ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

This report contains forward-looking statements. These statements are subject to risks and uncertainties including those described below under the heading “Factors Affecting Future Operating Results,” and elsewhere in this report, that could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected in these forward-looking statements. The Company cautions investors not to place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements contained in this document. These statements speak only as of the date of this document, and the Company undertakes no obligation to update or revise the statements, except as may be required by law.

Lamar Advertising Company

The following is a discussion of the consolidated financial condition and results of operations of the Company for the years ended December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001. This discussion should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements of the Company and the related notes.

OVERVIEW

The Company’s net revenues, which represent gross revenues less commissions paid to advertising agencies that contract for the use of advertising displays on behalf of advertisers, are derived primarily from the sale of advertising on outdoor advertising displays owned and operated by the Company. The Company relies on sales of advertising space for its revenues, and its operating results are therefore affected by general economic conditions, as well as trends in the advertising industry. Advertising spending is particularly sensitive to changes in general economic conditions, and in general advertising spending has decreased in response to the decline in economic conditions.

Since December 31, 2001, the Company has increased the number of outdoor advertising displays it operates by approximately 2% by completing approximately 160 strategic acquisitions of outdoor advertising and transit assets for an aggregate purchase price of approximately $323 million, which included the issuance of 2,955,559 shares of Lamar Advertising Company Class A common stock valued at the time of issuance at approximately $106.7 million. The Company has financed its recent acquisitions and intends to finance its future acquisition activity from available cash, borrowings under its bank credit agreement, as amended, and the issuance of Class A common stock. See “Liquidity and Capital Resources” below. As a result of acquisitions, the operating performance of individual markets and of the Company as a whole are not necessarily comparable on a year-to-year basis. The Company expects to continue to pursue acquisitions that complement the Company’s existing operations.

Growth of the Company’s business requires expenditures for maintenance and capitalized costs associated with new billboard displays, logo sign and transit contracts, and the purchase of real estate and operating equipment. Capitalized expenditures were $78.3 million in 2003, $78.4 million in 2002 and $85.3 million in 2001. The following table presents a breakdown of capitalized expenditures for the past three years:

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RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

The following table presents certain items in the Consolidated Statements of Operations as a percentage of net revenues for the years ended December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001:

Year ended December 31, 2003 compared to year ended December 31, 2002

Net revenues increased $34.4 million or 4.4% to $810.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2003 from $775.7 million for the same period in 2002. This increase was attributable primarily to (i) an increase in billboard net revenues of $29.8 million or 4.1%, (ii) a $3.2 million increase in logo sign revenue, which represents an increase of 8.4% over the prior year, and (iii) a $1.5 million increase in transit revenue, which represents a 17.0% increase over the prior year.

The increase in billboard net revenues of $29.8 million was due to both acquisition activity and internal growth while the increase in logo sign revenue of $3.2 million and transit revenue growth of $1.5 million was generated by internal growth across various markets within the logo sign and transit programs. Net revenues for the year ended December 31, 2003 as compared to acquisition-adjusted net revenue ⁽¹⁾ for the year ended December 31, 2002, which includes adjustments for acquisitions for the same time frame as actually owned in 2003, increased $14.4 million or 1.8% as a result of net revenue internal growth.

Operating expenses, exclusive of depreciation and amortization and gain on sale of assets, increased $21.5 million or 4.9% to $463.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2003 from $442.0 million for the same period in 2002. There was a $23.6 million increase as a result of additional operating expenses related to the operations of acquired outdoor advertising assets and increases in costs in operating the Company’s core assets. This increase was offset by a $2.0 million decrease in corporate expenses due to the partial reversal in the second quarter of 2003 of a charge related to a jury verdict rendered against the Company in the third quarter of 2002, which is discussed below.

In the third quarter of 2002, the Company recorded a charge of $2.3 million related to a jury verdict rendered in August 2002 against the Company for compensatory and punitive damages. In May 2003, the Court ordered a reduction to the punitive damage award, which was subject to the plaintiff’s consent. The plaintiff rejected the reduced award and the Court ordered a new trial. Based on legal analysis, management believes the best estimate of the Company’s potential liability related to this claim is currently $1.3 million. The $1.0 million reduction in the reserve for this liability was recorded as a reduction of corporate expenses in the second quarter of 2003.

Depreciation and amortization expense increased $4.4 million or 1.6% from $277.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2002 to $282.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2003, due to continued acquisition activity and capital expenditures.

Due to the above factors, operating income increased $8.9 million to $65.1 million for year ended December 31, 2003 compared to $56.2 million for the same period in 2002.

The Company’s management believes that acquisition-adjusted net revenue is useful in evaluating the Company’s performance and provides investors and financial analysts a better understanding of the Company’s core operating results. The acquisition adjustments are intended to provide information that may be useful for investors when assessing period to period results. Our presentations of this measure, however, may not be comparable to similarly titled measures used by other companies.

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In January 2003, the Company’s wholly owned subsidiary, Lamar Media Corp., redeemed all of its outstanding 9 5/8% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2006 in aggregate principal amount of approximately $255.0 million for a redemption price equal to 103.208% of the principal amount of the notes. In the first quarter of 2003, the Company recorded approximately $11.2 million as a loss on extinguishment of debt related to the prepayment of the 9 5/8% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2006 and the write-off of related debt issuance costs.

In June 2003, Lamar Media Corp., redeemed $100.0 million in principal amount of its 8 5/8% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2007, for a redemption price equal to 104.313% of the principal amount of the notes. In the second quarter of 2003, the Company recorded a loss on extinguishment of debt of $5.8 million, related to this prepayment.

In July 2003, the Company redeemed all of its outstanding 5 1/4% Convertible Notes due 2006 in aggregate principal amount of approximately $287.5 million for a redemption price equal to 103.0% of the principal amount of the notes. As a result of this redemption, the Company recorded a loss on extinguishment of debt of $12.6 million.

