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EX-32.2 - EXHIBIT 32.2 - OUTFRONT Media Inc.a322section906dec312016.htm
EX-32.1 - EXHIBIT 32.1 - OUTFRONT Media Inc.a321section906dec312016.htm
EX-31.2 - EXHIBIT 31.2 - OUTFRONT Media Inc.a312section302dec312016.htm
EX-31.1 - EXHIBIT 31.1 - OUTFRONT Media Inc.a311section302dec312016.htm
EX-23.1 - EXHIBIT 23.1 - OUTFRONT Media Inc.a231consentdec312016.htm
EX-21.1 - EXHIBIT 21.1 - OUTFRONT Media Inc.a211listofsubsidiariesdec3.htm
EX-10.30 - EXHIBIT 10.30 - OUTFRONT Media Inc.a1030shassianemploymentagr.htm

UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-K
(Mark One)
x
ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2016
or
o
TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
 
For the transition period from
to
 
 
Commission File Number: 001-36367
OUTFRONT Media Inc.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Maryland
 
46-4494703
(State or other jurisdiction of
incorporation or organization)
 
(I.R.S. Employer
Identification No.)
 
 
 
405 Lexington Avenue, 17th Floor
New York, NY
 
10174
(Address of principal executive offices)
 
(Zip Code)
(212) 297-6400
(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

Securities registered pursuant to section 12(b) of the Act:
Title of Each Class
 
Name of each exchange on which registered
Common Stock, $0.01 par value
 
New York Stock Exchange
Securities registered pursuant to section 12(g) of the Act:
None
(Title of class)
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act.            
x Yes        o No
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act.         
o Yes        x No
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.     x Yes    o No
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Website, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).        x Yes     o No
Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K (§232.405 of this chapter) is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of registrant’s knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K.    x
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
Large accelerated filer
x
 
Accelerated filer
o
 
 
 
 
 
Non-accelerated filer
o (Do not check if a smaller reporting company)
 
Smaller reporting company
o
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act).    o Yes    x No

The aggregate market value of the voting and non-voting stock held by non-affiliates of the registrant as of June 30, 2016, the last business day of the registrant's most recently completed second fiscal quarter, was $3.3 billion based upon the closing price reported for such date on the New York Stock Exchange.

As of February 21, 2017, the number of shares outstanding of the registrant’s common stock was 138,464,048.

DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE
Portions of the registrant's Proxy Statement for the 2017 Annual Meeting of Stockholders are incorporated herein by reference into Part III of this Annual Report on Form 10-K where indicated. Such proxy statement will be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission within 120 days after the end of the registrant's fiscal year ended December 31, 2016.



OUTFRONT Media Inc.
Table of Contents
 
PART I
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
PART II
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
PART III
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
PART IV
 
 
 
 
SIGNATURES
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 




Except as otherwise indicated or unless the context otherwise requires, all references in this Annual Report on Form 10-K to (i) “OUTFRONT Media,” “the Company,” “we,” “our,” “us” and “our company” mean OUTFRONT Media Inc., a Maryland corporation, and unless the context requires otherwise, its consolidated subsidiaries, and (ii) the “25 largest markets in the U.S.,” “over 150 markets in the U.S. and Canada” and “Nielsen Designated Market Areas” are based, in whole or in part, on Nielsen Media Research’s Designated Market Area rankings as of January 1, 2017.

CAUTIONARY STATEMENT REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

We have made statements in this Annual Report on Form 10-K that are forward-looking statements within the meaning of the federal securities laws, including the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. You can identify forward-looking statements by the use of forward-looking terminology such as “believes,” “expects,” “could,” “would,” “may,” “might,” “will,” “should,” “seeks,” “likely,” “intends,” “plans,” “projects,” “predicts,” “estimates,” “forecast” or “anticipates” or the negative of these words and phrases or similar words or phrases that are predictions of or indicate future events or trends and that do not relate solely to historical matters. You can also identify forward-looking statements by discussions of strategy, plans or intentions related to our capital resources, portfolio performance and results of operations.

Forward-looking statements involve numerous risks and uncertainties and you should not rely on them as predictions of future events. Forward-looking statements depend on assumptions, data or methods that may be incorrect or imprecise and may not be able to be realized. We do not guarantee that the transactions and events described will happen as described (or that they will happen at all). The following factors, among others, could cause actual results and future events to differ materially from those set forth or contemplated in the forward-looking statements:

Declines in advertising and general economic conditions;
Competition;
Government regulation;
Our inability to increase the number of digital advertising displays in our portfolio or provide digital advertising displays to our customers;
Taxes, fees and registration requirements;
Our ability to obtain and renew key municipal contracts on favorable terms;
Decreased government compensation for the removal of lawful billboards;
Content-based restrictions on outdoor advertising;
Environmental, health and safety laws and regulations;
Seasonal variations;
Acquisitions and other strategic transactions that we may pursue could have a negative effect on our results of operations;
Dependence on our management team and other key employees;
The ability of our board of directors to cause us to issue additional shares of stock without stockholder approval;
Certain provisions of Maryland law may limit the ability of a third party to acquire control of us;
Our rights and the rights of our stockholders to take action against our directors and officers are limited;
Our substantial indebtedness;
Restrictions in the agreements governing our indebtedness;
Incurrence of additional debt;
Interest rate risk exposure from our variable-rate indebtedness;
Our ability to generate cash to service our indebtedness;
Cash available for distributions;
Hedging transactions;
Diverse risks in our Canadian business;
A breach of our security measures;
Changes in regulations and consumer concerns regarding privacy, information security and data, or any failure or perceived failure to comply with these regulations or our internal policies;
Asset impairment charges for goodwill;
Our failure to remain qualified to be taxed as a real estate investment trusts (“REIT”);
REIT distribution requirements;
Availability of external sources of capital;
We may face other tax liabilities even if we remain qualified to be taxed as a REIT;
Complying with REIT requirements may cause us to liquidate investments or forgo otherwise attractive opportunities;
Our ability to contribute certain contracts to a taxable REIT subsidiary (“TRS”);
Our planned use of TRSs may cause us to fail to remain qualified to be taxed as a REIT;
REIT ownership limits;
Complying with REIT requirements may limit our ability to hedge effectively;

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Failure to meet the REIT income tests as a result of receiving non-qualifying income;
Even if we remain qualified to be taxed as a REIT, and we sell assets, we could be subject to tax on any unrealized net built-in gains in the assets held before electing to be treated as a REIT;
The Internal Revenue Service (the “IRS”) may deem the gains from sales of our outdoor advertising assets to be subject to a 100% prohibited transaction tax; and
Establishing an operating partnership as part of our REIT structure.

While forward-looking statements reflect our good-faith beliefs, they are not guarantees of future performance. All forward-looking statements in this Annual Report on Form 10-K apply as of the date of this report or as of the date they were made and, except as required by applicable law, we disclaim any obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statement to reflect changes in underlying assumptions or factors of new information, data or methods, future events or other changes. For a further discussion of these and other factors that could impact our future results, performance or transactions, see “Item 1A. Risk Factors” in this Annual Report on Form 10-K. You should understand that it is not possible to predict or identify all such factors. Consequently, you should not consider any such list to be a complete set of all potential risks or uncertainties.



4


PART I

Item 1. Business.

Overview

OUTFRONT Media is a real estate investment trust (a “REIT”), which provides advertising space (“displays”) on out-of-home advertising structures and sites in the United States (the “U.S.”) and Canada. We are one of the largest providers of advertising space on out-of-home advertising structures and sites across the U.S. and Canada. Our inventory consists of billboard displays, which are primarily located on the most heavily traveled highways and roadways in top Nielsen Designated Market Areas (“DMAs”), and transit advertising displays operated under exclusive multi-year contracts with municipalities in large cities across the U.S. and Canada. We also have marketing and multimedia rights agreements with colleges, universities and other educational institutions, which entitle us operate on-campus advertising displays, as well as manage marketing opportunities, media rights and experiential entertainment at sports events. In total, we have displays in all of the 25 largest markets in the U.S. and over 150 markets in the U.S. and Canada. Our top market, high profile location focused portfolio includes sites such as the Bay Bridge in San Francisco, various locations along Sunset Boulevard in Los Angeles, and sites in and around both Grand Central Station and Times Square in New York. The breadth and depth of our portfolio provides our customers with a range of options to address their marketing objectives, from national, brand-building campaigns to hyper-local campaigns that drive customers to the advertiser’s website or retail location “one mile down the road.”

Using Geopath Out of Home Ratings, the out-of-home advertising industry’s audience measurement system, we provide advertisers with the size and demographic composition of the audience that is exposed to individual displays or a complete campaign. As part of our ON Smart Media technology development initiative, we are developing hardware and software solutions for enhanced demographic and location targeting, and engaging ways to connect with consumers on-the-go. Additionally, our OUTFRONT Mobile Network allows our customers to further leverage location targeting with interactive mobile advertising that uses geofence technology to push mobile ads to consumers within a pre-defined radius around a corresponding billboard display or other designated advertising location.

We believe out-of-home advertising continues to be an attractive form of advertising, as our displays are ALWAYS ON™, are always viewable and cannot be turned off, skipped, blocked or fast-forwarded. Further, out-of-home advertising can be an effective “stand-alone” medium, as well as an integral part of a campaign to reach audiences using multiple forms of media, including television, radio, print, online, mobile and social media advertising platforms. We provide our customers with a differentiated advertising solution at an attractive price point relative to other forms of advertising. In addition to leasing displays, we provide other value-added services to our customers, such as pre-campaign category research, consumer insights, creative design support, print production and post-campaign tracking and analytics, as well as use of a real-time mobile operations reporting system that facilitates proof of performance to customers for substantially all of our business.

We generally (i) own the physical billboard structures on which we display advertising copy for our customers, (ii) hold the legal permits to display advertising thereon and (iii) lease the underlying sites. These lease agreements have terms varying between one month and multiple years, and usually provide renewal options. We estimate that approximately 75% of our billboard structures in the United States are “legal nonconforming” billboards, meaning they were legally constructed under laws in effect at the time they were built, but could not be constructed under current laws. These structures are often located in areas where it is difficult or not permitted to build additional billboards under current laws, which enhances the value of our portfolio. We have a highly diversified portfolio of advertising sites. As of December 31, 2016, we had approximately 22,600 lease agreements with approximately 18,200 different landlords in the U.S. A substantial number of these lease agreements allow us to abate rent and/or terminate the lease agreement in certain circumstances, which may include where the structure is obstructed, where there is a change in traffic flow and/or where the advertising value of the sign structure is otherwise impaired, providing us with flexibility in renegotiating the terms of our leases with landlords in those circumstances.


5


We currently manage our operations through three operating segments—(1) U.S. Billboard and Transit, which is included in our U.S. Media reportable segment, (2) International and (3) Sports Marketing. International and Sports Marketing do not meet the criteria to be a reportable segment and accordingly, are both included in Other. Prior to April 1, 2016, our International operating segment included our advertising business in Canada and Latin America. On April 1, 2016, we sold all of our equity interest in certain of our subsidiaries (the “Disposition”), which held all of the assets of our outdoor advertising business in Latin America.

