UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
SCHEDULE 14A
Proxy Statement Pursuant to Section 14(a)
of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
(Amendment No. )
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Soliciting Material Pursuant to §240.14a-12 |
Clear Channel Outdoor Holdings, Inc.
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CLEAR CHANNEL OUTDOOR HOLDINGS, INC.
200 East Basse Road
San Antonio, Texas 78209
NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS
To Be Held May 25, 2010
As a stockholder of Clear Channel Outdoor Holdings, Inc. (Clear Channel Outdoor or the Company), you are hereby given notice of and invited to attend, in person or by proxy, the Annual Meeting of Stockholders of Clear Channel Outdoor to be held at the corporate offices of Clear Channel Outdoor, located at 200 East Basse Road, San Antonio, Texas 78209, on May 25, 2010, at 9:00 a.m. local time, for the following purposes:
1. | to elect Blair E. Hendrix, Daniel G. Jones and Scott R. Wells to serve as directors for a three year term; |
2. | to ratify the selection of Ernst & Young LLP as the independent registered public accounting firm of Clear Channel Outdoor for the year ending December 31, 2010; and |
3. | to transact any other business which may properly come before the meeting or any adjournment thereof. |
Only stockholders of record at the close of business on April 1, 2010 are entitled to notice of and to vote at the meeting.
Two cut-out admission tickets are included on the back cover of this document and are required for admission to the meeting. Please contact Clear Channel Outdoors Secretary at Clear Channel Outdoors corporate headquarters if you need additional tickets. If you plan to attend the annual meeting, please note that space limitations make it necessary to limit attendance to stockholders and one guest. Admission to the annual meeting will be on a first-come, first-served basis. Registration and seating will begin at 8:30 a.m. Each stockholder may be asked to present valid picture identification, such as a drivers license or passport. Stockholders holding stock in brokerage accounts (street name holders) will need to bring a copy of a brokerage statement reflecting stock ownership as of the record date. Cameras (including cellular telephones with photographic capabilities), recording devices and other electronic devices will not be permitted at the annual meeting. The annual meeting will begin promptly at 9:00 a.m. local time.
Your attention is directed to the accompanying proxy statement. In addition, although mere attendance at the meeting will not revoke your proxy, if you attend the meeting you may revoke your proxy and vote in person. To assure that your shares are represented at the meeting, please complete, date, sign and mail the enclosed proxy card in the return envelope provided for that purpose.
By Order of the Board of Directors |
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Robert H. Walls, Jr. |
Executive Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary |
San Antonio, Texas
April 26, 2010
IMPORTANT NOTICE REGARDING THE AVAILABILITY OF PROXY MATERIALS FOR THE
ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS TO BE HELD ON MAY 25, 2010
The Proxy Statement and Annual Report are available at
http://bnymellon.mobular.net/bnymellon/cco
2010 ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS
NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING AND PROXY STATEMENT
TABLE OF CONTENTS
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS ABOUT THE PROXY MATERIALS AND THE ANNUAL MEETING |
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Stockholder and Interested Party Communication with the Board |
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SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS |
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Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer Compensation |
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Relationship of Compensation Policies and Programs to Risk Management |
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PROPOSAL 2: RATIFICATION OF SELECTION OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM |
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PROXY STATEMENT
This proxy statement contains information related to the annual meeting of stockholders of Clear Channel Outdoor Holdings, Inc. (referred to herein as Clear Channel Outdoor, Company, we, our or us) to be held on Tuesday, May 25, 2010, beginning at 9:00 a.m. local time, at the corporate offices of Clear Channel Outdoor Holdings, Inc., located at 200 East Basse Road, San Antonio, Texas 78209, and at any postponements or adjournments thereof. This proxy statement is first being mailed to stockholders on or about May 3, 2010.
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS ABOUT THE PROXY MATERIALS AND THE ANNUAL MEETING
Q: | Why am I receiving these materials? |
A: | Clear Channel Outdoors Board of Directors (the Board) is providing these proxy materials to you in connection with Clear Channel Outdoors annual meeting of stockholders (the annual meeting), which will take place on May 25, 2010. The Board is soliciting proxies to be used at the annual meeting. You are also invited to attend the annual meeting and are requested to vote on the proposals described in this proxy statement. |
Q: | What information is contained in these materials? |
A: | The information included in this proxy statement relates to the proposals to be voted on at the annual meeting, the voting process, the compensation of our directors and our most highly paid executive officers, and certain other required information. Following this proxy statement are excerpts from Clear Channel Outdoors 2009 Annual Report on Form 10-K including Consolidated Financial Statements, Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements, and Managements Discussion and Analysis. A proxy card and a return envelope are also enclosed. |
Q: | What proposals will be voted on at the annual meeting? |
A: | There are two proposals scheduled to be voted on at the annual meeting: the election of three directors to serve for the coming year and the ratification of Ernst & Young LLP as Clear Channel Outdoors independent registered accounting firm for the year ending December 31, 2010. |
Q: | Which of my shares may I vote? |
A: | All shares of Class A common stock owned by you as of the close of business on April 1, 2010 (the Record Date) may be voted by you. These shares include shares that are: (1) held directly in your name as the stockholder of record, and (2) held for you as the beneficial owner through a stockbroker, bank or other nominee. Each share of Class A common stock is entitled to one vote at the annual meeting and each share of Class B common stock is entitled to twenty votes at the annual meeting. As of April 1, 2010, there were 40,840,896 shares of Class A common stock outstanding and 315,000,000 shares of Class B common stock outstanding. All shares of our Class B common stock are held by Clear Channel Holdings, Inc., a wholly owned indirect subsidiary of CC Media Holdings, Inc. (CC Media or CCMH). |
Q: | What is the difference between holding shares as a stockholder of record and as a beneficial owner? |
A: | Most stockholders of Clear Channel Outdoor hold their shares through a stockbroker, bank or other nominee rather than directly in their own name. As summarized below, there are some distinctions between shares held of record and those owned beneficially. |
STOCKHOLDERS OF RECORD: If your shares are registered directly in your name with Clear Channel Outdoors transfer agent, BNY Mellon Investor Services LLC (Mellon), you are considered, with respect to those shares, the stockholder of record, and these proxy materials are being sent directly to you by Mellon on behalf of Clear Channel Outdoor. As the stockholder of record, you have the right to grant your voting proxy directly to Clear Channel Outdoor or to vote in person at the annual meeting. Clear Channel Outdoor has enclosed a proxy card for you to use.
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BENEFICIAL OWNER: If your shares are held in a stock brokerage account or by a bank or other nominee, you are considered the beneficial owner of shares held in street name, and these proxy materials are being forwarded to you by your broker or nominee who is considered, with respect to those shares, the stockholder of record. As the beneficial owner, you have the right to direct your broker on how to vote and are also invited to attend the annual meeting. However, since you are not the stockholder of record, you may not vote these shares in person at the annual meeting, unless you obtain and present at the meeting a signed proxy from the record holder giving you the right to vote the shares. Your broker or nominee has enclosed a voting instruction card for you to use in directing the broker or nominee regarding how to vote your shares.
Q: | If my shares are held in street name by my broker, will my broker vote my shares for me? |
A: | Under New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) rules, brokers will have discretion to vote the shares of customers who fail to provide voting instructions on routine matters, but brokers may not vote such shares on non-routine matters without voting instructions. When a broker is not permitted to vote the shares of a customer who does not provide voting instructions, it is called a broker non-vote. The election of directors is a non-routine matter. Your broker will send you directions on how you can instruct your broker to vote. |
Q: | How can I vote my shares in person at the annual meeting? |
A: | Shares held directly in your name as the stockholder of record may be voted by you in person at the annual meeting. If you choose to do so, please bring the enclosed proxy card and proof of identification. Even if you plan to attend the annual meeting, Clear Channel Outdoor recommends that you also submit your proxy as described below so that your vote will be counted if you later decide not to attend the annual meeting. You may request that your previously submitted proxy card not be used if you desire to vote in person when you attend the annual meeting. Shares held in street name may be voted in person by you at the annual meeting only if you obtain and present at the meeting a signed proxy from the record holder giving you the right to vote the shares. Your vote is important. Accordingly, you are urged to sign and return the accompanying proxy card whether or not you plan to attend the annual meeting. |
If you plan to attend the annual meeting, please note that space limitations make it necessary to limit attendance to stockholders and one guest. Admission to the annual meeting will be on a first-come, first-served basis. Registration and seating will begin at 8:30 a.m. local time. Each stockholder may be asked to present valid picture identification, such as a drivers license or passport. Stockholders holding stock in brokerage accounts (street name holders) will need to bring a copy of a brokerage statement reflecting stock ownership as of the record date. Cameras (including cellular telephones with photographic capabilities), recording devices and other electronic devices will not be permitted at the annual meeting.
Q: | How can I vote my shares without attending the annual meeting? |
A: | Whether you hold shares directly as the stockholder of record or beneficially in street name, when you return your proxy card or voting instructions accompanying this proxy statement, properly signed, the shares represented will be voted in accordance with your directions. You can specify your choices by marking the appropriate boxes on the enclosed proxy card. |
Q: | May I change my vote? |
A: | If you are a stockholder of record, you may change your vote or revoke your proxy at any time before your shares are voted at the annual meeting by sending the Secretary of Clear Channel Outdoor a proxy card dated later than your last submitted proxy card, notifying the Secretary of Clear Channel Outdoor in writing, or voting at the annual meeting. If your shares are held beneficially in street name you should follow the instructions provided by your broker or other nominee to change your vote. |
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Q: | What if I return my proxy card without specifying my voting choices? |
A: | If your proxy card is signed and returned without specifying choices, the shares will be voted as recommended by the Board. |
Q: | What does it mean if I receive more than one proxy or voting instruction card? |
A: | It means your shares are registered differently or are in more than one account. Please provide voting instructions for all proxy and voting instruction cards you receive. |
Q: | What constitutes a quorum? |
A: | The holders of a majority of the total voting power of Clear Channel Outdoors Class A and Class B common stock entitled to vote and represented in person or by proxy will constitute a quorum at the annual meeting. Votes withheld, abstentions and broker non-votes are counted as present for purposes of establishing a quorum. |
Q: | What are Clear Channel Outdoors voting recommendations? |
A: | The Board recommends that you vote your shares FOR each of the nominees to the Board and FOR the ratification of Ernst & Young LLP as Clear Channel Outdoors independent registered accounting firm for the year ending December 31, 2010. |
Q: | Where can I find the voting results of the annual meeting? |
A: | Clear Channel Outdoor will announce preliminary voting results at the annual meeting and publish final results in Clear Channel Outdoors current report on Form 8-K within four business days after the date of the annual meeting, which we anticipate will be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the SEC) by May 31, 2010. |
The Board is responsible for the management and direction of Clear Channel Outdoor and for establishing broad corporate policies. However, in accordance with corporate legal principles, it is not involved in day-to-day operating details. Members of the Board are kept informed of Clear Channel Outdoors business through discussions with the Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, and other executive officers, by reviewing analyses and reports sent to them, and by participating in Board and committee meetings.
COMPOSITION OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Our directors are divided into three classes serving staggered three-year terms. At each annual meeting of our stockholders, directors will be elected to succeed the class of directors whose terms have expired. For so long as CC Media is the indirect owner of such number of shares representing more than 50% of the total voting power of our common stock, it will have the ability to direct the election of all the members of our Board, the composition of our Board committees (the Board Committees and each a Board Committee) and the size of the Board.
Because more than fifty percent (50%) of the voting power of Clear Channel Outdoor is controlled by CC Media, Clear Channel Outdoor has elected to be treated as a controlled company under the Corporate Governance Standards of the Listing Company Rules of the New York Stock Exchange (the Corporate Governance Listing Standards). Accordingly, Clear Channel Outdoor is exempt from the provisions of the Corporate Governance Listing Standards requiring: (i) that the majority of our Board consists of independent directors, (ii) that we have a Nominating and Governance Committee, that the Nominating and Governance Committee be composed entirely of independent directors with a written charter addressing the Nominating and Governance Committees purpose and responsibilities, and that we conduct an annual performance evaluation of the Nominating and Governance Committee, and (iii) that we have a Compensation Committee composed entirely of independent directors with a written charter addressing the Compensation Committees purpose and responsibilities and that we conduct an annual performance evaluation of the Compensation Committee. However, notwithstanding this exemption, as described more fully below, we have a Compensation Committee composed entirely of independent directors with a written charter addressing the Compensation Committees purpose and responsibilities.
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The Board held 17 meetings during 2009. For the 2009 fiscal year, each Board member attended at least 75% of the aggregate of the total number of meetings of the Board (held during the period for which such person served) and the total number of meetings of all Board Committees on which such person served (during the period for which such person served).
In April 2009, Clear Channel Outdoor formed a Special Committee to review and approve, as appropriate, certain proposed transactions between Clear Channel Outdoor and Clear Channel Communications, Inc. The Special Committee, comprised of James M. Raines, Marsha M. Shields and Dale W. Tremblay, all of whom are independent under the listing standards of the NYSE as well as the Companys independence standards, met 16 times during 2009.
STOCKHOLDER MEETING ATTENDANCE
Clear Channel Outdoor encourages, but does not require, directors to attend the annual meetings of stockholders. Mark P. Mays, Randall T. Mays, James M. Raines, Marsha M. Shields and Dale W. Tremblay attended the annual meeting of stockholders in 2009.
The Board has adopted a set of Governance Guidelines (the Governance Guidelines), addressing, among other things, standards for evaluating the independence of Clear Channel Outdoors directors. The full text of the Governance Guidelines can be found on the investor relations section of Clear Channel Outdoors website at www.clearchanneloutdoor.com.
The Board has adopted the following standards for determining the independence of its members:
1. | A director must not be, or have been within the last three years, an employee of Clear Channel Outdoor. In addition, a directors immediate family member (immediate family member is defined to include a persons spouse, parents, children, siblings, mother and father-in-law, sons and daughters-in-law and anyone (other than domestic employees) who shares such persons home) must not be, or have been within the last three years, an executive officer of Clear Channel Outdoor. |
2. | A director or immediate family member must not have received, during any twelve month period within the last three years, more than $120,000 per year in direct compensation from Clear Channel Outdoor, other than as director or committee fees and pension or other forms of deferred compensation for prior service (and no such compensation may be contingent in any way on continued service). |
3. | A director must not be a current partner of a firm that is Clear Channel Outdoors internal or external auditor or a current employee of such a firm. In addition, a director must not have an immediate family member who is (a) a current partner of such a firm, or (b) a current employee of such a firm and personally works on Clear Channel Outdoors audit. Finally, a director or immediate family member must not have been, within the last three years, a partner or employee of such a firm and personally worked on Clear Channel Outdoors audit within that time. |
4. | A director or an immediate family member must not be, or have been within the last three years, employed as an executive officer of another company where any of Clear Channel Outdoors present executive officers at the same time serve or served on that companys compensation committee. |
5. | A director must not be a current employee, and no directors immediate family member may be a current executive officer, of any company that has made payments to, or received payments from, Clear Channel Outdoor (together with its consolidated subsidiaries) for property or services in an amount which, in any of the last three fiscal years, exceeds the greater of $1 million, or 2% of such other companys consolidated gross revenues. |
6. | A director must not own, together with ownership interests of his or her family, ten percent (10%) or more of any company that has made payments to, or received payments from, Clear Channel Outdoor (together with its consolidated subsidiaries) for property or services in an amount which, in any of the last three fiscal years, exceeds the greater of $1 million, or 2% of such other companys consolidated gross revenues. |
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7. | A director or immediate family member must not be or have been during the last three years, a director, trustee or officer of a charitable organization (or hold a similar position), to which Clear Channel Outdoor (together with its consolidated subsidiaries) makes contributions in an amount which, in any of the last three fiscal years, exceeds the greater of $50,000, or 5% of such organizations consolidated gross revenues. |
8. | A director must be independent as that term is defined from time to time by the rules and regulations promulgated by the SEC, by the listing standards of the NYSE and, with respect to members of the Compensation Committee, by the applicable provisions of, and rules promulgated under, the Internal Revenue Code. |
The above independence standards conform to, or are more exacting than, the director independence requirements of the NYSE. The above independence standards are set forth on Appendix A of the Governance Guidelines.
Our Board currently consists of nine directors, one of whom is our Chief Executive Officer. Pursuant to the Governance Guidelines, the Board undertook its annual review of director independence in September 2009. For a director to be independent, the Board must determine such director does not have any direct or indirect material relationship with Clear Channel Outdoor or any of its subsidiaries. As a result of this review, the Board affirmatively determined that James M. Raines, Marsha M. Shields and Dale W. Tremblay are independent under the listing standards of the NYSE, as well as Clear Channel Outdoors independence standards set forth above. In addition, the Board has determined that every member of the Audit Committee and the Compensation Committee is independent.
James M. Raines term as a director will end at the 2010 annual meeting and he will not stand for re-election. The Board has commenced a search for a candidate who qualifies as an independent director under NYSE rules and as an audit committee financial expert under SEC rules, but has not yet identified a replacement for Mr. Raines. If the Board is unable to secure a replacement for Mr. Raines upon the expiration of his term, then Clear Channel Outdoors Audit Committee will only have two members and consequently will not be in compliance with Section 303A.07(a) of the NYSEs Listed Company Manual, which requires that a listed company have at least three members on its audit committee, all of whom are independent. The Board currently intends to identify and appoint a replacement director at or shortly after the annual meeting.
The rules of the NYSE require that non-management directors of a listed company meet periodically in executive sessions. In addition, the rules of the NYSE require listed companies to schedule an executive session including only independent directors at least once a year. Clear Channel Outdoors non-management directors have met separately in executive sessions without management present. Clear Channel Outdoors independent directors met alone following each regular meeting of the Board in 2009.
The Board has created the office of Presiding Director to serve as the lead non-management director of the Board. The Board has established that the office of the Presiding Director shall at all times be held by an independent director, as that term is defined from time to time by the listing standards of the NYSE and as determined by the Board in accordance with the Boards Governance Guidelines. The Presiding Director has the power and authority to do the following:
| to preside at all meetings of non-management directors when they meet in executive session without management participation; |
| to set agendas, priorities and procedures for meetings of non-management directors meeting in executive session without management participation; |
| to generally assist the Chairman of the Board; |
| to add agenda items to the established agenda for meetings of the Board; |
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| to request access to Clear Channel Outdoors management, employees and its independent advisers for purposes of discharging his or her duties and responsibilities as a director; and |
| to retain independent outside financial, legal or other advisors at any time, at the expense of Clear Channel Outdoor, on behalf of any committee or subcommittee of the Board. |
The independent directors each take turns serving as the Presiding Director on a rotating basis, each such rotation to take place effective the first day of each calendar quarter. Currently, Dale W. Tremblay is serving as the Presiding Director.
The Board has two standing committees: the Compensation Committee and the Audit Committee. Each committee has a written charter which guides its operations. The written charters are all available on Clear Channel Outdoors website at www.clearchanneloutdoor.com.
BOARD COMMITTEE MEMBERSHIP
Name |
Compensation Committee |
Audit Committee | ||||
James M. Raines |
X | X* | ||||
Marsha M. Shields |
X | |||||
Dale W. Tremblay |
X* | X |
X = Committee member; * = Chairperson
The Compensation Committee
The Compensation Committee administers Clear Channel Outdoors incentive-compensation plans and equity-based plans, determines compensation arrangements for all executive officers, other than our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, and makes recommendations to the Board concerning compensation for directors of Clear Channel Outdoor and its subsidiaries. The Compensation Discussion and Analysis section of this document provides additional details regarding the basis on which the Compensation Committee determines executive compensation. The Compensation Committee met four times during 2009. All members of the Compensation Committee are independent as defined by the listing standards of the NYSE and Clear Channel Outdoors independence standards.
The Compensation Committee has the ability, under its charter, to select and retain, at the expense of the Clear Channel Outdoor, independent legal and financial counsel and other consultants necessary to assist the Compensation Committee as the Compensation Committee may deem appropriate, in its sole discretion. The Compensation Committee also has the authority to select and retain any compensation consultant to be used to survey the compensation practices in Clear Channel Outdoors industry and to provide advice so that Clear Channel Outdoor can maintain its competitive ability to recruit and retain highly qualified personnel. The Compensation Committee has the sole authority to approve related fees and retention terms for any of its counsel and consultants.
The Compensation Committees primary responsibilities, which are discussed in detail within its charter, include the following:
| assist the Board in ensuring that a proper system of long-term and short-term compensation is in place to provide performance-oriented incentives to management, and that compensation plans are appropriate and competitive and properly reflect the objectives and performance of management and Clear Channel Outdoor; |
| review and approve corporate goals and objectives relevant to the compensation of Clear Channel Outdoors Chief Operating Officer, evaluate the Chief Operating Officers performance in light of those goals and objectives, and either as a committee or together with the other independent directors (as directed by the Board), determine and approve the Chief Operating Officers compensation level based on this evaluation; |
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| make recommendations to the Board with respect to non-CEO compensation, incentive-compensation plans and equity-based plans; |
| prepare an annual report on executive compensation for inclusion in Clear Channel Outdoors annual report or proxy statement; and |
| perform the other functions set forth in the charter and as the Board may from time to time assign to the Compensation Committee. |
The compensation of our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer is set by the Compensation Committee of CC Media. See the Compensation Discussion and AnalysisChief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer Compensation section of this proxy statement. The Compensation Committee has the authority to delegate its responsibilities to subcommittees of the Compensation Committee if the Compensation Committee determines such delegation would be in the best interest of Clear Channel Outdoor. The full text of the Compensation Committees charter can be found on our website at www.clearchanneloutdoor.com.
The Audit Committee
The Audit Committee is responsible for reviewing Clear Channel Outdoors accounting practices and audit procedures. See the Audit Committee Report later in this document, which details the duties and performance of the Audit Committee. James M. Raines has been designated by our Board as the Audit Committee financial expert (as defined in the applicable regulations of the SEC). James M. Raines term as a director will end at the 2010 annual meeting and he will not stand for re-election. The Board has commenced a search for a candidate who qualifies as an independent director under NYSE rules and as an audit committee financial expert under SEC rules, but has not yet identified a replacement for Mr. Raines. If the Board is unable to secure a replacement for Mr. Raines upon the expiration of his term, then Clear Channel Outdoors Audit Committee will only have two members and consequently will not be in compliance with Section 303A.07(a) of the NYSEs Listed Company Manual, which requires that a listed company have at least three members on its audit committee, all of whom are independent. The Board currently intends to identify and appoint a replacement director at or shortly after the annual meeting.
The Audit Committee met eight times during 2009. All members of the Audit Committee are independent as defined by the listing standards of the NYSE and Clear Channel Outdoors independence standards and satisfy the other requirements for audit committee membership of the NYSE and the SEC. The Audit Committee operates under a written charter adopted by our Board which reflects standards set forth in SEC regulations and NYSE rules. The Audit Committees purpose is to assist the Board in its oversight of the quality and integrity of the accounting, auditing and financial reporting practices of Clear Channel Outdoor. The Audit Committees primary responsibilities, which are discussed in detail within its charter, include the following, subject to the consent of our corporate parent:
| be responsible for the appointment, compensation, retention and oversight of the work of the independent auditors and any other registered public accounting firm engaged for the purpose of preparing an audit report or to perform other audit, review or attest services, and all fees and other terms of their engagement; |
| review and discuss reports regarding the independent registered public accounting firms independence; |
| review with the independent registered public accounting firm the annual audit scope and plan; |
| review with management, the director of internal audit and the independent registered public accounting firm the budget and staffing of the internal audit department; |
| review and discuss with management and the independent registered public accounting firm the annual and quarterly financial statements and Managements Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations prior to the filing of the Form 10-K and a Form 10-Q; |
| review with the independent registered public accounting firm the critical accounting policies and practices used; |
| review with management, the independent registered public accounting firm and the director of internal audit Clear Channel Outdoors internal accounting controls and any significant findings and recommendations; |
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| discuss guidelines and policies with respect to risk assessment and risk management; |
| oversee Clear Channel Outdoors related party transactions policy; and |
| review with management and the chief legal officer the status of legal and regulatory matters that may have a material impact on Clear Channel Outdoors financial statements and compliance policies. |
The composition and responsibilities of the Audit Committee and the attributes of its members, as reflected in the charter, are intended to be in accordance with applicable requirements for corporate audit committees. The charter is reviewed, and amended if necessary, on an annual basis. The full text of the Audit Committees charter can be found on our website at www.clearchanneloutdoor.com.
DIRECTOR NOMINATING PROCEDURES
The Board oversees the identification and consideration of candidates for membership on the Board, and each member of the Board participates in this process. It is the view of the Board that this function has been performed effectively by the Board, and that it is appropriate for Clear Channel Outdoor not to have a separate nominating committee or charter for this purpose.
The Board is responsible for developing and reviewing background information for candidates for the Board, including those recommended by stockholders. Our directors play a critical role in guiding Clear Channel Outdoors strategic direction and overseeing the management of Clear Channel Outdoor. Clear Channel Outdoor does not have a formal policy with regard to the consideration of diversity in identifying director nominees, but the Board strives to nominate directors with a variety of complementary skills so that, as a group, the Board will possess the appropriate talent, skills, and expertise to oversee Clear Channel Outdoors business. Director candidates should have experience in positions with a high degree of responsibility, be leaders in the organizations with which they are affiliated and have the time, energy, interest and willingness to serve as a member of the Board. The Board evaluates each individual in the context of the Board as a whole, with the objective of recommending a group that can best perpetuate the success of our business and represent shareholder interests through the exercise of sound judgment using its diversity of experience. The Board evaluates each incumbent director to determine whether he or she should be nominated to stand for re-election, based on the types of criteria outlined above as well as the directors contributions to the Board during their current term. Recent developments in corporate governance and financial reporting have resulted in an increased demand for such highly qualified and productive public company directors.
The Board evaluates director candidates suggested by stockholders in the same manner as other candidates. Any stockholder wishing to propose a nominee should submit a recommendation in writing to the Presiding Director of Clear Channel Outdoor at least 90 days in advance of the annual meeting, indicating the nominees qualifications and other relevant biographical information and providing confirmation of the nominees consent to serve as a director. Stockholders should direct such proposals to: Board of Directors Presiding Director, Clear Channel Outdoor Holdings, Inc., 200 East Basse Road, San Antonio, Texas 78209.
Mark P. Mays serves as both the principal executive officer and chairman of the Board. The Board does not have a policy regarding the separation of the roles of Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board as the Board believes it is in the best interests of Clear Channel Outdoor to make that determination based on the position and direction of Clear Channel Outdoor and the membership of the Board.
Our risk management system strives to (i) timely identify the material risks that Clear Channel Outdoor faces, (ii) communicate necessary information with respect to material risks to senior management and, as appropriate, to the Board or relevant Board committee, (iii) implement appropriate and responsive risk management strategies consistent with Clear Channel Outdoors risk profile, and (iv) integrate risk management into Clear Channel Outdoors decision-making.
The Board has designated the Audit Committee to oversee risk management. The Audit Committee makes an annual report to the Board regarding briefings provided by management and advisors as well as the Audit Committees own analysis and conclusions regarding the adequacy of Clear Channel Outdoors risk management processes.
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Additionally, the Board encourages management to promote a corporate culture that incorporates risk management into Clear Channel Outdoors corporate strategy and day-to-day operations. For example, management is working to centralize certain policies and procedures which will provide for greater control over and uniformity in its risk management.
STOCKHOLDER AND INTERESTED PARTY COMMUNICATION WITH THE BOARD
Stockholders and other interested parties may contact an individual director, the Presiding Director, the Board as a group, or a specified Board committee or group, including the non-management directors as a group, by sending regular mail to the following address:
Board of Directors | ||
Clear Channel Outdoor Holdings, Inc. | ||
200 East Basse Road | ||
San Antonio, Texas 78209 |
PROPOSAL 1: ELECTION OF DIRECTORS
The Board intends to nominate, at the annual meeting of stockholders, the three persons listed as nominees below. Each of the directors elected at the annual meeting will serve a three year term or until his successor shall have been elected and qualified, subject to earlier resignation and removal. The directors are to be elected by a plurality of the votes cast at the annual meeting. Accordingly, votes withheld, broker non-votes and abstentions will have no effect on the election of directors. Unless authority to vote for directors is withheld in the proxy, the persons named therein intend to vote FOR the election of the three nominees listed. Each of the nominees listed below is currently a director and is standing for re-election. Each nominee has agreed to be named in this proxy statement and to serve as director if elected. Should any nominee become unavailable for election, discretionary authority is conferred on the proxies to vote for a substitute. Management has no reason to believe that any of the nominees will be unable or unwilling to serve if elected.
James M. Raines term as a director will end at the 2010 annual meeting and he will not stand for re-election. The Board has not yet identified a replacement for Mr. Raines and is not making a nomination for a fourth director at this time, which will result in a vacancy on the Board once his term expires. The Board intends to fill the resulting vacancy as soon as it identifies an appropriate candidate who qualifies as an independent director under NYSE rules and as an audit committee financial expert under SEC rules. If the Board is unable to secure a replacement for Mr. Raines upon the expiration of his term, then Clear Channel Outdoors Audit Committee will only have two members and consequently will not be in compliance with Section 303A.07(a) of the NYSEs Listed Company Manual, which requires that a listed company have at least three members on its audit committee, all of whom are independent. The Board currently intends to identify and appoint a replacement director at or shortly after the annual meeting.
NOMINEES FOR DIRECTOR FOR TERMS EXPIRING 2013
The nominees for director are Blair E. Hendrix, Daniel G. Jones and Scott R. Wells.
