Communications bears the cost of producing the advertising and we bear the costs of installing and removing this advertising. In 2008, we estimated this discounted revenue would have been less than 1% of our Americas revenue.

Under the Corporate Services Agreement, Clear Channel Communications provides management services to us. These services are charged to us based on actual direct costs incurred or allocated by Clear Channel Communications based on headcount, revenue or other factors on a pro rata basis. For further discussion of these services, see Note I to the consolidated financial statements. For the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006, we recorded approximately $28.1 million, $20.3 million and $24.3 million, respectively, as a component of corporate expenses for these services.

 

20


Share-Based Payments

As of December 31, 2008, there was $21.2 million of total unrecognized compensation cost, net of estimated forfeitures, related to unvested share-based compensation arrangements. This cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of approximately three years.

The following table details compensation costs related to share-based payments:

 

(In thousands)     
     Year Ended December 31,
     2008
Combined
   2007
Pre-Merger
   2006
Pre-Merger

Direct operating expenses

   $ 8,057    $ 6,951    $ 4,328

Selling, general and administrative expenses

     2,575      2,682      1,683

Corporate expenses

     957      538      88
                    

Total share-based payments

   $ 11,589    $ 10,171    $ 6,099
                    

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Consolidated Results of Operations

The following tables summarize our historical results of operations:

 

(In thousands)                   
     Post-Merger     Pre-Merger     Combined  
     Period from
July 31 through
December 31,
2008
    Period from
January 1
through July 30,
2008
    Year Ended
December 31,
2008
 

Revenue

   $ 1,327,224      $ 1,962,063      $ 3,289,287   

Operating expenses:

      

Direct operating expenses

     762,704        1,119,432        1,882,136   

Selling, general and administrative expenses

     261,524        344,846        606,370   

Depreciation and amortization

     224,713        247,637        472,350   

Corporate expenses

     31,681        39,364        71,045   

Impairment charge

     3,217,649        —          3,217,649   

Other operating income— net

     4,870        10,978        15,848   
                        

Operating income (loss)

     (3,166,177     221,762        (2,944,415

Interest expense (including interest on debt with Clear Channel Communications)

     72,863        88,787        161,650   

Loss on marketable securities

     59,842        —          59,842   

Equity in earnings (loss) of nonconsolidated affiliates

     (2,109     70,842        68,733   

Other income (expense)— net

     12,114        13,365        25,479   
                        

Income (loss) before income taxes

     (3,288,877     217,182        (3,071,695

Income tax (expense) benefit:

      

Current

     3,045        (30,171     (27,126

Deferred

     268,850        (21,405     247,445   
                        

Income tax (expense) benefit

     271,895        (51,576     220,319   
                        

Consolidated net income (loss)

     (3,016,982     165,606        (2,851,376

Amount attributable to noncontrolling interest

     1,655        (1,948     (293
                        

Net income (loss) attributable to the Company

   $ (3,018,637   $ 167,554      $ (2,851,083
                        

 

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(In thousands)                               
     Year Ended December 31,     % Change  
     2008
Combined
    2007
Pre-Merger
    2006
Pre-Merger
    2008 v.
2007
    2007 v.
2006
 

Revenue

   $ 3,289,287      $ 3,281,836      $ 2,897,721      0   13

Operating expenses:

          

Direct operating expenses

     1,882,136        1,734,845        1,514,842      8   15

Selling, general and administrative expenses

     606,370        537,994        486,994      13   10

Depreciation and amortization

     472,350        399,483        407,730      18   (2 )% 

Corporate expenses

     71,045        66,080        65,542      8   1

Impairment charge

     3,217,649        —          —         

Other operating income— net

     15,848        11,824        22,846      34   (48 )% 
                            

Operating income (loss)

     (2,944,415     555,258        445,459      (630 )%    25

Interest expense (including interest on debt with Clear Channel Communications)

     161,650        157,881        162,583       

Loss on marketable securities

     59,842        —          —         

Equity in earnings of nonconsolidated affiliates

     68,733        4,402        7,460       

Other income (expense)— net

     25,479        10,113        331       
                            

Income (loss) before income taxes

     (3,071,695     411,892        290,667       

Income tax (expense) benefit:

          

Current

     (27,126     (111,726     (82,553    

Deferred

     247,445        (34,915     (39,527    
                            

Income tax (expense) benefit

     220,319        (146,641     (122,080    
                            

Consolidated net income (loss)

     (2,851,376     265,251        168,587       

Amount attributable to noncontrolling interest

     (293     19,261        15,515       
                            

Net income (loss) attributable to the Company

   $ (2,851,083   $ 245,990      $ 153,072       
                            

Revenue

2008 v. 2007

Our revenue increased approximately $7.5 million during 2008 as compared to 2007. Revenue growth during the first nine months of 2008 was partially offset by a decline of $151.2 million in the fourth quarter. Our Americas revenue declined approximately $54.8 million during 2008 as compared to 2007, attributable to decreases in poster and bulletin revenues associated with cancellations and non-renewals from major national advertisers. The declines were partially offset by an increase from our International revenue of approximately $62.3 million, with roughly $60.4 million from movements in foreign exchange.

2007 v. 2006

Our revenue increased approximately $384.1 million, or 13%, during 2007 as compared to 2006. Our International revenue increased $240.4 million, including approximately $133.3 million related to movements in foreign exchange and the remainder associated with growth across inventory categories. Our Americas revenue increased $143.7 million driven by increases in bulletin, street furniture, airports and taxi display revenues as well as $32.1 million from airport advertising concessions operator Interspace Airport Advertising (“Interspace”), which we acquired in 2006.

Direct Operating Expenses

2008 v. 2007

Direct operating expenses increased $147.3 million for 2008 compared to 2007. Our International business contributed $90.3 million to the increase primarily from an increase in site lease expenses and $39.5 million related to movements in foreign exchange. Our Americas business contributed $57.0 million to the increase primarily from new contracts.

 

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2007 v. 2006

Direct operating expenses increased $220.0 million for 2007 compared to 2006. International direct operating expenses increased $163.8 million principally from $88.0 million related to movements in foreign exchange. Americas direct operating expenses increased $56.2 million primarily attributable to increased site lease expenses associated with new contracts and the increase in transit revenue as well as approximately $14.9 million from Interspace.

Selling, General and Administrative (“SG&A”) Expenses

2008 v. 2007

SG&A expenses increased $68.4 million during 2008 compared to 2007. Approximately $23.7 million of this increase occurred during the fourth quarter primarily as a result of severance associated with the restructuring plan. Our International business contributed approximately $41.9 million to the increase primarily from movements in foreign exchange of $11.2 million and an increase in severance in 2008 associated with the restructuring plan of approximately $20.1 million. Our Americas business’ SG&A expenses increased approximately $26.4 million largely from increased bad debt expense of $15.5 million and an increase in severance in 2008 associated with the restructuring plan of $4.5 million.

2007 v. 2006

SG&A expenses increased $51.0 million during 2007 compared to 2006. International SG&A expenses increased $31.9 million primarily related to movements in foreign exchange. Americas SG&A expenses increased $19.1 million mostly attributable to sales expenses associated with the increase in revenue and $6.7 million from Interspace.

Depreciation and Amortization

2008 v. 2007

Depreciation and amortization increased $72.9 million in 2008 as compared to 2007. The increase was primarily due to increased amortization recorded on the preliminary fair value adjustments of $25.4 million pushed-down as a result of Clear Channel Communications’ merger and $29.3 million of accelerated depreciation on billboards in our Americas and International outdoor segments from billboards that were removed.

2007 v. 2006

Depreciation and amortization decreased $8.2 million in 2007 as compared to 2006. The decrease was primarily due to a reduction in amortization from International contracts, partially offset by an increase from Interspace and the effects of foreign exchange.

Corporate Expenses

Corporate expenses increased $5.0 million in 2008 as compared to 2007. The increase was primarily attributable to an increase in the Corporate Services allocation from Clear Channel Communications, partially offset by a decrease in bonus expense. Corporate expenses were comparable in 2007 to 2006.

Under the Corporate Services agreement between us and Clear Channel Communications, Clear Channel Communications provides management services to us, which include, among other things, (i) treasury, payroll and other financial related services, (ii) executive officer services, (iii) human resources and employee benefits services, (iv) legal and related services, (v) information systems, network and related services, (vi) investment services, (vii) procurement and sourcing support services, and (viii) other general corporate services. These services are charged to us based on actual direct costs incurred or allocated by Clear Channel Communications based on headcount, revenue or other factors on a pro rata basis. For the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007, and 2006, we recorded approximately $28.1 million, $20.3 million, and $24.3 million, respectively, as a component of corporate expenses for these services.

 

23


Impairment Charge

The global economic slowdown has adversely affected advertising revenues across our businesses in recent months. As discussed above, we performed an impairment test in the fourth quarter of 2008 and recognized a non-cash impairment charge to our indefinite-lived intangible assets and goodwill of $3.2 billion. See Note B to the consolidated financial statements for further discussion of the impairment charge.

Other Operating Income — Net

Other operating income – net for the year ended December 31, 2008 was $15.8 million. During the first quarter of 2008, we exchanged assets in one of our Americas markets for assets located in a different market and recognized a gain of $2.6 million. During the second quarter of 2008, we recorded a $4.0 million gain on the sale of property. In addition, we recorded a $1.7 million gain on the sale of International street furniture in the third quarter of 2008.

Other operating income – net of $11.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2007, primarily related to an $8.9 million gain from the sale of street furniture assets and land in our International segment.

Other operating income – net of $22.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2006, primarily related to a $13.2 million gain in our Americas segment from the exchange of assets in one of our markets for the assets of a third party located in a different market.

Interest Expense (Including Interest on Debt with Clear Channel Communications)

2008 v. 2007

Interest expense increased $3.8 million during 2008 as compared to 2007. The increase was primarily due to an increase in the interest rate on the $2.5 billion note to Clear Channel Communications. The interest rate is based on Clear Channel Communications’ weighted average cost of debt. The average interest rate in 2008 was 6.2% as compared to 6.1% in 2007. See “Financial Condition and Liquidity” below for further discussion of the impact of Clear Channel Communications’ merger on interest expense.

2007 v. 2006

Interest expense decreased $4.7 million during 2007 as compared to 2006, primarily as a result of a decline in our average debt balance during the period.

Loss on Marketable Securities

During the fourth quarter of 2008, we recorded a non-cash impairment charge to certain available-for-sale securities. The fair value of these available-for-sale securities was below their cost each month subsequent to the closing of Clear Channel Communications’ merger. As a result, we considered the guidance in SEC Staff Accounting Bulletin Topic 5M and reviewed the length of the time and the extent to which the market value was less than cost and the financial condition and near-term prospects of the issuer. After this assessment, we concluded that the impairment was other than temporary and recorded a $59.8 million impairment charge.

Equity in Earnings (Loss) of Nonconsolidated Affiliates

Equity in earnings (loss) of nonconsolidated affiliates increased $64.3 million during 2008 as compared to 2007. In the first quarter of 2008, we sold our 50% interest in Clear Channel Independent, a South African outdoor advertising company, and recognized a gain of $75.6 million. This gain was partially offset by a $9.0 million impairment charge to one of our International equity method investments recorded during the third quarter of 2008.

Other Income (Expense) — Net

Other income of $25.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2008 primarily related to net foreign exchange transaction gains on short-term intercompany accounts of $19.8 million. In addition, we recorded income of $8.0 million related to dividends received from an International investment. Other income – net of $10.1 million and $0.3 million for the years ended December 31, 2007 and 2006, respectively, relates primarily to net foreign exchange transaction gains on short-term intercompany accounts.

 

24


Income Taxes

Our operations are included in a consolidated income tax return filed by Clear Channel Communications. However, for our financial statements, our provision for income taxes was computed on the basis that we file separate consolidated Federal income tax returns with our subsidiaries.

The decrease in current tax expense of $84.6 million for 2008 when compared to 2007 is primarily the result of a decrease in “Income (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 par t of the Economic Stimulus Act of 2008.

Our effective tax rate for 2008 was 7.2%. The primary reason for the reduction in the effective tax rate from 2007 was the result of the impairment charge recorded in 2008 discussed in more detail above and in Note B to the consolidated financial statements. In addition, we did not record tax benefits on certain tax losses in our foreign operations due to the uncertainty of the ability to utilize those tax losses in the future.

Our effective tax rate for the year ended December 31, 2007 was 36%. The increase in current tax expense of $29.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2007 over 2006 was due primarily to an increase in “Income (loss) before income taxes” of $121.2 million. Deferred tax expense decreased $4.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2007 compared to 2006 primarily due to additional deferred tax expense of approximately $12.8 recorded in 2006 related to the filing of an amended tax return. The amendment was mainly due to a revised tax loss on the like kind exchange of certain assets. In addition, the company recorded deferred tax expense of approximately $16.7 million in 2006 related to the uncertainty of our ability to utilize certain tax losses in the future for certain international operations. The changes noted above were partially offset by additional deferred tax expense of approximately $19.8 million recorded in 2007 as a result of tax depreciation expense related to capital expenditures in certain foreign jurisdictions.

Our effective tax rate for the year ended December 31, 2006 was 42%. During 2006, we recorded current tax benefits of approximately $20.4 million related to tax losses on the disposition of certain operating assets and the filing of an amended tax return. The amendment primarily related to a revised tax loss on the like kind exchange of certain outdoor assets.

Americas Results of Operations

 

(In thousands)    Year Ended December 31,    % Change  
     2008
Combined
   2007
Pre-Merger
   2006
Pre-Merger
   2008 v.
2007
    2007 v.
2006
 

Revenue

   $ 1,430,258    $ 1,485,058    $ 1,341,356    (4 )%    11

Direct operating expenses

     647,526      590,563      534,365    10   11

Selling, general and administrative expenses

     252,889      226,448      207,326    12   9

Depreciation and amortization

     207,633      189,853      178,970    9   6
                         

Operating income

   $ 322,210    $ 478,194    $ 420,695    (33 )%    14
                         

2008 v. 2007

Revenue decreased approximately $54.8 million during 2008 compared to 2007, with the entire decline occurring in the fourth quarter. Driving the decline was approximately $87.4 million attributable to poster and bulletin revenues associated with cancellations and non-renewals from major national advertisers, partially offset by an increase of $46.2 million in airport revenues, digital display revenues and street furniture revenues. Also impacting the decline in bulletin revenue was decreased occupancy while the decline in poster revenue was affected by a decrease in both occupancy and rate. The increase in airport and street furniture revenues was primarily driven by new contracts while digital display revenue growth was primarily the result of an increase in the number of digital displays. Other miscellaneous revenues also declined approximately $13.6 million.

 

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Our Americas direct operating expenses increased $57.0 million primarily from higher site lease expenses of $45.2 million primarily attributable to new taxi, airport and street furniture contracts and an increase of $2.4 million in severance associated with the restructuring plan. Our SG&A expenses increased $26.4 million largely from increased bad debt expense of $15.5 million and an increase of $4.5 million in severance in 2008 associated with the restructuring plan.

Depreciation and amortization increased approximately $17.8 million mostly as a result of $6.6 million related to additional depreciation and amortization associated with the preliminary fair value adjustments to the acquired assets and $11.3 million of accelerated depreciation from billboards that were removed.

2007 v. 2006

Americas’ revenue increased $143.7 million, or 11%, during 2007 as compared to 2006 with Interspace contributing approximately $32.1 million to the increase. The growth occurred across our inventory, including bulletins, street furniture, airports and taxi displays. The revenue growth was primarily driven by bulletin revenue attributable to increased rates and airport revenue which had both increased rates and occupancy. Leading advertising categories during the year were telecommunications, retail, automotive, financial services and amusements. Revenue growth occurred across our markets, led by Los Angeles, New York, Washington/Baltimore, Atlanta, Boston, Seattle and Minneapolis.

Our Americas direct operating expenses increased $56.2 million primarily from an increase of $46.6 million in site lease expenses associated with new contracts and the increase in airport, street furniture and taxi revenues. Interspace contributed $14.9 million to the increase. Our SG&A expenses increased $19.1 million primarily from bonus and commission expenses associated with the increase in revenue and from Interspace, which contributed approximately $6.7 million to the increase.

Depreciation and amortization increased $10.9 million during 2007 compared to 2006 primarily associated with $5.9 million from Interspace.

International Results of Operations

 

(In thousands)    Year Ended December 31,    % Change  
     2008
Combined
   2007
Pre-Merger
   2006
Pre-Merger
   2008 v.
2007
    2007 v.
2006
 

Revenue

   $ 1,859,029    $ 1,796,778    $ 1,556,365    3   15

Direct operating expenses

     1,234,610      1,144,282      980,477    8   17

Selling, general and administrative expenses

     353,481      311,546      279,668    13   11

Depreciation and amortization

     264,717      209,630      228,760    26   (8 )% 
                         

Operating income

   $ 6,221    $ 131,320    $ 67,460    (95 )%    95
                         

2008 v. 2007

Revenue increased approximately $62.3 million, with roughly $60.4 million from movements in foreign exchange. The remaining revenue growth was primarily attributable to growth in China, Turkey and Romania, partially offset by revenue declines in France and the United Kingdom. China and Turkey benefited from strong advertising environments. We acquired operations in Romania at the end of the second quarter of 2007, which also contributed to revenue growth in 2008. The decline in France was primarily driven by the loss of a contract to advertise on railways and the decline in the United Kingdom was primarily driven by weak advertising demand.