U.S. Media. Our U.S. Media segment generated 25% of its revenues in the New York City metropolitan area in 2016, 27% in 2015 and 23% in 2014, and generated 16% in the Los Angeles metropolitan area in 2016, 15% in 2015, and 13% in 2014. Our U.S. Media segment generated Revenues of $1.39 billion in 2016, $1.34 billion in 2015 and $1.16 billion in 2014, and Operating income before Depreciation, Amortization, Net (gain) loss on dispositions, Stock-based compensation, Restructuring charges, Loss on real estate assets held for sale and Acquisition costs (“Adjusted OIBDA”) of $473.8 million in 2016, $451.1 million in 2015 and $409.2 million in 2014.

Other (includes International and Sports Marketing). Other generated Revenues of $120.1 million in 2016, $169.5 million in 2015 and $191.3 million in 2014, and Adjusted OIBDA of $17.8 million in 2016, $24.3 million in 2015, and $31.3 million in 2014.

For additional information regarding our revenues, profits and assets by segment and by geographic area, see “Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” and “Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.”

History

Our corporate history can be traced back to companies that helped to pioneer the growth of out-of-home advertising in the United States, such as Outdoor Systems, Inc., 3M National, Gannett Outdoor and TDI Worldwide Inc. In 1996, a predecessor of CBS Corporation (“CBS”) acquired TDI Worldwide Inc., which specialized in transit advertising. Three years later, a predecessor of CBS acquired Outdoor Systems, Inc., which represented the consolidation of the outdoor advertising assets of large national operators such as 3M National, Gannett Outdoor (and its Canadian assets held in the name Mediacom) and Vendor (a Mexican outdoor advertising company) and many local operators in the United States, Canada and Mexico. In 2008, CBS acquired International Outdoor Advertising Holdings Co., which operated outdoor advertising assets in Argentina, Brazil, Chile and Uruguay.

On April 2, 2014, the Company completed an initial public offering (the “IPO”) of its common stock under the name “CBS Outdoor Americas Inc.” On July 16, 2014, CBS completed a registered offer to exchange 97,000,000 shares of our common stock that were owned by CBS for outstanding shares of CBS Class B common stock (“the Exchange Offer”). In connection with the Exchange Offer, CBS disposed of all of its shares of our common stock and as of July 16, 2014, we were separated from CBS (the “Separation”) and were no longer a subsidiary of CBS. On July 16, 2014, in connection with the Separation, we ceased to be a member of the CBS consolidated tax group, and on July 17, 2014, we began operating as a REIT for U.S. federal income tax purposes.

On November 20, 2014, the Company changed its legal name to “OUTFRONT Media Inc.”, and its common stock began trading on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol “OUT.”

Acquisition and Disposition Activity

We regularly evaluate potential acquisitions, ranging from small transactions to larger acquisitions. On October 1, 2014, we completed the acquisition of certain outdoor advertising businesses of Van Wagner Communications, LLC, for $690.0 million in cash, plus working capital adjustments (the “Acquisition”).

On April 1, 2016, we completed the Disposition and received $82.0 million in cash plus working capital, which was subject to post-closing adjustments.

For additional information regarding our acquisition activity, see “Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations—Liquidity and Capital Resources” and “Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.”

6



Tax Status

Our qualification to be taxed as a REIT is dependent on our ability to meet various complex requirements under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”), related to, among other things, the sources of our gross income, the composition and values of our assets and the diversity of ownership of our shares. See “Item 1A. Risk Factors—Risks Related to Our Status as a REIT.” As long as we remain qualified to be taxed as a REIT, we generally will not be subject to U.S. federal income tax on REIT taxable income that we distribute to stockholders. To maintain REIT status, we must meet a number of organizational and operational requirements, including a requirement that we annually distribute to our stockholders at least 90% of our REIT taxable income, determined without regard to the dividends-paid deduction and excluding any net capital gains. To the extent that we satisfy this distribution requirement and qualify for taxation as a REIT but distribute less than 100% of our REIT taxable income, determined with the above modifications, we will be subject to U.S. federal income tax on our undistributed net taxable income. In addition, we will be subject to a nondeductible 4% excise tax if the amount that we actually distribute to our stockholders in a calendar year is less than a minimum amount specified under U.S. federal tax laws.
We intend to pay regular quarterly distributions to our stockholders in an amount not less than 100% of our REIT taxable income (determined before the deduction for dividends paid).

We believe we are organized in conformity with the requirements for qualification and taxation as a REIT under the Code and that our manner of operation will enable us to continue to meet those requirements. If we fail to qualify to be taxed as a REIT in any taxable year and do not qualify for certain statutory relief provisions, we will be subject to U.S. federal income tax at regular corporate rates and will be precluded from re-electing REIT status for the subsequent four taxable years. Despite our status as a REIT, we will be subject to certain U.S. federal, state and local taxes on our income or property and the income of our taxable REIT subsidiaries (“TRSs”) will be subject to taxation at regular corporate rates.

In order to comply with certain REIT qualification requirements, on October 29, 2014, our board of directors approved a special dividend of $547.7 million, or $4.56 per share, to distribute our accumulated earnings and profits as of July 17, 2014, the date we began operating as a REIT for U.S. federal income tax purposes, including any earnings and profits allocated to the Company by CBS in connection with the Separation (the “E&P Purge”). The special dividend was paid on December 31, 2014, to stockholders of record on November 20, 2014. In connection with the special dividend, we paid $109.5 million in cash, and issued 16.5 million new shares of our common stock based on the volume weighted average price of our common stock for the three trading days commencing on December 16, 2014, or $26.4974 per share. A portion ($100.0 million) of the IPO proceeds was retained by us and was applied to the cash portion of the E&P Purge. CBS transferred the balance of the cash portion of the E&P Purge (approximately $9.5 million) to us prior to the payment of the special dividend to stockholders.

Prior to the Separation, we were a member of CBS’s consolidated tax group and were taxable as a regular domestic C corporation for U.S. federal income tax purposes (i.e., we were subject to taxation at regular corporate rates). Pursuant to the tax matters agreement that we entered into with CBS, we are liable to pay CBS for any taxes imposed on or related to us while we were a member of the CBS consolidated tax group. In addition, CBS is liable to pay us for any reductions in taxes paid related to us while we were a member of the CBS consolidated tax group.

Growth Strategy

Continued Conversion to Digital Billboard Displays. The majority of our digital billboard displays were converted from traditional static billboard displays. Increasing the number of digital billboard displays in our most heavily trafficked locations is an important element of our organic growth strategy, as digital billboard displays have the potential to attract additional business from both new and existing customers. We believe digital billboard displays are attractive to our customers because they allow for the development of richer and more visually engaging messages, provide our customers with the flexibility to target audiences by time of day, to quickly launch new advertising campaigns, and eliminate or greatly reduce production costs. In addition, digital billboard displays enable us to run multiple advertisements on each display (up to eight per minute). As a result, digital billboard displays generate approximately four times more revenue per display on average than traditional static billboard displays, and digital billboard displays generate higher profits and cash flows than traditional static billboard displays. See “—Renovation, Improvement and Development.” We intend to spend a significant portion of our capital expenditures in the coming years to continue to increase the number of digital billboard displays in our portfolio.
Drive Enhanced Revenue Management. We focus heavily on inventory management and advertising rate pricing to improve revenue yield over time across our portfolio of advertising structures and sites. By carefully managing our pricing on a market-by-market and display-by-display basis, we aim to improve profitability. We believe that closely monitoring pricing and improving pricing discipline will provide strong potential revenue enhancement. We also explore alternative uses of our

7


billboard locations as they arise to drive site profitability. On July 30, 2015, we reached an agreement with Diamond Communications LLC to market and manage wireless attachment placement opportunities on our leased and owned assets.
Increased Use of Social Media and Mobile Technology Engagement. We believe there is potential for growth in the reach and effectiveness of out-of-home advertising through increased use of social media and mobile technology engagement. In 2015, we launched the OUTFRONT Mobile Network to create additional opportunities for advertisers to reach their target audience through interactive mobile advertising. We intend to continue to pursue these opportunities, including possible strategic alliances and partnerships with social media and mobile technology companies.

Consider Selected Acquisition Opportunities. As part of our growth strategy, we frequently evaluate strategic opportunities to acquire new businesses and assets. Consistent with this strategy, we regularly evaluate potential acquisitions, ranging from small transactions to larger acquisitions. See “—Acquisition and Disposition Activity.” There can be no assurances that any transactions currently being evaluated will be consummated or, if consummated, that such transactions would prove beneficial to us. Further, our national footprint in the United States and significant presence in Canada provide us with an attractive platform on which to add additional advertising structures and sites. Our scale gives us advantages in driving additional revenues and reducing operating costs from acquired billboards. We believe that there is significant opportunity for additional industry consolidation, and we will evaluate opportunities to acquire additional advertising businesses and structures and sites on a case-by-case basis.

Continued Adoption & Refinement of Audience Measurement Systems; Utilization of Data/Analytics. We believe the continued adoption and refinement of the out-of-home advertising industry’s audience measurement system, the “Geopath Out of Home Ratings,” will enhance the value of the out-of-home medium by providing customers with improved audience measurement and the ability to target by gender, age, ethnicity and income. New refinements, including the impact of speed (i.e. how quickly a vehicle passes an individual billboard unit), and the recent inclusion of transit metrics, are making the measurement system more robust. Additionally, as part of our ON Smart Media technology development initiative, we are developing a platform to enable us to utilize audience data and analytics for more effective ad targeting, which will factor location and time in addition to a more granular audience profile of our locations. By providing a consistent and standardized audience measurement metric, and overlaying increasingly available and reliable third-party data, we will be able to help advertisers impact increasingly mobile audiences with effective media plans in the out-of-home environment for both static and digital displays.

Our Portfolio of Outdoor Advertising Structures and Sites

Diversification by Customer

For the year ended December 31, 2016, no individual customer represented more than 2.8% of U.S. Media segment revenues. Therefore, we do not consider detailed information about any individual customer to be meaningful.


8


Diversification by Industry

The following table sets forth information regarding the diversification of U.S. Media segment revenues earned among different industries for 2016, 2015 and 2014. For 2016, as a result of our diverse base of customers in the United States, no single industry contributed more than 9% of our U.S. Media segment revenues.
 
 
Percentage of Total U.S. Media Segment Revenues for the
Year Ended December 31,
Industry
 
2016
 
2015
 
2014
Retail
 
9
%
 
9
%
 
10
%
Television
 
8

 
9

 
9

Healthcare/Pharmaceuticals
 
7

 
7

 
8

Entertainment
 
6

 
6

 
7

Professional Services
 
6

 
6

 
6

Restaurants/Fast Food
 
6

 
6

 
6

Automotive
 
6

 
6

 
5

Telecom/Utilities
 
5

 
5

 
5

Computers/Internet
 
5

 
5

 
4

Movies
 
5

 
5

 
4

Financial Services
 
4

 
5

 
4

Casinos/Lottery
 
4

 
4

 
5

Travel/Leisure
 
4

 
4

 
4

Beer/Liquor
 
4

 
3

 
4

Education
 
3

 
4

 
4

Food/Non-Alcoholic Beverages
 
3

 
3

 
3

Real Estate Brokerage
 
2

 
2

 
2

Other(a)
 
13

 
11

 
10

Total
 
100
%
 
100
%
 
100
%

(a)
No single industry in “Other” individually represents more than 2% of total revenues.