Blair E. Hendrix, age 45, is a Managing Director of Bain Capital and one of the leaders of the firms operationally focused Portfolio Group. Mr Hendrix joined Bain Capital in 2000. Prior to joining Bain Capital, Mr. Hendrix was Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of DigiTrace Care Services, Inc. (now SleepMed), a national healthcare services company he co-founded. Earlier in his career, Mr. Hendrix was employed by Corporate Decisions, Inc. (now Oliver Wyman), a management consulting firm. Mr. Hendrix also serves as a director of Keystone Automotive Operations, Inc. and has previously served as a director of Innophos Holdings, Inc. (IPHS) and SMTC Corporation (SMTX). Mr Hendrix received a B.A. from Brown University, awarded with honors. Mr. Hendrix has been a member of our Board since August 2008. Mr. Hendrix was selected to serve as a director because of his operational knowledge gained from his experience with Bain Capital and in management consulting.
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Daniel G. Jones, age 35, is a Principal at Thomas H. Lee Partners, L.P. (THL) and is part of the firms Strategic Resource Group, which works in collaboration with senior management and THL investment professionals to drive value at portfolio companies. Prior to joining THL in 2007, Mr. Jones was a management consultant at the Monitor Group, a global strategic advisory firm, from 2004 to 2008. Before Monitor, Mr. Jones worked in a variety of corporate finance roles, lastly as Financial Project Manager and Deputy to the Chief Financial Officer at LAN Airlines, the leading Latin American passenger and cargo airline. Mr. Jones has been a member of our Board since August 2008. Mr. Jones was selected to serve as a director for his experience in acquisitions and financings gained through his work in private equity at THL and his experience in evaluating strategies, operations and risks gained through his work as a consultant.
Scott R. Wells, age 41, has served as an Executive Vice President at Bain Capital since 2007. Prior to joining Bain Capital, he held several executive roles at Dell, Inc. from 2004 to 2007, most recently as Vice President of Public Marketing and On-line in the Americas. Prior to joining Dell, Mr. Wells was a Partner at Bain & Company, where he focused primarily on technology and consumer-oriented companies. Mr. Wells has been a member of our Board since August 2008. Mr. Wells was selected to serve as a director for his experience in operations gained through his work serving as a senior executive at Dell and through his work as a consultant and for his experience in acquisitions and financings gained through his work in private equity at Bain Capital.
THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS THAT YOU VOTE FOR THE DIRECTOR NOMINEES NAMED ABOVE.
DIRECTORS WHOSE TERMS WILL EXPIRE IN 2011
Randall T. Mays, age 44, served as our Chief Financial Officer from August 2005 until January 1, 2010 and has been a member of our Board since April 1997. Mr. R. Mays has served as Chairman of the Board of Directors of Live Nation, Inc. since August 2005. Mr. R. Mays was also appointed Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Clear Channel Communications, Inc. in February 1997 and was appointed Secretary in April 2003. Mr. R. Mays relinquished his duties as Secretary in May 2006 and Chief Financial Officer in January 2010. He was appointed President of Clear Channel Communications, Inc. in February 2006 and relinquished his duties as President upon transitioning to the role of Vice Chairman in January 2010. Upon the closing of the Merger (as defined below), Mr. R. Mays became a director and the President and Chief Financial Officer of CC Media. Mr. R. Mays is the brother of Mark P. Mays, our Chief Executive Officer and one of our Board members. Mr. R. Mays was selected to serve as a director because of his operational knowledge of Clear Channel Outdoor as well as his experience in the industry.
Marsha M. Shields, age 55, has served as a director of Primera Insurance since March 1989. Since June 2002, Mrs. Shields has served as the President of the McCombs Foundation and as Dealer Principal for McCombs Automotive. She has served as Manager of McCombs Family Ltd. since January 2000. Mrs. Shields has been a member of our Board since November 2005. Mrs. Shields was selected to serve as a director for her operational knowledge gained from her experience at McCombs Automotive and her prior experience serving as a director.
DIRECTORS WHOSE TERMS WILL EXPIRE IN 2012
Margaret W. Covell, age 44 has served as a Managing Director at THL since 2006. Ms. Covell is a senior leader in THLs Strategic Resource Group, which works in collaboration with senior management and THL investment professionals to drive value at portfolio companies. Prior to joining THL, Ms. Covell was a Partner at the Monitor Group, a global strategic advisory firm, where she led the firms Operations Strategy business unit. Ms. Covell has been a member of our Board since August 2008. Ms. Covell was selected to serve as a director based on her experience in evaluating strategies, operations and risks gained through her work in management consulting.
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Mark P. Mays, age 46, has served as our Chief Executive Officer since August 2005 and has been a member of our Board since April 1997. Mr. M. Mays has also served as Chief Executive Officer of Clear Channel Communications, Inc., our indirect parent company, since October 2004. Prior thereto, he served as President and Chief Operating Officer of Clear Channel Communications, Inc. from February 1997 to October 2004 and as President and Chief Executive Officer from October 2004 to February 2006 until he was reappointed as President in January 2010. On July 30, 2008, Clear Channel Communications, Inc. completed its merger (the Merger) with a subsidiary of CC Media. Upon the closing of the Merger, Mr. M. Mays became a director and the Chief Executive Officer of CC Media. Mr. M. Mays has served on the Board of Clear Channel Communications, Inc. since May 1998. Mr. M. Mays was selected to serve as a director because of his position as Chief Executive Officer of Clear Channel Outdoor as well as his experience in the industry.
Dale W. Tremblay, age 51, has served as President and Chief Executive Officer of C.H. Guenther & Son, Inc., a food marketing and manufacturing company, since July 2001. Prior to joining C.H. Guenther & Son, Inc., Mr. Tremblay was an officer at the Quaker Oats Company, where he was responsible for all Worldwide Foodservice Businesses. Mr. Tremblay has been a member of our Board since November 2005. He currently serves on the Advisory Board for the Michigan State University Financial Analysis Lab and on the Advisory Board of the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas. Mr. Tremblay was selected to serve as a director based on his operational and managerial expertise gained from building and managing a large privately-held company.
CODE OF BUSINESS CONDUCT AND ETHICS
Clear Channel Outdoor adopted a Code of Business Conduct and Ethics applicable to all of its directors and employees, including its Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, and Chief Accounting Officer (the Code), which is a code of ethics as defined by applicable rules of the SEC. The Code is publicly available on Clear Channel Outdoors website at www.clearchanneloutdoor.com. If Clear Channel Outdoor makes any amendments to the Code other than technical, administrative, or other non-substantive amendments, or grants any waivers, including implicit waivers, from a provision of the Code that applies to Clear Channel Outdoors Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, and Chief Accounting Officer and relates to an element of the SECs code of ethics definition, Clear Channel Outdoor will disclose the nature of the amendment or waiver, its effective date and to whom it applies on its website.
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SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL
OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS
The table below sets forth information concerning the beneficial ownership of Clear Channel Outdoor common stock as of April 1, 2010, for each director currently serving on the Board and each of the nominees for director; each of the named executive officers not listed as a director, the directors and executive officers as a group and each person known to Clear Channel Outdoor to own beneficially more than 5% of Clear Channel Outdoor common stock outstanding. At the close of business on April 1, 2010, there were 40,840,896 shares of Clear Channel Outdoor Class A common stock outstanding and 315,000,000 shares of Clear Channel Outdoor Class B common stock outstanding. Except as otherwise noted, each stockholder has sole voting and investment power with respect to the shares beneficially owned.
Name |
Amount and Nature of Beneficial Ownership |
Percent of Class A Common Stock |
Percent of Class B Common Stock |
||||||
Margaret W. Covell |
| | | ||||||
Blair E. Hendrix |
| | | ||||||
Daniel G. Jones |
| | | ||||||
Mark P. Mays |
41,667 | (a) | * | | |||||
Randall T. Mays |
166,667 | (b) | * | | |||||
James M. Raines |
17,387 | (c) | * | | |||||
Marsha M. Shields |
20,687 | (d) | * | | |||||
Dale W. Tremblay |
20,687 | (e) | * | | |||||
Scott R. Wells |
| | | ||||||
Jonathan D. Bevan |
101,738 | (f) | * | | |||||
Ronald H. Cooper |
150,000 | * | | ||||||
Paul J. Meyer |
341,758 | (g) | * | | |||||
Franklin G. Sisson, Jr. |
261,894 | (h) | * | | |||||
Clear Channel Holdings, Inc |
315,000,000 | | (i) | 100.0 | %(i) | ||||
Manson Capital Management LLC (j) |
5,072,946 | 12.4 | % | | |||||
Pamet Capital Management, LLC (k) |
3,317,090 | 8.1 | % | | |||||
Frank Russell Company. (l) |
3,121,497 | 7.6 | % | | |||||
GAMCO Investors, Inc. (m) |
2,657,200 | 6.5 | % | | |||||
All Directors and Executive Officers as a Group (17 persons) |
1,136,484 | (n) | 2.7 | % | |
* | Percentage of shares beneficially owned by such person does not exceed one percent of the class so owned. |
(a) | Includes 25,000 shares subject to options held by Mr. M. Mays. |
(b) | Includes 150,000 shares subject to options held by Mr. R. Mays. |
(c) | Includes (i) 813 shares subject to trading restrictions that Mr. Raines former wife has the economic benefits of pursuant to the terms of a domestic relations order, but which Mr. Raines presently possesses the voting and dispositive power over and (ii) 14,437 shares subject to options held by Mr. Raines, of which 4,406 are held for the economic benefit of Mr. Raines former wife pursuant to the terms of a domestic relations order, but which Mr. Raines presently possesses the dispositive power over. |
(d) | Includes 14,437 shares subject to options held by Mrs. Shields. |
(e) | Includes 14,437 shares subject to options held by Mr. Tremblay. |
(f) | Includes 82,280 shares subject to options held by Mr. Bevan. |
(g) | Includes 301,758 shares subject to options held by Mr. Meyer. |
(h) | Includes 247,795 shares subject to options held by Mr. Sisson. |
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(i) | CC Media does not own any of our Class A common stock. The 315.0 million shares owned by CC Media, through its wholly owned subsidiary, Clear Channel Holdings, Inc., represent 100% of the shares of our Class B common stock. Shares of Class B common stock are convertible on a one for one basis into shares of Class A common stock and entitle the holder to twenty votes per share upon all matters on which stockholders are entitled to vote. |
(j) | Information with respect to the amount of beneficial ownership is as reported on Form 4 filed on February 12, 2010. Information with respect to the nature of beneficial ownership is as reported on Schedule 13G/A filed on January 19, 2010. The shares of Class A common stock reported herein are directly owned by Mason Capital L.P., a Delaware limited partnership (Mason Capital LP), Mason Capital Master Fund, L.P., a Cayman Islands exempted limited partnership (Mason Capital Master Fund), and certain other funds and accounts (the Managed Accounts). Mason Management is the investment manager of each of Mason Capital LP, Mason Capital Master Fund and the Managed Accounts, and Mason Management may be deemed to have beneficial ownership over the shares of Class A common stock by virtue of the authority granted to Mason Management by Mason Capital LP, Mason Capital Master Fund and the Managed Accounts to vote and dispose of such shares. Mr. Kenneth M. Garschina and Mr. Michael E. Martino are managing principals of Mason Management. Mason Management, Mr. Garschina and Mr. Martino disclaim beneficial ownership of the shares of Class A common stock reported herein pursuant to Rule 13d-4 of the Securities Exchange Act. The business address of the Managed Accounts is 110 East 59th Street, New York, New York 10022. |
(k) | As reported on Schedule 13G/A filed February 12, 2010. David C. Abrams is the managing member of Abrams Capital Management, LLC (Abrams Capital) and Pamet Capital Management, LLC (Pamet LLC). Pamet LLC is the general partner of Pamet Capital Management, L.P. (Pamet LP). Pamet LP is the investment manager of Abrams Capital International, Ltd., Abrams Capital Partners I, L.P., Abrams Capital Partners II, L.P. and Whitecrest Partners, LP, and Abrams Capital is the investment manager of Riva Capital Partners, L.P. (collectively, with Abrams Capital Partners I, L.P., Abrams Capital Partners II, L.P. and Whitecrest Partners, LP, the Abrams Funds), which collectively own the 3,317,090 shares of Class A common stock reported herein. Each of Mr. Abrams, Pamet LLC, Pamet LP and the Abrams Funds expressly disclaims beneficial ownership of any securities owned beneficially or of record by any person or persons other than himself or itself for purposes of Section 13(d)(3) and Rule 13d-3 of the Securities Exchange Act and expressly disclaims beneficial ownership of any such securities except to the extent of his or its pecuniary interest therein. The business address of Pamet LP is c/o Abrams Capital, LLC, 222 Berkeley Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02116. |
(l) | As reported on Schedule 13G filed on February 17, 2009. The business address of Frank Russell Company is 909 A Street, Tacoma, Washington 98402. |
(m) | As reported on Schedule 13D/A filed on December 30, 2009. The shares of Class A common stock reported herein may be deemed to be beneficially owned by one or more of the following persons: GGCP, Inc. (GGCP), GAMCO Investors, Inc. (GBL), Gabelli Funds, LLC (Gabelli Funds), GAMCO Asset Management Inc. (GAMCO), Teton Advisors, Inc. (Teton Advisors), Gabelli Securities, Inc. (GSI), Gabelli & Company, Inc. (Gabelli & Company), MJG Associates, Inc. (MJG Associates), Gabelli Foundation, Inc. (Foundation), and Mario Gabelli. Mario Gabelli is deemed to have beneficial ownership of the securities owned beneficially by each of GAMCO, Gabelli Funds and GSI. GSI is deemed to have beneficial ownership of the securities owned beneficially by Gabelli & Company. GBL and GGCP are deemed to have beneficial ownership of the securities owned beneficially by each of the foregoing persons other than Mario Gabelli and the Foundation. The business address of GAMCO is One Corporate Center, Rye, New York 10580. |
(n) | Includes 863,590 shares subject to options held by such persons. |
The Compensation Committee of the Board has reviewed and discussed the Compensation Discussion and Analysis included in this proxy statement with management. Based on such review and discussion, the Compensation Committee recommended to the Board that the Compensation Discussion and Analysis be included in this proxy statement.
Respectfully submitted,
THE COMPENSATION COMMITTEE
Dale W. Tremblay Chairman,
James M. Raines
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COMPENSATION DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
The following Compensation Discussion and Analysis contains statements regarding Clear Channel Outdoor and individual performance measures and other goals. These goals are disclosed in the limited context of Clear Channel Outdoors executive compensation program and should not be understood to be statements of managements expectations or estimates of results or other guidance. Clear Channel Outdoor specifically cautions investors not to apply these statements to other contexts.
Overview and Objectives of our Compensation Program
Clear Channel Outdoor believes that compensation of its named executive officers should be directly and materially linked to operating performance. The fundamental objective of Clear Channel Outdoors compensation program is to attract, retain, and motivate top quality executives through compensation and incentives which are competitive with the various labor markets and industries in which we compete for talent and which align the interests of Clear Channel Outdoors named executive officers with the interests of Clear Channel Outdoors stockholders.
Overall, Clear Channel Outdoor has designed its compensation program to:
| Support its business strategy and business plan by clearly communicating what is expected of executives with respect to goals and results and by rewarding achievement; |
| Recruit, motivate, and retain executive talent; and |
| Create a strong performance alignment with stockholders. |
Clear Channel Outdoor seeks to achieve these objectives through a variety of compensation elements:
| Annual base salary; |
| An annual incentive bonus, the amount of which is dependent on the performance of Clear Channel Outdoor and, for one or more executives, individual performance during the prior fiscal year; |
| Long-term incentive compensation, delivered in the form of equity awards that are awarded based on competitive pay practices and other factors described below, and that are designed to align the executives interests with those of stockholders by rewarding outstanding performance and providing long-term incentives; and |
| Other executive benefits and perquisites. |
Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer Compensation
Our Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Mark Mays, simultaneously serves as the Chief Executive Officer of our indirect parent, CC Media Holdings, Inc., sometimes referred to herein as CCMH or CC Media. Our former Chief Financial Officer, Mr. Randall T. Mays, simultaneously served as Chief Financial Officer of CCMH. Mr. Thomas W. Casey became our Chief Financial Officer and the Chief Financial Officer of CCMH effective as of January 4, 2010. Accordingly, Mr. Casey was not a named executive officer in 2009.
Our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer are compensated by CCMH, and we reimburse CCMH for personnel and personnel-related costs associated with their services pursuant to a Corporate Services Agreement between us and Clear Channel Management Services, L.P. See the Certain Relationships and Related Party TransactionsCC Media Holdings, Inc.Corporate Services Agreement section of this proxy statement. The compensation for our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer is set by the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors of CCMH. Clear Channel Outdoors Compensation Committee (for purposes of this Compensation Discussion and Analysis, the Committee) has no involvement in recommending or approving the compensation of our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer.
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Pursuant to the Corporate Services Agreement referenced above, a portion of Messrs. Mark and Randall Mays base salary and annual incentive bonus in 2009 was allocated to us, as reflected in the 2009 Summary Compensation Table set forth below. Additionally, upon termination or a change of control, a portion of certain payments that would be due to Messrs. Mark and Randall Mays would be allocated to us, as reflected in the 2009 Potential Payments upon Termination or Change of Control Table set forth below. These allocations were or would be made, as applicable, based on Clear Channel Outdoors OIBDAN (as defined below) as a percentage of Clear Channel Communications Inc.s OIBDAN. Accordingly, 41% of Messrs. Mark and Randall Mays base salary and annual incentive bonus in 2009 were allocated to us. Clear Channel Outdoor and CCMH considered these allocations to be a reflection of the utilization of services provided.
All references in this Compensation Discussion and Analysis to compensation policies and practices for Clear Channel Outdoors executive officers should be read to exclude the compensation policies and practices applicable to our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer. Accordingly, references in this Compensation Discussion and Analysis to our named executive officers are intended to include, collectively, Ronald H. Cooper, the President and Chief Executive Officer of our Outdoor Americas division; Paul J. Meyer, the former President and Chief Executive Officer of our Outdoor Americas division (effective as of January 4, 2010, Mr. Meyer now serves as President and Chief Executive Officer of Clear Channel Digital, LLC, an indirect subsidiary of Clear Channel Outdoor); Jonathan D. Bevan, our Chief Operating OfficerInternational; and Franklin G. Sisson, Jr., our Executive Vice PresidentSales and Marketing.
The Committee determines total compensation, as well as the individual components of such compensation, of Clear Channel Outdoors named executive officers on an annual basis. All compensation decisions are made within the scope of any employment agreement.
In making decisions with respect to each element of executive compensation, the Committee considers total compensation that may be awarded to the executive, including salary, annual incentive bonus, and long-term incentive compensation. Multiple factors are considered in determining the amount of total compensation (the sum of base salary, annual incentive bonus, and long-term incentive compensation delivered through equity awards) to award the named executive officers. These factors may include, among others:
| The terms of any employment agreement; |
| The recommendation of the Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Executive Officer-Americas (other than recommendations for themselves); |
| The value of equity awards granted in prior years; |
| Internal pay equity considerations; and |
| Broad trends in executive compensation generally. |
The Committees goal is to award compensation that is reasonable when all elements of potential compensation are considered.
The Committee believes that a combination of various elements of compensation best serves the interests of Clear Channel Outdoor and its stockholders. Having a variety of compensation elements enables Clear Channel Outdoor to meet the requirements of the highly competitive environment in which Clear Channel Outdoor operates while ensuring that its named executive officers are compensated in a way that advances the interests of all stockholders. Under this approach, executive compensation generally involves a significant portion of pay that is at risk, namely, the annual incentive bonus. The annual incentive bonus is based entirely on Clear Channel Outdoors financial performance, individual performance, or a combination of both. Equity awards constitute a significant portion of long-term remuneration that is tied directly to stock price appreciation that benefits all of Clear Channel Outdoors stockholders.
Clear Channel Outdoors practices with respect to each of the elements of executive compensation are set forth below, followed by a discussion of the specific factors considered in determining the amounts for each of the key elements.
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Base Salary
Purpose. The objective of base salary is to compensate an executive for job responsibilities, value to Clear Channel Outdoor, and individual performance with respect to market competitiveness.
Administration. Base salaries for the named executive officers are reviewed on an annual basis and at the time of promotion or other change in responsibilities. In general, any increases in salary are based on the subjective evaluation of such factors as the level of responsibility, individual performance, level of pay of the executive in question, and general competitive pay practices.
We have entered into employment agreements with Messrs. Meyer, Bevan and Cooper pursuant to which their initial base salaries were set. Accordingly, we are required to compensate Messrs. Meyer, Bevan and Cooper in accordance with their respective employment agreements. Clear Channel Outdoor believes that the employment agreements with Messrs. Meyer, Bevan and Cooper are in the best interests of Clear Channel Outdoor to assure continuity of management. Clear Channel Outdoor has not entered into employment agreements with any of the other named executive officers.
In reviewing base salaries, the Committee considers the importance of linking a significant proportion of the named executive officers compensation to performance in the form of the annual incentive bonus, which is tied to our financial performance measures, individual performance, or a combination of both, as well as long-term incentive compensation.
Analysis. In setting compensation for 2009, the Committee was primarily concerned with the continued impact of global economic conditions and their effect on the businesses and markets of Clear Channel Outdoor. Consequently, the annual base salaries of the named executive officers remained unchanged from their 2008 annual base salaries, with the exception of Messrs. Mark P. Mays and Randall T. Mays, whose annual base salaries were decreased pursuant to amendments to their respective employment agreements.
Annual Incentive Bonus
Purpose. Clear Channel Outdoors executive compensation program provides for an annual incentive bonus that is performance-linked. The objective of the annual incentive bonus is to compensate an executive based on the achievement of specific goals that are intended to correlate closely with long-term growth of stockholder value.
Administration. Each of our named executive officers, other than Messrs. Mark P. and Randall T. Mays, participates in the Clear Channel Outdoor 2006 Annual Incentive Plan (the Annual Incentive Plan). The Annual Incentive Plan is administered by the Committee and is intended to provide an incentive to the named executive officers and other selected key executives to contribute to the growth, profitability, and value of Clear Channel Outdoor and to retain such executives. Under the Annual Incentive Plan, participants are eligible for performance-based awards, which represent the conditional right to receive cash or other property based upon the achievement of pre-established performance goals within a specified performance period. Awards granted under the Annual Incentive Plan are intended to qualify for the performance-based compensation exception under Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code.
Performance goals are set pursuant to an extensive annual operating plan developed by the Chief Executive Officer of Clear Channel Outdoor in consultation with Clear Channel Outdoors Board, the Chief Financial Officer of Clear Channel Outdoor and other senior executive officers of Clear Channel Outdoor. The Chief Executive Officer of Clear Channel Outdoor makes recommendations as to the compensation levels and performance goals of the other named executive officers to the Committee for its review, consideration, and approval. The Committee has complete discretion to accept, reject, or modify the recommendations of the Chief Executive Officer.
The annual incentive bonus was paid in cash in 2009. The total annual incentive bonus is determined according to the level of achievement of the objective performance goals and any individual performance goals, as applicable. Below a minimum threshold level of performance, no award may be granted pursuant to the objective performance goal, and the Committee may, in its discretion, reduce the award pursuant to either objective or individual performance goals, as applicable.
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The annual incentive bonus process for each of the named executive officers involves three basic steps:
| At the outset of the fiscal year: |
Set performance goals for the year for Clear Channel Outdoor and each participant; and
Set target bonus for each participant, if applicable.
| After the end of the fiscal year, measure actual performance (individual and company-wide) against the predetermined Clear Channel Outdoor goals and any individual performance goals to determine the bonus. |
Analysis. For 2009, the performance-based goals applicable to the named executive officers are set forth below:
Paul J. Meyer
Mr. Meyers 2009 performance-based goals consisted of (i) achieving EBITDA in the Outdoor Americas division of $309.7 million, (ii) attaining budgeted expense targets and (iii) qualitatively evaluated initiatives deemed critical to Clear Channel Outdoors short and long-term success.
EBITDA is defined as operating income before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization. Clear Channel Outdoor calculates EBITDA by adjusting net income of the applicable division to exclude the following: (i) interest expense, (ii) income tax (expense) benefit, (iii) depreciation expense, and (iv) amortization expense. This measure is an important indicator of Clear Channel Outdoors operational strength and performance of its business because it provides a link between profitability and cash flows from operating activities.
Mr. Meyers aggregate target bonus for 2009 was set at $749,250, with each of the above components respectively weighted at (i) 75%, (ii) 10% and (iii) 15%. It was determined that Mr. Meyer earned a bonus award with respect to each of the elements described in (i)-(iii) above and Mr. Meyer was awarded $123,216, $75,000, and $112,500, respectively, for such achievement.
Franklin G. Sisson, Jr.
Mr. Sissons 2009 performance-based goals consisted of (i) achieving a combined EBITDA for the Outdoor Americas and International divisions of $490.5 million; however, during the year Mr. Sissons responsibilities shifted such that he was no longer responsible for the Outdoor International division, and accordingly his related bonus opportunity was revised to focus solely on achieving EBITDA of $309.7 for the Outdoor Americas division, (ii) increasing revenue and (iii) implementing strategic initiatives aimed at client growth and development.
Mr. Sissons aggregate target bonus for 2009 was set at $418,000, with each of the above components respectively weighted at (i) 70%, (ii) 23.8% and (iii) 6.2%. It was determined that Mr. Sisson earned a bonus award with respect to each of the elements described in (i)-(iii) above and Mr. Sisson was awarded $62,563, $114,309, and $11,691, respectively, for such achievement.
Jonathan D. Bevan
Mr. Bevans 2009 performance-based goals consisted of (i) achieving EBITDA in the Outdoor International division of $176.4 million (weighted at 90%) and (ii) achieving certain cost-savings initiatives, overseeing financial reporting and qualitatively evaluated initiatives deemed critical to Clear Channels short and long-term success (weighted at 10%).
Mr. Bevans aggregate target bonus for 2009 was set at $473,036. It was determined that Mr. Bevan did not earn a bonus award with respect to achieving a targeted EBITDA, but did earn a bonus award of $38,587 for achieving certain of the elements described in (ii) above.
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Ronald H. Cooper
Mr. Coopers employment with Clear Channel Outdoor commenced on December 10, 2009, and as such, Mr. Cooper did not participate in Clear Channel Outdoors annual incentive bonus program in 2009.
Long-Term Incentive Compensation
Purpose. The long-term incentive compensation element provides an award that is performance-based. The objective of the program is to align compensation of the named executive officers over a multi-year period directly with the interests of stockholders of Clear Channel Outdoor by motivating and rewarding creation and preservation of long-term stockholder value. In general, the level of long-term incentive compensation is determined based on an evaluation of competitive factors in conjunction with total compensation provided to the named executive officers and the overall goals of the compensation program described above. Long-term incentive compensation may be paid in cash, stock options, and restricted stock.
Clear Channel Outdoors 2005 Stock Incentive Plan (the Stock Incentive Plan) is moderately broad-based, with 532 employees at all levels holding outstanding stock incentive awards as of April 1, 2010. Equity ownership for all executive officers and the broad-based employee population is important for purposes of incentive, retention, and alignment with stockholders.
In prior years, including 2009, the Committee has granted the named executive officers long-term incentive compensation in the form of stock options and restricted stock awards. These two vehicles reward stockholder value creation in slightly different ways. Stock options (which have an exercise price equal to our common stock price at the date of grant) reward executives only if such stock price increases over the stock options exercise price. However, with respect to restricted stock awards, the named executive officers generally receive compensation immediately upon vesting of such awards whether such common stock price has or has not increased from the grant date of such awards. To help ensure our named executive officers are focused on creating stockholder value through appreciation of Clear Channel Outdoors common stock price, the named executive officers long-term incentive compensation was paid solely in the form of stock options in 2009.
Stock Options. The long-term incentive compensation element calls for stock options to be granted with respect to shares of Class A common stock with exercise prices of not less than fair market value of Clear Channel Outdoors common stock on the date of grant and to vest in 25% increments annually beginning on the first anniversary of the grant date, with a 10-year term. All vesting is contingent on continued employment, with rare exceptions made by the Committee. Clear Channel Outdoor defines fair market value as the closing price on the date of grant. All decisions to award the named executive officers stock options are in the sole discretion of the Committee.
Analysis
In 2009, Messrs. Meyer, Sisson, Bevan and Cooper received stock options for 174,896, 99,941, 61,921 and 300,000 shares of common stock, respectively, under the Stock Incentive Plan. Mr. Cooper also received 150,000 restricted stock units pursuant to his employment agreement.
The amount of stock option awards to Messrs. Meyer, Sisson and Bevan was primarily based upon (a) general performance, (b) internal pay equity relative to other key employees of Clear Channel Outdoor and (c) the value of equity awards granted in prior years. The amount of stock option awards to Mr. Cooper was based upon the negotiation of Mr. Coopers employment agreement.
As described above, the Committee considered internal pay equity when determining the amount of stock options to grant to Messrs. Meyer, Sisson, Bevan and Cooper. However, the Committee did so broadly and does not have a specific policy, or seek to follow established guidelines or formulas, to maintain a particular ratio of long-term incentive compensation among the named executive officers or other executives of Clear Channel Outdoor.
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Equity Award Grant Timing Practices
Regular Annual Equity Award Grant Dates. The grant date for regular annual stock options and other equity awards, as applicable, for employees, including the named executive officers, is typically in February and for non-employee directors is typically in April.
