Lamar Advertising Company (NASDAQ:LAMR) is a leading outdoor advertising company in the United States and Canada, boasting an impressive portfolio of over 350,000 billboard, logo, and transit displays. The company's diversified tenant base, focus on local businesses, and strategic investments in digital capabilities position it well for long-term growth in the dynamic outdoor advertising industry.
Financials
Lamar Advertising's net revenues for the fiscal year 2023 reached $2,110,987,000, a testament to the company's strong market position and ability to capitalize on the growing demand for out-of-home (OOH) advertising. The company's net income for the same period was $495,763,000, reflecting its operational efficiency and profitability. Lamar's annual operating cash flow of $783,613,000 and free cash flow of $605,342,000 further underscore its financial strength and ability to fund growth initiatives.
In the first quarter of 2024, Lamar Advertising reported a 5.7% year-over-year increase in net revenues to $498,150,000, driven by a 5.3% rise in acquisition-adjusted net revenue. This robust performance was primarily attributable to a 5.5% increase in billboard net revenues and an 11.6% surge in transit net revenues. The company's adjusted EBITDA for the quarter grew 7.1% to $211,922,000, while adjusted funds from operations (AFFO) increased 9.8% to $158,237,000.
Business Overview
Lamar's diversified tenant base, with a focus on local and regional businesses, has been a key driver of its resilience. In the first quarter of 2024, local and regional sales accounted for 82% of the company's billboard revenues, up from 78% in the previous quarter. This diversification helps mitigate the impact of volatility in the national advertising market, which saw a 5.5% year-over-year decline in the first quarter.
The company's strategic investments in digital capabilities have also been a significant growth catalyst. Lamar's digital revenues now account for 29% of its billboard billings, up from 27% in the previous year. The company's network of over 4,800 digital billboards, the largest in the United States, allows it to tap into the growing programmatic advertising market and offer customers more targeted and dynamic advertising solutions.
Lamar's acquisition strategy has also been a key component of its growth story. In 2023, the company completed 36 acquisitions for a total purchase price of $139 million, expanding its geographic footprint and enhancing its market share. In the first quarter of 2024, Lamar completed four additional acquisitions for $18.3 million, demonstrating its continued commitment to strategic growth.
Liquidity
The company's strong financial position and liquidity further support its growth initiatives. As of March 31, 2024, Lamar had $36.4 million in cash and cash equivalents and $598.4 million in available capacity under its revolving credit facility, providing ample resources to fund future acquisitions and capital expenditures.
Lamar's commitment to shareholder returns is also noteworthy. The company has a history of consistent dividend payments, having raised its dividend seven times in the last five years. In the first quarter of 2024, Lamar paid a quarterly cash dividend of $1.30 per share, and the company has indicated that it may raise the dividend and potentially pay a special dividend at the end of the year, depending on the performance of the business.
Risks and Challenges
However, Lamar is not without its challenges. The company's national advertising business has been a source of concern, with a 5.5% year-over-year decline in the first quarter of 2024. Additionally, the high interest rate environment has led to an increase in the company's borrowing costs, which could impact its ability to finance future acquisitions and expansion.
Outlook
Despite these headwinds, Lamar's diversified business model, focus on local and regional markets, and strategic investments in digital capabilities position the company well for continued growth. The company's recent guidance increase for full-year 2024 AFFO per share to a range of $7.75 to $7.90, up from the previous range of $7.67 to $7.82, further underscores its positive outlook.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Lamar Advertising Company is a well-positioned outdoor advertising giant with a diversified tenant base, a focus on local and regional markets, and a growing digital platform. The company's strong financial performance, strategic acquisitions, and commitment to shareholder returns make it an attractive investment opportunity in the dynamic outdoor advertising industry.