During the fourth quarter of 2008, revenue declined approximately $88.6 million compared to the fourth quarter of 2007, of which approximately $51.8 million was due to movements in foreign exchange and the remaining amount was primarily as a result of a decline in advertising demand.

Direct operating expenses increased $90.3 million. Included in the increase is approximately $39.5 million related to movements in foreign exchange. The remaining increase in direct operating expenses was driven by an increase in site lease expenses. SG&A expenses increased $41.9 million in 2008 over 2007 with approximately $11.2 million related to movements in foreign exchange and $20.1 million related to severance in 2008 associated with the restructuring plan.

 

26


Depreciation and amortization expenses increased $55.1 million with $18.8 million related to additional depreciation and amortization associated with the preliminary fair value adjustments to the acquired assets, approximately $18.0 million related to an increase in accelerated depreciation from billboards to be removed, approximately $11.3 million related to impaired advertising display contracts and $4.9 million related to an increase from movements in foreign exchange.

2007 v. 2006

International revenue increased $240.4 million, or 15%, in 2007 as compared to 2006. Included in the increase was approximately $133.3 million related to movements in foreign exchange. Revenue growth occurred across inventory categories including billboards, street furniture and transit, driven by both increased rates and occupancy. Growth was led by increased revenues in France, Italy, Australia, Spain and China.

Our International direct operating expenses increased approximately $163.8 million in 2007 compared to 2006. Included in the increase was approximately $88.0 million related to movements in foreign exchange. The remaining increase in direct operating expenses was primarily attributable to an increase in site lease expenses associated with the increase in revenue. SG&A expenses increased $31.9 million in 2007 over 2006 from approximately $23.4 million related to movements in foreign exchange and an increase in selling expenses associated with the increase in revenue. Additionally, we recorded a $9.8 million reduction to SG&A expenses in 2006 as a result of the favorable settlement of a legal proceeding.

Depreciation and amortization decreased $19.1 million in 2007 as compared to 2006 principally from contracts which were recorded at fair value in purchase accounting in prior years and became fully amortized at December 31, 2006.

Reconciliation of Segment Operating Income (Loss)

 

(In thousands)    Year Ended December 31,  
     2008
Combined
    2007
Pre-Merger
    2006
Pre-Merger
 

Americas

   $ 322,210      $ 478,194      $ 420,695   

International

     6,221        131,320        67,460   

Impairment charge

     (3,217,649     —          —     

Corporate

     (71,045     (66,080     (65,542

Other operating income – net

     15,848        11,824        22,846   
                        

Consolidated operating income (loss)

   $ (2,944,415   $ 555,258      $ 445,459   
                        

FINANCIAL CONDITION AND LIQUIDITY

Clear Channel Communications’ Merger

Clear Channel Communications’ capitalization, liquidity and capital resources substantially changed due to the consummation of its merger on July 30, 2008. Upon the closing of the merger, Clear Channel Communications incurred additional debt and became highly leveraged. We are not borrowers or guarantors of Clear Channel Communications’ senior notes or credit agreements other than for direct borrowings by certain of our International subsidiaries under the $150.0 million sub-limit included in Clear Channel Communications’ $2.0 billion revolving credit facility. As of December 31, 2008, the outstanding balance on the sub-limit was approximately $30.0 million. On February 6, 2009, Clear Channel Communications borrowed the remaining availability under its $2.0 billion revolving credit facility, including the remaining availability under the $150.0 million sub-limit. Clear Channel Communications made the borrowing to improve its liquidity position in light of continuing uncertainty in credit market and economic conditions.

Our Company and our consolidated subsidiaries are restricted subsidiaries under Clear Channel Communications’ credit agreements and senior notes and are therefore subject to various restrictions contained therein. The interest rate we pay on our $2.5 billion promissory note is based on the weighted average cost of debt for Clear Channel Communications which was impacted due to the consummation of Clear Channel Communications’ merger. As such, the interest we pay on our $2.5 billion promissory note increased compared to what it would have been had the merger not occurred and may increase again in the future as a result of, among other events, another change in Clear Channel Communications’ capitalization, liquidity and capital resources. To the extent we cannot pass on our increased borrowing costs to our clients, our profitability, and potentially our ability to raise capital, could be materially affected.

 

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Under our Master Agreement with Clear Channel Communications and the $2.5 billion note payable to Clear Channel Communications, we are limited in our borrowing from third parties to no more than $400.0 million. Certain of our International subsidiaries have access to borrowings under a $150.0 million sub-limit included in Clear Channel Communications’ multicurrency $2.0 billion revolving credit facility with a maturity in July 2014 to the extent Clear Channel Communications has not already borrowed against this capacity and is in compliance with its covenants under the credit facility. The obligations of these International subsidiaries that are borrowers under the revolving credit facility are guaranteed by certain of our material wholly-owned subsidiaries, and secured by substantially all of the assets of such borrowers and guarantors, subject to permitted liens and other exceptions. On February 6, 2009, Clear Channel Communications borrowed the remaining availability under its $2.0 billion revolving credit facility, including the remaining availability under the $150.0 million sub-limit.

The interest rate on outstanding balances under the new credit facility is based upon LIBOR or, for Euro denominated borrowings, EURIBOR, plus, in each case, a margin, which is generally higher than the margin under Clear Channel Communications’ previous credit facility. See discussion below under “Sources of Capital — Bank Credit Facility.” A deterioration in the financial condition of Clear Channel Communications or borrowings by Clear Channel Communications under the $150.0 million sub-limit could also further increase our borrowing costs or impair our access to the capital markets because of our reliance on Clear Channel Communications for availability under this new revolving credit facility.

Also, so long as Clear Channel Communications maintains a significant interest in us, pursuant to the Master Agreement between Clear Channel Communications and us, Clear Channel Communications will have the option to limit our ability to incur debt or issue equity securities, which could adversely affect our ability to meet our liquidity needs.

Cash Flows

The following table summarizes our historical cash flows:

 

(In thousands)    Year Ended December 31,  
     2008
Combined
    2007
Pre-Merger
    2006
Pre-Merger
 

Cash provided by (used in):

      

Operating activities

   $ 603,624      $ 694,430      $ 538,541   

Investing activities

   $ (425,844   $ (356,368   $ (489,010

Financing activities

   $ (232,840   $ (305,751   $ (53,165

Operating Activities

2008

Net cash provided by operating activities of $603.6 million for 2008 principally reflected a consolidated 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.

2007

Net cash flow from operating activities of $694.4 million for 2007 primarily reflects consolidated 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.

 

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2006

Net cash flow from operating activities of $538.5 million for 2006 principally reflects consolidated net income of $168.6 million and depreciation and amortization of $407.7 million. Net cash flows from operating activities also reflects an increase of $101.3 million in accounts receivable as a result of the increase in revenue and an increase of $65.4 million in accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities.

Investing Activities

2008

We spent $175.8 million in our Americas segment for the purchase of property, plant and equipment mostly related to the construction of new billboards. We spent $182.5 million in our International segment for the purchase of property, plant and equipment mostly 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.

2007

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 mostly 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.

2006

We spent $90.5 million in our Americas segment for the purchase of property, plant and equipment mostly related to construction of new billboards. We spent $143.4 million in our International segment for the purchase of property, plant and equipment mostly related to new billboard and street furniture contracts and renewals of existing contracts.

We completed the acquisition of Interspace on July 1, 2006 and paid cash consideration of $88.2 million. In addition, our Americas segment acquired display faces for $55.4 million in cash. Our International segment acquired display faces and additional equity interests in outdoor companies for $105.7 million, including the acquisition of an outdoor advertising business in the United Kingdom.

Financing Activities

2008

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 cash management notes and the $2.5 billion note payable to Clear Channel Communications.

2007

Net cash used in financing activities of $305.8 million for 2007 is primarily related to the net transfer of cash to Clear Channel Communications of $302.9 million. 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 cash management notes and the $2.5 billion note payable to Clear Channel Communications.

 

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2006

Net cash used in financing activities of $53.2 million for 2006 principally reflects a net reduction in debt of $59.7 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 cash management notes and the $2.5 billion note payable to Clear Channel Communications.

Anticipated Cash Requirements

Our primary source of liquidity is cash flow from operations, which has been adversely affected by the global economic slowdown. The risks associated with our businesses become more acute in periods of a slowing economy or recession, which may be accompanied by a decrease in advertising. Expenditures by advertisers tend to be cyclical, reflecting overall economic conditions and budgeting and buying patterns. The current global economic slowdown has resulted in a decline in advertising and marketing services among our customers, resulting in a decline in our advertising revenues across our businesses. This reduction in advertising revenues has had an adverse effect on our revenue, profit margins, cash flow and liquidity, particularly during the second half of 2008. The continuation of the global economic slowdown may continue to adversely impact our revenue, profit margins, cash flow and liquidity.

In January 2009, in response to the deterioration in general economic conditions and the resulting negative impact on our and CC Media Holdings’ business, CC Media Holdings commenced a restructuring program targeting a reduction of fixed costs by approximately $350 million on an annualized basis for us and Clear Channel Communications, on a combined basis. As part of the program, CC Media Holdings eliminated approximately 1,850 full-time positions representing approximately 9% of total workforce. The program is expected to result in restructuring and other non-recurring charges of approximately $200 million, although additional costs may be incurred as the program evolves. It is estimated that approximately 40% of the anticipated cost savings and related charges will be attributable to us and approximately 60% of the anticipated cost savings and related charges will be attributable to Clear Channel Communications. The cost savings initiatives are expected to be fully implemented by the end of the first quarter of 2010. No assurance can be given that the restructuring program will be successful or will achieve the anticipated cost savings in the timeframe expected or at all.

Based on our current and anticipated levels of operations and conditions in our markets, we believe that cash on hand, cash flows from operations and borrowing under the cash management note with Clear Channel Communications will enable us to meet our working capital, capital expenditure, debt service and other funding requirements for at least the next 12 months. In addition, we expect to be in compliance with the covenants governing our indebtedness in 2009. Furthermore, in its Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC on March 2, 2009, CC Media Holdings stated that it expects to be in compliance with its covenants governing its indebtedness discussed below in 2009. However, our and CC Media Holdings’ anticipated results are subject to significant uncertainty and there can be no assurance that actual results will be in compliance with the covenants.

In addition, our ability to fund our working capital needs, debt service and other obligations, however, depends on our future operating performance and cash flow and Clear Channel Communications’ ability to meet its obligations with respect to the “Due from Clear Channel Communications” account and to lend under the cash management note, which are in turn subject to prevailing economic conditions and other factors, many of which are beyond our and Clear Channel Communications’ control. If our future operating performance does not meet our expectations or our plans materially change in an adverse manner or prove to be materially inaccurate, we may need additional financing. Continuing adverse securities and credit market conditions could significantly affect the availability of credit. In addition, the $2.5 billion note and Master Agreement with Clear Channel Communications include restrictive covenants that, among other things, restrict our ability to incur additional indebtedness.

 

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Liquidity

Sources of Capital

As of December 31, 2008 and 2007, we had the following indebtedness outstanding, cash and cash equivalents and amounts due from Clear Channel Communications:

 

(In millions)    Year Ended December 31,
     2008
Post-Merger
   2007
Pre-Merger

Bank credit facility ($150.0 million sub-limit within Clear Channel Communications’ $2.0 billion revolving credit facility)

   $ 30.0    $ 80.0

Debt with Clear Channel Communications

     2,500.0      2,500.0

Other debt

     71.9      102.0
             

Total debt

     2,601.9      2,682.0

Less: Cash and cash equivalents

     94.8      134.9

Less: Due from Clear Channel Communications

     431.6      265.4
             
   $ 2,075.5    $ 2,281.7
             

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, 2008, the outstanding balance on this sub-limit was approximately $30.0 million, with the entire balance to be repaid on July 30, 2014. At December 31, 2008, the interest rate on borrowings under this credit facility was 4.6%. At February 27, 2009, the outstanding balance on this sub-limit was $30.0 million, and no amount was available for future borrowings, due to the fact that Clear Channel Communications has borrowed the remaining amount available under this capacity.

Cash Management 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. Interest on the cash management note owed by us accrues on

 

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the daily net negative cash position based upon LIBOR plus a margin. Interest on the cash management note owed by Clear Channel Communications accrues on the daily net positive cash position based upon the average one-month generic treasury bill rate. Included in the accounts are the net activities resulting from day-to-day cash management services provided by Clear Channel Communications. As a part of these services, we maintain collection bank accounts swept daily into accounts of Clear Channel Communications. In return, Clear Channel Communications funds our controlled disbursement accounts as checks or electronic payments are presented for payment. Our claim in relation to cash transferred from our concentration account is on an unsecured basis and is limited to the balance of the “Due from Clear Channel Communications” account. If Clear Channel Communications were to become insolvent, we would be an unsecured creditor of Clear Channel Communications with respect to the revolving promissory note issued by Clear Channel Communications to us. At December 31, 2008 and December 31, 2007, the asset recorded in “Due from Clear Channel Communications” on the consolidated balance sheet was $431.6 million and $265.4 million, respectively. The net interest income for the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006 was $3.5 million, $3.7 million and $0.4 million, respectively. At December 31, 2008, the interest rate on the “Due from Clear Channel Communications” account was 0.02%, which represents the average one-month generic treasury bill rate as described above. At December 31, 2008, we had no borrowings under the cash management note to Clear Channel Communications.

Unlike the management of cash from our U.S. based operations, the amount of cash, if any, which is transferred from our foreign operations to Clear Channel Communications is determined on a basis mutually 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.

Our foreign operations forecast their cash needs to satisfy general working capital requirements and capital expenditures. Our foreign operations also evaluate anticipated cash flows from various investing activities. Therefore, to the extent that anticipated cash on hand from our foreign operations is not enough to satisfy its cash needs, the foreign operations will either borrow from local credit facilities that may be available to those operations or we will transfer required funds to our foreign operations. However, our $150.0 million sub-limit facility is not currently available as Clear Channel Communications drew the remaining availability on February 6, 2009. To the extent that cash on hand from our foreign operations exceeds its cash needs, the foreign operations may repay local credit facilities (which could include the $150.0 million sub-limit) or we may repatriate that cash for use domestically.

Debt With Clear Channel Communications

We have a note in the original principal amount of $2.5 billion to Clear Channel Communications which matures on August 2, 2010 and may be prepaid in whole at any time, or in part from time to time. The note accrues interest at a variable per annum rate equal to the weighted average cost of debt for Clear Channel Communications, calculated on a monthly basis. This note is mandatorily payable upon our change of control (as defined in the note) and, subject to certain exceptions, all net proceeds from debt or equity raised by us must be used to prepay such note. At December 31, 2008, the interest rate on the $2.5 billion note was 6.0%.

Upon maturity of our note with Clear Channel Communications, if our cash flow and capital resources are insufficient to service our debt obligations, we may be forced to sell assets, seek additional equity or debt capital or restructure our indebtedness. However, given the current economic climate, these measures might be unsuccessful or inadequate in permitting us to meet scheduled debt service obligations. In light of the current credit crisis, we may be unable to restructure or refinance our obligations and obtain additional equity financing or sell assets on satisfactory terms or at all. As a result, inability to meet our debt obligations could cause us to default on those obligations. A default under any debt instrument could, in turn, result in defaults under other debt instruments. Any such defaults could materially impair our financial condition and liquidity.

Our working capital requirements and capital for general corporate purposes, including acquisitions and capital expenditures, may be provided to us by Clear Channel Communications, in its sole discretion, pursuant to a cash management note issued by us to Clear Channel Communications. Without the opportunity to obtain financing from Clear Channel Communications, we may need to obtain additional financing from banks, or through public offerings or private placements of debt, strategic relationships or other arrangements at some future date. As stated above, we may be unable to successfully obtain additional debt or equity financing on satisfactory terms or at all.

 

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As long as Clear Channel Communications maintains a significant interest in us, pursuant to the Master Agreement between Clear Channel Communications and us, Clear Channel Communications will have the option to limit our ability to incur debt or issue equity securities, which could adversely affect our ability to meet our liquidity needs. In addition, the $2.5 billion note requires us to prepay it in full upon a change of control and, upon our issuances of equity and incurrence of debt, subject to certain exceptions, to prepay the note in the amount of net proceeds received from such events. Under the Master Agreement with Clear Channel Communications and the $2.5 billion note, we are limited in our borrowing from third parties to no more than $400.0 million (including borrowings under the $150.0 million sub-limit of Clear Channel Communications’ $2.0 billion revolving credit facility). As a result of current borrowings and commitments, we were limited to approximately $206.8 million in additional external borrowings as of December 31, 2008.

Other debt

Other debt consists primarily of loans with international banks. At December 31, 2008, approximately $71.9 million was outstanding as other debt.

Debt Covenants

The $2.5 billion note requires us to comply with various negative covenants, including restrictions on the following activities: incurring consolidated funded indebtedness (as defined in the note), excluding intercompany indebtedness, in a principal amount in excess of $400.0 million at any one time outstanding; creating liens; making investments; entering into sale and leaseback transactions (as defined in the note), which when aggregated with consolidated funded indebtedness secured by liens, will not exceed an amount equal to 10% of our total consolidated shareholders’ equity (as defined in the note) as shown on our most recently reported annual audited consolidated balance sheet; disposing of all or substantially all of our assets; entering into mergers and consolidations; declaring or making dividends or other distributions; repurchasing our equity; and entering into transactions with our affiliates.