Employee New Hires/Promotions Grant Dates. Grants of stock options and other equity awards, as applicable, to newly-hired or newly-promoted employees are made at the regularly scheduled meeting of the Board of Directors following his or her hire or promotion.
Initial Equity Award Grant Dates for Newly-Elected Non-Employee Directors. Grants of stock options and other equity awards, as applicable, to newly-elected non-employee directors are generally made at the regularly scheduled meeting of the Board of Directors following their election. If a non-employee director is appointed between regularly scheduled Board meetings, then grants of stock options and other equity awards, as applicable, are made at the first meeting in attendance after such appointment, and the first meeting after election thereafter.
Timing of Equity Awards. Clear Channel Outdoor does not have a formal policy on timing equity awards in connection with the release of material non-public information to affect the value of compensation. In the event that material non-public information becomes known to the Committee prior to granting equity awards, the Committee will take the existence of such information under advisement and make an assessment in its business judgment whether to delay the grant of the equity award in order to avoid any potential impropriety.
Executive Benefits and Perquisites
Clear Channel Outdoor provides the following personal benefits to one or more of the named executive officers: (a) reimbursement for claims and administrative expenses under the Clear Channel Outdoor Medical Executive Reimbursement Plan, (b) certain pension benefits, (c) personal club membership, (d) company matching 401(k) contributions, (e) relocation allowance, and (f) car allowance.
Clear Channel Outdoor has a Medical Executive Reimbursement Plan (MERP) in place for Mr. Paul Meyer that reimburses Mr. Meyer for out-of-pocket medical, dental, and vision expenses that are not paid by the health plan that is available to all full-time employees. After claims are paid through the general health plan, co-payments, coinsurance, and ineligible expenses are reimbursed to Mr. Meyer through the MERP. In 2009, we paid $21,536 in claims and administrative expenses. Clear Channel Outdoor seeks to provide competitive benefits to promote the health and well-being of Mr. Meyer, which the Committee believes is in the long-term interests of stockholders.
Mr. Bevan participates in the Clear Channel UK Defined Benefit Pension Scheme, which is a pension plan that we sponsor for certain employees in the United Kingdom. The pension scheme provides pension income at retirement based on service and salary at retirement. Participation is elective, and participants are required to contribute to the pension scheme if they participate. The pension scheme is closed to new entrants, but approximately one-quarter of UK employees participate in the pension scheme. See the discussion of the pension scheme with respect to Mr. Bevan under the heading Clear Channel UK Defined Benefit Pension Scheme set forth below in this proxy statement.
Clear Channel Outdoor has agreed to reimburse Mr. Cooper for all reasonable expenses in connection with his commute from Denver, Colorado to Phoenix, Arizona and certain housing expenses until no later than August 2012.
The Committee believes that the above benefits provide a more tangible incentive than an equivalent amount of cash compensation. In determining the named executive officers total compensation, the Committee reviews these benefits and perquisites. However, as these benefits and perquisites represent a relatively insignificant portion of the named executive officers total compensation, they do not materially influence the Committees decision in setting such officers total compensation. For further discussion of these benefits and perquisites, please refer to the 2009 Summary Compensation Table set forth below in this proxy statement.
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Change-in-Control and Severance Arrangements
Pursuant to Messrs. Meyers, Bevans and Coopers employment agreements, they are entitled to certain severance payments upon their termination with Clear Channel Outdoor. Additionally, under the terms of the Stock Incentive Plan, and related forms of stock option agreement and restricted stock award agreement, the named executive officers are entitled to certain other benefits upon their termination and a change in control of Clear Channel Outdoor. For further discussion of these severance payments and benefits, see the heading Potential Post-Employment Payment set forth below in this proxy statement.
The Committee does not view the potential benefits conferred upon a change in control of Clear Channel Outdoor as additional elements of compensation due to the fact that a change in control may never occur. The Committee believes that these arrangements allow the named executive officers to focus their attention and energy on Clear Channel Outdoors business without any distractions regarding the effects of a change in control, and assists us in maximizing stockholder value by allowing the named executive officers to participate in an objective review of any proposed transaction and whether such transaction is in the best interest of the stockholders.
Roles and Responsibilities
Role of the Committee. The Committee is primarily responsible for conducting reviews of Clear Channel Outdoors executive compensation policies and strategies and overseeing and evaluating Clear Channel Outdoors overall compensation structure and programs. Direct responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
| Evaluating and approving goals and objectives relevant to the compensation of the named executive officers, and evaluating the performance of the executives in light of those goals and objectives; |
| Determining and approving the compensation level of the named executive officers; |
| Evaluating and approving all grants of equity-based compensation to the named executive officers; |
| Recommending to the Board of Directors compensation policies for outside directors; and |
| Reviewing performance-based and equity-based incentive plans for the named executive officers and reviewing other benefit programs presented to the Committee by the Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Executive Officer-Americas. |
Role of Executive Officers. Mr. M. Mays and Mr. Meyer were involved in recommending the form and amount of executive compensation for 2009. For 2010, Mr. M. Mays, Mr. Cooper (with respect to the Outdoor Americas division) and Mr. William Eccleshare, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Outdoor International division (with respect to the Outdoor International division) are each involved in recommending the form and amount of executive compensation. They will jointly provide reviews and recommendations for the Committees consideration, and manage Clear Channel Outdoors executive compensation programs, policies, and governance. Their direct, joint responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
| Providing an ongoing review of the effectiveness of the compensation programs, including competitiveness and alignment with Clear Channel Outdoors objectives; |
| Recommending changes and new programs, if necessary, to ensure achievement of all program objectives; and |
| Recommending pay levels, payout, and awards for the named executive officers (other than recommendations for themselves). |
The Committee has the responsibility for administrating performance awards under the Annual Incentive Plan in accordance with Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code. These duties included, among other things, setting the performance period, setting the performance goals, and certifying the achievement of the predetermined performance goals by each named executive officer.
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Deductibility of Executive Compensation
Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code places a limit of $1,000,000 on the amount of compensation Clear Channel Outdoor may deduct for federal income tax purposes in any one year with respect to certain senior executives of Clear Channel Outdoor, which we referred to herein as the Covered Employees. However, performance-based compensation that meets certain requirements is excluded from this $1,000,000 limitation.
In reviewing the effectiveness of the executive compensation program, the Committee considers the anticipated tax treatment to Clear Channel Outdoor and to the Covered Employees of various payments and benefits. However, the deductibility of certain compensation payments depends upon the timing of a Covered Employees vesting or exercise of previously granted equity awards, as well as interpretations and changes in the tax laws and other factors beyond the control of the Committee. For these and other reasons, including to maintain flexibility in compensating the named executive officers in a manner designed to promote varying corporate goals, the Committee will not necessarily, or in all circumstances, limit executive compensation to that which is deductible under Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code and has not adopted a policy requiring all compensation to be deductible.
The Committee will consider various alternatives to preserving the deductibility of compensation payments and benefits to the extent reasonably practicable and to the extent consistent with its other compensation objectives. To this end, the Committee annually establishes performance criteria in an effort to ensure deductibility of annual incentive bonuses under the Annual Incentive Plan. Base salary does not qualify as performance-based compensation under Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code.
Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation
Clear Channel Outdoor accounts for stock-based payments, including awards under the Stock Incentive Plan, in accordance with the requirements of ASC 718-10.
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The Summary Compensation table shows certain compensation information for the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007 for the Principal Executive Officer, Principal Financial Officer and each of the three next most highly compensated executive officers for services rendered in all capacities (hereinafter referred to as the named executive officers).
2009 SUMMARY COMPENSATION TABLE
Name and Principal Position |
Year | Salary ($) |
Bonus ($) |
Stock Awards (a) ($) |
Option Awards (a) ($) |
Non
Equity Incentive Plan Compensation(b) ($) |
Change in Pension Value and Nonqualified Deferred Compensation Earnings ($) |
All Other Compensation ($) |
Total ($) | ||||||||||||||
Mark P. Mays Chief Executive Officer (PEO)* |
2009 | 218,496 | (d) | 97,035 | (d) | | | | | | 315,531 | ||||||||||||
2008 | 366,950 | (d) | 1,845,000 | (d) | | | | | | 2,211,950 | |||||||||||||
2007 | 313,250 | (d) | 2,318,750 | (d) | 483,843 | 553,500 | | | | 3,669,343 | |||||||||||||
Randall T. Mays President and Chief Financial Officer (PFO)** |
2009 | 217,813 | (e) | 97,035 | (e) | | | | | | 314,848 | ||||||||||||
2008 | 358,750 | (e) | 1,845,000 | (e) | | | | | | 2,203,750 | |||||||||||||
2007 | 306,250 | (e) | 2,318,750 | (e) | 483,843 | 553,500 | | | | 3,662,343 | |||||||||||||
Ronald H. Cooper President and CEO Americas (f) |
2009 | 20,865 | | 1,354,500 | 1,551,000 | | | | 2,926,365 | ||||||||||||||
Franklin G. Sisson, Jr. Executive Vice President Sales and Marketing |
2009 | 380,000 | | | 301,742 | 188,563 | | 6,125 | (g) | 876,430 | |||||||||||||
2008 | 374,583 | | | 576,200 | 150,000 | | 5,750 | (g) | 1,106,533 | ||||||||||||||
2007 | 353,538 | | 338,693 | 387,450 | 157,320 | | 5,625 | (g) | 1,242,626 | ||||||||||||||
Jonathan D. Bevan Chief Operating Officer International (h) |
2009 | 337,093 | | | 186,952 | 38,587 | 220,551 | (c) | 94,645 | (i) | 877,828 | ||||||||||||
2008 | 377,217 | | | 390,731 | | | (c) | 111,028 | (i) | 878,976 | |||||||||||||
2007 | 390,353 | | 256,422 | 293,355 | 536,605 | 91,032 | (c) | 104,564 | (i) | 1,672,331 | |||||||||||||
Paul J. Meyer President and CEO Americas (f) |
2009 | 675,000 | 1,000,000 | (l) | | 843,771 | (k) | 310,716 | | 34,861 | (j) | 2,864,348 | |||||||||||
2008 | 672,115 | | | 1,073,224 | 175,000 | | 20,545 | (j) | 1,940,884 | ||||||||||||||
2007 | 647,115 | | 1,161,200 | | 1,484,766 | | 18,470 | (j) | 3,311,551 |
* | PEO refers to principal executive officer. |
** | PFO refers to principal financial officer. |
(a) | Amounts reflect the fair value of restricted stock awards and stock options granted during the three years ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007. See Note J - Shareholders Equity on page A-80 of Appendix A for a discussion of the assumptions made in calculating the grant date fair value of share based compensation. |
(b) | Amounts reflect cash payouts for the respective fiscal year under the Clear Channel Outdoor 2006 Annual Incentive Plan pursuant to certain pre-established performance goals. Only Messrs. Meyer and Sisson participate in the Clear Channel Outdoor 2006 Annual Incentive Plan. For further discussion of the 2009 pre-established performance goals, see the Compensation Discussion and AnalysisElements of CompensationAnnual Incentive Bonus section of this proxy statement set forth above. |
(c) | Amounts reflect the increase in Mr. Bevans actuarial present value of accumulated pension benefits during 2009 and 2007 under the UK Clear Channel Retirement Benefit Scheme. Mr. Bevans actuarial present value of accumulated pension benefit decreased $81,392 under the UK clear Channel Retirement Benefit Scheme during 2008. The Clear Channel Communications, Inc. Nonqualified Deferred compensation Plan does not provide for above-market or preferential earnings. |
(d) | Mr. M. Mays salary earned during each of the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007 was $532,917, $895,000 and $895,000 of which, $218,496, $366,950 and $313,250, respectively, was reimbursed by Clear Channel Outdoor to CCMH and its predecessor Clear Channel Communications, Inc., as applicable, pursuant to a Corporate Services Agreement between Clear Channel Outdoor and Clear Channel Management Services, L.P. (the Corporate Services Agreement). Mr. M. Mays bonus earned during the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007 was $236,670, $4,500,000 and $6,625,000 of which $97,035, $1,845,000 and $2,318,750, respectively, was reimbursed by Clear Channel Outdoor to CCMH and its predecessor Clear Channel Communications, Inc., as applicable, pursuant to the Corporate Services Agreement. See the Compensation Discussion and AnalysisChief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer Compensation section of this proxy statement set forth above for further discussion of the methodology used to allocate a portion of Mr. M. Mays 2009 base salary and bonus to Clear Channel Outdoor. |
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(e) | Mr. R. Mays salary earned during the year ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007 was $531,250, $875,000 and $875,000 of which, $217,813, $358,750 and $306,250, respectively, was reimbursed by Clear Channel Outdoor to CC Media and its predecessor Clear Channel Communications, Inc., as applicable, pursuant to the Corporate Services Agreement. Mr. R. Mays bonus earned during the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007 was $236,670, $4,500,000 and $6,625,000, of which $97,035, $1,845,000 and $2,318,750, respectively, was reimbursed by Clear Channel Outdoor to CC Media and its predecessor Clear Channel Communications, Inc., as applicable, pursuant to the Corporate Services Agreement. See the Compensation Discussion and AnalysisChief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer Compensation section of this proxy statement set forth above for further discussion of the methodology used to allocate a portion of Mr. R. Mays 2009 base salary and bonus to Clear Channel Outdoor. |
(f) | Mr. Meyer relinquished his duties as President and Chief Executive Officer, OutdoorAmericas to Mr. Cooper in December 2009. |
(g) | Amounts represent company-matching contributions to the 401(k) Plan. |
(h) | Mr. Bevan is a citizen of the United Kingdom. The compensation amounts reported in this table have been converted from British pounds to U.S. dollars using the average exchange rates of £1 = $1.5648, £1 = $1.8525 and £1 = $2.0018 for the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007, respectively. |
(i) | Amounts represent contracted payment of $26,797, $31,435 and $32,529 for car allowance for the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007, respectively, and $67,848, $79,593 and $72,035 in payments to the UK Clear Channel Retirement Benefit Scheme for the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007, respectively. |
(j) | Amount reflects $6,125, $5,750 and $5,625 in company matching contributions to an employer-sponsored 401(k) plan paid during the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007, respectively; $7,200, $7,200 and $6,950 in personal club memberships paid during the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007, respectively; and $21,536, $21,536 and $5,895 in claims and administrative expenses associated with a Medical Executive Reimbursement Plan paid during the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007, respectively. |
(k) | Amount includes $315,752 related to stock option modification. In December 2009, Mr. Meyer entered into a new employment agreement with Clear Channel Outdoor. Pursuant to the terms of the agreement, the expiration date of Mr. Meyers 365,000 options dated November 11, 2005 at the price of $18 per share were extended through November 10, 2014. |
(l) | Amount reflects $1,000,000 bonus payment made by Clear Channel Outdoor pursuant to the terms of the employment agreement entered into between Mr. Paul J. Meyer and Clear Channel Communications, Inc. in December 2009. |
Effective as of December 10, 2009, Clear Channel Outdoor entered into an employment agreement with Ronald H. Cooper pursuant to which Mr. Cooper serves as President and Chief Executive Officer of our Outdoor Americas division. The agreement sets Mr. Coopers initial base salary at $775,000, subject to annual raises in accordance with company policies. Mr. Cooper is also eligible to receive a performance bonus based on a target bonus plan of no less than $1,000,000, and which is no less favorable versus the bonus plan of any similarly situated executive domestic employee of Clear Channel Outdoor and its domestic affiliates. Pursuant to the employment agreement, Mr. Cooper was granted 150,000 restricted shares of Clear Channel Outdoors Class A common stock and he is eligible to receive incentive stock options and non-qualified stock options to purchase up to 500,000 shares of Clear Channel Outdoors Class A common stock. Mr. Cooper was also granted options to purchase 165,000 shares of common stock of CC Media Holdings. Mr. Cooper is also entitled to certain other employee benefits. The employment agreement has no specified term, but Mr. Cooper can generally terminate his employment upon ninety days written notice. Mr. Coopers employment agreement also contains a non-compete provision and non-solicitation provision, each with an eighteen-month term, and a confidentiality provision with a perpetual term.
On August 5, 2005, Clear Channel Outdoor entered into an employment agreement with Paul J. Meyer. The initial term of the agreement ended on the third anniversary of the date of the agreement; however the term automatically extends one day at a time beginning on the second anniversary of the date of the agreement, unless either party gives the other one years prior written notice of termination. The agreement set Mr. Meyers initial base salary of $600,000 for the first year of the agreement; $625,000 for the second year of the agreement; and $650,000 for the third year of the agreement, subject to additional annual raises in accordance with company policies. In fiscal year 2009, Mr. Meyer was employed under this agreement at an annual base salary of $675,000. Mr. Meyer is also eligible to receive a performance bonus as decided at the sole discretion of the Committee and is entitled to certain other employee benefits. Mr. Meyers employment agreement also contains a non-compete provision and non-solicitation provision, each with a one-year term, and a confidentiality provision with a perpetual term.
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In December 2009, Mr. Meyer entered into a new employment agreement with Clear Channel Outdoor. Under the agreement, Mr. Meyer memorialized his intent to retire from his positions as President and Chief Executive Officer of our Outdoor Americas division effective as of December 31, 2009. Pursuant to the new employment agreement, Mr. Meyer remained compensated at his 2009 annual base salary of $675,000 through December 31, 2009 and, in connection with his retirement from Clear Channel Outdoor, received bonus payments totaling $1,500,000 ($1,000,000 of which was paid on January 10, 2010 and $500,000 of which is to be paid on January 20, 2011). Additionally, the expiration date of Mr. Meyers 365,000 options dated November 11, 2005 at the price of $18 per share were extended through November 10, 2014.
On October 30, 2009, Clear Channel Outdoor Ltd., a subsidiary of Clear Channel Outdoor, entered into a new employment agreement with Jonathan D. Bevan. The agreement has no specified term, but can generally be terminated by Clear Channel Outdoor Ltd. without cause upon 12 months prior written notice or by Mr. Bevan without cause upon six months prior written notice. The agreement sets Mr. Bevans initial base salary at £240,000, subject to additional annual raises at the sole discretion of Clear Channel Outdoor Ltd. Mr. Bevan also receives a car allowance, is eligible to receive a performance bonus as decided at the sole discretion of the Chief Executive Officer of Clear Channel Outdoor Ltd., and is entitled to certain other employee benefits. Mr. Bevans employment agreement also contains a non-compete provision and non-solicitation provision, each with a nine-month term, and a confidentiality provision with a perpetual term.
The following table sets forth certain information concerning plan-based awards granted to the named executive officers during the year ended December 31, 2009.
GRANTS OF PLAN-BASED AWARDS DURING 2009
Estimated Possible Payouts Under Non-Equity Incentive Awards |
All Other Option Awards; |
Exercise or Base |
Grant Date | |||||||||||
Name |
Grant Date |
Threshold ($) |
Target ($) |
Maximum ($) |
Number of Securities Underlying Options (#) |
Price of Option Awards ($/sh) |
Fair Value of Option Awards ($) | |||||||
Mark P. Mays |
| | | | | | | |||||||
Randall T. Mays |
| | | | | | | |||||||
Ronald H. Cooper (a) |
||||||||||||||
Stock Option Award |
12/10/09 | | | | 300,000 | 9.03 | 1,551,000 | |||||||
Restricted Option Award |
12/10/09 | | | | 150,000 | 0.00 | 1,354,500 | |||||||
Paul J. Meyer (b) |
||||||||||||||
Stock Option Award |
2/6/09 | | | | 174,896 | 5.28 | 528,046 | |||||||
Annual Incentive Bonus |
2/6/09 | | 749,250 | 459,625 | | | | |||||||
Franklin G. Sisson, Jr. (c) |
||||||||||||||
Stock Option Award |
2/6/09 | | | | 99,941 | 5.28 | 301,742 | |||||||
Annual Incentive Bonus |
2/6/09 | | 418,000 | 462,000 | | | | |||||||
Jonathan D. Bevan (d) |
||||||||||||||
Stock Option Award |
2/6/09 | | | | 61,921 | 5.28 | 186,952 | |||||||
Annual Incentive Bonus |
2/6/09 | | 473,036 | 424,800 | | | |
(a) | Pursuant to the terms of his employment agreement effective December 10, 2009, Mr. Cooper was granted incentive stock options to purchase (i) 300,000 shares of Clear Channel Outdoors Class A common stock, which vest in 25% increments annually beginning on the first anniversary of the grant date, and (ii) 150,000 restricted shares of Clear Channel Outdoors common stock, which vest in 25% increments annually beginning on the first anniversary of the grant date. Each grant was made pursuant to the Clear Channel Stock Incentive Plan. |
(b) | On February 6, 2009, Mr. Meyer was granted stock options for 174,896 shares of Clear Channel Outdoors Class A common stock under the Clear Channel Outdoor 2005 Stock Incentive Plan, which vest in 25% increments annually beginning on the first anniversary of the grant date. On February 6, 2009, Mr. Meyer was granted a cash incentive award based on the achievement of a targeted EBITDA in the Outdoor Americas division and for achieving certain other quantitative and qualitative goals. For further discussion of his 2009 cash incentive award, see Elements of CompensationAnnual Incentive Bonus. |
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(c) | On February 6, 2009, Mr. Sisson was granted stock options for 99,941 shares of Clear Channel Outdoors Class A common stock under the Clear Channel Outdoor 2005 Stock Incentive Plan, which vest in 25% increments annually beginning on the first anniversary of the grant date. On February 6, 2009, Mr. Sisson was granted a cash incentive award based on the achievement of a targeted EBITDA in the Outdoor Americas division and for achieving certain other quantitative and qualitative goals. For further discussion of his 2009 cash incentive award, see Elements of CompensationAnnual Incentive Bonus. |
(d) | On February 6, 2009, Mr. Bevan was granted stock options for 61,921 shares of Clear Channel Outdoors Class A common stock under the Clear Channel Outdoor 2005 Stock Incentive Plan, which vest in 25% increments annually beginning on the first anniversary of the grant date. On February 6, 2009, Mr. Bevan was granted a cash incentive award based on the achievement of a targeted EBITDA in the Outdoor International division and for achieving certain other quantitative and qualitative goals. For further discussion of his 2009 cash incentive award, see Elements of CompensationAnnual Incentive Bonus. |
Outstanding Equity Awards at Fiscal Year End
The following table sets forth certain information concerning outstanding equity awards at fiscal year end of the named executive officers for the year ended December 31, 2009.
OUTSTANDING EQUITY AWARDS AT DECEMBER 31, 2009
Option Awards | Stock Awards | ||||||||||||||
Name |
Number
of Securities Underlying Unexercised Options (#) Exercisable |
Number
of Securities Underlying Unexercised Options (#) Unexercisable |
Option Exercise Price ($) |
Option Expiration Date |
Number of Shares or Units of Stock That Have Not Vested (#) |
Market Value of Shares or Units of Stock That Have Not Vested ($) | |||||||||
Mark P. Mays |
| 100,000 | (a) | 18.0000 | 11/11/15 | ||||||||||
25,000 | (b) | 25,000 | (c) | 29.0300 | 5/23/17 | ||||||||||
8,334 | (d) | 86,590 | |||||||||||||
Randall T. Mays |
100,000 | (e) | | 18.0000 | 11/11/15 | ||||||||||
50,000 | (e) | | 29.0300 | 5/23/17 | |||||||||||
Ronald H. Cooper |
| 300,000 | (f) | 9.0300 | 12/10/19 | 150,000 | (g) | 1,558,500 | |||||||
Franklin G. Sisson, Jr. |
43,916 | (h) | | 29.6015 | 10/25/10 | ||||||||||
21,958 | (i) | | 26.3454 | 12/14/11 | |||||||||||
21,080 | (j) | | 20.8463 | 2/19/10 | |||||||||||
| 35,133 | (k) | 17.8861 | 1/12/15 | |||||||||||
55,000 | (l) | 55,000 | (m) | 18.0000 | 11/11/12 | ||||||||||
17,500 | (b) | 17,500 | (c) | 29.0300 | 5/23/17 | ||||||||||
20,276 | (n) | 60,831 | (o) | 20.6400 | 5/16/18 | ||||||||||
| 99,941 | (p) | 5.2800 | 2/6/19 | |||||||||||
5,834 | (d) | 60,615 | |||||||||||||
Jonathan D. Bevan |
8,783 | (j) | | 20.8463 | 2/19/10 | ||||||||||
6,587 | (q) | 6,588 | (r) | 17.8861 | 1/12/12 | ||||||||||
3,125 | (s) | 9,375 | (t) | 19.8500 | 2/13/13 | ||||||||||
13,250 | (b) | 13,250 | (c) | 29.0300 | 5/23/17 | ||||||||||
13,750 | (n) | 41,250 | (o) | 20.6400 | 5/16/18 | ||||||||||
| 61,921 | (p) | 5.2800 | 2/6/19 | |||||||||||
10,511 | (u) | 109,209 | |||||||||||||
Paul J. Meyer |
35,133 | (j) | | 20.8463 | 2/19/10 | ||||||||||
185,500 | (l) | 182,500 | (m) | 18.0000 | 11/11/12 | ||||||||||
37,767 | (n) | 113,302 | (o) | 20.6400 | 5/16/18 | ||||||||||
| 174,896 | (p) | 5.2800 | 2/6/19 | |||||||||||
20,000 | (d) | 207,800 |
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(a) | Options will vest and become exercisable on November 11, 2010. |
(b) | One half of the options became exercisable on May 23, 2008 and 2009. |
(c) | One half of the options will vest and become exercisable on May 23, 2010 and 2011. |
(d) | The restrictions lapse and shares become freely tradable with respect to one half of the restricted shares on May 23, 2010 and 2011. |
(e) | In connection with the December 2009 amendments made to Mr. Randall T. Mays employment agreement and option agreements, options vested and became exercisable on December 22, 2009. |
(f) | The restrictions lapse and shares become freely tradable with respect to twenty-five percent of the shares on December 10, 2010, 2011, 2012 and 2013. |
(g) | Twenty-five percent of the options will vest and become exercisable on February 6, 2010, 2011, 2012 and 2013. |
(h) | Options became exercisable on November 11, 2005. |
(i) | Options became exercisable on December 14, 2006. |
(j) | Twenty-five percent of the options became exercisable on February 19, 2006 and 2007 and the remaining fifty percent of the options became exercisable on February 19, 2008. |
(k) | Options will vest and become exercisable on January 12, 2010. |
(l) | One half of the options became exercisable on November 11, 2008 and 2009. |
(m) | Options will vest and become exercisable on November 11, 2010. |
(n) | Options became exercisable on May 16, 2009. |
(o) | One third of the options will vest and become exercisable on May 16, 2010, 20111 and 2012. |
(p) | Twenty-five percent of the options will vest and become exercisable on December 10, 2010, 2011, 2012 and 2013. |
(q) | One half of the options became exercisable on January 12, 2008 and 2009. |
(r) | Options will vest and become exercisable on January 12, 2010. |
(s) | Options became exercisable on February 13, 2009. |
(t) | One third of the options will vest and become exercisable on February 13, 2010 and remaining two thirds of the options will vest and become exercisable on February 13, 2011. |
(u) | The restrictions lapse and shares become freely tradable with respect to 781 shares on February 13, 2010, 2,208 shares on May 23, 2010, 3,750 shares on November 11, 2010, 1,563 shares on February 13, 2011, and 2,209 shares on May 23, 2011. |
Option Exercises and Stock Vested
The following table sets forth certain information concerning option exercises by and stock vesting for the named executive officers during the year ended December 31, 2009.
OPTION EXERCISES AND STOCK VESTED DURING 2009
Option Awards | Stock Awards | |||||||
Name |
Number of Shares Acquired on Exercise (#) |
Value Realized on Exercise ($) |
Number of Shares Acquired on Vesting (#) |
Value Realized on Vesting (a) ($) | ||||
Mark P. Mays |
| | 4,167 | 15,460 | ||||
Randall T. Mays (b) |
| | 12,501 | 108,134 | ||||
Ronald H. Cooper |
| | | | ||||
Franklin G. Sisson, Jr. |
| | 2,917 | 10,822 | ||||
Jonathan D. Bevan |
| | 4,865 | 26,388 | ||||
Paul J. Meyer |
| | 10,000 | 37,100 |
(a) | Represents the amount realized based on the closing market price of Clear Channel Outdoors Class A common stock on the applicable vesting date. |
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(b) | In connection with the December 2009 amendments made to Mr. Randall T. Mays employment agreement, his restricted stock awards vested on December 22, 2009. |
The following table sets forth certain information concerning pension benefits for the named executive officers at December 31, 2009.
2009 PENSION BENEFITS
Name |
Plan Name |
Number of Years Credited Service (#) |
Present
Value of Accumulated Benefit ($) (a) |
Payments During Last Fiscal Year ($) | ||||
Mark P. Mays |
| | | | ||||
Randall T. Mays |
| | | | ||||
Ronald H. Cooper |
| | | | ||||
Franklin G. Sisson, Jr. |
| | | | ||||
Jonathan D. Bevan (b) |
Clear Channel Retirement Benefit Scheme |
6 | 504,804 | | ||||
Paul J. Meyer |
| | | |
(a) | Amount reflects the actuarial present value of the accumulated benefit at December 31, 2009 based upon the following material assumptions: discount rate of 5.80% per annum; expected return on invested assets of 7.30% per annum; salary increases of 3.20% per annum; inflation of 3.20% per annum; post retirement pension increases of 3.20% per annum and post retirement mortality PA92 (Year of Birth) with medium cohort projections. |
(b) | Mr. Bevan is a citizen and resident of the United Kingdom. The present value of the accumulated benefit reported in this table for Mr. Bevan has been converted from British pounds to U.S. dollars using the exchange rate in effect at December 31, 2009 of £1 = $1.62212. |
Clear Channel Outdoor operates a pension plan (with defined benefit and defined contribution sections) for eligible employees based in the UK called the Clear Channel Retirement Benefit Scheme (the Scheme). As of December 31, 2009, there were approximately 150 current employees paying into the defined benefit section. In order to be eligible to participate in the defined benefit section, an employee must have joined Clear Channel Outdoor prior to March 1, 2002 and elected to participate prior to turning age 35. Mr. Bevan is the only named executive officer that is a participant of the Scheme and the Scheme is the only material defined benefit pension plan operated by Clear Channel Outdoor.
