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UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

 

 

FORM 10-K

 

 

 

x Annual report pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2010,

or

 

¨ Transition report pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

For the transition period from              to             .

Commission File Number 1-32663

 

 

CLEAR CHANNEL OUTDOOR HOLDINGS, INC.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

 

 

Delaware   86-0812139

(State or other jurisdiction of

incorporation or organization)

 

(I.R.S. Employer

Identification No.)

200 East Basse Road

San Antonio, Texas

  78209
(Address of principal executive offices)   (Zip code)

(210) 832-3700

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

 

 

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

 

Title of Each Class

  

Name of Exchange on Which Registered

Class A Common Stock, $.01 par value per share    New York Stock Exchange

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: None.

 

 

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act.    YES  ¨    NO  x

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Exchange Act.     YES  ¨    NO  x

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.     YES  x    NO  ¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).    YES  ¨    NO  ¨

Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of registrant’s knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K.  ¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):

 

Large accelerated filer   ¨    Accelerated filer   x
Non-accelerated filer   ¨    Smaller reporting company   ¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).     YES  ¨    NO  x

As of June 30, 2010, the aggregate market value of the common stock beneficially held by non-affiliates of the registrant was approximately $347.9 million based on the closing sales price of the Class A Common Stock as reported on the New York Stock Exchange. (For purposes hereof, only directors and executive officers have been deemed affiliates).

On January 31, 2011, there were 40,809,721 outstanding shares of Class A Common Stock, excluding 84,032 shares held in treasury, and 315,000,000 outstanding shares of Class B Common Stock.

 

 

DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

Portions of our Definitive Proxy Statement for the 2011 Annual Meeting, expected to be filed within 120 days of our fiscal year end, are incorporated by reference into Part III.

 

 

 


Table of Contents

CLEAR CHANNEL OUTDOOR HOLDINGS, INC.

INDEX TO FORM 10-K

 

         

Page

Number

 
PART I   
Item 1.    Business      1   
Item 1A.    Risk Factors      12   
Item 1B.    Unresolved Staff Comments      25   
Item 2.    Properties      26   
Item 3.    Legal Proceedings      26   
PART II   
Item 5.    Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities      29   
Item 6.    Selected Financial Data      31   
Item 7.    Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations      33   
Item 7A.    Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk      57   
Item 8.    Financial Statements and Supplementary Data      58   
Item 9.    Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure      105   
Item 9A.    Controls and Procedures      105   
Item 9B.    Other Information      107   
PART III   
Item 10.    Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance      108   
Item 11.    Executive Compensation      108   
Item 12.    Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters      108   
Item 13.    Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence      108   
Item 14.    Principal Accounting Fees and Services      109   
PART IV   
Item 15.    Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules      110   


Table of Contents

PART I

ITEM 1. Business

The Company

Clear Channel Outdoor Holdings, Inc. (“the Company”), a Delaware Corporation, provides clients with advertising opportunities through billboards, street furniture displays, transit displays and other out-of-home advertising displays, such as wallscapes, spectaculars, neons and mall displays, which we own or operate in key markets worldwide. Our business consists of two reportable operating segments: Americas and International. As of December 31, 2010, we owned or operated approximately 822,000 advertising displays worldwide. For the year ended December 31, 2010, we generated revenue of approximately $2.8 billion, with $1.3 billion and $1.5 billion from our Americas and International segments, respectively.

Our History

We were incorporated in August 1995 under the name “Eller Media Company.” In 1997, Clear Channel Communications, Inc. (“Clear Channel Communications”), our parent company, entered the outdoor advertising industry with its acquisition of Eller Media Company. We changed our name to Clear Channel Outdoor Holdings, Inc. in August 2005.

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

Prior to or at the time of our IPO, we entered into agreements with Clear Channel Communications that govern the relationship between Clear Channel Communications and us and provide for, among other things, the provision of services by Clear Channel Communications to us and the allocation of employee benefit, tax and other liabilities and obligations attributable to our operations. These agreements include the Master Agreement, Corporate Services Agreement, Employee Matters Agreement and Tax Matters Agreement. All of the agreements relating to our ongoing relationship with Clear Channel Communications were made in the context of a parent-subsidiary relationship and the terms of these agreements may be more or less favorable to us than if they had been negotiated with unaffiliated third parties.

Clear Channel Communications has the right to terminate these agreements in various circumstances. As of the date of the filing of this report, no notice of termination of any of these agreements has been received from Clear Channel Communications.

As long as Clear Channel Communications continues to own shares of our common stock representing more than 50% of the total voting power of our common stock, it will have the ability to direct the election of all members of our Board of Directors and, therefore, to exercise a controlling influence over our business and affairs, including any determination with respect to mergers or other business combinations, our acquisition or disposition of assets, our incurrence of indebtedness, our issuance of any additional common stock or other equity securities, our repurchase or redemption of common stock or any preferred stock, if applicable, and our payment of dividends. Similarly, Clear Channel Communications will have the power to determine or significantly influence the outcome of matters submitted to a vote of our stockholders, including the power to prevent an acquisition or any other change in control, and to take other actions that might be favorable to Clear Channel Communications.

On July 30, 2008, Clear Channel Communications completed its merger with a subsidiary of CC Media Holdings, Inc. (“CC Media Holdings”), a company formed by a group of private equity funds sponsored by Bain Capital Partners, LLC and Thomas H. Lee Partners, L.P. Clear Channel Communications is now owned indirectly by CC Media Holdings.

 

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You can find more information about us at our Internet website located at www.clearchanneloutdoor.com. Our Annual Report on Form 10-K, our Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, our Current Reports on Form 8-K and any amendments to those reports are available free of charge through our Internet website as soon as reasonably practicable after we electronically file such material with, or furnish such material to, the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). The contents of our website are not deemed to be part of this Annual Report on Form 10-K or any of our other filings with the SEC.

Our principal executive offices are located at 200 East Basse Road, San Antonio, Texas 78209 (telephone: 210-832-3700).

Our Business Segments

We have two reportable business segments, Americas Outdoor Advertising (“Americas” or “Americas outdoor advertising”) and International Outdoor Advertising (“International” or “International outdoor advertising”), which represented 46% and 54% of our 2010 revenue, respectively.

We believe we offer advertisers a diverse platform of media assets across geographies and outdoor products. We intend to continue to execute upon our long-standing outdoor advertising strategies, while closely managing expenses and focusing on achieving operating efficiencies throughout our businesses. Within each of our operating segments, we share best practices across our markets in an attempt to replicate our successes throughout the markets in which we operate.

For more information about our revenue, gross profit and assets by segment and our revenue and long-lived assets by geographic area, see Note 13 to our Consolidated Financial Statements located in Item 8 of Part II of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Americas Outdoor Advertising

We are the largest outdoor advertising company in the Americas (based on revenue), which includes the United States, Canada and Latin America. Approximately 89% of our 2010 revenue in our Americas segment was derived from the United States. We own or operate approximately 188,000 displays in our Americas segment and have operations in 49 of the 50 largest markets in the United States, including all of the 20 largest markets.

Our Americas assets consist of billboards, street furniture and transit displays, airport displays, mall displays, and wallscapes and other spectaculars, which we own or operate under lease management agreements. Our Americas advertising business is focused on urban markets with dense populations.

Strategy

We seek to capitalize on our Americas outdoor network and diversified product mix to maximize revenue. In addition, by sharing best practices among our business segments, we believe we can quickly and effectively replicate our successes in other markets in which we operate. Our outdoor strategy also focuses on leveraging our diversified product mix and long-standing presence in many of our existing markets, which provides us with the platform to launch new products and test new initiatives in a reliable and cost-effective manner.

Drive Outdoor Media Spending. Given the attractive industry fundamentals of outdoor media and our depth and breadth of relationships with both local and national advertisers, we believe we can drive outdoor advertising’s share of total media spending by utilizing our dedicated national sales team to highlight the value of outdoor advertising relative to other media. Outdoor advertising only represented 3% of total dollars spent on advertising in the United States in 2009. We have made and continue to make significant investments in research tools that enable our clients to better understand how our displays can successfully reach their target audiences and promote their advertising campaigns. Also, we are working closely with clients, advertising agencies and other diversified media companies to develop more sophisticated systems that will provide improved audience metrics for outdoor advertising. For example, we have implemented the EYES ON audience measurement system which: (1) separately reports audiences for each of the nearly 400,000 units of inventory across the industry in the United States, (2) reports those audiences using the same demographics available and used by other media permitting reach and frequency measures, (3) provides the same audience measures across more than 200 markets, and (4) reports which advertisement is most likely to be seen. We believe that measurement systems such as EYES ON will further enhance the attractiveness of outdoor advertising for both existing clients and new advertisers and further foster outdoor media spending growth.

 

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Continue to Deploy Digital Billboards. Digital outdoor advertising provides significant advantages over traditional outdoor media. Our electronic displays are linked through centralized computer systems to instantaneously and simultaneously change advertising copy on a large number of displays, allowing us to sell more slots to advertisers. The ability to change copy by time of day and quickly change messaging based on advertisers’ needs creates additional flexibility for our customers. The advantages of digital allow us to penetrate new accounts and categories of advertisers as well as serve a broader set of needs for existing advertisers. We expect this trend to continue as we increase our quantity of digital inventory. As of December 31, 2010, we have deployed a total of 615 digital displays in 36 markets in the United States.

Sources of Revenue

Americas generated 46%, 46% and 43% of our revenue in 2010, 2009 and 2008, respectively. Americas’ revenue is derived from the sale of advertising copy placed on our display inventory. Our display inventory consists primarily of billboards, street furniture displays and transit displays. The margins on our billboard contracts tend to be higher than those on contracts for other displays, due to their greater size, impact and location along major roadways that are highly trafficked. Billboards comprise approximately two-thirds of our display revenues. The following table shows the approximate percentage of revenue derived from each category for our Americas advertising inventory:

 

     Year Ended December 31,  
         2010              2009              2008      

Billboards

        

Bulletins (1)

     54%             52%             51%       

Posters

     13%             14%             15%       

Street furniture displays

     6%             5%             5%       

Transit displays

     15%             17%             17%       

Other displays (2)

     12%             12%             12%       
                          

Total

     100%             100%             100%       
                          

 

(1) Includes digital displays.

 

(2) Includes spectaculars, mall displays and wallscapes.

Our Americas segment generates revenues from local, regional and national sales. Our advertising rates are based on a number of different factors including location, competition, size of display, illumination, market and gross ratings points. Gross ratings points are the total number of impressions delivered, expressed as a percentage of a market population, of a display or group of displays. The number of impressions delivered by a display is measured by the number of people passing the site during a defined period of time. For all of our billboards in the United States, we use independent, third-party auditing companies to verify the number of impressions delivered by a display. “Reach” is the percent of a target audience exposed to an advertising message at least once during a specified period of time, typically during a period of four weeks. “Frequency” is the average number of exposures an individual has to an advertising message during a specified period of time. Out-of-home frequency is typically measured over a four-week period.

While location, price and availability of displays are important competitive factors, we believe that providing quality customer service and establishing strong client relationships are also critical components of sales. In addition, we have long-standing relationships with a diversified group of advertising brands and agencies that allow us to diversify client accounts and establish continuing revenue streams.

 

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Billboards

Our billboard inventory primarily includes bulletins and posters.

 

  •  

Bulletins. Bulletins vary in size, with the most common size being 14 feet high by 48 feet wide. Almost all of the advertising copy displayed on bulletins is computer printed on vinyl and transported to the bulletin where it is secured to the display surface. Because of their greater size and impact, we typically receive our highest rates for bulletins. Bulletins generally are located along major expressways, primary commuting routes and main intersections that are highly visible and heavily trafficked. Our clients may contract for individual bulletins or a network of bulletins, meaning the clients’ advertisements are rotated among bulletins to increase the reach of the campaign. Our client contracts for bulletins generally have terms ranging from four weeks to one year.

 

  •  

Posters. Posters are available in two sizes, 30-sheet and 8-sheet displays. The 30-sheet posters are approximately 11 feet high by 23 feet wide, and the 8-sheet posters are approximately 5 feet high by 11 feet wide. Advertising copy for 30-sheet posters is digitally printed on a single piece of polyethylene material that is then transported and secured to the poster surfaces. Advertising copy for 8-sheet posters is printed using silk screen, lithographic or digital process to transfer the designs onto paper that is then transported and secured to the poster surfaces. Posters generally are located in commercial areas on primary and secondary routes near point-of-purchase locations, facilitating advertising campaigns with greater demographic targeting than those displayed on bulletins. Our poster rates typically are less than our bulletin rates, and our client contracts for posters generally have terms ranging from four weeks to one year. Premiere displays, which consist of premiere panels and squares, are innovative hybrids between bulletins and posters that we developed to provide our clients with an alternative for their targeted marketing campaigns. The premiere displays utilize one or more poster panels, but with vinyl advertising stretched over the panels similar to bulletins. Our intent is to combine the creative impact of bulletins with the additional reach and frequency of posters.

Street Furniture Displays

Our street furniture displays, marketed under our global Adshel™ brand, are advertising surfaces on bus shelters, information kiosks, freestanding units and other public structures, and are primarily located in major metropolitan cities and along major commuting routes. Generally, we own the street furniture structures and are responsible for their construction and maintenance. Contracts for the right to place our street furniture displays in the public domain and sell advertising space on them are awarded by municipal and transit authorities in competitive bidding processes governed by local law. Generally, these contracts have terms ranging from 10 to 20 years. As compensation for the right to sell advertising space on our street furniture structures, we pay the municipality or transit authority a fee or revenue share that is either a fixed amount or a percentage of the revenue derived from the street furniture displays. Typically, these revenue sharing arrangements include payments by us of minimum guaranteed amounts. Client contracts for street furniture displays typically have terms ranging from four weeks to one year, and are typically for network packages.

Transit Displays

Our transit displays are advertising surfaces on various types of vehicles or within transit systems, including on the interior and exterior sides of buses, trains, trams, and within the common areas of rail stations and airports. Similar to street furniture, contracts for the right to place our displays on such vehicles or within such transit systems and to sell advertising space on them generally are awarded by public transit authorities in competitive bidding processes or are negotiated with private transit operators. Generally, these contracts have terms ranging up to nine years. Our client contracts for transit displays generally have terms ranging from four weeks to one year.

 

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Other Inventory

The balance of our display inventory consists of spectaculars, wallscapes and mall displays. Spectaculars are customized display structures that often incorporate video, multidimensional lettering and figures, mechanical devices and moving parts and other embellishments to create special effects. The majority of our spectaculars are located in Times Square in New York City, Dundas Square in Toronto, Fashion Show in Las Vegas, Miracle Mile in Las Vegas and across from the Target Center in Minneapolis. Client contracts for spectaculars typically have terms of one year or longer. A wallscape is a display that drapes over or is suspended from the sides of buildings or other structures. Generally, wallscapes are located in high-profile areas where other types of outdoor advertising displays are limited or unavailable. Clients typically contract for individual wallscapes for extended terms. We also own displays located within the common areas of malls on which our clients run advertising campaigns for periods ranging from four weeks to one year.

Competition

The outdoor advertising industry in the Americas is fragmented, consisting of several larger companies involved in outdoor advertising, such as CBS and Lamar Advertising Company, as well as numerous smaller and local companies operating a limited number of display faces in a single or a few local markets. We also compete with other advertising media in our respective markets, including broadcast and cable television, radio, print media, direct mail, the Internet and other forms of advertisement.

Outdoor companies compete primarily based on ability to reach consumers, which is driven by location of the display.

Advertising Inventory and Markets

As of December 31, 2010, we owned or operated approximately 188,000 displays in our Americas segment. Our displays are located on owned land, leased land or land for which we have acquired permanent easements. The majority of the advertising structures on which our displays are mounted require permits. Permits are granted for the right to operate an advertising structure as long the structure is used in compliance with the laws and regulations of the applicable jurisdiction.

The following table sets forth certain selected information with regard to our Americas advertising inventory, with our markets listed in order of their designated market area (“DMA®”) region ranking (DMA® is a registered trademark of Nielsen Media Research, Inc.):

 

Market

   DMA®
Market
Rank
   Number
of
Displays
 

New York, NY

   1      2,607   

Los Angeles, CA

   2      9,984   

Chicago, IL

   3      11,709   

Philadelphia, PA

   4      5,285   

Dallas-Ft. Worth, TX

   5      17,571   

San Francisco-San Jose, CA

   6      10,104   

Boston, MA

   7      2,924   

Atlanta, GA

   8      2,527   

Washington, DC

   9      3,202   

Houston-Galveston, TX

   10      3,036   

Detroit, MI

   11      587   

Phoenix, AZ

   12      9,151   

Seattle-Tacoma, WA

   13      6,233   

Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, FL

   14      2,319   

Minneapolis-St. Paul, MN

   15      1,893   

Miami-Ft. Lauderdale-Hollywood, FL

   16      5,313   

 

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Market

   DMA®
Market
Rank
     Number
of
Displays
 

Denver-Boulder, CO

     17         1,156   

Cleveland, OH

     18         3,329   

Orlando, FL

     19         3,765   

Sacramento, CA

     20         2,610   

St. Louis, MO

     21         323   

Portland, OR

     22         1,141   

Charlotte-Gastonia-Rock Hill, NC-SC

     23         12   

Pittsburgh, PA

     24         93   

Raleigh-Durham, NC

     25         1,814   

Baltimore, MD

     26         1,909   

Indianapolis, IN

     27         3,243   

San Diego, CA

     28         756   

Nashville, TN

     29         732   

Hartford-New Britain-Middletown, CT

     30         667   

Kansas City, KS

     31         1,174   

Salt Lake City-Ogden-Provo, UT

     32         65   

Cincinnati, OH

     33         12   

Columbus, OH

     34         1,818   

Milwaukee-Racine, WI

     35         6,034   

Greenville-Spartanburg, SC

     36         91   

San Antonio, TX

     37         6,991   

West Palm Beach-Boca Raton, FL

     38         624   

Harrisburg-Lebanon-Carlisle, PA

     39         176   

Birmingham (Ann and Tusc)

     *         *   

Grand Rapids, MI

     41         290   

Las Vegas, NV

     42         1,176   

Norfolk-Virginia Beach-Newport News, VA

     43         379   

Austin, TX

     44         134   

Oklahoma City, OK

     45         49   

Albuquerque, NM

     46         1,180   

Greensboro-Winston Salem-High Point, NC

     47         751   

Memphis, TN

     48         1,708   

Jacksonville, FL

     49         956   

Louisville, KY

     50         159   

Various U.S. Cities

     51-100         14,393   

Various U.S. Cities

     101-150         3,890   

Various U.S. Cities

     151-200         2,119   

Various U.S. Cities

     201+         63   

Non-U.S. Markets

     N/A         27,897   
           

Total

        188,124   
           

 

* Represents markets where outdoor advertising is not operated.

 

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Production

In a majority of our markets, our local production staff performs the full range of activities required to create and install advertising copy. Production work includes creating the advertising copy design and layout, coordinating its printing and installing the copy on displays. We provide creative services to smaller advertisers and to advertisers not represented by advertising agencies. National advertisers often use preprinted designs that require only installation. Our creative and production personnel typically develop new designs or adopt copy from other media for use on our inventory. Our creative staff also can assist in the development of marketing presentations, demonstrations and strategies to attract new clients.

