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Lamar Advertising Company (LAMR)
NASDAQ:LAMR
Risk Overview Q4, 2024
Risk Distribution
48% Finance & Corporate
36% Legal & Regulatory
6% Ability to Sell
6% Macro & Political
3% Tech & Innovation
0% Production
Finance & Corporate - Financial and accounting risks. Risks related to the execution of corporate activity and strategy
This chart displays the stock's most recent risk distribution according to category. TipRanks has identified 6 major categories: Finance & corporate, legal & regulatory, macro & political, production, tech & innovation, and ability to sell.
Risk Change Over Time
S&P500 Average
Sector Average
Risks removed
Risks added
Risks changed
Lamar Advertising Risk Factors
New Risk (0)
Risk Changed (0)
Risk Removed (0)
No changes from previous report
The chart shows the number of risks a company has disclosed. You can compare this to the sector average or S&P 500 average.
The quarters shown in the chart are according to the calendar year (January to December). Businesses set their own financial calendar, known as a fiscal year. For example, Walmart ends their financial year at the end of January to accommodate the holiday season.
The quarters shown in the chart are according to the calendar year (January to December). Businesses set their own financial calendar, known as a fiscal year. For example, Walmart ends their financial year at the end of January to accommodate the holiday season.
Risk Highlights Q4, 2024
Main Risk Category
Finance & Corporate
With 16 Risks
Finance & Corporate
With 16 Risks
Number of Disclosed Risks
33
+3
From last reportS&P 500 Average: 31
33
+3
From last reportS&P 500 Average: 31
Recent Changes
3Risks added
0Risks removed
1Risks changed
Since Dec 2024
3Risks added
0Risks removed
1Risks changed
Since Dec 2024
Number of Risk Changed
1
+1
From last reportS&P 500 Average: 3
1
+1
From last reportS&P 500 Average: 3
See the risk highlights of Lamar Advertising in the last period.
Risk Word Cloud
The most common phrases about risk factors from the most recent report. Larger texts indicate more widely used phrases.
Risk Factors Full Breakdown - Total Risks 33
Finance & Corporate
Total Risks: 16/33 (48%)Below Sector Average
Share Price & Shareholder Rights6 | 18.2%
Share Price & Shareholder Rights - Risk 1
The Company is controlled by significant stockholders who have the power to determine the outcome of all matters submitted to the stockholders for approval and whose interest in the Company may be different than yours.Share Price & Shareholder Rights - Risk 2
Our UPREIT structure may result in potential conflicts of interest.We are structured as an "UPREIT," which stands for "umbrella partnership real estate investment trust." While limited partners of Lamar Advertising Limited Partnership (the "Operating Partnership") do not generally have any right to participate in or exercise management power over the business and affairs of the Operating Partnership, they do have the right to vote on certain amendments to the partnership agreement of the Operating Partnership, as well as on certain other matters. Persons holding such voting rights may exercise them in a manner that conflicts with the interests of our stockholders.
The partnership agreement of the Operating Partnership provides that, for so long as we own a controlling interest in the Operating Partnership, any conflict that cannot be resolved in a manner not adverse to either our stockholders or the limited partners shall be resolved by the general partner in favor of our stockholders. Circumstances may arise in the future when the interests of limited partners in the Operating Partnership may conflict with the interests of our stockholders.
Share Price & Shareholder Rights - Risk 3
The Lamar Advertising charter, the Lamar Advertising bylaws and Delaware law may inhibit a takeover that stockholders consider favorable and could also limit the market price of Lamar Advertising stock.Provisions of the Lamar Advertising charter, the Lamar Advertising bylaws and applicable provisions of Delaware law may make it more difficult for or prevent a third party from acquiring control of Lamar Advertising without the approval of the Board of Directors. These provisions:
- impose restrictions on ownership and transfer of Lamar Advertising common stock that are intended to facilitate the Company's compliance with certain REIT rules relating to share ownership;- limit who may call a special meeting of stockholders;- establish advance notice and informational requirements and time limitations on any director nomination or proposal that a stockholder wishes to make at a meeting of stockholders;- do not permit cumulative voting in the election of its directors, which would otherwise permit less than a majority of stockholders to elect directors; and - provide the Board of Directors the ability to issue additional classes and shares of preferred stock and to set voting rights, preferences and other terms of the preferred stock without stockholder approval.