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Diversification by Geography
Our advertising structures and sites are geographically diversified across 36 states and two countries, as well as Washington D.C. The following table sets forth information regarding the geographic diversification of our advertising structures and sites, which are listed in order of contributions to total revenue.
 
 
Percentage of Total Revenues for the Year Ended
December 31, 2016
 
Number of Displays as of December 31, 2016(a)
Location (Metropolitan Area)
 
Billboard
 
Transit and Other
 
Total
 
Billboard Displays
 
Transit and Other Displays
 
Total Displays
 
Percentage of Total Displays
New York, NY
 
12
%
 
51
%
 
23
%
 
447

 
258,299

 
258,746

 
51
%
Los Angeles, CA
 
15

 
13

 
14

 
4,682

 
47,280

 
51,962

 
10

Miami, FL
 
5

 
4

 
5

 
1,054

 
17,970

 
19,024

 
4

State of New Jersey
 
5

 

 
3

 
3,919

 

 
3,919

 
1

Houston, TX
 
4

 
1

 
3

 
1,154

 
178

 
1,332

 
<1

Detroit, MI
 
3

 
1

 
3

 
2,308

 
12,953

 
15,261

 
3

Washington D.C.
 
1

 
9

 
3

 
23

 
40,453

 
40,476

 
8

San Francisco, CA
 
4

 
1

 
3

 
1,355

 
13,225

 
14,580

 
3

Atlanta, GA
 
3

 
3

 
3

 
2,198

 
20,744

 
22,942

 
4

Chicago, IL
 
4

 
1

 
3

 
1,034

 
809

 
1,843

 
<1

Dallas, TX
 
3

 
1

 
3

 
752

 
592

 
1,344

 
<1

Tampa, FL
 
3

 

 
2

 
1,566

 

 
1,566

 
<1

Phoenix, AZ
 
2

 
1

 
2

 
1,765

 
485

 
2,250

 
<1

Orlando, FL
 
2

 

 
2

 
1,524

 

 
1,524

 
<1

St. Louis, MO
 
2

 

 
1

 
1,425

 

 
1,425

 
<1

All other United States
 
26

 
2

 
19

 
18,998

 
43,182

 
62,180

 
12

Sports marketing and other
 

 
9

 
3

 

 
1,280

 
1,280

 
<1

Total United States
 
94

 
97

 
95

 
44,204

 
457,450

 
501,654

 
98

Canada
 
5

 
3

 
4

 
5,761

 
4,075

 
9,836

 
2

Latin America
 
1

 
<1

 
1

 

 

 

 

Total International
 
6

 
3

 
5

 
5,761

 
4,075

 
9,836

 
2

Total
 
100
%
 
100
%
 
100
%
 
49,965

 
461,525

 
511,490

 
100
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total revenues (in millions)
 
$
1,071.0

 
$
442.9

 
$
1,513.9

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

(a)
All displays, including those reserved for transit agency use.

The New York and Los Angeles metropolitan areas contributed 53% and 11%, respectively, of total transit and other revenues in each of 2015 and 2014. Los Angeles contributed 14% of total billboard revenues in 2015 and 11% of total billboard revenues in 2014. New York contributed 13% of total billboard revenues in 2015 and less than 10% of total billboard revenues in 2014.

For additional information regarding revenues for our billboard displays and transit and other displays, by segment, for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014, see “Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” and “Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.”

Renovation, Improvement and Development

Most of our non-maintenance capital expenditures are directed towards new revenue-generating projects, such as the conversion of traditional static billboard displays to digital, the building of new digital displays and the enhancement of our billboard structures to enable us to charge premium rates. As of December 31, 2016, we had 713 digital billboard displays in the United States, representing approximately 2% of our total billboard displays in the United States. As of December 31, 2016, we had 68 digital billboards in Canada, representing approximately 1% of our total billboard displays outside of the United States. This compares to approximately 604 digital billboard displays in the United States and 73 outside of the United States as

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of December 31, 2015, and 511 digital billboards in the United States and 48 outside of the United States as of December 31, 2014. We have built or converted 65 new digital billboard displays in the United States and 11 outside of the United States in 2016, compared to 100 digital billboard displays added in the United States and 25 added outside of the United States in 2015, and 111 digital billboard displays added in the United States and 29 digital billboard displays added outside of the United States in 2014. Our total number of digital billboard displays is also impacted by acquisitions, dispositions, management agreements and lease wins/losses. Revenues related to digital billboards in the United States were $149.0 million and outside of the United States were $6.9 million in 2016, $127.6 million and $6.4 million in 2015, and $93.6 million and $3.8 million in 2014, respectively. As of December 31, 2016, our average initial investment required for a digital billboard display is approximately $240,000. Digital billboard displays generate approximately four times more revenue per display on average than traditional static billboard displays. Digital billboard displays also incur, on average, approximately two to three times more costs, including higher variable costs associated with the increase in revenue, than traditional static billboard displays. As a result, digital billboard displays generate higher profits and cash flows than traditional static billboard displays.  We intend to incur significant capital expenditures in the coming years to continue increasing the number of digital billboard and transit displays in our portfolio.

In 2016, we initiated a multi-year project to improve the quality of the illumination of our static billboard displays and to reduce our utility costs through the use of the most current LED lighting technology.

We routinely invest capital in the maintenance and repair of our billboard and transit structures. This includes safety initiatives and replaced displays, as well as new billboard components such as panels, sections, catwalks, lighting and ladders. Our maintenance capital expenditures were $18.5 million in 2016, $25.6 million in 2015 and $23.3 million in 2014.

In the opinion of management, our outdoor advertising sites and structures are adequately covered by insurance.

Contract Expirations

We derive revenues primarily from providing advertising space to customers on our advertising structures and sites. Our contracts with customers generally cover periods ranging from four weeks to one year and are generally billed every four weeks. Since contract terms are short-term in nature, revenues by year of contract expiration are not considered meaningful.

For information about the property lease contracts relating to our advertising structures and sites, see “Item 2. Properties.”

Competition

The outdoor advertising industry is fragmented, consisting of a large number of companies operating on a national basis, including, among others, our company, Clear Channel Outdoor, Lamar, JCDecaux and Intersection, as well as hundreds of smaller regional and local companies operating a limited number of displays in a single or a few local geographic markets. We compete with these companies for both customers and structure and display locations. We also compete with other media, including online, mobile and social media advertising platforms and traditional platforms such as broadcast and cable television, radio, print media and direct mail marketers. In addition, we compete with a wide variety of out-of-home media, including advertising in shopping centers, airports, movie theaters, supermarkets and taxis. Advertisers compare relative costs of available media, including average cost per thousand impressions or “CPMs”, particularly when delivering a message to customers with distinct demographic characteristics. In competing with other media, the outdoor advertising industry relies on its relative cost efficiency and its ability to reach specific markets, geographic areas and/or demographics.

Seasonality

Our revenues and profits may fluctuate due to seasonal advertising patterns and influences on advertising markets. Typically, our revenues and profits are highest in the fourth quarter, during the holiday shopping season, and lowest in the first quarter, as advertisers cut back on spending following the holiday shopping season. We expect this trend to continue in the future.

Employees

As of December 31, 2016, we had 2,181 employees, of which 719 were sales personnel in the U.S. and 65 were Canadian sales personnel. As of December 31, 2016, 2,143 of our employees were full-time employees and 38 were part-time employees. Some of these employees are represented by labor unions and are subject to collective bargaining agreements.


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Regulation

The outdoor advertising industry is subject to governmental regulation and enforcement at the federal, state and local levels in the United States and Canada. These regulations have a significant impact on the outdoor advertising industry and our business. The descriptions that follow are summaries and should be read in conjunction with the texts of the regulations described herein, which are subject to change. The descriptions do not purport to describe all present and proposed regulations affecting our businesses.

In the United States, the federal Highway Beautification Act of 1965 (the “HBA”) establishes a framework for the regulation of outdoor advertising on primary and interstate highways built with federal financial assistance. As a condition to federal highway assistance, the HBA requires states to restrict billboards on such highways to commercial and industrial areas, and imposes certain size, spacing and other requirements associated with the installation and operation of billboards. The HBA requires the development of state standards, promotes the expeditious removal of illegal signs and requires just compensation for takings, on affected roadways.

Municipal and county governments generally also have sign controls as part of their zoning laws and building codes, and many have adopted standards more restrictive than the federal requirements. Some state and local government regulations prohibit construction of new billboards and some allow new construction only to replace existing structures. Other state and local laws and regulations in the United States and Canada prohibit the relocation or modification of existing billboards, limit the ability to rebuild, replace, repair, maintain and upgrade “legal nonconforming” structures (billboards which conformed with applicable zoning regulations when built but which no longer conform to current zoning regulations), and impose restrictions on the construction, repair, maintenance, lighting, operation, upgrading, height, size, spacing and location of outdoor structures, and the use of new technologies such as digital signs. In addition, from time to time, third parties or local governments commence proceedings in which they assert that we own or operate structures that are not properly permitted or otherwise in strict compliance with applicable law.

Governmental regulation of advertising displays also limits our installation of additional advertising displays, restricts advertising displays to governmentally controlled sites or permits the installation of advertising displays in a manner that benefits our competitors disproportionately, any of which could have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Although state and local government authorities from time to time use the power of eminent domain to remove billboards, U.S. law requires payment of compensation if a state or political subdivision compels the removal of a lawful billboard along a primary or interstate highway that was built with federal financial assistance. Additionally, many states require similar compensation (or relocation) with regard to compelled removals of lawful billboards in other locations, although the methodology used to determine such compensation varies by jurisdiction. Some local governments have attempted to force removal of billboards after a period of years under a concept called amortization. Under this concept the governmental body asserts that just compensation has been earned by continued operation of the billboard over a period of time. In Canada, billboards may be expropriated for public purposes with compensation (or relocation) determined on a case-by-case basis. Thus far, we have generally been able to obtain satisfactory compensation for our billboards purchased or removed as a result of governmental action, although there is no assurance that this will continue to be the case in the future.

From time to time, legislation has been introduced in both the United States and Canada attempting to impose taxes on revenue from outdoor advertising or for the right to use outdoor advertising assets. Several jurisdictions have already imposed such taxes based on a percentage of our outdoor advertising revenue in that jurisdiction. In addition, some jurisdictions have taxed our personal property and leasehold interests in outdoor advertising locations using various other valuation methodologies. We expect the United States and Canada to continue to try to impose such taxes as a way of increasing their revenue. In recent years, outdoor advertising also has become the subject of other targeted taxes and fees.

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

A number of federal, state and local governments in the United States and Canada have implemented taxes (including taxes on revenues from outdoor advertising or for the right to use outdoor advertising assets), fees and registration requirements in an effort to decrease or restrict the number of outdoor advertising structures and sites or raise revenues, or both. Restrictions on outdoor advertising of certain products and services are or may be imposed by federal, state and local laws and regulations. For

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example, tobacco products have been effectively banned from outdoor advertising in all of the jurisdictions in which we currently do business.

As the owner or operator of various real properties and facilities, we must comply with various federal, state and local environmental, health and safety laws and regulations in the United States and Canada. We and our properties are subject to such laws and regulations related to the use, storage, disposal, emission and release of hazardous and nonhazardous substances and employee health and safety. Historically, with the exception of safety upgrades, we have not incurred significant expenditures to comply with these laws.