Client Categories

In 2010, the top five client categories in our Americas segment were retail, business services, banking and financial services, media and telecommunications.

Construction and Operation

We typically own the physical structures on which our clients’ advertising copy is displayed. We build some of the structures at our billboard fabrication business in Illinois and erect them on sites we either lease or own or for which we have acquired permanent easements. The site lease terms generally range from one to 20 years. In addition to the site lease, we must obtain a permit to build the sign. Permits are typically issued in perpetuity by the state or local government and typically are transferable or renewable for a minimal, or no, fee. Bulletin and poster advertising copy is either printed with computer generated graphics on a single sheet of vinyl or placed on lithographed or silk-screened paper sheets supplied by the advertiser. These advertisements are then transported to the site and in the case of vinyl, wrapped around the face of the site, and in the case of paper, pasted and applied like wallpaper to the site. The operational process also includes conducting visual inspections of the inventory for display defects and taking the necessary corrective action within a reasonable period of time.

International Outdoor Advertising

Our International segment includes our operations in Asia, Australia and Europe, with approximately 37% of our 2010 revenue in this segment derived from France and the United Kingdom. As of December 31, 2010, we owned or operated approximately 634,000 displays in 29 countries.

Our International assets consist of street furniture and transit displays, billboards, mall displays, Smartbike schemes, wallscapes and other spectaculars, which we own or operate under lease agreements. Our International business is focused on urban markets with dense populations.

Strategy

Similar to our Americas outdoor advertising, we believe International outdoor advertising has attractive industry fundamentals including a broad audience reach and a highly cost effective media for advertisers as measured by cost per thousand persons reached compared to other traditional media. Our International strategy focuses on our competitive strengths to position the Company through the following strategies:

Promote Overall Outdoor Media Spending. Our strategy is to drive growth in outdoor advertising’s share of total media spending and leverage such growth with our international scale and local reach. We are focusing on developing and implementing better and improved outdoor audience delivery measurement systems to provide advertisers with tools to determine how effectively their message is reaching the desired audience.

Capitalize on Product and Geographic Opportunities. We are also focused on growing our business internationally by working closely with our advertising customers and agencies in meeting their needs, and through new product offerings, optimization of our current display portfolio and selective investments targeting promising growth markets. We have continued to innovate and introduce new products in international markets based on local demands. Our core business is our street furniture business and that is where we plan to focus much of our investment. We plan to continue to evaluate municipal contracts that may come up for bid and will make prudent investments where we believe we can receive attractive returns. We will also continue to invest in markets such as China, Turkey and Poland, where we believe there is high growth potential.

 

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Sources of Revenue

Our International segment generated 54%, 54% and 57% of our revenue in 2010, 2009 and 2008, respectively. International revenue is derived from the sale of advertising copy placed on our display inventory. Our International display inventory consists primarily of billboards, street furniture displays, transit displays and other out-of-home advertising displays, such as neon displays.

The following table shows the approximate percentage of revenue derived from each inventory category of our International segment:

 

     Year Ended December 31,  
         2010              2009              2008      

Billboards (1)

     30%             32%             35%       

Street furniture displays

     42%             40%             38%       

Transit displays

     8%             8%             9%       

Other (2)

     20%             20%             18%       
                          

Total

     100%             100%             100%       
                          

 

(1) Includes revenue from spectaculars and neon displays.
(2) Includes advertising revenue from mall displays, other small displays, and non-advertising revenue from sales of street furniture equipment, cleaning and maintenance services, operation of Smartbike schemes and production revenue.

Our International segment generates revenues worldwide from local, regional and national sales. Similar to the Americas, advertising rates generally are based on the gross ratings points of a display or group of displays. The number of impressions delivered by a display, in some countries, is weighted to account for such factors as illumination, proximity to other displays and the speed and viewing angle of approaching traffic.

While location, price and availability of displays are important competitive factors, we believe that providing quality customer service and establishing strong client relationships are also critical components of sales. Our entrepreneurial culture allows local management to operate their markets as separate profit centers, encouraging customer cultivation and service.

Billboards

The sizes of our International billboards are not standardized. The billboards vary in both format and size across our networks, with the majority of our International billboards being similar in size to our posters used in our Americas business (30-sheet and 8-sheet displays). Our International billboards are sold to clients as network packages with contract terms typically ranging from one to two weeks. Long-term client contracts are also available and typically have terms of up to one year. We lease the majority of our billboard sites from private landowners. Billboards include our spectacular and neon displays. Defi Group SAS, our International neon subsidiary, is a global provider of neon signs with approximately 318 displays in more than 16 countries worldwide. Client contracts for International neon displays typically have terms of approximately five years.

Street Furniture Displays

Our International street furniture displays are substantially similar to their Americas street furniture counterparts, and include bus shelters, freestanding units, various types of kiosks, benches and other public structures. Internationally, contracts with municipal and transit authorities for the right to place our street furniture in the public domain and sell advertising on such street furniture typically provide for terms ranging from 10 to 15 years. The major difference between our International and Americas street furniture businesses is in the nature of the municipal contracts. In our International business, these contracts typically require us to provide the municipality with a broader range of urban amenities such as bus shelters with or without advertising panels, information kiosks and public wastebaskets, as well as space for the municipality to display maps or other public information. In exchange for providing such urban amenities and display space, we are authorized to sell advertising space on certain sections of the structures we erect in the public domain. Our International street furniture is typically sold to clients as network packages, with contract terms ranging from one to two weeks. Client contracts are also available with terms of up to one year.

 

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Transit Displays

Our International transit display contracts are substantially similar to their Americas transit display counterparts, and typically require us to make only a minimal initial investment and few ongoing maintenance expenditures. Contracts with public transit authorities or private transit operators typically have terms ranging from three to seven years. Our client contracts for transit displays generally have terms ranging from one week to one year, or longer.

Other International Inventory and Services

The balance of our revenue from our International segment consists primarily of advertising revenue from mall displays, other small displays and non-advertising revenue from sales of street furniture equipment, cleaning and maintenance services and production revenue. Internationally, our contracts with mall operators generally have terms ranging from five to ten years and client contracts for mall displays generally have terms ranging from one to two weeks, but are available for periods up to six months. Our International inventory includes other small displays that are counted as separate displays since they form a substantial part of our network and International Outdoor Advertising revenue. We also have a bike rental program which provides bicycles for rent to the general public in several municipalities. In exchange for providing the bike rental program, we generally derive revenue from advertising rights to the bikes, bike stations, additional street furniture displays, or fees from the local municipalities. Several of our International markets sell equipment or provide cleaning and maintenance services as part of a billboard or street furniture contract with a municipality.

Competition

The international outdoor advertising industry is fragmented, consisting of several larger companies involved in outdoor advertising, such as JC Decaux and CBS, as well as numerous smaller and local companies operating a limited number of display faces in a single or a few local markets. We also compete with other advertising media in our respective markets, including broadcast and cable television, radio, print media, direct mail, the Internet and other forms of advertisement.

Outdoor companies compete primarily based on ability to reach consumers, which is driven by location of the display.

Advertising Inventory and Markets

As of December 31, 2010, we owned or operated approximately 634,000 displays in our International segment. The following table sets forth certain selected information with regard to our International advertising inventory, which are listed in descending order according to 2010 revenue contribution:

 

International Markets

   Total
  Displays  
 

France

     121,902     

United Kingdom

     56,512     

China

     70,869     

Italy

     52,422     

Australia/New Zealand

     19,603     

Spain

     33,422     

Sweden

     106,888     

Switzerland

     17,691     

Belgium

     24,070     

Denmark

     34,054     

Norway

     23,849     

Turkey

     15,350     

Ireland

     9,874     

International Markets

   Total
  Displays  
 

Holland

     6,508     

Finland

     14,947     

Poland

     7,262     

Baltic States/Russia

     14,489     

Singapore

     3,801     

Romania

     154     

Hungary

     30     

Germany

     37     

Austria

     12     

Portugal

     12     

Czech Republic

     6     

United Arab Emirates

     1     
        

Total International Displays

     633,765     
        

 

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Production

The majority of our International clients are advertisers targeting national audiences whose business generally is placed with us through advertising agencies. These agencies often provide our International clients creative services to design and produce both the advertising copy and the physical printed advertisement. Advertising copy, both paper and vinyl, is shipped to centralized warehouses operated by us. The copy is then sorted and delivered to sites where it is installed on our displays.

Client Categories

In 2010, the top five client categories in our International segment, based on International revenue derived from these categories, were retail, food and food products, telecommunications, entertainment and automotive.

Construction and Operation

The International manufacturing process largely consists of two elements: the manufacture and installation of advertising structures and the weekly preparation of advertising posters for distribution throughout our networks. Generally, we outsource the manufacturing of advertising structures to third parties and regularly seek competitive bids. We use a wide range of suppliers, located in each of our markets. The design of street furniture structures (such as bus shelters, bicycle racks and kiosks) is typically done in conjunction with a third party design or architectural firm. These street furniture designs then form the basis of a competitive bidding process to select a manufacturer. Our street furniture sites are posted by our own employees or subcontractors who also clean and maintain the sites. The decision to use our own employees or subcontractors is made on a market-by-market basis taking into consideration the mix of products in the market and local labor costs.

Employees

As of January 21, 2011, we had approximately 2,023 domestic employees and approximately 5,247 international employees, of which approximately 251 were employed in corporate activities. Approximately 159 of our employees in the United States and approximately 342 of our employees outside the United States are subject to collective bargaining agreements in their respective countries. We are a party to numerous collective bargaining agreements, none of which represent a significant number of employees. We believe that our relationship with our employees is good.

Seasonality

Required information is located within Item 7 of Part II of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Regulation of our Business

The outdoor advertising industry in the United States is subject to governmental regulation at the Federal, state and local levels. These regulations may include, among others, restrictions on the construction, repair, maintenance, lighting, upgrading, height, size, spacing and location of and, in some instances, content of advertising copy being displayed on outdoor advertising structures. In addition, the outdoor advertising industry outside of the United States is subject to certain foreign governmental regulation.

Domestically, in recent years, outdoor advertising has become the subject of targeted state and municipal taxes and fees. These laws may affect prevailing competitive conditions in our markets in a variety of ways. Such laws may reduce our expansion opportunities or may increase or reduce competitive pressure from other members of the outdoor advertising industry. No assurance can be given that existing or future laws or regulations, and the enforcement thereof, will not materially and adversely affect the outdoor advertising industry. However, we contest laws and regulations that we believe unlawfully restrict our constitutional or other legal rights and may adversely impact the growth of our outdoor advertising business.

Federal law, principally the Highway Beautification Act (“HBA”) regulates outdoor advertising on Federal-Aid Primary, Interstate and National Highway Systems roads within the United States (“controlled roads”). The HBA regulates the size and placement of billboards, requires the development of state standards, mandates a state’s compliance program, promotes the expeditious removal of illegal signs and requires just compensation for takings.

 

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To satisfy the HBA’s requirements, all states have passed billboard control statutes and regulations that regulate, among other things, construction, repair, maintenance, lighting, height, size, spacing and the placement and permitting of outdoor advertising structures. We are not aware of any state that has passed control statutes and regulations less restrictive than the prevailing federal requirements, including the requirement that an owner remove any non-grandfathered, non-compliant signs along the controlled roads, at the owner’s expense and without compensation. Local governments generally also include billboard control as part of their zoning laws and building codes regulating those items described above and include similar provisions regarding the removal of non-grandfathered structures that do not comply with certain of the local requirements. Some local governments have initiated code enforcement and permit reviews of billboards within their jurisdiction challenging billboards located within their jurisdiction, and in some instances we have had to remove billboards as a result of such reviews.

As part of their billboard control laws, state and local governments regulate the construction of new signs. Some jurisdictions prohibit new construction, some jurisdictions allow new construction only to replace existing structures and some jurisdictions allow new construction subject to the various restrictions discussed above. In certain jurisdictions, restrictive regulations also limit our ability to relocate, rebuild, repair, maintain, upgrade, modify or replace existing legal non-conforming billboards. While these regulations set certain limits on the construction of new outdoor advertising displays, they also benefit established companies, including us, by creating barriers to entry and by protecting the outdoor advertising industry against an oversupply of inventory.

Federal law neither requires nor prohibits the removal of existing lawful billboards, but it does mandate the payment of compensation if a state or political subdivision compels the removal of a lawful billboard along the controlled roads. In the past, state governments have purchased and removed existing lawful billboards for beautification purposes using Federal funding for transportation enhancement programs, and these jurisdictions may continue to do so in the future. From time to time, state and local government authorities use the power of eminent domain and amortization to remove billboards. Thus far, we have been able to obtain satisfactory compensation for our billboards purchased or removed as a result of these types of governmental action, although there is no assurance that this will continue to be the case in the future.

Other important outdoor advertising regulations include the Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act of 1991 (currently known as “SAFETEA-LU”), the Bonus Act/Bonus Program, the 1995 Scenic Byways Amendment and various increases or implementations of property taxes, billboard taxes and permit fees.

From time to time, legislation has been introduced in both the United States and foreign jurisdictions attempting to impose taxes on revenue from outdoor advertising. Several state and local jurisdictions have already imposed such taxes as a percentage of our outdoor advertising revenue in that jurisdiction. While these taxes have not had a material impact on our business and financial results to date, we expect state and local governments to continue to try to impose such taxes as a way of increasing revenue.

We have introduced and intend to expand the deployment of digital billboards that display static digital advertising copy from various advertisers that change up to several times per minute. We have encountered some existing regulations that restrict or prohibit these types of digital displays. However, since digital technology for changing static copy has only recently been developed and introduced into the market on a large scale, existing regulations that currently do not apply to digital technology by their terms could be revised to impose greater restrictions. These regulations may impose greater restrictions on digital billboards due to alleged concerns over aesthetics or driver safety.

International regulations have a significant impact on the outdoor advertising industry and our business. International regulation of the outdoor advertising industry can vary by municipality, region and country but generally limits the size, placement, nature and density of out-of-home displays. Other regulations may limit the subject matter and language of out-of-home displays.

 

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ITEM 1A. Risk Factors

Risks Related to Our Business

Our results have been in the past, and could be in the future, adversely affected by deteriorations 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 economic conditions and budgeting and buying patterns. The recent global economic downturn resulted in a decline in advertising and marketing by our customers, which resulted in a decline in advertising revenues across our businesses. This reduction in advertising revenues had an adverse effect on our revenue, profit margins, cash flow and liquidity. Although we believe that global economic conditions are improving, if they do not continue to improve or if they deteriorate again, global economic conditions may once again adversely impact our revenue, profit margins, cash flow and liquidity. Furthermore, because a significant portion of our revenue is derived from local advertisers, our ability to generate revenues in specific markets is directly affected by local and regional conditions, and regional economic declines also may adversely impact our results. In addition, even in the absence of a downturn in general economic conditions, an individual business sector or market may experience a downturn, causing it to reduce its advertising expenditures, which may also adversely impact our results.

Our consolidated revenue increased $100.0 million during 2010 compared to 2009. However, primarily as a result of the recent global economic downturn, our consolidated revenue decreased $591.3 million during 2009 compared to 2008. This decrease in 2009 was experienced by each of our segments.

We performed impairment tests on our goodwill and other intangible assets during the fourth quarter of 2010 and recorded non-cash impairment charges of $11.5 million primarily related to a specific outdoor market for which the unfavorable impact of litigation has resulted in the impairment of certain advertising structures and declines in revenue. Additionally, we performed impairment tests in 2008 and 2009 on our indefinite-lived assets and goodwill and, as a result of the global economic downturn and the corresponding reduction in our revenues, we recorded non-cash impairment charges of $3.2 billion and $890.7 million, respectively. Although we believe we have made reasonable estimates and used appropriate assumptions to calculate the fair value of our billboard permits and reporting units, it is possible a material change could occur. If actual market conditions and operational performance for the respective reporting units underlying the intangible assets were to deteriorate, or if facts and circumstances change that would more likely than not reduce the estimated fair value of the indefinite-lived assets or goodwill for these reporting units below their adjusted carrying amounts, we may also be required to recognize additional impairment charges in future periods, which could have a material impact on our financial condition and results of operations.

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

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

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

 

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The indentures governing Clear Channel Worldwide Holdings, Inc. $500.0 million Series A Senior Notes and $2.0 billion Series B Senior Notes, and Clear Channel Communications’ Bank Credit Facility (of which the Company is a Restricted Subsidiary) and the Master Agreement with Clear Channel Communications impose restrictions on our ability to finance operations and capital needs, make acquisitions or engage in other business activities

The indentures governing Clear Channel Worldwide Holdings, Inc. $500.0 million Series A Senior Notes and $2.0 billion Series B Senior Notes, and Clear Channel Communications’ Bank Credit Facility and the Master Agreement with Clear Channel Communications include restrictive covenants that, among other things, restrict our ability to:

 

  •  

issue any shares of capital stock or securities convertible into capital stock;

 

  •  

incur additional indebtedness;

 

  •  

pay dividends and make distributions;

 

  •  

make certain acquisitions and investments;

 

  •  

repurchase our stock;

 

  •  

create liens;

 

  •  

enter into transactions with affiliates;

 

  •  

enter into sale leaseback transactions;

 

  •  

dispose of all or substantially all of our assets; and

 

  •  

merge or consolidate.

In addition, the indentures governing the Clear Channel Worldwide Holdings, Inc. $500.0 million Series A Senior Notes and $2.0 billion Series B Senior Notes require us to make an offer to purchase the notes upon a change in control (as defined in the indentures), and, upon asset sales, subject to certain exceptions, make an offer to purchase the notes using the amount of excess proceeds received from such asset sales. Our failure to comply with the terms and covenants in our indebtedness could lead to a default under the terms of those documents, which would entitle the holders to accelerate the indebtedness and declare all amounts owed due and payable.

The existence of these restrictions limits our ability to finance operations and capital needs, make acquisitions or engage in other business activities, including our ability to grow and increase our revenue or respond to competitive changes. The following is a discussion of our sources of capital:

 

  •  

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. As of December 31, 2010, we had no outstanding borrowings under the $150.0 million sub-limit facility as Clear Channel Communications has already borrowed against the entire capacity.

 

  •  

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, 2010 and 2009, the asset recorded in “Due from Clear Channel Communications” on the consolidated balance sheet was $383.8 million and $123.3 million, respectively.

 

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Downgrades in our credit ratings may adversely affect our borrowing costs, limit our financing options, reduce our flexibility under future financings and adversely affect our liquidity, and also may adversely impact our business operations

Our and Clear Channel Communications’ corporate credit ratings by Standard & Poor’s Ratings Services and Moody’s Investors Service are speculative-grade and have been downgraded and upgraded at various times during the past several years. Any reductions in our credit ratings could increase our borrowing costs, reduce the availability of financing to us or increase the cost of doing business or otherwise negatively impact our business operations.