Mr. Bevan, age 38, joined the Scheme on December 1, 2003 and has accrued a total of 6 years and 1 month of pensionable service. As a member of the Scheme, Mr. Bevan contributes 8% of his Pensionable Salary per month. Pensionable Salary is defined as base salary as of January 1 of each year, and does not include any bonuses, commissions or car allowance. Pensionable salary is also subject to restrictions related to the earnings cap described below. Clear Channel Outdoor contributes 21.1% of Mr. Bevans Pensionable Salary to the Scheme. As reported in the 2009 Summary Compensation Table, this amount equaled $67,848 in 2009.
Under the Scheme Mr. Bevans normal retirement age is 60 and provides a pension on retirement of 1/45 of Final Pensionable Salary for each year and complete month of pensionable service to Clear Channel Outdoor. Final Pensionable Salary is defined as (a) the highest average Pensionable Salary in any three consecutive years prior to normal retirement or date of leaving, or (b) Pensionable Salary as of January 1 immediately before the normal retirement date or the date of leaving if higher. However, as Mr. Bevans Pensionable Salary exceeds the current notional earnings cap of £123,600 per annum, his benefits under the Scheme would be restricted. Assuming he remained in service until age 60, the maximum pension would be based on two-thirds of his Final Pensionable Salary subject to restrictions related to the earnings cap.
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Under the Scheme, Mr. Bevan could elect early retirement at any age after 55 (or earlier if in ill health), subject to Clear Channel Outdoors consent. In this case, Mr. Bevan would receive a pension on retirement of 1/45th of his Final Pensionable Salary, less an early retirement reduction factor of 3% per annum simple for each year (and pro-rata for each month) for each of the first 5 years that his retirement date precedes his normal retirement date, and by 6% per annum simple (and pro-rata for each month) thereafter. The actual level of pension would then be subject to a maximum of the amount calculated as actual service divided by potential service multiplied by two-thirds of the notional earnings cap.
If Mr. Bevans pensionable service is terminated prior to being eligible for early retirement, then the following options would be available:
| To leave his accrued benefits within the Scheme until normal retirement date. His pension would increase broadly in line with increases in the UK Retail Prices Index (to a maximum of 5% per annum) during the period of deferment. |
| To leave his accrued benefits within the Scheme, and then to apply for early retirement once he has reached aged 55 or earlier if in ill-health. The Scheme trustees consent would be required, and his pension would be subject to an actuarial reduction for early payment. The reduction factor would be calculated by the actuary at the time of request and may be subject to further restriction by the Schemes rules. |
| To transfer the value of his accrued benefits to an alternative pension arrangement. |
Where any pension is put into payment (from normal or early retirement) then the following would generally apply:
| Mr. Bevan would be given the option of exchanging part of his annual pension for a one-off tax free cash sum. The amount available will depend on the circumstances at the time. |
| If Mr. Bevan predeceased any spouse, then a spouses pension of two-thirds of his own pension (ignoring any amount exchanged for a lump sum) would continue for the remainder of her lifetime. |
| Any pension in payment would normally attract increases broadly in line with increases in the UK Retail Prices Index subject to a minimum of 3% and a maximum of 5% per annum. |
Nonqualified Deferred Compensation Plans
The named executive officers were eligible to participate in the Clear Channel Communications, Inc. Nonqualified Deferred Compensation Plan in 2009. Under this plan, the named executive officers were able to make an annual election to defer up to 50% of their annual salary and up to 80% of their bonus before taxes. Matching credits on amounts deferred could have been made in Clear Channel Communications, Inc.s sole discretion. Participants in the plan allocated their deferrals and any matching credits among different investment options, the performance of which was used to determine the amounts to be paid to participants under the plan.
The following table reflects nonqualified deferred compensation paid to the named executive officers under the Clear Channel Communications, Inc. Nonqualified Deferred Compensation Plan.
2009 NONQUALIFIED DEFERRED COMPENSATION TABLE
Name |
Executive contributions in last FY ($) |
Registrant contributions in last FY ($) |
Aggregate earnings in last FY ($) |
Aggregate withdrawals / distributions ($) |
Aggregate Balance at last FYE ($) | |||||
Mark P. Mays |
| | | | | |||||
Randall T. Mays |
| | | | | |||||
Ronald H. Cooper |
| | | | | |||||
Franklin G. Sisson, Jr. |
| | | | | |||||
Jonathan D. Bevan |
| | | | | |||||
Paul J. Meyer |
43,750 | | 3,222 | | 46,972 |
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The following table sets forth certain information concerning director compensation granted to the named directors for the year ended December 31, 2009.
2009 DIRECTOR COMPENSATION
Name |
Fees Earned or Paid in Cash ($) |
Stock Awards ($) |
Option Awards (a) ($) |
Total ($) | ||||
Margaret W. Covell (b) |
| | | | ||||
Blair E. Hendrix (b) |
| | | | ||||
Daniel G. Jones (b) |
| | | | ||||
Mark P. Mays (c) |
| | | | ||||
Randall T. Mays (c) |
| | | | ||||
James M. Raines |
186,000 | | 22,644 | 208,644 | ||||
Marsha M. Shields |
152,000 | | 22,644 | 174,644 | ||||
Dale W. Tremblay |
161,000 | | 22,644 | 183,644 | ||||
Scott R. Wells (b) |
| | | |
(a) | Amounts reflect fair value of stock options granted during the year ended December 31, 2009. See Note JShareholders Equity in Appendix A page A-80 of this document for the complete disclosure of the assumptions made in the valuation of our option awards. No restricted stock awards were granted to the non-employee directors in 2009. Ms. Covell, Mr. Hendrix, Mr. Jones, Mr. M. Mays, Mr. R. Mays and Mr. Wells received no stock options during the year ended December 31, 2009. |
(b) | Ms. Covell and Messrs. Hendrix, Jones, and Wells are each an employee of Thomas H. Lee Partners, L.P. or Bain Capital Partners, LLC (collectively, the Sponsors), and are not compensated for their service on the Board. As discussed above, Clear Channel Outdoors indirect parent, CCMH, is owned by a group of private equity funds sponsored by the Sponsors. |
(c) | Messrs. M. Mays and R. Mays do not receive any additional compensation for their service on the Board. Information regarding compensation allocated to Messrs. M. Mays and R. Mays for their service as executive officers of Clear Channel Outdoor is presented above in the 2009 Summary Compensation Table. |
The Boards compensation structure is comprised of the following components (which amounts were paid to each of Mr. Raines, Ms. Shields and Mr. Tremblay): (i) an annual cash retainer of $25,000, (ii) an additional $1,500 for each Board meeting attended and (iii) an additional $1,000 for each committee meeting attended. Additionally, the 2009 Board fees include the following payments to Directors serving on the Boards Special Committee (Mr. Raines, Ms. Shields and Mr. Tremblay), which service commenced in April 2009: (i) a one-time payment of $25,000, (ii) a $10,000 monthly retainer to all Special Committee members other than the chairperson of the Special Committee (Ms. Shields and Mr. Tremblay) and (iii) a $12,500 monthly retainer to the chairperson of the Special Committee (Mr. Raines). We pay the chairperson of the Audit Committee and the chairperson of the Compensation Committee an additional annual cash retainer of $10,000 and $5,000, respectively. We may also grant stock options or other stock-based awards to Mr. Raines, Ms. Shields and Mr. Tremblay, and they may elect to receive their fees in the form of shares of our common stock. Mr. Raines, Ms. Shields and Mr. Tremblay did not make this election in 2009.
In 2009, Mr. Raines, Ms. Shields and Mr. Tremblay were each granted 7,500 stock options. Stock awards and option awards granted in 2007 and option awards granted in 2008 and 2009 vest in four equal installments annually.
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Potential Post-Employment Payments
Ronald H. Cooper
Under the terms of his employment agreement with Clear Channel Outdoor, if Mr. Cooper is terminated without Cause or if Mr. Cooper terminates his employment for Good Cause, Mr. Cooper is eligible to receive a lump sum payment equal to one and one-half times the sum of (i) Mr. Coopers annual rate of base salary on such date and (ii) his target bonus for such calendar year.
Under the employment agreement, Cause includes, subject to certain exceptions, (i) willful misappropriation of or material misrepresentation regarding property of Clear Channel Outdoor that causes material and demonstrable injury to Clear Channel Outdoor, whether monetary or otherwise, but not including customary and de minimis use of Clear Channel Outdoor property for personal purposes, as determined in discretion of Clear Channel Outdoor; (ii) willful and unreasonable refusal to follow lawful directives of the CEO; (iii) felony conviction, plea of nolo contendere for a felony, or other criminal conduct that has or would result in material and demonstrable injury, whether monetary or otherwise, to Clear Channel Outdoors reputation, including conviction of fraud, theft, embezzlement, or a crime involving moral turpitude; (iv) material breach of the employment agreement; or (v) significant violation of Clear Channel Outdoors written employment and management policies that causes material and demonstrable injury, whether monetary or otherwise, to Clear Channel Outdoor, including without limitation, violation of sexual or other harassment policies.
The term Good Cause includes, subject to certain exceptions, (i) Clear Channel Outdoors failure to comply with a material term of the employment agreement after written notice by Mr. Cooper specifying the alleged failure; and Clear Channel Outdoors failure to cure within thirty (30) days after such notice; or (ii) a substantial and unusual increase in responsibilities and authority without an offer of additional reasonable compensation as determined by Clear Channel Outdoor in light of compensation for similarly situated employees; or (iii) a substantial and unusual reduction in responsibilities or authority.
Under the terms of Clear Channel Outdoors 2005 Stock Incentive Plan and related forms of stock option agreement and restricted stock award agreement, (a) upon (i) Mr. Coopers termination due to death, or (ii) a Change in Control, any outstanding, unvested equity awards granted to Mr. Cooper under the 2005 Stock Incentive Plan immediately vest, and (b) upon Mr. Coopers termination due to a Disability, any outstanding, unvested equity awards granted to Mr. Cooper under the 2005 Stock Incentive Plan continue to vest, in general, in accordance with the respective awards vesting schedule. In Mr. Coopers case, Disability means a physical or mental infirmity that impairs his ability to perform substantially his duties for a period of one hundred eighty (180) consecutive days.
Paul J. Meyer
In December 2009, Mr. Meyer entered into a new employment agreement with Clear Channel Outdoor. Under the terms of the agreement, Mr. Meyer memorialized his intent to retire from his positions as President and Chief Executive Officer of our Outdoor Americas division effective as of December 31, 2009. Pursuant to the new employment agreement, Mr. Meyer remained compensated at his 2009 annual base salary of $675,000 through December 31, 2009 and, in connection with his retirement from Clear Channel Outdoor, received bonus payments totaling $1,500,000 ($1,000,000 of which was paid on January 10, 2010 and $500,000 of which is to be paid on January 20, 2011). Additionally, the expiration date of Mr. Meyers 365,000 options dated November 11, 2005 at the price of $18 per share were extended through November 10, 2014.
Under the terms of the Clear Channel Outdoors 2005 Stock Incentive Plan and related forms of stock option agreement and restricted stock award agreement, (a) upon (i) Mr. Meyers termination due to death, or (ii) a Change in Control, any outstanding, unvested equity awards granted to Mr. Meyer under the 2005 Stock Incentive Plan immediately vest, and (b) upon Mr. Meyers termination due to a Disability, any outstanding, unvested equity awards granted to Mr. Meyer under the 2005 Stock Incentive Plan continue to vest, in general, in accordance with the respective awards vesting schedule. In Mr. Meyers case, Disability means a physical or mental infirmity that impairs his ability to perform substantially his duties for a period of one hundred eighty (180) consecutive days.
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Jonathan D. Bevan
Under the terms of the Clear Channel Outdoors 2005 Stock Incentive Plan and related forms of stock option agreement and restricted stock award agreement, (a) upon (i) Mr. Bevans termination due to death, or (ii) a Change in Control, any outstanding, unvested equity awards granted to Mr. Bevan under the 2005 Stock Incentive Plan immediately vest, and (b) upon Mr. Bevans termination due to a Disability, any outstanding, unvested equity awards granted to Mr. Bevan under the 2005 Stock Incentive Plan continue to vest, in general, in accordance with the respective awards vesting schedule. In Mr. Bevans case, Disability means a physical or mental infirmity that impairs his ability to perform substantially his duties for a period of one hundred eighty (180) consecutive days.
Franklin G. Sisson, Jr.
Under the terms of the Clear Channel Outdoors 2005 Stock Incentive Plan and related forms of stock option agreement and restricted stock award agreement, (a) upon (i) Mr. Sissons termination due to death, or (ii) a Change in Control,, any outstanding, unvested equity awards granted to Mr. Sisson under the 2005 Stock Incentive Plan immediately vest, and (b) upon Mr. Mr. Sissons termination due to a Disability, any outstanding, unvested equity awards granted to Mr. Mr. Sisson under the 2005 Stock Incentive Plan continue to vest, in general, in accordance with the respective awards vesting schedule. In Mr. Sissons case, Disability means a physical or mental infirmity that impairs his ability to perform substantially his duties for a period of one hundred eighty (180) consecutive days.
Mark P. Mays
Under the terms of the Clear Channel Outdoors 2005 Stock Incentive Plan and related forms of stock option agreement and restricted stock award agreement, (a) upon (i) Mr. M. Mays termination due to death, or (ii) a Change in Control, any outstanding, unvested equity awards granted to Mr. M. Mays under the 2005 Stock Incentive Plan immediately vest, and (b) upon Mr. M. Mays or termination due to a Disability, any outstanding, unvested equity awards granted to Mr. M. Mays under the 2005 Stock Incentive Plan continue to vest, in general, in accordance with the respective awards vesting schedule. In Mr. M. Mays case, Disability means a physical or mental infirmity that impairs his ability to perform substantially his duties for a period of one hundred eighty (180) consecutive days.
Furthermore, pursuant to an agreement entered into by CC Media, Clear Channel Capital IV, LLC, Clear Channel Capital V, L.P. and Mr. Mark P. Mays, in the event that Mr. Mark P. Mays employment is terminated without Cause or by him for Good Reason, Mr. Mark P. Mays is entitled to require CC Media to purchase all or a portion of the restricted stock granted to him in connection with the closing of the Merger at a price equal to $36.00 per share.
Pursuant to the Corporate Services Agreement, a percentage of potential payments owed by CC Media to Mr. Mark P. Mays and Mr. Randall T. Mays upon their termination or a change in control of Clear Channel Outdoor, other than payments regarding the vesting of equity awards, would be reimbursable by Clear Channel Outdoor. This allocation is based on Clear Channel Outdoors OIBDAN as a percentage of Clear Channel Communication, Inc.s OIBDAN. Accordingly, for 2009, 41% of any payments to Mr. Mark P. Mays or Mr. Randall T. Mays upon termination or change in control, other than payments regarding the vesting of equity awards, would have been allocated to Clear Channel Outdoor. For a further discussion of the Corporate Services Agreement, please refer to Corporate Services Agreement.
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The table below quantifies the potential payments to the named executive officers upon (a) termination of their employment, and (b) a change of control of Clear Channel Outdoor.
2009 POTENTIAL PAYMENTS UPON TERMINATION OR CHANGE IN CONTROL (a)
Name |
Benefit |
Termination with Cause |
Termination without Cause |
Termination due to Disability |
Termination due to Death |
Retirement | Change in Control of Company |
||||||||||||
Mark P. Mays (b) |
Cash payment |
| 6,765,000 | (c) | | | | | |||||||||||
Value of Benefits (e) |
| 12,514 | | | | | |||||||||||||
Vesting of equity awards |
| | 86,590 | (d) | 86,590 | (f) | | 86,590 | (f) | ||||||||||
Repurchase of Restricted stock |
| 8,200,007 | 8,200,007 | 8,200,007 | | | |||||||||||||
Other |
| 5,692,525 | (j) | | | | | ||||||||||||
TOTAL |
| 20,670,046 | 8,286,597 | 8,286,597 | | 86,590 | |||||||||||||
Randall T. Mays (b) |
Cash payment |
| 1,469,165 | | | | | ||||||||||||
Value of Benefits (e) |
| 17,865 | | | | | |||||||||||||
Vesting of equity awards |
| | | | | | |||||||||||||
Other |
| | | | | | |||||||||||||
TOTAL |
| 1,487,030 | | | | ||||||||||||||
Ronald H. Cooper |
Cash payment |
| 1,162,500 | (g) | | | | | |||||||||||
Value of Benefits |
| | | | | | |||||||||||||
Vesting of equity awards |
| | 1,966,500 | (d) | 1,966,500 | (f) | | 1,966,500 | (f) | ||||||||||
Other |
| | | | | | |||||||||||||
TOTAL |
| 1,162,500 | 1,966,500 | 1,966,500 | | 1,966,500 | |||||||||||||
Franklin G. Sisson, Jr. |
Cash payment |
| | | | | |||||||||||||
Value of Benefits |
| | | | | | |||||||||||||
Vesting of equity awards |
| | 571,314 | (d) | 571,314 | (f) | | 571,314 | (f) | ||||||||||
Other |
| | | | | | |||||||||||||
TOTAL |
| | 571,314 | 571,314 | | 571,314 | |||||||||||||
Jonathan D. Bevan |
Cash payment |
| | | | | | ||||||||||||
Value of Benefits |
| | | | | | |||||||||||||
Vesting of equity awards |
| | 425,625 | (d) | 425,625 | (f) | | 425,625 | (f) | ||||||||||
TOTAL |
| | 425,625 | 425,625 | | 425,625 | |||||||||||||
Paul J. Meyer |
Cash payment |
| | | | 1,500,000 | (h) | | |||||||||||
Value of Benefits |
| | | | | | |||||||||||||
Vesting of equity awards |
| | 1,101,519 | (d) | 1,101,519 | (f) | 1,101,519 | (i) | 1,101,519 | (f) | |||||||||
Other |
| | | | | | |||||||||||||
TOTAL |
| | 1,101,519 | 1,101,519 | 2,601,519 | 1,101,519 | |||||||||||||
(a) | Amounts reflected in the table were calculated assuming a December 31, 2009 termination date, which was the last business day of the 2009 fiscal year. Each named executive officer is entitled to receive amounts earned during the term of his employment regardless of the manner in which he is terminated, including termination for Cause. These amounts include base salary, unused vacation pay and other benefits entitled to under applicable employee benefit plans, and are not reflected in the above table. The table reflects only the additional compensation and benefits (collectively, Additional Compensation) the named executive officers are estimated to receive upon termination or a change in control of Clear Channel Outdoor. The actual amounts to be paid to a named executive officer can only be determined at the time of his actual termination. |
(b) | Amounts reflected in the table represent Clear Channel Outdoors portion of post-employment payments. Pursuant to the Corporate Services Agreement, a percentage of payments made to Mr. Mark P. Mays and Mr. Randall T. Mays upon termination or a change in control, other than Vesting of Equity Awards payments, would be reimbursable by Clear Channel Outdoor. For 2009, this allocation is based on Clear Channel Outdoors 2008 OIBDAN as a percentage of Clear Channel Communication, Inc.s 2008 OIBDAN. Accordingly, 41% of any payments to Mr. Mark P. Mays or Mr. Randall T. Mays upon termination or change in control in 2009, other than Vesting of Equity Awards payments, would have been allocated to Clear Channel Outdoor. For a further discussion of the Corporate Services Agreement, please refer to Corporate Services Agreement. |
(c) | Represents three times the sum of the annual base salary for the year ended December 31, 2009 and the annual incentive bonus for the year ended December 31, 2008 for Mr. Mark P. Mays. |
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(d) | Amount reflects the value of unvested equity awards held by the respective named executive officer on December 31, 2009 that would generally continue to vest upon Disability in accordance with their original vesting schedule. This value is based upon the closing sale price of Clear Channel Outdoors Class A common stock on December 31, 2009 of $10.39, but it excludes stock options where the exercise price exceeds the closing sale price of our Class A common stock on December 31, 2009. |
(e) | The values associated with the continued provision of health benefits are based on the total 2010 premiums for medical and life insurance multiplied the number of years the executive is entitled to those benefits pursuant to his employment agreement. |
(f) | Amount reflects the value of unvested equity awards held by the respective named executive officer on December 31, 2009 that would be subject to accelerated vesting. This value is based upon the closing sale price of Clear Channel Outdoors Class A common stock on December 31, 2008 of $10.39, but it excludes stock options where the exercise price exceeds the closing sale price of our Class A common stock on December 31, 2009. |
(g) | Represents one and a half times the annual base salary for the year ended December 31, 2009 for Mr. Cooper. The bonus portion of Mr. Coopers cash severance cannot be estimated as his annual incentive bonus is determined and awarded based upon his performance at the end of the year. |
(h) | Represents Mr. Meyers bonus payment due under his amended employment agreement entered into on December 7, 2009. |
(i) | Amount reflects the value of unvested equity awards held by Mr. Meyer on December 31, 2009 that would generally continue to vest upon Retirement in accordance with their original vesting schedule. This value is based upon the closing sale price of Clear Channel Outdoors Class A common stock on December 31, 2009 of $10.39, but it excludes stock options where the exercise price exceeds the closing sale price of our Class A common stock on December 31, 2009. |
(j) | Represents the excise tax gross up payment due to Mr. Mark P. Mays under the terms of his employment agreement related to the Merger. If Mr. Mark P. Mays were terminated by the Company without Cause on December 31, 2009, portions of the benefits he would receive in connection with the termination along with benefits he received at the time of the Merger may constitute excess parachute payments under Section 280G. |
RELATIONSHIP OF COMPENSATION POLICIES AND PROGRAMS TO RISK MANAGEMENT
In consultation with the Compensation Committee, management conducted an assessment of whether the Companys compensation policies and practices encourage excessive or inappropriate risk taking by our employees, including employees other than our named executive officers. This assessment included discussions with members of the corporate Human Resources, Legal, Finance, Internal Audit departments, as well as personnel in the business units, and a review of corporate and operational compensation arrangements. The assessment analyzed the risk characteristics of our business and the design and structure of our incentive plans and policies. Although a significant portion of our executive compensation program is performance-based, the Compensation Committee has focused on aligning the Companys compensation policies with the long- term interests of the Company and avoiding rewards or incentive structures that could create unnecessary risks to the Company.
Management reported its findings to the Compensation Committee, which agreed with managements assessment that our plans and policies do not encourage excessive or inappropriate risk taking and determined such policies or practices are not reasonably likely to have a material adverse effect on the Company.
SECTION 16(A) BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP
REPORTING COMPLIANCE
Section 16(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 requires Clear Channel Outdoors directors, executive officers and beneficial owners of more than 10% of any class of equity securities of Clear Channel Outdoor to file reports of ownership and changes in ownership with the SEC. Directors, executive officers and greater than 10% stockholders are required to furnish Clear Channel Outdoor with copies of all Section 16(a) forms they file.
Based solely on its review of the copies of such forms received by it, or written representations from certain reporting persons that no such forms were required to be filed by those persons, Clear Channel Outdoor believes that all such Section 16(a) filing requirements were satisfied during fiscal year 2009.
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COMPENSATION COMMITTEE INTERLOCKS
AND INSIDER PARTICIPATION
None of our executive officers serve as a member of the compensation committee or as a member of the board of directors of any other company of which any member of our Compensation Committee or Board of Directors is an executive officer.
CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
CC Media Holdings, Inc.
We are an indirect subsidiary of CC Media. CC Media, through its wholly owned subsidiary, Clear Channel Holdings, Inc., 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. Each share of our Class B common stock is convertible while owned by Clear Channel Holdings, Inc. or any of its affiliates (excluding us and our subsidiaries) at the option of the holder thereof into one share of Class A common stock. The agreements between us and CC Media do not prohibit it from selling, spinning off, splitting off or otherwise disposing of any shares of our common stock.
Each of Mark P. Mays, Randall T. Mays and Blair Hendrix, three of our current directors, is a director of CC Media. Mark. P. Mays and Randall T. Mays also serve as executive officers of CC Media.
We have entered into a number of agreements with certain subsidiaries of CC Media setting forth various matters governing our relationship with CC Media and Clear Channel Communications, Inc., referred to in this section as Clear Channel Communications. These agreements provide for, among other things, the allocation of employee benefit, tax and other liabilities and obligations attributable to our operations.
Set forth below are descriptions of certain agreements, relationships and transactions we have with Clear Channel Communications.
Master Agreement
We have entered into a master agreement (the Master Agreement) with Clear Channel Communications. Among other things, the Master Agreement sets forth agreements governing our relationship with Clear Channel Communications.
Auditors and Audits; Annual Financial Statements and Accounting. We have agreed that, for so long as Clear Channel Communications is required to consolidate our results of operations and financial position or account for its investment in our company under the equity method of accounting, we will maintain a fiscal year end and accounting periods the same as Clear Channel Communications, conform our financial presentation with that of Clear Channel Communications and we will not change our independent auditors without Clear Channel Communications prior written consent (which will not be unreasonably withheld), and we will use commercially reasonable efforts to enable our independent auditors to complete their audit of our financial statements in a timely manner so as to permit timely filing of Clear Channel Communications financial statements. We have also agreed to provide to Clear Channel Communications all information required for Clear Channel Communications to meet its schedule for the filing and distribution of its financial statements and to make available to Clear Channel Communications and its independent auditors all documents necessary for the annual audit of our company as well as access to the responsible personnel so that Clear Channel Communications and its independent auditors may conduct their audits relating to our financial statements. We provide Clear Channel Communications with financial reports, financial statements, budgets, projections, press releases and other financial data and information with respect to our business, properties and financial positions. We have also agreed to adhere to certain specified disclosure controls and procedures and Clear Channel Communications accounting policies and to notify and consult with Clear Channel Communications regarding any changes to our accounting principles and estimates used in the preparation of our financial statements, and any deficiencies in, or violations of law in connection with, our internal control over financial reporting and certain fraudulent conduct and other violations of law.
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Exchange of Other Information. The Master Agreement also provides for other arrangements with respect to the mutual sharing of information between Clear Channel Communications and us in order to comply with reporting, filing, audit or tax requirements, for use in judicial proceedings, and in order to comply with our respective obligations after the separation. We have also agreed to provide mutual access to historical records relating to the others businesses that may be in our possession.
Indemnification. We have agreed to indemnify, hold harmless and defend Clear Channel Communications, each of its affiliates (excluding us and our subsidiaries) and each of their respective directors, officers and employees, on an after-tax basis, from and against all liabilities relating to, arising out of or resulting from:
| the failure by us or any of our affiliates or any other person or entity to pay, perform or otherwise promptly discharge any liabilities or contractual obligations associated with our businesses, whether arising before or after the separation; |
| the operations, liabilities and contractual obligations of our business; |
| any guarantee, indemnification obligation, surety bond or other credit support arrangement by Clear Channel Communications or any of its affiliates for our benefit; |
| any breach by us or any of our affiliates of the Master Agreement or our other agreements with Clear Channel Communications or our amended and restated certificate of incorporation or bylaws; and |
| any untrue statement of, or omission to state, a material fact in Clear Channel Communications public filings to the extent the statement or omission was as a result of information that we furnished to Clear Channel Communications or that Clear Channel Communications incorporated by reference from our public filings, if the statement or omission was made or occurred after November 10, 2005. |
Clear Channel Communications has agreed to indemnify, hold harmless and defend us, each of our subsidiaries and each of our and our subsidiaries respective directors, officers and employees, on an after-tax basis, from and against all liabilities relating to, arising out of or resulting from:
| the failure of Clear Channel Communications or any of its affiliates or any other person or entity to pay, perform or otherwise promptly discharge any liabilities of Clear Channel Communications or its affiliates, other than liabilities associated with our businesses; |
| the liabilities of Clear Channel Communications and its affiliates businesses, other than liabilities associated with our businesses; |
| any breach by Clear Channel Communications or any of its affiliates of the Master Agreement or its other agreements with us; and |
| any untrue statement of, or omission to state, a material fact in our public filings to the extent the statement or omission was as a result of information that Clear Channel Communications furnished to us or that we incorporated by reference from Clear Channel Communications public filings, if the statement or omission was made or occurred after November 10, 2005. |
The Master Agreement also specifies procedures with respect to claims subject to indemnification and related matters and provides for contribution in the event that indemnification is not available to an indemnified party.
Dispute Resolution Procedures. We have agreed with Clear Channel Communications that neither party will commence any court action to resolve any dispute or claim arising out of or relating to the Master Agreement, subject to certain exceptions. Instead, any dispute that is not resolved in the normal course of business will be submitted to senior executives of each business entity involved in the dispute for resolution. If the dispute is not resolved by negotiation within 45 days after submission to the executives, either party may submit the dispute to mediation. If the dispute is not resolved by mediation within 30 days after the selection of a mediator, either party may submit the dispute to binding arbitration before a panel of three arbitrators. The arbitrators will determine the dispute in accordance with Texas law. Most of the other agreements between Clear Channel Communications and us have similar dispute resolution provisions.