In addition, Section 203 of the Delaware General Corporation Law generally limits the Company's ability to engage in any business combination with certain persons who own 15% or more of its outstanding voting stock or any of its associates or affiliates who at any time in the past three years have owned 15% or more of its outstanding voting stock.
These provisions may have the effect of entrenching the Company's management team and may deprive the Company's stockholders of the opportunity to sell their shares to potential acquirers at a premium over prevailing prices. This potential inability to obtain a control premium could reduce the price of Lamar Advertising common stock.
Share Price & Shareholder Rights - Risk 4
If Lamar Advertising fails to remain qualified as a REIT, both Lamar Advertising and Lamar Media would be taxed as regular C corporations and would not be able to deduct distributions to the stockholders of Lamar Advertising when computing their taxable income.Lamar Advertising elected to qualify as a REIT for U.S. federal income tax purposes starting with its taxable year ended December 31, 2014 and for each subsequent taxable year thereafter. REIT qualification involves the application of highly technical and complex provisions of the U.S. Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, (the "Code") to Lamar Advertising's assets and operations as well as various factual determinations concerning matters and circumstances not entirely within our control. There are limited judicial or administrative interpretations of these provisions. Although Lamar Advertising plans to operate in a manner consistent with the REIT qualification rules, the Company cannot assure you that it will so qualify or remain so qualified. Lamar Media is treated as a qualified REIT subsidiary of Lamar Advertising that is disregarded as separate from its parent REIT for U.S. federal income tax purposes.
If, in any taxable year, Lamar Advertising fails to qualify for taxation as a REIT, and is not entitled to relief under the Code:
- it will not be allowed a deduction for distributions to its stockholders in computing its taxable income;- it and its corporate subsidiaries, including Lamar Media, will be subject to applicable federal and state income tax, including any applicable state-level alternative minimum tax, on its taxable income at regular corporate rates;- it and its REIT subsidiaries would be subject to a 15% corporate minimum tax under the Organization for Economic Co-Operation and Development (OECD) Global Anti-Base Erosion Rules (referred to as Pillar Two rules); and - it would be disqualified from REIT tax treatment for the four taxable years following the year during which it was so disqualified.
Any such corporate tax liability could be substantial and would reduce the amount of cash available for distributions to Lamar Advertising's stockholders, and may require it to borrow funds (under Lamar Media's senior credit facility or otherwise) or liquidate some investments to pay any such additional tax liability. This adverse impact could last for five or more years because, unless it is entitled to relief under certain statutory provisions, it will be taxable as a corporation, beginning in the year in which the failure occurs, and it will not be allowed to re-elect to be taxed as a REIT for the following four years.
Share Price & Shareholder Rights - Risk 5
Ownership limitations contained in the Lamar Advertising charter may restrict stockholders from acquiring or transferring certain amounts of shares.In order for Lamar Advertising to remain qualified as a REIT, no more than 50% of the value of the outstanding shares of its stock may be owned, directly or indirectly or through application of certain attribution rules, by five or fewer "individuals" (as defined in the Code) at any time during the last half of a taxable year (other than the first taxable year for which an election to be a REIT has been made). To preserve its REIT qualification, the Lamar Advertising charter generally prohibits any person or entity from owning actually and by virtue of the applicable constructive ownership provisions more than 5% of the outstanding shares of Lamar Advertising common stock. These ownership limitations could restrict stockholders from acquiring or transferring certain amounts of shares of its stock. The Lamar Advertising charter also provides a separate share ownership limitation for certain members of the Reilly family and their affiliates that allows them to own actually and by virtue of the applicable constructive ownership provisions no more than 19% of the outstanding shares of Lamar Advertising common stock and, during the second half of any taxable year other than its first taxable year as a REIT, no more than 33% in value of the aggregate of the outstanding shares of all classes and series of its stock, in each case excluding any shares of its stock that are not treated as outstanding for federal income tax purposes.
Share Price & Shareholder Rights - Risk 6
The ability of the Board of Directors of Lamar Advertising to revoke its REIT election, without stockholder approval, may cause adverse consequences to its stockholders.The Lamar Advertising charter provides that the Board of Directors may revoke or otherwise terminate the REIT election, without the approval of its stockholders, if the board determines that it is no longer in the Company's best interest to continue to qualify as a REIT. If the Company ceases to be a REIT, it will be subject to U.S. federal income tax at regular corporate rates and applicable state and local corporate taxes, which may have adverse consequences on its total return to its stockholders.