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 revenues, the numbers of advertising customers, advertising fees, or profit margins include:

 

  •  

unfavorable economic conditions, both general and relative to outdoor advertising and all related industries, which may cause companies to reduce their expenditures on advertising;

 

  •  

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;

 

  •  

unfavorable fluctuations in operating costs, which we may be unwilling or unable to pass through to our customers;

 

  •  

technological changes and innovations that we are unable to adopt or are late in adopting that offer more attractive advertising alternatives than what we offer, which may lead to a loss of advertising customers or to lower advertising rates;

 

  •  

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;

 

  •  

unfavorable changes in labor conditions, which may impair our ability to operate or require us to spend more to retain and attract key employees; and

 

  •  

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 that we employ or 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

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 also 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.

Our business is dependent on our management team and other key individuals, many of whom are new to our company and one of whom, our Chief Executive Officer, has announced his intention to retire

Our business is dependent upon the performance of our management team and other key individuals. A number of these individuals, including Thomas W. Casey, our Chief Financial Officer, Scott D. Hamilton, our Chief Accounting Officer, and Robert H. Walls, Jr., our General Counsel, joined us in 2010, and our two divisional CEOs,

 

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Ronald Cooper, the Chief Executive Officer of Americas, and William Eccleshare, the Chief Executive Officer of International, have joined us within the last 18 months. Although we have entered into agreements with some of these and other individuals, we can give no assurance that all or any of our management team or key individuals will remain with us. Competition for these individuals is intense and many of our key employees are at-will employees who are under no legal obligation to remain with us, and may decide to leave for a variety of personal or other reasons beyond our control.

In June 2010, Mark P. Mays announced his decision to retire as our Chief Executive Officer and asked the Board of Directors of CC Media Holdings, our indirect parent entity, to initiate a search for his replacement. CC Media Holdings has been actively searching for a replacement but, to date, has not identified his successor. In January 2011, Mr. Mays informed us that he would step down as Chief Executive Officer on the earlier of the date that his successor joins the Company or March 31, 2011.

While Mr. Mays has indicated his desire to continue to serve as the Chairman of our Board of Directors and to remain actively involved with us in that capacity, if we are unable to identify a suitable candidate to succeed him as Chief Executive Officer, if any other senior members of our management or key individuals decide to leave us in the future, or if we are not successful in attracting, motivating and retaining other key employees, our business could be adversely affected.

Government regulation of outdoor advertising may restrict our outdoor advertising operations

U.S. federal, state and local regulations have a significant impact on the outdoor advertising industry and our business. One of the seminal laws is the HBA, which regulates outdoor advertising on the 306,000 miles of Federal-Aid Primary, Interstate and National Highway Systems. The HBA regulates the size and location of billboards, mandates a state compliance program, requires the development of state standards, promotes the expeditious removal of illegal signs and requires just compensation for takings. Construction, repair, maintenance, lighting, upgrading, height, size, spacing, the location and permitting of billboards and the use of new technologies for changing displays, such as digital displays, are regulated by federal, state and local governments. From time to time, states and municipalities have prohibited or significantly limited the construction of new outdoor advertising structures. 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. Due to such regulations, it has become increasingly difficult to develop new outdoor advertising locations.

From time to time, certain state and local governments and third parties have attempted to force the removal of our displays under various state and local laws, including zoning ordinances, permit enforcement, condemnation and amortization. Amortization is the attempted forced removal of legal non-conforming billboards (billboards which conformed with applicable laws and regulations when built, but which do not conform to current laws and 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. For example, recent court rulings have upheld regulations in the City of New York that have impacted our displays in certain areas within the city. Although the number of our billboards from which we have been required to remove commercial advertising as a result of these regulations is immaterial, from time to time in the future we may be required to remove billboards for alleged noncompliance with regulations. 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. In addition, a number of jurisdictions, including the City of Los Angeles, have implemented legislation or interpreted existing legislation to restrict or prohibit the installation of new digital billboards. While these controls have not had a material impact on our business and financial results to date, we expect states and local governments to continue these efforts. The increased imposition of these controls and our inability to overcome any such regulations could reduce our operating income if those outcomes require removal or restrictions on the use of preexisting displays. In addition, if we are unable to pass on the cost of these items to our clients, our operating income could be adversely affected.

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

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 U.S. tobacco companies and all 50 states, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico and four other U.S. 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 revenues from such advertisements and an increase in the available space on the existing inventory of billboards in the outdoor advertising industry.

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.

Doing business in foreign countries exposes us to certain risks not found when doing business in the United States

Doing business in foreign countries carries with it certain risks that are not found when 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:

 

  •  

exposure to local economic conditions;

 

  •  

potential adverse changes in the diplomatic relations of foreign countries with the United States;

 

  •  

hostility from local populations;

 

  •  

the adverse effect of foreign exchange controls;

 

  •  

government policies against businesses owned by foreigners;

 

  •  

investment restrictions or requirements;

 

  •  

expropriations of property;

 

  •  

the potential instability of foreign governments;

 

  •  

the risk of insurrections;

 

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  •  

risks of renegotiation or modification of existing agreements with governmental authorities;

 

  •  

difficulties collecting receivables and otherwise enforcing contracts with governmental agencies and others in some foreign legal systems;

 

  •  

withholding and other taxes on remittances and other payments by subsidiaries;

 

  •  

changes in tax structure and level; and

 

  •  

changes in laws or regulations or the interpretation or application of laws or regulations.

In addition, because we own assets in foreign countries and derive revenues 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 U.S. dollar. We cannot predict the effect of exchange rate fluctuations upon future operating results.

Our international operations involve contracts with, and regulation by, foreign governments. We operate in many parts of the world that experience government corruption to some degree. Although we have policies and procedures in place that are designed to promote legal and regulatory compliance (including with respect to the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act and the United Kingdom Bribery Act 2010), our employees, subcontractors and agents could take actions that violate applicable anticorruption laws or regulations. Violations of these laws, or allegations of such violations, could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial position and results of operations.

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

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

Future acquisitions and other strategic transactions could pose risks

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

 

  •  

certain of our acquisitions may prove unprofitable and fail to generate anticipated cash flows;

 

  •  

to successfully manage our large portfolio of outdoor advertising and other properties, we may need to:

 

  •  

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

 

  •  

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;

 

  •  

we may enter into markets and geographic areas where we have limited or no experience;

 

  •  

we may encounter difficulties in the integration of operations and systems;

 

  •  

our management’s attention may be diverted from other business concerns; and

 

  •  

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 U.S. Department of Justice (“DOJ”), the Federal Trade Commission or foreign antitrust agencies will not seek to bar

 

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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.

Our cost savings initiatives may not be entirely successful

In the fourth quarter of 2008, CC Media Holdings initiated a restructuring program targeting a reduction in fixed costs through renegotiations of lease agreements, workforce reductions, the elimination of overlapping functions and other cost savings initiatives. We incurred restructuring and other expenses under the program, and have incurred additional such expenses during 2010. We may incur additional expenses through ongoing cost-saving initiatives in the future. No assurance can be given that anticipated cost savings will be achieved in the timeframe expected or at all, or for how long any cost savings will persist.

Risks Related to Our Relationship with Clear Channel Communications

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 stockholder vote

As of December 31, 2010, Clear Channel Communications indirectly owned all of our outstanding shares of Class B common stock, representing approximately 89% of the outstanding shares of our common stock. Each share of our Class B common stock entitles its holder to 20 votes and each share of our Class A common stock entitles its holder to one vote on all matters on which stockholders are entitled to vote. As a result, Clear Channel Communications controlled approximately 99% of the total voting power of our common stock.

As long as Clear Channel Communications continues to own shares of our common stock representing more than 50% of the total voting power of our common stock, it will have the ability to direct the election of all members of our Board of Directors and, therefore, 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 stockholders, including the power to prevent an acquisition or any other change in control. Because Clear Channel Communications’ interests as our controlling stockholder may differ from other stockholders’ interests, actions taken by Clear Channel Communications with respect to us may not be favorable to all stockholders.

We have entered into agreements with Clear Channel Communications that impose obligations on us with respect to cash management and other corporate services, financing activities, acquisitions and other business activities

We have entered into a Master Agreement, a Corporate Services Agreement, a Tax Matters 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 stockholder in us. These agreements govern our relationship with Clear Channel Communications and allow Clear Channel Communications to retain control over many aspects of our operations. 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.

Pursuant to the Corporate Services Agreement, we are obligated to use various corporate services provided by Clear Channel Communications and its affiliates, 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. Also pursuant to the Corporate Services Agreement, substantially all of the cash generated from our domestic Americas operations is transferred daily into accounts of Clear Channel Communications (after satisfying the funding requirements of the trustee account under the senior notes issued in December 2009 by Clear Channel Worldwide Holdings, Inc., an indirect, wholly-owned subsidiary

 

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of ours), where funds of ours and of Clear Channel Communications may be commingled. 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. Net amounts owed are evidenced by revolving promissory notes. 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.

In addition, the Master Agreement includes restrictive covenants that, among other things, restrict our ability to:

 

  •  

issue any shares of capital stock or securities convertible into capital stock;

 

  •  

incur additional indebtedness;

 

  •  

make certain acquisitions and investments;

 

  •  

repurchase our stock;

 

  •  

dispose of certain assets; and

 

  •  

merger or consolidate.

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 stockholders may consider favorable. In addition, the restrictions contained in these agreements limit 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 terms of our arrangements with Clear Channel Communications may be more favorable than we would 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 negotiated our arrangements with Clear Channel Communications in the context of a parent-subsidiary relationship prior to the initial public offering of our Class A common stock. 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 an appropriate level, 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.

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 owned indirectly by CC Media Holdings. Three of our directors serve as directors of CC Media Holdings. Three of our other directors are affiliated with CC Media Holdings and its stockholders. In addition, four of our executive officers serve as executive officers of CC Media Holdings.

 

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

 

  •  

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.

 

  •  

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.

 

  •  

Intercompany agreements. We have entered into certain agreements with Clear Channel Communications pursuant to which it provides us certain management, administrative, accounting, tax, legal and other services, for which we reimburse Clear Channel Communications on a cost basis. In addition, we entered into a number of intercompany agreements covering matters such as tax sharing and our responsibility for certain liabilities previously undertaken by Clear Channel Communications for certain of our businesses. Pursuant to the Corporate Services Agreement between Clear Channel Communications and us, we are contractually obligated to utilize the services of the chief executive officer of Clear Channel Communications as our Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer of Clear Channel Communications as our Chief Financial Officer until Clear Channel Communications owns shares of our common stock representing less than 50% of the total voting power of our common stock, or we provide Clear Channel Communications with six months prior written notice of termination. The terms of these agreements were established while we were a wholly owned subsidiary of Clear Channel Communications and were not the result of arm’s length negotiations. In addition, conflicts could arise in the interpretation or any extension or renegotiation of these existing agreements.

If Clear Channel Communications engages in the same type of business we conduct or takes advantage of business opportunities that might be attractive to us, our ability to successfully operate and expand our business may be hampered

Our amended and restated certificate of incorporation provides that, subject to any contractual provision to the contrary, Clear Channel Communications will have no obligation to refrain from:

 

  •  

engaging in the same or similar business activities or lines of business as us; or

 

  •  

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 stockholders for breach of fiduciary duty by reason of Clear Channel Communications’ actions with respect to that corporate opportunity.

 

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This policy could result in Clear Channel Communications having rights to corporate opportunities in which both we and Clear Channel Communications have an interest.

We are a “controlled company” within the meaning of the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”) rules and, as a result, qualify for, and intend to rely on, exemptions from certain corporate governance requirements that may not provide as many protections as those afforded to stockholders 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 use 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 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 stockholders of companies that are subject to all of the NYSE corporate governance requirements.

We do not have control over our tax decisions and could be liable for income taxes owed by Clear Channel Communications

As long as Clear Channel Communications continues to own shares of our common stock representing at least 80% of the total voting power and value of our common stock, we and certain of our subsidiaries will be included in Clear Channel Communications’ consolidated group for U.S. federal income tax purposes for all pre-merger periods and CC Media Holdings’ consolidated group for post-merger periods. In addition, we or one or more of our subsidiaries may be included in the combined, consolidated or unitary tax returns of Clear Channel Communications for pre-merger periods and CC Media Holdings for post-merger periods or one or more of its subsidiaries for foreign, state and local income tax purposes. Under the Tax Matters Agreement, we pay to Clear Channel Communications the amount of federal, foreign, state and local income taxes that 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.

 

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If Clear Channel Communications spins off our Class B common stock to the CC Media Holdings stockholders, 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 stockholders 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.

Any deterioration in the financial condition of Clear Channel Communications could adversely affect our access to the credit markets and increase our borrowing costs

As long as Clear Channel Communications maintains significant control over us, a deterioration in the financial condition of Clear Channel Communications could have the effect of increasing our borrowing costs or impairing our access to the capital markets because of our reliance on Clear Channel Communications for availability under our “Due from Clear Channel Communications” account and its revolving credit facility. To the extent we do not pass on our increased borrowing costs to our clients, our profitability, and potentially our ability to raise capital, could be materially affected. Also, until the first date Clear Channel Communications owns shares of our common stock representing less than 50% of the total voting power of our common stock, pursuant to the Master Agreement between us and Clear Channel Communications, Clear Channel Communications will have the ability to limit our ability to incur debt or issue equity securities, among other limitations, which could adversely affect our ability to meet our liquidity needs or to grow our business.

Risks Related to Our Class A Common Stock

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

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 stockholders to remove directors, supermajority voting requirements for stockholders to amend our organizational documents, restrictions on a classified board of directors and limitations on action by our stockholders by written consent. Some of these provisions, such as the limitation on stockholder 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 stockholder 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 stockholders 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 stockholders.

 

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If Clear Channel Communications spins off our Class B common stock to the CC Media Holdings stockholders 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 stockholders 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 Class B common stock after the distribution. In the event the Class B common stock does not convert into Class A common stock upon a sale or transfer subsequent to a spin-off, the voting rights of Class A common stock will continue to be disproportionately lower than the voting rights of our Class B common stock. Therefore, the holders of our Class B common stock will continue to be able to direct the election of all the members of our Board of Directors and exercise a controlling influence over our business and affairs.

Future sales or distributions of our shares by Clear Channel Communications could depress the market price for shares of our Class A common stock

Clear Channel Communications may sell all or part of the shares of our common stock it owns or distribute those shares to the CC Media Holdings stockholders, 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 stockholders could adversely affect prevailing market prices for our Class A common stock. Clear Channel Communications has advised us it currently intends to continue to hold all of our common stock it owns. However, Clear Channel Communications is not subject to any contractual obligation that would prohibit it from selling, spinning off, splitting off or otherwise disposing of any shares of our common stock. Consequently, we cannot assure you Clear Channel Communications will maintain its ownership of our common stock.

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

To date, we have never paid dividends on our Class A common stock and are subject to restrictions on our ability to pay dividends should we seek to do so in the future. We are a holding company with no independent operations and no significant assets other than the stock of our subsidiaries. We therefore are dependent upon the receipt of dividends or other distributions from our subsidiaries to pay dividends. In addition, our senior notes contain restrictions on our ability to pay dividends. If we elect not to pay dividends in the future or are prevented from doing so, the price of our Class A common stock must appreciate in order to realize a gain on your investment. This appreciation may not occur.

Risks Related to Our Indebtedness

We may not be able to generate sufficient cash to service all of our indebtedness and may be forced to take other actions to satisfy our obligations under our indebtedness, which may not be successful

We have a substantial amount of indebtedness. This large amount of indebtedness could have negative consequences for us, including, without limitation:

 

  •  

dedicating a substantial portion of our cash flow to the payment of principal and interest on indebtedness, thereby reducing cash available for other purposes, including to fund operations and capital expenditures, invest in new technology and pursue other business opportunities;

 

  •  

limiting our liquidity and operational flexibility and limiting our ability to obtain additional financing for working capital, capital expenditures, debt service requirements, acquisitions and general corporate or other purposes;

 

  •  

limiting our ability to adjust to changing economic, business and competitive conditions;

 

  •  

requiring us to defer planned capital expenditures, reduce discretionary spending, sell assets, restructure existing indebtedness or defer acquisitions or other strategic opportunities;

 

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  •  

limiting our ability to refinance any of our indebtedness or increasing the cost of any such financing in any downturn in our operating performance or decline in general economic conditions;

 

  •  

making us more vulnerable to an increase in interest rates, a downturn in our operating performance or a decline in general economic conditions; and

 

  •  

making us more susceptible to changes in credit ratings, which could impact our ability to obtain financing in the future and increase the cost of such financing.

If compliance with our debt obligations materially hinders our ability to operate our business and adapt to changing industry conditions, we may lose market share, our revenue may decline and our operating results may suffer.

Our ability to make scheduled payments on our debt obligations depends on our financial condition and operating performance, which is subject to prevailing economic and competitive conditions and to certain financial, business and other factors beyond our control. We may not be able to maintain a level of cash flows from operating activities sufficient to permit us to pay the principal, premium, if any, and interest on our indebtedness.

If our cash flows and capital resources are insufficient to fund our debt service obligations, we may be forced to reduce or delay capital expenditures, sell assets or operations, seek additional capital or restructure or refinance our indebtedness. We may not be able to take any of these actions, and these actions may not be successful or permit us to meet our scheduled debt service obligations. Furthermore, these actions may not be permitted under the terms of our existing or future debt agreements.

Our ability to restructure or refinance our debt will depend on the condition of the capital markets and our financial condition at such time. Any refinancing of our debt could be at higher interest rates and may require us to comply with more onerous covenants, which could further restrict our business operations. The terms of existing or future debt instruments may restrict us from adopting some of these alternatives. These alternative measures may not be successful and may not permit us to meet our scheduled debt service obligations. If we cannot make scheduled payments on our indebtedness we will be in default under one or more of our debt agreements and, as a result we could be forced into bankruptcy or liquidation.

Because we derive a substantial portion of operating income from our subsidiaries, our ability to repay our debt depends upon the performance of our subsidiaries and their ability to dividend or distribute funds to us

We derive a substantial portion of operating income from our subsidiaries. As a result, our cash flow and the ability to service our indebtedness depend on the performance of our subsidiaries and the ability of those entities to distribute funds to us. We cannot assure you that our subsidiaries will be able to, or be permitted to, pay to us the amounts necessary to service our debt.

The documents governing our indebtedness contain restrictions that limit our flexibility in operating our business

Our material financing agreements contain various covenants restricting, among other things, our ability to:

 

  •  

make acquisitions or investments;

 

  •  

make loans or otherwise extend credit to others;

 

  •  

incur indebtedness or issue shares or guarantees;

 

  •  

create security;

 

  •  

sell, lease, transfer or dispose of assets;

 

  •  

merge or consolidate with other companies; and

 

  •  

make a substantial change to the general nature of our business.

These restrictions could affect our ability to operate our business and may limit our ability to react to market conditions or take advantage of potential business opportunities as they arise. For example, such restrictions could adversely affect our ability to finance our operations, make strategic acquisitions, investments or alliances, restructure our organization or finance our capital needs. Additionally, our ability to comply with these covenants and restrictions may be affected by events beyond our control. These include prevailing economic, financial and industry conditions. If we breach any of these covenants or restrictions, we could be in default under the agreements governing our indebtedness, and as a result we would be forced into bankruptcy or liquidation.