In December 2003, Lamar Media redeemed the remaining $100.0 million of its 8 5/8% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2007 for a redemption price equal to 102.875% of the principal amount of the notes. As a result of this redemption, the Company recorded a loss on extinguishment of debt of $4.2 million in the fourth quarter of 2003 related to the prepayment of the notes and associated debt issuance costs.

Interest expense decreased $19.5 million from $107.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2002 to $87.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2003 as a result of lower interest rates both on existing and recently refinanced debt.

The increase in operating income and the decrease in interest expense described above offset by the loss on extinguishment of debt resulted in a $0.2 million decrease in loss before income taxes and cumulative effect of a change in accounting principle. There was an increase in the income tax benefit of $0.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2003 over the same period in 2002 due primarily to an increase in total tax benefit resulting from changes to the expected utilization of the Company’s net operating loss carryforward. The effective tax rate for the year ended December 31, 2003 is 37.0%.

Due to the adoption of SFAS No. 143, the Company recorded a cumulative effect of a change in accounting principle in the amount of $11.7 million net of an income tax benefit of $7.5 million.

As a result of the above factors, the Company recognized a net loss for the year ended December 31, 2003 of $46.9 million, as compared to a net loss of $36.3 million for the same period in 2002.

Year ended December 31, 2002 compared to year ended December 31, 2001

Net revenues increased $46.6 million or 6.4% to $775.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2002 from $729.1 million for the same period in 2001. This increase was attributable primarily to (i) an increase in billboard net revenues of $38.3 million which represents an increase of 5.5% over the prior year, (ii) a $2.6 million increase in logo sign revenue, which represents an increase of 7.3% over the prior year, and (iii) a $3.8 million increase in transit revenue, which represents an 81.7% increase over the prior year.

The increase in billboard net revenues of $38.3 million was due to acquisition activity and internal growth. The increase in logo sign revenue of $2.6 million was primarily due to price increases negotiated by the Company with the state of Virginia, which generated an increase in net revenue of $1.3 million as compared to the same period in 2001. The remaining increase of $1.3 million was generated by internal growth across various markets within the logo sign program. The increase in transit revenue of $3.8 million was generated by internal growth resulting from changes in management and sales processes within the transit program. Net revenues for the year ended December 31, 2002 as compared to acquisition–adjusted net revenue ⁽²⁾  for the year ended December 31, 2001 which includes adjustments for acquisitions for the same time frame as actually owned in 2002 increased $16.2 million or 2.1% as a result of net revenue growth.

The Company’s management believes that acquisition-adjusted net revenue is useful in evaluating the Company’s performance and provides investors and financial analysts a better understanding of the Company’s core operating results. The acquisition adjustments are intended to provide information that may be useful for investors when assessing period to period results. Our presentations of this measure, however, may not be comparable to similarly titled measures used by other companies.

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Operating expenses, exclusive of depreciation and amortization and gain on sale of assets, increased $39.5 million or 9.8% to $442.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2002 from $402.5 million for the same period in 2001. There was a $36.2 million increase as a result of additional operating expenses related to the operations of acquired outdoor advertising assets and increases in personnel, sign site rent, insurance costs and property taxes. The remaining $3.3 million increase in expenses is a result of increases in logo sign, transit and corporate overhead expenses.

Depreciation and amortization expense decreased $77.6 million or 21.8% from $355.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2001 to $277.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2002 as a result of the Company’s adoption of SFAS No. 142, “Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets,” which eliminated the amortization expense for goodwill.

Due to the above factors, operating income increased $84.3 million to $56.2 million for year ended December 31, 2002 compared to an operating loss of $28.1 million for the same period in 2001.

On October 25, 2002, the Company’s wholly owned subsidiary, Lamar Media Corp., redeemed all of its outstanding 9 1/4% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2007 in aggregate principal amount of approximately $74.1 million for a redemption price equal to 104.625% of the principal amount thereof plus accrued interest to the redemption date of approximately $1.3 million. In the fourth quarter of 2002, the Company recorded approximately $5.9 million as an expense related to the prepayment of the 9 1/4% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2007.

Interest expense decreased $19.6 million from $126.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2001 to $107.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2002 as a result of lower interest rates for the year ended December 31, 2002 as compared to the same period in 2001.

The increase in operating income and the decrease in interest expense described above resulted in a $98.3 million decrease in loss before income taxes. The decrease in loss before income taxes, resulted in a decrease in the income tax benefit of $26.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2002 over the same period in 2001. The effective tax rate for the year ended December 31, 2002 is 35.2%.

As a result of the above factors, the Company recognized a net loss for the year ended December 31, 2002 of $36.3 million, as compared to a net loss of $108.6 million for the same period in 2001.

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

The Company has historically satisfied its working capital requirements with cash from operations and borrowings under its bank credit facility. The Company’s wholly owned subsidiary, Lamar Media Corp., is the borrower under the bank credit facility and maintains all corporate cash balances. Any cash requirements of Lamar Advertising, therefore, must be funded by distributions from Lamar Media. The Company’s acquisitions have been financed primarily with funds borrowed under the bank credit facility and issuance of its Class A common stock and debt securities. If an acquisition is made by one of the Company’s subsidiaries using the Company’s Class A common stock, a permanent contribution of additional paid-in-capital of Class A common stock is distributed to that subsidiary.

The Company’s cash flows provided by operating activities increased by $19.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2003 due primarily to an increase in adjustments to reconcile net loss to cash provided by operating activities of $38.0 million, which primarily includes an increase in the loss on extinguishment of debt of $27.8 million, an increase in depreciation and amortization of $4.4 million and the cumulative effect of a change in accounting principle of $11.7 million offset by an increase in deferred income tax benefit of $5.0 million. This increase was offset by an increase in net loss of $10.5 million. In addition, as compared to the same period in 2002, there were increases in the change in receivables of $3.1 million, in other assets of $4.7 million, in other liabilities of $1.3 million, in trade accounts payable of $1.3 million, and prepaid expenses of $0.4 million and increases in the change in accrued expenses of $2.9 million.