Accounting & Financial Operations2 | 6.1%
Accounting & Financial Operations - Risk 1
Our cash distributions are not guaranteed and may fluctuate.Accounting & Financial Operations - Risk 2
The Company could suffer losses due to asset impairment charges for goodwill and other intangible assets.The Company tested goodwill for impairment on December 31, 2024. Based on the Company's review at December 31, 2024, no impairment charge was required. The Company continues to assess whether factors or indicators become apparent that would require an interim impairment test between our annual impairment test dates. For instance, if our market capitalization is below our equity book value for a period of time without recovery, we believe there is a strong presumption that would indicate a triggering event has occurred and it is more likely than not that the fair value of one or more of our reporting units is below the carrying amount. This would require us to test the reporting units for impairment of goodwill. If this presumption cannot be overcome a reporting unit could be impaired under ASC 350 "Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets" and a non-cash charge would be required. Any such charge could have a material adverse effect on the Company's net earnings.
Debt & Financing6 | 18.2%
Debt & Financing - Risk 1
The Company's substantial debt may adversely affect its business, financial condition and financial results.Debt & Financing - Risk 2
The Company may be unable to generate sufficient cash flow to satisfy its significant debt service obligations.The Company's ability to generate cash flow from operations to make principal and interest payments on its debt will depend on its future performance, which will be affected by a range of economic, competitive and business factors. The Company cannot control many of these factors, including general economic conditions, its customers' allocation of advertising expenditures among available media and the amount spent on advertising in general, and its business would be negatively impacted if the general economy were to deteriorate in the future. If its operations do not generate sufficient cash flow from operations to satisfy its debt service obligations, the Company may need to borrow additional funds to make these payments or undertake alternative financing plans, such as refinancing or restructuring its debt, or reducing or delaying capital investments and acquisitions. The Company cannot guarantee that such additional funds or alternative financing will be available on favorable terms, if at all. The Company's inability to generate sufficient cash flow from operations or obtain additional funds or alternative financing on acceptable terms could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Debt & Financing - Risk 3
Restrictions in the Company's and Lamar Media's debt agreements reduce operating flexibility and contain covenants and restrictions that create the potential for defaults, which could adversely affect the Company's business, financial condition and financial results.The terms of Lamar Media's senior credit facility and the indentures relating to Lamar Media's outstanding notes restrict the ability of the Company and Lamar Media to, among other things:
- incur or repay debt;- dispose of assets;- create liens;- make investments;- enter into affiliate transactions; and - pay dividends and make inter-company distributions.
At December 31, 2024, the terms of Lamar Media's senior credit facility and of its Accounts Receivable Securitization Program also restrict the Company from exceeding a specified secured debt ratio. Lamar Media is also subject to certain other financial covenants relating to the incurrence of additional debt. Please see "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations - Liquidity and Capital Resources" for a description of the specific financial ratio requirements under the senior credit facility.
The Company's ability to comply with the financial covenants in the senior credit facility, Accounts Receivable Securitization Program and the indentures governing Lamar Media's outstanding notes (and to comply with similar covenants in any future agreements) depends on its operating performance, which in turn depends significantly on prevailing economic, financial and business conditions and other factors that are beyond the Company's control. Therefore, despite its best efforts and execution of its strategic plan, the Company may be unable to comply with these financial covenants in the future.
The Company is currently in compliance with all financial covenants. However, if in the future there are economic declines the Company can make no assurance that these declines will not negatively impact the Company's financial results and, in turn, its ability to meet these financial covenant requirements. If Lamar Media fails to comply with its financial covenants, Lamar Media could be in default under the senior credit facility and the Accounts Receivable Securitization Program (which could result in an event of default under the indentures governing its outstanding notes). In the event of such a default under the senior credit facility, the lenders under the senior credit facility could accelerate all of the debt outstanding, could elect to institute foreclosure proceedings against Lamar Media's assets, and the Company could be forced into bankruptcy or liquidation. Any of these events could adversely affect Lamar Media's business, financial condition and financial results. In the event of such a default under the Accounts Receivable Securitization Program, the lenders under the Accounts Receivable Securitization Program could accelerate all of the debt outstanding, could elect to institute foreclosure proceedings against the assets of the Special Purpose Subsidiaries (as defined herein), and the Special Purpose Subsidiaries could be forced into bankruptcy or liquidation. Any of these events could adversely affect the Company's business, financial condition and financial results.