We intend to expand the deployment of digital billboards that display static digital advertising copy from various advertisers that change up to several times per minute. We have encountered some existing regulations in the United States and Canada that restrict or prohibit these types of digital displays. Furthermore, as digital advertising displays are introduced into the market on a large scale, existing regulations that currently do not apply to digital advertising displays by their terms could be revised to impose specific restrictions on digital advertising displays due to alleged concerns over, among other things, aesthetics or driver safety.

Policies with Respect to Certain Activities

The following is a discussion of certain of our investment, financing and other policies. We intend to conduct our business in a manner such that we are not treated as an “investment company” under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended. In addition, we intend to conduct our business in a manner that is consistent with maintaining our qualification to be taxed as a REIT. These policies may be amended or revised from time to time at the discretion of our board of directors without a vote of our stockholders.

Investment Policies

Investment in Real Estate or Interests in Real Estate. Our investment objective is to maximize income. We intend to achieve this objective by developing our existing advertising structures and sites, including through the digital modernization of such advertising structures and sites, and by acquiring new advertising structures and sites. We currently intend to invest in advertising structures and sites located primarily in major metropolitan areas. Future development or investment activities will not be limited to any specific percentage of our assets or to any geographic area or type of advertising structure or site. While we may diversify in terms of location, size and market, we do not have any limit on the amount or percentage of our assets that may be invested in any one property or any one geographic area. In addition, we may purchase or lease properties for long-term investment, improve the properties we presently own or other acquired properties, or lease such properties, in whole or in part, when circumstances warrant.

We may enter into multi-year contracts with municipalities and transit operators for the exclusive right to display advertising copy on the interior and exterior of rail and subway cars, buses, benches, trams, trains, transit shelters, street kiosks and transit platforms. We may also enter into marketing and multimedia rights agreements with colleges, universities and other educational institutions, which entitle us to operate on-campus advertising displays, as well as manage marketing opportunities, media rights and experiential entertainment at sports events. In addition, we may participate with third parties in property ownership through joint ventures or other types of co-ownership. We will not, however, enter into a joint venture or other partnership arrangement to make an investment that would not otherwise meet our investment policies.

Investments in acquired advertising structures and sites, directly or in connection with joint ventures, may be subject to existing mortgage financing and other indebtedness or to new indebtedness that may be incurred in connection with acquiring or refinancing these properties. We do not currently have any restrictions on the number or amount of mortgages that may be placed on any one advertising site or structure. Debt service on such financing or indebtedness will have a priority over any distributions with respect to our common stock.

Investments in Securities of or Interests in Persons Primarily Engaged in Real Estate Activities and Other Issuers. We may in the future invest in securities of other issuers, including REITs and entities engaged in real estate activities, directly or in connection with joint ventures. However, because we must comply with various requirements under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”) in order to maintain our qualification to be taxed as a REIT, including restrictions on the types of assets we may hold, the sources of our income and accumulation of earnings and profits, our ability to engage in certain acquisitions, such as acquisitions of C corporations, may be limited. We have not during the past three years, and we do not currently anticipate investing in securities of other issuers for the purpose of exercising control over such entities, acquiring any investments primarily for sale in the ordinary course of business, or holding any investments with a view to making short-term gains from their sale, but we may engage in these activities in the future.

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Investments in Other Securities. We may in the future invest in additional securities such as bonds, preferred stock and common stock. We have no present intention to make any such investments, except for investments in cash equivalents in the ordinary course of business. Future investment activities in additional securities will not be limited to any specific percentage of our assets or to any specific type of securities or industry group.

Acquisitions and Dispositions. From time to time in the ordinary course of business, we have both acquired and disposed of advertising structures and sites in order to optimize our portfolio, and we intend to continue to do so in the future. See “—Acquisition and Disposition Activity” and “—Growth Strategy.”

Investments in Real Estate Mortgages. We have not invested in, nor do we have any present intention to invest in, real estate mortgages, although we are not prohibited from doing so.

Financing and Leverage Policy

We may, when appropriate, employ leverage and use debt as a means to refinance existing debt, to provide additional funds to distribute to stockholders, and/or for corporate purposes, including asset acquisitions. On January 31, 2014, our subsidiaries, Outfront Media Capital LLC (“Finance LLC”) and Outfront Media Capital Corporation (“Finance Corp.” and together with Finance LLC, the “Borrowers”) borrowed $800.0 million under a term loan due in 2021 (the “Term Loan”), and entered into a $425.0 million revolving credit facility maturing in 2019 (the “Revolving Credit Facility” and, together with the Term Loan, the “Senior Credit Facilities”). On January 31, 2014, the Borrowers also issued $400.0 million aggregate principal amount of 5.250% Senior Unsecured Notes due 2022 and $400.0 million aggregate principal amount of 5.625% Senior Unsecured Notes due 2024 (together, the “Formation Notes”; we refer to the issuance of the Formation Notes and the borrowings under the Term Loan as the “Formation Borrowings”) in a private placement. In addition, on October 1, 2014, the Borrowers issued $150.0 million aggregate principal amount of additional 5.250% Senior Unsecured Notes due 2022 and $450.0 million aggregate principal amount of 5.875% Senior Unsecured Notes due 2025 (together, the “Acquisition Notes”; we refer to the issuance of the Acquisition Notes to finance a portion of the consideration for the Acquisition as the “Acquisition Borrowings”) in a private placement. On March 30, 2015, the Borrowers issued $100.0 million aggregate principal amount of additional 5.625% Senior Unsecured Notes due 2024 (the “Add-on Notes” and, collectively, with the Formation Notes and Acquisition Notes, the “Notes”) in a private placement. We have, and from time to time we may, draw funds from the Revolving Credit Facility for specific or general corporate purposes. See “Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations—Liquidity and Capital Resources.” Other than as described above, we have not borrowed any money from third parties during the past three years.

The Company’s Charter (our “charter”) and the Company’s Amended and Restated Bylaws (our “bylaws”) do not limit the amount or percentage of indebtedness that we may incur, nor have we adopted any policies addressing this. The credit agreement, dated as of January 31, 2014 (the “Credit Agreement”), governing the Senior Credit Facilities, and the indentures governing the Notes contain, and any future debt agreements may contain, covenants that place restrictions on us and our subsidiaries. Our board of directors may limit our debt incurrence to be more restrictive than our debt covenants allow and from time to time may modify these restrictions in light of then-current economic conditions, relative costs of debt and equity capital, market values of our properties, general conditions in the market for debt and equity securities, fluctuations in the market price of our common stock, growth and acquisition opportunities and other factors. If these restrictions are relaxed, we could become more highly leveraged, resulting in an increased risk of default on our obligations and a related increase in debt service requirements. See “Item 1A. Risk Factors—Risks Related to Our Business and Operations.”

Lending Policies

We do not intend to engage in significant lending activities, although we do not have a policy limiting our ability to make loans to third parties. We may consider offering purchase money financing in connection with the sale of properties. Other than loans to joint ventures in which we participate, loans to joint venture partners, and loans to our employees, subject to applicable laws, which we have made, and may continue to make, we have not made any loans to third parties in the past three years.

Company Securities Policies

In the future, we may issue debt securities (including senior securities), offer common stock, preferred stock, convertible securities or options to purchase common stock in exchange for property, and/or repurchase or otherwise reacquire our common stock or other securities in the open market or otherwise. Except in connection with the IPO, the Exchange Offer, the Formation Borrowings, the Acquisition Borrowings, the Add-on Notes, the E&P Purge, exchanges of publicly registered notes for privately issued notes, equity private placements relating to a license and development agreement and stock-based employee

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compensation, in the past three years, we have not offered or issued debt securities, common stock, preferred stock, convertible securities, options to purchase common stock or any other securities in exchange for property or any other purpose. Our board of directors has the authority, without further stockholder approval, to amend our charter to increase the number of authorized shares of our common stock or preferred stock and to authorize us to issue additional shares of common stock or preferred stock, in one or more series, including senior securities, in any manner, and on the terms and for the consideration it deems appropriate, subject to applicable laws and regulations. We have not engaged in trading, underwriting or agency distribution or sale of securities of other issuers and do not intend to do so.

We make available to our stockholders our Annual Report on Form 10-K, including our audited financial statements, and other required periodic reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”). See “—Available Information.”

Conflict of Interest Policies

Policies Applicable to All Directors and Officers. The Company has adopted a Code of Conduct that applies to all executive officers, employees and directors of the Company. In addition, the Company has adopted a Supplemental Code of Ethics applicable to our principal executive officer, principal financial officer and principal accounting officer and controller or persons performing similar functions. The Code of Conduct and Supplemental Code of Ethics are designed to promote honest and ethical conduct, including the ethical handling of actual or apparent conflicts of interest between our employees, officers and directors and us. However, there can be no assurance that these policies or provisions of law will always be successful in eliminating the influence of such conflicts.

Interested Director and Officer Transactions. Pursuant to the Maryland General Corporation Law (the “MGCL”), a contract or other transaction between us and any of our directors or between us and any other corporation or other entity in which any of our directors is a director or has a material financial interest is not void or voidable solely on the grounds of such common directorship or interest, the presence of such director at the meeting of the board of directors or committee of the board of directors at which the contract or transaction is authorized, approved or ratified or the counting of the director’s vote in favor thereof, provided that: (1) the fact of the common directorship or interest is disclosed or known to our board of directors or a committee of our board, and our board or committee authorizes, approves or ratifies the transaction or contract by the affirmative vote of a majority of disinterested directors, even if the disinterested directors constitute less than a quorum; (2) the fact of the common directorship or interest is disclosed or known to our stockholders entitled to vote thereon, and the transaction or contract is authorized, approved or ratified by a majority of the votes cast by the stockholders entitled to vote other than the votes of shares owned of record or beneficially owned by the interested director or corporation, firm or other entity; or (3) the transaction or contract is fair and reasonable to us.

Available Information

Our website address is www.outfrontmedia.com. We are subject to the informational requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), and file or furnish reports, proxy statements, and other information with the SEC, including Annual Reports on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and Current Reports on Form 8-K and amendments to those reports filed or furnished pursuant to Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Exchange Act. Such reports and other information filed by the Company with the SEC are available free of charge in the Investor Relations section of our website as soon as reasonably practicable after we electronically file such material with, or furnish it to, the SEC. The public may read and copy any materials we file with the SEC at the SEC’s Public Reference Room at 100 F Street, NE, Room 1580, Washington, DC 20549. The public may obtain information on the operation of the Public Reference Room by calling the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330. The SEC maintains an Internet site that contains reports, proxy and information statements and other information regarding issuers that file electronically with the SEC at www.sec.gov. The contents of the websites referred to above are not incorporated into this filing.

Item 1A. Risk Factors.

You should carefully consider the following risks, together with all of the other information in this Annual Report on Form 10-K, including “Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” and our consolidated financial statements and the notes thereto in “Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data,” before investing in the Company. The occurrence of any of the following risks might cause you to lose all or a part of your investment. Certain statements in the following risk factors constitute forward-looking statements. See “Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements.”


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Risks Related to Our Business and Operations

Our business is sensitive to a decline in advertising expenditures, general economic conditions and other external events beyond our control.