Cash flows used in investing activities increased $54.2 million from $155.8 million in 2002 to $210.0 million in 2003 primarily due to the increase in cash used in acquisition activity by the Company in 2003 of $58.5 million offset by a decrease in the change in notes receivable of $1.7 million and an increase in proceeds from sale of property and equipment of $2.4 million.

Cash flows used in financing activities decreased by $24.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2003 due to a $152.0 million increase in net proceeds from note offerings and new notes payable, which is due to the issuance of Lamar Advertising’s $287.5 million 2 7/8% Convertible Notes, Lamar Media’s issuance of $125.0 million 7 1/4% Senior Subordinated Notes and increase in cash from deposits for debt extinguishment of $533.3 million offset by a $627.3 million increase in principal payments of long-term debt due primarily to the redemption of Lamar Media’s 9 5/8% Senior Subordinated Notes, 8 5/8% Senior Subordinated Notes and the Company’s 5 1/4% Convertible Notes. In addition, there was a $5.2 million decrease in proceeds from issuance of the Company’s Class A common stock, an $8.7 million increase in debt issuance costs and a $20.0 million decrease in net borrowings from credit agreements.

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During the year ended December 31, 2003, the Company financed its acquisition activity of approximately $188.2 million with borrowings under Lamar Media’s revolving credit facility and cash on hand totaling $137.6 million as well as the issuance of shares of the Company’s Class A common stock valued at the time of issuance at approximately $50.6 million.

The Company’s wholly owned subsidiary, Lamar Media Corp., replaced its bank credit facility on March 7, 2003 and subsequently amended it in February 2004. The bank credit facility is comprised of a $225.0 million revolving bank credit facility and a $975.0 million term facility. The bank credit facility also includes a $500.0 million incremental facility, which permits Lamar Media to request that its lenders enter into commitments to make additional term loans to it, up to a maximum aggregate amount of $500.0 million. The lenders have no obligation to make additional term loans to Lamar Media under the incremental facility, but may enter into such commitments in their sole discretion. At December 31, 2003 Lamar Media had $179.4 million available under its revolving bank credit facility.

In the future, Lamar Media has principal reduction obligations and revolver commitment reductions under its bank credit agreement. In addition it has fixed commercial commitments. These commitments are detailed as follows:

In January 2003, Lamar Media redeemed all of its outstanding 9 5/8% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2006 in aggregate principal amount of approximately $255.0 million for a redemption price equal to 103.208% of the principal amount of the notes. As a result of this redemption, the Company recorded a loss on extinguishment of debt of $11.2 million which consisted of a prepayment penalty of $8.2 million and associated debt issuance costs of approximately $3.0 million.

In June 2003, Lamar Media Corp. called for the redemption of $100.0 million of its $200.0 million 8 5/8% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2007. The redemption was funded by the issuance on June 12, 2003 of a $125.0 million add-on to its $260.0 million 7 1/4% Notes due 2013 issued in December 2002. The issue price of the $125.0 million 7 1/4% Notes was 103.661% of the principal amount of the notes, which yields an effective rate of 6 5/8%. The redemption price of the $100.0 million 8 5/8% senior subordinated notes was equal to 104.313% of the principal amount of the notes. As a result of this redemption, the Company recorded a loss on extinguishment of debt of $5.8 million which consisted of a prepayment penalty of $4.3 million and associated debt issuance costs of approximately $1.5 million.

In July 2003, the Company redeemed all of its $287.5 million 5 1/4% Convertible Notes due 2006. The redemption was funded by the issuance on June 16, 2003 of $287.5 million 2 7/8% Convertible Notes due 2010. The redemption price of the notes was equal to 103.0% of the principal amount of the notes. As a result of this redemption, the Company recorded a loss on extinguishment of debt of $12.6 million, which consisted of a prepayment penalty of $8.6 million and associated debt issuance costs of approximately $4.0 million.

In December 2003, Lamar Media redeemed the remaining $100.0 million of its 8 5/8% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2007 for a redemption price equal to 102.875% of the principal amount of the notes. The redemption was funded by cash from operations and borrowings under the Company’s bank credit facility. As a result of this redemption, the Company recorded a loss on extinguishment of debt of $4.2 million which consisted of a prepayment penalty of $2.9 million and associated debt issuance costs of approximately $1.3 million.

Currently Lamar Media has outstanding approximately $385.0 million 7 1/4% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2013 issued in December 2002 and June 2003. The indentures relating to Lamar Media’s outstanding notes restrict its ability to incur indebtedness other than:

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	•		up to $1.2 billion of indebtedness under its bank credit facility;
	•		currently outstanding indebtedness or debt incurred to refinance outstanding debt;
	•		inter-company debt between Lamar Media and its subsidiaries or between subsidiaries; and
	•		certain other debt incurred in the ordinary course of business (provided that all of the above ranks junior in right of payment to the notes that has a maturity or mandatory sinking fund payment prior to the maturity of the notes).

Lamar Media is required to comply with certain covenants and restrictions under its bank credit agreement. If the Company fails to comply with these tests, the payments set forth in the above table may be accelerated. At December 31, 2003 and currently Lamar Media is in compliance with all such tests.

Lamar Media cannot exceed the following financial ratios under its bank credit facility:

•		a total debt ratio, defined as total consolidated debt to EBITDA, as defined below, for the most recent four fiscal quarters, of 6.00 to 1 (through December 30, 2004) and 5.75 to 1 (after December 30, 2004); and
•		a senior debt ratio, defined as total consolidated senior debt to EBITDA, as defined below, for the most recent four fiscal quarters, of 4.00 to 1 (through December 30, 2004) and 3.75 to 1 (after December 30, 2004).

In addition, the bank credit facility requires that Lamar Media must maintain the following financial ratios:

•		an interest coverage ratio defined as EBITDA (defined below) for the most recent four fiscal quarters to total consolidated accrued interest expense for that period, of at least 2.25 to 1; and
•		a fixed charges coverage ratio, defined as the ratio of EBITDA (as defined below) for the most recent four fiscal quarters to (1) the total payments of principal and interest on debt for such period (2) capital expenditures made during such period and (3) income and franchise tax payments made during such period, of at least 1.05 to 1.