 

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Cautionary Statement Concerning Forward-Looking Statements

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

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

 

  •  

risks associated with a global economic downturn and its impact on capital markets;

 

  •  

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;

 

  •  

the impact of the geopolitical environment;

 

  •  

industry conditions, including competition;

 

  •  

fluctuations in operating costs;

 

  •  

technological changes and innovations;

 

  •  

changes in labor conditions;

 

  •  

legislative or regulatory requirements;

 

  •  

capital expenditure requirements;

 

  •  

fluctuations in exchange rates and currency values;

 

  •  

the outcome of pending and future litigation;

 

  •  

changes in interest rates;

 

  •  

taxes;

 

  •  

shifts in population and other demographics;

 

  •  

access to capital markets and borrowed indebtedness;

 

  •  

the risk that we may not be able to integrate the operations of recently acquired companies successfully;

 

  •  

the risk that our cost savings initiatives may not be entirely successful or that any cost savings achieved from those initiatives may not persist;

 

  •  

the effect of leverage on our financial position and earnings;

 

  •  

the impact of the above and similar factors on Clear Channel Communications, Inc., our primary direct or indirect external source of capital; and

 

  •  

certain other factors set forth in our other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

This list of factors that may affect future performance and the accuracy of forward-looking statements is illustrative and is not intended to be exhaustive. Accordingly, all forward-looking statements should be evaluated with the understanding of their inherent uncertainty.

ITEM 1B. Unresolved Staff Comments

None.

 

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ITEM 2. Properties

Our worldwide corporate headquarters is in San Antonio, Texas, where Clear Channel Communications owns an approximately 55,000 square foot executive office building and an approximately 123,000 square foot data and administrative service center. The headquarters of our Americas operations is in Phoenix, Arizona, and the headquarters of our International operations is in London, England. The types of properties required to support each of our outdoor advertising branches include offices, production facilities and structure sites. An outdoor branch and production facility is generally located in an industrial or warehouse district.

With respect to each of the Americas and International segments, we primarily lease our outdoor display sites and own or have acquired permanent easements for relatively few parcels of real property that serve as the sites for our outdoor displays. Our leases generally range from month-to-month to year-to-year and can be for terms of 10 years or longer, and many provide for renewal options.

There is no significant concentration of displays under any one lease or subject to negotiation with any one landlord. We believe that an important part of our management activity is to negotiate suitable lease renewals and extensions.

Please see Item 1 of Part I of this Annual Report on Form 10-K for a more complete description of the advertising display inventory.

ITEM 3. Legal Proceedings

We currently are involved in certain legal proceedings arising in the ordinary course of business and, as required, have accrued an estimate of the probable costs for the resolution of these claims. These estimates have been developed in consultation with counsel and are based upon an analysis of potential results, assuming a combination of litigation and settlement strategies. It is possible, however, that future results of operations for any particular period could be materially affected by changes in our assumptions or the effectiveness of our strategies related to these proceedings. Additionally, due to the inherent uncertainty of litigation, there can be no assurance that the resolution of any particular claim or proceeding would not have a material adverse effect on our financial condition or results of operations.

On or about July 12, 2006 and April 12, 2007, two of our operating businesses (L&C Outdoor Ltda. (“L&C”) and Publicidad Klimes Sao Paulo Ltda. (“Klimes”), respectively) in the Sao Paulo, Brazil market received notices of infraction from the state taxing authority, seeking to impose a value added tax (“VAT”) on such businesses, retroactively for the period from December 31, 2001 through January 31, 2006. The taxing authority contends that our businesses fall within the definition of “communication services” and as such are subject to the VAT.

We have filed petitions to challenge the imposition of this tax against each of our businesses, which are proceeding separately. Our challenge for L&C. was unsuccessful at the first administrative level, but successful at the second administrative level. The state taxing authority filed an appeal to the third and final administrative level, which required consideration by a full panel of 16 administrative law judges. On September 27, 2010, we received an unfavorable ruling at this final administrative level concluding that the VAT applied to L&C and intend to appeal this ruling to the judicial level. We have filed a petition to have the case remanded to the second administrative level for consideration of the reasonableness of the amount of the penalty assessed against us. The amounts allegedly owed by L&C are approximately $9.3 million in taxes, approximately $18.6 million in penalties and approximately $25.8 million in interest (as of December 31, 2010 at an exchange rate of .58).

Our challenge for Klimes was unsuccessful at the first administrative level, and denied at the second administrative level on or about September 24, 2009. On January 5, 2011, the administrative law judges at the third administrative level published a ruling that the VAT applies to Klimes as well but did reduce the penalty assessed by the state taxing authority. With the penalty reduction, the amounts allegedly owed by Klimes are approximately $10.5 million in taxes, approximately $5.2 million in penalties and approximately $16.1 million in interest (as of December 31, 2010 at an exchange rate of .58). In mid-January 2011, the taxing authority filed an extraordinary

 

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appeal to the third administrative level, asking that it reconsider the decision to reduce the penalty assessed against Klimes. The president of the third administrative level must decide whether to accept that appeal before it can proceed. Based on our review of the law in similar cases in other Brazilian states, we have not accrued any costs related to these claims and believe the occurrence of loss is not probable.

Executive Officers of the Registrant

The following information with respect to our executive officers is presented as of February 11, 2011:

 

Name

   Age   

Position

 Mark P. Mays    47   

 Chairman of the Board, Chief Executive Officer and Director

 Joseph W. Bagan    46   

 Chief Operating Officer—Americas

 Jonathan D. Bevan    39   

 Chief Operating Officer—International

 Thomas W. Casey    48   

 Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

 Ronald H. Cooper    53   

 President and Chief Executive Officer—Americas

 C. William Eccleshare    55   

 President and Chief Executive Officer—International

 Scott D. Hamilton    41   

 Senior Vice President, Chief Accounting Officer and Assistant Secretary

 W. Chester Kwasniak    51   

 Chief Financial Officer—Americas

 Franklin G. Sisson, Jr.    58   

 Executive Vice President—Sales & Marketing

 Robert H. Walls, Jr.    50   

 Executive Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary

The officers named above serve until the next Board of Directors meeting immediately following the Annual Meeting of Stockholders or until their respective successors are elected and qualified, in each case unless the officer sooner dies, resigns or is removed. We expect to retain the individuals named above as our executive officers at such next Board of Directors meeting immediately following the Annual Meeting of Stockholders.

Mark P. Mays has served as our Chief Executive Officer since August 2005 and our Chairman since 2009. He has been a member of our Board since April 1997. Mr. Mark P. Mays was appointed as Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer and a director of our indirect parent entity, CC Media Holdings, on July 30, 2008. Mr. Mark P. Mays also served as President and Chief Operating Officer of another indirect parent entity, Clear Channel Communications, from February 1997 until his appointment as its President and Chief Executive Officer in October 2004. He relinquished his duties as President of Clear Channel Communications in February 2006 until he was reappointed as President in January 2010. Mr. Mark P. Mays has been one of Clear Channel Communications’ directors since May 1998 and its Chairman since July 2008. Mr. Mark P. Mays is the brother of Randall T. Mays, our former Chief Financial Officer and a current director of ours, and the Vice Chairman and a director of CC Media Holdings and a director of Clear Channel Communications. In June 2010, Mr. Mark P. Mays announced his decision to retire as President and Chief Executive Officer of CC Media Holdings and Clear Channel Communications and as our Chief Executive Officer. CC Media Holdings, as our indirect parent entity, has been actively searching for a replacement but, to date, has not identified his successor. In January 2011, Mr. Mays informed us that he would step down as Chief Executive Officer on the earlier of the date that his successor joins the Company or March 31, 2011.

Joseph W. Bagan has served as our Chief Operating Officer—Americas since July 2010. Previously, he served as Chief Executive Officer of Sharklet Technologies, a life sciences and medical devices company, from June 2007 until June 2010. Prior thereto, Mr. Bagan served as Senior Vice President—Region Operations of Adelphia Communications Corporation from April 2004 until August 2006.

Jonathan D. Bevan has served as our Chief Operating Officer — International since October 2009. He served as our Chief Financial Officer — International and Director of Corporate Development from November 2006 to November 2009. Prior thereto, he served as our Chief Financial Officer — International from January 2006 to November 2006.

 

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Thomas W. Casey was appointed as our Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, and as Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of CC Media Holdings and Clear Channel Communications, effective as of January 4, 2010. Previously, Mr. Casey served as Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Washington Mutual, Inc. from November 2002 until October 2008. Washington Mutual, Inc. filed for protection under Chapter 11 of the United States Bankruptcy Code in September 2008. Prior to November 2002, Mr. Casey served as Vice President of General Electric Company and Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of GE Financial Assurance since 1999.

Ronald H. Cooper has served as our Chief Executive Officer—Americas since December 10, 2009. Previously, Mr. Cooper was the President and Chief Operating Officer of Adelphia Communications Corporation from 2003 until 2006. Prior thereto he served as the Chief Operating Officer of AT&T Broadband from 2001 to 2002 and as President and Chief Operating Officer of RELERA Data Centers & Solutions from 2000 to 2001.

C. William Eccleshare has served as our Chief Executive Officer—International since September 1, 2009. Previously, he was Chairman and CEO of BBDO Europe from 2005 to 2009. Prior thereto, he was Chairman and CEO of Young & Rubicam EMEA since 2002.

Scott D. Hamilton was appointed as our Senior Vice President, Chief Accounting Officer and Assistant Secretary, and as Senior Vice President, Chief Accounting Officer and Assistant Secretary of CC Media Holdings and Clear Channel Communications, on April 26, 2010. Previously, Mr. Hamilton served as Controller and Chief Accounting Officer of Avaya Inc. (“Avaya”), a multinational telecommunications company, from October 2008 to April 2010. Prior thereto, Mr. Hamilton served in various accounting and finance positions at Avaya, beginning in October 2004. Prior thereto, Mr. Hamilton was employed by PricewaterhouseCoopers from September 1992 until September 2004.

W. Chester Kwasniak has served as our Chief Financial Officer—Americas since June 15, 2009. Prior thereto, Mr. Kwasniak served as Chief Financial Officer of Greenheck Fan Corporation, a multinational manufacturer of commercial building ventilation equipment, from April 2005 to September 2008. Prior thereto, he served as Chief Financial Officer and Group Vice President of Finance and Business Development of the Sensors and Controls Group at Danaher Corporation, a diversified manufacturing and technology company, from October 2001 until April 2005.

Franklin G. Sisson, Jr. has served as our Executive Vice President — Sales and Marketing since 2001.

Robert H. Walls, Jr. was appointed as our Executive Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary, and as Executive Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary of CC Media Holdings and Clear Channel Communications on January 1, 2010. Previously, Mr. Walls was a founding partner of Post Oak Energy Capital, LP and served as Managing Director through December 31, 2009, and remains an advisor to and a partner of Post Oak Energy Capital, LP. Prior thereto, Mr. Walls was Executive Vice President and General Counsel of Enron Corp., and a member of its Chief Executive Office since 2002. Prior thereto, he was Executive Vice President and General Counsel of Enron Global Assets and Services, Inc. and Deputy General Counsel of Enron Corp. Enron Corp. filed for protection under Chapter 11 of the United States Bankruptcy Code in December 2001.

 

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PART II

ITEM 5. Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities

Our Class A common stock trades on the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”) under the symbol “CCO.” There were 83 shareholders of record as of February 8, 2011. This figure does not include an estimate of the indeterminate number of beneficial holders whose shares may be held of record by brokerage firms and clearing agencies. The following table sets forth, for the calendar quarters indicated, the reported high and low sales prices of our Class A common stock as reported on the NYSE:

 

     Class A  
     Common Stock
Market Price
 
         High              Low      

2010

     

First Quarter

   $ 12.10       $ 9.00   

Second Quarter

     13.25         8.43   

Third Quarter

     11.99         8.08   

Fourth Quarter

     14.46         10.97   

2009

     

First Quarter

   $ 7.74       $ 2.14   

Second Quarter

     7.04         3.29   

Third Quarter

     7.68         3.84   

Fourth Quarter

     11.29         6.51   

There is no established public trading market for our Class B common Stock. There were 315,000,000 Class B common shares outstanding on February 9, 2011. Clear Channel Communications indirectly holds all of the shares of Class B 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 one 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.

Dividend Policy

To date, we have never paid dividends on our Class A common stock and our ability to pay dividends on our common stock is subject to restrictions should we seek to do so in the future. We are a holding company with no independent operations and no significant assets other than the stock of our subsidiaries. We, therefore, are dependent on the receipt of dividends or other distributions from our subsidiaries to pay dividends. In addition, the indenture governing our Class B senior notes contains restrictions on our ability to pay dividends. If we were to declare and pay cash dividends in the future, holders of Class A common stock and Series B common stock would share equally, on a per share basis, in any such cash dividend. See “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations — Liquidity and Capital Resources — Sources of Capital — Clear Channel Worldwide Holdings Senior Notes.”

Sales of Unregistered Securities

We did not sell any equity securities during 2010 that were not registered under the Securities Act of 1933.

 

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Purchases of Equity Securities

The following table sets forth the purchases made during the quarter ended December 31, 2010 by or on behalf of the Company or an affiliated purchaser of shares of our Class A common stock registered pursuant to Section 12 of the Exchange Act:

 

Period

  Total Number
of Shares
Purchased (1)
  Average
Price Paid
per Share (2)
  Total Number of
Shares  Purchased
as Part of Publicly
Announced Plans
or Programs
  Maximum Number
(or Approximate
Dollar Value) of
Shares that May Yet
Be Purchased Under
the Plans or
Programs

October 1 through October 31

      196       $ 11.65         —                      (3)

November 1 through November 30

      14,883       $ 13.58         —                      (3)

December 1 through December 31

      11,777       $ 13.87         —                      (3)
                                       

Total

      26,856       $ 13.70         —           $ 100,000,000 (3)
                                       

 

  (1) The shares indicated consist of shares tendered by employees to the Company during the three months ended December 31, 2010 to satisfy the employees’ tax withholding obligations in connection with the vesting and release of restricted shares, which are repurchased by the Company based on their fair market value on the date the relevant transaction occurs.
  (2) The calculation of the average price paid per share does not give effect to any fees, commissions or other costs associated with the repurchase of such shares.
  (3) On August 9, 2010, Clear Channel Communications announced that its board of directors approved a stock purchase program under which Clear Channel Communications or its subsidiaries may purchase up to an aggregate of $100 million of the Class A common stock of the Company and/or the Class A common stock of CC Media Holdings. The stock purchase program does not have a fixed expiration date and may be modified, suspended or terminated at any time at Clear Channel Communications’ discretion. No shares were purchased under the stock purchase program during the three months ended December 31, 2010.

 

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ITEM 6. Selected Financial Data

The following tables set forth our summary historical consolidated financial and other data as of the dates and for the periods indicated. The summary historical financial data are derived from our audited consolidated financial statements. Historical results are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for future periods. Acquisitions and dispositions impact the comparability of the historical consolidated financial data reflected in this schedule of Selected Financial Data.

The summary historical consolidated financial and other data should be read in conjunction with “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” and our consolidated financial statements and the related notes thereto located within Item 8 of Part II of this Annual Report on Form 10-K. The statement of operations for the year ended December 31, 2008 is comprised of two periods: post-merger and pre-merger. We applied purchase accounting adjustments to the opening balance sheet on July 31, 2008 as the merger occurred at the close of business on July 30, 2008. The merger resulted in a new basis of accounting beginning on July 31, 2008. For additional discussion regarding the pre-merger and post-merger periods, please refer to the consolidated financial statements located within Item 8 of Part II of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

 

(In thousands, except per share data)    For the Years Ended December 31,  
     2010
  Post-Merger  
    2009
  Post-Merger  
    2008
  Combined  
    2007 (1)
  Pre-Merger  
    2006
  Pre-Merger  
 
Results of Operations Data:           

Revenue

   $ 2,797,994      $ 2,698,024      $ 3,289,287      $ 3,281,836      $ 2,897,721   

Operating expenses:

          

Direct operating expenses

     1,559,972        1,625,083        1,882,136        1,734,845        1,514,842   

Selling, general and administrative expenses

     494,656        484,404        606,370        537,994        486,994   

Corporate expenses

     107,596        65,247        71,045        66,080        65,542   

Depreciation and amortization

     413,588        439,647        472,350        399,483        407,730   

Impairment charges (2)

     11,493        890,737        3,217,649        —          —     

Other operating income (expense) — net

     (23,753     (8,231     15,848        11,824        22,846   
                                        

Operating income (loss)

     186,936        (815,325     (2,944,415     555,258        445,459   

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

     219,993        154,195        161,650        157,881        162,583   

Loss on marketable securities

     6,490        11,315        59,842        —          —     

Equity in earnings (loss) of nonconsolidated affiliates

     (9,936     (31,442     68,733        4,402        7,460   

Other income (expense)— net

     (5,335     (9,368     25,479        10,113        331   
                                        

Income (loss) before income taxes

     (54,818     (1,021,645     (3,071,695     411,892        290,667   

Income tax benefit (expense)

     (21,599     149,110        220,319        (146,641     (122,080
                                        

Consolidated net income (loss)

     (76,417     (872,535     (2,851,376     265,251        168,587   

Less amount attributable to noncontrolling interest

     11,106        (4,346     (293     19,261        15,515   
                                        

Net income (loss) attributable to the Company

   $ (87,523   $ (868,189   $ (2,851,083   $ 245,990      $ 153,072   
                                        

 

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     For the Years Ended December 31,  
     2010
  Post-Merger  
    2009
  Post-Merger  
    2008
  Combined  
    2007 (1)
  Pre-Merger  
     2006
  Pre-Merger  
 

Net income (loss) per common share:

           

Basic:

           

Net income (loss) attributable to the Company

   $ (0.26   $ (2.46   $ (8.03   $ 0.69       $ 0.43   
                                         

Weighted average common shares

     355,568        355,377        355,233        354,838         352,155   

Diluted:

           

Net income (loss) attributable to the Company

   $ (0.26   $ (2.46   $ (8.03   $ 0.69       $ 0.43   
                                         

Weighted average common shares

     355,568        355,377        355,233        355,806         352,262   

 

(In thousands)    As of December 31,  
     2010
  Post-Merger  
     2009
  Post-Merger  
     2008
  Post-Merger  
     2007 (1)
  Pre-Merger  
     2006
  Pre-Merger  
 
Balance Sheet Data:               

Current assets

   $ 1,569,978       $ 1,640,545       $ 1,554,652       $ 1,607,107       $ 1,189,915   

Property, plant and equipment – net

     2,297,724         2,440,638         2,586,720         2,244,108         2,191,839   

Total assets

     7,096,050         7,192,422         8,050,761         5,935,604         5,421,891   

Current liabilities

     785,421         771,093         791,865         921,292         841,509   

Long-term debt, including current maturities

     2,563,809         2,608,878         2,601,854         2,682,021         2,684,176   

Shareholders’ equity

     2,708,055         2,761,377         3,543,823         2,198,594         1,768,279   

 

(1) Effective January 1, 2007, the Company adopted FASB Interpretation No. 48, Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes, codified in ASC 740-10. In accordance with the provisions of ASC 740-10, the effects of adoption were accounted for as a cumulative-effect adjustment recorded to the balance of retained earnings on the date of adoption.
(2) We recorded non-cash impairment charges of $11.5 million during 2010. We also recorded non-cash impairment charges of $890.7 million in 2009 and $3.2 billion in 2008 as a result of the global economic downturn which adversely affected advertising revenues across our businesses. Our impairment charges are discussed more fully in Item 8 of Part II of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

 

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ITEM 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

OVERVIEW

Clear Channel Communications’ Merger

On July 30, 2008, Clear Channel Communications, Inc. (“Clear Channel Communications”), our parent company, completed its merger with a subsidiary of CC Media Holdings, Inc. (“CC Media Holdings”), a company formed by a group of private equity funds sponsored by Bain Capital Partners, LLC and Thomas H. Lee Partners, L.P. (together, the “Sponsors”). Clear Channel Communications is now owned indirectly by CC Media Holdings. The merger was accounted for as a purchase business combination in conformity with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 141, Business Combinations, and Emerging Issues Task Force Issue 88-16, Basis in Leveraged Buyout Transactions. ASC 805-50-S99-1 requires the application of push down accounting in situations where the ownership of an entity has changed. As a result, the post-merger financial statements reflect a new basis of accounting. A portion of the consideration paid has been allocated to the assets and liabilities acquired at their respective fair values at July 30, 2008. The remaining portion was recorded at the continuing shareholders basis, due to the fact that certain shares of Clear Channel Communications were exchanged for shares of CC Media Holdings’ Class A common stock. Excess consideration after this allocation was recorded as goodwill.