In addition, these restrictions reduce the Company's operating flexibility and could prevent the Company from exploiting investment, acquisition, marketing, or other time-sensitive business opportunities.
Debt & Financing - Risk 4
Lamar Advertising may potentially be unable to deduct the full amount of its interest expense pursuant to the TCJA and the CARES Act.For taxable years beginning after December 31, 2017, interest deductions for businesses with average annual gross receipts of over $25 million are capped at 30% of the business' "adjusted taxable income" plus business interest income pursuant to the TCJA. For these purposes, for taxable years beginning after December 31, 2017 and before January 1, 2022, "adjusted taxable income" is computed without regard to deductions allowable for depreciation, amortization, or depletion. The CARES Act increased the aforementioned 30% limitation to 50% for taxable years beginning in 2019 or 2020 and permitted an entity to elect to use its 2019 adjusted taxable income to calculate the applicable limitation for its 2020 taxable year. For taxable years beginning after December 31, 2021, "adjusted taxable income" is calculated by taking deductions allowable for depreciation, amortization, or depletion into account. This limitation, however, does not apply to an "electing real property trade or business." As a REIT, Lamar Advertising would generally constitute a real property trade or businesses, and thus would retain the ability to fully deduct interest expenses if it makes such an election. However, an entity making such an election must use a longer depreciation cost recovery period for its property. Lamar Advertising has not made such election to date and has not yet determined whether it will make such election at a later date.
Debt & Financing - Risk 5
Covenants specified in our existing and future debt instruments may limit Lamar Advertising's ability to make required REIT distributions.Lamar Media's senior credit facility and the indentures relating to Lamar Media's outstanding notes contain certain covenants that could limit Lamar Advertising's distributions to its stockholders. If these limits prevent Lamar Advertising from satisfying its REIT distribution requirements, it could fail to qualify for taxation as a REIT. If these limits do not jeopardize Lamar Advertising's qualification for taxation as a REIT but do nevertheless prevent it from distributing 100% of its REIT taxable income, it will be subject to U.S. federal corporate income tax, and potentially a nondeductible excise tax, on the retained amounts.
Debt & Financing - Risk 6
Lamar Advertising and its subsidiaries may be required to borrow funds, sell assets, or raise equity to satisfy its REIT distribution requirements or maintain the asset tests.In order to meet the REIT distribution requirements and maintain its qualification and taxation as a REIT and avoid corporate income taxes, Lamar Advertising and/or its subsidiaries, including Lamar Media, may need to borrow funds, sell assets or raise equity, even if the then-prevailing market conditions are not favorable for these borrowings, sales or offerings. Any insufficiency of its cash flows to cover Lamar Advertising's REIT distribution requirements could require it to raise short- and long-term debt, to sell assets, or to offer equity securities in order to fund distributions required to maintain its qualification and taxation as a REIT and avoid corporate income taxes. Furthermore, the REIT distribution requirements may increase the financing Lamar Advertising needs to fund capital expenditures, future growth and expansion initiatives. This would increase its total leverage.
In addition, if Lamar Advertising fails to comply with certain asset tests at the end of any calendar quarter, it must correct the failure within 30 days after the end of the calendar quarter or qualify for certain statutory relief provisions to avoid losing its REIT qualification. As a result, it may be required to liquidate otherwise attractive investments. These actions may reduce its income and amounts available for distribution to its stockholders.
Corporate Activity and Growth2 | 6.1%
Corporate Activity and Growth - Risk 1
The Company's strategy involves continued investment in its digital platform, and we may fail to realize certain expected benefits of these investments and such investments may become more costly.Added
Corporate Activity and Growth - Risk 2
The Company's growth through acquisitions may be difficult, which could adversely affect our future financial performance. In addition, if we are unable to successfully integrate any completed acquisitions, our financial performance would also be adversely affected.The Company has historically grown through acquisitions. During the year ended December 31, 2024, we completed acquisitions for a total cash purchase price of approximately $45.4 million.