We derive our revenues from providing advertising space to customers on out-of-home advertising structures and sites. Our contracts with our customers generally cover periods ranging from four weeks to one year. A decline in the economic prospects of advertisers, the economy in general or the economy of any individual geographic market or industry, particularly a market or industry in which we conduct substantial business, such as the New York, Los Angeles and Miami metropolitan areas, and the retail, television and healthcare/pharmaceuticals industries, could alter current or prospective advertisers’ spending priorities. Disasters, acts of terrorism, political uncertainty, extraordinary weather events, hostilities and power outages could interrupt our ability to display advertising on our advertising structures and sites and lead to a reduction in economic certainty and advertising expenditures. Any reduction in advertising expenditures could harm our business, financial condition or results of operations. In addition, advertising expenditures by companies in certain sectors of the economy represent a significant portion of our revenues. See “Item 1. Business—Our Portfolio of Outdoor Advertising Structures and Sites.” Any political, economic, social or technological change resulting in a reduction in these sectors’ advertising expenditures could adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations. Further, advertising expenditure patterns may be impacted by any of these factors; for example, advertisers’ expenditures may be made with less advance notice and may become difficult to forecast from period to period.

We operate in a highly competitive industry.

The outdoor advertising industry is fragmented, consisting of a large number of companies operating on a national basis, such as our company, Clear Channel Outdoor, Lamar, JCDecaux and Intersection, as well as hundreds of smaller regional and local companies operating a limited number of displays in a single or a few local geographic markets. We compete with these companies for both customers and display locations. If our competitors offer advertising displays at rates below the rates we charge our customers, we could lose potential customers and could be pressured to reduce our rates below those currently charged to retain customers, which could have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations. A majority of our display locations are leased, and a significant portion of those leases are month-to-month or have a short remaining term. If our competitors offer to lease display locations at rental rates higher than the rental rates we offer, we could lose display locations and could be pressured to increase rental rates above those we currently pay to site landlords, which could have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

We also compete with other media, including online, mobile and social media advertising platforms and traditional platforms, such as broadcast and cable television, radio, print media and direct mail marketers. In addition, we compete with a wide variety of out-of-home media, including advertising in shopping centers, airports, movie theaters, supermarkets and taxis. Advertisers compare relative costs of available media, including the average cost per thousand impressions or “CPM,” particularly when delivering a message to customers with distinct demographic characteristics. In competing with other media, the outdoor advertising industry relies on its relative cost efficiency and its ability to reach specific markets, geographic areas and/or demographics. If we are unable to compete on these terms, we could lose potential customers and could be pressured to reduce rates below those we currently charge to retain customers, which could have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
 
Government regulation of outdoor advertising may restrict our outdoor advertising operations.

The outdoor advertising industry is subject to governmental regulation and enforcement at the federal, state and local levels in the United States and Canada. These regulations have a significant impact on the outdoor advertising industry and our business. See “Item 1. Business—Regulation.” Regulations and proceedings have made it increasingly difficult to develop new outdoor advertising structures and sites. If there are changes in laws and regulations affecting outdoor advertising at any level of government, if there is an increase in the enforcement of regulations or allegations of noncompliance or if we are unable to resolve allegations, our structures and sites could be subject to removal or modification. If we are unable to obtain acceptable arrangements or compensation in circumstances in which our structures and sites are subject to removal or modification, it could have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations. In addition, governmental regulation of advertising displays could limit our installation of additional advertising displays, restrict advertising displays to governmentally controlled sites or permit the installation of advertising displays in a manner that benefits our competitors disproportionately, any of which could have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.


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Our inability to increase the number of digital advertising displays in our portfolio or provide digital advertising displays to our customers could have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Our ability to increase the number of digital advertising displays in our portfolio is subject to governmental laws and regulations. For example, in January 2013, Scenic America, Inc., a nonprofit membership organization, filed a lawsuit against the U.S. Department of Transportation and the Federal Highway Administration alleging, among other things, that the Federal Highway Administration exceeded its authority when, in 2007, the Federal Highway Administration issued guidance to assist its division offices in evaluating state regulations that authorize the construction and operation of digital billboards. The case was dismissed in June 2014, and the dismissal was upheld by the federal appellate court. If the Federal Highway Administration guidance is ever vacated as a result of a similar challenge, the Federal Highway Administration could then elect to undertake rulemaking or other new administrative action with respect to digital billboard displays that, if enacted in a way that places additional restrictions on digital billboards, could also have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Any new governmental restrictions on digital advertising displays could limit our installation of additional digital advertising displays, restrict digital advertising displays to governmentally controlled sites or permit the installation of digital advertising displays in a manner that benefits our competitors disproportionately, any of which could have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations. Furthermore, as digital advertising displays are introduced into the market on a large scale, existing regulations that currently do not apply to digital advertising displays by their terms could be revised to impose specific restrictions on digital advertising displays. See “Item 1. Business—Regulation.”

In addition, implementation of digital advertising displays by us or our competitors at a rate that exceeds the ability of the market to derive new revenues from those displays could also have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

We rely on third parties to manufacture digital displays, and if we are not able to engage third parties on reasonable pricing or other terms, due to the insufficient capacity of a particular manufacturer, market-wide supply shortages or otherwise, or if the third parties that we engage fail to meet their obligations, we may not be able to fulfill our contractual commitments, which could have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations. In addition, if the quality of the digital displays that we provide do not meet our customers’ expectations, or are found to be defective, then we may incur financial liability and our business and reputation could be adversely affected.

Taxes, fees and registration requirements may reduce our profits or expansion opportunities.

A number of federal, state and local governments in the United States and Canada have implemented or initiated taxes (including taxes on revenue from outdoor advertising or for the right to use outdoor advertising assets), fees and registration requirements in an effort to decrease or restrict the number of outdoor advertising structures and sites or raise revenue, or both. For example, a tax was imposed on the outdoor advertising industry in Toronto. These efforts may continue, and, if we are unable to pass on the cost of these items to our customers, the increased imposition of these measures could have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
 
The success of our transit advertising business is dependent on obtaining and renewing key municipal contracts on favorable terms.

Our transit shelter and transit systems businesses require us to obtain and renew contracts with municipalities and other governmental entities. All of these contracts have fixed terms and generally provide for payments to the governmental entity of a revenue share and/or a guaranteed minimum annual payment, and some may require us to incur capital expenditures. When these contracts expire, we generally must participate in highly competitive bidding processes in order to obtain a new contract. Our inability to successfully obtain or renew these contracts on favorable economic terms or at all could have an adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations. See “Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations—Overview—Business Environment.” In addition, the loss of a key municipal contract in one location could adversely affect our ability to compete in other locations by reducing our scale and ability to offer customers multiregional and national advertising campaigns. These factors could have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.


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Government compensation for the removal of lawful billboards could decrease.

Although federal, state and local government authorities from time to time use the power of eminent domain to remove billboards, U.S. law requires payment of compensation if a government authority compels the removal of a lawful billboard along a primary or interstate highway that was built with federal financial assistance. Additionally, many states require similar compensation (or relocation) with regard to compelled removals of lawful billboards in other locations, although the methodology used to determine such compensation varies by jurisdiction. Some local governments have attempted to force removal of billboards after a period of years under a concept called amortization. Under this concept, the governmental body asserts that just compensation has been earned by continued operation of the billboard over a period of time. Thus far, we have generally been able to obtain satisfactory compensation for our billboards purchased or removed as a result of governmental action, although there is no assurance that this will continue to be the case in the future, and, if it does not continue to be the case, there could be an adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Content-based restrictions on outdoor advertising may further restrict the categories of customers that can advertise using our structures and sites.

Restrictions on outdoor advertising of certain products and services are or may be imposed by federal, state and local laws and regulations. For example, tobacco products have been effectively banned from outdoor advertising in all of the jurisdictions in which we currently do business. In addition, state and local governments in some cases limit outdoor advertising of alcohol, which represented 4% of our U.S. Media segment revenues in 2016, 3% in 2015 and 4% in 2014. Legislation regulating out-of-home advertising due to content-based restrictions could cause a reduction in our revenues from leasing advertising space on outdoor advertising displays that display such advertisements and a simultaneous increase in the available space on the existing inventory of billboards in the outdoor advertising industry, which could have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Environmental, health and safety laws and regulations may limit or restrict some of our operations.

As the owner or operator of various real properties and facilities, we must comply with various federal, state and local environmental, health and safety laws and regulations in the United States and Canada. We and our properties are subject to such laws and regulations related to the use, storage, disposal, emission and release of hazardous and nonhazardous substances and employee health and safety. Historically, with the exception of safety upgrades, we have not incurred significant expenditures to comply with these laws. However, additional laws that may be passed in the future, or a finding of a violation of or liability under existing laws, could require us to make significant expenditures and otherwise limit or restrict some of our operations, which could have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Our operating results are subject to seasonal variations and other factors.

Our business has experienced and is expected to continue to experience seasonality due to, among other things, seasonal advertising patterns and seasonal influences on advertising markets. Typically, our revenues and profits are highest in the fourth quarter, during the holiday shopping season, and lowest in the first quarter, as advertisers cut back on spending following the holiday shopping season. The effects of such seasonality make it difficult to estimate future operating results based on the previous results of any specific quarter, which may make it difficult to plan capital expenditures and expansion, could affect operating results and could have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Acquisitions and other strategic transactions that we may pursue could have a negative effect on our results of operations.

We frequently evaluate strategic opportunities both within and outside our existing lines of business. We expect from time to time to pursue additional acquisitions of business and/or assets and other strategic transactions, including technology investments and/or the disposition of certain businesses and/or assets. These acquisitions or transactions could be material, and involve numerous risks, including:


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acquisitions or other strategic transactions may prove unprofitable and fail to generate anticipated cash flows or gains;

integrating acquired businesses and/or assets may be more difficult, costly or time consuming than expected and the anticipated benefits and costs savings of such acquisitions or transactions may not be fully realized, for example:

we may need to recruit additional senior management, as we cannot be assured that senior management of acquired businesses and/or assets will continue to work for us, and we cannot be certain that our recruiting efforts will succeed;

unforeseen difficulties could divert significant time, attention and effort from management that could otherwise be directed at developing existing business;

we may encounter difficulties expanding corporate infrastructure to facilitate the integration of our operations and systems with those of acquired businesses and/or assets, which may cause us to lose the benefits of any expansion; and/or

we may lose billboard leases, franchises or advertisers in connection with such acquisitions or transactions, which could disrupt our ongoing businesses;
 
we may not be aware of all of the risks associated with any acquired businesses and/or assets and certain of our assumptions with respect to these acquired businesses and/or assets may prove to be inaccurate, which could result in unexpected litigation or regulatory exposure, unfavorable accounting treatment, unexpected increases in taxes due, a loss of anticipated tax benefits or other adverse effects on our business, operating results or financial condition;

we may not be able to obtain financing necessary to fund potential acquisitions or strategic transactions;

we may face increased competition for acquisitions of businesses and assets from other outdoor advertising companies, some of which may have greater financial resources than we do, which may result in higher prices for those businesses and assets;

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

because we must comply with various requirements under the Code in order to maintain our qualification to be taxed as a REIT, including restrictions on the types of assets we may hold, the sources of our income and accumulation of earnings and profits, our ability to engage in certain acquisitions or strategic transactions, such as acquisitions of C corporations, may be limited. See “—Risks Related to Our Status as a REIT—Complying with REIT requirements may cause us to liquidate investments or forgo otherwise attractive opportunities.”