The purchase price allocation was complete as of July 30, 2009 in accordance with ASC 805-10-25, which requires that the allocation period not exceed one year from the date of acquisition.

Executive Summary

The key highlights of our business for the year ended December 31, 2010 are summarized below:

 

  •  

Consolidated revenue increased $100.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2010 compared to 2009, primarily as a result of improved economic conditions.

 

  •  

Americas revenue increased $51.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2010 compared to 2009, driven by revenue growth across our advertising inventory, particularly digital.

 

  •  

International revenue increased $48.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2010 compared to 2009, primarily as a result of increased revenue from street furniture across most countries, partially offset by a decrease from movements in foreign exchange of $10.3 million.

 

  •  

During 2010, we received $51.0 million in Federal income tax refunds.

 

  •  

On October 15, 2010, we transferred our interest in our Branded Cities operations to our joint venture partner, The Ellman Companies. We recorded a loss of $25.3 million in “Other operating income (expense) – net” related to the transfer.

 

  •  

We performed impairment tests on our goodwill, billboard permits, and other intangible assets and recorded impairment charges of $11.5 million. Please see the notes to the consolidated financial statements included in Item 8 of Part II of this Annual Report on Form 10-K for a more complete description of the impairment charges.

The key highlights of our business for the year ended December 31, 2009 are summarized below:

 

  •  

Consolidated revenue decreased $591.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2009 compared to 2008, primarily as a result of weakness in advertising and the global economy.

 

  •  

Americas revenue decreased $192.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2009 compared to 2008, driven by declines in bulletin, poster and transit revenues due to cancellations and non-renewals from larger national advertisers.

 

  •  

International revenue decreased $399.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2009 compared to 2008, primarily as a result of weak advertising demand across most countries. Also contributing to the decline was $118.5 million from movements in foreign exchange.

 

  •  

We recorded a $21.3 million impairment to taxi contract intangible assets in our Americas segment and a $55.0 million impairment primarily related to street furniture tangible assets and contract intangible assets in our International segment under ASC 360-10.

 

  •  

We performed impairment tests on our goodwill, billboard permits, and other intangible assets and recorded impairment charges of $890.7 million. We had previously recorded impairment charges of $3.2 billion as of December 31, 2008. Please see the notes to the consolidated financial statements included in Item 8 of Part II of this Annual Report on Form 10-K for a more complete description of the impairment charges.

 

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  •  

Our subsidiary, Clear Channel Worldwide Holdings, Inc. (“CCWH”), issued $500.0 million aggregate principal amount of Series A Senior Notes due 2017 and $2.0 billion aggregate principal amount of Series B Senior Notes due 2017.

 

  •  

On December 31, 2009, our subsidiary Clear Channel Outdoor, Inc. (“CCOI”) disposed of Clear Channel Taxi Media, LLC, our taxi advertising business and recorded a loss of $20.9 million.

Format of Presentation

Management’s discussion and analysis of our results of operations and financial condition should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and related footnotes. Our discussion is presented on both a consolidated and segment basis. Our reportable operating segments are Americas Outdoor Advertising (“Americas” or “Americas outdoor advertising”) and International Outdoor Advertising (“International” or “International outdoor advertising”).

We manage our operating segments primarily focusing on their operating income, while Corporate expenses, Impairment charges, Other operating income (expense) - net, Interest expense, Gain (loss) on marketable securities, Equity in earnings (loss) of nonconsolidated affiliates, Other income (expense) – net and Income tax benefit (expense) are managed on a total company basis and are, therefore, included only in our discussion of consolidated results.

In conjunction with the merger, Clear Channel Communications’ $1.75 billion revolving credit facility, including the $150.0 million sub-limit, was terminated. The facility was replaced with a $2.0 billion revolving credit facility with a maturity in July 2014, which includes a $150.0 million sub-limit that certain of our International subsidiaries may borrow against to the extent Clear Channel Communications has not already borrowed against this capacity and is in compliance with its covenants under the credit facility. The obligations of these International subsidiaries that are borrowers under the revolving credit facility are guaranteed by certain of our material wholly-owned subsidiaries, and secured by substantially all of the assets of such borrowers and guarantors, subject to permitted liens and other exceptions. As of December 31, 2010, we had no outstanding borrowings under the $150.0 million sub-limit facility as Clear Channel Communications had already borrowed against the entire capacity.

Certain Indenture EBITDA Adjustments

In the fourth quarter of 2008, CC Media Holdings initiated a restructuring program targeting a reduction in fixed costs through renegotiations of lease agreements, workforce reductions, the elimination of overlapping functions and other cost savings initiatives (the “restructuring program”). This restructuring program was substantially complete as of December 31, 2010.

The indenture governing the Series B Senior Notes issued by our subsidiary, CCWH, allows us to adjust the calculation of our adjusted EBITDA (as calculated in accordance with the indenture) for certain charges. These charges include restructuring costs of $19.2 million, $53.2 million and $35.5 million for the years ended December 31, 2010, 2009 and 2008, respectively. In addition, certain other charges, including costs related to the closure and/or consolidation of facilities, retention charges, systems establishment costs and acquisition and consulting fees incurred in connection with any of the foregoing, among other items, are also adjustments to the calculation of adjusted EBITDA. For the year ended December 31, 2010, we adjusted our adjusted EBITDA calculation for an additional $5.7 million. See “Sources of Capital” below for a description of calculation of our adjusted EBITDA pursuant to the indenture.

Description of Our Business

Our revenue is derived from selling advertising space on the displays we own or operate in key markets worldwide, consisting primarily of billboards, street furniture and transit displays.

 

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We own the majority of our advertising displays, which typically are located on sites that we either lease or own or for which we have acquired permanent easements. Our advertising contracts with clients typically outline the number of displays reserved, the duration of the advertising campaign and the unit price per display.

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

The significant expenses associated with our operations include (i) direct production, maintenance and installation expenses, (ii) site lease expenses for land under our displays and (iii) revenue-sharing or minimum guaranteed amounts payable under our billboard, street furniture and transit display contracts. Our direct production, maintenance and installation expenses include costs for printing, transporting and changing the advertising copy on our displays, the related labor costs, the vinyl and paper costs and the costs for cleaning and maintaining our displays. Vinyl and paper costs vary according to the complexity of the advertising copy and the quantity of displays. Our site lease expenses include lease payments for use of the land under our displays, as well as any revenue-sharing arrangements or minimum guaranteed amounts payable that 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 space on 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 U.S. In addition, competitive bidding for street furniture and transit display contracts, which constitute a larger portion of our International business, and a different regulatory environment for billboards, result in higher site lease cost in our International business compared to our Americas business. As a result, our margins are typically lower in our International business than in the Americas.

Our street furniture and transit display contracts with municipal agencies, the terms of which range from three to 20 years, generally require us to make upfront investments in property, plant and equipment. These contracts may also include upfront lease payments and/or minimum annual guaranteed lease payments. We can give no assurance that our cash flows from operations over the terms of these contracts will exceed the upfront and minimum required payments.

Relationship with Clear Channel Communications

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

In 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 2010, we estimated this discounted revenue would have been less than 1% of our Americas revenue.

 

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Under the Corporate Services Agreement, Clear Channel Communications provides management services to us. These services are charged to us based on actual direct costs incurred or allocated by Clear Channel Communications based on headcount, revenue or other factors on a pro rata basis. For the years ended December 31, 2010, 2009 and 2008, we recorded approximately $38.1 million, $28.5 million and $28.1 million, respectively, as a component of corporate expenses for these services.

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Consolidated Results of Operations

The following tables summarize our historical results of operations:

 

(In thousands)      Post-Merger         Post-Merger         Combined (1)    
     Year Ended
December 31,
2010
    Year Ended
December 31,
2009
    Year Ended
December 31,
2008
 

Revenue

   $ 2,797,994      $ 2,698,024      $ 3,289,287   

Operating expenses:

      

Direct operating expenses

     1,559,972        1,625,083        1,882,136   

Selling, general and administrative expenses

     494,656        484,404        606,370   

Corporate expenses

     107,596        65,247        71,045   

Depreciation and amortization

     413,588        439,647        472,350   

Impairment charges

     11,493        890,737        3,217,649   

Other operating income (expense) – net

     (23,753     (8,231     15,848   
                        

Operating income (loss)

     186,936        (815,325     (2,944,415

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

     219,993        154,195        161,650   

Loss on marketable securities

     6,490        11,315        59,842   

Equity in earnings (loss) of nonconsolidated affiliates

     (9,936     (31,442     68,733   

Other income (expense) – net

     (5,335     (9,368     25,479   
                        

Loss before income taxes

     (54,818     (1,021,645     (3,071,695

Income tax benefit (expense)

     (21,599     149,110        220,319   
                        

Consolidated net loss

     (76,417     (872,535     (2,851,376

Less amount attributable to noncontrolling interest

     11,106        (4,346     (293
                        

Net loss attributable to the Company

   $ (87,523   $ (868,189   $ (2,851,083
                        

 

 

(1) The results of operations for the year ended December 31, 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 results of operations are presented as follows:

 

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(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   

Corporate expenses

     31,681        39,364        71,045   

Depreciation and amortization

     224,713        247,637        472,350   

Impairment charges

     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 — net

     12,114        13,365        25,479   
                        

Income (loss) before income taxes

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

Income tax benefit (expense)

     271,895        (51,576     220,319   
                        

Consolidated net income (loss)

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

Less 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
                        

Revenue

2010 v. 2009

Our consolidated revenue increased $100.0 million during 2010 compared to 2009. Americas revenue increased $51.9 million, driven by revenue increases across most of our advertising inventory, particularly digital. Our International revenue increased $48.1 million, primarily due to revenue growth from street furniture across most countries, partially offset by a $10.3 million decrease from movements in foreign exchange.

2009 v. 2008

Our revenue for 2009 decreased $591.3 million compared to 2008. Our Americas revenue declined $192.1 million, attributable to decreases in bulletin, poster and airport revenues associated with cancellations and non-renewals from larger national advertisers. Our International revenue declined $399.2 million primarily as a result of challenging advertising climates in our markets and approximately $118.5 million from movements in foreign exchange.

Direct Operating Expenses

2010 v. 2009

Our direct operating expenses decreased $65.1 million during 2010 compared to 2009. Americas direct operating expenses decreased $19.5 million, primarily as a result of the disposition of our taxi advertising business, partially offset by an increase in site lease expenses associated with the increase in revenue. Direct operating expenses in our International segment decreased $45.6 million, primarily as a result of a $20.4 million decline in expenses incurred in connection with our restructuring program in addition to decreased site lease expenses associated with cost savings from our restructuring program, and included an $8.2 million decrease from movements in foreign exchange.

 

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2009 v. 2008

Direct operating expenses for 2009 decreased $257.0 million compared to 2008. Our Americas operating expenses decreased $39.4 million driven by decreased site-lease expenses from lower revenue and cost savings from the restructuring program. Our International business contributed $217.6 million of the overall decrease primarily from a decrease in site-lease expenses from lower revenue and cost savings from the restructuring program and $85.6 million related to movements in foreign exchange.

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

2010 v. 2009

Our SG&A expenses increased $10.3 million during 2010 compared to 2009. SG&A expenses increased $16.6 million in our Americas segment, primarily as a result of increased selling and marketing costs associated with the increase in revenue in addition to the unfavorable impact of litigation. Our International SG&A expenses decreased $6.3 million, primarily as a result of a decrease in business tax related to a change in French tax law, and included a $2.3 million decrease from movements in foreign exchange.

2009 v. 2008

SG&A expenses decreased $122.0 million during 2009 compared to 2008. Our Americas SG&A expenses decreased $50.7 million primarily related to a decline in commission expense. Our International SG&A expenses decreased $71.3 million primarily attributable to an overall decline in compensation and administrative expenses and $23.7 million from movements in foreign exchange.

Corporate Expenses

2010 v. 2009

Corporate expenses increased $42.3 million during 2010 compared to 2009, primarily due to increases in bonus expense from improved operating performance and increases related to headcount from centralization efforts and the expansion of corporate capabilities.

2009 v. 2008

Corporate expenses decreased $5.8 million in 2009 compared to 2008. The decrease was attributable to a decrease in expenses in our International segment of approximately $7.9 million due primarily to our cost savings initiatives and reduced legal fees compared to 2008. This decrease was partially offset by an increase in restructuring costs of $3.3 million.

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, 2010, 2009 and 2008, we recorded approximately $38.1 million, $28.5 million and $28.1 million, respectively, as a component of corporate expenses for these services.

Depreciation and Amortization

2010 v. 2009

Depreciation and amortization decreased $26.1 million during 2010 compared to 2009, primarily as a result of assets in our International segment that became fully amortized during 2009.

 

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2009 v. 2008

Depreciation and amortization for 2009 decreased $32.7 million compared to 2008. The decrease was primarily due to a $43.2 million decrease in depreciation expense associated with the impairment of assets in our International segment during the fourth quarter of 2008 and a $20.6 million decrease from movements in foreign exchange. The decrease was partially offset by $34.3 million related to additional amortization associated with the purchase accounting adjustments to the acquired intangible assets.

Impairment Charges

We performed our annual impairment test on October 1, 2010 on our goodwill, billboard permits and other intangible assets and recorded impairment charges of $11.5 million. We also performed impairment tests in 2009 and 2008 on our goodwill, billboard permits and other intangible assets and recorded impairment charges of $890.7 million and $3.2 billion, respectively. Please see the notes to the consolidated financial statements included in Item 8 of Part II of this Annual Report on Form 10-K for a further description of the impairment charges.

A rollforward of our goodwill balance from July 30, 2008 through December 31, 2009 by reporting unit is as follows:

 

(In thousands)                                             
     Balances as of
July  30,

2008
     Acquisitions      Dispositions     Foreign
Currency
    Impairment     Adjustments     Balances as of
December  31,
2008
 

United States Outdoor Markets

   $ 3,083,660       $ —         $ —        $ —        $ (2,296,915   $ 37,985      $ 824,730   

Switzerland

     57,664         —           —          (977     —          198        56,885   

Ireland

     16,224         —           —          (1,939     —          —          14,285   

Baltics

     14,336         —           —          —          (3,707     —          10,629   

Americas – Mexico

     20,501         —           —          (11,772     —          —          8,729   

Americas – Chile

     9,311         —           —          (5,347     —          —          3,964   

Americas – Peru

     45,284         —           —          —          —          —          45,284   

Americas – Brazil

     11,674         —           —          (6,703     —          —          4,971   

All Others – International

     426,546         —           (542     (60,603     (169,728     10,071        205,744   

Americas – Canada

     35,390         —           —          (5,783     (24,687     —          4,920   
                                                          
   $ 3,720,590       $ —         $ (542   $ (93,124   $ (2,495,037   $ 48,254      $ 1,180,141   
                                                          
(In thousands)                                             
     Balances as of
December 31,

2008
     Acquisitions      Dispositions     Foreign
Currency
    Impairment     Adjustments     Balances as of
December 31,
2009
 

United States Outdoor Markets

   $ 824,730       $ 2,250       $ —        $ —        $ (324,892   $ 69,844      $ 571,932   

Switzerland

     56,885         —           —          1,276        (7,827     —          50,334   

Ireland

     14,285         —           —          223        (12,591     —          1,917   

Baltics

     10,629         —           —          —          (10,629     —          —     

Americas – Mexico

     8,729         —           —          7,440        (10,085     (442     5,642   

Americas – Chile

     3,964         —           —          4,417        (8,381     —          —     

Americas – Peru

     45,284         —           —          —          (37,609     —          7,675   

Americas – Brazil

     4,971         —           —          4,436        (9,407     —          —     

All Others – International

     205,744         110         —          15,913        (42,717     45,042        224,092   

Americas – Canada

     4,920         —           —          —          —          (4,920     —     
                                                          
   $ 1,180,141       $ 2,360       $ —        $ 33,705      $ (464,138   $ 109,524      $ 861,592   
                                                          

Other Operating Income (Expense) – Net

Other operating expense of $23.8 million for 2010 primarily related to a $25.3 million loss recorded as a result of the transfer of our interest in our Branded Cities business.

Other operating expense for 2009 was $8.2 million and primarily related to a loss of $20.9 million on the sale of our taxi advertising business. The loss was partially offset by a $10.1 million gain on the sale of Americas and International assets.

Other operating income for 2008 was $15.8 million and was primarily due to a $2.6 million gain related to an asset exchange, a $4.0 million gain on the sale of property, and a $1.7 million gain on the sale of International street furniture.

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

Interest expense increased $65.8 million during 2010 compared to 2009. The increase was primarily attributable to the issuance by our subsidiary, CCWH, of $2.5 billion aggregate principal amount of senior notes in December 2009, which bear interest at a fixed rate of 9.25% per annum. The senior notes were issued at a higher interest rate than the $2.5 billion note to Clear Channel Communications, which was prepaid and retired in December 2009.

Interest expense for 2009 decreased $7.5 million compared to 2008. The decrease was primarily due to a lower weighted average cost of debt of Clear Channel Communications during 2009.

Loss on Marketable Securities

The loss on marketable securities of $6.5 million, $11.3 million, and $59.8 million for 2010, 2009 and 2008, respectively, primarily related to the impairment of Independent News & Media PLC (“INM”). The fair value of INM was below cost for an extended period of time. As a result, we considered the guidance in ASC 320-10-S99 and reviewed the length of the time and the extent to which the market was less than cost and the financial condition and near-term prospects of the issuer. After this assessment, we concluded that the impairment at each date was other than temporary and recorded non-cash impairment charges to our investment in INM, as noted above.