As defined under Lamar Media’s bank credit facility, EBITDA is for any period, operating income for Lamar Media and its restricted subsidiaries (determined on a consolidated basis without duplication in accordance with GAAP) for such period (calculated before taxes, interest expense, depreciation, amortization and any other non-cash income or charges accrued for such period and (except to the extent received or paid in cash by Lamar Media or any of its restricted subsidiaries) income or loss attributable to equity in affiliates for such period) excluding any extraordinary and unusual gains or losses during such period and excluding the proceeds of any casualty events whereby insurance or other proceeds are received and certain dispositions not in the ordinary course. Any dividend payment made by Lamar Media or any of its restricted subsidiaries to Lamar Advertising Company during any period to enable Lamar Advertising Company to pay certain qualified expenses on behalf of Lamar Media and its subsidiaries, shall be treated as operating expenses of Lamar Media for the purposes of calculating EBITDA for such period. EBITDA under the bank credit agreement is also adjusted to reflect certain acquisitions or dispositions as if such acquisitions or dispositions were made on the first day of such period.

The Company believes that its current level of cash on hand, availability under its bank credit agreement and future cash flows from operations are sufficient to meet its operating needs through the year 2004. All debt obligations are on the Company’s balance sheet.

CRITICAL ACCOUNTING ESTIMATES

Our discussion and analysis of our results of operations and liquidity and capital resources are based on our consolidated financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with the accounting principles generally accepted in the United States. The preparation of these financial statements requires us to make estimates and judgments that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses. On an ongoing basis, we evaluate our estimates and judgments, including those related to long-lived asset recovery, intangible assets, goodwill impairment, deferred taxes and allowance for doubtful accounts. We base our estimates on historical and anticipated results and trends and on various other assumptions that we believe are reasonable under the circumstances, including assumptions as to future events and, where applicable, established valuation techniques. These estimates form the basis for making judgments about carrying values of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. By their nature, estimates are subject to an inherent degree of uncertainty. Actual results may differ from our estimates. We believe that the following significant accounting policies and assumptions may involve a higher degree of judgment and complexity than others.

Long-Lived Asset Recovery Long-lived assets, consisting primarily of property, plant and equipment and intangibles comprise a significant portion of the Company’s total assets. Property, plant and equipment of $1,254 million and intangible assets of $967 million are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances have indicated that their carrying amounts may not be recoverable. Recoverability of assets is measured by a comparison of the carrying amount of an asset to

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future undiscounted net cash flows expected to be generated by that asset before interest expense. These undiscounted cash flow projections are based on management assumptions surrounding future operating results and the anticipated future economic environment. If actual results differ from management’s assumptions, an impairment of these intangible assets may exist and a charge to income would be made in the period such impairment is determined. No such impairment charge has been recorded by the Company that management believes is due to the Company’s disciplined approach in determining the purchase price of acquisitions that drives the growth of the Company’s long-lived assets.

Intangible Assets The Company has significant intangible assets recorded on its balance sheet. Intangible assets primarily represent goodwill of $1,240 million, site locations of $778 million and customer relationships of $140.2 million associated with the Company’s acquisitions. The fair values of intangible assets recorded are determined using discounted cash flow models that require management to make assumptions related to the future operating results, including projecting net revenue growth discounted using current cost of capital rates, of each acquisition and the anticipated future economic environment. If actual results differ from management’s assumptions, an impairment of these intangibles may exist and a charge to income would be made in the period such impairment is determined. Historically no impairment charge has been required with respect to the Company’s intangible assets.

Goodwill Impairment The Company had goodwill of $1,240 million as of December 31, 2003 and must perform an impairment analysis of goodwill annually or if events and circumstances indicate that the asset might be impaired on a more frequent basis. This analysis requires management to make assumptions as to the implied fair value of goodwill as compared to its carrying value. In conducting the impairment analysis, the Company determines implied fair value of goodwill utilizing quoted market prices of its Class A common stock which are used to calculate the Company’s enterprise value as compared to the carrying value of the Company’s assets. Discounted cash flow models before interest expense are also used. These discounted cash flow models require management to make assumptions including projecting the Company’s net revenue growth discounted using current cost of capital rates related to the future operating results of the Company and the anticipated future economic environment. Based upon the Company’s review, no impairment charge was required upon the adoption of Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (SFAS) No. 142, “Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets,” in January 2002 or at its annual test for impairment on December 31, 2002 and December 31, 2003.

Deferred Taxes As of December 31, 2003, the Company has made the determination that its deferred tax assets of $168.5 million, the primary component of which is the Company’s net operating loss carryforward, are fully realizable due to the existence of certain deferred tax liabilities of approximately $257.0 million that are anticipated to reverse during the carryforward period. The Company bases this determination by projecting taxable income over the relevant period. The Company has not recorded a valuation allowance to reduce its deferred tax assets. Should the Company determine that it would not be able to realize all or part of its net deferred tax assets in the future, an adjustment to the deferred tax asset would be charged to income in the period such determination was made. For a more detailed description, see Note 10 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

Asset Retirement Obligations The Company had an asset retirement obligation of $36.9 million as of December 31, 2003 as a result of its adoption of SFAS No. 143, “Accounting for Asset Retirement Obligations”, on January 1, 2003. The Company records the present value of obligations associated with the retirement of tangible long-lived assets in the period in which they are incurred. The liability is capitalized as part of the related long-lived asset’s carrying amount. Over time, accretion of the liability is recognized as an operating expense and the capitalized cost is depreciated over the expected useful life of the related asset. The Company’s asset retirement obligations relate primarily to the dismantlement, removal, site reclamation and similar activities of its outdoor advertising properties. In calculating the liability, the Company calculates the present value of the estimated cost to dismantle using an average cost to dismantle, adjusted for inflation and market risk.