Further, acquisitions and dispositions by us may require antitrust review by U.S. federal antitrust agencies and may require review by foreign antitrust agencies under the antitrust laws of foreign jurisdictions. We can give no assurances that the U.S. Department of Justice, the U.S. Federal Trade Commission or foreign antitrust agencies will not seek to bar us from the acquisition or disposition of additional advertising businesses in any market.

We are dependent on our management team, and the loss of senior executive officers or other key employees could have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

We believe our future success depends on the continued service and skills of our existing management team and other key employees with experience and business relationships within their respective roles, including landlord and customer relationships. The loss of one or more of these key personnel could have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations because of their skills, knowledge of the market, years of industry experience and the difficulty of finding qualified replacement personnel. If any of these personnel were to leave and compete with us, it could have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Our board of directors has the power to cause us to issue additional shares of stock without stockholder approval.

Our charter authorizes us to issue additional authorized but unissued shares of common or preferred stock. In addition, our charter permits a majority of our entire board of directors to, without stockholder approval, amend our charter to increase or decrease the aggregate number of shares of stock or the number of shares of stock of any class or series that we have authority to issue. Our charter also permits our board of directors to classify or reclassify any unissued shares of common or preferred

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stock and set the preferences, rights and other terms of the classified or reclassified shares. As a result, our board of directors will be able to establish a series of shares of common or preferred stock that could delay or prevent a transaction or a change in control that might involve a premium price for outstanding shares of stock or otherwise be in the best interests of our stockholders.

Certain provisions of Maryland law may limit the ability of a third party to acquire control of us.

Certain provisions of the MGCL may have the effect of delaying or preventing a transaction or a change in control of us that might involve a premium price for shares of our stock or otherwise be in the best interests of our stockholders, including:

“business combination” provisions that, subject to certain exceptions, prohibit certain business combinations between a Maryland corporation and an “interested stockholder” (defined generally as any person who beneficially owns, directly or indirectly, 10% or more of the voting power of a corporation’s outstanding voting stock or an affiliate or associate of a corporation who, at any time during the two-year period immediately prior to the date in question, was the beneficial owner of 10% or more of the voting power of the then-outstanding stock of the corporation) or an affiliate of such an interested stockholder for five years after the most recent date on which the stockholder becomes an interested stockholder, and thereafter imposes two super-majority stockholder voting requirements on these combinations; and

“control share” provisions that provide that, subject to certain exceptions, holders of “control shares” of a Maryland corporation (defined as voting shares of stock that, if aggregated with all other shares of stock owned or controlled by the acquirer, would entitle the acquirer to exercise voting power in the election of directors within one of three increasing ranges) acquired in a “control share acquisition” (defined as the direct or indirect acquisition of issued and outstanding “control shares,” subject to certain exceptions) have no voting rights except to the extent approved by its stockholders by the affirmative vote of at least two-thirds of all of the votes entitled to be cast on the matter, excluding all interested shares.
 
Additionally, under Title 3, Subtitle 8 of the MGCL, our board of directors is permitted, without stockholder approval and regardless of what is provided in our charter or bylaws, to implement certain takeover defenses.

Our board of directors has by resolution exempted from the provisions of the Maryland Business Combination Act, as described above, all business combinations between us and any other person, provided that such business combination is first approved by our board of directors (including a majority of our directors who are not affiliates or associates of such person). In addition, our bylaws contain a provision opting out of the Maryland Control Share Acquisition Act, as described above. Moreover, our charter provides that vacancies on our board may be filled only by a majority of the remaining directors, and that any directors elected by the board to fill vacancies will serve for the remainder of the full term of the class of directors in which the vacancy occurred and until a successor is elected and qualifies. Our charter provides that, subject to the rights, if any, of holders of any class or series of preferred stock to elect or remove one or more directors, members of our board of directors may be removed only for cause (as defined in our charter), and then only by the affirmative vote of at least two-thirds of the votes entitled to be cast generally in the election of directors. Our bylaws provide that our board of directors has the exclusive power to adopt, alter or repeal any provision of our bylaws and to make new bylaws. There can be no assurance that these exemptions or provisions will not be amended or eliminated at any time in the future.

Our rights and the rights of our stockholders to take action against our directors and officers are limited.

Our charter contains a provision that eliminates the liability of our directors and officers to the maximum extent permitted by Maryland law. In addition, our charter authorizes us, and our bylaws obligate us, to the maximum extent permitted by Maryland law in effect from time to time, to indemnify and, without requiring a preliminary determination of the ultimate entitlement to indemnification, pay or reimburse reasonable expenses in advance of final disposition of a proceeding to:

any present or former director or officer who is made or threatened to be made a party to, or witness in, a proceeding by reason of his or her service in that capacity; and

any individual who, while a director or officer of our company and at our request, serves or has served as a director, officer, trustee or manager of another corporation, real estate investment trust, limited liability company, partnership, joint venture, trust, employee benefit plan or any other enterprise and who is made or threatened to be made a party to, or witness in, the proceeding by reason of his or her service in that capacity.
 

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Our charter and bylaws also permit us to indemnify and advance expenses to any person who served a predecessor of ours in any of the capacities described above and to any employee of our company or a predecessor of our company.

The indemnification and payment or reimbursement of expenses provided by the indemnification provisions of our charter and bylaws shall not be deemed exclusive of or limit in any way other rights to which any person seeking indemnification, or payment or reimbursement of expenses may be or may become entitled under any statute, bylaw, resolution, insurance, agreement, vote of stockholders or disinterested directors or otherwise.

In addition, we have entered into separate indemnification agreements with each of our directors. Each indemnification agreement provides, among other things, for indemnification as provided in the agreement and otherwise to the fullest extent permitted by law and our charter and bylaws against judgments, fines, penalties, amounts paid in settlement and reasonable expenses, including attorneys’ fees. The indemnification agreements provide for the advancement or payment of expenses to the indemnitee and for reimbursement to us if it is found that such indemnitee is not entitled to such advancement.

Accordingly, in the event that any of our directors or officers are exculpated from, or indemnified against, liability but whose actions impede our performance, we and our stockholders’ ability to recover damages from that director or officer will be limited.

We have substantial indebtedness that could adversely affect our financial condition.

As of December 31, 2016, we had total indebtedness of approximately $2.2 billion (consisting of the Term Loan and the Notes with outstanding aggregate principal balances of $660.0 million and $1.5 billion, respectively) and undrawn commitments under the Revolving Credit Facility of $425.0 million, excluding $31.7 million of letters of credit issued against the Revolving Credit Facility. See “Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations—Liquidity and Capital Resources.”

Our level of debt could have important consequences, including:

making it more difficult for us to satisfy our obligations with respect to the Notes and our other debt;

requiring us to dedicate a substantial portion of our cash flow from operations to payments on indebtedness, thereby reducing the availability of cash flow to fund acquisitions, working capital, capital expenditures, and strategic business development efforts and other corporate purposes;

increasing our vulnerability to and limiting our flexibility in planning for, or reacting to, changes in the business, the industries in which we operate, the economy and governmental regulations;

restricting us from making strategic acquisitions or causing us to make non-strategic divestitures;

exposing us to the risk of increased interest rates as borrowings under the Senior Credit Facilities are expected to be subject to variable rates of interest;

placing us at a competitive disadvantage compared to our competitors that have less debt; and

limiting our ability to borrow additional funds.

The terms of the Credit Agreement and the indentures governing the Notes restrict our current and future operations, particularly our ability to incur debt that we may need to fund initiatives in response to changes in our business, the industries in which we operate, the economy and governmental regulations.

The Credit Agreement and the indentures governing the Notes contain a number of restrictive covenants that impose significant operating and financial restrictions on us and our subsidiaries and limit our ability to engage in actions that may be in our long-term best interests, including restrictions on our and our subsidiaries’ ability to:
 
incur additional indebtedness;

pay dividends on, repurchase or make distributions in respect of our capital stock (other than dividends or distributions necessary for us to maintain our REIT status, subject to certain conditions);


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make investments or acquisitions;

sell, transfer or otherwise convey certain assets;

change our accounting methods;

create liens;

enter into sale/leaseback transactions;

enter into agreements restricting the ability to pay dividends or make other intercompany transfers;

consolidate, merge, sell or otherwise dispose of all or substantially all of our or our subsidiaries’ assets;

enter into transactions with affiliates;

prepay certain kinds of indebtedness;

issue or sell stock of our subsidiaries; and

change the nature of our business.

In addition, the Credit Agreement has a financial covenant that requires us to maintain a Consolidated Net Secured Leverage Ratio (as described in “Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations—Liquidity and Capital Resources”). Our ability to meet this financial covenant may be affected by events beyond our control.

As a result of all of these restrictions, we may be:

limited in how we conduct our business;

unable to raise additional debt or equity financing to operate during general economic or business downturns; or

unable to compete effectively or to take advantage of new business opportunities.
 
These restrictions could hinder our ability to grow in accordance with our strategy or inhibit our ability to adhere to our intended distribution policy and, accordingly, may cause us to incur additional U.S. federal income tax liability beyond current expectations.

A breach of the covenants under the Credit Agreement or either of the indentures governing the Notes, including the inability to repay any amounts due and payable, could result in an event of default under the applicable agreement. Such a default would allow the lenders under the Senior Credit Facilities and holders of the Notes to accelerate the repayment of such debt and may result in the acceleration of the repayment of any other debt to which a cross-acceleration or cross-default provision applies. In the event our creditors accelerate the repayment of our borrowings, we and our subsidiaries may not have sufficient assets to repay that indebtedness. An event of default under the Credit Agreement would also permit the lenders under the Senior Credit Facilities and any other secured creditors to proceed against the collateral that secures such indebtedness, and terminate all other commitments to extend additional credit to us. Any of these events could have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Despite our substantial indebtedness level, we and our subsidiaries may be able to incur substantially more indebtedness, including secured indebtedness. This could further exacerbate the risks to our financial condition described above.

We and our subsidiaries may incur significant additional indebtedness in the future, including secured indebtedness. Although the indentures governing the Notes and the Credit Agreement contain restrictions on the incurrence of additional indebtedness and additional liens, these restrictions will be subject to a number of qualifications and exceptions, and the additional indebtedness, including secured indebtedness, incurred in compliance with these restrictions could be substantial. If we incur any additional indebtedness that ranks equally with the Notes and/or our Senior Credit Facilities, subject to collateral arrangements, the holders of that debt will be entitled to share ratably with existing holders of our debt in any proceeds distributed in connection with any insolvency, liquidation, reorganization, dissolution or other winding up of our business. This may have the effect of reducing the amount of proceeds paid to existing shareholders. These restrictions also will not prevent us

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from incurring obligations that do not constitute indebtedness. If new debt is added to our current debt levels, the related risks that we now face would increase.

Our variable rate indebtedness subjects us to interest rate risk, which could cause our debt service obligations to increase significantly.

Borrowings under the Senior Credit Facilities are at variable rates of interest and expose us to interest rate risk. If interest rates increase, our debt service obligations on the variable rate indebtedness will increase even though the amount borrowed remains the same, and our net income and cash flows will correspondingly decrease. At our level of indebtedness, as of December 31, 2016, each 1/4% change in interest rates on our variable rate indebtedness would have resulted in a $1.7 million change in annual estimated interest expense. This amount will increase due to any borrowings we make under our Revolving Credit Facility. In the future, we may enter into interest rate swaps that involve the exchange of floating for fixed rate interest payments in order to reduce future interest rate volatility. However, we may not elect to maintain such interest rate swaps with respect to any of our variable rate indebtedness, and any swaps we enter into may not fully mitigate our interest rate risk.