Equity in Earnings (Loss) of Nonconsolidated Affiliates

Equity in loss of nonconsolidated affiliates of $9.9 million for 2010 includes an $8.3 million impairment related to an equity investment in our International segment. Equity in loss of nonconsolidated affiliates of $31.4 million for 2009 primarily related to a $22.9 million impairment of equity investments in our International segment.

 

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Equity in earnings of nonconsolidated affiliates for 2008 increased $64.3 million 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 investments recorded during the third quarter of 2008.

Other Income (Expense) — Net

Other expense recorded for the years ended December 31, 2010 and 2009 primarily related to foreign exchange transaction gains/losses on short-term intercompany accounts.

Other income of $25.5 million for 2008 primarily related to net foreign exchange transaction gains on short-term intercompany accounts of $19.8 million. In addition, we recorded income of $8.0 million related to dividends received from an International investment.

Income Taxes

Our operations are included in a consolidated income tax return filed by Clear Channel Communications for pre-merger periods and CC Media Holdings for post-merger periods. However, for our financial statements, our provision for income taxes was computed as if we file separate consolidated Federal income tax returns with our subsidiaries.

Our effective tax rate for 2010 was (39.4%), primarily due to the fact that we were unable to benefit from tax losses in certain foreign jurisdictions due to the uncertainty of the ability to utilize those losses in future years. In addition, we recorded a valuation allowance of $13.6 million in 2010 against deferred tax assets related to capital allowances in foreign jurisdictions due to the uncertainty of the ability to realize those assets in future periods.

Our effective tax rate for 2009 was 14.6% primarily due to the goodwill impairment charge, which is not deductible for tax purposes, along with our inability to benefit from tax losses in certain foreign jurisdictions as discussed above.

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

Americas Results of Operations

Disposition of Taxi Business

On December 31, 2009, our subsidiary, CCOI, disposed of Clear Channel Taxi Media, LLC (“Taxis”), our taxi advertising business. For the year ended December 31, 2009, Taxis contributed $41.5 million in revenue, $39.8 million in direct operating expenses and $10.5 million in SG&A expenses.

Our Americas operating results were as follows:

 

(In thousands)    Years Ended December 31,      % Change
       2010  
   Post-Merger  
       2009  
   Post-Merger  
       2008  
  Combined  
       2010 v.  
  2009  
    2009 v.  
  2008  

Revenue

   $ 1,290,014       $ 1,238,171       $ 1,430,258       4%   (13%)

Direct operating expenses

     588,592         608,078         647,526       (3%)   (6%)

SG&A expenses

     218,776         202,196         252,889       8%   (20%)

Depreciation and amortization

     209,127         210,280         207,633       (1%)   1%
                               

Operating income

   $ 273,519       $ 217,617       $ 322,210       26%   (32%)
                               

 

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2010 v. 2009

Our Americas revenue increased $51.9 million during 2010 compared to 2009 as a result of revenue growth across most of our advertising inventory, particularly digital. The increase was driven by increases in both occupancy and rate. Partially offsetting the revenue increase was the decrease in revenue related to the sale of Taxis.

Our Americas direct operating expenses decreased $19.5 million during 2010 compared to 2009. The decline in direct operating expenses was due to the disposition of Taxis, partially offset by a $20.2 million increase in site-lease expenses associated with the increase in revenue. SG&A expenses increased $16.6 million as a result of a $6.3 million increase primarily related to the unfavorable impact of litigation, a $4.7 million increase in consulting costs and a $6.2 million increase primarily due to bonus and commission expenses associated with the increase in revenue, partially offset by the disposition of Taxis.

2009 v. 2008

Our Americas revenue decreased $192.1 million in 2009 compared to 2008 primarily driven by declines in bulletin, poster and transit revenues due to cancellations and non-renewals from larger national advertisers resulting from the overall weakness in advertising and the economy. The decline in bulletin, poster and transit revenues was also impacted by a decline in rate compared to 2008.

Our Americas direct operating expenses decreased $39.4 million in 2009 compared to 2008, primarily from a $25.3 million decrease in site-lease expenses associated with cost savings from the restructuring program and the decline in revenues. This decrease was partially offset by $5.7 million related to the restructuring program. Our SG&A expenses decreased $50.7 million in 2009 compared to 2008, primarily from a $26.0 million decline in compensation expense associated with the decline in revenue and cost savings from the restructuring program, and a $16.2 million decline in bad debt expense primarily as a result of receipts of previously-reserved collections and an improvement in the agings of our accounts receivable during 2009.

International Results of Operations

Our International operating results were as follows:

 

(In thousands)    Years Ended December 31,      % Change
     2010
Post-Merger
     2009
Post-Merger
    2008
Combined
     2010 v.
2009
  2009 v.
2008

Revenue

   $ 1,507,980       $   1,459,853      $   1,859,029       3%   (21%)

Direct operating expenses

     971,380         1,017,005        1,234,610       (4%)   (18%)

SG&A expenses

     275,880         282,208        353,481       (2%)   (20%)

Depreciation and amortization

     204,461         229,367        264,717       (11%)   (13%)
                              

Operating income (loss)

   $ 56,259       $ (68,727   $ 6,221        
                              

2010 v. 2009

Our International outdoor revenue increased $48.1 million during 2010 compared to 2009, primarily as a result of revenue growth from street furniture across most countries, partially offset by the exit from the businesses in Greece and India. Foreign exchange movements negatively impacted revenue by $10.3 million.

Direct operating expenses in our International segment decreased $45.6 million during 2010 compared to 2009, primarily as a result of a $20.4 million decrease in expenses incurred in connection with our restructuring program and a $15.6 million decline in site-lease expenses associated with cost savings from our restructuring program. Also contributing to the decreased expenses was the exit from the businesses in Greece and India and an $8.2 million decrease from movements in foreign exchange. SG&A expenses decreased $6.3 million during 2010 compared to 2009, primarily as a result of a $5.4 million decrease in business tax related to a change in French tax law and a $2.3 million decrease from movements in foreign exchange.

 

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Depreciation and amortization decreased $24.9 million during 2010 compared to 2009 primarily as a result of assets that became fully amortized during 2009.

2009 v. 2008

Our International revenue decreased $399.2 million in 2009 compared to 2008 as a result of the weak global economy, as well as movements in foreign exchange, which contributed $118.5 million of the decrease. The revenue decline occurred across most countries, with the most significant decline in France of $75.5 million due to weak advertising demand. Other countries with significant declines include the U.K. and Italy, which declined $30.4 million and $28.3 million, respectively, due to weak advertising markets.

Direct operating expenses decreased $217.6 million in our International segment in 2009 compared to 2008, in part due to a decrease of $85.6 million from movements in foreign exchange. The remaining decrease in direct operating expenses was primarily attributable to a $146.4 million decline in site lease expenses partially attributable to cost savings from the restructuring program and partially as a result of lower revenues. The decrease in direct operating expenses was partially offset by $12.8 million related to the restructuring program and the decline in revenue. SG&A expenses decreased $71.3 million in 2009 compared to 2008, primarily from $23.7 million related to movements in foreign exchange, $34.3 million related to a decline in compensation expense and a $25.8 million decrease in administrative expenses, both partially attributable to cost savings from the restructuring program and the decline in revenue.

Depreciation and amortization decreased $35.4 million in our International segment in 2009 compared to 2008, primarily related to a $43.2 million decrease in depreciation expense associated with the impairment of assets during the fourth quarter of 2008 and a $20.6 million decrease from movements in foreign exchange. The decrease was partially offset by $31.9 million related to additional amortization associated with the purchase accounting adjustments to the acquired intangible assets.

Reconciliation of Segment Operating Income (Loss) to Consolidated Operating Income (Loss)

 

(In thousands)    Years Ended December 31,  
     2010
Post-Merger
    2009
Post-Merger
    2008
  Combined  
 

Americas

   $ 273,519      $ 217,617      $ 322,210   

International

     56,259        (68,727     6,221   

Impairment charges

     (11,493     (890,737     (3,217,649

Corporate (1)

     (107,596     (65,247     (71,045

Other operating income (expense) – net

     (23,753     (8,231     15,848   
                        

Consolidated operating income (loss)

   $ 186,936      $ (815,325   $ (2,944,415
                        

 

(1) Corporate expenses include expenses related to our Americas and International operating segments.

Share-Based Compensation

As of December 31, 2010, there was $17.2 million of unrecognized compensation cost, net of estimated forfeitures, related to unvested share-based compensation arrangements that will vest based on service conditions. This cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of approximately two years. In addition, as of December 31, 2010, there was $0.3 million of unrecognized compensation cost, net of estimated forfeitures, related to unvested share-based compensation arrangements that will vest based on performance and service conditions. This cost will be recognized when it becomes probable that the performance condition will be satisfied.

 

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The following table indicates non-cash compensation costs related to share-based payments for the years ended December 31, 2010, 2009 and 2008, respectively:

 

(In thousands)    Years Ended December 31,  
     2010
Post-Merger
     2009
Post-Merger
     2008
  Combined  
 

Americas

   $ 9,207           $ 7,977           $ 8,465       

International

     2,746             2,412             2,167       

Corporate

     384             1,715             957       
                          

Total share-based compensation expense

   $ 12,337           $     12,104       $     11,589       
                          

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

Clear Channel Communications’ Merger

Clear Channel Communications’ capitalization, liquidity and capital resources substantially changed due to the consummation of its merger on July 30, 2008. Upon the closing of the merger, Clear Channel Communications incurred additional debt and became highly leveraged. We are not borrowers or guarantors under Clear Channel Communications’ credit agreements other than for direct borrowings by certain of our International subsidiaries pursuant to the $150.0 million sub-limit included in Clear Channel Communications’ $2.0 billion revolving credit facility and we are not a guarantor of any of Clear Channel Communications’ debt. The obligations of these International subsidiaries that are borrowers under the revolving credit facility are guaranteed by certain of our material wholly-owned subsidiaries, and secured by substantially all of the assets of such borrowers and guarantors, subject to permitted liens and other exceptions. As of December 31, 2010, we had no outstanding borrowings under the $150.0 million sub-limit facility as Clear Channel Communications had already borrowed against the entire capacity.

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

We have a revolving promissory note issued by Clear Channel Communications to us in the amount of $383.8 million as of December 31, 2010 described more fully in our “Liquidity and Capital Resources — Sources of Capital” section. We are an unsecured creditor of Clear Channel Communications with respect to the revolving promissory note.

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

 

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Cash Flows

The following table summarizes our historical cash flows:

 

(In thousands)    Year Ended December 31,  
     2010
  Post-Merger  
    2009
Post-Merger
    2008
  Combined  
 

Cash provided by (used for):

      

Operating activities

   $ 525,217      $ 441,264      $ 603,624   

Investing activities

   $ (198,705   $ (162,864   $ (425,844

Financing activities

   $ (314,463   $ 231,656      $ (232,840

Operating Activities

2010

The increase in cash flows from operations in 2010 compared to 2009 was primarily driven by improved profitability, including a 4% increase in revenue and a 3% decrease in direct operating and SG&A expenses. Our cash paid for interest increased $81.1 million primarily due to the December 2009 issuance of $2.5 billion aggregate principal amount of senior notes at a higher rate than the $2.5 billion note to Clear Channel Communications, which was prepaid and retired in December 2009. Partially offsetting the increased interest was the receipt of $51.0 million of Federal income tax refunds during the third quarter of 2010.

2009

The decline in cash flow from operations in 2009 compared to 2008 was primarily driven by an 18% decline in consolidated revenues associated with the weak economy and challenging advertising markets. Our net loss adjusted for non-cash items of $1.3 billion provided positive cash flows of $411.8 million. Changes in working capital provided an additional $29.4 million in operating cash flows for 2009.

2008

In 2008, our net loss adjusted for non-cash items of $3.5 billion provided positive cash flows of $610.0 million. Changes in working capital negatively impacted operating cash flows for 2008 by $6.4 million.

Investing Activities

2010

Cash used for investing activities during 2010 primarily reflected capital expenditures of $195.3 million, partially offset by proceeds of $7.8 million from the sale of International and Americas assets. We spent $96.7 million in our Americas segment primarily related to the construction of new billboards and $98.6 million in our International segment primarily related to new billboard and street furniture contracts and renewals of existing contracts.

2009

In 2009, we spent $84.4 million in our Americas segment for the purchase of property, plant and equipment mostly related to the construction of new billboards and $91.5 million in our International segment for the purchase of property, plant and equipment related to new billboard and street furniture contracts and renewals of existing contracts. We also received proceeds of $11.3 million from the sale of International assets and $6.8 million from the sale of Americas assets.

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 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

 

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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.

Financing Activities

2010

Cash used for financing activities of $314.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2010 primarily reflects payments on credit facilities and long-term debt of $47.1 million and $13.2 million, respectively, and net transfers to Clear Channel Communications of $260.5 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.

2009

Cash provided by financing activities of $231.7 million for 2009 primarily reflects the $2.5 billion proceeds from issuance of senior notes in addition to the $500.0 million repayment by Clear Channel Communications on the “Due from Clear Channel Communications” account offset by the prepayment and retirement of the $2.5 billion intercompany note due to Clear Channel Communications. In addition, we purchased the remaining 15% interest in our fully consolidated subsidiary, Paneles Napsa S.A., for $13.0 million, and acquired an additional 5% interest in our fully consolidated subsidiary, Clear Channel Jolly Pubblicita SPA, for $12.1 million.

2008

Cash used in financing activities of $232.8 million for 2008 reflected a net reduction in debt and credit facilities of $67.6 million and net transfers of cash to Clear Channel Communications of $169.2 million. The net transfers of cash to Clear Channel Communications represent the activity in the “Due from/to Clear Channel Communications” account. This activity primarily relates to working capital and settlement of interest on the revolving promissory notes and the $2.5 billion note payable to Clear Channel Communications.

Anticipated Cash Requirements

Our primary source of liquidity is cash on hand and cash flow from operations. 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 borrowings under the revolving promissory note with Clear Channel Communications will enable us to meet our working capital, capital expenditure, debt service and other funding requirements for at least the next 12 months. In addition, we expect to be in compliance with the covenants governing our indebtedness in 2011. However, our anticipated results are subject to significant uncertainty and there can be no assurance that we will be able to maintain compliance with these covenants. In addition, our ability to comply with these covenants may be affected by events beyond our control, including prevailing economic, financial and industry conditions.

Furthermore, in its Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC on February 14, 2011, Clear Channel Communications stated that it expects to be in compliance with the covenants in its material financing agreements in 2011. Clear Channel Communications similarly stated in such Annual Report that its anticipated results are also subject to significant uncertainty and there can be no assurance that actual results will be in compliance with the covenants. Moreover, Clear Channel Communications stated in such Annual Report that its ability to comply with the covenants in its material financing agreements may be affected by events beyond its control, including prevailing economic, financial and industry conditions. As discussed therein, the breach of any covenants set forth in Clear Channel Communications’ financing agreements would result in a default thereunder, and an event of default would permit the lenders under a defaulted financing agreement to declare all indebtedness thereunder to be due and payable prior to maturity. Moreover, as discussed therein, the lenders under the revolving credit facility under Clear Channel Communications’ secured credit facilities would have the option to terminate their commitments to make further extensions of revolving credit thereunder. In addition, Clear Channel Communications stated in such Annual Report that if Clear Channel Communications is unable to repay its obligations under any secured credit facility, the lenders could proceed against any assets that were pledged to secure such facility. Finally, Clear Channel Communications stated in such Annual Report that a default or acceleration under any of its material financing agreements could cause a default under other obligations that are subject to cross-default and cross-acceleration provisions.

 

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For so long as Clear Channel Communications maintains significant control over us, a deterioration in the financial condition of Clear Channel Communications could have the effect of increasing our borrowing costs or impairing our access to capital markets. As of December 31, 2010, Clear Channel Communications had $1.9 billion recorded as “Cash and cash equivalents” on its consolidated balance sheets.

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 ability to fund our working capital needs, debt service and other obligations depends on our future operating performance and cash flow. If our future operating performance does not meet our expectations or our plans materially change in an adverse manner or prove to be materially inaccurate, we may need additional financing. We may not be able to secure any such additional financing on terms favorable to us or at all.

Sources of Capital

As of December 31, 2010 and 2009, we had the following indebtedness outstanding, cash and cash equivalents and amounts due from Clear Channel Communications:

 

(In millions)    Year Ended December 31,  
     2010
Post-Merger
     2009
Post-Merger
 

CCWH Senior Notes

   $ 2,500.0       $ 2,500.0   

Bank credit facility ($150.0 million sub-limit within Clear Channel Communications’ $2.0 billion facility, $150.0 million and $120.0 million of which was drawn by Clear Channel Communications at December 31, 2010 and 2009, respectively)

     —           30.0   

Other debt

     63.8         78.9   
                 

Total debt

     2,563.8         2,608.9   

Less: Cash and cash equivalents

     624.0         609.4   

Less: Due from Clear Channel Communications

     383.8         123.3   
                 
   $ 1,556.0       $ 1,876.2   
                 

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 cash flows from operations, another potential source of liquidity to us is 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. As of December 31, 2010, we had no outstanding borrowings under the $150.0 million sub-limit facility as Clear Channel Communications had already borrowed against the entire capacity.

 

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Promissory Notes with Clear Channel Communications

As part of the day-to-day cash management services provided by Clear Channel Communications, we maintain accounts that represent net amounts due to or from Clear Channel Communications, which is recorded as “Due from/to Clear Channel Communications” on the consolidated balance sheet. The accounts represent our revolving promissory note issued by us to Clear Channel Communications and the revolving promissory note issued by Clear Channel Communications to us in the face amount of $1.0 billion, or if more or less than such amount, the aggregate unpaid principal amount of all advances. The accounts accrue interest and are generally payable on demand. Prior to the amendment of the revolving promissory notes in December 2009, interest on the revolving promissory note owed by us accrued on the daily net negative cash position based upon LIBOR plus a margin. Interest on the revolving promissory note owed by Clear Channel Communications accrued on the daily net positive cash position based upon the average one-month generic treasury bill rate. In connection with the issuance of the CCWH Notes described below, we and Clear Channel Communications modified the terms of the revolving promissory notes (recorded as Due from/to Clear Channel Communications account) to extend the maturity of each revolving promissory note to coincide with the maturity date of the CCWH Notes. In addition, the terms were modified to change the interest rate on each revolving promissory note to equal the interest rate on the CCWH Notes. Included in the accounts are the net activities resulting from day-to-day cash management services provided by Clear Channel Communications. As a part of these services, we maintain collection bank accounts swept daily into accounts of Clear Channel Communications (after satisfying the funding requirements of the Trustee Account). In return, Clear Channel Communications funds our controlled disbursement accounts as checks or electronic payments are presented for payment. Our claim in relation to cash transferred from our concentration account is on an unsecured basis and is limited to the balance of the “Due from Clear Channel Communications” account. If Clear Channel Communications were to become insolvent, we would be an unsecured creditor of Clear Channel Communications with respect to the revolving promissory note issued by Clear Channel Communications to us. At December 31, 2010 and 2009, the asset recorded in “Due from Clear Channel Communications” on the consolidated balance sheet was $383.8 million and $123.3 million, respectively. The net interest income for the years ended December 31, 2010, 2009 and 2008 was $19.5 million, $0.7 million and $3.5 million, respectively. At December 31, 2010, the fixed interest rate on the “Due from Clear Channel Communications” account was 9.25%, which represents the interest rate on the CCWH Notes as described above. At December 31, 2010, we had no borrowings under the revolving promissory note to Clear Channel Communications.