The future success of our acquisition strategy could be adversely affected by many factors, including the following:
- the pool of suitable acquisition candidates is dwindling, and we may have a more difficult time negotiating acquisitions on favorable terms;- we may face increased competition for acquisition candidates from other outdoor advertising companies and private equity funds (particularly funds that are focused on investing in media and/or infrastructure), some of which may have greater financial resources than we do, which may result in higher prices for those businesses and assets;- we may not have access to the capital needed to finance potential acquisitions and may be unable to obtain any required consents from our current lenders to obtain alternate financing;- compliance with REIT requirements may hinder our ability to make certain investments and may limit our acquisition opportunities;- we may be unable to integrate acquired businesses and assets effectively with our existing operations and systems as a result of unforeseen difficulties that could divert significant time, attention and effort from management that could otherwise be directed at developing existing business;- we may be unable to retain key personnel of acquired businesses;- we may not realize the benefits and cost savings anticipated in our acquisitions; and - as the industry consolidates further, larger mergers and acquisitions may face substantial scrutiny under antitrust laws.
These obstacles to our opportunistic acquisition strategy may have an adverse effect on our future financial results.
Legal & Regulatory
Total Risks: 12/33 (36%)Above Sector Average
Regulation5 | 15.2%
Regulation - Risk 1
Federal, state and local regulation impact the Company's operations, financial condition and financial results.Regulation - Risk 2
The Company's logo sign contracts are subject to state award and renewal.In 2024, the Company generated approximately 4% of its revenues from state-awarded logo sign contracts. In bidding for these contracts, the Company competes against other national logo sign providers as well as numerous smaller local logo sign providers. As a logo sign provider, the Company incurs significant start-up costs upon being awarded a new contract. These contracts generally have a term of five to ten years, with additional renewal periods. Some states reserve the right to terminate a contract early, and most contracts require the state to pay compensation to the Company as a logo sign provider for early termination. At the end of the contract term, the Company, as a logo sign provider, transfers ownership of the logo sign structures to the state. Depending on the contract, the logo provider may or may not be entitled to compensation for the structures at the end of the contract term.
Of the Company's 24 logo sign contracts in place at December 31, 2024, four are subject to renewal or expiration in 2025. The Company may be unable to renew its expiring contracts. The Company may also lose the bidding on new contracts.
Regulation - Risk 3
Additional content-based restrictions on the categories of customers that can advertise on our outdoor advertising structures may be implemented by governmental authorities.Added
Federal, state or local authorities may seek to restrict or prohibit the use of outdoor advertising with respect to certain products and services. For instance, the use of billboards to advertise certain types of tobacco products is effectively banned in our markets, and in certain cases, state and local governments also prohibit or restrict the use of outdoor advertising for other types of products or services. If additional content-based restrictions are implemented by governmental authorities, certain segments of our customers may not be able to utilize outdoor advertising in the future, which could have a negative impact on our business and results of operations.
Regulation - Risk 4
Complying with REIT requirements may cause Lamar Advertising, its subsidiaries (other than TRSs) to forego otherwise attractive opportunities.To qualify as a REIT for U.S. federal income tax purposes, Lamar Advertising must continually satisfy tests concerning, among other things, the sources of its income, the nature and diversification of its assets, the amounts it distributes to its stockholders and the ownership of Lamar Advertising common stock. For these purposes, Lamar Advertising is treated as owning the assets of and receiving or accruing the income of its subsidiaries (other than TRSs). Thus, compliance with these tests will require Lamar Advertising and its subsidiaries to refrain from certain activities and may hinder their ability to make certain attractive investments, including investments in the businesses to be conducted by TRSs, and to that extent limit their opportunities. Furthermore, acquisition opportunities in domestic and international markets may be adversely affected if Lamar Advertising needs or requires the target company to comply with certain REIT requirements prior to closing.
Regulation - Risk 5
Legislative changes or other actions affecting REITs could have a negative effect on Lamar Advertising and its subsidiaries.At any time, the U.S. federal income tax laws governing REITs or the administrative and judicial interpretations of those laws may be amended or interpreted in a different manner. Federal and state tax laws are constantly under review by persons involved in the legislative process, the IRS, the U.S. Department of the Treasury, and state taxing authorities. Additional changes to the tax laws, regulations and administrative and judicial interpretations, which may have retroactive application, could adversely affect Lamar Advertising and its subsidiaries. The Company cannot predict with certainty whether, when, in what forms, or with what effective dates, the tax laws, regulations and administrative and judicial interpretations applicable to Lamar Advertising may be changed. Accordingly, the Company cannot assure you that any such change will not significantly affect Lamar Advertising's ability to qualify for taxation as a REIT or the U.S. federal income tax consequences to it of such qualification.