In addition, the note requires us to prepay it in full upon a change of control. The note defines a change of control to occur when Clear Channel Communications ceases to control (i) directly or indirectly, more than 50% of the aggregate voting equity interests of us, our operating subsidiary or our respective successors or assigns, or (ii) the ability to elect a majority of our board of directors, or the board of directors of our operating subsidiary or our respective successors or assigns. Upon our issuances of equity and incurrences of debt, subject to certain exceptions, we are also required to prepay the note in the amount of the net proceeds received by us from such events.

The significant covenant contained in Clear Channel Communications’ $2.0 billion revolving credit facility requires it to comply on a quarterly basis with a maximum consolidated senior secured net debt to adjusted EBITDA ratio (as calculated in accordance with the senior secured credit facilities). This financial covenant becomes effective on March 31, 2009 (maximum of 9.5:1) and will become more restrictive over time beginning in the second quarter of 2013. In its Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC on March 2, 2009, CC Media Holdings stated that its secured leverage, defined as secured debt, net of cash, divided by the trailing 12-month consolidated EBITDA, as defined by the credit facility, was 6.4:1 at December 31, 2008.

There are no significant covenants or events of default contained in the cash management note issued by Clear Channel Communications to us or the cash management note issued by us to Clear Channel Communications.

At December 31, 2008, we were in compliance with all debt covenants. Furthermore, in its Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC on March 2, 2009, CC Media Holdings stated that as of December 31, 2008, it was in compliance with its debt covenants.

Uses of Capital

Acquisitions

During the year ended December 31, 2008, our Americas segment paid $55.1 million in cash for the acquisition of advertising structures and the final earnout payments for Interspace. In addition, our International segment paid $41.4 million, primarily related to the acquisition of additional equity interests in outdoor companies and the acquisition of advertising structures.

During the first quarter of 2008, we exchanged assets in one of our Americas markets for assets located in a different market and recognized a gain of $2.6 million in “Other operating income – net.” In addition, we sold our 50% interest in Clear Channel Independent and recognized a gain of $75.6 million in “Equity in earnings of nonconsolidated affiliates” based on the fair value of the equity securities received.

 

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Capital Expenditures

Our capital expenditures have consisted of the following:

 

(In millions)    Year Ended December 31,
     2008
Combined
   2007
Pre-Merger
   2006
Pre-Merger

Non-revenue producing

   $ 85.4    $ 81.4    $ 80.0

Revenue producing

     272.9      194.3      153.9
                    

Total capital expenditures

   $ 358.3    $ 275.7    $ 233.9
                    

We define non-revenue producing capital expenditures as those expenditures required on a recurring basis. Revenue producing capital expenditures are discretionary capital investments for new revenue streams, similar to an acquisition.

Part of our long-term strategy is to pursue the technology of electronic displays, including flat screens, LCDs and LEDs, as alternatives to traditional methods of displaying our clients’ advertisements. We are currently installing these technologies in certain markets. We believe cash flow from operations will be sufficient to fund these expenditures because we expect enhanced margins through: (i) lower cost of production as the advertisements will be digital and controlled by a central computer network, (ii) decreased down time on displays because the advertisements will be digitally changed rather than manually posted paper or vinyl on the face of the display, and (iii) incremental revenue through more targeted and time specific advertisements.

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. See also “Item 3. Legal Proceedings” and “Note H - Commitments and Contingencies” in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8 included elsewhere in this Annual Report.

Our short and long term cash requirements include minimum annual guarantees for our street furniture contracts and operating leases. Noncancelable contracts and operating lease requirements are included in our direct operating expenses, which historically have been satisfied by cash flows from operations. For 2009, we are committed to $403.7 million and $280.0 million for minimum annual guarantees and operating leases, respectively. Our long-term commitments for minimum annual guarantees, operating leases and capital expenditure requirements are included in “Contractual and Other Obligations,” below.

Certain agreements relating to acquisitions provide for purchase price adjustments and other future contingent payments based on the financial performance of the acquired company generally over a one to five year period. We will continue to accrue additional amounts related to such contingent payments if and when it is determinable that the applicable financial performance targets will be met. The aggregate of these contingent payments, if performance targets are met, would not significantly impact our financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

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.

 

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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 Clear Channel Communications’ revolving credit facility, our $2.5 billion note to Clear Channel Communications, other debt outstanding, future minimum rental commitments under noncancelable lease agreements, minimum payments under other noncancelable contracts, capital expenditures commitments and other long-term obligations as of December 31, 2008, are as follows:

 

(In thousands)    Payments Due by Period
     Total    2009    2010-2011    2012-2013    2014 and
Thereafter

Long-term Debt

              

Clear Channel Communications’ revolving credit facility

   $ 30,000    $ —      $ —      $ —      $ 30,000

Debt with Clear Channel Communications

     2,500,000      —        2,500,000      —        —  

Other debt

     71,854      69,522      1,186      1,146      —  

Interest payments on long-term debt(1)

     259,026      152,460      102,982      2,780      804

Noncancelable contracts

     2,107,324      403,685      621,397      440,655      641,587

Noncancelable operating leases

     2,009,931      279,555      441,081      322,254      967,041

Capital expenditure commitments

     151,663      76,760      62,426      9,336      3,141

Employment contracts

     11,881      8,041      3,782      58      —  

Other long-term obligations(2)

     98,761      —        1,976      1,065      95,720
                                  

Total (3)

   $ 7,240,440    $ 990,023    $ 3,734,830    $ 777,294    $ 1,738,293
                                  

 

(1) Interest payments on long-term debt consist primarily of interest on our $2.5 billion variable rate note to Clear Channel Communications, which is estimated using the interest rate as of December 31, 2008, of 6.0%. The debt with Clear Channel Communications accrues interest at a variable per annum rate equal to the weighted average cost of debt for Clear Channel Communications, calculated on a monthly basis, which increased compared to what it would have been had Clear Channel Communications’ merger not occurred. At December 31, 2008, 39% of Clear Channel Communications’ debt was variable based on market interest rates. Each 50 basis point increase or decrease in interest rates would increase or decrease our interest expense and cash outlay for each year by approximately $5.3 million. This potential increase or decrease is based on the simplified assumption that the level of floating rate debt remains constant with an immediate across-the-board increase or decrease as of December 31, 2008, with no subsequent change in rates for the remainder of the period. This potential increase or decrease does not include any adjustment for a change in the fixed rate debt of Clear Channel Communications, which currently constitutes 61% of its total debt.
(2) Other long-term obligations consist of $55.6 million related to asset retirement obligations recorded pursuant to Financial Accounting Standards No. 143, Accounting for Asset Retirement Obligations, which assumes the underlying assets will be removed at some period over the next 50 years. Also included in the table is $36.3 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 $80.1 million related to various obligations with no specific contractual commitment or maturity, $53.5 million of which relates to unrecognized tax benefits recorded pursuant to Financial Accounting Standards Board Interpretation No. 48, Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes.

INFLATION

Inflation is a factor in our economy and we continue to seek ways to mitigate its effect. Although the exact impact of inflation is indeterminable, to the extent permitted by competition, we pass increased costs on to our customers by increasing our effective advertising rates over time.

 

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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.

Interest Rate Risk

We had approximately $2.6 billion total debt outstanding as of December 31, 2008, of which $2.5 billion is debt with Clear Channel Communications. The debt with Clear Channel Communications accrues interest at a variable per annum rate equal to the weighted average cost of debt for Clear Channel Communications, calculated on a monthly basis. As a result of Clear Channel Communications’ merger, Clear Channel Communications’ weighted average cost of debt increased compared to what it would have been had the merger not occurred. Furthermore, in its Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC on March 2, 2009, CC Media Holdings stated that 39% of its debt was variable based on market interest rates. Each 50 basis point increase or decrease in interest rates would increase or decrease our interest expense and cash outlay for the year ended December 31, 2008, by approximately $5.3 million. This potential increase or decrease is based on the simplified assumption that the level of floating rate debt remains constant at the balance as of December 31, 2008. An increase or decrease to interest rates is then assumed and applied to that floating rate debt balance to determine the per annum effect. This potential increase or decrease does not include any adjustment for a change in the fixed rate debt of Clear Channel Communications, which currently constitutes 61% of its total debt.

Equity Price Risk

The carrying value of our available-for-sale equity securities is affected by changes in their quoted market prices. It is estimated that a 20% change in the market prices of these securities would change their carrying value at December 31, 2008 by $4.5 million and would change comprehensive income by $2.7 million. For a further discussion of our available-for-sale equity securities, see Note A to the consolidated financial statements.

Foreign Currency Risk

We have operations in countries throughout the world. The financial results of our foreign operations are measured in their local currencies, except in the hyperinflationary countries in which we operate. As a result, our financial results could be affected by factors such as changes in foreign currency exchange rates or weak economic conditions in the foreign markets in which we operate. We believe we mitigate a small portion of our exposure to foreign currency fluctuations with a natural hedge through borrowings in currencies other than the U.S. dollar. Our foreign operations reported a net loss of $142.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2008. We estimate a 10% change in the value of the U.S. dollar relative to foreign currencies would have changed our net loss for the year ended December 31, 2008, by approximately $14.2 million.

Our earnings are also affected by fluctuations in the value of the U.S. dollar as compared to foreign currencies as a result of our equity method investments in various countries. It is estimated that the result of a 10% fluctuation in the value of the dollar relative to these foreign currencies at December 31, 2008 would change our equity in earnings of nonconsolidated affiliates by $6.9 million and would change our net loss by approximately $4.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2008.

This analysis does not consider the implication such currency fluctuations could have on the overall economic activity that could exist in such an environment in the United States or the foreign countries or on the results of operations of these foreign entities.

NEW ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS

Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 160, Noncontrolling Interests in Consolidated Financial Statements - an amendment of ARB No. 51 (“Statement 160”), was issued in December 2007. Statement 160 clarifies the classification of noncontrolling interests in consolidated statements of financial position and the accounting for and reporting of transactions between the reporting entity and holders of such noncontrolling interests. Under Statement 160 noncontrolling interests are

 

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considered equity and should be reported as an element of consolidated equity, net income will encompass the total income of all consolidated subsidiaries and there will be separate disclosure on the face of the income statement of the attribution of that income between the controlling and noncontrolling interests, and increases and decreases in the noncontrolling ownership interest amount will be accounted for as equity transactions. Statement 160 is effective for the first annual reporting period beginning on or after December 15, 2008, and earlier application is prohibited. Statement 160 is required to be adopted prospectively, except for reclassifying noncontrolling interests to equity, separate from the parent’s shareholders’ equity, in the consolidated statement of financial position and recasting consolidated net income (loss) to include net income (loss) attributable to both the controlling and noncontrolling interests, both of which are required to be adopted retrospectively. We adopted Statement 160 on January 1, 2009 which resulted in a reclassification of approximately $211.8 million of noncontrolling interests to shareholders’ equity.

RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS

Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 141(R), Business Combinations (“Statement 141(R)”), was issued in December 2007. Statement 141(R) requires that upon initially obtaining control, an acquirer will recognize 100% of the fair values of acquired assets, including goodwill, and assumed liabilities, with only limited exceptions, even if the acquirer has not acquired 100% of its target. Additionally, contingent consideration arrangements will be fair valued at the acquisition date and included on that basis in the purchase price consideration and transaction costs will be expensed as incurred. Statement 141(R) also modifies the recognition for preacquisition contingencies, such as environmental or legal issues, restructuring plans and acquired research and development value in purchase accounting. Statement 141(R) amends Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 109, Accounting for Income Taxes, to require the acquirer to recognize changes in the amount of its deferred tax benefits that are recognizable because of a business combination either in income from continuing operations in the period of the combination or directly in contributed capital, depending on the circumstances. Statement 141(R) is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2008. Adoption is prospective and early adoption is not permitted. We adopted Statement 141(R) on January 1, 2009. Statement 141(R)’s impact on accounting for business combinations is dependent upon the nature of future acquisitions.

In April 2008, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued FASB Staff Position No. FAS 142-3, Determination of the Useful Life of Intangible Assets (“FSP FAS 142-3”). FSP FAS 142-3 amends the factors an entity should consider in developing renewal or extension assumptions used in determining the useful life of recognized intangible assets under FASB Statement No. 142, Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (“Statement 142”). FSP FAS 142-3 removes an entity’s requirement under paragraph 11 of Statement 142 to consider whether an intangible asset can be renewed without substantial cost or material modifications to the existing terms and conditions. It is effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2008, and early adoption is prohibited. We adopted FSP FAS 142-3 on January 1, 2009. FSP FAS 142-3’s impact is dependent upon future acquisitions.

In June 2008, the FASB issued FASB Staff Position Emerging Issues Task Force 03-6-1 Determining Whether Instruments Granted in Share-Based Payment Transactions Are Participating Securities (“FSP EITF 03-6-1”). FSP EITF 03-6-1 clarifies that unvested share-based payment awards with a right to receive nonforfeitable dividends are participating securities. Guidance is also provided on how to allocate earnings to participating securities and compute basic earnings per share using the two-class method. This FSP is effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2008, and early adoption is prohibited. We adopted FSP EITF 03-6-1 on January 1, 2009. The adoption did not have an effect on previously reporting basic earnings per share.

CRITICAL ACCOUNTING ESTIMATES

The preparation of our financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates, judgments and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amount of expenses during the reporting period. On an ongoing basis, we evaluate our estimates based on historical experience and on various other assumptions believed to be reasonable under the circumstances. The result of these evaluations forms the basis for making judgments about the carrying values of assets and liabilities and the reported amount of expenses not readily apparent from other sources. Because future events and their effects cannot be determined with certainty, actual results could differ from our assumptions and estimates, and such difference could be material. Our significant accounting policies are discussed in Note A to our consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this Annual Report. Management believes the following accounting estimates are the most critical to aid in fully understanding and evaluating our reported financial results, and they

 

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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 collectibility of our accounts receivable based on a combination of factors. In circumstances where we are aware of a specific customer’s inability to meet its financial obligations, we record a specific reserve to reduce the amounts recorded to what we believe will be collected. For all other customers, we recognize reserves for bad debt based on historical experience of bad debts as a percentage of revenue for each business unit, adjusted for relative improvements or deteriorations in the agings and changes in current economic conditions.

If our agings were to improve or deteriorate resulting in a 10% change in our allowance, we estimated our bad debt expense for the year ended December 31, 2008, would have changed by approximately $4.9 million and our net income for the same period would have changed by approximately $3.0 million.

Long-lived Assets

Long-lived assets, such as property, plant and equipment and definite-lived intangibles are reviewed for impairment when events and circumstances indicate that depreciable and amortizable long-lived assets might be impaired and the undiscounted cash flows estimated to be generated by those assets are less than the carrying amount of those assets. When specific assets are determined to be unrecoverable, the cost basis of the asset is reduced to reflect the current fair market value.

We use various assumptions in determining the current fair market value of these assets, including future expected cash flows, industry growth rates and discount rates, as well as future salvage values. Our impairment loss calculations require management to apply judgment in estimating future cash flows, including forecasting useful lives of the assets and selecting the discount rate that reflects the risk inherent in future cash flows.

Using the impairment review described, we recorded an impairment charge on the statement of operations in “Depreciation and amortization” of approximately $28.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2008. If actual results are not consistent with our assumptions and judgments used in estimating future cash flows and asset fair values, we may be exposed to future impairment losses that could be material to our results of operations.

Indefinite-lived Assets

We have approximately 64,000 billboard permits in our Americas segment. Our billboard permits are effectively issued in perpetuity by state and local governments as they are transferable or renewable at little or no cost. Permits typically include the location which allows us the right to operate an advertising structure. Due to significant differences in both business practices and regulations, billboards in our International segment are subject to long-term, finite contracts versus permits in the United States and Canada. Accordingly, there are no indefinite-lived assets in our International segment.

We recorded purchase accounting adjustments related to billboard permits of $2.0 billion as a result of Clear Channel Communications’ merger and the related preliminary push-down accounting. The fair value of the permits was determined using the direct valuation method as prescribed in SEC Staff Announcement No. D-108, Use of the Residual Method to Value Acquired Assets Other Than Goodwill. Under the direct valuation method, the fair value of the permits was calculated at the market level as prescribed by EITF 02-07, Unit of Accounting for Testing Impairment of Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets. We utilize Mesirow Financial Consulting, LLC, a third party valuation firm, to assist us in the development of the assumptions and our determination of the fair value of our 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 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.

 

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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 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.

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 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. 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 5% during the build-up period. 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 industry average margin of 46% based on an analysis of comparable companies. For the first and second year of operations, the operating margin was assumed to be 50% of the “normalized” operating margin. 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. 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 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 estimate of the typical capital structure was based on observing typical proportions of interest-bearing debt and common equity of 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 an S&P BB rated corporate bond for the pre-tax rate of return on debt and tax-effected such yield based on company-specific applicable tax rates. The rate of return on equity capital was estimated using the Modified Capital Asset Pricing Model (“MCAPM”). Inputs to the MCAPM 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 purchase accounting adjustments to the permits was 8.5% for the Americas segment. 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.