Unlike the management of cash from our U.S. based operations, the amount of cash, if any, which is transferred from our foreign operations to Clear Channel Communications is determined on a basis mutually agreeable to us and Clear Channel Communications, and not on a pre-determined basis. In arriving at such mutual agreement, the reasonably foreseeable cash needs of our foreign operations are evaluated before a cash amount is considered as an excess or surplus amount for transfer to Clear Channel Communications.

As of December 31, 2008 we had a note in the original principal amount of $2.5 billion to Clear Channel Communications which was prepayable in whole at any time, or in part from time to time. In December 2009, we made voluntary prepayments on the note in the amount of the total outstanding balance and subsequently retired the “Debt with Clear Channel Communications.” The interest rate on the $2.5 billion note was 5.7% prior to its retirement.

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

 

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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, among other limitations, which could adversely affect our ability to meet our liquidity needs. Under the Master Agreement with Clear Channel Communications, we are limited in our borrowing from third parties to no more than $400.0 million (including borrowings under the $150.0 million sub-limit of Clear Channel Communications’ $2.0 billion revolving credit facility).

Clear Channel Worldwide Holdings Senior Notes

Our subsidiary, CCWH, has outstanding $500.0 million aggregate principal amount of Series A Senior Notes due 2017 (the “Series A Notes”) and $2.0 billion aggregate principal amount of Series B Senior Notes due 2017 (the “Series B Notes” and together with the Series A Notes, the “CCWH Notes”). The Notes are guaranteed by us, CCOI, and certain of our other direct and indirect subsidiaries.

The CCWH Notes bear interest on a daily basis and contain customary provisions, including covenants requiring us to maintain certain levels of credit availability and limitations on incurring additional debt.

The CCWH Notes are senior obligations that rank pari passu in right of payment to all unsubordinated indebtedness of CCWH and the guarantees of the CCWH Notes rank pari passu in right of payment to all unsubordinated indebtedness of the guarantors.

The indentures governing the CCWH Notes require us to maintain at least $100 million in cash or other liquid assets or have cash available to be borrowed under committed credit facilities consisting of (i) $50.0 million at the issuer and guarantor entities (principally the Americas outdoor segment) and (ii) $50.0 million at the non-guarantor subsidiaries (principally the International outdoor segment) (together the “Liquidity Amount”), in each case under the sole control of the relevant entity. In the event of a bankruptcy, liquidation, dissolution, reorganization, or similar proceeding of Clear Channel Communications for the period thereafter that is the shorter of such proceeding and 60 days, the Liquidity Amount shall be reduced to $50.0 million, with a $25.0 million requirement at the issuer and guarantor entities and a $25.0 million requirement at the non-guarantor subsidiaries.

In addition, interest on the CCWH Notes accrues daily and is payable into an account established by the trustee for the benefit of the bondholders (the “Trustee Account”). Failure to make daily payment on any day does not constitute an event of default so long as (a) no payment or other transfer by us or any of our subsidiaries shall have been made on such day under the cash management sweep with Clear Channel Communications, Inc. and (b) on each semiannual interest payment date the aggregate amount of funds in the Trustee Account is equal to at least the aggregate amount of accrued and unpaid interest on the CCWH Notes.

The indenture governing the Series A Notes contains covenants that limit our and our restricted subsidiaries ability to, among other things:

 

  •  

incur or guarantee additional debt to persons other than Clear Channel Communications and its subsidiaries or issue certain preferred stock;

 

  •  

create liens on our restricted subsidiaries assets to secure such debt;

 

  •  

create restrictions on the payment of dividends or other amounts to ourselves from our restricted subsidiaries that are not guarantors of the notes;

 

  •  

enter into certain transactions with affiliates;

 

  •  

merge or consolidate with another person, or sell or otherwise dispose of all or substantially all of our assets; and

 

  •  

sell certain assets, including capital stock of our subsidiaries, to persons other than Clear Channel Communications and its subsidiaries.

The indenture governing the Series A Notes does not include limitations on dividends, distributions, investments or asset sales.

 

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The indenture governing the Series B Notes contains covenants that limit our and our restricted subsidiaries ability to, among other things:

 

  •  

incur or guarantee additional debt or issue certain preferred stock;

 

  •  

redeem, repurchase or retire our subordinated debt;

 

  •  

make certain investments;

 

  •  

create liens on our or our restricted subsidiaries’ assets to secure debt;

 

  •  

create restrictions on the payment of dividends or other amounts to ourselves from our restricted subsidiaries that are not guarantors of the Notes;

 

  •  

enter into certain transactions with affiliates;

 

  •  

merge or consolidate with another person, or sell or otherwise dispose of all or substantially all of our assets;

 

  •  

sell certain assets, including capital stock of our subsidiaries;

 

  •  

designate our subsidiaries as unrestricted subsidiaries;

 

  •  

pay dividends, redeem or repurchase capital stock or make other restricted payments; and

 

  •  

purchase or otherwise effectively cancel or retire any of the Series B Notes if after doing so the ratio of (a) the outstanding aggregate principal amount of the Series A Notes to (b) the outstanding aggregate principal amount of the Series B Notes shall be greater than 0.250. This stipulation ensures, among other things, that as long as the Series A Notes are outstanding, the Series B Notes are outstanding.

The Series A Notes indenture and the Series B Notes indenture restrict our ability to incur additional indebtedness but permit us to incur additional indebtedness based on an incurrence test. In order to incur additional indebtedness under this test, our debt to adjusted EBITDA ratios (as defined by the indentures) must be lower than 6.5:1 and 3.25:1 for total debt and senior debt, respectively. The indentures contain certain other exceptions that allow us to incur additional indebtedness. The Series B Notes indenture also permits us to pay dividends from the proceeds of indebtedness or the proceeds from asset sales if our debt to adjusted EBITDA ratios (as defined by the indenture) are lower than 6.0:1 and 3.0:1 for total debt and senior debt, respectively. The Series A Notes indenture does not limit our ability to pay dividends. The Series B Notes indenture contains certain exceptions that allow us to incur additional indebtedness and pay dividends, including a $500 million exception for the payment of dividends. We were in compliance with these covenants as of December 31, 2010.

Consolidated leverage, defined as total debt divided by EBITDA for the preceding four quarters was 3.5:1 at December 31, 2010, and senior leverage, defined as senior debt divided by EBITDA for the preceding four quarters was also 3.5:1 at December 31, 2010. Our adjusted EBITDA of $741.6 million is calculated as operating income (loss) before depreciation, amortization, impairment charges and other operating income (expense) – net, plus non-cash compensation, and is further adjusted for certain items, including: (i) an increase for expected cost savings (limited to $58.8 million in any twelve month period) of $12.5 million; (ii) an increase of $44.7 million for non-cash items; (iii) an increase of $24.9 million related to expenses incurred associated with our cost savings program; and (iv) an increase of $11.4 million for various other items.

Prior to the date of the closing of the CCWH Notes offering, we made a demand for and received repayment of $500.0 million on the “Due from Clear Channel Communications” account.

Following such repayment, we contributed $500.0 million to the capital of CCOI, which used the proceeds received by it to prepay $500.0 million of the “Debt with Clear Channel Communications” account. Subsequent to this repayment, the outstanding balance of the “Debt with Clear Channel Communications” account was $2.0 billion.

A portion of the proceeds of the CCWH Notes offering were used to (i) pay the fees and expenses of the offering, (ii) fund $50.0 million of the Liquidity Amount (the $50.0 million Liquidity Amount of the non-guarantor subsidiaries was satisfied) and (iii) make a voluntary prepayment of the remaining $2.0 billion outstanding balance (which is equal to the aggregate principal amount of the Series B Notes) under the note due to Clear Channel Communications and subsequently retire the “Debt with Clear Channel Communications”, with the balance of the proceeds available for general corporate purposes.

 

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In connection with the offering, we and Clear Channel Communications modified the terms of the revolving promissory notes (recorded as “Due from/to Clear Channel Communications” on the consolidated balance sheets) to extend the maturity of each revolving promissory note to coincide with the maturity date of the CCWH Notes. In addition, the terms were modified to change the interest rate on each revolving promissory note to a fixed per annum rate equal to 9.25%.

Other debt

Other debt consists primarily of loans with international banks. At December 31, 2010, approximately $63.8 million was outstanding as other debt.

Debt Covenants

The Clear Channel Communications’ $2.0 billion revolving credit facility contains a significant financial covenant which requires Clear Channel Communications to comply on a quarterly basis with a financial covenant limiting the ratio of its consolidated secured debt, net of cash and cash equivalents, to consolidated EBITDA for the preceding four quarters (maximum of 9.5:1). The financial covenant becomes more restrictive over time beginning in the second quarter of 2013. In its Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC on February 14, 2011, Clear Channel Communications stated that it was in compliance with this covenant as of December 31, 2010.

In addition, we were in compliance with the covenants contained in the Series A Notes indenture and the Series B Notes indenture as of December 31, 2010.

Clear Channel Communications’ Refinancing Transactions

Clear Channel Communications announced on February 7, 2011 that it intends to offer, subject to market and customary conditions, $750 million in aggregate principal amount of priority guarantee notes due 2021 (the “Notes”) in a private offering that is exempt from registration under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended. Clear Channel Communications intends to use the proceeds of the Notes together with cash on hand to repay $500 million of the indebtedness outstanding under its senior secured credit facilities, to repay at maturity $250 million in aggregate principal amount of its 6.25% senior notes due 2011, to pay fees and expenses incurred in connection with concurrent amendments to its senior secured credit facilities and its receivables based credit facility, the receipt of which is a condition to completion of the offering, and to pay fees and expenses in connection with the offering.

The concurrent amendments to its senior secured credit facilities and its receivables based credit facility would, among other things, permit Clear Channel Communications to request future extensions of the maturities of its senior secured credit facilities, provide Clear Channel Communications with greater flexibility in the use of its accordion provisions, provide Clear Channel Communications with greater flexibility to incur new debt, provided that such new debt is used to pay down senior secured credit facility indebtedness, and provide greater flexibility for us and our subsidiaries to incur new debt (provided the incurrence of that new debt is otherwise permitted to be incurred by such subsidiaries).

The Notes and related guarantees will be offered only to “qualified institutional buyers” in reliance on the exemption from registration pursuant to Rule 144A under the Securities Act and to persons outside of the United States in compliance with Regulation S under the Securities Act. The Notes and the related guarantees have not been registered under the Securities Act, or the securities laws of any state or other jurisdiction, and may not be offered or sold in the United States without registration or an applicable exemption from the Securities Act and applicable state securities or blue sky laws and foreign securities laws.

This disclosure is for informational purposes only and shall not constitute an offer to sell nor the solicitation of an offer to buy the Notes or any other securities. The Notes offering is not being made to any person in any jurisdiction in which the offer, solicitation or sale is unlawful. Any offers of the Notes will be made only by means of a private offering circular.

 

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Dispositions and Other

On October 15, 2010, we transferred our interest in our Branded Cities operations to our joint venture partner, The Ellman Companies. We recognized a loss of $25.3 million in “Other operating income (expense) – net” related to this transfer.

During 2010, our International segment sold its outdoor advertising business in India, resulting in a loss of $3.7 million included in “Other operating income (expense) – net.”

During 2009, we sold international assets for $11.3 million resulting in a gain of $4.4 million in “Other operating income (expense) – net.” In addition, we sold assets for $6.8 million in our Americas segment and recorded a gain of $4.9 million in “Other operating income (expense) – net.” We sold our taxi advertising business and recorded a loss of $20.9 million in our Americas segment included in “Other operating income (expense) –net.”

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

Uses of Capital

Acquisitions

During 2009, our Americas segment paid $5.0 million primarily for the acquisition of land and buildings.

Purchases of Additional Equity Interests

During 2009, our Americas segment purchased the remaining 15% interest in our consolidated subsidiary, Paneles Napsa S.A., for $13.0 million and our International segment acquired an additional 5% interest in our consolidated subsidiary, Clear Channel Jolly Pubblicita SPA, for $12.1 million.

Capital Expenditures

Our capital expenditures have consisted of the following:

 

(In millions)    Year Ended December 31,  
     2010
Post-Merger
     2009
Post-Merger
     2008
Combined
 

Total capital expenditures

   $ 195.3       $ 176.0       $ 358.3   

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

Commitments, Contingencies and Guarantees

We are currently involved in certain legal proceedings arising in the ordinary course of business and, as required, have accrued our estimate of the probable costs for resolution of those claims for which the occurrence of loss is probable and the amount can be reasonably estimated. These estimates have been developed in consultation with counsel and are based upon an analysis of potential results, assuming a combination of litigation and settlement strategies. It is possible, however, that future results of operations for any particular period could be materially affected by changes in our assumptions or the effectiveness of our strategies related to these proceedings. Please see Item 3. Legal Proceedings.

 

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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 2011, we are committed to $394.6 million and $270.2 million for minimum annual guarantees and operating leases, respectively. Our long-term commitments for minimum annual guarantees, operating leases and capital expenditure requirements are included in “Contractual and Other Obligations,” below.

Certain agreements relating to acquisitions provide for purchase price adjustments and other future contingent payments based on the financial performance of the acquired company generally over a one to five year period. The aggregate of these contingent payments, if performance targets are met, would not significantly impact our financial position or results of operations.

In addition to the scheduled maturities on CCWH’s debt, we have future cash obligations under various types of contracts. We lease office space, certain equipment and the majority of the land occupied by our advertising structures under long-term operating leases. Some of our lease agreements contain renewal options and annual rental escalation clauses (generally tied to the consumer price index), as well as provisions for our payment of utilities and maintenance.

We have minimum franchise payments associated with noncancelable contracts that enable us to display advertising on such media as buses, trains, bus shelters and terminals. The majority of these contracts contain rent provisions that are calculated as the greater of a percentage of the relevant advertising revenue or a specified guaranteed minimum annual payment.

The scheduled maturities of borrowings under our $2.5 billion Notes, other debt outstanding, future minimum rental commitments under noncancelable lease agreements, minimum payments under other noncancelable contracts, capital expenditure commitments and other long-term obligations as of December 31, 2010, are as follows:

 

(In thousands)    Payments Due by Period  
     Total      2011      2012-2013      2014-2015      Thereafter  

Long-term Debt

              

Clear Channel Worldwide Holdings Senior Notes:

              

9.25% Series A Senior Notes Due 2017

   $ 500,000       $ —       $ —       $ —       $ 500,000   

9.25% Series B Senior Notes Due 2017

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

Other debt

     63,809         41,676         22,133         —         —   

Interest payments on long-term debt(1)

     1,621,964         233,959         463,005         462,500         462,500   

Non-cancelable contracts

     1,824,104         394,632         521,306         380,189         527,977   

Non-cancelable operating leases

     2,035,797         270,235         432,321         363,187         970,054   

Capital expenditure commitments

     107,107         48,059         43,987         11,739         3,322   

Unrecognized tax benefits (2)

     49,503         2,855         —         —         46,648   

Employment contracts

     10,181         5,782         4,289         110         —   

Other long-term obligations(3)

     88,233         —         1,325         1,097         85,811   
                                            

Total (4)

   $ 8,300,698       $ 997,198       $ 1,488,366       $ 1,218,822       $ 4,596,312   
                                            

 

  (1) Interest payments on long-term debt consist primarily of interest on the 9.25% CCWH Senior Notes.
  (2) The non-current portion of the unrecognized tax benefits is included in the “Thereafter” column as we cannot reasonably estimate the timing or amounts of additional cash payments, if any, at this time. For additional information, see Note 9 included in Item 8 of Part II of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
  (3) Other long-term obligations consist of $48.3 million related to asset retirement obligations recorded pursuant to ASC 410-20, which assumes the underlying assets will be removed at some period over the next 50 years. Also included in the table is $34.6 million related to retirement plans and $5.3 million related to other long-term obligations with a specific maturity.
  (4) Excluded from the table is $117.0 million related to various obligations with no specific contractual commitment or maturity.

 

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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 historically experiencing a loss from operations in that period. Our Americas segment historically experiences consistent performance for the remainder of the calendar year. Our International segment typically experiences its strongest performance in the second and fourth quarters of the calendar year. We expect this trend to continue in the future.

Market Risk

We are exposed to market risks arising from changes in market rates and prices, including movements in interest rates, equity security prices and foreign currency exchange rates.

Equity Price Risk

The carrying value of our available-for-sale equity securities is affected by changes in their quoted market prices. It is estimated that a 20% change in the market prices of these securities would change their carrying value at December 31, 2010 by $1.6 million and would change comprehensive income at December 31, 2010 by $1.0 million.

Foreign Currency Exchange Rate Risk

We have operations in countries throughout the world. Foreign operations are measured in their local currencies. 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 have operations. 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 $18.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2010. We estimate a 10% change in the value of the U.S. dollar relative to foreign currencies would have adjusted our net loss for the year ended December 31, 2010 by approximately $1.8 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, 2010 would change our equity in earnings of nonconsolidated affiliates by $1.0 million and would change our net income by approximately $0.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2010.

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

Inflation

Inflation is a factor in the economies in which we do business and we continue to seek ways to mitigate its effect. Inflation has affected our performance in terms of higher costs for wages, salaries and equipment. Although the exact impact of inflation is indeterminable, we believe we have offset these higher costs by increasing the effective advertising rates of most of our outdoor display faces.

 

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New Accounting Pronouncements

In December 2010, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2010-28, When to Perform Step 2 of the Goodwill Impairment Test for Reporting Units with Zero or Negative Carrying Amounts. This ASU updates ASC Topic 350, Intangibles—Goodwill and Other, to amend the criteria for performing Step 2 of the goodwill impairment test for reporting units with zero or negative carrying amounts and requires performing Step 2 if qualitative factors indicate that it is more likely than not that a goodwill impairment exists. The ASU is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2010. We do not currently have any reporting units with zero or negative carrying values.

In August 2010, the FASB issued ASU No. 2010-22, Accounting for Various Topics—Technical Corrections to SEC Paragraphs. This ASU amends various SEC paragraphs and became effective upon issuance. The adoption of ASU No. 2010-22 did not have a material impact on our financial position or results of operations.

In August 2010, the FASB issued ASU No. 2010-21, Accounting for Technical Amendments to Various SEC Rules and Schedules. This ASU amends various SEC paragraphs pursuant to the issuance of Release No. 33-9026: Technical Amendments to Rules, Forms, Schedules and Codification of Financial Reporting Policies and became effective upon issuance. We adopted the provisions of ASU 2010-21 upon issuance with no material impact to our financial position or results of operations.

In February 2010, the FASB issued ASU 2010-09, Amendments to Certain Recognition and Disclosure Requirements. ASU 2010-09 updates ASC Topic 855, Subsequent Events. ASU 2010-09 removes the requirement to disclose the date through which an entity has evaluated subsequent events. We adopted the provisions of ASU 2010-09 upon issuance with no material impact to our financial position or results of operations.