Allowance for Doubtful Accounts The Company maintains allowances for doubtful accounts based on the payment patterns of its customers. Management analyzes historical results, the economic environment, changes in the credit worthiness of its customers, and other relevant factors in determining the adequacy of the Company’s allowance. Bad debt expense was $9 million, $9 million and $8 million or approximately 1% of net revenue for the years ended December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001, respectively. If the future economic environment declines, the inability of customers to pay may occur and the allowance for doubtful accounts may need to be increased, which will result in additional bad debt expense in future years.

NEW ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS

In June 2001, FASB Statement No. 143, “Accounting for Asset Retirement Obligations,” was issued. Statement 143 requires the Company to record the fair value of an asset retirement obligation as a liability in the period in which it incurs a legal obligation associated with the retirement of tangible long-lived assets that result from the acquisition, construction, development, and/or normal use of the assets. The Company also would record a corresponding asset that is depreciated over the life of the asset. Subsequent to the initial measurement of the asset retirement obligation, the obligation would be adjusted at the end of each period to reflect the passage of time and changes in the estimated future cash flows underlying the obligation. The Company adopted Statement 143 as required, on January 1, 2003.

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In June 2002, the FASB issued SFAS No. 146, “Accounting for Costs Associated with Exit or Disposal Activities” (“Statement 146”), which addresses financial accounting and reporting for costs associated with exit or disposal activities. It nullifies EITF Issue No. 94-3, “Liability Recognition for Certain Employee Termination Benefits and Other Costs to Exit an Activity (including Certain Costs Incurred in a Restructuring).” The principal difference between Statement 146 and Issue 94-3 relates to the recognition of a liability for a cost associated with an exit or disposal activity. Statement 146 requires that a liability be recognized for those costs only when the liability is incurred, that is, when it meets the definition of a liability in the FASB’s conceptual framework. In contrast, under Issue 94-3, a company recognized a liability for an exit cost when it committed to an exit plan. Statement 146 also establishes fair value as the objective for initial measurement of liabilities related to exit or disposal activities. The Statement is effective for exit or disposal activities that are initiated after December 31, 2002 and did not have a material impact on the Company’s financial statements. The Company adopted the provisions related to Statement No. 146 as of January 1, 2003.

In November 2002, the FASB issued Interpretation No. 45, “Guarantor’s Accounting and Disclosure Requirements for Guarantees, Including Indirect Guarantees of Indebtedness to Others, an interpretation of FASB Statements No. 5, 57 and 107 and a rescission of FASB Interpretation No. 34.” This Interpretation elaborates on the disclosures to be made by a guarantor in its interim and annual financial statements about its obligations under guarantees issued. The Interpretation also clarifies that a guarantor is required to recognize, at inception of a guarantee, a liability for the fair value of the obligation undertaken. The initial recognition and measurement provisions of the Interpretation are applicable to guarantees issued or modified after December 31, 2002 and did not have a material effect on the Company’s financial statements.

In December 2003, the FASB issued Interpretation No. 46 (revised December 2003), “Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities, an interpretation of ARB No. 51.” This interpretation addresses the consolidation by business enterprises of variable interest entities as defined in the Interpretation. The Interpretation applies immediately to variable interests in variable interest entities created after January 31, 2003, and to variable interests in variable interest entities obtained after January 31, 2003. The application of the Interpretation did not have an effect on the Company’s financial statements as the Company has no variable interest entities.

In April 2003, the FASB issued SFAS No. 149, “Amendment of Statement 133 on Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities,” which amends and clarifies financial accounting and reporting for derivative instruments, including certain derivative instruments embedded in other contracts (collectively referred to as derivatives) and for hedging activities under FASB Statement No. 133, “Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities.” The Company adopted SFAS No. 149 effective June 30, 2003. The adoption of SFAS No. 149 did not have an impact on its consolidated financial statements.

In May 2003, the FASB issued SFAS No. 150, “Accounting for Certain Financial Instruments with Characteristics of both Liabilities and Equity.” Statement 150 affects the issuer’s accounting for three types of freestanding financial instruments. One type is mandatory redeemable shares, which the issuing company is obligated to buy back in exchange for cash or other assets. A second type, which includes put options and forward purchase contracts, involves instruments that do or may require the issuer to buy back some of its shares in exchange for cash or other assets. The third type of instruments that are liabilities under this Statement is obligations that can be settled with shares, the monetary value of which is fixed, tied solely or predominately to a variable such as a market index, or varies inversely with the value of the issuers’ shares. Statement 150 does not apply to features embedded in a financial instrument that is not a derivative in its entirety. Most of the guidance in Statement 150 is effective for all financial instruments entered into or modified after May 31, 2003, and otherwise is effective at the beginning of the first interim period beginning after June 15, 2003. The Company currently does not have any financial instruments that are within the scope of SFAS No. 150.

Lamar Media Corp.

The following is a discussion of the consolidated financial condition and results of operations of Lamar Media for the years ended December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001. This discussion should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements of Lamar Media and the related notes.

The following table presents certain items in the Consolidated Statements of Operations as a percentage of net revenues for Lamar Media Corp. for the years ended December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001:

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Year ended December 31, 2003 compared to year ended December 31, 2002

Net revenues increased $34.4 million or 4.4% to $810.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2003 from $775.7 million for the same period in 2002. This increase was attributable primarily to (i) an increase in billboard net revenues of $29.8 million or 4.1%, (ii) a $3.2 million increase in logo sign revenue, which represents an increase of 8.4% over the prior year, and (iii) a $1.5 million increase in transit revenue, which represents a 17.0% increase over the prior year.

The increase in billboard net revenues of $29.8 million was due to both acquisition activity and internal growth while the increase in logo sign revenue of $3.2 million and transit revenue growth of $1.5 million was generated by internal growth across various markets within the logo sign and transit programs. Net revenues for the year ended December 31, 2003 as compared to acquisition-adjusted net revenue ⁽³⁾ for the year ended December 31, 2002, which includes adjustments for acquisitions for the same time frame as actually owned in 2003, increased $14.4 million or 1.8% as a result of net revenue internal growth.