Taxation & Government Incentives6 | 18.2%
Taxation & Government Incentives - Risk 1
If Lamar Advertising's operating partnership does not qualify as a partnership, its income may be subject to taxation, and Lamar Advertising would no longer qualify as a REIT.Taxation & Government Incentives - Risk 2
Even if it qualifies as a REIT, certain of Lamar Advertising's and its subsidiaries' business activities will be subject to U.S. and foreign taxes which will continue to reduce its cash flows, and it will have potential deferred and contingent tax liabilities.Even if it qualifies as a REIT, Lamar Advertising may be subject to certain U.S. federal, state and local taxes and foreign taxes on its income and assets, including any applicable state-level alternative minimum taxes, taxes on any undistributed income, and state, local or foreign income, franchise, property and transfer taxes. In addition, the Company could in certain circumstances be required to pay an excise or penalty tax, which could be significant in amount, in order to utilize one or more relief provisions under the Code to maintain qualification for taxation as a REIT.
In order to maintain its qualification as a REIT, the Company holds certain of its non-qualifying REIT assets and receives certain non-qualifying items of income through one or more TRSs. These non-qualifying REIT assets consist principally of the Company's advertising services business and its transit advertising business. Those TRS assets and operations will continue to be subject, as applicable, to U.S. federal and state corporate income taxes. Furthermore, the Company's assets and operations outside the United States are subject to foreign taxes in the jurisdictions in which those assets and operations are located. In addition, the Company may incur a 100% excise tax on transactions with a TRS if they are not conducted on an arm's-length basis. Any of these taxes would decrease the Company's earnings and its cash available for distributions to stockholders.
The Company was subject to a U.S. federal income tax at the highest regular corporate rate (currently 21%) on all or a portion of the gain recognized from a sale of assets occurring within five years after the effective date of our REIT conversion, to the extent of the built-in gain based on the fair market value of those assets held by the Company on the effective date of REIT conversion in excess of the Company's then tax basis in those assets. Such five-year period has expired with respect to the Company but certain tax years for which this rule applied remain open such that additional taxes could be assessed with respect to sales in those tax years. The same rules apply to any assets we acquire from a "C" corporation in a carry-over basis transaction with built-in gain at the time of the acquisition by us. Gain from a sale of an asset occurring after the specified period ends will not be subject to this corporate level tax.
Taxation & Government Incentives - Risk 3
Dividends payable by REITs generally do not qualify for the reduced tax rates on dividend income from non-REIT corporations.Qualified dividend income payable to U.S. stockholders that are individuals, trusts and estates are generally subject to tax at reduced rates. Dividends payable by REITs, however, generally are not eligible for the reduced qualified dividend rates. For taxable years beginning before January 1, 2026, non-corporate taxpayers may generally deduct 20% of certain pass-through business income, including "qualified REIT dividends" (generally, dividends received by a REIT shareholder that are not designated as capital gain dividends or qualified dividend income), subject to certain limitations. Although this deduction reduces the effective tax rate applicable to certain dividends paid by REITs, such tax rate may still be higher than the tax rate applicable to regular corporate qualified dividends. This may cause investors to view REIT investments as less attractive than investments in non-REIT corporations, which in turn may adversely affect the value of the stock of REITs, including our stock.
Taxation & Government Incentives - Risk 4
Gain on disposition of assets deemed held for sale in the ordinary course of business is subject to 100% tax.If we sell any of our assets, the IRS may determine that the sale is a disposition of an asset held primarily for sale to customers in the ordinary course of a trade or business. Gain from this kind of sale will generally be subject to a 100% tax. Whether an asset is held "primarily for sale to customers in the ordinary course of a trade or business" depends on the particular facts and circumstances of the sale. Although we will attempt to comply with the terms of safe-harbor provisions in the Internal Revenue Code prescribing when asset sales will not be so characterized, we cannot assure you that we will be able to do so.
Taxation & Government Incentives - Risk 5
Failure to make sufficient distributions would jeopardize Lamar Advertising's qualification as a REIT and/or would subject it to U.S. federal income and excise taxes.As a REIT, Lamar Advertising is required to distribute to its stockholders with respect to each taxable year at least 90% of its REIT taxable income (excluding capital gains and net of any available NOL carry forwards) in order to qualify as a REIT, and 100% of its REIT taxable income (excluding capital gains and net of any available NOL carry forwards) in order to avoid U.S. federal income and excise taxes. For these purposes, Lamar Advertising's subsidiaries that are not TRSs, including Lamar Media, will be treated as part of the REIT and therefore Lamar Advertising also will be required to distribute out their taxable income.