 

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We test our billboard permits for impairment annually in the fourth quarter, or more frequently if events or changes in circumstances indicate that the billboard permit might be impaired. The United States and global economies are undergoing a period of economic uncertainty, which has caused, among other things, a general tightening in the credit markets, limited access to the credit markets, lower levels of liquidity and lower consumer and business spending. These disruptions in the credit and financial markets and the continuing impact of adverse economic, financial and industry conditions on the demand for advertising negatively impacted the key assumptions in the discounted cash flow models used to value our permits. As a result of these factors, we performed an interim impairment test as of December 31, 2008.

Our permits were aggregated into a single unit of accounting at the market level in accordance with EITF 02-07. The fair value of each unit of accounting was determined using the guidance in SEC Staff Announcement No. D-108 and EITF 02-07 in the same manner described above. Our 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 permit exceeds its fair value, an impairment loss is 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 discount rate used in the impairment model increased approximately 100 basis points to 9.5% over the discount rate used to value the permits as part of the purchase price allocation. Industry revenue growth rates were assumed to be a negative 9% during the discrete build-up period. 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 $722.6 million in 2008. The fair value of our permits equaled their carrying value after recognition of the non-cash impairment charge.

While we believe we had made reasonable estimates and utilized reasonable assumptions to calculate the fair value of our permits, it is possible a material change could occur. If our future actual results are not consistent with our estimates, we could be exposed to future impairment losses that could be material to our results of operations. The following table shows the impact on the fair value of our billboard permits of a 100 basis point decline in our discrete and terminal period revenue growth rate and profit margin assumptions and a 100 basis point increase in our discount rate assumption, respectively:

 

(in thousands)                   

Indefinite-lived intangible

   Revenue growth rate     Profit margin     Discount rates  

Billboard permits

   $ (508,300   $ (84,000   $ (536,800

The following table shows the change to the billboard permit impairment amount 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:

 

     (in thousands)

% change in fair value

   Change to impairment

5%

   $ 75,627

10%

   $ 151,767

15%

   $ 227,907

Goodwill

Goodwill represents the excess of the purchase price over the fair value of identifiable net assets acquired in business combinations. We recorded purchase accounting adjustments related to goodwill of $2.6 billion as a result of Clear Channel Communications’ merger and the related preliminary push-down accounting. Goodwill was allocated to each reporting unit based on a discounted cash flow model used to determine its enterprise value. We utilize Mesirow Financial Consulting, LLC, a third party valuation firm, to assist us in the development of the assumptions and our determination of the fair value of our reporting units.

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.

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

 

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sector and outdoor industry trends as well as Company specific information. Historically, revenues in the outdoor industry have been highly correlated to economic cycles. For example, revenue growth has been negative during recessions and growth following recessions in the United States has varied between 6% and 9%. Based on these considerations, our assumed 2009 revenue growth rates were 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 the Company’s 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 Clear Channel Communications’ merger date and also one-year, two-year, and three-year quarterly averages. 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 estimate of the typical capital structure was based on observing typical proportions of interest-bearing debt and common equity of 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 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). We used the yield on an S&P BB rated corporate bond for the pre-tax rate of return on debt and tax-effected such yield based on company-specific applicable tax rates. The rate of return on equity capital was estimated using the Modified Capital Asset Pricing Model (“MCAPM”). Inputs to the MCAPM 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 WACC used in the discounted cash flow models to determine the fair value purchase accounting adjustments was 8.5% and 9.0% for the Americas and International segments, respectively. Applying the WACC, 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.

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.

We review goodwill for potential impairment in the fourth quarter of each year using a discounted cash flow model to determine the fair value of our reporting units. Our impairment test is a two-step process. The first step, used to screen for

 

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potential impairment, compares the fair value of the reporting unit with its carrying amount, including goodwill. The second step, if applicable and 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 our U.S. markets is a component. We aggregate our U.S. markets into a single reporting unit for purposes of the goodwill impairment test using the guidance in EITF D-101, Clarification of Reporting Unit Guidance in Paragraph 30 of FASB Statement No. 142. We also determined that Canada, Mexico, Peru, Brazil and each country in our International segment constitutes separate reporting units.

We test goodwill at interim dates if events or changes in circumstances indicate that goodwill might be impaired. The United States and global economies are undergoing a period of economic uncertainty, which has caused, among other things, a general tightening in the credit markets, limited access to the credit markets, lower levels of liquidity and lower consumer and business spending. These disruptions in the credit and financial markets and the continuing impact of adverse economic, financial and industry conditions on the demand for advertising negatively impacted the key assumptions in the discounted cash flow models used to value our reporting units as part of the purchase price allocation. As a result of these factors, we performed an interim impairment test as of December 31, 2008 which resulted in a non-cash impairment charge of $2.5 billion to reduce our goodwill.

The discounted cash flow model indicated that we failed the first step of the impairment test for substantially all reporting units, which required us to compare the implied fair value of each reporting units’ goodwill with its carrying value. The impact of adverse economic and industry conditions on the demand for advertising negatively impacted the 2009 projected cash flows in the discounted cash flow models used to value our reporting units.

For purposes of the impairment test, we calculated a WACC independently for each of the Americas and International segments and determined a WACC for each of 12.5%. The primary reason for the significant increase in such WACC from the WACC used to calculate the preliminary purchase accounting adjustments was the observable risk premium required by the public markets due to the decline in the macroeconomic environment. In line with the outdoor 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. Management performed an analysis resulting in an increased implicit risk premium for the outdoor advertising industry in the public markets of approximately 3%-points. This analysis considered the increase in the required rate on debt for an applicable portfolio from 9.7% in the third quarter to 12.6% in the fourth quarter of 2008 and a significant increase in the industry beta for the same time period.

Management compared the aggregated fair values of all reporting units to the Company’s market capitalization to test its results for reasonableness. The fair values derived with such increased discount rates resulted in a reasonable implied control premium in light of the discussion in Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 142, Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets, paragraph 23 and B154, and EBITDA multiples compared with relevant competitors.

The discount rate utilized in the valuation of the outdoor permits as of December 31, 2008 excludes the 300 basis point risk premium that was added to the industry WACC used in the valuation of the reporting unit. Management believes the exclusion of this premium is appropriate given the difference between the nature of the permit 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 forecast for the 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, a risk premium was added to the industry WACC due to the risks inherent in achieving the projected cash flows of the reporting unit.

 

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A rollforward of our goodwill balance for the post-merger period from July 31, 2008 through December 31, 2008 by reporting unit is as follows:

 

(In thousands)    Balances Resulting
from Push-down
Accounting
   Dispositions     Foreign Currency     Impairment     Adjustments     Balances as of
December 31,
2008

United States

   $ 3,121,645    $ —        $ —        $ (2,296,915   $ —        $ 824,730

France

     122,865      —          (14,747     (23,620     —          84,498

Switzerland

     57,664      —          (977     —          198        56,885

Australia

     40,520      —          (11,813     —          (529     28,178

Belgium

     37,982      —          (4,549     —          —          33,433

Sweden

     31,794      —          (8,118     —          —          23,676

Norway

     26,434      —          (7,626     —          —          18,808

Ireland

     16,224      —          (1,939     (7,505     —          6,780

United Kingdom

     32,336      —          (10,162     (22,174     —          —  

Italy

     23,649      (542     (2,808     (20,521     222        —  

China

     31,187      —          234        (31,421     —          —  

Spain

     21,139      —          (2,537     (18,602     —          —  

Turkey

     17,896      —          —          (17,896     —          —  

Finland

     13,641      —          (1,637     (12,004     —          —  

Canada

     35,390      —          (5,783     (24,687     —          4,920

All Others – Americas

     86,770      —          (23,822     —          —          62,948

All Others – International

     54,265      —          3,160        (19,692     (2,448     35,285
                                             
   $ 3,771,401    $ (542   $ (93,124   $ (2,495,037   $ (2,557   $ 1,180,141
                                             

While we believe we had 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 impact on the fair value of each of our reportable segments of a 100 basis point decline in our discrete and terminal period revenue growth rate and profit margin assumptions and a 100 basis point increase in our discount rate assumption, respectively:

 

(in thousands)                   

Reportable segment

   Revenue growth rate     Profit margin     Discount rates  

Americas Outdoor

   $ (380,000   $ (90,000   $ (330,000

International Outdoor

   $ (190,000   $ (160,000   $ (150,000

The following table shows the change to the impairment amount to goodwill 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:

 

(In thousands)               

Reportable segment

   5%    10%    15%

Americas Outdoor

   $ 168,992    $ 341,303    $ 516,303

International Outdoor

   $ 19,139    $ 40,866    $ 65,909

Asset Retirement Obligations

Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 143, Accounting for Asset Retirement Obligations, requires us to estimate our obligation upon the termination or nonrenewal of a lease, to dismantle and remove our billboard structures from the leased land and to reclaim the site to its original condition. We record the present value of obligations associated with the retirement of tangible long-lived assets in the period in which they are incurred. The liability is capitalized as part of the related long-lived asset’s carrying amount. Over time, accretion of the liability is recognized as an operating expense and the capitalized cost is depreciated over the expected useful life of the related asset.

 

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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 5%, our liability as of December 31, 2008 would increase approximately $0.5 million. Similarly, if our assumption of the risk-adjusted credit rate increased approximately 5%, our liability would decrease approximately $0.1 million.

Stock Based Compensation

Under the fair value recognition provisions of Statement No. 123(R), 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, (the “IRS”), and other taxing authorities routinely examine our tax returns we file as part of the consolidated income tax returns filed by Clear Channel Communications. From time to time, the IRS challenges certain of our tax positions. We believe our tax positions comply with applicable tax law and we would vigorously defend these positions if challenged. The final disposition of any positions challenged by the IRS could require us to make additional tax payments. We believe that we have adequately accrued for any foreseeable payments resulting from tax examinations and consequently do not anticipate any material impact upon their ultimate resolution.

Our estimates of income taxes and the significant items giving rise to the deferred assets and liabilities are shown in Note J to our consolidated financial statements and reflect our assessment of actual future taxes to be paid on items reflected in the financial statements, giving consideration to both timing and probability of these estimates. Actual income taxes could vary from these estimates due to future changes in income tax law or results from the final review of our tax returns by Federal, state or foreign tax authorities.

We have considered these potential changes in accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 109, Accounting for Income Taxes and FASB Interpretation No. 48, Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes, which requires us to record reserves for estimates of probable settlements of Federal and state audits.

 

44


ITEM 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

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, 2008 and 2007, and the related consolidated statements of operations, shareholders’ equity, and cash flows for the period from July 31, 2008 through December 31, 2008, the period from January 1, 2008 through July 30, 2008, and each of the two years in the period ended December 31, 2007. These financial statements are the responsibility of Holdings’ management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits.

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the consolidated financial position of Holdings at December 31, 2008 and 2007, and the consolidated results of its operations and its cash flows for the period from July 31, 2008 through December 31, 2008, the period from January 1, 2008 through July 30, 2008, and each of the two years in the period ended December 31, 2007, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.

As discussed in Note J to the consolidated financial statements, in 2007 Holdings changed its method of accounting for income taxes, and as discussed in Note A to the consolidated financial statements, in 2006 Holdings changed its method of accounting for stock-based compensation, and as discussed in Note Q to the consolidated financial statements, effective January 1, 2009, Holdings retrospectively adopted the presentation and disclosure requirements of Financial Accounting Standards Board Statement No. 160, “Noncontrolling Interests in Consolidated Financial Statements, an amendment of ARB No. 51” and Financial Accounting Standards Board Staff Position Emerging Issues Task Force 03-6-1, “Determining Whether Instruments Granted in Share-Based Payment Transactions Are Participating Securities.”

/s/ Ernst & Young LLP

San Antonio, Texas

March 2, 2009

except for Note Q, as to which the date is

December 8, 2009

 

45


CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

ASSETS

 

(In thousands)    As of December 31,
     2008
Post-Merger
   2007
Pre-Merger

CURRENT ASSETS

     

Cash and cash equivalents

   $ 94,812    $ 134,897

Accounts receivable, less allowance of $48,600 in 2008 and $29,741 in 2007

     806,553      927,694

Due from Clear Channel Communications

     431,641      265,448

Prepaid expenses

     69,817      85,519

Other current assets

     144,700      193,549

Income taxes receivable

     7,129      —  
             

Total Current Assets

     1,554,652      1,607,107

PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT

     

Land, buildings and improvements

     201,210      368,321

Structures

     2,355,776      3,901,940

Furniture and other equipment

     60,476      258,536

Construction in progress

     85,791      74,553
             
     2,703,253      4,603,350

Less accumulated depreciation

     116,533      2,359,242
             
     2,586,720      2,244,108

INTANGIBLE ASSETS

     

Definite-lived intangibles, net

     1,000,485      254,487

Indefinite-lived intangibles – permits

     1,529,068      251,095

Goodwill

     1,180,141      1,162,589

OTHER ASSETS

     

Notes receivable

     3,140      3,426

Investments in, and advances to, nonconsolidated affiliates

     51,812      108,007

Deferred tax asset

     —        186,167

Other assets

     122,231      118,618

Other investments

     22,512      —  
             

Total Assets

   $ 8,050,761    $ 5,935,604
             

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

46


LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

 

(In thousands, except share data)    As of December 31,  
     2008
Post-Merger
    2007
Pre-Merger
 

CURRENT LIABILITIES

    

Accounts payable

   $ 118,290      $ 138,290   

Accrued expenses

     494,250        536,022   

Accrued interest

     292        1,074   

Accrued income taxes

     —          33,154   

Deferred income

     109,511        121,558   

Current portion of long-term debt

     69,522        87,099   

Deferred tax liabilities

     —          4,095   
                

Total Current Liabilities

     791,865        921,292   

Long-term debt

     32,332        94,922   

Debt with Clear Channel Communications

     2,500,000        2,500,000   

Other long-term liabilities

     178,875        220,796   

Deferred tax liability

     1,003,866        —     

Commitments and contingent liabilities (Note H)

    

SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

    

Noncontrolling interest

     211,813        215,864   

Preferred stock, $.01 par value, 150,000,000 shares authorized, no shares issued and outstanding

     —          —     

Class A common stock, $.01 par value, 750,000,000 shares authorized, 40,705,638 and 40,494,873 shares issued in 2008 and 2007, respectively

     407        405   

Class B common stock, $.01 par value, 600,000,000 shares authorized, 315,000,000 shares issued and outstanding

     3,150        3,150   

Additional paid-in capital

     6,676,714        1,304,359   

Retained earnings (deficit)

     (3,018,637     427,391   

Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)

     (329,580     247,478   

Cost of shares (24,478 in 2008 and 1,857 in 2007) held in treasury

     (44     (53
                

Total Shareholders’ Equity

     3,543,823        2,198,594   
                

Total Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity

   $ 8,050,761      $ 5,935,604   
                

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

47


CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

 

(In thousands, except per share data)                         
     Post-Merger     Pre-Merger  
     Period from
July 31 through
December 31,
2008
    Period from
January 1
through

July 30,
2008
    Year Ended
December 31,
2007
    Year Ended
December 31,
2006
 

Revenue

   $ 1,327,224      $ 1,962,063      $ 3,281,836      $ 2,897,721   

Operating expenses:

        

Direct operating expenses (excludes depreciation and amortization)

     762,704        1,119,432        1,734,845        1,514,842   

Selling, general and administrative expenses (excludes depreciation and amortization)

     261,524        344,846        537,994        486,994   

Depreciation and amortization

     224,713        247,637        399,483        407,730   

Corporate expenses (excludes depreciation and amortization)

     31,681        39,364        66,080        65,542   

Impairment charge

     3,217,649        —          —          —     

Other operating income— net

     4,870        10,978        11,824        22,846   
                                

Operating income (loss)

     (3,166,177     221,762        555,258        445,459   

Interest expense on debt with Clear Channel Communications

     70,940        87,464        155,036        153,930   

Interest expense

     2,785        3,913        6,518        9,083   

Interest income on Due from Clear Channel Communications

     862        2,590        3,673        430   

Loss on marketable securities

     59,842        —          —          —     

Equity in earnings (loss) of nonconsolidated affiliates

     (2,109     70,842        4,402        7,460   

Other income (expense)— net

     12,114        13,365        10,113        331   
                                

Income (loss) before income taxes

     (3,288,877     217,182        411,892        290,667   

Income tax (expense) benefit:

        

Current

     3,045        (30,171     (111,726     (82,553

Deferred

     268,850        (21,405     (34,915     (39,527
                                

Income tax (expense) benefit

     271,895        (51,576     (146,641     (122,080
                                

Consolidated net income (loss)

     (3,016,982     165,606        265,251        168,587   

Amount attributable to noncontrolling interest

     1,655        (1,948     19,261        15,515   
                                

Net income (loss) attributable to the Company

     (3,018,637     167,554        245,990        153,072   
                                

Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:

        

Foreign currency translation adjustments

     (341,113     84,603        133,754        138,918   

Foreign currency reclassification adjustment for sale of foreign subsidiary

     —          2,588        —          —     

Unrealized loss on marketable securities

     (59,825     (27,496     —          —     

Reclassification adjustment for realized loss on marketable securities included in net income (loss)

     59,842        —          —          —     
                                

Comprehensive income (loss)

   $ (3,359,733   $ 227,249      $ 379,744      $ 291,990   

Amount attributable to noncontrolling interest

     (11,516     14,019        16,752        5,535   

Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to the Company

   $ (3,348,217   $ 213,230      $ 362,992      $ 286,455   
                                

Net income (loss) per common share:

        