To service our indebtedness, we require a significant amount of cash and our ability to generate cash depends on many factors beyond our control.

Our ability to make cash payments on and to refinance our indebtedness, including the Notes, and to fund planned capital expenditures will depend on our ability to generate significant operating cash flow in the future. Our ability to generate such cash flow is subject to general economic, financial, competitive, legislative, regulatory and other factors that are beyond our control. In addition, our ability to generate cash flow may be affected by our REIT compliance obligations and any consequences of failing to remain qualified as a REIT. See “—Risks Related to Our Status as a REIT.”

Our business may not generate cash flow from operations in an amount sufficient to enable us to pay our indebtedness, including the Notes, or to fund our other liquidity needs. If we cannot service our indebtedness, we may have to take actions such as refinancing or restructuring our indebtedness, selling assets or reducing or delaying capital expenditures, strategic acquisitions and investments. Such actions, if necessary, may not be effected on commercially reasonable terms or at all. Our ability to refinance or restructure our debt will depend on the condition of the capital markets and our financial condition at the applicable time. Any refinancing of our debt could be at higher interest rates and may require us to comply with more onerous covenants, which could further restrict our business operations. Further, the Credit Agreement and the indentures governing the Notes restrict our ability to undertake or use the proceeds from such measures.

Our cash available for distribution to stockholders may not be sufficient to make distributions at expected levels, and we may need to borrow in order to make such distributions or may not be able to make such distributions in full.

Distributions that we make will be authorized and determined by our board of directors in its sole discretion out of funds legally available therefor. While we anticipate maintaining relatively stable distribution(s) during each year, the amount, timing and frequency of distributions will be at the sole discretion of our board of directors and will be declared based upon various factors, including, but not limited to: future taxable income, limitations contained in our debt instruments (such as restrictions on distributions in excess of the minimum amount required to maintain our status as a REIT and on the ability of our subsidiaries to distribute cash to the Company), debt service requirements, our results of operations, our financial condition, our operating cash inflows and outflows, including capital expenditures and acquisitions, limitations on our ability to use cash generated in the TRSs to fund distributions and applicable law. We may need to increase our borrowings in order to fund our intended distributions. See “Item 5. Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities—Dividend Policy” and “—Despite our substantial indebtedness level, we and our subsidiaries may be able to incur substantially more indebtedness, including secured indebtedness. This could further exacerbate the risks to our financial condition described above.”

Hedging transactions could have a negative effect on our results of operations.

We may enter into hedging transactions, including without limitation, with respect to interest rate exposure and foreign currency exchange rates and on one or more of our assets or liabilities. The use of hedging transactions involves certain risks, including: (1) the possibility that the market will move in a manner or direction that would have resulted in a gain for us had a hedging transaction not been utilized, in which case our performance would have been better had we not engaged in the hedging transaction; (2) the risk of an imperfect correlation between the risk sought to be hedged and the hedging transaction used; (3) the potential illiquidity for the hedging instrument used, which may make it difficult for us to close out or unwind a hedging transaction; (4) the possibility that our counterparty fails to honor its obligations; and (5) the possibility that we may have to post collateral to enter into hedging transactions, which we may lose if we are unable to honor our obligations. In

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addition, as a REIT, we have limitations on our income sources, and the hedging strategies available to us will be more limited than those available to companies that are not REITs. See “—Risks Related to Our Status as a REIT—Complying with REIT requirements may limit our ability to hedge effectively and may cause us to incur tax liabilities.”

We face diverse risks in our Canadian business, which could adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Our Canadian business contributed approximately $67.3 million to total revenues in 2016, approximately $71.7 million to total revenues in 2015 and approximately $82.5 million to total revenues in 2014. Inherent risks in our Canadian business activities could decrease our Canadian sales and have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations. These risks include potentially unfavorable Canadian economic conditions, political conditions or national priorities, Canadian government regulation and changes in such regulation, violations of applicable anti-corruption laws or regulations, potential expropriation of assets by the Canadian government, the failure to bridge cultural differences and limited or prohibited access to our Canadian operations and the support they provide. We may also have difficulty repatriating profits or be adversely affected by exchange rate fluctuations in our Canadian business.

If our security measures are breached, our services may be perceived as not being secure, users and customers may curtail or stop using our services, and we may incur significant legal and financial exposure.

Although we have implemented physical and electronic security measures designed to protect against the loss, misuse and alteration of our websites, digital assets and proprietary business information as well as consumer, business partner and advertiser personally identifiable information, no security measures are perfect and impenetrable and we may be unable to anticipate or prevent unauthorized access. A security breach could occur due to the acts or omissions of third parties, employee error, malfeasance, system errors or vulnerabilities, or otherwise. If an actual or perceived breach of our security occurs, we could lose competitively sensitive business information or suffer disruptions to our business operations. In addition, the public perception of the effectiveness of our security measures or services could be harmed, we could lose business partners and advertisers, and we could suffer significant legal and financial exposure in connection with remediation efforts, investigations and legal proceedings and changes in our security and system protection measures.

Changes in regulations and consumer concerns regarding privacy, information security and data, or any failure or perceived failure to comply with these regulations or our internal policies, could negatively impact our business.

We collect and utilize demographic and other information from and about consumers, business partners, advertisers and website users. We are subject to numerous federal, state, local and foreign laws, rules and regulations as well as industry standards and regulations regarding privacy, information security, data and consumer protection, among other things. Many of these laws and industry standards and regulations are still evolving and changes in the nature of the data that we purchase and/or collect, and the ways that data is permitted to be collected, stored, used and/or shared may negatively impact the way that we are able to conduct business. In addition, changes in consumer expectations and demands regarding privacy, information security and data may result in further restrictions on the nature of the data that we purchase and/or collect, and the ways we collect, use, disclose and derive economic value from data that we purchase and/or collect, and may limit our ability to offer targeted advertising opportunities to our business partners and advertisers. Although we monitor regulatory changes and have implemented internal policies and procedures designed to comply with all applicable laws, rules, industry standards and regulations, any failure or perceived failure by us to comply with applicable regulatory requirements or our internal policies related to privacy, information security, data and/or consumer protection could result in a loss of confidence, a loss of goodwill, damage to our brand, loss of business partners and advertisers, adverse regulatory proceedings and/or civil litigation, which could negatively impact our business.

We could suffer losses due to asset impairment charges for goodwill.

A significant portion of our assets consists of goodwill. We test goodwill for impairment during the fourth quarter of each year and between annual tests if events or circumstances require an interim impairment assessment. A downward revision in the estimated fair value of a reporting unit could result in a non-cash impairment charge. Any such impairment charge could have a material adverse effect on our reported net income. See “Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.”


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Risks Related to Our Status as a REIT

If we fail to remain qualified as a REIT, we will be subject to U.S. federal income tax as a regular corporation and could face a substantial tax liability, which would reduce the amount of cash available for distribution to our stockholders.

Qualification to be taxed as a REIT involves the application of highly technical and complex Code provisions for which only limited judicial and administrative authorities exist. Even a technical or inadvertent failure to comply with these provisions could jeopardize our REIT qualification. Our ability to remain qualified to be taxed as a REIT will depend on our satisfaction of certain asset, income, organizational, distribution, stockholder ownership and other requirements on a continuing basis. In addition, our ability to satisfy the requirements to remain qualified to be taxed as a REIT may depend in part on the actions of third parties over which we have no control or only limited influence.

In addition, the rules dealing with U.S. federal income taxation are continually under review by persons involved in the legislative process and by the IRS and the U.S. Department of the Treasury (the “Treasury”). Although the IRS has issued a private letter ruling with respect to certain issues relevant to our ability to qualify to be taxed as a REIT, no assurance can be given that the IRS will not challenge our qualification to be taxed as a REIT in the future. Changes to the tax laws or interpretations thereof, or the IRS’s position with respect to our private letter ruling, with or without retroactive application, could materially and negatively affect our ability to qualify to be taxed as a REIT.

If we were to fail to remain qualified to be taxed as a REIT in any taxable year, we would be subject to U.S. federal income tax, including any applicable alternative minimum tax, on our taxable income at regular corporate rates, and dividends paid to our stockholders would not be deductible by us in computing our taxable income. Any resulting corporate tax liability could be substantial and would reduce the amount of cash available for distribution to holders of our common stock, which in turn could have an adverse impact on the value of our common stock and may require us to incur indebtedness or liquidate certain investments in order to pay such tax liability. Unless we were entitled to relief under certain Code provisions, we would also be disqualified from re-electing to be taxed as a REIT for the four taxable years following the year in which we failed to qualify to be taxed as a REIT.

REIT distribution requirements could adversely affect our ability to execute our business plan.

To maintain REIT status, we must meet a number of organizational and operational requirements, including a requirement that we annually distribute to our stockholders at least 90% of our REIT taxable income, determined without regard to the dividends-paid deduction and excluding any net capital gains. To the extent that we satisfy this distribution requirement and qualify for taxation as a REIT but distribute less than 100% of our REIT taxable income, determined without regard to the dividends-paid deduction and including any net capital gains, we will be subject to U.S. federal income tax on our undistributed net taxable income. In addition, we will be subject to a nondeductible 4% excise tax if the amount that we actually distribute to our stockholders in a calendar year is less than a minimum amount specified under U.S. federal tax laws. We intend to pay regular quarterly distributions to our stockholders in an amount not less than 100% of our REIT taxable income (determined before the deduction for dividends paid).

From time to time, we may generate taxable income greater than our cash flow as a result of differences in timing between the recognition of taxable income and the actual receipt of cash or the effect of nondeductible capital expenditures, the creation of reserves or required debt or amortization payments. If we do not have other funds available in these situations, we could be required to borrow funds on unfavorable terms, sell assets at disadvantageous prices or distribute amounts that would otherwise be invested in future acquisitions to make distributions sufficient to enable us to pay out enough of our taxable income to satisfy the REIT distribution requirement and to avoid corporate income tax and the 4% excise tax in a particular year. These alternatives could increase our costs or reduce our equity. Thus, compliance with the REIT requirements may impact our ability to grow, which could adversely affect the value of our common stock.

To fund our growth strategy and refinance our indebtedness, we may depend on external sources of capital, which may not be available to us on commercially reasonable terms or at all.

As a result of the REIT organizational and operational requirements described above, we may not be able to fund future capital needs, including any necessary acquisition financing, solely from operating cash flows. Consequently, we expect to rely on third-party capital market sources for debt or equity financing to fund our business strategy. In addition, we will likely need third-party capital market sources to refinance our indebtedness at maturity. Continued or increased turbulence in the United States or international financial markets and economies could adversely impact our ability to replace or renew maturing liabilities on a timely basis or access the capital markets to meet liquidity and capital expenditure requirements and may result

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in adverse effects on our business, financial condition and results of operations. As such, we may not be able to obtain financing on favorable terms or at all. Our access to third-party sources of capital also depends, in part, on:
 
the market’s perception of our growth potential;

our then-current levels of indebtedness;

our historical and expected future earnings, cash flows and cash distributions; and

the market price per share of our common stock.