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Other Provisions. The Master Agreement also contains covenants between Clear Channel Communications and us with respect to other matters, including the following:
| our agreement (subject to certain limited exceptions) not to repurchase shares of our outstanding Class A common stock or any other securities convertible into or exercisable for our Class A common stock, without first obtaining the prior written consent or affirmative vote of Clear Channel Communications, for so long as Clear Channel Communications owns more than 50% of the total voting power of our common stock; |
| confidentiality of our and Clear Channel Communications information; |
| our right to continue coverage under Clear Channel Communications insurance policies for so long as Clear Channel Communications owns more than 50% of our outstanding common stock; |
| restrictions on our ability to take any action or enter into any agreement that would cause Clear Channel Communications to violate any law, organizational document, agreement or judgment; |
| restrictions on our ability to take any action that limits Clear Channel Communications ability to freely sell, transfer, pledge or otherwise dispose of our stock; |
| our obligation to comply with Clear Channel Communications policies applicable to its subsidiaries for so long as Clear Channel Communications owns more than 50% of the total voting power of our outstanding common stock, except (i) to the extent such policies conflict with our amended and restated certificate of incorporation or bylaws or any of the agreements between Clear Channel Communications and us, or (ii) as otherwise agreed with Clear Channel Communications or superseded by any policies adopted by our Board; and |
| restrictions on our ability to enter into any agreement that binds or purports to bind Clear Channel Communications. |
Approval Rights of Clear Channel Communications on Certain of our Activities. Until the first date on which Clear Channel Communications owns less than 50% of the total voting power of our common stock, the prior affirmative vote or written consent of Clear Channel Communications is required for the following actions (subject in each case to certain agreed exceptions):
| a merger involving us or any of our subsidiaries (other than mergers involving our subsidiaries or to effect acquisitions permitted under our amended and restated certificate of incorporation); |
| acquisitions by us or our subsidiaries of the stock or assets of another business for a price (including assumed debt) in excess of $5 million; |
| dispositions by us or our subsidiaries of assets in a single transaction or a series of related transactions for a price (including assumed debt) in excess of $5 million; |
| incurrence or guarantee of debt by us or our subsidiaries in excess of $400 million outstanding at any one time or that could reasonably be expected to result in a negative change in any of our credit ratings, excluding our debt with Clear Channel Communications, intercompany debt (within our company and its subsidiaries), and debt determined to constitute operating leverage by a nationally recognized statistical rating organization; |
| issuance by us or our subsidiaries of capital stock or other securities convertible into capital stock; |
| entry into any agreement restricting our ability or the ability of any of our subsidiaries to pay dividends, borrow money, repay indebtedness, make loans or transfer assets, in any such case to our company or Clear Channel Communications; |
| dissolution, liquidation or winding up of our company or any of our subsidiaries; |
| adoption of a rights agreement; and |
| alteration, amendment, termination or repeal of, or adoption of any provision inconsistent with, the provisions of our amended and restated certificate of incorporation or our bylaws relating to our authorized capital stock, the rights granted to the holders of the Class B common stock, amendments to our bylaws, stockholder action by written consent, stockholder proposals and meetings, limitation of liability of and indemnification of our officers and directors, the size or classes of our Board, corporate opportunities and conflicts of interest between our company and Clear Channel Communications, and Section 203 of the Delaware General Corporation Law. |
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Corporate Services Agreement
We have entered into a corporate services agreement (the Corporate Services Agreement with Clear Channel Communications to provide us certain administrative and support services and other assistance. Pursuant to the Corporate Services Agreement, so long as Clear Channel Communications continues to own greater than 50% of the total voting power of our common stock then Clear Channel Communications will provide us with such services and other assistance which we must accept. These include, among other things, the following:
| treasury, payroll and other financial related services; |
| executive officer services; |
| human resources and employee benefits; |
| legal and related services; |
| information systems, network and related services; |
| investment services; |
| corporate services; and |
| procurement and sourcing support. |
The charges for the corporate services generally are intended to allow Clear Channel Communications to fully recover the allocated direct costs of providing the services, plus all out-of-pocket costs and expenses, generally without profit. The allocation of cost is based on various measures depending on the service provided, which measures include relative revenue, employee headcount or number of users of a service.
Under the Corporate Services Agreement, we and Clear Channel Communications each have the right to purchase goods or services, use intellectual property licensed from third parties and realize other benefits and rights under the other partys agreements with third-party vendors to the extent allowed by such vendor agreements. The agreement also provides for the lease or sublease of certain facilities used in the operation of our respective businesses and for access to each others computing and telecommunications systems to the extent necessary to perform or receive the corporate services.
The Corporate Services Agreement provides that Clear Channel Communications will make available to us, and we will be obligated to utilize, certain executive officers of Clear Channel Communications, including the chief executive officer of Clear Channel Communications, currently Mark P. Mays, to serve as our Chief Executive Officer, the chief financial officer of Clear Channel Communications, currently Thomas W. Casey, to serve as our Chief Financial Officer, and the chief accounting officer of Clear Channel Communications, currently Scott Hamilton, to serve as our Chief Accounting Officer. The Corporate Services Agreement may be terminated by mutual agreement or, after the date Clear Channel Communications owns shares of our common stock representing less than 50% of the total voting power of our common stock, upon six months written notice by us to Clear Channel Communications. Clear Channel Communications charges an allocable portion of the compensation and benefits costs of such persons based on a ratio of our financial performance to the financial performance of Clear Channel Communications. The compensation and benefits costs allocated to us include such executives salary, bonus and other standard employee benefits, but exclude equity based compensation.
For the year ended December 31, 2009, charges for the corporate and executive services provided to us by Clear Channel Communications under the Corporate Services Agreement totaled $28.5 million.
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Tax Matters Agreement
We and certain of our corporate subsidiaries continue to be included in the affiliated group of corporations that files a consolidated return for U.S. federal income tax purposes of which Clear Channel Communications is the common parent corporation, and in certain cases, we or one or more of our subsidiaries may be included in a combined, consolidated or unitary group with Clear Channel Communications or one or more of its subsidiaries for certain state and local income tax purposes. We and Clear Channel Communications have entered into a tax matters agreement (the Tax Matters Agreement) to allocate the responsibility of Clear Channel Communications and its subsidiaries, on the one hand, and we and our subsidiaries, on the other, for the payment of taxes resulting from filing tax returns on a combined, consolidated or unitary basis.
With respect to tax returns in which we or any of our subsidiaries are included in a combined, consolidated or unitary group with Clear Channel Communications or any of its subsidiaries for Federal, state or local tax purposes, we make payments to Clear Channel Communications pursuant to the Tax Matters Agreement equal to the amount of taxes that would be paid if we and each of our subsidiaries included in such group filed a separate tax return. We also reimburse Clear Channel Communications for the amount of any taxes paid by it on our behalf with respect to tax returns that include only us or any of our subsidiaries for Federal, state or local tax purposes, which tax returns are prepared and filed by Clear Channel Communications. With respect to certain tax items, such as foreign tax credits, alternative minimum tax credits, net operating losses and net capital losses, that are generated by us or our subsidiaries, but are used by Clear Channel Communications or its subsidiaries when a tax return is filed on a combined, consolidated or unitary basis for Federal, state or local tax purposes, we are reimbursed by Clear Channel Communications as such tax items are used.
Under the Tax Matters Agreement, Clear Channel Communications is appointed the sole and exclusive agent for us and our subsidiaries in any and all matters relating to Federal, state and local income taxes, and has sole and exclusive responsibility for the preparation and filing of all tax returns (or amended returns) related to such taxes and has the power, in its sole discretion, to contest or compromise any asserted tax adjustment or deficiency and to file, litigate or compromise any claim for refund on behalf of us or any of our subsidiaries with respect to such taxes. Additionally, Clear Channel Communications determines 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 will be 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.
For U.S. Federal income tax purposes, each member of an affiliated group of corporations that files a consolidated return is jointly and severally liable for the U.S. Federal income tax liability of the entire group. Similar principles may apply with respect to members of a group that file a tax return on a combined, consolidated or unitary group basis for state and local tax purposes. Accordingly, although the Tax Matters Agreement will allocate tax liabilities between Clear Channel Communications and us during the period in which we or any of our subsidiaries are included in the consolidated group of Clear Channel Communications or any of its subsidiaries, we and our subsidiaries included in such consolidated group could be liable for the tax liability of the entire consolidated group in the event any such tax liability is incurred and not discharged by Clear Channel Communications. The Tax Matters Agreement provides, however, that Clear Channel Communications will indemnify us and our subsidiaries to the extent that, as a result of us or any of our subsidiaries being a member of a consolidated group, we or our subsidiaries becomes liable for the tax liability of the entire consolidated group (other than the portion of such liability for which we and our subsidiaries are liable under the Tax Matters Agreement).
Under Section 482 of the Internal Revenue Code, the Internal Revenue Service has the authority in certain instances to redistribute, reapportion or reallocate gross income, deductions, credits or allowances between Clear Channel Communications and us. Other taxing authorities may have similar authority under comparable provisions of foreign, state and local law. The Tax Matters Agreement provides that we or Clear Channel Communications will indemnify the other to the extent that, as a result of the Internal Revenue Service exercising its authority (or any other taxing authority exercising a similar authority), the tax liability of one group is reduced while the tax liability of the other group is increased.
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If Clear Channel Communications spins off our Class B common stock to its stockholders in a distribution that is intended to be tax-free under Section 355 of 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 that we will each be responsible for 50% of the tax related liabilities arising from the failure of such a spin-off to so qualify.
At December 31, 2009, the amount of receivable from Clear Channel Communications under the Tax Matters Agreement was $64.4 million.
Employee Matters Agreement
We have entered into an employee matters agreement (the Employee Matters Agreement) with Clear Channel Communications covering certain compensation and employee benefit issues. In general, with certain exceptions, our employees participate in the Clear Channel Communications employee plans and arrangements along with the employees of other Clear Channel Communications subsidiaries. Our payroll is also administered by Clear Channel Communications.
We and Clear Channel Communications reserve the right to withdraw from or terminate our participation, as the case may be, in any of the Clear Channel Communications employee plans and arrangements at any time and for any reason, subject to at least 90 days notice. Unless sooner terminated, it is likely that our participation in Clear Channel Communications employee plans and arrangements will end if and at such time as we are no longer a subsidiary of Clear Channel Communications, which, for this purpose, means Clear Channel Communications owns less than 80% of the total combined voting power of all classes of our capital stock entitled to vote. We will, however, continue to bear the cost of and retain responsibility for all employment-related liabilities and obligations associated with our employees (and their covered dependents and beneficiaries), regardless of when incurred.
Trademarks
We have entered into a trademark license agreement (the Trademark License Agreement) with a subsidiary of Clear Channel Communications that entitles us to use (i) on a nonexclusive basis, the Clear Channel trademark and the Clear Channel Communications outdoor trademark logo with respect to day-to-day operations of our business, and (ii) certain other Clear Channel Communications marks in connection with our business. Our use of the marks is subject to Clear Channel Communications approval. Clear Channel Communications may terminate our use of the marks in certain circumstances, including (i) a breach by us of a term or condition of our various agreements with Clear Channel Communications and (ii) at any time after Clear Channel Communications ceases to own at least 50% of the total voting power of our common stock. In 2009, Clear Channel Communications did not charge us a royalty fee for our use of the trademarks and other marks. We also do not currently anticipate that we will be charged a royalty fee under the Trademark License Agreement in 2010.
Products and Services Provided between Clear Channel Communications and Us
We and Clear Channel Communications engage in transactions in the ordinary course of our respective businesses. These transactions include our providing billboard and other advertising space to Clear Channel Communications at rates we believe would be charged to a third party in an arms length transaction.
Our branch managers have historically followed a corporate policy allowing Clear Channel Communications to use, without charge, domestic displays that they or their staff 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 revenues. Clear Channel Communications bears the cost of producing the advertising and we bear the costs of installing and removing this advertising. In 2009, we estimated that these discounted revenues would have been less than 1% of our domestic revenues.
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Intercompany Note and Other Indebtedness
On August 2, 2005, we distributed a note (the CCU Intercompany Note) in the original principal amount of $2.5 billion to Clear Channel Communications as a dividend. The CCU Intercompany Note was scheduled to mature on August 2, 2010, could be prepaid in whole at any time, or in part from time to time. The CCU Intercompany Note accrued interest at a variable per annum rate equal to the weighted average cost of debt for Clear Channel Communications, calculated on a monthly basis. The CCU Intercompany Note was mandatorily payable upon a change of control and, subject to certain exceptions, all proceeds from debt or equity raised by us was required to be used to prepay such note. In December 2009, we made voluntary payments on the CCU Intercompany Note in the amount of the total outstanding balance and subsequently retired the debt with Clear Channel Communications as of December 31, 2009.
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 are recorded as Due from/to Clear Channel Communications on the consolidated balance sheet. The amounts in such accounts are evidenced by the CCU Cash Management Note and the CCOH Cash Management Note. In connection with the issuance of the Series A Notes and Series B Notes, we and Clear Channel Communications modified the terms of the CCU and CCOH Cash Management Notes (recorded as Due from/to Clear Channel Communications account) to extend the maturity of each note to coincide with the maturity date of the Series A Notes and Series B Notes. In addition, the terms were modified to change the interest rate on each note to equal the interest rate on the Series A Notes and Series B Notes. While the face amount of each Cash Management Note is $1.0 billion, the accounts represent the aggregate unpaid principal amount of all advances under the promissory note, which may from time to time exceed $1.0 billion pursuant to the terms of the promissory note. The Cash Management Notes accrue interest and are generally payable on demand. Interest on the CCOH Cash Management Note accrues on the daily net negative cash position and interest on the CCU Cash Management Note accrues on the daily net positive cash position. The Cash Management Notes mature on December 15, 2017 and the interest rate on the Cash Management Notes is a fixed rate of interest equal to 9.25%. 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 via our master account into accounts of Clear Channel Communications. In return, Clear Channel Communications funds our master account on days where disbursements exceed our collections. Our claim in relation to cash transferred from our master 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, the Series A Notes and Series B Notes would not be accelerated, and we would be an unsecured creditor of Clear Channel Communications with respect to any amounts owed to us under the CCU Cash Management Note. At December 31, 2009, the asset recorded in Due from Clear Channel Communications on the consolidated balance sheet was $123.3 million. At December 31, 2009, we had no borrowings under the CCOH Cash Management Note.
Policy on Review, Approval or Ratification of Transactions with Related Persons
Clear Channel Outdoor has adopted a written policy for approval of transactions between Clear Channel Outdoor and its directors, director nominees, executive officers, greater-than-5% beneficial owners and their respective immediate family members. However, the related person transactions described above in this document with respect to Clear Channel Communications were not approved under this policy because they occurred prior to the time the policy was adopted.
The policy provides that the Audit Committee reviews certain transactions subject to the policy and determines whether or not to approve those transactions. In doing so, the Audit Committee satisfies itself that it has been fully informed as to the material facts of the related persons relationship and interest and as to the material facts of the proposed transaction and determines whether the transaction is fair to Clear Channel Outdoor. In addition, if Clear Channel Outdoors management, in consultation with Clear Channel Outdoors Chief Executive Officer or President and Chief Financial Officer determines that it is not practicable to wait until the next Audit Committee meeting to approve or ratify a particular transaction, then the Board has delegated authority to the Chairman of the Audit Committee to approve or ratify such transactions. The Chairman of the Audit Committee shall report to the Audit Committee any transactions reviewed by him or her pursuant to this delegated authority at the next Audit Committee meeting.
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The following Report of the Audit Committee concerns the Audit Committees activities regarding oversight of Clear Channel Outdoor Holdings, Inc.s financial reporting and auditing process and does not constitute soliciting material and should not be deemed filed or incorporated by reference into any other Company filing under the Securities Act of 1933 or the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, except to the extent Clear Channel Outdoor specifically incorporates this Report by reference therein.
The Audit Committee is comprised solely of independent directors and it operates under a written charter adopted by the Board. The charter reflects standards set forth in SEC regulations and NYSE rules. The composition of the Audit Committee, the attributes of its members and the responsibilities of the Audit Committee, as reflected in its charter, are intended to be in accordance with applicable requirements for corporate audit committees. The Audit Committee reviews and assesses the adequacy of its charter on an annual basis. The full text of the Audit Committees charter can be found on Clear Channel Outdoors Internet website at www.clearchanneloutdoor.com.
As set forth in more detail in the charter, the Audit Committees purpose is to assist the Board in its general oversight of Clear Channel Outdoors financial reporting, internal control and audit functions. Management is responsible for the preparation, presentation and integrity of Clear Channel Outdoors financial statements, accounting and financial reporting principles and internal controls and procedures designed to ensure compliance with accounting standards, applicable laws and regulations. Ernst & Young LLP, Clear Channel Outdoors independent auditing firm, is responsible for performing an independent audit of the consolidated financial statements and expressing an opinion on the conformity of those financial statements with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States, as well as expressing an opinion on (i) managements assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting and (ii) the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting.
The Audit Committee members are not professional accountants or auditors, and their functions are not intended to duplicate or to certify the activities of management and the independent auditor, nor can the Audit Committee certify that the independent auditor is independent under applicable rules. The Audit Committee serves a Board-level oversight role, in which it provides advice, counsel and direction to management and the auditors on the basis of the information it receives, discussions with management and the auditors and the experience of the Audit Committees members in business, financial and accounting matters.
Among other matters, the Audit Committee monitors the activities and performance of Clear Channel Outdoors internal and external auditors, including the audit scope, external audit fees, auditor independence matters and the extent to which the independent auditor may be retained to perform non-audit services. Subject to the consent of our corporate parent, the Audit Committee has ultimate authority and responsibility to select, evaluate and, when appropriate, replace Clear Channel Outdoors independent auditor. The Audit Committee also reviews the results of the internal and external audit work with regard to the adequacy and appropriateness of Clear Channel Outdoors financial, accounting and internal controls. Management and independent auditor presentations to and discussions with the Audit Committee also cover various topics and events that may have significant financial impact or are the subject of discussions between management and the independent auditor. In addition, the Audit Committee generally oversees Clear Channel Outdoors internal compliance programs. The Audit Committee has engaged independent legal and financial advisors with whom it consults with from time to time in the performance of its duties.
The Audit Committee has implemented procedures to ensure that during the course of each fiscal year it devotes the attention that it deems necessary or appropriate to each of the matters assigned to it under the Audit Committees charter. To carry out its responsibilities, the Audit Committee met nine times during the year ended December 31, 2009. The Audit Committee also met privately with the internal and external auditors as well as management immediately following four of these meetings.
During the course of 2009, management completed the documentation, testing and evaluation of Clear Channel Outdoors internal control over financial reporting in response to the requirements set forth in Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 and related regulations. The Audit Committee was kept apprised of the progress of the evaluation and provided oversight and advice to management during the process. In connection with this oversight, the Audit Committee received periodic updates provided by management and Ernst & Young LLP at each regularly scheduled Audit Committee meeting. At the conclusion of the process, management provided the Audit Committee with a report on the effectiveness of Clear Channel Outdoors internal control over financial reporting. The Audit Committee also reviewed the report of management contained in Clear Channel Outdoors Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2009 filed with the SEC, as well as Ernst & Young LLPs Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm included in Clear Channel Outdoors Annual Report on Form 10-K related to its audit of the consolidated financial statements and financial statement schedule and the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting.
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In overseeing the preparation of Clear Channel Outdoors financial statements, the Audit Committee met with both management and Clear Channel Outdoors outside auditors and reviewed and discussed all financial statements prior to their issuance and discussed other significant accounting issues. Management advised the Audit Committee that all financial statements were prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. The Audit Committees review included discussion with the outside auditors of matters required to be discussed pursuant to Statement on Auditing Standards No. 61, Communications with Audit Committees, as amended and as adopted by the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board in Rule 3200T.
With respect to Clear Channel Outdoors outside auditors, the Audit Committee, among other things, discussed with Ernst & Young LLP matters relating to its independence, including its letter and the written disclosures made to the Audit Committee as required by applicable requirements of the PCAOB regarding Ernst & Young LLPs communications with the Audit Committee concerning independence.
Finally, the Audit Committee continued to monitor the scope and adequacy of Clear Channel Outdoors internal auditing program, including proposals for adequate staffing and to strengthen internal procedures and controls where appropriate.
On the basis of these reviews and discussions, the Audit Committee recommended to the Board that Clear Channel Outdoors audited financial statements be included in Clear Channel Outdoors Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2009, for filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
Respectfully submitted, |
THE AUDIT COMMITTEE |
James M. Raines Chairman, |
Marsha M. Shields and Dale W. Tremblay |
Ernst & Young LLP billed Clear Channel Outdoor the following fees for services provided during the years ended December 31, 2009 and 2008:
(In thousands) |
Fees Paid During Year
Ended December 31, | |||||
2009 | 2008 | |||||
Audit fees (a) |
$ | 4,353 | $ | 3,967 | ||
Audit-related fees (b) |
| 33 | ||||
Tax fees (c) |
521 | 761 | ||||
All other fees (d) |
75 | | ||||
Total fees for services |
$ | 4,949 | $ | 4,761 | ||
(a) | Audit fees are for professional services rendered for the audit of our annual financial statements and reviews of quarterly financial statements. This category also includes fees for statutory audits required domestically and internationally, comfort letters, consents, assistance with and review of documents filed with the SEC, attest services, work done by tax professionals in connection with the audit or quarterly reviews, and accounting consultations and research work necessary to comply with generally accepted auditing standards. |
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(b) | Audit-related fees are for assurance and related services not reported under annual audit fees that reasonably relate to the performance of the audit or review of our financial statements, including due diligence related to mergers and acquisitions, internal control reviews and attest services not required by statute or regulations. |
(c) | Tax fees are for professional services rendered for tax compliance, tax advice and tax planning, except those provided in connection with the audit or quarterly reviews. Of the $521,000 tax fees for 2009, $135,000 was related to tax compliance services. Of the $761,000 tax fees for 2008, $58,056 was related to tax compliance services. |
(d) | All other fees are the fees for products and services other than those in the above three categories. This category includes permitted corporate finance services and certain advisory services. |
Clear Channel Outdoors Audit Committee has considered whether Ernst & Young LLPs provision of non-audit services to Clear Channel Outdoor is compatible with maintaining Ernst & Young LLPs independence.
The Audit Committee pre-approves all audit and permitted non-audit services (including the fees and terms thereof) to be performed for Clear Channel Outdoor by its independent auditor. The chairperson of the Audit Committee may represent the entire committee for the purposes of pre-approving permissible non-audit services, provided that the decision to pre-approve any service is disclosed to the Audit Committee no later than its next scheduled meeting.
Representatives of the firm of Ernst & Young LLP are expected to be present at the annual meeting of stockholders and will have an opportunity to make a statement if they so desire and will be available to respond to appropriate questions.
PROPOSAL 2: RATIFICATION OF SELECTION OF INDEPENDENT
REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
Subject to ratification by the stockholders, the Audit Committee has reappointed Ernst & Young LLP as the independent registered public accounting firm to audit the financial statements of Clear Channel Outdoor for the year ending December 31, 2010.
Representatives of the firm of Ernst & Young LLP are expected to be present at the annual meeting of stockholders and will have an opportunity to make a statement if they so desire and will be available to respond to appropriate questions. The Audit Committee may terminate the appointment of Ernst & Young LLP as the independent auditor without stockholder approval whenever the Audit Committee deems termination necessary or appropriate.
The affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of Clear Channel Outdoors outstanding shares of common stock present or represented by proxy who are entitled to vote at the annual meeting is required to approve the proposal for the selection of the independent registered public accounting firm. Votes withheld and abstentions will have the same effect as votes against this matter. Unless indicated to the contrary, the enclosed proxy will be voted for the proposal.
STOCKHOLDER PROPOSALS FOR 2011 ANNUAL MEETING
Stockholders interested in submitting a proposal for inclusion in the proxy materials for the annual meeting of stockholders in 2011 may do so by following the procedures prescribed in SEC Rule 14a-8. To be eligible for inclusion, stockholder proposals must be received by the Secretary of Clear Channel Outdoor no later than December 27, 2010. Proposals should be sent to Secretary, Clear Channel Outdoor Holdings, Inc., 200 East Basse Road, San Antonio, Texas 78209.
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Under our bylaws, any stockholder desiring to nominate a person for election to our Board or propose other business to be considered by the stockholders at an annual meeting must provide notice of such nomination or other business in writing to the secretary of Clear Channel Outdoor not earlier than the close of business on the 120th day, nor later than the close of business on the 90 th day, prior to the first anniversary of the preceding years annual meeting. These requirements are separate from and in addition to the SECs requirements that a stockholder must meet in order to have a stockholder proposal included in Clear Channel Outdoors proxy statement.
Neither Clear Channel Outdoors management nor the Board knows of any other business to be brought before the annual meeting other than the matters described above. If any other matters properly come before the annual meeting, the proxies will be voted on such matters in accordance with the judgment of the persons named as proxies therein, or their substitutes, present and acting at the meeting.
The cost of soliciting proxies will be borne by Clear Channel Outdoor. Following the original mailing of the proxy soliciting material, regular employees of Clear Channel Outdoor may solicit proxies by mail, telephone, facsimile, e-mail and personal interview. Proxy cards and materials will also be distributed to beneficial owners of stock, through brokers, custodians, nominees and other like parties. Clear Channel Outdoor expects to reimburse such parties for their charges and expenses connected therewith.
The SEC has adopted rules that permit companies and intermediaries such as brokers to satisfy delivery requirements for proxy statements with respect to two or more stockholders sharing the same address by delivering a single proxy statement addressed to those stockholders. This process, which is commonly referred to as householding, potentially provides extra convenience for stockholders and cost savings for companies. Clear Channel Outdoor and some brokers household proxy materials, delivering a single proxy statement to multiple stockholders sharing an address unless contrary instructions have been received from the affected stockholders. Once you have received notice from your broker or us that they or we will be householding materials to your address, householding will continue until you are notified otherwise or until you revoke your consent. If, at any time, you no longer wish to participate in householding and would prefer to receive a separate proxy statement, please notify your broker if your shares are held in a brokerage account or us if your shares are registered in your name. You can notify us by sending a written request to Clear Channel Outdoor Holdings, Inc., Stockholder Relations, 200 East Basse Road, San Antonio, Texas 78209 or by calling (210) 832-3700. Upon written or oral request, we will promptly deliver a separate copy of this proxy statement to a beneficial shareholder at a shared address to which a single copy of the proxy statement was delivered.
An electronic copy of Clear Channel Outdoors Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC on March 16, 2010 is available free of charge at Clear Channel Outdoors Internet website at www.clearchanneloutdoor.com. A paper copy of the Form 10-K is also available without charge to stockholders upon written request to Clear Channel Outdoor Holdings, Inc., 200 East Basse Road, San Antonio, Texas 78209.
This document is dated April 26, 2010 and is first being mailed to stockholders on or about May 3, 2010.
|
Robert H. Walls, Jr. |
Executive Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary |
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FINANCIAL STATEMENTS, FOOTNOTES AND OTHER DATA
STOCK PERFORMANCE GRAPH
The following chart demonstrates a comparison of the cumulative total returns for the Company, Lamar Advertising Company, an outdoor advertising company and the S&P 500 Composite Index from November 11, 2005 through December 31, 2009.
Indexed Yearly Stock Price Close
(Price adjusted for Stock Splits and Dividends)
11/11/05 | 12/31/05 | 12/31/06 | 12/31/07 | 12/31/08 | 12/31/09 | |||||||
Clear Channel Outdoor |
1,000 | 1,081 | 1,505 | 1,491 | 331 | 560 | ||||||
Lamar Advertising Company |
1,000 | 1,019 | 1,444 | 1,117 | 292 | 723 | ||||||
S&P 500 Index |
1,000 | 1,014 | 1,174 | 1,238 | 780 | 986 |
EXCERPTS FROM THE ANNUAL REPORT ON FORM 10-K
ITEM 5. | Market for Registrants Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities |
Our Class A common stock trades on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) under the symbol CCO. There were 87 shareholders of record as of March 10, 2010. This figure does not include an estimate of the indeterminate number of beneficial holders whose shares may be held of record by brokerage firms and clearing agencies. The following table sets forth, for the calendar quarters indicated, the reported high and low sales price of our Class A common stock as reported on the NYSE:
Common Stock Market Price |
Common Stock Market Price | |||||||||||||||||
High | Low | High | Low | |||||||||||||||
2008 |
2009 | |||||||||||||||||
First Quarter | $ | 27.82 | $ | 18.36 | First Quarter | $ | 7.74 | $ | 2.14 | |||||||||
Second Quarter | 22.49 | 17.05 | Second Quarter | 7.04 | 3.29 | |||||||||||||
Third Quarter | 18.15 | 11.88 | Third Quarter | 7.68 | 3.84 | |||||||||||||
Fourth Quarter | 13.75 | 3.35 | Fourth Quarter | 11.29 | 6.51 |
A-1
Dividend Policy
To date, we have never paid dividends on our Class A common stock and our ability to pay dividends on our common stock is subject to restrictions should we seek to do so in the future. We are a holding company with no independent operations and no significant assets other than the stock of our subsidiaries. We, therefore, are dependent on the receipt of dividends or other distributions from our subsidiaries to pay dividends. In addition, our senior notes contain restrictions on our ability to pay dividends. If we were to declare and pay cash dividends in the future, holders of Class A common stock and Class B common stock would share equally, on a per share basis, in any such cash dividend.