Because the REIT distribution requirements will prevent us from retaining earnings, we may be required to refinance debt at maturity with additional debt or equity, which may not be available on acceptable terms, or at all.
Taxation & Government Incentives - Risk 6
The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, the CARES Act and the Inflation Reduction Act, OECD Global Anti-Base Erosion Rules, as well as any future tax legislation, may impact the Company's business and security holders.Changed
In recent years, numerous legislative, judicial, and administrative changes have been made in the provisions of federal and state income tax laws applicable to investments similar to an investment in our notes. In particular, the comprehensive tax reform legislation enacted in December 2017 and commonly known as the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act ("TCJA") made many significant changes to the U.S. federal income tax laws that have profoundly impacted the taxation of individuals and corporations (including both regular C corporations and corporations that have elected to be taxed as REITs). A number of changes that affect noncorporate taxpayers will expire at the end of 2025 unless Congress acts to extend them. Among other changes, the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (the "CARES Act"), signed into law on March 27, 2020, makes certain changes to the TCJA. These changes have impacted us and holders of our securities in various ways, some of which are adverse or potentially adverse compared to prior law. Additional changes to tax laws were enacted with the Inflation Reduction Act ("IRA") of 2022, signed into law on August 16, 2022. Many of the material provisions of the IRA exempt REITs. To date, the IRS has issued only limited guidance with respect to certain of the new provisions, and there are numerous interpretive issues that will require further guidance. It is highly likely that technical corrections of legislation will be needed to clarify certain aspects of the new law and give proper effect to Congressional intent.
The individual and collective impact of the changes made by the TCJA, the CARES Act and the IRA on REITs and their security holders is uncertain and may not become evident for some period of time. The effect of any technical corrections with respect to the TCJA, the CARES Act or the IRA could have an adverse effect on Lamar Advertising, its subsidiaries, and holders of its securities. It is also possible additional tax legislation could be enacted in the future, as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic or otherwise, which could have an adverse effect on Lamar Advertising, its subsidiaries, and holders of its securities.
On December 20, 2021, the OECD published model rules to assist in the implementation of the Pillar Two minimum global tax rate of 15%. The Pillar Two model rules are designed to provide governments with a template for implementing Pillar Two of the agreement reached by 137 countries and jurisdictions under the OECD/G20 Inclusive Framework on BEPS to address the tax challenges arising from digitalization of the economy. Several OECD member countries have enacted Pillar Two related laws effective January 1, 2024, including Canada, where the Company operates. It is still uncertain whether the U.S. will enact Pillar Two legislation. The Pillar Two Rules, however, do not apply to "Excluded Entities" considered "Real Estate Investment Vehicles" and certain subsidiaries of Excluded Entities. We do not expect Pillar Two to have a material impact on the Company but additional legislation could be enacted in the future which could have an adverse effect on Lamar Advertising, its subsidiaries, and holders of its securities.
Environmental / Social1 | 3.0%
Environmental / Social - Risk 1
We could be negatively impacted by environmental, social and governance (ESG) and sustainability matters.Ability to Sell
Total Risks: 2/33 (6%)Above Sector Average
Competition1 | 3.0%
Competition - Risk 1
The Company faces competition from larger and more diversified outdoor advertisers and other forms of advertising that could hurt its performance.Sales & Marketing1 | 3.0%
Sales & Marketing - Risk 1
The Company's transit advertising contracts are subject to the Company's ability to obtain and renew favorable contracts with municipalities and airport authorities.Added
Macro & Political
Total Risks: 2/33 (6%)Below Sector Average
Economy & Political Environment1 | 3.0%
Economy & Political Environment - Risk 1
The Company's revenues are sensitive to the state of the economy and the financial markets generally and other external events beyond the Company's control.Natural and Human Disruptions1 | 3.0%
Natural and Human Disruptions - Risk 1
If the Company's contingency plans relating to hurricanes and other natural disasters fail, the resulting losses could hurt the Company's business.Tech & Innovation
Total Risks: 1/33 (3%)Below Sector Average
Cyber Security1 | 3.0%
Cyber Security - Risk 1
Our business and operations could suffer in the event of cybersecurity breaches and we may incur significant legal and financial exposure.See a full breakdown of risk according to category and subcategory. The list starts with the category with the most risk. Click on subcategories to read relevant extracts from the most recent report.