Operating expenses, exclusive of depreciation and amortization and gain on sale of assets, increased $21.5 million or 4.9% to $463.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2003 from $441.7 million for the same period in 2002. There was a $23.6 million increase as a result of additional operating expenses related to the operations of acquired outdoor advertising assets and increases in costs in operating Lamar Media’s core assets. This increase was offset by a $2.0 million decrease in corporate expenses due to the partial reversal in the second quarter of 2003 of a charge related to a jury verdict rendered against Lamar Media in the third quarter of 2002, which is discussed below.

In the third quarter of 2002, Lamar Media recorded a charge of $2.3 million related to a jury verdict rendered in August 2002 against Lamar Media for compensatory and punitive damages. In May 2003, the Court ordered a reduction to the punitive damage award, which was subject to the plaintiff’s consent. The plaintiff rejected the reduced award and the Court ordered a new trial. Based on legal analysis, management believes the best estimate of Lamar Media’s potential liability related to this claim is currently $1.3 million. The $1.0 million reduction in the reserve for this liability was recorded as a reduction of corporate expenses in the second quarter of 2003.

Depreciation and amortization expense increased $4.4 million or 1.6% from $274.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2002 to $279.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2003.

Due to the above factors, operating income increased $8.9 million to $68.6 million for year ended December 31, 2003 compared to $59.7 million for the same period in 2002.

In January 2003, Lamar Media redeemed all of its outstanding 9 5/8% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2006 in aggregate principal amount of approximately $255.0 million for a redemption price equal to 103.208% of the principal amount of the notes. In the first quarter of 2003, Lamar Media recorded approximately $11.2 million as a loss on extinguishment of debt related to the prepayment of the 9 5/8% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2006 and the write-off of related debt issuance costs. In June 2003, Lamar Media redeemed $100.0 million in principal amount of its 8 5/8% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2007, for a redemption price equal to 104.313% of the principal amount of the notes. In the second quarter of 2003, Lamar Media recorded a loss on extinguishment of debt of $5.8 million, related to this prepayment.

The Company’s management believes that acquisition-adjusted net revenue is useful in evaluating the Company’s performance and provides investors and financial analysts a better understanding of the Company’s core operating results. The acquisition adjustments are intended to provide information that may be useful for investors when assessing period to period results. Our presentations of this measure, however, may not be comparable to similarly titled measures used by other companies.

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In December 2003, Lamar Media redeemed the remaining $100.0 million of its 8 5/8% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2007 for a redemption price equal to 102.875% of the principal amount of the notes. As a result of this redemption, Lamar Media recorded a loss on extinguishment of debt of $4.2 million related to the prepayment of the notes and associated debt issuance costs.

Interest expense decreased $17.1 million from $92.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2002 to $75.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2003 as a result of lower interest rates both on existing and recently refinanced debt.

The increase in operating income and the decrease in interest expense described above offset by the loss on extinguishment of debt resulted in a $10.4 million decrease in loss before income taxes and cumulative effect of a change in accounting principle. Because of the decrease in loss before income taxes and cumulative effect of a change in accounting principle, there was a decrease in the income tax benefit of $3.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2003 over the same period in 2002. The effective tax rate for the year ended December 31, 2003 is 34.9%.

Due to the adoption of SFAS No. 143, the Company recorded a cumulative effect of a change in accounting principle, net of tax of $11.7 million.

As a result of the above factors, the Company recognized a net loss for the year ended December 31, 2003 of $29.3 million, as compared to a net loss of $25.0 million for the same period in 2002.

Year ended December 31, 2002 compared to year ended December 31, 2001

Net revenues increased $46.6 million or 6.4% to $775.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2002 from $729.1 million for the same period in 2001. This increase was attributable primarily to (i) an increase in billboard net revenues of $38.3 million or 5.5%, (ii) a $2.6 million increase in logo sign revenue, which represents an increase of 7.3% over the prior year, and (iii) a $3.8 million increase in transit revenue, which represents an 81.7% increase over the prior year.

The increase in billboard net revenues of $38.3 million was due to acquisition activity and internal growth. The increase in logo sign revenue of $2.6 million was significantly due to price increases negotiated by the Company with the state of Virginia, which generated an increase in net revenue of $1.3 million as compared to the same period in 2001. The remaining increase of $1.3 million was generated by internal growth across various markets within the logo sign program. The increase in transit revenue of $3.8 million was generated by internal growth resulting from changes in management and sales processes within the transit program. Net revenues for the year ended December 31, 2002 as compared to acquisition–adjusted net revenue ⁽⁴⁾  for the year ended December 31, 2001 which includes adjustments for acquisitions for the same time frame as actually owned in 2002 increased $16.2 million or 2.1% as a result of net revenue growth.

Operating expenses, exclusive of depreciation and amortization and gain on sale of assets, increased $39.4 million or 9.8% to $441.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2002 from $402.3 million for the same period in 2001. There was a $36.2 million increase as a result of additional operating expenses related to the operations of acquired outdoor advertising assets and increases in personnel, sign site rent, insurance costs and property taxes. The remaining $3.2 million increase in expenses is a result of increases in logo sign, transit and corporate overhead expenses.

Depreciation and amortization expense decreased $77.2 million or 21.9% from $351.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2001 to $274.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2002 as a result of the Company’s adoption of SFAS No. 142, “Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets,” which eliminated the amortization expense for goodwill.

Due to the above factors, operating income increased $83.8 million to $59.7 million for year ended December 31, 2002 compared to an operating loss of $24.1 million for the same period in 2001.

The Company’s management believes that acquisition-adjusted net revenue is useful in evaluating the Company’s performance and provides investors and financial analysts a better understanding of the Company’s core operating results. The acquisition adjustments are intended to provide information that may be useful for investors when assessing period to period results. Our presentations of this measure, however, may not be comparable to similarly titled measures used by other companies.