Basic

   $ (8.50   $ .47      $ .69      $ .43   
                                

Weighted average common shares outstanding—Basic

     355,308        355,178        354,838        352,155   

Diluted

   $ (8.50   $ .47      $ .69      $ .43   
                                

Weighted average common shares outstanding—Diluted

     355,308        355,741        355,806        352,262   

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

48


CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

 

(In thousands, except share data)    Class A
Common
Shares

Issued
   Class B
Common
Shares

Issued
   Non-
controlling
Interest
    Common
Stock
   Additional
Paid-in
Capital
   Retained
Earnings
(Deficit)
   Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Income (Loss)
    Treasury
Stock
    Total  

Pre-Merger

                       

Balances at December 31, 2005

   35,236,819    315,000,000    $ 167,277      $ 3,502    $ 1,183,258    $ 20,205    $ 2,472      $ —        $ 1,376,714   

Common stock issued for a business acquisition

   4,249,990           43      89,037             89,080   

Net income

           15,515              153,072          168,587   

Currency translation adjustment and other

           5,535                 128,004          133,539   

Exercise of stock options and other

   78,382           1      1,488             1,489   

Acquisitions (minority buy-back)

           (5,224                  (5,224

Payments (to)/from noncontrolling interests

           (1,724                  (1,724

Other

           522                     522   

Share-based payments

                5,296             5,296   
                                                               

Balances at December 31, 2006

   39,565,191    315,000,000      181,901        3,546      1,279,079      173,277      130,476        —          1,768,279   

Cumulative effect of FIN 48 adoption

                   8,124          8,124   

Common stock issued for a business acquisition

   191,287           2      5,084             5,086   

Net income

           19,261              245,990          265,251   

Currency translation adjustment and other

           16,752                 117,002          133,754   

Exercise of stock options and other

   738,395           7      10,826           (53     10,780   

Acquisitions (minority buy-back)

           (101                  (101

Payments (to)/from noncontrolling interests

           (2,442                  (2,442

Other

           493                     493   

Share-based payments

                9,370             9,370   
                                                               

Balances at December 31, 2007

   40,494,873    315,000,000      215,864        3,555      1,304,359      427,391      247,478        (53     2,198,594   

Net income (loss)

           (1,948           167,554          165,606   

Currency translation adjustment and other

           14,019                 70,584          84,603   

Exercise of stock options and other

   218,164           2      4,259           (265     3,996   

Acquisitions (minority buy-back)

           (5,292                  (5,292

Payments (to)/from noncontrolling interests

           (616                  (616

Other

           (260                  (260

Share-based payments

                6,506             6,506   

Foreign currency reclassification adjustments for realized loss on marketable securities included in net loss

                      2,588          2,588   

Unrealized loss on marketable securities

                      (27,496       (27,496
                                                               

Balances at July 30, 2008

   40,713,037    315,000,000      221,767        3,557      1,315,124      594,945      293,154        (318     2,428,229   

 

49


(Continued)    Class A
Common
Shares

Issued
    Class B
Common
Shares

Issued
   Non-
controlling
Interest
    Common
Stock
   Additional
Paid-in
Capital
   Retained
Earnings
(Deficit)
    Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Income (Loss)
    Treasury
Stock
    Total  

Post-Merger

                     

Push-down accounting effects of Clear Channel Communications’ merger

               5,357,409      (594,945     (293,154     318        4,469,628   

Net income (loss)

          1,655              (3,018,637         (3,016,982

Currency translation adjustment and other

          (11,516             (329,597       (341,113

Exercise of stock options and other

   (7,399                    (44     (44

Acquisitions (minority buy-back)

          (1,773                 (1,773

Payments (to)/from noncontrolling interests

          1,262                    1,262   

Other

          418                    418   

Share-based payments

               4,181            4,181   

Reclassification adjustments primarily for realized loss on marketable securities included in net loss

                    59,842          59,842   

Unrealized loss on marketable securities

                    (59,825       (59,825
                                                                 

Balances at December 31, 2008

   40,705,638      315,000,000    $ 211,813      $ 3,557    $ 6,676,714    $ (3,018,637   $ (329,580   $ (44   $ 3,543,823   
                                                                 

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

50


CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

 

(In thousands)                         
     Post-Merger     Pre-Merger  
     Period from
July 31
through
December 31,
2008
    Period from
January 1
through
July 30,
2008
    Year Ended
December 31,
2007
    Year Ended
December 31,
2006
 

CASH FLOWS PROVIDED BY (USED IN)

OPERATING ACTIVITIES:

        

Consolidated net income (loss)

   $ (3,016,982   $ 165,606      $ 265,251      $ 168,587   

Reconciling Items:

        

Impairment charge

     3,217,649        —          —          —     

Depreciation

     161,009        216,994        346,298        322,208   

Amortization

     63,704        30,643        53,185        85,522   

Deferred taxes

     (268,850     21,405        34,915        39,527   

Share-based compensation

     4,181        6,506        9,370        5,296   

Provision for doubtful accounts

     24,268        8,588        10,525        8,571   

(Gain) loss on sale of operating and fixed assets

     (4,870     (10,978     (11,824     (22,846

Loss on marketable securities

     59,842        —          —          —     

Equity in (earnings) loss of nonconsolidated affiliates

     2,109        (70,842     (4,402     (7,460

Increase (decrease) other, net

     —          —          2,314        (6,137

Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net of effects of acquisitions and dispositions:

        

Decrease (increase) in accounts receivable

     87,251        7,108        (137,341     (101,340

Decrease (increase) in prepaid expenses

     25,644        (8,549     5,737        (20,797

Decrease (increase) in other current assets

     52,125        (10,570     1,247        (9,443

Increase (decrease) in accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities

     (78,613     (26,106     93,383        65,381   

Increase (decrease) in accrued interest

     (1,012     207        (2,535     1,154   

Increase (decrease) in deferred income

     (48,435     33,218        25,840        (2,493

Increase (decrease) in accrued income taxes

     (6,718     (31,908     2,467        12,811   
                                

Net cash provided by operating activities

     272,302        331,322        694,430        538,541   

 

51


     Post-
Merger
    Pre-Merger  
     Period from
July 31
through
December 31,
2008
    Period from
January 1
through

July 30,
2008
    Year Ended
December 31,
2007
    Year Ended
December 31,
2006
 

CASH FLOWS PROVIDED BY (USED IN)

INVESTING ACTIVITIES:

        

Decrease (increase) in notes receivable, net

     169        239        (234     2,366   

Decrease (increase) in investments in, and advances to nonconsolidated affiliates – net

     (5,712     7,646        962        7,292   

Purchase of other investments

     (26     —          (659     —     

Purchases of property, plant and equipment

     (159,213     (199,122     (275,690     (233,882

Proceeds from disposal of assets

     2,917        38,630        17,321        15,451   

Acquisition of operating assets, net of cash acquired

     (11,677     (84,821     (69,059     (242,418

Decrease (increase) in other – net

     (19,170     4,296        (29,009     (37,819
                                

Net cash used in investing activities

     (192,712     (233,132     (356,368     (489,010

CASH FLOWS PROVIDED BY (USED IN)

FINANCING ACTIVITIES:

        

Draws on credit facilities

     30,000        72,150        106,772        118,867   

Payments on credit facilities

     (660     (157,774     (76,614     (100,076

Proceeds from long-term debt

     25,020        5,476        22,483        37,235   

Payments on long-term debt

     (37,145     (4,662     (66,290     (115,694

Net transfers (to) from Clear Channel Communications

     (85,611     (83,585     (302,882     4,327   

Proceeds from exercise of stock options

     —          4,261        10,780        2,176   

Other, net

     (46     (264     —          —     
                                

Net cash used in financing activities

     (68,442     (164,398     (305,751     (53,165

Effect of exchange rate changes on cash

     10,539        4,436        (2,809     385   

Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents

     21,687        (61,772     29,502        (3,249

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year

     73,125        134,897        105,395        108,644   
                                

Cash and cash equivalents at end of year

   $ 94,812      $ 73,125      $ 134,897      $ 105,395   
                                

SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURE:

        

Cash paid during the year for interest

   $ 75,616      $ 92,326      $ 165,730      $ 165,764   

Cash paid during the year for income taxes

   $ 19,651      $ 31,046      $ 43,003      $ 52,479   

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

52


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 a 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 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.

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. Clear Channel Communications is now an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of 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”). Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 54, Push Down Basis of Accounting Required in Certain Limited Circumstances (“SAB 54”), 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. Accordingly, the financial statements as of December 31, 2008 reflect Clear Channel Communications’ preliminary estimated fair value basis resulting from the merger that has been pushed down to the Company. A portion of the consideration paid by Clear Channel Communications has been preliminarily allocated to the assets and liabilities acquired at their respective fair values at July 30, 2008. The remaining portion was recorded at the continuing shareholders basis, due to the fact that certain shares of Clear Channel Communications’ were exchanged for shares of CC Media Holdings’ Class A common stock. Excess consideration after this preliminary allocation was recorded as goodwill. Clear Channel Communications has preliminarily estimated the fair value of the acquired assets and liabilities as of the merger date utilizing information available at the time the financial statements were prepared. These preliminary estimates are subject to refinement until all pertinent information is obtained. Clear Channel Communications is currently in the process of obtaining third-party valuations of certain of the acquired assets and liabilities in order to finalize the allocation of the purchase price. Clear Channel Communications will complete its purchase price allocation in 2009 and the final allocation of the purchase price may be different than the initial allocation.

Liquidity and Asset Impairments

The Company’s primary source of liquidity is cash flow from operations, which has been adversely affected by the global economic slowdown. 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 current global economic slowdown 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, particularly during the second half of 2008. The continuation of the global economic slowdown may continue to adversely impact the Company’s revenue, profit margins, cash flow and liquidity.

In January 2009, in response to the deterioration in general economic conditions and the resulting negative impact on the Company’s and CC Media Holdings’ business, CC Media Holdings commenced a restructuring program targeting

 

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a reduction of fixed costs by approximately $350 million on an annualized basis. As part of the program, CC Media Holdings eliminated approximately 1,850 full-time positions representing approximately 9% of total workforce. The program is expected to result in restructuring and other non-recurring charges of approximately $200 million, although additional costs may be incurred as the program evolves. It is estimated that approximately 40% of the anticipated cost savings and related charges will be attributable to the Company. The cost savings initiatives are expected to be fully implemented by the end of the first quarter of 2010. No assurance can be given that the restructuring program will be successful or will achieve the anticipated cost savings in the timeframe expected or at all.

Based on 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 cash management 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 2009. Furthermore, in its Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC on March 2, 2009, CC Media Holdings stated that it expects to be in compliance with its covenants governing its indebtedness in 2009. 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 G regarding debt covenants.

The Company’s ability to fund its working capital needs, debt service and other obligations, however, depends on its future operating performance and cash flow and Clear Channel Communications’ ability to meet its obligations with respect to the “Due from Clear Channel Communications” account and to lend under the cash management note, which are in turn subject to prevailing economic conditions and other factors, many of which are beyond the Company’s and Clear Channel Communications’ control. If our future operating performance does not meet the Company’s expectations or its plans materially change in an adverse manner or prove to be materially inaccurate, the Company may need additional financing. Continuing adverse securities and credit market conditions could significantly affect the availability of credit. In addition, the $2.5 billion note and Master Agreement with Clear Channel Communications include restrictive covenants that, among other things, restrict the Company’s ability to incur additional indebtedness.

The Company performed an interim impairment test on its indefinite-lived intangible assets as of December 31, 2008 as a result of the current global economic slowdown and its negative impact on the Company’s business. The estimated fair value of the Company’s permits was below their carrying values, which resulted in a non-cash impairment charge of $722.6 million. As discussed, the United States and global economies are undergoing a period of economic uncertainty, which has caused, among other things, a general tightening in the credit markets, limited access to the credit market, lower levels of liquidity and lower consumer and business spending. These disruptions in the credit and financial markets and the continuing impact of adverse economic, financial and industry conditions on the demand for advertising negatively impacted the key assumptions in the discounted cash flow models used to value permits.

Format of Presentation

The Company also performed an interim goodwill impairment test as of December 31, 2008. The estimated fair value of the reporting units was below their carrying values, which required the Company to compare the implied fair value of each reporting units’ goodwill with its carrying value. As a result, the Company recognized a non-cash impairment charge of $2.5 billion to reduce goodwill. The macroeconomic factors discussed above had an adverse effect on the estimated cash flows and discount rates used in the discounted cash flow model.

The accompanying consolidated financial statements are presented for two periods: post-merger and pre-merger. Preliminary purchase accounting adjustments pursuant to the aforementioned standards were pushed down to the opening balance sheet of the Company 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 and the financial reporting periods are presented as follows:

 

  •  

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.

 

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  •  

The period from January 1 through July 30, 2008 includes the pre-merger period of the Company.

 

  •  

The 2007 and 2006 periods presented are pre-merger. 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 Preliminary Purchase Accounting Adjustments

The following is a summary of the preliminary fair value adjustments pushed down to the Company:

(In millions)

 

     Preliminary     Adjustments     Adjusted  

Property, plant and equipment

   $ 615      $ (4   $ 611   

Definite-lived intangibles, net

     377        300        677   

Indefinite-lived intangibles – permits

     2,938        (942     1,996   

Goodwill

     2,207        362        2,569   

Investments in, and advances to, nonconsolidated affiliates

     —          4        4   

Other assets

     35        (11     24   

Deferred tax liability

     (1,683     258        (1,425

Other long-term liabilities

     15        (1     14   
                        

Total

   $ 4,504      $ (34   $ 4,470   
                        

Agreements with Clear Channel Communications

There are several agreements which govern the Company’s relationship with Clear Channel Communications including the Corporate Services Agreement, Employee Matters Agreement and Tax Matters Agreement. Clear Channel Communications has the right to terminate these agreements in various circumstances. As of the date of the filing of this report, no notice of termination of any of these agreements has been received from Clear Channel Communications. The Company’s agreements with Clear Channel Communications will continue under the same terms and conditions subsequent to the merger.

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; and the International segment includes operations in Asia, Australia and Europe.

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.

 

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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 collectibility 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 acquisitions under the purchase method of accounting. The total cost of acquisitions 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 accrues these payments under the guidance in EITF issue 95-8: Accounting for Contingent Consideration Paid to the Shareholders of an Acquired Enterprise in a Purchase Business Combination, after the contingencies have been resolved.

Asset Retirement Obligation

Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (“FAS”) No. 143, Accounting for Asset Retirement Obligations, 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. The liability 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

 

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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 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.

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 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 performs its annual impairment test for its permits using a direct valuation technique as prescribed by the EITF Topic D-108, Use of the Residual Method to Value Acquired Assets Other Than Goodwill (“D-108”). Certain assumptions are used under the Company’s direct valuation technique, including 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 utilizes Mesirow Financial Consulting, LLC, 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.

As previously discussed, the Company performed an interim impairment test as of December 31, 2008, which resulted in a non-cash impairment charge of $722.6 million 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. Each of the Company’s U.S. markets is a component. The Company aggregates its U.S. markets into a single reporting unit for purposes of the goodwill impairment test using the guidance in Emerging Issues Task Force Issue D-101, Clarification of Reporting Unit Guidance in Paragraph 30 of FASB Statement No. 142. The Company also determined that Canada, Mexico, Peru, Brazil and each country in its International segment constitute separate reporting units.

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,

 

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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 utilizes Mesirow Financial Consulting LLC, 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 reporting units.

As previously discussed, the Company performed an interim impairment test as of December 31, 2008 and recognized a non-cash impairment charge of $2.5 billion to reduce its goodwill.

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 as a separate 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 assessed the value of its available-for-sale securities at December 31, 2008. After this assessment, the Company concluded that an other-than-temporary impairment existed and recorded a $59.8 million impairment charge on the statement of operations in “Loss on marketable securities.”

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 for any decline in value determined to be other-than-temporary.

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, 2008 and 2007. Additionally, as predominantly all of the Company’s debt is not publicly traded, the carrying amounts of long-term debt approximated their fair values at December 31, 2008 and 2007.

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 all of the 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. 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 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.

 

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Stock Based Compensation

The Company adopted FAS No. 123(R), Share-Based Payment (“Statement 123(R)”), on January 1, 2006, using the modified-prospective-transition method. Under the fair value recognition provisions of this statement, 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.” 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 of $9.2 million were recorded during the pre-merger period from January 1, 2008 through July 30, 2008. Advertising expenses of $6.7 million were recorded during the post-merger period from July 31, 2008 through December 31, 2008. Advertising expenses of $14.8 million and $10.4 million were recorded during the years ended December 31, 2007 and 2006, respectively, as a component of selling, general and administrative expenses.

Use of Estimates

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles 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.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

FAS 141(R), Business Combinations (“Statement 141(R)”), was issued in December 2007. Statement 141(R) requires that upon initially obtaining control, an acquirer will recognize 100% of the fair values of acquired assets, including goodwill, and assumed liabilities, with only limited exceptions, even if the acquirer has not acquired 100% of its target. Additionally, contingent consideration arrangements will be fair valued at the acquisition date and included on that basis in the purchase price consideration and transaction costs will be expensed as incurred. Statement 141(R) also modifies the recognition for preacquisition contingencies, such as environmental or legal issues, restructuring plans and acquired research and development value in purchase accounting. Statement 141(R) amends Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 109, Accounting for Income Taxes, to require the acquirer to recognize changes in the amount of its deferred tax benefits that are recognizable because of a business combination either in income from continuing operations in the period of the combination or directly in contributed capital, depending on the circumstances. Statement 141(R) is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2008. Adoption is prospective and early adoption is not permitted. The Company will adopt Statement 141(R) on January 1, 2009. Statement 141(R)’s impact on accounting for business combinations is dependent upon the nature of future acquisitions.