FAQ
What are “Risk Factors”?
Risk factors are any situations or occurrences that could make investing in a company risky.
The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) requires that publicly traded companies disclose their most significant risk factors. This is so that potential investors can consider any risks before they make an investment.
They also offer companies protection, as a company can use risk factors as liability protection. This could happen if a company underperforms and investors take legal action as a result.
It is worth noting that smaller companies, that is those with a public float of under $75 million on the last business day, do not have to include risk factors in their 10-K and 10-Q forms, although some may choose to do so.
How do companies disclose their risk factors?
Publicly traded companies initially disclose their risk factors to the SEC through their S-1 filings as part of the IPO process.
Additionally, companies must provide a complete list of risk factors in their Annual Reports (Form 10-K) or (Form 20-F) for “foreign private issuers”.
Quarterly Reports also include a section on risk factors (Form 10-Q) where companies are only required to update any changes since the previous report.
According to the SEC, risk factors should be reported concisely, logically and in “plain English” so investors can understand them.
How can I use TipRanks risk factors in my stock research?
Use the Risk Factors tab to get data about the risk factors of any company in which you are considering investing.
You can easily see the most significant risks a company is facing. Additionally, you can find out which risk factors a company has added, removed or adjusted since its previous disclosure. You can also see how a company’s risk factors compare to others in its sector.
Without reading company reports or participating in conference calls, you would most likely not have access to this sort of information, which is usually not included in press releases or other public announcements.
A simplified analysis of risk factors is unique to TipRanks.
What are all the risk factor categories?
TipRanks has identified 6 major categories of risk factors and a number of subcategories for each. You can see how these categories are broken down in the list below.
1. Financial & Corporate
- Accounting & Financial Operations - risks related to accounting loss, value of intangible assets, financial statements, value of intangible assets, financial reporting, estimates, guidance, company profitability, dividends, fluctuating results.
- Share Price & Shareholder Rights – risks related to things that impact share prices and the rights of shareholders, including analyst ratings, major shareholder activity, trade volatility, liquidity of shares, anti-takeover provisions, international listing, dual listing.
- Debt & Financing – risks related to debt, funding, financing and interest rates, financial investments.
- Corporate Activity and Growth – risks related to restructuring, M&As, joint ventures, execution of corporate strategy, strategic alliances.
2. Legal & Regulatory
- Litigation and Legal Liabilities – risks related to litigation/ lawsuits against the company.
- Regulation – risks related to compliance, GDPR, and new legislation.
- Environmental / Social – risks related to environmental regulation and to data privacy.
- Taxation & Government Incentives – risks related to taxation and changes in government incentives.
3. Production
- Costs – risks related to costs of production including commodity prices, future contracts, inventory.
- Supply Chain – risks related to the company’s suppliers.
- Manufacturing – risks related to the company’s manufacturing process including product quality and product recalls.
- Human Capital – risks related to recruitment, training and retention of key employees, employee relationships & unions labor disputes, pension, and post retirement benefits, medical, health and welfare benefits, employee misconduct, employee litigation.
4. Technology & Innovation
- Innovation / R&D – risks related to innovation and new product development.
- Technology – risks related to the company’s reliance on technology.
- Cyber Security – risks related to securing the company’s digital assets and from cyber attacks.
- Trade Secrets & Patents – risks related to the company’s ability to protect its intellectual property and to infringement claims against the company as well as piracy and unlicensed copying.
5. Ability to Sell
- Demand – risks related to the demand of the company’s goods and services including seasonality, reliance on key customers.
- Competition – risks related to the company’s competition including substitutes.
- Sales & Marketing – risks related to sales, marketing, and distribution channels, pricing, and market penetration.
- Brand & Reputation – risks related to the company’s brand and reputation.
6. Macro & Political
- Economy & Political Environment – risks related to changes in economic and political conditions.
- Natural and Human Disruptions – risks related to catastrophes, floods, storms, terror, earthquakes, coronavirus pandemic/COVID-19.
- International Operations – risks related to the global nature of the company.
- Capital Markets – risks related to exchange rates and trade, cryptocurrency.