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On October 25, 2002, Lamar Media redeemed all of its outstanding 9¼% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2007 in aggregate principal amount of approximately $74.1 million for a redemption price equal to 104.625% of the principal amount thereof plus accrued interest to the redemption date of approximately $1.3 million. In the fourth quarter of 2002, Lamar Media recorded approximately $5.9 million as an expense related to the prepayment of the 9¼% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2007.

Interest expense decreased $20.8 million from $113.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2001 to $92.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2002 as a result of lower interest rates for the year ended December 31, 2002 as compared to the same period in 2001.

The increase in operating income and the decrease in interest expense described above resulted in a $99.0 million decrease in loss before income taxes. The decrease in loss before income taxes, resulted in a decrease in the income tax benefit of $26.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2002 over the same period in 2001. The effective tax rate for the year ended December 31, 2002 is 33.3%.

As a result of the above factors, Lamar Media recognized a net loss for the year ended December 31, 2002 of $25.0 million, as compared to a net loss of $97.6 million for the same period in 2001.

FACTORS AFFECTING FUTURE OPERATING RESULTS

The Company’s substantial indebtedness could adversely affect its business and may create a need to borrow additional money in the future to make the significant fixed payments on its debt and operate its business.

The Company has borrowed substantial amounts of money in the past and may borrow more money in the future. At December 31, 2003, Lamar Advertising Company had approximately $287.5 million of convertible notes outstanding. At December 31, 2003, Lamar Media had approximately $1.4 billion of debt outstanding consisting of approximately $1,015.0 million in bank debt, $389.4 million in various series of senior subordinated notes and $13.0 million in various other short-term and long-term debt. In addition, the indentures governing Lamar Media’s notes and bank credit facility allows it to incur substantial additional indebtedness in the future. As of December 31, 2003, Lamar Media had approximately $179.4 million available to borrow under its bank credit facility. The Company’s substantial indebtedness and the fact that a large part of the Company’s cash flow from operations must be used to make principal and interest payments on its debt may have important consequences, including:

	•		limiting cash flow available to fund the Company’s working capital, capital expenditures, potential acquisitions or other general corporate requirements;
	•		increasing the Company’s vulnerability to general adverse economic and industry conditions;
	•		limiting the Company’s ability to obtain additional financing to fund future working capital, capital expenditures, potential acquisitions or other general corporate requirements;
	•		limiting the Company’s flexibility in planning for, or reacting to, changes in its business and industry;
	•		placing the Company at a competitive disadvantage compared to its competitors with less indebtedness; and
	•		making it more difficult for the Company to comply with financial covenants in its bank credit facility.

In addition, if the Company’s operations make less money in the future, it may need to borrow to make principal and interest payments on its debt. The Company also finances most of its acquisitions through borrowings under Lamar Media’s bank credit facility. Since its borrowing capacity under its credit facility is limited, the Company may not be able to continue to finance future acquisitions at its historical rate with borrowings under its credit facility. The Company may need to borrow additional amounts or seek other sources of financing to fund future acquisitions. Such additional financing may not be available on favorable terms. The Company may need the consent of the banks under its credit facility, or the holders of other indebtedness, to borrow additional money.

Restrictions in the Company’s, and its wholly owned, direct subsidiary, Lamar Media’s debt agreements reduce operating flexibility and contain covenants and restrictions that create the potential for defaults.

The terms of the indenture relating to Lamar Advertising’s outstanding notes, Lamar Media’s bank credit facility and the indentures relating to Lamar Media’s outstanding notes restrict, among other things, the ability of Lamar Advertising and Lamar Media to:

	•		incur or repay debt;
	•		dispose of assets;
	•		create liens;
	•		make investments;
	•		enter into affiliate transactions; and
	•		pay dividends.

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Lamar Media’s ability to make distributions to Lamar Advertising is also restricted under the terms of these agreements. Under Lamar Media’s bank credit facility the Company must maintain specified financial ratios and levels including:

	•		a minimum interest coverage ratio;
	•		a minimum fixed charges ratio;
	•		a maximum senior debt ratio; and
	•		a maximum total debt ratio.

See “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations – Liquidity and Capital Resources” beginning on page 14.

If Lamar Media fails to comply with these tests, the lenders have the right to cause all amounts outstanding under the bank credit facility to become immediately due. If this were to occur, and the lenders decide to exercise their right to accelerate the indebtedness, it would create serious financial problems for the Company and could lead to an event of default under the indentures governing its debt. Any of these events could have a material adverse effect on its business, financial condition and results of operations. The Company’s ability to comply with these restrictions, and any similar restrictions in future agreements, depends on its operating performance. Because its performance is subject to prevailing economic, financial and business conditions and other factors that are beyond the Company’s control, it may be unable to comply with these restrictions in the future.

The Company’s business is derived from advertising and advertising is particularly sensitive to changes in economic conditions and advertising trends.

The Company sells advertising space to generate revenues. Advertising spending is particularly sensitive to changes in general economic conditions and advertising spending typically decreases when economic conditions are tough. A decrease in demand for advertising space could adversely affect the Company’s business. A reduction in money spent on advertising displays could result from:

	•		a general decline in economic conditions;
	•		a decline in economic conditions in particular markets where the Company conducts business;
	•		a reallocation of advertising expenditures to other available media by significant users of the Company’s displays; or
	•		a decline in the amount spent on advertising in general.

The Company’s continued growth by acquisitions may become more difficult and involves costs and uncertainties.