In April 2008, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued FASB Staff Position No. FAS 142-3, Determination of the Useful Life of Intangible Assets (“FSP FAS 142-3”). FSP FAS 142-3 amends the factors an entity should consider in developing renewal or extension assumptions used in determining the useful life of recognized intangible assets under Statement 142. FSP FAS 142-3 removes an entity’s requirement under paragraph 11 of Statement 142 to consider whether an intangible asset can be renewed without substantial cost or material

 

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modifications to the existing terms and conditions. It is effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2008, and early adoption is prohibited. The Company will adopt FSP FAS 142-3 on January 1, 2009. FSP FAS 142-3’s impact is dependent upon future acquisitions.

New Accounting Standards

The Company adopted Financial Accounting Standards Board Statement No. 157, Fair Value Measurements (“Statement 157”) on January 1, 2008, and began to apply its recognition and disclosure provisions to its financial assets and financial liabilities that are remeasured at fair value at least annually. Statement 157 establishes a three-tier fair value hierarchy, which prioritizes the inputs used in measuring fair value. These tiers include: Level 1, defined as observable inputs such as quoted prices in active markets; Level 2, defined as inputs other than quoted prices in active markets that are either directly or indirectly observable; and Level 3, defined as unobservable inputs in which little or no market data exists, therefore requiring an entity to develop its own assumptions.

The Company holds available-for-sale marketable equity securities classified in accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 115, Accounting for Certain Investments in Debt and Equity Securities (“Statement 115”). These marketable equity securities are measured at fair value on each reporting date using quoted prices in active markets. Due to the fact that the inputs used to measure the marketable equity securities at fair value are observable, the Company has categorized the fair value measurements of the securities as Level 1. The fair value of these securities at December 31, 2008 was $22.5 million. See further discussion of these securities at Note E.

The Company adopted Financial Accounting Standards Board Statement No. 159, The Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities (“Statement 159”), which permits entities to measure many financial instruments and certain other items at fair value at specified election dates that are not currently required to be measured at fair value. Unrealized gains and losses on items for which the fair value option has been elected should be reported in earnings at each subsequent reporting date. The provisions of Statement 159 were effective as of January 1, 2008. The Company did not elect the fair value option under this standard upon adoption.

NOTE B — INTANGIBLE ASSETS AND GOODWILL

Definite-lived Intangibles

The Company has definite-lived intangible assets which consist primarily of transit and street furniture contracts, site leases and other contractual rights, with an estimated 6 year weighted average useful life at the time of Clear Channel Communications’ merger. 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, 2008 and 2007:

 

(in thousands)          
     Post-Merger    Pre-Merger
     2008    2007
     Gross Carrying
Amount
   Accumulated
Amortization
   Gross Carrying
Amount
   Accumulated
Amortization

Transit, street furniture, and other contractual rights

   $ 883,130    $ 49,818    $ 867,283    $ 613,897

Other

     169,007      1,834      10,719      9,618
                           

Total

   $ 1,052,137    $ 51,652    $ 878,002    $ 623,515
                           

Total amortization expense from definite-lived intangible assets for the pre-merger period from January 1, 2008 through July 30, 2008 was $30.6 million. Total amortization expense for the post-merger period from July 31, 2008 through December 31, 2008 was $63.7 million. Total amortization expense for the pre-merger years ended December 31, 2007 and 2006 was $53.2 million and $85.5 million, respectively. The following table presents the Company’s estimate of amortization expense for each of the five succeeding fiscal years for definite-lived intangible assets:

 

(In thousands)     

2009

   $ 130,883

2010

     115,624

2011

     106,098

2012

     95,460

2013

     83,984

 

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As acquisitions and dispositions occur in the future and as purchase price allocations are finalized, amortization expense may vary.

Indefinite-lived Intangibles

The Company’s indefinite-lived intangibles consist of billboard permits. The Company’s billboard permits are issued in perpetuity by state and local governments and are transferable or renewable at little or no cost. Permits typically include the location which allows the Company the right to operate an advertising structure. The Company’s permits are located on either owned or leased land. In cases where the Company’s permits are located on leased land, the leases are typically from 10 to 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 Company does not amortize its billboard permits. The Company tests these indefinite-lived intangible assets for impairment at least annually using a direct valuation method. This direct valuation method assumes that rather than acquiring indefinite-lived intangible assets as a 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.

Under the direct valuation method, the Company aggregates its indefinite-lived intangible assets at the market level for purposes of impairment testing as prescribed by EITF 02-07, Unit of Accounting for Testing Impairment of Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets. The Company’s 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.

The carrying amounts for billboard permits at December 31, 2008 (post-merger) and December 31, 2007 (pre-merger) were $1.5 billion and $251.1 million, respectively. As a result of Clear Channel Communications’ merger and the related preliminary push-down accounting, the Company recorded a fair value adjustment related to billboard permits of $2.0 billion at the time of the merger.

The Company performed an interim impairment test as of December 31, 2008. As a result, the Company recognized a non-cash impairment charge of $722.6 million on its indefinite-lived permits. The United States and global economies are undergoing a period of economic uncertainty, which has caused, among other things, a general tightening in the credit markets, limited access to the credit markets, lower levels of liquidity and lower consumer and business spending. These disruptions in the credit and financial markets and the continuing impact of adverse economic, financial and industry conditions on the demand for advertising negatively impacted the key assumptions in the discounted cash flow models used to value our permits.

Goodwill

The Company tests goodwill for impairment using 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. 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. 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, 2008 and 2007:

 

(In thousands)                   
     Americas     International     Total  

Pre-Merger

      

Balance as of December 31, 2006

   $ 667,297      $ 425,630      $ 1,092,927   

Acquisitions

     20,361        13,733        34,094   

Foreign currency translation

     78        35,430        35,508   

Adjustments

     600        (540     60   
                        

Balance as of December 31, 2007

     688,336        474,253        1,162,589   

Acquisitions

     —          12,341        12,341   

Foreign currency translation

     (293     28,596        28,303   

Adjustments

     (970     —          (970
                        

Balance as of July 30,2008

     687,073        515,190        1,202,263   

Post-Merger

      

Preliminary fair value adjustment resulting from push-down accounting

     2,118,707        88,522        2,207,229   

Net adjustments to push-down accounting

     438,025        (76,116     361,909   

Dispositions

     —          (542     (542

Foreign currency translation

     (29,605     (63,519     (93,124

Impairment

     (2,321,602     (173,435     (2,495,037

Adjustments

     —          (2,557     (2,557
                        

Balance as of December 31, 2008

   $ 892,598      $ 287,543      $ 1,180,141   
                        

 

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$622.2 million of the goodwill recorded pursuant to Clear Channel Communications’ merger is expected to be deductible for tax purposes.

The Company performed an interim impairment test as of December 31, 2008. The estimated fair value of the Company’s reporting units was below their carrying values, which required it to compare the implied fair value of each reporting units’ goodwill with its carrying value. As a result, the Company recognized a non-cash impairment charge of $2.5 billion to reduce its goodwill. The macroeconomic factors discussed above had an adverse effect on the estimated cash flows and discount rates used in the discounted cash flow model.

NOTE C — BUSINESS ACQUISITIONS

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.

2007 Acquisitions:

During 2007, the Company’s Americas segment paid $39.5 million in cash, primarily to acquire display faces in the United States. In addition, the Company’s 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.

2006 Acquisitions:

The Company completed the acquisition of Interspace on July 1, 2006. The acquisition was valued at approximately $207.5 million based on the Company’s common shares issued of $94.2 million, the net cash consideration paid of $88.2 million, which includes subsequent earnouts and working capital settlements, and $25.1 million in earnouts paid in 2008.

 

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In addition to the Interspace acquisition, during 2006 the Company’s Americas segment acquired display faces for $55.4 million in cash. The Company exchanged assets in one of its Americas markets for assets located in a different market and recognized a gain of $13.2 million in “Other operating income — net.” In addition, the Company’s International segment acquired display faces and additional equity interests in outdoor companies for $105.7 million, including the acquisition of an outdoor advertising business in the United Kingdom.

Acquisition Summary

The following is a summary of the assets and liabilities acquired and the consideration given for all acquisitions made during 2008 and 2007. Due to the timing of certain acquisitions, the purchase price allocation is preliminary pending completion of third-party appraisals and other fair value analysis of assets and liabilities.

 

(In thousands)             
     Post-Merger
2008
    Pre-Merger
2007
 

Cash

   $ 112      $ —     

Accounts receivable

     104        —     

Property, plant and equipment

     17,468        29,654   

Permits

     8,065        13,634   

Definite-lived intangibles

     42,941        3,014   

Goodwill

     8,814        34,094   

Other assets

     8,585        1,453   
                
     86,089        81,849   

Other liabilities

     (9,101     (11,347

Noncontrolling interest

     7,865        101   

Deferred tax

     (6,696     (1,544
                
     (7,932     (12,790

Plus accrued earnout paid

     25,053        —     

Less fair value of assets exchanged

     (6,600     —     
                

Total cash consideration

     96,610        69,059   

Less cash received

     (112     —     
                

Net cash paid for acquisitions

   $ 96,498      $ 69,059   
                

The Company has entered into certain agreements relating to acquisitions that provide for purchase price adjustments and other future contingent payments based on the financial performance of the acquired company. The Company will continue to accrue additional amounts related to such contingent payments if and when it is determinable that the applicable financial performance targets will be met. The aggregate of these contingent payments, if performance targets were met, would not significantly impact the Company’s financial position or results of operations.

 

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NOTE D — RESTRUCTURING

The following table summarizes the activities during 2007 and 2006 related to the Company’s restructuring accruals. The activity during 2008 and the remaining accrual as of December 31, 2008 were immaterial.

(In thousands)

 

     Pre-Merger
2007
    Pre-Merger
2006
 

Balance at January 1

   $ 12,537      $ 23,221   

Estimated costs charged to restructuring accrual

     —          —     

Adjustments to restructuring accrual

     42        1,826   

Payments charged against restructuring accrual

     (10,134     (12,510
                

Balance at December 31

   $ 2,445      $ 12,537   
                

In the third quarter of 2005, the Company’s International segment restructured its operations in France. As a result, the Company recorded $26.6 million in restructuring costs as a component of selling, general and administrative expenses; $22.5 million was related to severance costs and $4.1 million was related to other costs. At December 31, 2008, the remaining accrual was immaterial.

The Company has a restructuring liability related to Clear Channel Communications’ merger with Ackerley in June 2002. At December 31, 2008, the remaining accrual was immaterial.

NOTE E — 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 34.3% interest in Alessi, an Italian outdoor advertising company.

 

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Summarized Financial Information

The following table summarizes the Company’s investments in nonconsolidated affiliates:

 

(In thousands)                         
     CCI     Alessi     All
Others
    Total  
Pre-Merger         

Balance as of December 31, 2007

   $ 54,211      $ 27,479      $ 26,317      $ 108,007   

Acquisition (disposition) of investments

     (116,789     —          (788     (117,577

Equity in net earnings (loss)

     77,615        (8,853     2,080        70,842   

Other, net

     (9,286     4,506        (5,281     (10,061

Foreign currency translation adjustments

     (5,751     1,921        538        (3,292
                                

Balance as of July 30, 2008

     —          25,053        22,866        47,919   

Post-Merger

        

Fair value adjustment resulting from preliminary push-down accounting

     —          —          3,797        3,797   

Acquisition (disposition) of investments

     —          —          500        500   

Equity in net earnings (loss)

     —          (333     (1,776     (2,109

Other, net

     —          —          6,475        6,475   

Foreign currency translation adjustments

     —          (2,733     (2,037     (4,770
                                

Balance as of December 31, 2008

   $ —        $ 21,987      $ 29,825      $ 51,812   
                                

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 of nonconsolidated affiliates.” The accumulated undistributed loss included in retained earnings for these investments was $1.3 million as of December 31, 2008. The accumulated undistributed earnings included in retained earnings for these investments were $10.1 million and $7.3 million as of December 31, 2007 and 2006, respectively.

Other Investments

Other investments of $22.5 million at December 31, 2008 represent marketable equity securities.

 

(In thousands)

Investments

   Fair
Value
   Cost

2008

     

Available-for sale

   $ 22,512    $ 22,512

The fair value of certain of the Company’s available-for-sale securities was below their cost each month subsequent to the closing of Clear Channel Communications’ merger. As a result, the Company considered the guidance in SEC Staff Accounting Bulletin Topic 5M and reviewed the length of the time and the extent to which the market value was less than cost and the financial condition and near-term prospects of the issuer. After this assessment, the Company concluded that the impairment was other than temporary and recorded a $59.8 million impairment charge on the statement of operations in “Loss on marketable securities”.

NOTE F — ASSET RETIREMENT OBLIGATION

The Company has an asset retirement obligation of $55.6 million and $70.5 million as of December 31, 2008 and 2007, 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

 

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condition upon the termination or non-renewal of a lease. The liability 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:

(In thousands)

 

Pre-Merger   

Balance at January 1, 2007

   $ 59,280   

Adjustment due to change in estimate of related costs

     8,958   

Accretion of liability

     4,236   

Liabilities settled

     (1,977
        

Balance at December 31, 2007

     70,497   

Adjustment due to change in estimate of related costs

     1,853   

Accretion of liability

     3,084   

Liabilities settled

     (2,558
        

Balance at July 30, 2008

     72,876   
Post-Merger   

Fair value adjustment resulting from preliminary push-down accounting

     (13,598

Adjustment due to change in estimate of related costs

     (3,123

Accretion of liability

     2,233   

Liabilities settled

     (2,796
        

Balance at December 31, 2008

   $ 55,592   
        

NOTE G — LONG-TERM DEBT

Long-term debt at December 31, 2008 and 2007 consisted of the following:

 

(In thousands)    December 31,
     2008    2007
     Post-Merger    Pre-Merger

Debt with Clear Channel Communications

   $ 2,500,000    $ 2,500,000

Bank credit facility ($150.0 million sub-limit within Clear Channel Communications’ $2.0 billion facility)

     30,000      —  

Bank credit facility ($150.0 million sub-limit within Clear Channel Communications’ $1.75 billion facility)

     —        80,000

Other debt

     71,854      102,021
             
     2,601,854      2,682,021

Less: current portion

     69,522      87,099
             

Total long-term debt

   $ 2,532,332    $ 2,594,922
             

Debt with Clear Channel Communications

The Company has a note in the original principal amount of $2.5 billion to Clear Channel Communications which matures on August 2, 2010, may be prepaid in whole at any time, or in part from time to time. The note accrues interest at a variable per annum rate equal to the weighted average cost of debt for Clear Channel Communications, calculated on a monthly basis. This note is mandatorily payable upon 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 must be used to prepay such note. At December 31, 2008, the interest rate on the $2.5 billion note was 6.0%.

 

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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, 2008, the interest rate on this bank credit facility was 4.6%. At December 31, 2008, the outstanding balance on the $150.0 million sub-limit was $30.0 million, with the entire balance to be repaid 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.

In conjunction with the merger, Clear Channel Communications’ $1.75 billion revolving credit facility, including the $150.0 million sub-limit, was terminated.

Debt Covenants

The $2.5 billion note requires the Company to comply with various negative covenants, including restrictions on the following activities: incurring consolidated funded indebtedness (as defined in the note), excluding intercompany indebtedness, in a principal amount in excess of $400.0 million at any one time outstanding; creating liens; making investments; entering into sale and leaseback transactions (as defined in the note), which when aggregated with consolidated funded indebtedness secured by liens, will not exceed an amount equal to 10% of the Company’s total consolidated shareholders’ equity (as defined in the note) as shown on its most recently reported annual audited consolidated balance sheet; disposing of all or substantially all of the Company’s assets; entering into mergers and consolidations; declaring or making dividends or other distributions; repurchasing its equity; and entering into transactions with its affiliates.

In addition, the note requires the Company to prepay it in full upon a change of control. The note defines a change of control to occur when Clear Channel Communications ceases to control (i) directly or indirectly, more than 50% of the aggregate voting equity interests of the Company, its operating subsidiary or its respective successors or assigns, or (ii) the ability to elect a majority of the Board of Directors of the Company, its operating subsidiary or its respective successors or assigns. Upon the Company’s issuances of equity and incurrences of debt, subject to certain exceptions, it is also required to prepay the note in the amount of the net proceeds received by it from such events.

The significant covenant contained in Clear Channel Communications’ $2.0 billion revolving credit facility requires it to comply on a quarterly basis with a maximum consolidated senior secured net debt to adjusted EBITDA ratio (as defined by the credit facility). This financial covenant becomes effective on March 31, 2009 (maximum of 9.5:1) and will become more restrictive over time beginning in the second quarter of 2013. In its Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC on March 2, 2009, CC Media Holdings stated that its secured leverage, defined as secured debt, net of cash, divided by the trailing 12-month consolidated EBITDA, as defined by the credit facility, was 6.4:1 at December 31, 2008.

There are no significant covenants or events of default contained in the cash management note issued by Clear Channel Communications to the Company or the cash management note issued by the Company to Clear Channel Communications.