Equity Compensation Plans
The following table summarizes information as of December 31, 2009, relating to the Companys equity compensation plan pursuant to which grants of options, restricted stock or other rights to acquire shares may be granted from time to time.
Plan category |
Number of securities to be issued upon exercise price of outstanding options, warrants and rights (a) |
Weighted-average exercise price of outstanding options, warrants and rights (b) |
Number of securities remaining available for future issuance under equity compensation plans (excluding securities reflected in column (a)) (c) | ||||
Equity compensation plans approved by security holders (1) |
9,405,069 | $ | 16.90 | 31,559,777 | |||
Equity compensation plans not approved by security holders |
| $ | | | |||
Total |
9,405,069 | $ | 16.90 | 31,559,777 |
(1) | Represents the Clear Channel Outdoor Holdings, Inc. 2005 Stock Incentive Plan. |
Sales of Unregistered Securities
We did not sell any equity securities during 2009 that were not registered under the Securities Act of 1933.
Purchases of Equity Securities by the Issuer and Affiliated Purchases.
During the three months ended December 31, 2009, we accepted shares in payment of income taxes due upon the vesting of restricted stock awards as follows:
Period |
Total Number of Shares Purchased |
Average Price Paid per Share |
Total Number of Shares Purchased as Part of Publicly Announced Programs |
Maximum Dollar Value of Shares that May Yet Be Purchased Under the Programs | ||||||
October 1 through October 31 |
196 | $ | 7.84 | | $ | | ||||
November 1 through November 30 |
9,131 | $ | 7.93 | | $ | | ||||
December 1 through December 31 |
| $ | | | $ | | ||||
Total |
9,327 | $ | 7.93 | | $ | |
ITEM 6. | Selected Financial Data |
We have prepared our consolidated and combined financial statements as if Clear Channel Outdoor Holdings, Inc. had been in existence as a separate company throughout all relevant periods. The historical financial and other data prior to the IPO, which occurred on November 11, 2005, have been prepared on a combined basis from Clear Channel Communications consolidated financial statements using the historical results of operations and bases of the assets and liabilities of Clear Channel Communications Americas outdoor and International outdoor advertising businesses and give effect to allocations of expenses from Clear Channel Communications. Our historical financial data prior to the IPO may not necessarily be indicative of our future performance nor will such data reflect what our financial position and results of operations would have been had we operated as an independent publicly traded company during the periods shown.
A-2
The following tables set forth our summary historical consolidated financial and other data as of the dates and for the periods indicated. The summary historical financial data are derived from our audited consolidated financial statements. Historical results are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for future periods. Acquisitions and dispositions impact the comparability of the historical consolidated financial data reflected in this schedule of Selected Financial Data.
We adopted Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 160, Noncontrolling Interests in Consolidated Financial Statements - an amendment of ARB No. 51, codified in ASC 810-10-45 on January 1, 2009. Adoption of this standard requires retrospective application in the financial statements of earlier periods on January 1, 2009. In connection with our subsidiarys offering of $500.0 million aggregate principal amount of Series A Senior Notes and $2.0 billion aggregate principal amount of Series B Senior Notes, we filed a Form 8-K on December 11, 2009 to retrospectively recast the historical financial statements and certain disclosures included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2008 for the adoption of ASC 810-10-45.
The summary historical consolidated financial and other data should be read in conjunction with Managements Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations and our consolidated financial statements and the related notes thereto appearing elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K. The statement of operations for the year ended December 31, 2008 is comprised of two periods: post-merger and pre-merger. We applied purchase accounting adjustments to the opening balance sheet on July 31, 2008 as the merger occurred at the close of business on July 30, 2008. The merger resulted in a new basis of accounting beginning on July 31, 2008. For additional discussion regarding the pre-merger and post-merger periods, please refer to the consolidated financial statements in Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
Year Ended December 31, | ||||||||||||||||||||
2009 | 2008 | 2007 (1) | 2006 (2) | 2005 | ||||||||||||||||
(In thousands, except per share data) | Post-Merger | Combined | Pre-Merger | Pre-Merger | Pre-Merger | |||||||||||||||
Results of Operations Data: |
||||||||||||||||||||
Revenue |
$ | 2,698,024 | $ | 3,289,287 | $ | 3,281,836 | $ | 2,897,721 | $ | 2,666,078 | ||||||||||
Operating expenses: |
||||||||||||||||||||
Direct operating expenses |
1,625,083 | 1,882,136 | 1,734,845 | 1,514,842 | 1,405,758 | |||||||||||||||
Selling, general and administrative expenses |
484,404 | 606,370 | 537,994 | 486,994 | 478,343 | |||||||||||||||
Depreciation and amortization |
439,647 | 472,350 | 399,483 | 407,730 | 400,639 | |||||||||||||||
Corporate expenses |
65,247 | 71,045 | 66,080 | 65,542 | 61,096 | |||||||||||||||
Impairment charges (3) |
890,737 | 3,217,649 | | | | |||||||||||||||
Other operating income (expense) net |
(8,231 | ) | 15,848 | 11,824 | 22,846 | 3,488 | ||||||||||||||
Operating income (loss) |
(815,325 | ) | (2,944,415 | ) | 555,258 | 445,459 | 323,730 | |||||||||||||
Interest expense net (including interest on debt with Clear Channel Communications) |
154,195 | 161,650 | 157,881 | 162,583 | 198,354 | |||||||||||||||
Loss on marketable securities |
11,315 | 59,842 | | | | |||||||||||||||
Equity in earnings (loss) of nonconsolidated affiliates |
(31,442 | ) | 68,733 | 4,402 | 7,460 | 9,844 | ||||||||||||||
Other income (expense) net |
(9,368 | ) | 25,479 | 10,113 | 331 | (12,291 | ) | |||||||||||||
Income (loss) before income taxes |
(1,021,645 | ) | (3,071,695 | ) | 411,892 | 290,667 | 122,929 | |||||||||||||
Income tax (expense) benefit: |
||||||||||||||||||||
Current |
16,769 | (27,126 | ) | (111,726 | ) | (82,553 | ) | (51,173 | ) | |||||||||||
Deferred |
132,341 | 247,445 | (34,915 | ) | (39,527 | ) | 5,689 | |||||||||||||
Income tax (expense) benefit |
149,110 | 220,319 | (146,641 | ) | (122,080 | ) | (45,484 | ) | ||||||||||||
Consolidated net income (loss) |
(872,535 | ) | (2,851,376 | ) | 265,251 | 168,587 | 77,445 | |||||||||||||
Amount attributable to noncontrolling interest |
(4,346 | ) | (293 | ) | 19,261 | 15,515 | 15,872 | |||||||||||||
Net income (loss) attributable to the Company |
$ | (868,189 | ) | $ | (2,851,083 | ) | $ | 245,990 | $ | 153,072 | $ | 61,573 | ||||||||
A-3
Year Ended December 31, | |||||||||||||||||
2009 | 2008 | 2007 (1) | 2006 (2) | 2005 | |||||||||||||
Post-Merger | Combined | Pre-Merger | Pre-Merger | Pre-Merger | |||||||||||||
Net income (loss) per common share: |
|||||||||||||||||
Basic: |
|||||||||||||||||
Net income (loss) attributable to the Company |
$ | (2.46 | ) | $ | (8.03 | ) | $ | 0.69 | $ | 0.43 | $ | 0.19 | |||||
Weighted average common shares |
355,377 | 355,233 | 354,838 | 352,155 | 319,890 | ||||||||||||
Diluted: |
|||||||||||||||||
Net income (loss) attributable to the Company |
$ | (2.46 | ) | $ | (8.03 | ) | $ | 0.69 | $ | 0.43 | $ | 0.19 | |||||
Weighted average common shares |
355,377 | 355,233 | 355,806 | 352,262 | 319,921 | ||||||||||||
As of December 31, | |||||||||||||||||
2009 | 2008 | 2007 (1) | 2006 (2) | 2005 | |||||||||||||
(In thousands) | Post-Merger | Post-Merger | Pre-Merger | Pre-Merger | Pre-Merger | ||||||||||||
Balance Sheet Data: |
|||||||||||||||||
Current assets |
$ | 1,640,545 | $ | 1,554,652 | $ | 1,607,107 | $ | 1,189,915 | $ | 1,050,180 | |||||||
Property, plant and equipment net |
2,440,638 | 2,586,720 | 2,244,108 | 2,191,839 | 2,153,428 | ||||||||||||
Total assets |
7,192,422 | 8,050,761 | 5,935,604 | 5,421,891 | 4,918,345 | ||||||||||||
Current liabilities |
771,093 | 791,865 | 921,292 | 841,509 | 793,812 | ||||||||||||
Long-term debt, including current maturities |
2,608,878 | 2,601,854 | 2,682,021 | 2,684,176 | 2,727,786 | ||||||||||||
Shareholders equity |
2,761,377 | 3,543,823 | 2,198,594 | 1,768,279 | 1,376,714 |
(1) | Effective January 1, 2007, the Company adopted FASB Interpretation No. 48, Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes, codified in ASC 740-10. In accordance with the provisions of ASC 740-10, the effects of adoption were accounted for as a cumulative-effect adjustment recorded to the balance of retained earnings on the date of adoption. |
(2) | Effective January 1, 2006, the Company adopted FASB Statement No. 123(R), Share-Based Payment, codified in ASC 718-10. In accordance with the provisions of ASC 718-10, the Company elected to adopt the standard using the modified prospective method. |
(3) | We recorded non-cash impairment charges of $890.7 million in 2009 and $3.2 billion in 2008 as a result of the global economic downturn which adversely affected advertising revenues across our businesses. |
A-4
ITEM 7. | Managements Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations |
INTRODUCTION
Managements discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations is provided as a supplement to the audited annual financial statements and accompanying notes thereto to help provide an understanding of our financial condition, changes in our financial condition and results of our operations. The information included herein should be read in conjunction with the annual financial statements and its accompanying notes and is organized as follows:
| Overview. This section provides a general description of our business, as well as other matters we believe are important in understanding our results of operations and financial condition and in anticipating future trends. |
| Results of Operations. This section provides an analysis of our results of operations for the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007. |
Our discussion is presented on both a consolidated and segment basis. Our reportable operating segments are Americas and International. Approximately 91% of our 2009 Americas revenue was derived from the United States, with the balance derived primarily from Canada and Latin America. Approximately 39% of our 2009 International revenue was derived from France and the United Kingdom.
We manage our segments primarily focusing on operating income. Corporate expenses, impairment charges, other operating income (expense) net, interest expense, equity in earnings (loss) of nonconsolidated affiliates, other income (expense) net and income taxes are managed on a total company basis and are, therefore, included only in our discussion of consolidated results.
| Liquidity and Capital Resources. This section provides a discussion of our liquidity and capital resources as of December 31, 2009, as well as an analysis of our cash flows for the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007. The discussion of our liquidity and capital resources includes summaries of (i) our primary sources of liquidity, (ii) our key debt covenants and (iii) our outstanding debt and commitments (both firm and contingent) that existed as of December 31, 2009. |
| Seasonality, Market Risk Management and Inflation. These sections discuss seasonality and how we manage exposure to potential losses arising from adverse changes in foreign currency exchange rates, interest rates and inflation. |
| Recent Accounting Pronouncements and Critical Accounting Estimates. These sections discuss accounting policies considered to be important to our financial condition and results of operations and which require significant judgment and estimates on the part of management in their application. In addition, all of our significant accounting policies, including our critical accounting policies, are summarized in Note A to our consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this Annual Report. |
OVERVIEW
Clear Channel Communications Merger
On July 30, 2008, Clear Channel Communications, our parent company, completed its merger with a subsidiary of CC Media Holdings, a company formed by a group of private equity funds sponsored by Bain Capital Partners, LLC and Thomas H. Lee Partners, L.P. (together, the Sponsors). Clear Channel Communications is now owned indirectly by CC Media Holdings. The merger was accounted for as a purchase business combination in conformity with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 141, Business Combinations, and Emerging Issues Task Force Issue 88-16, Basis in Leveraged Buyout Transactions. ASC 805-50-S99-1 requires the application of push down accounting in situations where the ownership of an entity has changed. As a result, the post-merger financial statements reflect a new basis of accounting. A portion of the consideration paid has been allocated to the assets and liabilities acquired at their respective fair values at July 30, 2008. The remaining portion was recorded at the continuing shareholders basis, due to the fact that certain shares of Clear Channel Communications were exchanged for shares of CC Media Holdings Class A common stock. Excess consideration after this allocation was recorded as goodwill.
A-5
During the first seven months of 2009, the Company decreased the initial fair value estimate of its permits, contracts, site leases and other assets and liabilities primarily in its Americas segment by $100.7 million based on additional information received, which resulted in an increase to goodwill of $55.8 million and a decrease to deferred taxes of $44.9 million. During the third quarter of 2009, the Company adjusted deferred taxes by $24.5 million to true-up its tax rates in certain jurisdictions that were estimated in the initial purchase price allocation. In addition, during the third quarter of 2009, we recorded a $45.0 million increase to goodwill in our International outdoor segment related to the fair value of certain noncontrolling interests which existed at the merger date, with no related tax effect. This noncontrolling interest was recorded pursuant to ASC 480-10-S99 which determines the classification of redeemable noncontrolling interests. We subsequently determined that the increase in goodwill related to these noncontrolling interests should have been included in the impairment charges resulting from the interim goodwill impairment test. As a result, during the fourth quarter of 2009, we impaired this entire goodwill amount, which after consideration of foreign exchange movements, was $41.4 million.
The purchase price allocation was complete as of July 30, 2009 in accordance with ASC 805-10-25, which requires that the allocation period not exceed one year from the date of acquisition.
Format of Presentation
Our consolidated statements of operations and statements of cash flows are presented for two periods: post-merger and pre-merger. The merger resulted in a new basis of accounting beginning on July 31, 2008 and the financial reporting periods are presented as follows:
| The year ended December 31, 2009 and the period from July 31, 2008 through December 31, 2008 includes the post-merger period, reflecting the purchase accounting adjustments related to the merger that were pushed down to us. |
| The period from January 1, 2008 through July 30, 2008 and the year ended December 31, 2007 reflect the pre-merger period. The consolidated financial statements for all pre-merger periods were prepared using our historical basis of accounting. As a result of the merger and the associated purchase accounting, the consolidated financial statements of the post-merger periods are not comparable to periods preceding the merger. |
The discussion in this MD&A is presented on a combined basis of the pre-merger and post-merger periods for 2008. The 2008 post-merger and pre-merger results are presented but are not discussed separately. We believe that the discussion on a combined basis is more meaningful as it allows the results of operations to be analyzed to comparable periods in 2009 and 2007.
Managements discussion and analysis of our results of operations and financial condition should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and related footnotes. Our discussion is presented on both a consolidated and segment basis. Our reportable operating segments are Americas Outdoor Advertising (Americas or Americas outdoor advertising) and International Outdoor Advertising (International or International outdoor advertising).
We manage our operating segments primarily focusing on their operating income, while Corporate expenses, Impairment charge, Other operating income (expense) - net, Interest expense, Gain (loss) on marketable securities, Equity in earnings (loss) of nonconsolidated affiliates, Other income (expense) net and Income tax benefit (expense) are managed on a total company basis and are, therefore, included only in our discussion of consolidated results.
There are several agreements which govern our relationship with Clear Channel Communications including the Master Agreement, Corporate Services Agreement, Employee Matters Agreement and Tax Matters Agreement. Clear Channel Communications has the right to terminate these agreements in various circumstances. As of the date of the filing of this Annual Report, no notice of termination of any of these agreements has been received from Clear Channel Communications. Our agreements with Clear Channel Communications continue under the same terms and conditions subsequent to Clear Channel Communications merger.
A-6
In conjunction with the merger, Clear Channel Communications $1.75 billion revolving credit facility, including the $150.0 million sub-limit, was terminated. The facility was replaced with a $2.0 billion revolving credit facility with a maturity in July 2014, which includes a $150.0 million sub-limit that certain of our International subsidiaries may borrow against to the extent Clear Channel Communications has not already borrowed against this capacity and is in compliance with its covenants under the credit facility. The obligations of these International subsidiaries that are borrowers under the revolving credit facility are guaranteed by certain of our material wholly-owned subsidiaries, and secured by substantially all of the assets of such borrowers and guarantors, subject to permitted liens and other exceptions. As of December 31, 2009, the outstanding balance on the sub-limit was approximately $150.0 million, of which $30.0 million was drawn by us and the remaining amount drawn by Clear Channel Communications.
Impairment Charges
Impairments to Definite-lived Tangibles and Intangibles
We review our definite-lived tangibles and intangibles for impairment when events and circumstances indicate that amortizable long-lived assets might be impaired and the undiscounted cash flows estimated to be generated from those assets are less than the carrying amount of those assets. When specific assets are determined to be unrecoverable, the cost basis of the asset is reduced to reflect the current fair market value.
We use various assumptions in determining the current fair market value of these assets, including future expected cash flows, industry growth rates and discount rates. Impairment loss calculations require management to apply judgment in estimating future cash flows, including forecasting useful lives of the assets and selecting the discount rate that reflects the risk inherent in future cash flows.
During fourth quarter of 2009, we recorded impairments of $28.8 million primarily related to contract intangible assets and street furniture tangible assets in our International segment based on the provisions of ASC 360-10. ASC 360-10 states that long-lived assets should be tested for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. The decline in our contract intangible assets was primarily driven by a decline in cash flow projections from these contracts. The remaining balance of the contract intangible assets, for the contracts that were impaired, after impairment was $4.4 million.
During the second quarter of 2009, we recorded a $21.3 million impairment to taxi contract intangible assets in our Americas segment and a $26.2 million impairment primarily related to street furniture tangible assets and contract intangible assets in our International segment under ASC 360-10. We determined fair values using a discounted cash flow model. The decline in fair value of the contracts was primarily driven by a decline in the revenue projections since the date of the merger. The decline in revenue related to taxi contracts and street furniture and billboard contracts was in the range of 10% to 15%. The balance of these taxi contracts and street furniture and billboard contracts after the impairment charges, for the contracts that were impaired, was $3.3 million and $16.0 million, respectively. We subsequently sold our taxi advertising business in the fourth quarter of 2009 and recorded a loss of $20.9 million.
Interim Impairments to Billboard Permits
The Companys indefinite-lived intangibles consist primarily of billboard permits in its Americas segment. Due to significant differences in both business practices and regulations, billboards in our International segment are subject to long-term, finite contracts unlike our permits in the United States and Canada. Accordingly, there are no indefinite-lived assets in our International segment.
The United States and global economies have undergone a period of economic uncertainty, which caused, among other things, a general tightening in the credit markets, limited access to the credit markets, lower levels of liquidity and lower consumer and business spending. These disruptions in the credit and financial markets and the impact of adverse economic, financial and industry conditions on the demand for advertising negatively impacted the key assumptions in the discounted cash flow models that were used to value our billboard permits as of the merger date. Therefore, we performed an interim impairment test on our billboard permits as of December 31, 2008, which resulted in a non-cash impairment charge of $722.6 million.
A-7
Our cash flows during the first six months of 2009 were below those in the discounted cash flow model used to calculate the impairment at December 31, 2008. As a result, we performed an interim impairment test as of June 30, 2009 on our billboard permits resulting in a non-cash impairment charge of $345.4 million.
Our impairment tests consisted of a comparison of the fair value of the billboard permits at the market level with their carrying amount. If the carrying amount of the billboard permit exceeded its fair value, an impairment loss was recognized equal to that excess. After an impairment loss is recognized, the adjusted carrying amount of the billboard permit is its new accounting basis. The fair value of the billboard permits was determined using the direct valuation method as prescribed in ASC 805-20-S99. Under the direct valuation method, the fair value of the billboard permits was calculated at the market level as prescribed by ASC 350-30-35. We engaged Mesirow Financial Consulting LLC (Mesirow Financial) to assist us in the development of the assumptions and our determination of the fair value of our billboard permits.
Our application of the direct valuation method attempts to isolate the income that is properly attributable to the permit alone (that is, apart from other tangible and identified intangible assets and goodwill). It is based upon modeling a hypothetical greenfield build up to a normalized enterprise that, by design, lacks inherent goodwill and whose only other assets have essentially been paid for (or added) as part of the build-up process. We forecasted revenue, expenses and cash flows over a ten-year period for each of our markets in our application of the direct valuation method. We also calculated a normalized residual year which represents the perpetual cash flows of each market. The residual year cash flow was capitalized to arrive at the terminal value of the permits in each market.
Under the direct valuation method, it is assumed that rather than acquiring indefinite-lived intangible assets as part of a going concern business, the buyer hypothetically develops indefinite-lived intangible assets and builds a new operation with similar attributes from scratch. Thus, the buyer incurs start-up costs during the build-up phase which are normally associated with going concern value. Initial capital costs are deducted from the discounted cash flow model which results in value that is directly attributable to the indefinite-lived intangible assets.
Our key assumptions using the direct valuation method are market revenue growth rates, market share, profit margin, duration and profile of the build-up period, estimated start-up capital costs and losses incurred during the build-up period, the risk-adjusted discount rate and terminal values. This data is populated using industry normalized information representing an average billboard permit within a market.
Management uses its internal forecasts to estimate industry normalized information as it believes these forecasts are similar to what a market participant would expect to generate. This is due to the pricing structure and demand for outdoor signage in a market being relatively constant regardless of the owner of the operation. Management also relied on its internal forecasts because there is nominal public data available for each of its markets.
The build-up period represents the time it takes for the hypothetical start-up operation to reach normalized operations in terms of achieving a mature market revenue share and profit margin. Management believes that a one-year build-up period is required for a start-up operation to erect the necessary structures and obtain advertisers in order to achieve mature market revenue share. It is estimated that a start-up operation would be able to obtain 10% of the potential revenues in the first year of operations and 100% in the second year. Management assumed industry revenue growth of negative 9% and negative 16% during the build-up period for the December 31, 2008 and June 30, 2009 interim impairment tests, respectively. However, the cost structure is expected to reach the normalized level over three years due to the time required to recognize the synergies and cost savings associated with the ownership of the permits within the market.
For the normalized operating margin in the third year, management assumed a hypothetical business would operate at the lower of the operating margin for the specific market or the industry average margin of 46% and 45% based on an analysis of comparable companies in the December 31, 2008 and June 30, 2009 impairment models, respectively. For the first and second year of operations, the operating margin was assumed to be 50% of the normalized operating margin for both the December 31, 2008 and June 30, 2009 impairment models. The first and second-year expenses include the non-recurring start-up costs necessary to build the operation (i.e., development of customers, workforce, etc.).
A-8
In addition to cash flows during the projection period, a normalized residual cash flow was calculated based upon industry-average growth of 3% beyond the discrete build-up projection period in both the December 31, 2008 and June 30, 2009 impairment models. The residual cash flow was then capitalized to arrive at the terminal value.
The present value of the cash flows is calculated using an estimated required rate of return based upon industry-average market conditions. In determining the estimated required rate of return, management calculated a discount rate using both current and historical trends in the industry.
We calculated the discount rate as of the valuation date and also one-year, two-year, and three-year historical quarterly averages. The discount rate was calculated by weighting the required returns on interest-bearing debt and common equity capital in proportion to their estimated percentages in an expected capital structure. The capital structure was estimated based on the quarterly average of data for publicly traded companies in the outdoor advertising industry.
The calculation of the discount rate required the rate of return on debt, which was based on a review of the credit ratings for comparable companies (i.e. market participants). We used the yield on a Standard & Poors B rated corporate bond for the pre-tax rate of return on debt and tax-effected such yield based on applicable tax rates.
The rate of return on equity capital was estimated using a modified CAPM. Inputs to this model included the yield on long-term U.S. Treasury Bonds, forecast betas for comparable companies, calculation of a market risk premium based on research and empirical evidence and calculation of a size premium derived from historical differences in returns between small companies and large companies using data published by Ibbotson Associates.
Our concluded discount rate used in the discounted cash flow models to determine the fair value of the permits was 9.5% at December 31, 2008 and 10% at June 30, 2009. Applying the discount rate, the present value of cash flows during the discrete projection period and terminal value were added to estimate the fair value of the hypothetical start-up operation. The initial capital investment was subtracted to arrive at the value of the permits. The initial capital investment represents the expenditures required to erect the necessary advertising structures.
The discount rate used in the December 31, 2008 impairment model increased approximately 100 basis points over the discount rate used to value the permits in the preliminary purchase price allocation as of July 30, 2008. Industry revenue forecasts declined 10% through 2013 compared to the forecasts used in the preliminary purchase price allocation as of July 30, 2008. These market driven changes were primarily responsible for the decline in fair value of the billboard permits below their carrying value. As a result, we recognized a non-cash impairment charge, which totaled $722.6 million. The fair value of our permits was $1.5 billion at December 31, 2008.
The discount rate used in the June 30, 2009 impairment model increased approximately 50 basis points over the discount rate used to value the permits at December 31, 2008. Industry revenue forecasts declined 8% through 2013 compared to the forecasts used in the 2008 impairment test. These market driven changes were primarily responsible for the decline in fair value of the billboard permits below their carrying value. As a result, we recognized a non-cash impairment charge in all but five of our markets in the United States and Canada, which totaled $345.4 million. The fair value of our permits was $1.1 billion at June 30, 2009.
A-9
The following table shows the increase to the billboard permit impairment that would have occurred using hypothetical percentage reductions in fair value, had the hypothetical reductions in fair value existed at the time of our impairment testing:
(In thousands) Percent change in fair value |
June 30,
2009 Change to impairment |
December 31,
2008 Change to impairment | ||||
5% | $ | 55,776 | $ | 80,798 | ||
10% | $ | 111,782 | $ | 156,785 | ||
15% | $ | 167,852 | $ | 232,820 |
Annual Impairment Test to Billboard Permits
We perform our annual impairment test on October 1 of each year. We engaged Mesirow Financial to assist us in the development of the assumptions and our determination of the fair value of our billboard permits. The aggregate fair value of our permits on October 1, 2009 increased approximately 8% from the fair value at June 30, 2009. The increase in fair value resulted primarily from an increase of $57.7 million related to improved industry revenue forecasts. The discount rate was unchanged from the June 30, 2009 interim impairment analysis. We calculated the discount rate as of the valuation date and also one-year, two-year and three-year quarterly averages. The discount rate as of the valuation date was calculated by weighting the required returns on interest-bearing debt and common equity capital in proportion to their estimated percentages in an expected capital structure. The capital structure was estimated based on the quarterly average of data for publicly traded companies in the outdoor advertising industry. The fair value of our permits at October 1, 2009 was approximately $1.2 billion.
While we believe we have made reasonable estimates and utilized reasonable assumptions to calculate the fair value of our permits, it is possible a material change could occur. If our future actual results are not consistent with our estimates, we could be exposed to future impairment losses that could be material to our results of operations. The following table shows the decline in the fair value of our billboard permits that would result from a 100 basis point decline in our discrete and terminal period revenue growth rate and profit margin assumptions and a 100 basis point increase in our discount rate assumption:
(In thousands) | |||||||||
Indefinite-lived intangible |
Revenue growth rate | Profit margin | Discount rate | ||||||
Billboard permits |
$ | 405,900 | $ | 102,500 | $ | 428,100 |
Interim Impairments to Goodwill
We test goodwill at interim dates if events or changes in circumstances indicate that goodwill might be impaired. The United States and global economies have undergone a period of economic uncertainty, which caused, among other things, a general tightening in the credit markets, limited access to the credit markets, lower levels of liquidity and lower consumer and business spending. These disruptions in the credit and financial markets and the impact of adverse economic, financial and industry conditions on the demand for advertising negatively impacted the key assumptions in the discounted cash flow model that were used to value our reporting units as of the merger date. Therefore, we performed an interim impairment test resulting in a charge of $2.5 billion as of December 31, 2008.
Our cash flows during the first six months of 2009 were below those used in the discounted cash flow model used to calculate the impairment at December 31, 2008. Additionally, the fair value of our debt and equity at June 30, 2009 was below the carrying amount of our reporting units at June 30, 2009. As a result of these indicators, we performed an interim goodwill impairment test as of June 30, 2009 resulting in a non-cash impairment charge of $419.5 million.
A-10
Our goodwill impairment test is a two-step process. The first step, used to screen for potential impairment, compares the fair value of the reporting unit with its carrying amount, including goodwill. If applicable, the second step, used to measure the amount of the impairment loss, compares the implied fair value of the reporting unit goodwill with the carrying amount of that goodwill. We engaged Mesirow Financial to assist us in the development of the assumptions and our determination of the fair value of our reporting units.
Each of our U.S. outdoor advertising markets is a component and are aggregated into a single reporting unit for purposes of the goodwill impairment test using the guidance in ASC 350-20-55. We also determined that in our Americas segment, Canada, Mexico, Peru, and Brazil constitute separate reporting units and each country in our International segment constitutes a separate reporting unit.
The discounted cash flow model indicated that we failed the first step of the impairment test for substantially all reporting units as of December 31, 2008 and June 30, 2009, which required us to compare the implied fair value of each reporting units goodwill with its carrying value.
The discounted cash flow approach we use for valuing our reporting units involves estimating future cash flows expected to be generated from the related assets, discounted to their present value using a risk-adjusted discount rate. Terminal values are also estimated and discounted to their present value.