In January 2010, the FASB issued ASU No. 2010-06, Improving Disclosures about Fair Value Measurements. This update amends ASC Topic 820, Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures, to require new disclosures for significant transfers in and out of Level 1 and Level 2 fair value measurements, disaggregation regarding classes of assets and liabilities, valuation techniques and inputs used to measure fair value for both recurring and nonrecurring fair value measurements for Level 2 or Level 3. These disclosures are effective for the interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2009. Additional new disclosures regarding the purchases, sales, issuances and settlements in the roll forward of activity in Level 3 fair value measurements are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2010 beginning with the first interim period. We adopted certain of the relevant disclosure provisions of ASU 2010-06 on January 1, 2010 and adopted certain other provisions on January 1, 2011.

Critical Accounting Estimates

The preparation of our financial statements in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) requires management to make estimates, judgments and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amount of expenses during the reporting period. On an ongoing basis, we evaluate our estimates that are based on historical experience and on various other assumptions that are 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 that are 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 the notes to our consolidated financial statements included in Item 8 of Part II of this Annual Report on Form 10-K. Management believes that the following accounting estimates are the most critical to aid in fully understanding and evaluating our reported financial results, and they require management’s most difficult, subjective or complex judgments, resulting from the need to make estimates about the effect of matters that are inherently uncertain. The following narrative describes these critical accounting estimates, the judgments and assumptions and the effect if actual results differ from these assumptions.

 

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Allowance for Doubtful Accounts

We evaluate the collectability of our accounts receivable based on a combination of factors. In circumstances where we are aware of a specific customer’s inability to meet its financial obligations, we record a specific reserve to reduce the amounts recorded to what we believe will be collected. For all other customers, we recognize reserves for bad debt based on historical experience of bad debts as a percent 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 that our bad debt expense for the year ended December 31, 2010, would have changed by approximately $4.9 million and our net loss 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 amounts 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.

If actual results are not consistent with our assumptions and judgments used in estimating future cash flows and asset fair values, we may be exposed to future impairment losses that could be material to our results of operations.

Indefinite-lived Assets

Indefinite-lived assets are reviewed annually for possible impairment using the direct valuation method as prescribed in ASC 805-20-S99. Under the direct valuation method, the estimated fair value of the indefinite-lived assets was calculated at the market level as prescribed by ASC 350-30-35. Under the direct valuation method, it is assumed that rather than acquiring indefinite-lived intangible assets as 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.

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 asset within a market.

On October 1, 2010, we performed our annual impairment test in accordance with ASC 350-30-35 and recognized an impairment charge of $4.8 million in one of our markets.

In determining the fair value of our billboard permits, the following key assumptions were used:

 

  (i) Industry revenue growth forecast at 7% was used for the initial four-year period;

 

  (ii) 3% revenue growth was assumed beyond the initial four-year period;

 

  (iii) Revenue was grown over a build-up period, reaching maturity by year 2;

 

  (iv) Operating margins gradually climb to the industry average margin of up to 51%, depending on market size, by year 3; and

 

  (v) Assumed discount rate of 10%.

 

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While we believe we have made reasonable estimates and utilized appropriate assumptions to calculate the fair value of our indefinite-lived assets, it is possible a material change could occur. If future results are not consistent with our assumptions and estimates, we may be exposed to impairment charges in the future. The following table shows the decline in the fair value of our indefinite-lived intangibles that would result from a 100 basis point decline in our discrete and terminal period revenue growth rate and profit margin assumptions and a 100 basis point increase in our discount rate assumption:

 

(In thousands)         

Description

  

Revenue growth rate

    

Profit margin

    

Discount rates

 
Billboard permits    $     (548,200)       $     (117,600)       $     (554,900)   

The estimated fair value of our permits at October 1, 2010 was $1.9 billion while the carrying value was $1.1 billion.

Goodwill

Goodwill represents the excess of the purchase price over the fair value of identifiable net assets acquired in business combinations. We test goodwill at interim dates if events or changes in circumstances indicate that goodwill might be impaired. The fair value of our reporting units is used to apply value to the net assets of each reporting unit. To the extent that the carrying amount of net assets would exceed the fair value, an impairment charge may be required to be recorded.

The discounted cash flow approach we use for valuing goodwill involves estimating future cash flows expected to be generated from the related assets, discounted to their present value using a risk-adjusted discount rate. Terminal values are also estimated and discounted to their present value.

On October 1, 2010, we performed our annual impairment test in accordance with ASC 350-30-35 and recognized an impairment charge of $2.1 million in one country within our International segment. In determining the fair value of our reporting units, we used the following assumptions:

 

  •  

Expected cash flows underlying our business plans for the periods 2011 through 2015. Our cash flow assumptions are based on detailed, multi-year forecasts performed by each of our operating segments, and reflect the improved advertising outlook across our businesses.

 

  •  

Cash flows beyond 2015 are projected to grow at a perpetual growth rate, which we estimated at 3% for both our Americas and International segments.

 

  •  

In order to risk adjust the cash flow projections in determining fair value, we utilized a discount rate of approximately 11% for each of our reporting units.

Based on our annual assessment using the assumptions described above, a hypothetical 25% reduction in the estimated fair value in each of our reporting units would not result in a material impairment condition.

While we believe we have made reasonable estimates and utilized appropriate assumptions to calculate the estimated fair value of our reporting units, it is possible a material change could occur. If future results are not consistent with our assumptions and estimates, we may be exposed to impairment charges in the future. The following table shows the decline in the fair value of each of our reportable segments that would result from a 100 basis point decline in our discrete and terminal period revenue growth rate and profit margin assumptions and a 100 basis point increase in our discount rate assumption:

 

(In thousands)         

Reportable segment

  

Revenue growth rate

    

Profit margin

    

Discount rates

 
Americas    $     (520,000)       $     (130,000)       $     (480,000)   
International    $     (290,000)       $     (170,000)       $     (250,000)   

 

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Tax Accruals

The IRS and other taxing authorities routinely examine our tax returns filed as part of the consolidated tax returns filed by Clear Channel Communications for the pre-merger periods and CC Media Holdings for the post-merger periods. From time to time, the IRS challenges certain of our tax positions. We believe our tax positions comply with applicable tax law and we would vigorously defend these positions if challenged. The final disposition of any positions challenged by the IRS could require us to make additional tax payments. We believe that we have adequately accrued for any foreseeable payments resulting from tax examinations and consequently do not anticipate any material impact upon their ultimate resolution.

Our estimates of income taxes and the significant items giving rise to the deferred assets and liabilities are shown in the notes to 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 ASC 740-10, which requires us to record reserves for estimates of probable settlements of Federal and state tax audits.

Litigation Accruals

We are currently involved in certain legal proceedings. Based on current assumptions, we have accrued an estimate of the probable costs for the resolution of those claims for which the occurrence of loss is probable and the amount can be reasonably estimated. Future results of operations could be materially affected by changes in these assumptions or the effectiveness of our strategies related to these proceedings.

Management’s estimates used have been developed in consultation with counsel and are based upon an analysis of potential results, assuming a combination of litigation and settlement strategies.

Asset Retirement Obligations

ASC 410-20 requires us to estimate our obligation upon the termination or nonrenewal of a lease, to dismantle and remove our billboard structures from the leased land and to reclaim the site to its original condition.

Due to the high rate of lease renewals over a long period of time, our calculation assumes all related assets will be removed at some period over the next 50 years. An estimate of third-party cost information is used with respect to the dismantling of the structures and the reclamation of the site. The interest rate used to calculate the present value of such costs over the retirement period is based on an estimated risk-adjusted credit rate for the same period. If our assumption of the risk-adjusted credit rate used to discount current year additions to the asset retirement obligation decreased approximately 1%, our liability as of December 31, 2010 would not be materially impacted. Similarly, if our assumption of the risk-adjusted credit rate increased approximately 1%, our liability would not be materially impacted.

Share-based Compensation

Under the fair value recognition provisions of ASC 718-10, share-based compensation cost is measured at the grant date based on the fair value of the award. 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.

 

ITEM 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk

Required information is located within Item 7 of Part II of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

 

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ITEM 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

MANAGEMENT’S REPORT ON FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

The consolidated financial statements and notes related thereto were prepared by and are the responsibility of management. The financial statements and related notes were prepared in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles and include amounts based upon management’s best estimates and judgments.

It is management’s objective to ensure the integrity and objectivity of its financial data through systems of internal controls designed to provide reasonable assurance that all transactions are properly recorded in our books and records, that assets are safeguarded from unauthorized use and that financial records are reliable to serve as a basis for preparation of financial statements.

The financial statements have been audited by our independent registered public accounting firm, Ernst & Young LLP, to the extent required by auditing standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) and, accordingly, they have expressed their professional opinion on the financial statements in their report included herein.

The Board of Directors meets with the independent registered public accounting firm and management periodically to satisfy itself that they are properly discharging their responsibilities. The independent registered public accounting firm has unrestricted access to the Board, without management present, to discuss the results of their audit and the quality of financial reporting and internal accounting controls.

 

/s/Mark P. Mays
Chief Executive Officer
/s/Thomas W. Casey
Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
/s/Scott D. Hamilton
Senior Vice President and Chief Accounting Officer

 

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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. (the Company) as of December 31, 2010 and 2009, and the related consolidated statements of operations, shareholders’ equity, and cash flows for the years ended December 31, 2010 and 2009, the period from July 31, 2008 through December 31, 2008, and the period from January 1, 2008 through July 30, 2008. Our audits also included the financial statement schedule listed in the index as Item 15(a)2. These financial statements and schedule are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements and schedule based on our audits.

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

In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the consolidated financial position of the Company at December 31, 2010 and 2009, the consolidated results of its operations and cash flows for the years ended December 31, 2010 and 2009, the period from July 31, 2008 through December 31, 2008, and the period from January 1, 2008 through July 30, 2008, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. Also, in our opinion, the related financial statement schedule, when considered in relation to the consolidated financial statements taken as a whole, presents fairly in all material respects the information set forth therein.

We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2010, based on criteria established in Internal Control — Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission and our report dated February 14, 2011 expressed an unqualified opinion thereon.

/s/ Ernst & Young LLP

San Antonio, Texas

February 14, 2011

 

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CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

 

(In thousands)    As of December 31,  
     2010     2009  

CURRENT ASSETS

    

Cash and cash equivalents

   $ 624,018      $ 609,436   

Accounts receivable, net of allowance of $49,032 in 2010 and $51,070 in 2009

     754,600        730,306   

Prepaid expenses

     100,391        117,804   

Other current assets

     90,969        182,999   
                

Total Current Assets

     1,569,978        1,640,545   

PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT

    

Structures, net

     2,007,399        2,143,972   

Other property, plant and equipment, net

     290,325        296,666   

INTANGIBLE ASSETS

    

Definite-lived intangibles, net

     705,218        799,144   

Indefinite-lived intangibles – permits

     1,114,413        1,132,218   

Goodwill

     862,242        861,592   

OTHER ASSETS

    

Due from Clear Channel Communications

     383,778        123,308   

Other assets

     162,697        194,977   
                

Total Assets

   $ 7,096,050      $ 7,192,422   
                

CURRENT LIABILITIES

    

Accounts payable

   $ 100,540      $ 109,322   

Accrued expenses

     542,530        505,120   

Deferred income

     100,675        109,578   

Current portion of long-term debt

     41,676        47,073   
                

Total Current Liabilities

     785,421        771,093   

Long-term debt

     2,522,133        2,561,805   

Other long-term liabilities

     251,873        256,236   

Deferred tax liability

     828,568        841,911   

Commitments and contingent liabilities (Note 7)

    

SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

    

Noncontrolling interest

     209,794        193,730   

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, 40,886,923 and 40,841,551 shares issued in 2010 and 2009, respectively

     408        407   

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

     6,677,146        6,669,247   

Retained deficit

     (3,974,349     (3,886,826

Accumulated other comprehensive loss

     (207,439     (218,177

Cost of shares (84,896 in 2010 and 43,459 in 2009) held in treasury

     (655     (154
                

Total Shareholders’ Equity

     2,708,055        2,761,377   
                

Total Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity

   $ 7,096,050      $ 7,192,422   
                

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

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CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

 

(In thousands, except per share data)                                  
     Year Ended December 31,    

Period from

July 31 through
December 31,

            

Period from

January 1 through

July 30,

 
     2010     2009     2008              2008  
     Post-Merger     Post-Merger     Post-Merger              Pre-Merger  
 

Revenue

   $ 2,797,994      $ 2,698,024      $ 1,327,224           $ 1,962,063   

Operating expenses:

             

Direct operating expenses (excludes depreciation and amortization)

     1,559,972        1,625,083        762,704             1,119,432   

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

     494,656        484,404        261,524             344,846   

Corporate expenses (excludes depreciation and amortization)

     107,596        65,247        31,681             39,364   

Depreciation and amortization

     413,588        439,647        224,713             247,637   

Impairment charges

     11,493        890,737        3,217,649             —     

Other operating income (expense) — net

     (23,753     (8,231     4,870             10,978   
                                     

Operating income (loss)

     186,936        (815,325     (3,166,177          221,762   

Interest expense

     239,453        154,919        73,725             91,377   

Interest income on Due from Clear Channel Communications

     19,460        724        862             2,590   

Loss on marketable securities

     6,490        11,315        59,842             —     

Equity in earnings (loss) of nonconsolidated affiliates

     (9,936     (31,442     (2,109          70,842   

Other income (expense)— net

     (5,335     (9,368     12,114             13,365   
                                     

Income (loss) before income taxes

     (54,818     (1,021,645     (3,288,877          217,182   

Income tax benefit (expense)

     (21,599     149,110        271,895             (51,576
                                     

Consolidated net income (loss)

     (76,417     (872,535     (3,016,982          165,606   

Less amount attributable to noncontrolling interest

     11,106        (4,346     1,655             (1,948
                                     

Net income (loss) attributable to the Company

     (87,523     (868,189     (3,018,637          167,554   

Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:

             

Foreign currency translation adjustments

     16,237        118,632        (341,113          84,603   

Foreign currency reclassification adjustment for sale of foreign subsidiary

     3,437        (523     —               2,588   

Unrealized loss on marketable securities

     (7,809     (9,971     (59,825          (27,496

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

     6,490        11,315        59,842             —     
                                     

Comprehensive income (loss)

   $ (69,168   $ (748,736   $ (3,359,733        $ 227,249   

Less amount attributable to noncontrolling interest

     7,617        8,050        (11,516          14,019   
                                     

Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to the Company

   $ (76,785   $ (756,786   $ (3,348,217        $ 213,230   
                                     
 

Net income (loss) per common share:

             

Basic

   $ (0.26   $ (2.46   $ (8.50        $ 0.47   
                                     

Weighted average common shares outstanding— Basic

     355,568        355,377        355,308             355,178   

Diluted

   $ (0.26   $ (2.46   $ (8.50        $ 0.47   
                                     

Weighted average common shares outstanding— Diluted

     355,568        355,377        355,308             355,741   

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

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CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

 

(In thousands, except share data)                              Additional     Retained     Accumulated              
Pre-Merger    Class A Common
Shares Issued
    Class B Common
Shares Issued
     Noncontrolling
Interest
    Common
Stock
     Paid-in
Capital
    Earnings
(Deficit)
    Other Comprehensive
Income (Loss)
    Treasury
Stock
    Total  

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   

Exercise of stock options and other

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

Acquisitions (minority buy-back)

            (5,292                (5,292

Payments to noncontrolling interests

            (616                (616

Share-based payments

                 6,506              6,506   

Other

            (260                (260

Comprehensive income:

                      

Currency translation adjustment and other

            14,019               70,584          84,603   

Unrealized loss on marketable securities

                     (27,496       (27,496

Foreign currency reclassification adjustment

                     2,588          2,588   
                                                                          

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   

Post-Merger

                      

Push-down accounting effects of merger

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

Net income (loss)

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

Exercise of stock options and other

     (7,399                     (44     (44

Acquisitions (minority buy-back)

            (1,773                (1,773

Payments from noncontrolling interests

            1,262                   1,262   

Share-based payments

                 4,181              4,181   

Other

            418                   418   

Comprehensive income:

                      

Currency translation adjustment and other

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

Unrealized loss on marketable securities

                     (59,825       (59,825

Reclassification adjustments

                     59,842          59,842   
                                                                          

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   

Net loss

            (4,346          (868,189         (872,535

Exercise of stock options and other

     135,913                        (110     (110

Acquisitions

            (3,380        (9,720           (13,100

Share-based payments

                 12,104              12,104   

Other

            (18,407        (9,851           (28,258

Comprehensive income:

                      

Currency translation adjustment and other

            8,050               110,582          118,632   

Unrealized loss on marketable securities

                     (9,971       (9,971

Reclassification adjustments

                     10,792          10,792   
                                                                          

Balances at December 31, 2009

     40,841,551        315,000,000         193,730        3,557         6,669,247        (3,886,826     (218,177     (154     2,761,377   

Net income (loss)

            11,106             (87,523         (76,417

Exercise of stock options and other

     45,372               1               (501     (500

Share-based payments

                 12,337              12,337   

Other

            (2,659        (4,438           (7,097

Comprehensive income:

                      

Currency translation adjustment

            6,825               9,412          16,237   

Unrealized loss on marketable securities

                     (7,809       (7,809

Reclassification adjustments

            792               9,135          9,927   
                                                                          

Balances at December 31, 2010

     40,886,923        315,000,000       $ 209,794      $ 3,558       $ 6,677,146      $ (3,974,349   $ (207,439   $ (655   $ 2,708,055   
                                                                          

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

62


Table of Contents

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

 

(In thousands)                         
     Year Ended December 31,    

Period from July

31 through
December 31,

   

Period from
January 1 through

July 30,

 
     2010     2009     2008     2008  
     Post-Merger     Post-Merger     Post-Merger     Pre-Merger  

CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:

        

Consolidated net income (loss)

   $ (76,417   $ (872,535   $ (3,016,982   $ 165,606   
 

Reconciling Items:

          
 

Impairment charges

     11,493        890,737        3,217,649        —   

Depreciation and amortization

     413,588        439,647        224,713        247,637   

Deferred tax expense (benefit)

     (14,362     (132,341     (268,850     21,405   

Provision for doubtful accounts

     8,868        17,580        24,268        8,588   

Share-based compensation

     12,337        12,104        4,181        6,506   

(Gain) loss on sale of operating and fixed assets

     23,753        8,231        (4,870     (10,978

Loss on marketable securities

     6,490        11,315        59,842        —   

Other, net

     25,508        37,099        2,109        (70,842
 

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

          

Decrease (increase) in accounts receivable

     (47,113     68,002        87,251        7,108   

Decrease in Federal income taxes receivable

     50,958        —        —        —   

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

     50,723        11,757        (78,613     (26,106

Increase (decrease) in deferred income

     (7,045     (1,987     (48,435     33,218   

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

     66,436        (48,345     70,039        (50,820
                                
 

Net cash provided by operating activities

     525,217        441,264        272,302        331,322   
 

CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:

          

Purchases of property, plant and equipment

     (195,273     (175,953     (159,213     (199,122

Proceeds from disposal of assets

     7,753        18,144        2,917        38,630   

Acquisition of operating assets, net of cash acquired

     (1,841     (4,933     (11,677     <