At December 31, 2008, the Company was in compliance with all debt covenants. Furthermore, in its Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC on March 2, 2009, CC Media Holdings stated that as of December 31, 2008, it was in compliance with its debt covenants.

 

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Other Debt

Other debt includes various borrowings and capital leases utilized for general operating purposes. Included in the $71.9 million balance at December 31, 2008 is $69.5 million that matures in less than one year.

Debt Maturities

Future maturities of long-term debt at December 31, 2008, are as follows:

 

(In thousands)     

2009

   $ 69,522

2010

     2,500,806

2011

     380

2012

     410

2013

     736

Thereafter

     30,000
      

Total

   $ 2,601,854
      

NOTE H — 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 EITF 01-8, Determining Whether an Arrangement Contains a Lease (“EITF 01-8”), FAS 13, Accounting for Leases, FAS 29, Determining Contingent Rentals an amendment of FASB Statement No. 13 (“Statement 29”) and FASB Technical Bulletin 85-3, Accounting for Operating Leases with Scheduled Rent Increases (“FTB 85-3”).

The Company considers its noncancelable contracts that enable it to display advertising on buses, taxis, trains, bus shelters, etc. to be leases in accordance with the guidance in EITF 01-8. 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 in accordance with FTB 85-3. 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 under Statement 29, 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 FTB 85-3. 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.

 

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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, 2008, the Company’s future minimum rental commitments under noncancelable operating lease agreements with terms in excess of one year, minimum payments under noncancelable contracts in excess of one year, and capital expenditure commitments consist of the following:

 

(In thousands)    Non-Cancelable
Operating
Leases
   Non-Cancelable
Contracts
   Capital
Expenditures

2009

   $ 279,555    $ 403,685    $ 76,760

2010

     240,545      328,863      44,776

2011

     200,536      292,534      17,650

2012

     169,564      248,090      4,666

2013

     152,690      192,565      4,670

Thereafter

     967,041      641,587      3,141
                    

Total

   $ 2,009,931    $ 2,107,324    $ 151,663
                    

Rent expense charged to operations for the pre-merger period from January 1, 2008 through July 30, 2008 was $685.2 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 years ended December 31, 2007 and 2006 was $1.1 billion and $961.3 million, 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, 2008, 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, 2008, these amounts are not recorded. If future payments are made, amounts will be recorded as additional purchase price.

The Company is a party to various put agreements that may require additional investments to be made by the Company in the future. The put values are contingent upon the financial performance of the investee and are typically based on the investee meeting certain EBITDA targets, as defined in the agreement. The Company will continue to accrue additional amounts related to such contingent payments if and when it is determinable that the applicable financial performance targets will be met. The aggregate of these contingent payments, if performance targets are met, would not significantly impact the financial position or results of operations of the Company.

 

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NOTE I — 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. Interest on the cash management note owed by the Company accrues on the daily net negative cash position based upon LIBOR plus a margin. Interest on the cash management note owed by Clear Channel Communications accrues interest on the daily net positive cash position based upon the average one-month generic treasury bill rate. Included in the accounts are the net activities resulting from day-to-day cash management services provided by Clear Channel Communications. As a part of these services, the Company maintains collection bank accounts swept daily into accounts of Clear Channel Communications. 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, 2008 (post-merger) and December 31, 2007 (pre-merger), the asset recorded in “Due from Clear Channel Communications” on the consolidated balance sheet was $431.6 million and $265.4 million, respectively. The net interest income for the pre-merger period from January 1, 2008 through July 30, 2008 was $2.6 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 years ended December 31, 2007 and 2006 was $3.7 million and $0.4 million, respectively. At December 31, 2008, the interest rate on the “Due from Clear Channel Communications” account was 0.02%, which represents the average one-month generic treasury bill rate as described above.

The Company has a note in the original principal amount of $2.5 billion to Clear Channel Communications which matures on August 2, 2010, and may be prepaid in whole at any time, or in part from time to time. This note accrues interest at a variable per annum rate equal to the weighted average cost of debt for Clear Channel Communications, calculated on a monthly basis. This note is mandatorily payable upon 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 must be used to prepay such note. This note is further disclosed in Note G. At December 31, 2008, the interest rate on the $2.5 billion note was 6.0%.

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 G. At December 31, 2008, the interest rate on this bank credit facility was 4.6%. At December 31, 2008, 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 pre-merger period from January 1, 2008 through July 30, 2008, the Company recorded $4.6 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 years ended December 31, 2007 and 2006, the Company recorded $13.8 million and $10.6 million, respectively, in revenue for these advertisements.

 

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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 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 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 years ended December 31, 2007 and 2006, the Company recorded $20.3 million and $24.3 million, respectively, 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 FAS 109, Accounting for Income Taxes, 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 J.

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 $6.7 million for the pre-merger period from January 1, 2008 through July 30, 2008 and $4.8 million for the post-merger period from July 31, 2008 through December 31, 2008. These costs were approximately $10.4 million and $9.3 million for the pre-merger years ended December 31, 2007 and 2006, respectively.

NOTE J — INCOME TAXES

The operations of the Company are included in a consolidated federal income tax return filed by Clear Channel Communications, Inc. 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.

 

71


Significant components of the provision for income tax expense (benefit) are as follows:

 

(In thousands)                         
     Post-Merger     Pre-Merger  
     Period from
July 31
through
December 31,
2008
    Period from
January 1
through
July 30,
2008
    Year Ended
December 31,
2007
    Year Ended
December 31,
2006
 

Current — federal

   $ (19,435   $ 3,872      $ 61,460      $ 34,255   

Current — foreign

     15,359        24,327        42,984        40,056   

Current — state

     1,031        1,972        7,282        8,242   
                                

Total current

     (3,045     30,171        111,726        82,553   

Deferred — federal

     (229,556     30,169        32,241        43,117   

Deferred — foreign

     (17,763     (12,662     (1,400     (9,134

Deferred — state

     (21,531     3,898        4,074        5,544   
                                

Total deferred

     (268,850     21,405        34,915        39,527   
                                

Income tax expense (benefit)

   $ (271,895   $ 51,576      $ 146,641      $ 122,080   
                                

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.

The increase in current tax expense of $29.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2007 over 2006 was due primarily to an increase in “Income (loss) before income taxes” of $121.2 million. Deferred tax expense decreased $4.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2007 compared to 2006, primarily due to additional deferred tax expense of approximately $12.8 recorded in 2006 related to the filing of an amended tax return. The amendment was mainly due to a revised tax loss on the like kind exchange of certain assets. In addition the company recorded deferred tax expense of approximately $16.7 million in 2006 related to the uncertainty of our ability to utilize certain tax losses in the future for certain international operations. These amounts were partially offset by additional deferred tax expense of approximately $19.8 recorded in 2007 as a result of the utilization of deferred tax assets related to capital expenditures in certain foreign jurisdictions.

 

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Significant components of the Company’s deferred tax liabilities and assets as of December 31, 2008 and 2007 are as follows:

 

(In thousands)             
     Post-Merger
2008
    Pre-Merger
2007
 

Deferred tax liabilities:

    

Intangibles and fixed assets

   $ 931,708      $ —     

Foreign

     87,653        991   

Other investments/partnerships

     374        —     

Accrued expenses

     —          656   

Deferred income

     —          5,769   

Other

     985        917   
                

Total deferred tax liabilities

     1,020,720        8,333   

Deferred tax assets:

    

Intangibles and fixed assets

     —          173,181   

Accrued expenses

     12,153        5,847   

Equity in earnings

     291        2,235   

Deferred income

     98        —     

Net operating loss carryforwards

     —          52   

Bad debt reserves

     9,236        3,225   

Other

     8,505        5,865   
                

Total deferred tax assets

     30,283        190,405   
                

Net deferred tax (liabilities) assets

     (990,437     182,072   

Less: current portion

     13,429        (4,095
                

Long-term net deferred tax (liabilities) assets

   $ (1,003,866   $ 186,167   
                

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, 2008 and 2007, net deferred tax assets include a deferred tax asset of $8.6 million and $5.6 million, respectively, relating to stock-based compensation expense under FAS 123(R). 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 K for additional discussion of FAS 123(R).

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 Statement No. 142, the Company no longer amortizes 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.

 

73


The reconciliation of income tax computed at the U.S. federal statutory tax rates to income tax expense (benefit) is:

 

(In thousands)                         
     Post-Merger     Pre-Merger  
     Period from
July 31
through
December 31,
2008
    Period from
January 1
through
July 30,
2008
    Year Ended
December 31,
2007
    Year Ended
December 31,
2006
 

Income tax expense at statutory rates

   $ (1,151,107   $ 76,014      $ 144,162      $ 101,733   

State income taxes, net of federal tax benefit

     (20,500     5,870        11,356        13,786   

Foreign taxes

     95,347        (29,667     (8,791     6,390   

Nondeductible items

     258        351        760        709   

Tax contingencies

     (946     668        6,882        (891

Impairment charge

     803,920        —          —          —     

Other, net

     1,133        (1,658     (7,728     353   
                                

Income tax expense (benefit)

   $ (271,895   $ 51,578      $ 146,641      $ 122,080   
                                

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 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 impairment charge recorded in the period discussed in more detail in 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 on income before income taxes of $411.9 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.

During 2006, the Company recorded tax expense of approximately $122.1 million on income before income taxes of $290.7 million. Foreign income before income taxes was approximately $70.1 million for 2006. The 2006 income tax expense and 42% effective tax rate were impacted as a result of the Company not recording a tax benefit on certain tax losses in its foreign operations due to the uncertainty of the ability to utilize those tax losses in the future.

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 adopted Financial Accounting Standards Board Interpretation No. 48, Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes (“FIN 48”), on January 1, 2007. FIN 48 clarifies the accounting for uncertainty in income taxes recognized in the financial statements. FIN 48 prescribes a recognition threshold for the financial statement recognition and measurement of a tax position taken or expected to be taken within an income tax return. The adoption of FIN 48 resulted in an increase of $8.1 million to the January 1, 2007 balance of retained earnings, a decrease of $6.0 million in liabilities for unrecognized tax benefits and an increase of $27.2 million in deferred tax assets. The total amount of unrecognized tax benefits at January 1, 2007, was $31.7 million, inclusive of $6.5 million for interest.

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, 2008 and 2007, was $5.1 million and $5.8 million,

 

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respectively. The total amount of unrecognized tax benefits and accrued interest and penalties at December 31, 2008 and 2007, was $53.5 million and $60.8 million, respectively, and is recorded in “Other long-term liabilities” on the Company’s consolidated balance sheet. Of this total, $53.5 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:

 

(In thousands)    Post-Merger     Pre-Merger  
     Period from
July 31
through
December 31,
2008
    Period from
January 1
through

July 30, 2008
    Year Ended
December 31,
2007
 

Balance beginning of period

   $ 60,599      $ 55,026      $ 25,182   

Increases due to tax positions taken in the current year

     4,810        5,927        13,533   

Increases due to tax positions taken in previous years

     1,275        —          32,376   

Decreases due to tax positions taken in previous years

     (14,371     (354     (16,058

Decreases due to settlements with taxing authorities

     (556     —          (7

Decreases due to lapse of statute of limitations

     (3,351     —          —     
                        

Balance at end of period

   $ 48,406      $ 60,599      $ 55,026   
                        

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 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 2005 and 2006 tax year. Substantially all material state, local and foreign income tax matters have been concluded for the years through 2000. The Company does not expect to resolve any material federal or state tax positions within the next 12 months.

NOTE K — 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 Statement 123(R). 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. Statement 123(R) requires the cash flows from the tax benefits resulting from tax

 

75


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 adoption of Statement 123(R) 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:

 

     Post-Merger    Pre-Merger
     Period from
July 31
through
December 31,
   Period
from
January
1

through
July
30,
  Year
Ended
December
31,
  Year
Ended
December
31,
     2008    2008   2007   2006

Expected volatility

   n/a    27%   27%   27%

Expected life in years

   n/a    5.5
–
7.0
  5.0
–
7.0
  5.0
–
7.5

Risk-free interest rate

   n/a    3.24% – 3.38%   4.76% – 4.89%   4.58% – 5.08%

Dividend yield

   n/a    0%   0%   0%

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 during the five months ended December 31, 2008, the seven months ended July 30, 2008 and the years ended December 31, 2007 and 2006:

 

(In thousands)    Post-Merger    Pre-Merger
     Period from
July 31
through
December 31,
2008
   Period from
January 1
through
July 30,
2008
   Year Ended
December 31,
2007
   Year Ended
December 31,
2006

Direct operating expenses

   $ 3,038    $ 5,019    $ 6,951    $ 4,328

Selling, general and administrative expenses

     771      1,804      2,682      1,683

Corporate expenses

     372      585      538      88
                           

Total share-based payments

   $ 4,181    $ 7,408    $ 10,171    $ 6,099
                           

 

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The following table presents a summary of the Company’s stock options outstanding at and stock option activity during the year ended December 31, 2008 (“Price” reflects the weighted average exercise price per share):

 

(In thousands, except per share data)    Options     Price    Weighted
Average
Remaining
Contractual Term
   Aggregate
Intrinsic
Value
Pre-Merger           

Outstanding, January 1, 2008

   7,536      $ 23.08      

Granted (a)

   1,881        20.64      

Exercised (b)

   (233     18.28      

Forfeited

   (346     19.95      

Expired

   (548     30.62      
              

Outstanding, July 30, 2008

   8,290        22.30      
Post-Merger           

Granted

   —          n/a      

Exercised

   —          n/a      

Forfeited

   (49     19.87      

Expired

   (528     26.41      
              

Outstanding, December 31, 2008

   7,713        22.03    5.2 years    $ —  
              

Exercisable

   2,979        24.28    2.4 years      —  

Expect to vest

   4,734        20.62    6.9 years      —  

 

(a) The weighted average grant date fair value of options granted during the pre-merger prior from January 1, 2008 through July 30, 2008 was $7.10. The weighted average grant date fair value of options granted during the pre-merger years ended December 31, 2007 and 2006 was $11.05 and $6.76, respectively.
(b) 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 cash flows from the tax benefits resulting from tax deductions in excess of the compensation cost recognized for those options (excess tax benefits) is to be classified as financing cash flows. The excess tax benefit that is required to be classified as a financing cash inflow is not material. The total intrinsic value of options exercised during the pre-merger period from January 1, 2008 through July 30, 2008, was $0.7 million. The total intrinsic value of options exercised during the pre-merger years ended December 31, 2007 and 2006, was $2.0 million and $0.3 million, respectively.

 

77


A summary of the Company’s nonvested options at and changes during the year ended December 31, 2008, is presented below:

 

(In thousands, except per share data)    Options     Weighted
Average
Grant Date
Fair Value
Pre-Merger     

Nonvested, January 1, 2008

   4,622      $ 7.01

Granted

   1,881        7.10

Vested (a)

   (978     5.81

Forfeited

   (346     7.01
        

Nonvested, July 31, 2008

   5,179        7.28
Post-Merger     

Granted

   —          n/a

Vested (a)

   (396     5.81

Forfeited

   (49     7.17
        

Nonvested, December 31, 2008

   4,734        7.40
        

 

(a) The total fair value of options vested during the pre-merger period from January 1, 2008 through July 30, 2008 was $5.7 million. The total fair value of options vested during the post-merger period from July 31 through December 31, 2008 was $2.3 million. The total fair value of options vested during the pre-merger years ended December 31, 2007 and 2006, was $2.0 million and $1.6 million, respectively.

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, 2008 (“Price” reflects the weighted average share price at the date of grant):

 

(In thousands, except per share data)           
     Awards     Price
Pre-Merger     

Outstanding, January 1, 2008

   491      $ 24.57

Granted

   —          n/a

Vested (restriction lapsed)

   (72     29.03

Forfeited

   (15     25.77
        

Outstanding, July 30, 2008

   404        23.76
Post-Merger     

Granted

   —          n/a

Vested (restriction lapsed)

   (46     18.00

Forfeited

   (7     21.34
        

Outstanding, December 31, 2008

   351        24.54
        

 

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Unrecognized share-based compensation cost

As of December 31, 2008, there was $21.2 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 three years.

Reconciliation of Earnings (Loss) per Share

 

(In thousands, except per share data)                     
     Post-Merger     Pre-Merger
     Period from
July 31
through
December 31,
    Period from
January 1
through

July 30,
   Year Ended
December 31,
   Year Ended
December 31,
     2008     2008    2007    2006

NUMERATOR:

          

Net income (loss) attributable to the Company

   $ (3,018,637   $ 167,554    $ 245,990    $ 153,072

Less: Net income (loss) attributable to the Company –Unvested Shares

     —          214      281      99

Effect of dilutive securities:

          

None

     —          —        —        —  
                            

Numerator for net income (loss) attributable to the Company per common share – basic and diluted

   $ (3,018,637   $ 167,340    $ 245,709    $ 152,973
                            

DENOMINATOR:

          

Weighted average common shares - basic

     355,308        355,178      354,838      352,155

Effect of dilutive securities:

          

Stock options and restricted stock awards (1)

     —          563      968      107
                            

Denominator for net income (loss) per common share – diluted

     355,308        355,741      355,806      352,262
                            

Net income (loss) per common share:

          

Basic

   $ (8.50   $ .47    $ .69    $ .43
                            

Diluted

   $ (8.50   $ .47    $ .69    $ .43
                            

 

(1) 7.7 million, 6.3 million, 1.8 million and 1.4 million stock options were outstanding at December 31, 2008 (post-merger), July 30, 2008 (pre-merger) and December 31, 2007 and 2006 (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.