We forecasted revenue, expenses, and cash flows over a ten-year period for each of our reporting units. In projecting future cash flows, we consider a variety of factors including our historical growth rates, macroeconomic conditions, advertising sector and industry trends as well as company-specific information. Historically, revenues in our industries have been highly correlated to economic cycles. Based on these considerations, our assumed 2008 revenue growth rate used in the December 31, 2008 impairment model was negative followed by assumed revenue growth with an anticipated economic recovery in 2009. Additionally, our assumed 2009 revenue growth rate used in the June 30, 2009 impairment model was negative followed by assumed revenue growth with an anticipated economic recovery in 2010. To arrive at our projected cash flows and resulting growth rates, we evaluated our historical operating results, current management initiatives and both historical and anticipated industry results to assess the reasonableness of our operating margin assumptions. We also calculated a normalized residual year which represents the perpetual cash flows of each reporting unit. The residual year cash flow was capitalized to arrive at the terminal value of the reporting unit.
We calculated the weighted average cost of capital (WACC) as of December 31, 2008 and June 30, 2009 and also one-year, two-year, and three-year historical quarterly averages for each of our reporting units. WACC is an overall rate based upon the individual rates of return for invested capital (equity and interest-bearing debt). The WACC is calculated by weighting the required returns on interest-bearing debt and common equity capital in proportion to their estimated percentages in an expected capital structure. The capital structure was estimated based on the quarterly average data for publicly traded companies in the outdoor advertising industry. Our calculation of the WACC considered both current industry WACCs and historical trends in the industry.
The calculation of the WACC requires the rate of return on debt, which was based on a review of the credit ratings for comparable companies (i.e., market participants) and the indicated yield on similarly rated bonds.
The rate of return on equity capital was estimated using a modified CAPM. Inputs to this model included the yield on long-term U.S. Treasury Bonds, forecast betas for comparable companies, calculation of a market risk premium based on research and empirical evidence and calculation of a size premium derived from historical differences in returns between small companies and large companies using data published by Ibbotson Associates.
In line with advertising industry trends, our operations and expected cash flow are subject to significant uncertainties about future developments, including timing and severity of the recessionary trends and customers behaviors. To address these risks, we included company-specific risk premiums for each of our reporting units in the estimated WACC. Based on this analysis, as of December 31, 2008, company-specific risk premiums of 300 basis points were included for both of our Americas outdoor and International outdoor segments, resulting in WACCs of 12.5% for each of our reporting units in the Americas and International segments. As of June 30, 2009, company-specific risk premiums of 250 basis points and 350 basis points were included for our Americas outdoor and International outdoor segments, respectively, resulting in WACCs of 12.5% and 13.5% for each of our reporting units in the Americas and International segments, respectively. Applying these WACCs, the present value of cash flows during the discrete projection period and terminal value were added to estimate the fair value of the reporting units.
A-11
The discount rate utilized in the valuation of the outdoor permits as of December 31, 2008 and June 30, 2009 excludes the company-specific risk premiums that were added to the industry WACCs used in the valuation of the reporting units. Management believes the exclusion of this premium is appropriate given the difference between the nature of the billboard permits and reporting unit cash flow projections. The cash flow projections utilized under the direct valuation method for the permits are derived from utilizing industry normalized information for the existing portfolio of permits. Given that the underlying cash flow projections are based on industry normalized information, application of an industry average discount rate is appropriate. Conversely, our cash flow projections for the overall reporting unit are based on our internal forecasts for each business and incorporate future growth and initiatives unrelated to the existing permit portfolio. Additionally, the projections for the reporting unit include cash flows related to non-permit based assets. In the valuation of the reporting unit, the company-specific risk premiums were added to the industry WACCs due to the risks inherent in achieving the projected cash flows of the reporting unit.
We also utilized the market approach to provide a test of reasonableness to the results of the discounted cash flow model. The market approach indicates the fair value of the invested capital of a business based on a companys market capitalization (if publicly traded) and a comparison of the business to comparable publicly traded companies and transactions in its industry. This approach can be estimated through the quoted market price method, the market comparable method, and the market transaction method.
One indication of the fair value of a business is the quoted market price in active markets for the debt and equity of the business. The quoted market price of equity multiplied by the number of shares outstanding yields the fair value of the equity of a business on a marketable, noncontrolling basis. We then apply a premium for control and add the estimated fair value of interest-bearing debt to indicate the fair value of the invested capital of the business on a marketable, controlling basis.
The market comparable method provides an indication of the fair value of the invested capital of a business by comparing it to publicly traded companies in similar lines of business. The conditions and prospects of companies in similar lines of business depend on common factors such as overall demand for their products and services. An analysis of the market multiples of companies engaged in similar lines of business yields insight into investor perceptions and, therefore, the value of the subject business. These multiples are then applied to the operating results of the subject business to estimate the fair value of the invested capital on a marketable, noncontrolling basis. We then apply a premium for control to indicate the fair value of the business on a marketable, controlling basis.
The market transaction method estimates the fair value of the invested capital of a business based on exchange prices in actual transactions and on asking prices for controlling interests in similar companies recently offered for sale. This process involves comparison and correlation of the subject business with other similar companies that have recently been purchased. Considerations such as location, time of sale, physical characteristics, and conditions of sale are analyzed for comparable businesses.
The three variations of the market approach indicated that the fair value determined by our discounted cash flow model was within a reasonable range of outcomes as of December 31, 2008 and June 30, 2009.
Our revenue forecasts for 2009 declined 21% and 29% for Americas outdoor and International outdoor, respectively, compared to the forecasts used in the July 30, 2008 preliminary purchase price allocation primarily as a result of our revenues realized for the year ended December 31, 2008. These market driven changes were primarily responsible for the decline in fair value of our reporting units below their carrying value. As a result, we recognized a non-cash impairment charge to reduce our goodwill of $2.5 billion at December 31, 2008.
A-12
Our revenue forecasts for 2009 declined 7% and 9% for Americas and International, respectively, compared to the forecasts used in the 2008 impairment test primarily as a result of our revenues realized during the first six months of 2009. These market driven changes were primarily responsible for the decline in fair value of our reporting units below their carrying value. As a result, we recognized a non-cash impairment charge to reduce our goodwill of $419.5 million at June 30, 2009.
The following table shows the increase to the goodwill impairment that would have occurred using hypothetical percentage reductions in fair value, had the hypothetical reduction in fair value existed at the time of our impairment testing:
(In thousands) Reportable segment |
June 30, 2009 | December 31, 2008 | ||||||||||||||||
Change to impairment | Change to impairment | |||||||||||||||||
5% | 10% | 15% | 5% | 10% | 15% | |||||||||||||
Americas outdoor |
$ | 164,950 | $ | 329,465 | $ | 493,915 | $ | 166,303 | $ | 341,303 | $ | 516,303 | ||||||
International outdoor |
$ | 7,207 | $ | 18,452 | $ | 33,774 | $ | 6,761 | $ | 14,966 | $ | 24,830 |
Annual Impairments to Goodwill
We perform our annual impairment test on October 1 of each year. We engaged Mesirow Financial to assist us in the development of the assumptions and our determination of the fair value of our reporting units. The fair value of our reporting units on October 1, 2009 increased from the fair value at June 30, 2009. The increase in fair value of our Americas reporting unit was primarily the result of a 150 basis point decline in the WACC. Application of the market approach described above supported lowering the company-specific risk premium used in the discounted cash flow model to fair value the Americas reporting unit. The increase in the aggregate fair value of the reporting units in our International outdoor segment was primarily the result of an improvement in the long-term revenue forecasts. A certain reporting unit in our International outdoor segment recognized a $41.4 million impairment to goodwill related to the fair value adjustments of certain noncontrolling interests recorded in the merger pursuant to ASC 480-10-S99.
While we believe we have made reasonable estimates and utilized appropriate assumptions to calculate the fair value of our reporting units, it is possible a material change could occur. If future results are not consistent with our assumptions and estimates, we may be exposed to impairment charges in the future. The following table shows the decline in the fair value of each of our reportable segments that would result from a 100 basis point decline in our discrete and terminal period revenue growth rate and profit margin assumptions and a 100 basis point increase in our discount rate assumption:
(In thousands) | |||||||||
Reportable segment |
Revenue growth rate | Profit margin | Discount rates | ||||||
Americas outdoor |
$ | 480,000 | $ | 110,000 | $ | 430,000 | |||
International outdoor |
$ | 180,000 | $ | 150,000 | $ | 160,000 |
A-13
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 | |||||||||||
Restructuring Program
In 2008 and continuing into 2009, the global economic downturn adversely affected advertising revenues across our businesses. In the fourth quarter of 2008, we initiated an ongoing, company-wide strategic review of our costs and organizational structure to identify opportunities to maximize efficiency and realign expenses with our current and long-term business outlook. As of December 31, 2009, we had incurred a total of $88.7 million of costs in conjunction with this restructuring program. We estimate the benefit of the restructuring program was an approximate $170.6 million aggregate reduction to fixed operating and corporate expenses in 2009 and that the benefit of these initiatives will be fully realized by 2011.
No assurance can be given that the restructuring program will achieve all of the anticipated cost savings in the timeframe expected or at all, or that the cost savings will be sustainable. In addition, we may modify or terminate the restructuring program in response to economic conditions or otherwise.
A-14
The following table shows the expenses related to our restructuring program recognized as components of direct operating expenses, selling, general and administrative (SG&A) expenses and corporate expenses for the years ended December 31, 2009 and 2008, respectively:
Post-Merger | Combined | |||||
(In thousands) | Year Ended December 31, 2009 |
Year Ended December 31, 2008 | ||||
Direct operating expenses |
$ | 38,625 | $ | 20,128 | ||
SG&A expenses |
9,766 | 13,890 | ||||
Corporate expenses |
4,786 | 1,503 | ||||
Total |
$ | 53,177 | $ | 35,521 | ||
Description of Business
Our outdoor advertising business has been, and may continue to be, adversely impacted by the difficult economic conditions currently present in the United States and other countries in which we operate. The recession has, among other things, adversely affected our clients need for advertising and marketing services, resulted in increased cancellations and non-renewals by our clients, thereby reducing our occupancy levels, and could require us to lower our rates in order to remain competitive, thereby reducing our yield, or affect our clients solvency. Any one or more of these effects could materially affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Our revenue is derived from selling advertising space on displays owned or operated by us, consisting primarily of billboards, street furniture and transit displays. Our business has been, and may continue to be, adversely impacted by the adverse economic conditions currently present in the United States and other countries in which we operate. The continuing weakening economy has, among other things, adversely affected our clients need for advertising and marketing services, resulted in increased cancellations and non-renewals by our clients, thereby reducing our occupancy levels, and could require us to lower our rates in order to remain competitive, thereby reducing our yield, or affect our clients solvency. Any one or more of these effects could materially affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.
We own the majority of our advertising displays, which typically are located on sites that we either lease or own or for which we have acquired permanent easements. Our advertising contracts with clients typically outline the number of displays reserved, the duration of the advertising campaign and the unit price per display.
Our advertising rates are based on a number of different factors including location, competition, size of display, illumination, market and gross ratings points. Gross ratings points are the total number of impressions delivered by a display or group of displays, expressed as a percentage of a market population. The number of impressions delivered by a display is measured by the number of people passing the site during a defined period of time and, in some International markets, is weighted to account for such factors as illumination, proximity to other displays and the speed and viewing angle of approaching traffic. Management typically monitors our business by reviewing the average rates, average revenue per display, or yield, occupancy and inventory levels of each of our display types by market. In addition, because a significant portion of our advertising operations are conducted in foreign markets, the largest being the Euro area, the United Kingdom and China, management reviews the operating results from our foreign operations on a constant dollar basis. A constant dollar basis allows for comparison of operations independent of foreign exchange movements.
The significant expenses associated with our operations include (i) direct production, maintenance and installation expenses, (ii) site lease expenses for land under our displays and (iii) revenue-sharing or minimum guaranteed amounts payable under our billboard, street furniture and transit display contracts. Our direct production, maintenance and installation expenses include costs for printing, transporting and changing the advertising copy on our displays, the related labor costs, the vinyl and paper costs and the costs for cleaning and maintaining our displays. Vinyl and paper costs vary according to the complexity of the advertising copy and the quantity of displays. Our site lease expenses include lease payments for use of the land under our displays, as well as any revenue-sharing arrangements or minimum guaranteed amounts payable we may have with the landlords. The terms of our site leases and revenue-sharing or minimum guaranteed contracts generally range from one to 20 years.
A-15
In our International business, normal market practice is to sell billboards and street furniture as network packages with contract terms typically ranging from one to two weeks, compared to contract terms typically ranging from four weeks to one year in the United States. In addition, competitive bidding for street furniture and transit display contracts, which constitute a larger portion of our International business, and a different regulatory environment for billboards, result in higher site lease cost in our International business compared to our Americas business. As a result, our margins are typically less in our International business than in the Americas.
Our street furniture and transit display contracts, the terms of which range from three to 20 years, generally require us to make upfront investments in property, plant and equipment. These contracts may also include upfront lease payments and/or minimum annual guaranteed lease payments. We can give no assurance that our cash flows from operations over the terms of these contracts will exceed the upfront and minimum required payments.
Relationship with Clear Channel Communications
We became a publicly traded company on November 11, 2005, through an initial public offering, or IPO, in which we sold 10% of our common stock, or 35.0 million shares of our Class A common stock. Prior to our IPO we were an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of Clear Channel Communications. Clear Channel Communications currently owns all of our outstanding shares of Class B common stock representing approximately 89% of the outstanding shares of our common stock and approximately 99% of the total voting power of our common stock.
In accordance with the Master Agreement, our branch managers follow a corporate policy allowing Clear Channel Communications to use, without charge, Americas displays they believe would otherwise be unsold. Our sales personnel receive partial revenue credit for that usage for compensation purposes. This partial revenue credit is not included in our reported revenue. Clear Channel Communications bears the cost of producing the advertising and we bear the costs of installing and removing this advertising. In 2009, we estimated this discounted revenue would have been less than 1% of our Americas revenue.
Under the Corporate Services Agreement, Clear Channel Communications provides management services to us. These services are charged to us based on actual direct costs incurred or allocated by Clear Channel Communications based on headcount, revenue or other factors on a pro rata basis. For the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007, we recorded approximately $28.5 million, $28.1 million and $20.3 million, respectively, as a component of corporate expenses for these services.
A-16
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
Consolidated Results of Operations
The following tables summarize our historical results of operations:
(In thousands) | Post-Merger | Combined (1) | Pre-Merger | |||||||||
Year
Ended December 31, 2009 |
Year
Ended December 31, 2008 |
Year
Ended December 31, 2007 |
||||||||||
Revenue |
$ | 2,698,024 | $ | 3,289,287 | $ | 3,281,836 | ||||||
Operating expenses: |
||||||||||||
Direct operating expenses |
1,625,083 | 1,882,136 | 1,734,845 | |||||||||
Selling, general and administrative expenses |
484,404 | 606,370 | 537,994 | |||||||||
Depreciation and amortization |
439,647 | 472,350 | 399,483 | |||||||||
Corporate expenses |
65,247 | 71,045 | 66,080 | |||||||||
Impairment charges |
890,737 | 3,217,649 | | |||||||||
Other operating income (expense) net |
(8,231 | ) | 15,848 | 11,824 | ||||||||
Operating income (loss) |
(815,325 | ) | (2,944,415 | ) | 555,258 | |||||||
Interest expense (including interest on debt with Clear Channel Communications) |
154,195 | 161,650 | 157,881 | |||||||||
Loss on marketable securities |
11,315 | 59,842 | | |||||||||
Equity in earnings (loss) of nonconsolidated affiliates |
(31,442 | ) | 68,733 | 4,402 | ||||||||
Other income (expense) net |
(9,368 | ) | 25,479 | 10,113 | ||||||||
Income (loss) before income taxes |
(1,021,645 | ) | (3,071,695 | ) | 411,892 | |||||||
Income tax (expense) benefit: |
||||||||||||
Current |
16,769 | (27,126 | ) | (111,726 | ) | |||||||
Deferred |
132,341 | 247,445 | (34,915 | ) | ||||||||
Income tax (expense) benefit |
149,110 | 220,319 | (146,641 | ) | ||||||||
Consolidated net income (loss) |
(872,535 | ) | (2,851,376 | ) | 265,251 | |||||||
Amount attributable to noncontrolling interest |
(4,346 | ) | (293 | ) | 19,261 | |||||||
Net income (loss) attributable to the Company |
$ | (868,189 | ) | $ | (2,851,083 | ) | $ | 245,990 | ||||
(1) | The results of operations for the year ended December 31, 2008 are presented on a combined basis and is comprised of two periods: post-merger and pre-merger, which relate to the period succeeding Clear Channel Communications merger and the period preceding the merger, respectively. The post-merger and pre-merger results of operations are presented as follows: |
A-17
(In thousands) | Post-Merger | Pre-Merger | Combined | |||||||||
Period
from July 31 through December 31, 2008 |
Period
from January 1 through July 30, 2008 |
Year
Ended December 31, 2008 |
||||||||||
Revenue |
$ | 1,327,224 | $ | 1,962,063 | $ | 3,289,287 | ||||||
Operating expenses: |
||||||||||||
Direct operating expenses |
762,704 | 1,119,432 | 1,882,136 | |||||||||
Selling, general and administrative expenses |
261,524 | 344,846 | 606,370 | |||||||||
Depreciation and amortization |
224,713 | 247,637 | 472,350 | |||||||||
Corporate expenses |
31,681 | 39,364 | 71,045 | |||||||||
Impairment 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 (expense) benefit: |
||||||||||||
Current |
3,045 | (30,171 | ) | (27,126 | ) | |||||||
Deferred |
268,850 | (21,405 | ) | 247,445 | ||||||||
Income tax (expense) benefit |
271,895 | (51,576 | ) | 220,319 | ||||||||
Consolidated net income (loss) |
$ | (3,016,982 | ) | $ | 165,606 | $ | (2,851,376 | ) | ||||
Amount attributable to noncontrolling interest |
1,655 | (1,948 | ) | (293 | ) | |||||||
Net income (loss) attributable to the Company |
$ | (3,018,637 | ) | $ | 167,554 | $ | (2,851,083 | ) | ||||
Revenue
2009 v. 2008
Our revenue for 2009 decreased approximately $591.3 million as compared to 2008. Our Americas revenue for 2009 declined approximately $192.1 million as compared to 2008, attributable to decreases in bulletin, poster and airport revenues associated with cancellations and non-renewals from larger national advertisers. Our International revenue for 2009 decreased approximately $399.2 million primarily as a result of challenging advertising climates in our markets, with approximately $118.5 million from movements in foreign exchange.
2008 v. 2007
Our revenue for 2008 increased approximately $7.5 million as compared to 2007. Revenue growth during the first nine months of 2008 was partially offset by a decline of $151.2 million in the fourth quarter. Our Americas revenue for 2008 declined approximately $54.8 million as compared to 2007, attributable to decreases in poster and bulletin revenues associated with cancellations and non-renewals from major national advertisers. The declines were partially offset by an increase from our International revenue of approximately $62.3 million, with approximately $60.4 million from movements in foreign exchange.
A-18
Direct Operating Expenses
2009 v. 2008
Direct operating expenses for 2009 decreased $257.0 million compared to 2008. Our International business contributed $217.6 million to the decrease primarily from a decrease in site-lease expenses from lower revenue and cost savings from the restructuring program and $85.6 million related to movements in foreign exchange. Our Americas business contributed $39.4 million to the decrease primarily driven by decreased site-lease expenses from lower revenue and cost savings from the restructuring program.
2008 v. 2007
Direct operating expenses for 2008 increased $147.3 million compared to 2007. Our International business contributed $90.3 million to the increase primarily from an increase in site-lease expenses and $39.5 million related to movements in foreign exchange. Our Americas business contributed $57.0 million to the increase primarily from new contracts.
SG&A
2009 v. 2008
SG&A expenses for 2009 decreased $122.0 million compared to 2008. Our International outdoor SG&A expenses decreased approximately $71.3 million primarily attributable to $23.7 million from movements in foreign exchange and an overall decline in compensation and administrative expenses. Our Americas outdoor SG&A expenses decreased approximately $50.7 million primarily related to a decline in commission expense.
2008 v. 2007
SG&A expenses for 2008 increased $68.4 million compared to 2007. Approximately $23.7 million of this increase occurred during the fourth quarter primarily as a result of severance obligations associated with the restructuring plan. Our International business contributed approximately $41.9 million to the increase primarily from movements in foreign exchange of $11.2 million and an increase in severance obligations in 2008 associated with the restructuring plan of approximately $20.1 million. Our Americas SG&A expenses increased approximately $26.4 million largely from increased bad debt expense of $15.5 million and an increase in severance obligations in 2008 of $4.5 million associated with the restructuring plan.
Depreciation and Amortization
2009 v. 2008
Depreciation and amortization for 2009 decreased $32.7 million as compared to 2008. The decrease was primarily due to a $43.2 million decrease in depreciation expense associated with the impairment of assets in our International outdoor segment during the fourth quarter of 2008 and a $20.6 million decrease from movements in foreign exchange. The decrease was partially offset by $34.3 million related to additional amortization associated with the purchase accounting adjustments to the acquired intangible assets.
2008 v. 2007
Depreciation and amortization for 2008 increased $72.9 million as compared to 2007. The increase was primarily incurred in connection with increased amortization recorded on the preliminary fair value adjustments of $25.4 million pushed-down as a result of Clear Channel Communications merger and $29.3 million of accelerated depreciation on billboards in our Americas and International outdoor segments from billboards that were removed.
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Corporate Expenses
2009 v. 2008
Corporate expenses for 2009 decreased $5.8 million as compared to 2008. The decrease was attributable to a decrease in expenses in our International outdoor segment of approximately $7.9 million due primarily to our cost savings initiatives and reduced legal fees as compared to 2008. This decrease was partially offset by an increase in restructuring costs of $3.3 million.
2008 v. 2007
Corporate expenses for 2008 increased $5.0 million as compared to 2007. The increase was primarily attributable to an increase in the Corporate Services allocation from Clear Channel Communications, partially offset by a decrease in bonus expense.
Under the Corporate Services agreement between us and Clear Channel Communications, Clear Channel Communications provides management services to us, which include, among other things, (i) treasury, payroll and other financial related services, (ii) executive officer services, (iii) human resources and employee benefits services, (iv) legal and related services, (v) information systems, network and related services, (vi) investment services, (vii) procurement and sourcing support services, and (viii) other general corporate services. These services are charged to us based on actual direct costs incurred or allocated by Clear Channel Communications based on headcount, revenue or other factors on a pro rata basis. For the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007, we recorded approximately $28.5 million, $28.1 million and $20.3 million, respectively, as a component of corporate expenses for these services.
Other Operating Income (Expense) Net
Other operating expense net for 2009 was $8.2 million and primarily relates to a loss of $20.9 million on the sale of our taxi advertising business. The loss was partially offset by a $10.1 million gain on the sale of Americas and International assets.
Other operating income net for 2008 was $15.8 million and is primarily due to a $2.6 million gain related to an asset exchange, a $4.0 million gain on the sale of property, and a $1.7 million gain on the sale of International street furniture.
Interest Expense Net (Including Interest on Debt with Clear Channel Communications)
Interest expense for 2009 decreased $7.5 million as compared to 2008. The decrease was primarily due to a lower weighted average cost of debt of Clear Channel Communications during 2009.
Interest expense for 2008 increased $3.8 million as compared to 2007. The increase was primarily due to an increase in the interest rate on the $2.5 billion note to Clear Channel Communications. The interest rate is based on Clear Channel Communications weighted average cost of debt. The average interest rate in 2008 was 6.2% as compared to 6.1% in 2007. See Liquidity and Capital Resources below for further discussion of the impact of Clear Channel Communications merger on interest expense.
Loss on Marketable Securities
The loss on marketable securities of $11.3 million for 2009 primarily related to the impairment of Independent News & Media PLC (INM). The fair value of INM was below cost for an extended period of time. As a result, we considered the guidance in ASC 320-10-S99 and reviewed the length of the time and the extent to which the market was less than cost and the financial condition and near-term prospects of the issuer. After this assessment, we concluded that the impairment was other than temporary and recorded an $11.3 million non-cash impairment charge to our investment in INM.
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During the fourth quarter of 2008, we recorded a non-cash impairment charge to INM. The fair value of INM was below its cost each month subsequent to the closing of Clear Channel Communications merger. As a result, we considered the guidance in ASC 320-10-S99 and concluded that the impairment was other than temporary and recorded a $59.8 million impairment charge to our investment in INM.
Equity in Earnings (Loss) of Nonconsolidated Affiliates
Equity in loss of nonconsolidated affiliates of $31.4 million for 2009 primarily related to a $22.9 million impairment of equity investments in our International segment.
Equity in earnings of nonconsolidated affiliates for 2008 increased $64.3 million as compared to 2007. In the first quarter of 2008, we sold our 50% interest in Clear Channel Independent, a South African outdoor advertising company, and recognized a gain of $75.6 million. This gain was partially offset by a $9.0 million impairment charge to one of our International equity method investments recorded during the third quarter of 2008.
Other Income (Expense) Net
Other expense net recorded for the year ended December 31, 2009 primarily related to foreign exchange transaction gains/losses on short-term intercompany accounts.
Other income of $25.5 million for 2008 primarily related to net foreign exchange transaction gains on short-term intercompany accounts of $19.8 million. In addition, we recorded income of $8.0 million related to dividends received from an International investment. Other income of $10.1 million for 2007 related primarily to net foreign exchange transaction gains on short-term intercompany accounts.
Income Taxes
Our operations are included in a consolidated income tax return filed by Clear Channel Communications for pre-merger periods and CC Media Holdings for post-merger periods. However, for our financial statements, our provision for income taxes was computed on the basis that we file separate consolidated Federal income tax returns with our subsidiaries.
For 2009, we recorded current tax benefits of $16.8 million as compared to current tax expense of $27.1 million for 2008. The change in current tax primarily was due to our ability to carryback certain net operating losses to prior years. On November 6, 2009, the Worker, Homeownership, and Business Assistance Act of 2009 (the Act) was enacted into law. The Act amended Section 172 of the Internal Revenue Code to allow net operating losses realized in a tax year ended after December 31, 2007 and beginning before January 1, 2010 to be carried back for up to five years (such losses were previously limited to a two-year carryback). This change will allow us to carryback 2009 taxable losses of approximately $128.6 million, based on our projections of projected taxable losses eligible for carryback, to prior years and receive refunds of previously paid Federal income taxes of approximately $45.0 million. The ultimate amount of such refunds realized from net operating loss carryback is dependent on our actual taxable losses for 2009, which may vary from our current expectations.
Deferred tax benefits for 2009 decreased $115.1 million compared to 2008, primarily due to larger impairment charges recorded in 2008 related to tax deductible intangibles.
Our effective tax rate for 2009 was 14.6%, primarily due to the non-cash impairment charge on goodwill that is not deductible for tax purposes. In addition, the Company was unable to benefit from tax losses in certain foreign jurisdictions due to the uncertainty of the ability to utilize those losses in future years.
The decrease in current tax expense of $84.6 million for 2008 when compared to 2007 is primarily the result of a decrease in Income (loss) before income taxes of $265.9 million which excludes the non-tax deductible impairment charge of $3.2 billion recorded in 2008. The deferred tax benefit increased $282.4 million to $247.4 million in 2008 compared to deferred tax expense of $34.9 million in 2007 primarily due to the $292.0 million of deferred tax benefit recorded in the post-merger period related to the impairment charges on permits and tax deductible goodwill. This deferred tax benefit was partially offset by additional tax depreciation deductions as a result of the bonus depreciation provisions enacted as part of the Economic Stimulus Act of 2008.
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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
(In thousands) | Year Ended December 31, | % Change | |||||||||||||
2009 | 2008 | 2007 | 2009 v. | 2008 v. | |||||||||||
Post-Merger | Combined | Pre-Merger | 2008 | 2007 | |||||||||||
Revenue |
$ | 1,238,171 | $ | 1,430,258 | $ | 1,485,058 | (13 | %) | (4 | %) | |||||
Direct operating expenses |
608,078 | 647,526 | 590,563 | (6 | %) | 10 | % | ||||||||
SG&A expenses |
202,196 | 252,889 | 226,448 | (20 | %) | 12 | % | ||||||||
Depreciation and amortization |
210,280 | 207,633 | 189,853 | 1 | % | 9 | % | ||||||||
Operating income |
$ | 217,617 | $ | 322,210 | $ | 478,194 | (32 | %) | (33 | %) | |||||
2009 v. 2008
Revenue for 2009 decreased approximately $192.1 million compared to 2008, primarily driven by declines in bulletin, poster and transit revenues due to cancellations and non-renewals from larger national advertisers resulting from the overall weakness in advertising and the economy. The decline in bulletin, poster and transit revenues was also impacted by a decline in rate compared to 2008.
Direct operating expenses for 2009 decreased $39.4 million compared to 2008 primarily from a $25.3 million decrease in site-lease expenses associated with cost savings from our restructuring program and the decline in revenues. This decrease was partially offset by an increase of $5.7 million of direct operating expenses related to the restructuring program. SG&A expenses decreased $50.7 million during 2009 compared to 2008 primarily from a $26.0 million decline in compensation expense associated with the decline in revenue and cost savings from the restructuring program and a $16.2 million decline in bad debt expense as a result of accounts collected and an improvement in the agings of our accounts receivable during the current year.