Historically, the Company has substantially increased its inventory of advertising displays through acquisitions. The Company’s growth strategy involves acquiring outdoor advertising businesses and assets in markets where it currently competes as well as in new markets. However, the following factors may affect the Company’s ability to continue to pursue this strategy effectively:

	•		there might not be suitable acquisition candidates, particularly as a result of the consolidation of the outdoor advertising industry, and the Company may have a more difficult time negotiating acquisitions that are favorable to it;
	•		the Company may face increased competition from other outdoor advertising companies, which may have greater financial resources than the Company, for the businesses and assets it wishes to acquire, which may result in higher prices for those businesses and assets;
	•		the Company may not have access to sufficient capital resources on acceptable terms, if at all, to finance its acquisitions and may not be able to obtain required consents from its lenders;
	•		the Company may be unable to effectively integrate acquired businesses and assets with its existing operations as a result of unforeseen difficulties that could require significant time and attention from its management that would otherwise be directed at developing its existing business; and
	•		the Company may not realize the benefits and cost savings that it anticipates from its acquisitions.

The Company faces competition from larger and more diversified outdoor advertisers and other forms of advertising that could hurt its performance.

The Company may not be able to compete successfully against the current and future forms of outdoor advertising and other media. The competitive pressure that it faces could adversely affect its profitability or financial performance. Although Lamar Advertising is the largest company focusing exclusively on outdoor advertising, it faces competition from larger companies with more diversified operations that also include television, radio and other broadcast media. In addition, the Company’s diversified competitors have the opportunity to cross-sell their different advertising products to their customers. The Company also faces competition from other forms of media, including newspapers, direct mail advertising and the Internet. It must also compete with an increasing variety of other out-of-home advertising media that include advertising displays in shopping centers, malls,

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airports, stadiums, movie theaters and supermarkets, and on taxis, trains and buses.

The Company’s operations are impacted by the regulation of outdoor advertising by federal, state and local governments.

The Company’s operations are significantly impacted by federal, state and local government regulation of the outdoor advertising business.

The federal government conditions federal highway assistance on states imposing location restrictions on the placement of billboards on primary and interstate highways. Federal laws also impose size, spacing and other limitations on billboards. Some states have adopted standards more restrictive than the federal requirements. Local governments generally control billboards as part of their zoning regulations. Some local governments have enacted ordinances which require removal of billboards by a future date. In addition, four states have enacted bans on billboard advertising. Others prohibit the construction of new billboards and the reconstruction of significantly damaged billboards, or allow new construction only to replace existing structures.

Local laws which mandate removal of billboards at a future date often do not provide for payment to the owner for the loss of structures that are required to be removed. Some federal and state laws require payment of compensation in such circumstances. Local laws that require the removal of a billboard without compensation have been challenged in state and federal courts with conflicting results. Accordingly, the Company may not be successful in negotiating acceptable arrangements when the Company’s displays have been subject to removal under these types of local laws.

Additional regulations may be imposed on outdoor advertising in the future. Legislation regulating the content of billboard advertisements has been introduced in Congress from time to time in the past. Additional regulations or changes in the current laws regulating and affecting outdoor advertising at the federal, state or local level may have a material adverse effect on the Company’s results of operations.

The Company’s logo sign contracts are subject to state award and renewal.

A portion of the Company’s revenues and operating income come from its state-awarded service contracts for logo signs. For the year ended December 31, 2003, approximately 5% of the Company’s net revenues were derived from its logo sign contracts. The Company cannot predict what remaining states, if any, will start logo sign programs or convert state-run logo sign programs to privately operated programs. The Company currently competes with three other logo sign providers as well as local companies for state-awarded service contracts for logo signs.

Generally, state-awarded logo sign contracts have a term of five to ten years, with additional renewal periods. Some states have the right to terminate a contract early, but in most cases must pay compensation to the logo sign provider for early termination. At the end of the term of the contract, ownership of the structures is transferred to the state. Depending on the contract in question, the logo provider may or may not be entitled to compensation at the end of the contract term. Of the Company’s 20 logo sign contracts in place at December 31, 2003, one is subject to renewal in April 2004 and three are scheduled to terminate in 2004, one in April, one in June and one in December 2004. The Company may not be able to obtain new logo sign contracts or renew its existing contracts. In addition, after a new state-awarded logo contract is received, the Company generally incurs significant start-up costs. If the Company does not continue to have access to the capital necessary to finance those costs, it will not be able to accept new contracts.

The Company is controlled by certain significant stockholders who are able to control the outcome of all matters submitted to its stockholders for approval and whose interest in the Company may be different than yours.

Certain members of the Reilly family, including Kevin P. Reilly, Jr., the Company’s president and chief executive officer, as of December 31, 2003, own in the aggregate approximately 16% of Lamar Advertising’s common stock, assuming the conversion of all Class B common stock to Class A common stock. This represents 65% of Lamar Advertising’s outstanding voting stock. By virtue of such stock ownership, such persons have the power to:

	•		elect the Company’s entire board of directors;
	•		control the Company’s management and policies; and
	•		determine the outcome of any corporate transaction or other matters required to be submitted to the Company’s stockholders for approval, including the amendment of its certificate of incorporation, mergers, consolidation and the sale of all or substantially all of its assets.

If the Company’s contingency plans relating to hurricanes fail, the resulting losses could hurt the Company’s business.

Although the Company has developed contingency plans designed to deal with the threat posed to advertising structures by

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hurricanes, it is possible that these plans will not work. If these plans fail, significant losses could result.

The Company has determined that it is not economical to obtain insurance against losses from hurricanes and other natural disasters. Instead, the Company has developed contingency plans to deal with the threat of hurricanes. For example, the Company attempts to remove the advertising faces on billboards at the onset of a storm, when possible, which better permits the structures to withstand high winds during a storm. The Company then replaces these advertising faces after the storm has passed. However, these plans may not be effective in the future and, if they are not, significant losses may result.

INFLATION

In the last three years, inflation has not had a significant impact on the Company.

SEASONALITY

The Company’s revenues and operating results have exhibited some degree of seasonality in past periods. Typically, the Company experiences its strongest financial performance in the summer and fall and its lowest in the first quarter of the calendar year. The Company expects this trend to continue in the future. Because a significant portion of the Company’s expenses is fixed, a reduction in revenues in any quarter is likely to result in a period to period decline in operating performance and net earnings.

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