 

79


NOTE L — EMPLOYEE STOCK AND SAVINGS PLANS

The Company’s U.S. employees are 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 $1.4 million were recorded as a component of operating expenses for the pre-merger period from January 1, 2008 through July 30, 2008. Contributions to these plans of $0.9 million were recorded as a component of operating expenses for the post-merger period from July 31, 2008 through December 31, 2008. Contributions to these plans of $2.3 million and $2.1 million were recorded as a component of operating expenses for the pre-merger years ended December 31, 2007 and 2006, respectively.

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 $7.7 million were recorded as a component of operating expenses for the pre-merger period from January 1, 2008 through July 30, 2008. Contributions to these plans of $5.5 million were recorded as a component of operating expenses for the post-merger period from July 31, 2008 through December 31, 2008. Contributions to these plans of $20.1 million and $17.6 million were recorded as a component of operating expenses for the pre-merger years ended December 31, 2007 and 2006, respectively.

Prior to January 1, 2007, the Company’s employees were also eligible to participate in a non-qualified employee stock purchase plan sponsored by Clear Channel Communications. Under the plan, employees were provided with the opportunity to purchase shares of Clear Channel Communications’ common stock at 95% of the market value on the day of purchase. During each calendar year, employees could purchase shares having a value not exceeding 10% of their annual gross compensation or $25,000, whichever was lower. During the pre-merger year ended December 31, 2006, all eligible employees purchased 144,444 shares at a weighted average share price of $28.56, with the Company’s employees representing approximately 15% of the total participation in this plan. Contributions to this plan were discontinued effective January 1, 2007 as a condition of Clear Channel Communications’ merger. Clear Channel Communications terminated this plan upon closing of the merger and each share held under the plan was converted into the right to receive a cash payment equal to the value of $36.00 per share.

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’.

 

80


NOTE M — OTHER INFORMATION

The following details the components of “Other income (expense) — net:”

 

(In thousands)    Post-Merger     Pre-Merger  
     Period from
July 31
through
December 31,
2008
    Period from
January 1
through

July 30,
2008
    Year Ended
December 31,
2007
   Year Ended
December 31,
2006
 

Foreign exchange gain (loss)

   $ 10,440      $ 9,404      $ 9,388    $ (181

Dividends on marketable securities

     2,533        5,468        —        —     

Other

     (859     (1,507     725      512   
                               

Total other income (expense) — net

   $ 12,114      $ 13,365      $ 10,113    $ 331   
                               

The following details the components of “Other current assets:”

 

(In thousands)    As of December 31,
     2008
Post-Merger
   2007
Pre-Merger

Inventory

   $ 26,802    $ 26,719

Deposits

     5,592      25,869

Other prepayments

     53,195      90,631

Deferred tax assets

     13,429      —  

Other

     45,682      50,330
             

Total other current assets

   $ 144,700    $ 193,549
             

The following details the components of “Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)”:

 

(In thousands)    As of December 31,
     2008
Post-Merger
    2007
Pre-Merger

Cumulative currency translation adjustment

   $ (329,597   $ 247,478

Cumulative unrealized gain on investments

     17        —  
              

Total accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)

   $ (329,580   $ 247,478
              

 

81


NOTE N — 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 Europe, 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 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 years ended December 31, 2007 and 2006:

 

(in thousands)    Americas    International     Corporate
and other
reconciling
items
    Consolidated  

Post-Merger Period from July 31, 2008 through December 31, 2008

         

Revenue

   $ 587,427    $ 739,797      $ —        $ 1,327,224   

Direct operating expenses

     276,602      486,102        —          762,704   

Selling, general and administrative expenses

     114,260      147,264        —          261,524   

Depreciation and amortization

     90,624      134,089        —          224,713   

Impairment charge

     —        —          3,217,649        3,217,649   

Corporate expenses

     —        —          31,681        31,681   

Other operating income – net

     —        —          4,870        4,870   
                               

Operating income (loss)

   $ 105,941    $ (27,658   $ (3,244,460   $ (3,166,177
                               

Identifiable assets

   $ 5,187,838    $ 2,409,652      $ 453,271      $ 8,050,761   

Capital expenditures

   $ 93,146    $ 66,067      $ —        $ 159,213   

Share-based payments

   $ 3,012    $ 797      $ 372      $ 4,181   

Pre-Merger Period from January 1, 2008 through July 30, 2008

         

Revenue

   $ 842,831    $ 1,119,232      $ —        $ 1,962,063   

Direct operating expenses

     370,924      748,508        —          1,119,432   

Selling, general and administrative expenses

     138,629      206,217        —          344,846   

Depreciation and amortization

     117,009      130,628        —          247,637   

Corporate expenses

     —        —          39,364        39,364   

Other operating income – net

     —        —          10,978        10,978   
                               

Operating income (loss)

   $ 216,269    $ 33,879      $ (28,386   $ 221,762   
                               

Capital expenditures

   $ 82,672    $ 116,450      $ —        $ 199,122   

Share-based payments

   $ 5,453    $ 1,370      $ 585      $ 7,408   

 

82


(in thousands)                     
     Americas    International    Corporate
and other
reconciling
items
    Consolidated

Pre-Merger

          

Year Ended December 31, 2007

          

Revenue

   $ 1,485,058    $ 1,796,778    $ —        $ 3,281,836

Direct operating expenses

     590,563      1,144,282      —          1,734,845

Selling, general and administrative expenses

     226,448      311,546      —          537,994

Depreciation and amortization

     189,853      209,630      —          399,483

Corporate expenses

     —        —        66,080        66,080

Other operating income – net

     —        —        11,824        11,824
                            

Operating income (loss)

   $ 478,194    $ 131,320    $ (54,256   $ 555,258
                            

Identifiable assets

   $ 2,878,753    $ 2,606,130    $ 450,721      $ 5,935,604

Capital expenditures

   $ 142,826    $ 132,864    $ —        $ 275,690

Share-based payments

   $ 7,932    $ 1,701    $ 538      $ 10,171

Pre-Merger

          

Year Ended December 31, 2006

          

Revenue

   $ 1,341,356    $ 1,556,365    $ —        $ 2,897,721

Direct operating expenses

     534,365      980,477      —          1,514,842

Selling, general and administrative expenses

     207,326      279,668      —          486,994

Depreciation and amortization

     178,970      228,760      —          407,730

Corporate expenses

     —        —        65,542        65,542

Other operating income – net

     —        —        22,846        22,846
                            

Operating income (loss)

   $ 420,695    $ 67,460    $ (42,696   $ 445,459
                            

Identifiable assets

   $ 2,820,737    $ 2,401,924    $ 199,230      $ 5,421,891

Capital expenditures

   $ 90,495    $ 143,387    $ —        $ 233,882

Share-based payments

   $ 4,699    $ 1,312    $ 88      $ 6,099

Identifiable assets of $2.6 billion, $2.9 billion and $2.7 billion derived from the Company’s foreign operations are included in the data above for the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006, respectively. 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 and $1.6 billion derived from the Company’s foreign operations is included in the data above for the pre-merger years ended December 31, 2007 and 2006, respectively.

 

83


NOTE O — QUARTERLY RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (Unaudited)

 

(In thousands, except per share data)                                                 
     March 31,     June 30,     September 30,     December 31,  
     2008
Pre-Merger
    2007
Pre-Merger
    2008
Pre-Merger
    2007
Pre-Merger
    2008
Combined(1)
    2007
Pre-Merger
    2008
Post-Merger
    2007
Pre-Merger
 

Revenue

   $ 775,579      $ 690,856      $ 914,808      $ 836,713      $ 813,375      $ 817,541      $ 785,525      $ 936,726   

Operating expenses:

                

Direct operating expenses

     470,834        394,205        490,244        429,143        463,117        434,472        457,941        477,025   

Selling, general and administrative expenses

     144,610        127,533        151,034        134,557        142,377        131,228        168,349        144,676   

Depreciation and amortization

     105,090        95,670        104,764        98,153        118,798        99,793        143,698        105,867   

Corporate expenses

     16,234        15,343        17,819        13,271        16,542        16,322        20,450        21,144   

Impairment charge

     —          —          —          —          —          —          3,217,649        —     

Other operating income— net

     2,372        7,092        6,100        1,204        4,034        414        3,342        3,114   
                                                                

Operating income (loss)

     41,183        65,197        157,047        162,793        76,575        136,140        (3,219,220     191,128   

Interest expense on debt with Clear Channel Communications

     36,003        38,289        36,953        38,904        43,948        39,274        41,500        38,569   

Interest expense

     2,095        2,286        1,314        1,521        1,470        2,093        1,819        618   

Interest income on Due from Clear Channel Communications

     1,474        506        686        486        1,196        1,189        96        1,492   

Loss on marketable securities

     —          —          —          —          —          —          59,842        —     

Equity in earnings (loss) of nonconsolidated affiliates

     78,043        125        1,666        2,820        (9,814     (836     (1,162     2,293   

Other income (expense)— net

     12,547        (44     (2,249     1,040        2,090        2,815        13,091        6,302   
                                                                

Income (loss) before income taxes

     95,149        25,209        118,883        126,714        24,629        97,941        (3,310,356     162,028   

Income tax (expense) benefit

     (7,900     (10,641     (39,987     (50,899     (8,803     (37,447     277,009        (47,654
                                                                

Consolidated net income (loss)

     87,249        14,568        78,896        75,815        15,826        60,494        (3,033,347     114,374   

Amount attributable to noncontrolling interest

     (1,657     (1,516     (1,451     7,218        6,711        5,778        (3,896     7,781   
                                                                

Net income (loss) attributable to the Company

   $ 88,906      $ 16,084      $ 80,347      $ 68,597      $ 9,115      $ 54,716      $ (3,029,451   $ 106,593   
                                                                

Net income (loss) per common share:

                

Basic

   $ .25      $ .05      $ .23      $ .19      $ .03      $ .15      $ (8.53   $ .30   

Diluted

   $ .25      $ .05      $ .23      $ .19      $ .03      $ .15      $ (8.53   $ .30   

Stock price:

                

High

   $ 27.82      $ 31.14      $ 22.49      $ 30.12      $ 18.15      $ 29.24      $ 13.75      $ 28.57   

Low

   $ 18.36      $ 24.91      $ 17.05      $ 25.95      $ 11.88      $ 22.81      $ 3.35      $ 23.65   

 

84


(1) The quarterly results of operations for the quarter ended September 30, 2008 are presented on a combined basis and are 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:

 

(In thousands, except per share data)    Post-Merger     Pre-Merger     Combined  
     Period from
July 31 through
September 30,
2008
    Period from
July 1 through
July 30,

2008
    Quarter Ended
September 30,
2008
 

Revenue

   $ 541,699      $ 271,676      $ 813,375   

Operating expenses:

      

Direct operating expenses

     304,763        158,354        463,117   

Selling, general and administrative expenses

     93,175        49,202        142,377   

Depreciation and amortization

     81,015        37,783        118,798   

Corporate expenses

     11,231        5,311        16,542   

Other operating income— net

     1,528        2,506        4,034   
                        

Operating income

     53,043        23,532        76,575   

Interest expense on debt with Clear Channel Communications

     29,440        14,508        43,948   

Interest expense

     966        504        1,470   

Interest income on Due from Clear Channel Communications

     766        430        1,196   

Equity in earnings (loss) of nonconsolidated affiliates

     (947     (8,867     (9,814

Other income (expense)— net

     (977     3,067        2,090   
                        

Income before income taxes

     21,479        3,150        24,629   

Income tax (expense)

     (5,114     (3,689     (8,803
                        

Consolidated net income (loss)

     16,365        (539     15,826   

Amount attributable to noncontrolling interest

     5,551        1,160        6,711   
                        

Net income (loss) attributable to the Company

   $ 10,814      $ (1,699   $ 9,115   
                        

Net income (loss) per common share:

      

Basic

   $ .03      $ (.00   $ .03   

Diluted

   $ .03      $ (.00   $ .03   

NOTE P — SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

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 Company’s $150.0 million sub-limit. Clear Channel Communications’ made the borrowing to improve its liquidity position in light of continuing uncertainty in credit market and economic conditions. As a result, the Company does not have any availability under its bank credit facility.

NOTE Q – RECASTING FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE ADOPTION OF NEW ACCOUNTING STANDARDS

Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 160, Noncontrolling Interests in Consolidated Financial Statements - an amendment of ARB No. 51 (“Statement No. 160”), was issued in December 2007. Statement No. 160 clarifies the classification of noncontrolling interests in consolidated statements of financial position and the accounting for and reporting of transactions between the reporting entity and holders of such noncontrolling interests. Under Statement No. 160 noncontrolling interests are considered equity and should be reported as an element of consolidated equity, net income will encompass the total income of all consolidated subsidiaries and there will be separate disclosure on

 

85


the face of the income statement of the attribution of that income between the controlling and noncontrolling interests, and increases and decreases in the noncontrolling ownership interest amount will be accounted for as equity transactions. Statement No. 160 is effective for the first annual reporting period beginning on or after December 15, 2008, and earlier application is prohibited. Statement No. 160 is required to be adopted prospectively, except for reclassifying noncontrolling interests to equity, separate from the parent’s shareholders’ equity, in the consolidated statement of financial position and recasting consolidated net income (loss) to include net income (loss) attributable to both the controlling and noncontrolling interests, both of which are required to be adopted retrospectively. The Company adopted Statement No. 160 on January 1, 2009, and these financial statements reclassify noncontrolling interests to equity, separate from the Company’s shareholders’ equity, in the consolidated balance sheets and recast consolidated net income (loss) and consolidated other comprehensive income to include net income (loss) attributable to both the Company and noncontrolling interests in the consolidated statements of operations. Note O has also been recast to include consolidated net income (loss) attributable to both the Company and noncontrolling interests.

The Company retrospectively adopted Financial Accounting Standards Board Staff Position Emerging Issues Task Force 03-6-1 Determining Whether Instruments Granted in Share-Based Payment Transactions Are Participating Securities (“FSP EITF 03-6-1”) on January 1, 2009. FSP EITF 03-6-1 clarifies that unvested share-based payment awards with a right to receive nonforfeitable dividends are participating securities. Guidance is also provided on how to allocate earnings to participating securities and compute basic earnings per share using the two-class method. 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 this FSP. There was no impact of adopting FSP EITF 03-6-1 to basic earnings per share for the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006.

 

86


PART IV

 

ITEM 15. Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules

(a)1. Financial Statements.

The following consolidated financial statements are included in Item 8.

Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2008 and 2007

Consolidated Statements of Operations for the Years Ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006.

Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders’ Equity for the Years Ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006.

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Years Ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements


EXHIBIT 11 – Computation of Per Share Earnings

(In thousands, except per share data)

     Post-Merger     Pre-Merger
     Period from
July 31, through
December 31,
    Period from
January 1 through
July 30,
   Year Ended
December 31,
   Year Ended
December 31
     2008
As adjusted (1)
    2008
As adjusted (1)
   2007
As adjusted (1)
   2006

NUMERATOR:

          

Net income (loss) attributable to the Company

   $ (3,018,637   $ 167,554    $ 245,990    $ 153,072

Less: Net income (loss) attributable to the Company – Unvested Shares

     —          214      281      99

Effect of dilutive securities:

          

None

     —          —        —        —  
                            

Numerator for net income (loss) attributable to the Company per common share – basic and diluted

   $ (3,018,637   $ 167,340    $ 245,709    $ 152,973
                            

DENOMINATOR:

          

Weighted average common shares – basic

     355,308        355,178      354,838      352,155

Effect of dilutive securities:

          

Stock options and restricted stock awards (2)

     —          563      968      107
                            

Denominator for net income (loss) per common share – diluted

     355,308        355,741      355,806      352,262
                            

Net income (loss) per common share:

          

Basic

   $ (8.50   $ .47    $ .69    $ .43
                            

Diluted

   $ (8.50   $ .47    $ .69    $ .43
                            

 

(1) Reflects implementation of Financial Accounting Standards Board Staff Position Emerging Issues Task Force 03-6-1, Determining Whether Instruments Granted in Share-Based Payment Transactions Are Participating Securities. See Note Q in Item 8 of Part II of this Annual Report on Form 10-K for additional information.

 

(2) 7.7 million, 6.3 million, 1.8 million and 1.4 million stock options were outstanding at December 31, 2008 (post-merger), July 30, 2008 (pre-merger) and December 31, 2007 and 2006 (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.


EXHIBIT 23 - CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM - ERNST & YOUNG LLP

Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

We consent to the incorporation by reference in the following Registration Statements:

 

1. Registration Statement (Form S-8 No. 333-130229) pertaining to the Clear Channel Outdoor Holdings, Inc. 2005 Stock Incentive Plan

 

2. Registration Statement (Form S-8 No. 333-132950) pertaining to the Clear Channel Communications, Inc. 2005 401(k) Savings Plan

of our report dated March 2, 2009 (except for Note Q, as to which the date is December 8, 2009), with respect to the consolidated financial statements of Clear Channel Outdoor Holdings, Inc., included in its Current Report on Form 8-K, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

 

/s/ Ernst & Young LLP

San Antonio, Texas

December 8, 2009