2008 v. 2007
Revenue for 2008 decreased approximately $54.8 million compared to 2007, with the entire decline occurring in the fourth quarter. Driving the decline was approximately $87.4 million attributable to poster and bulletin revenues associated with cancellations and non-renewals from major national advertisers, partially offset by an increase of $46.2 million in airport revenues, digital display revenues and street furniture revenues. Also impacting the decline in bulletin revenue was decreased occupancy while the decline in poster revenue was affected by a decrease in both occupancy and rate. The increase in airport and street furniture revenues was primarily driven by new contracts while digital display revenue growth was primarily the result of an increase in the number of digital displays. Other miscellaneous revenues also declined approximately $13.6 million.
Our Americas direct operating expenses increased $57.0 million primarily from higher site-lease expenses of $45.2 million. The increase in site-lease expense was primarily attributable to new taxi, airport and street furniture contracts and an increase of $2.4 million in severance obligations associated with the restructuring plan. Our SG&A expenses increased $26.4 million largely from increased bad debt expense of $15.5 million and an increase of $4.5 million in severance obligations in 2008 associated with the restructuring plan.
Depreciation and amortization increased approximately $17.8 million mostly as a result of $6.6 million related to additional depreciation and amortization associated with the preliminary fair value adjustments to the acquired assets and $11.3 million of accelerated depreciation from billboards that were removed.
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International Results of Operations
(In thousands) | Year Ended December 31, | % Change | ||||||||||||||
2009 | 2008 | 2007 | 2009 v. | 2008 v. | ||||||||||||
Post-Merger | Combined | Pre-Merger | 2008 | 2007 | ||||||||||||
Revenue |
$ | 1,459,853 | $ | 1,859,029 | $ | 1,796,778 | (21 | %) | 3 | % | ||||||
Direct operating expenses |
1,017,005 | 1,234,610 | 1,144,282 | (18 | %) | 8 | % | |||||||||
SG&A expenses |
282,208 | 353,481 | 311,546 | (20 | %) | 13 | % | |||||||||
Depreciation and amortization |
229,367 | 264,717 | 209,630 | (13 | %) | 26 | % | |||||||||
Operating income |
$ | (68,727 | ) | $ | 6,221 | $ | 131,320 | (1205 | %) | (95 | %) | |||||
2009 v. 2008
Revenue for 2009 decreased approximately $399.2 million compared to 2008, with approximately $118.5 million from movements in foreign exchange. The revenue decline occurred across most countries, with the most significant decline in France of $75.5 million due to weak advertising demand. Other countries with significant declines include the U.K. and Italy, which declined $30.4 million and $28.3 million, respectively, due to weak advertising markets.
Direct operating expenses decreased $217.6 million in part due to a decrease of $85.6 million from movements in foreign exchange. The remaining decrease in direct operating expenses was primarily attributable to a $146.4 million decline in site lease expenses partially attributable to cost savings from the restructuring program and the decline in revenue. The decrease in direct operating expenses was partially offset by $12.8 million related to the restructuring program. SG&A expenses decreased $71.3 million primarily from $23.7 million related to movements in foreign exchange, $34.3 million related to a decline in compensation expense and a $25.8 million decrease in administrative expenses, both partially attributable to cost savings from the restructuring program and the decline in revenue.
Depreciation and amortization for 2009 decreased $35.4 million primarily related to a $43.2 million decrease in depreciation expense associated with the impairment of assets during the fourth quarter of 2008 and a $20.6 million decrease from movements in foreign exchange. The decrease was partially offset by $31.9 million related to additional amortization associated with the purchase accounting adjustments to the acquired intangible assets.
2008 v. 2007
Revenue for 2008 increased approximately $62.3 million, with roughly $60.4 million from movements in foreign exchange. The remaining revenue growth was primarily attributable to growth in China, Turkey and Romania, partially offset by revenue declines in France and the United Kingdom. China and Turkey benefited from strong advertising environments. We acquired operations in Romania at the end of the second quarter of 2007, which also contributed to revenue growth in 2008. The decline in France was primarily driven by the loss of a contract to advertise on railways and the decline in the United Kingdom was primarily driven by weakened advertising demand.
During the fourth quarter of 2008, revenue declined approximately $88.6 million compared to the fourth quarter of 2007, of which approximately $51.8 million was due to movements in foreign exchange and the remaining amount was primarily as a result of a decline in advertising demand.
Direct operating expenses for 2008 increased $90.3 million. Included in the increase is approximately $39.5 million related to movements in foreign exchange. The remaining increase in direct operating expenses was driven by an increase in site lease expenses. SG&A expenses increased $41.9 million in 2008 over 2007 with approximately $11.2 million related to movements in foreign exchange and $20.1 million related to severance in 2008 associated with the restructuring plan.
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Depreciation and amortization expenses for 2008 increased $55.1 million with $18.8 million related to additional depreciation and amortization associated with the preliminary fair value adjustments to the acquired assets, approximately $18.0 million related to an increase in accelerated depreciation from billboards to be removed, approximately $11.3 million related to impaired advertising display contracts and $4.9 million related to an increase from movements in foreign exchange.
Reconciliation of Segment Operating Income (Loss)
(In thousands) | Year Ended December 31, | |||||||||||
2009 | 2008 | 2007 | ||||||||||
Post-Merger | Combined | Pre-Merger | ||||||||||
Americas |
$ | 217,617 | $ | 322,210 | $ | 478,194 | ||||||
International |
(68,727 | ) | 6,221 | 131,320 | ||||||||
Impairment charges |
(890,737 | ) | (3,217,649 | ) | | |||||||
Corporate |
(65,247 | ) | (71,045 | ) | (66,080 | ) | ||||||
Other operating income (loss) net |
(8,231 | ) | 15,848 | 11,824 | ||||||||
Consolidated operating income (loss) |
$ | (815,325 | ) | $ | (2,944,415 | ) | $ | 555,258 | ||||
Share-Based Payments
As of December 31, 2009, there was $18.1 million of total unrecognized compensation cost, net of estimated forfeitures, related to unvested share-based compensation arrangements. This cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of approximately two years.
The following table details compensation costs related to share-based payments:
(In thousands) | Year Ended December 31, | ||||||||
2009 | 2008 | 2007 | |||||||
Post-Merger | Combined | Pre-Merger | |||||||
Direct operating expenses |
$ | 7,612 | $ | 8,057 | $ | 6,951 | |||
SG&A expenses |
2,777 | 2,575 | 2,682 | ||||||
Corporate expenses |
1,715 | 957 | 538 | ||||||
Total share-based payments |
$ | 12,104 | $ | 11,589 | $ | 10,171 | |||
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LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
Clear Channel Communications Merger
Clear Channel Communications capitalization, liquidity and capital resources substantially changed due to the consummation of its merger on July 30, 2008. Upon the closing of the merger, Clear Channel Communications incurred additional debt and became highly leveraged. We are not borrowers or guarantors under Clear Channel Communications credit agreements other than for direct borrowings by certain of our International subsidiaries pursuant to the $150.0 million sub-limit included in Clear Channel Communications $2.0 billion revolving credit facility and we are not a guarantor of any of Clear Channel Communications debt. The obligations of these International subsidiaries that are borrowers under the revolving credit facility are guaranteed by certain of our material wholly-owned subsidiaries, and secured by substantially all of the assets of such borrowers and guarantors, subject to permitted liens and other exceptions. As of December 31, 2009, the outstanding balance on the sub-limit was approximately $150.0 million of which $30.0 million was drawn by us and the remaining amount drawn by Clear Channel Communications.
The interest rate on outstanding balances under the revolving credit facility is based upon LIBOR or, for Euro denominated borrowings, EURIBOR, plus, in each case, a margin. See discussion below under Sources of Capital Bank Credit Facility. A deterioration in the financial condition of Clear Channel Communications or borrowings by Clear Channel Communications under the $150.0 million sub-limit could also further increase our borrowing costs or impair our access to the capital markets because of our reliance on Clear Channel Communications for availability under this revolving credit facility.
We have a revolving promissory note issued by Clear Channel Communications to us in the amount of $123.3 million as of December 31, 2009 described more fully in our Liquidity Sources of Capital section. We are an unsecured creditor of Clear Channel Communications with respect to the revolving promissory note.
Also, so long as Clear Channel Communications maintains a significant interest in us, pursuant to the Master Agreement between Clear Channel Communications and us, Clear Channel Communications will have the option to limit our ability to incur debt or issue equity securities, among other limitations, which could adversely affect our ability to meet our liquidity needs.
CC Media Holdings and Clear Channel Communications current corporate ratings are CCC+ and Caa2 by Standard & Poors Ratings Services and Moodys Investors Service, respectively, which are speculative grade ratings. These ratings have been downgraded and then upgraded at various times during the two years ended December 31, 2009. These adjustments had no impact on our borrowing costs under the credit agreements.
In December 2009, the Companys wholly-owned subsidiary Clear Channel Worldwide Holdings, Inc. (CCWH), issued $500.0 million aggregate principal amount of Series A Senior Notes due 2017 and $2.0 billion aggregate principal amount of Series B Senior Notes due 2017 (collectively, the Notes). The Notes are guaranteed by the Company, Clear Channel Outdoor, Inc., our wholly-owned subsidiary (CCOI), and certain other existing and future domestic subsidiaries of ours (collectively, the Guarantors).
The Notes are rated B and B2 by Standard & Poors and Moodys, respectively. The indentures governing the Notes require the Company to maintain at least $100 million in cash or other liquid assets or have cash available to be borrowed under committed credit facilities consisting of (i) $50.0 million at the issuer and guarantor entities (principally the Americas outdoor segment) and (ii) $50.0 million at the non-guarantor subsidiaries (principally the International outdoor segment), in each case under the sole control of the relevant entity.
In addition, interest on the Notes accrues daily and is payable into an account established by a trustee for the benefit of the bondholders (the Trustee Account). Failure to make daily payment on any day does not constitute an event of default so long as (a) no payment or other transfer by the Company or any of its Subsidiaries shall have been made on such day under the cash management sweep with Clear Channel Communications, Inc. and (b) on each semiannual interest payment date the aggregate amount of funds in the Trustee Account is equal to at least the aggregate amount of accrued and unpaid interest on the Notes. To the extent we cannot pass on our increased borrowing costs to our clients, our profitability, and potentially our ability to raise capital, could be materially affected.
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Cash Flows
The following table summarizes our historical cash flows:
(In thousands) | Year Ended December 31, | |||||||||||
2009 | 2008 | 2007 | ||||||||||
Post-Merger | Combined | Pre-Merger | ||||||||||
Cash provided by (used in): |
||||||||||||
Operating activities |
$ | 441,264 | $ | 603,624 | $ | 694,430 | ||||||
Investing activities |
$ | (162,864 | ) | $ | (425,844 | ) | $ | (356,368 | ) | |||
Financing activities |
$ | 231,656 | $ | (232,840 | ) | $ | (305,751 | ) |
Operating Activities
2009
The decline in cash flow from operations was primarily driven by an 18% decline in consolidated revenues in 2009 as compared to 2008 associated with the weak economy and challenging advertising markets. Other factors contributing to our cash flow from operations include a consolidated net loss of $872.5 million adjusted for non-cash impairment charges of $890.7 million related to goodwill and intangible assets and depreciation and amortization of $439.6 million. In addition, we recorded a $31.4 million loss in equity of nonconsolidated affiliates primarily due to a $22.9 million impairment of equity investments in our International segment. Net cash provided by operating activities was partially offset by deferred tax benefits of $132.3 million.
2008
Net cash provided by operating activities of $603.6 million for 2008 principally reflected a net loss of $2.9 billion, adjusted for non-cash impairment charges of $3.2 billion related to goodwill and intangible assets, a $59.8 million non-cash loss on marketable securities, and depreciation and amortization of $472.4 million. In addition, we recorded a $75.6 million gain in equity in earnings of nonconsolidated affiliates related to the sale of our 50% interest in Clear Channel Independent based on the fair value of the equity securities received as consideration. Net cash provided by operating activities was partially offset by deferred taxes of $247.4 million.
2007
Net cash flow from operating activities of $694.4 million for 2007 primarily reflected net income of $265.3 million and depreciation and amortization of $399.5 million. Net cash flows from operating activities also reflects an increase of $137.3 million in accounts receivable as a result of the increase in revenue and an increase of $93.4 million in accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities.
Investing Activities
2009
For the year ended December 31, 2009, we spent $84.4 million in our Americas segment for the purchase of property, plant and equipment primarily related to the construction of new billboards. We spent $91.5 million in our International segment for the purchase of property, plant and equipment related to new billboard and street furniture contracts and renewals of existing contracts. We also received proceeds of $11.3 million from the sale of International assets and $6.8 million from the sale of Americas assets.
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2008
We spent $175.8 million in our Americas segment for the purchase of property, plant and equipment primarily related to the construction of new billboards. We spent $182.5 million in our International segment for the purchase of property, plant and equipment primarily related to new billboard and street furniture contracts and renewals of existing contracts.
Our Americas segment paid $55.1 million for the acquisition of advertising structures and the final earnout payments for Interspace. Our International segment paid $41.4 million primarily related to the acquisition of additional equity interests in outdoor companies and the acquisition of advertising structures.
We also received proceeds of $41.5 million from asset sales, $34.2 million of which was from the disposal of land and buildings in our International segment.
2007
We spent $142.8 million in our Americas segment for the purchase of property, plant and equipment mostly related to construction of new billboards. We spent $132.9 million in our International segment for the purchase of property, plant and equipment primarily related to new billboard and street furniture contracts and renewals of existing contracts.
During 2007, our Americas segment paid $39.5 million in cash primarily to acquire display faces. In addition, our International segment paid $29.6 million, which includes the acquisition of an outdoor advertising business in Romania, additional equity interests in outdoor companies and the acquisition of advertising structures.
Financing Activities
2009
Net cash provided by financing activities of $231.7 million for 2009 primarily reflects the $2.5 billion proceeds from issuance of CCWH senior notes in addition to the $500.0 million repayment by Clear Channel Communications on the Due from Clear Channel Communications account offset by the prepayment and retirement of the $2.5 billion intercompany note due to Clear Channel Communications. In addition, we purchased the remaining 15% interest in our fully consolidated subsidiary, Paneles Napsa S.A., for $13.0 million, and acquired an additional 5% interest in our consolidated subsidiary, Clear Channel Jolly Pubblicita SPA, for $12.1 million.
2008
Net cash used in financing activities of $232.8 million for 2008 reflected a net reduction in debt and credit facilities of $67.6 million and net transfers of cash to Clear Channel Communications of $169.2 million. The net transfers of cash to Clear Channel Communications represent the activity in the Due from/to Clear Channel Communications account. This activity primarily relates to working capital and settlement of interest on the revolving promissory notes and the $2.5 billion note payable to Clear Channel Communications.
2007
Net cash used in financing activities of $305.8 million for 2007 is primarily related to the net transfer of cash to Clear Channel Communications of $302.9 million. The net transfers of cash to Clear Channel Communications represent the activity in the Due from/to Clear Channel Communications account. This activity primarily relates to working capital and settlement of interest on the revolving promissory notes and the $2.5 billion note payable to Clear Channel Communications.
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Anticipated Cash Requirements
Our primary source of liquidity is cash on hand, as well as cash flow from operations, which has been adversely affected by the global economic downturn. The risks associated with our businesses become more acute in periods of a slowing economy or recession, which may be accompanied by a decrease in advertising. Expenditures by advertisers tend to be cyclical, reflecting overall economic conditions and budgeting and buying patterns. The current global economic downturn has resulted in a decline in advertising and marketing services among our customers, resulting in a decline in our advertising revenues across our businesses. This reduction in advertising revenues has had an adverse effect on our revenue, profit margins, cash flow and liquidity. A continuation of the global economic downturn may continue to adversely impact our revenue, profit margins, cash flow and liquidity.
Based on our current and anticipated levels of operations and conditions in our markets, we believe that cash on hand, cash flows from operations and borrowing under the revolving promissory note with Clear Channel Communications will enable us to meet our working capital, capital expenditure, debt service and other funding requirements for at least the next 12 months. In addition, we expect to be in compliance with the covenants governing our indebtedness in 2010. However, our anticipated results are subject to significant uncertainty and there can be no assurance that actual results will be in compliance with the covenants. In addition, our ability to comply with the covenants governing our indebtedness may be affected by events beyond our control, including prevailing economic, financial and industry conditions.
Furthermore, in its Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC on March 16, 2010, CC Media Holdings, our indirect parent, stated that it expects to be in compliance with the covenants in Clear Channel Communications material financing agreements in 2010. CC Media Holdings similarly stated in such Annual Report that its anticipated results are also subject to significant uncertainty and there can be no assurance that actual results will be in compliance with the covenants. Moreover, CC Media Holdings stated in such Annual Report that its ability to comply with the covenants in Clear Channel Communications material financing agreements may be affected by events beyond CC Media Holdings control, including prevailing economic, financial and industry conditions. As discussed therein, the breach of any covenants set forth in Clear Channel Communications financing agreements would result in a default thereunder, and an event of default would permit the lenders under a defaulted financing agreement to declare all indebtedness thereunder to be due and payable prior to maturity. Moreover, as discussed therein, the lenders under the revolving credit facility under Clear Channel Communications secured credit facilities would have the option to terminate their commitments to make further extensions of revolving credit thereunder. In addition, CC Media Holdings stated in such Annual Report that if CC Media Holdings is unable to repay Clear Channel Communications obligations under any secured credit facility, the lenders could proceed against any assets that were pledged to secure such facility. Finally, CC Media Holdings stated in such Annual Report that a default or acceleration under any of Clear Channel Communications material financing agreements could cause a default under other obligations that are subject to cross-default and cross-acceleration provisions.
For so long as Clear Channel Communications maintains significant control over us, a deterioration in the financial condition of Clear Channel Communications could have the effect of increasing our borrowing costs or impairing our access to capital markets. As of December 31, 2009, Clear Channel Communications had $1.9 billion recorded as Cash and cash equivalents on its consolidated balance sheets.
Our ability to fund our working capital needs, debt service and other obligations depends on our future operating performance and cash flow. If our future operating performance does not meet our expectations or our plans materially change in an adverse manner or prove to be materially inaccurate, we may need additional financing. Continuing adverse securities and credit market conditions could significantly affect the availability of credit.
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Liquidity
Sources of Capital
As of December 31, 2009 and 2008, we had the following indebtedness outstanding, cash and cash equivalents and amounts due from Clear Channel Communications:
(In millions) | Year Ended December 31, | |||||
2009 | 2008 | |||||
Post- Merger | Post- Merger | |||||
CCWH Senior Notes |
$ | 2,500.0 | $ | | ||
Bank credit facility ($150.0 million sub-limit within Clear Channel Communications $2.0 billion facility, $120.0 million of which was drawn by Clear Channel Communications) |
30.0 | 30.0 | ||||
Debt with Clear Channel Communications |
| 2,500.0 | ||||
Other debt |
78.9 | 71.9 | ||||
Total debt |
2,608.9 | 2,601.9 | ||||
Less: Cash and cash equivalents |
609.4 | 94.8 | ||||
Less: Due from Clear Channel Communications |
123.3 | 431.6 | ||||
$ | 1,876.2 | $ | 2,075.5 | |||
We may from time to time repay our outstanding debt or seek to purchase our outstanding equity securities. Such transactions, if any, will depend on prevailing market conditions, our liquidity requirements, contractual restrictions and other factors.
Bank Credit Facility ($150.0 million sub-limit within Clear Channel Communications $2.0 billion revolving credit facility)
In addition to net cash flows from operations, another source of liquidity was through borrowings under a $150.0 million sub-limit included in Clear Channel Communications multicurrency $2.0 billion revolving credit facility with a maturity in July 2014. Certain of our International subsidiaries may borrow under the sub-limit to the extent Clear Channel Communications has not already borrowed against this capacity and is in compliance with its covenants under the credit facility. The obligations of these International subsidiaries that are borrowers under the revolving credit facility are guaranteed by certain of our material wholly-owned subsidiaries, and secured by substantially all of the assets of such borrowers and guarantors, subject to permitted liens and other exceptions. On February 6, 2009, Clear Channel Communications borrowed the remaining availability under its $2.0 billion revolving credit facility, including the remaining availability under the $150.0 million sub-limit.
The interest rate on outstanding balances under the credit facility is equal to an applicable margin plus, at Clear Channel Communications option, either (i) a base rate determined by reference to the higher of (A) the prime lending rate publicly announced by the administrative agent and (B) the Federal funds effective rate from time to time plus 0.50%, or (ii) a Eurocurrency rate determined by reference to the costs of funds for deposits for the interest period relevant to such borrowing adjusted for certain additional costs. The applicable margin percentage is 2.40% in the case of base rate loans, and 3.40% in the case of Eurocurrency rate loans, subject to adjustment based upon Clear Channel Communications leverage ratio. At December 31, 2009, the interest rate on borrowings under this credit facility was 3.7%. As of December 31, 2009, the outstanding balance on the sub-limit was approximately $30.0 million, the remaining $120.0 million of which was drawn by Clear Channel Communications, with the entire balance to be repaid on July 30, 2014.
A-29
Promissory Notes with Clear Channel Communications
As part of the day-to-day cash management services provided by Clear Channel Communications, we maintain accounts that represent net amounts due to or from Clear Channel Communications, which is recorded as Due from/to Clear Channel Communications on the consolidated balance sheet. The accounts represent our revolving promissory note issued by us to Clear Channel Communications and the revolving promissory note issued by Clear Channel Communications to us in the face amount of $1.0 billion, or if more or less than such amount, the aggregate unpaid principal amount of all advances. The accounts accrue interest and are generally payable on demand. Prior to the amendment of the revolving promissory notes in December 2009, interest on the revolving promissory note owed by us accrued on the daily net negative cash position based upon LIBOR plus a margin. Interest on the revolving promissory note owed by Clear Channel Communications accrued on the daily net positive cash position based upon the average one-month generic treasury bill rate. In connection with the issuance of the CCWH Senior Notes, Clear Channel Communications and the Company modified the terms of the revolving promissory notes (recorded as Due from/to Clear Channel Communications account) to extend the maturity of each revolving promissory note to coincide with the maturity date of the Notes. In addition, the terms were modified to change the interest rate on each revolving promissory note to equal the interest rate on the Notes. Included in the accounts are the net activities resulting from day-to-day cash management services provided by Clear Channel Communications. As a part of these services, we maintain collection bank accounts swept daily into accounts of Clear Channel Communications (after satisfying the funding requirements of the Trustee Account). In return, Clear Channel Communications funds our controlled disbursement accounts as checks or electronic payments are presented for payment. Our claim in relation to cash transferred from our concentration account is on an unsecured basis and is limited to the balance of the Due from Clear Channel Communications account. If Clear Channel Communications were to become insolvent, we would be an unsecured creditor of Clear Channel Communications with respect to the revolving promissory note issued by Clear Channel Communications to us. At December 31, 2009 and December 31, 2008, the asset recorded in Due from Clear Channel Communications on the consolidated balance sheet was $123.3 million and $431.6 million, respectively. The net interest income for the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007 was $0.7 million, $3.5 million and $3.7 million, respectively. At December 31, 2009, the fixed interest rate on the Due from Clear Channel Communications account was 9.25%, which represents the interest rate on the Notes as described above. At December 31, 2009, we had no borrowings under the revolving promissory note to Clear Channel Communications.
Unlike the management of cash from our U.S. based operations, the amount of cash, if any, which is transferred from our foreign operations to Clear Channel Communications is determined on a basis mutually agreeable to us and Clear Channel Communications, and not on a pre-determined basis. In arriving at such mutual agreement, the reasonably foreseeable cash needs of our foreign operations are evaluated before a cash amount is considered as an excess or surplus amount for transfer to Clear Channel Communications.
As of December 31, 2008 we had a note in the original principal amount of $2.5 billion to Clear Channel Communications which was prepayable in whole at any time, or in part from time to time. The note accrued interest at a variable per annum rate equal to the weighted average cost of debt for Clear Channel Communications, calculated on a monthly basis. This note was mandatorily payable upon a change of control of the Company (as defined in the note) and, subject to certain exceptions, all net proceeds from debt or equity raised by the Company had to be used to prepay such note. At December 31, 2008, the interest rate on the $2.5 billion note was 6.0%.
In December 2009, we made voluntary prepayments on the note in the amount of the total outstanding balance and subsequently retired the Debt with Clear Channel Communications. The interest rate on the $2.5 billion note was 5.7% prior to its retirement.
Our working capital requirements and capital for general corporate purposes, including acquisitions and capital expenditures, may be provided to us by Clear Channel Communications, in its sole discretion, pursuant to a revolving promissory note issued by us to Clear Channel Communications. Without the opportunity to obtain financing from Clear Channel Communications, we may need to obtain additional financing from banks, or through public offerings or private placements of debt, strategic relationships or other arrangements at some future date. As stated above, we may be unable to successfully obtain additional debt or equity financing on satisfactory terms or at all.
A-30
As long as Clear Channel Communications maintains a significant interest in us, pursuant to the Master Agreement between Clear Channel Communications and us, Clear Channel Communications will have the option to limit our ability to incur debt or issue equity securities, among other limitations, which could adversely affect our ability to meet our liquidity needs. Under the Master Agreement with Clear Channel Communications, we are limited in our borrowing from third parties to no more than $400.0 million (including borrowings under the $150.0 million sub-limit of Clear Channel Communications $2.0 billion revolving credit facility).
Clear Channel Worldwide Holdings Senior Notes
In December 2009, the Companys wholly-owned subsidiary Clear Channel Worldwide Holdings, Inc. (CCWH), issued $500.0 million aggregate principal amount of Series A Senior Notes due 2017 and $2.0 billion aggregate principal amount of Series B Senior Notes due 2017 (collectively, the Notes). The Notes are guaranteed by the Company, Clear Channel Outdoor, Inc., our wholly-owned subsidiary (CCOI), and certain other existing and future domestic subsidiaries of ours (collectively, the Guarantors).
The Notes are senior unsecured obligations that rank pari passu in right of payment to all unsubordinated indebtedness of CCWH and the guarantees of the Notes will rank pari passu in right of payment to all unsubordinated indebtedness of the guarantors thereunder.
The indentures governing the Notes require the Company to maintain at least $100 million in cash or other liquid assets or have cash available to be borrowed under committed credit facilities consisting of (i) $50.0 million at the issuer and guarantor entities (principally the Americas outdoor segment) and (ii) $50.0 million at the non-guarantor subsidiaries (principally the International outdoor segment) (together the Liquidity Amount), in each case under the sole control of the relevant entity. In the event of a bankruptcy, liquidation, dissolution, reorganization, or similar proceeding of Clear Channel Communications, Inc., for the period thereafter that is the shorter of such proceeding and 60 days, the Liquidity Amount shall be reduced to $50.0 million, with a $25.0 million requirement at the issuer and guarantor entities and a $25.0 million requirement at the non-guarantor subsidiaries.
In addition, interest on the Notes accrues daily and is payable into an account established by a trustee for the benefit of the bondholders (the Trustee Account). Failure to make daily payment on any day does not constitute an event of default so long as (a) no payment or other transfer by the Company or any of its Subsidiaries shall have been made on such day under the cash management sweep with Clear Channel Communications, Inc. and (b) on each semiannual interest payment date the aggregate amount of funds in the Trustee Account is equal to at least the aggregate amount of accrued and unpaid interest on the Notes.
The indenture governing the Series A Notes contains covenants that limit the Company and its restricted subsidiaries ability to, among other things:
| incur or guarantee additional debt to persons other than Clear Channel Communications and its subsidiaries or issue certain preferred stock; |
| create liens on its restricted subsidiaries assets to secure such debt; |
| create restrictions on the payment of dividends or other amounts to the Company from its restricted subsidiaries that are not guarantors of the notes; |
| enter into certain transactions with affiliates; |
| merge or consolidate with another person, or sell or otherwise dispose of all or substantially all of its assets; or |
| sell certain assets, including capital stock of its subsidiaries, to persons other than Clear Channel Communications and its subsidiaries. |
The indenture governing the Series A Notes does not include limitations on dividends, distributions, investments or asset sales.
A-31
The indenture governing the Series B Notes contains covenants that limit the Company and its restricted subsidiaries ability to, among other things:
| incur or guarantee additional debt or issue certain preferred stock; |
| redeem, repurchase or retire the Companys subordinated debt; |
| make certain investments; |
| create liens on its or its restricted subsidiaries assets to secure debt; |
| create restrictions on the payment of dividends or other amounts to it from its restricted subsidiaries that are not guarantors of the Notes; |
| enter into certain transactions with affiliates; |
| merge or consolidate with another person, or sell or otherwise dispose of all or substantially all of its assets; |
| sell certain assets, including capital stock of its subsidiaries; |
| designate its subsidiaries as unrestricted subsidiaries; |
| pay dividends, redeem or repurchase capital stock or make other restricted payments; or |
| purchase or otherwise effectively cancel or retire any of the Series B Notes if after doing so the ratio of (a) the outstanding aggregate principal amount of the Series A Notes to (b) the outstanding aggregate principal amount of the Series B Notes shall be greater than 0.250. This stipulation ensures, among other things, that as long as the Series A Notes are outstanding, the Series B Notes are outstanding. |
The Series B Notes indenture restricts the Companys ability to incur additional indebtedness and pay dividends based on an incurrence test. In order to incur additional indebtedness the Companys debt to adjusted EBITDA ratios (as defined by the indenture) must be lower than 6.5:1 and 3.25:1 for total debt and senior debt, respectively. Similarly, in order for the Company to pay dividends out of proceeds from indebtedness or proceeds from asset sales, the Companys debt to adjusted EBITDA ratios (as defined by the indenture) must be lower t