In addition, our ability to access additional capital may be limited by the terms of our outstanding indebtedness, which may restrict our incurrence of additional debt. See “—Risks Related to Our Business and Operations—Despite our substantial indebtedness level, we and our subsidiaries may be able to incur substantially more indebtedness, including secured indebtedness. This could further exacerbate the risks to our financial condition described above.” If we cannot obtain capital when needed, we may not be able to acquire or develop properties when strategic opportunities arise or refinance our debt, which could have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Even if we remain qualified to be taxed as a REIT, we may face other tax liabilities that reduce our cash flow.

Even if we remain qualified for taxation as a REIT, we may be subject to certain U.S. federal, state and local taxes on our income and assets, including taxes on any undistributed income and state or local income, property and transfer taxes. For example, in order to meet the REIT qualification requirements, we may hold some of our assets or conduct certain of our activities through one or more TRSs or other subsidiary corporations that will be subject to foreign, federal, state and local corporate-level income taxes as regular C corporations. In addition, we may incur a 100% excise tax on transactions with a TRS if the transactions are not conducted on an arm’s-length basis. Any of these taxes would decrease cash available for distribution to holders of our common stock.

Complying with REIT requirements may cause us to liquidate investments or forgo otherwise attractive opportunities.

To remain qualified to be taxed as a REIT for U.S. federal income tax purposes, we must ensure that, at the end of each calendar quarter, at least 75% of the value of our assets consists of cash, cash items, government securities and “real estate assets” (as defined in the Code), including certain mortgage loans and securities. The remainder of our investments (other than government securities, qualified real estate assets and securities issued by a TRS) generally cannot include more than 10% of the outstanding voting securities of any one issuer or more than 10% of the total value of the outstanding securities of any one issuer. In addition, in general, no more than 5% of the value of our total assets (other than government securities, qualified real estate assets and securities issued by a TRS) can consist of the securities of any one issuer, and no more than 25% (20% effective in taxable years beginning after December 31, 2017) of the value of our total assets can be represented by securities of one or more TRSs. If we fail to comply with these requirements at the end of any calendar quarter, we must correct the failure within 30 days after the end of the calendar quarter or qualify for certain statutory relief provisions to avoid losing our REIT qualification and suffering adverse tax consequences. As a result, we may be required to liquidate or forgo otherwise attractive investments. These actions could have the effect of reducing our income and amounts available for distribution to holders of our common stock.

In addition to the assets tests set forth above, to remain qualified to be taxed as a REIT for U.S. federal income tax purposes, we must continually satisfy tests concerning, among other things, the sources of our income, the amounts we distribute to our stockholders and the ownership of our stock. We may be unable to pursue investments that would be otherwise advantageous to us in order to satisfy the source-of-income or asset-diversification requirements for qualifying to be taxed as a REIT. Accordingly, compliance with the REIT requirements may hinder our ability to make certain attractive investments.
 
Complying with REIT requirements may depend on our ability to contribute certain contracts to a taxable REIT subsidiary.

Our ability to satisfy certain REIT requirements may depend on us contributing to a TRS certain contracts, or portions of certain contracts, with respect to outdoor advertising assets that do not qualify as real property for purposes of the REIT asset tests. Moreover, our ability to satisfy the REIT requirements may depend on us properly allocating between us and our TRS the revenue or cost, as applicable, associated with the portion of any such contract contributed to the TRS. There can be no assurance that the IRS will not determine that such contribution was not a true contribution as between us and our TRS or that we did not properly allocate the applicable revenues or costs. Were the IRS successful in such a challenge, it could adversely impact our ability to qualify to be taxed as a REIT or our effective tax rate and tax liability.

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Our planned use of taxable REIT subsidiaries may cause us to fail to qualify to be taxed as a REIT.

The net income of our TRSs is not required to be distributed to us, and income that is not distributed to us generally will not be subject to the REIT income distribution requirement. However, there may be limitations on our ability to accumulate earnings in our TRSs and the accumulation or reinvestment of significant earnings in our TRSs could result in adverse tax treatment. In particular, if the accumulation of cash in our TRSs causes the fair market value of our securities in our TRSs and certain other non-qualifying assets to exceed 25% (20% effective in taxable years beginning after December 31, 2017) of the fair market value of our assets, we would fail to remain qualified to be taxed as a REIT for U.S. federal income tax purposes.

The ownership limitations that apply to REITs, as prescribed by the Code and by our charter, may inhibit market activity in the shares of our common stock and restrict our business combination opportunities.

In order for us to qualify to be taxed as a REIT, not more than 50% in value of the outstanding shares of our stock may be owned, beneficially or constructively, by five or fewer individuals, as defined in the Code to include certain entities, at any time during the last half of each taxable year after the first year for which we elect to qualify to be taxed as a REIT. Additionally, at least 100 persons must beneficially own our stock during at least 335 days of a taxable year (other than the first taxable year for which we elect to be taxed as a REIT). Subject to certain exceptions, our charter authorizes our board of directors to take such actions as are necessary and desirable to preserve our qualification to be taxed as a REIT. Our charter also provides that, unless exempted by the board of directors, no person may own more than 9.8% in value or in number, whichever is more restrictive, of the outstanding shares of our common stock or 9.8% in value of the aggregate outstanding shares of all classes and series of our stock. A person that did not acquire more than 9.8% of our outstanding stock may nonetheless become subject to our charter restrictions in certain circumstances, including if repurchases by us cause a person’s holdings to exceed such limitations. The constructive ownership rules are complex and may cause shares of stock owned directly or constructively by a group of related individuals to be constructively owned by one individual or entity. These ownership limits could delay or prevent a transaction or a change in control of our company that might involve a premium price for shares of our stock or otherwise be in the best interests of our stockholders.

Complying with REIT requirements may limit our ability to hedge effectively and may cause us to incur tax liabilities.

The REIT provisions of the Code substantially limit our ability to hedge our assets and liabilities. Any income from a hedging transaction that we enter into primarily to manage risk of interest rate changes or to manage risk of currency fluctuations with respect to borrowings made or to be made or to acquire or carry real estate assets does not constitute “gross income” for purposes of the 75% or 95% gross income tests that apply to REITs, provided that certain identification requirements are met. To the extent that we enter into other types of hedging transactions or fail to properly identify such a transaction as a hedge, the income is likely to be treated as non-qualifying income for purposes of both of the gross income tests. As a result of these rules, we may be required to limit our use of advantageous hedging techniques or implement those hedges through a TRS. This could increase the cost of our hedging activities because our TRS may be subject to tax on gains or expose us to greater risks associated with changes in interest rates that we would otherwise choose to bear. In addition, losses in our TRS will generally not provide any tax benefit, except that such losses could theoretically be carried back or forward against past or future taxable income in the TRS.

If we fail to meet the REIT income tests as a result of receiving non-qualifying rental income, we would be required to pay a penalty tax in order to retain our REIT status.

Certain income we receive could be treated as non-qualifying income for purposes of the REIT requirements. Even if we have reasonable cause for a failure to meet the REIT income tests as a result of receiving non-qualifying income, we would nonetheless be required to pay a penalty tax in order to retain our REIT status.

Even if we remain qualified to be taxed as a REIT, we could be subject to tax on any unrealized net built-in gains in the assets held before electing to be treated as a REIT.

Following our REIT election, we owned appreciated assets that were held by a C corporation and were acquired by us in a transaction in which the adjusted tax basis of the assets in our hands was determined by reference to the adjusted tax basis of the assets in the hands of the C corporation. If we dispose of any such appreciated assets in a taxable transaction during the 5-year period following our acquisition of the assets from the C corporation (i.e., during the 5-year period ending July 17, 2019), we will be subject to tax at the highest corporate tax rates on any gain from such assets to the extent of the excess of the fair market value of the assets on the date that they were acquired by us (i.e., at the time that we became a REIT) over the adjusted tax basis of such assets on such date, which are referred to as built-in gains. We would be subject to this tax liability even if we

27


maintain our status as a REIT. Any recognized built-in gain will retain its character as ordinary income or capital gain and will be taken into account in determining REIT taxable income and our distribution requirement for the year such gain is recognized. Any tax on the recognized built-in gain will reduce REIT taxable income. We may choose not to sell in a taxable transaction appreciated assets that we might otherwise sell during the 5-year period in which the built-in gain tax applies in order to avoid the built-in gain tax. However, there can be no assurances that such a taxable transaction will not occur. If we sell such assets in a taxable transaction, the amount of corporate tax that we will pay will vary depending on the actual amount of net built-in gain present in those assets as of the time we became a REIT. The amount of tax could be significant.

The IRS may deem the gains from sales of our outdoor advertising assets to be subject to a 100% prohibited transaction tax.

From time to time, we may sell outdoor advertising assets. The IRS may deem one or more sales of our outdoor advertising assets to be “prohibited transactions” (generally, sales or other dispositions of property that is held as inventory or primarily for sale to customers in the ordinary course of a trade or business). If the IRS takes the position that we have engaged in a “prohibited transaction,” the gain we recognize from such sale would be subject to a 100% tax. We do not intend to hold outdoor advertising assets as inventory or for sale in the ordinary course of business; however, whether property is held as inventory or “primarily for sale to customers in the ordinary course of a trade or business” depends on the particular facts and circumstances and there is no assurance that our position will not be challenged by the IRS especially if we make frequent sales or sales of outdoor advertising assets in which we have short holding periods.

We may establish an operating partnership as part of our REIT structure, which could result in conflicts of interests between our stockholders and holders of our operating partnership units and could limit our liquidity or flexibility.

In the future, we may establish an operating partnership as part of our REIT structure. If we establish an operating partnership, persons holding operating partnership units may have the right to vote on certain amendments to the partnership agreement of our operating partnership, as well as on certain other matters. Unitholders holding these voting rights may be able to exercise them in a manner that conflicts with the interests of our stockholders. Circumstances may arise in the future when the interests of unitholders in our operating partnership conflict with the interests of our stockholders. As the sole member of the general partner of the operating partnership or as the managing member, we would have fiduciary duties to the unitholders of the operating partnership that may conflict with duties that our officers and directors owe to us.

In addition, if we establish an operating partnership as part of our REIT structure, we may acquire certain assets by issuing units in our operating partnership in exchange for an asset owner contributing such assets to the partnership or a subsidiary. If we enter into such transactions, in order to induce the contributors of such assets to accept units in our operating partnership, rather than cash, in exchange for their assets, it may be necessary for us to provide them additional incentives. For instance, our operating partnership’s limited partnership or limited liability company agreement may provide that any unitholder of our operating partnership may be entitled to receive cash or equity distributions on its units, as well as exchange units for cash equal to the value of an equivalent number of shares of our common stock or, at our option, for shares of our common stock on a one-for-one basis. We may also enter into additional contractual arrangements with asset contributors under which we would agree to repurchase a contributor’s units for shares of our common stock or cash, at the option of the contributor, at set times. If the contributor received cash distributions on its units and/or required us to repurchase units for cash, it would limit our liquidity and thus our ability to use cash to make other investments, distributions to stockholders, debt service payments, or satisfy other obligations. Moreover, if we were required to repurchase units for cash at a time when we did not have sufficient cash to fund the repurchase, we might be required to sell one or more assets to raise funds to satisfy this obligation. Furthermore, we might agree that if distributions the contributor received as a unitholder in our operating partnership did not provide the contributor with a defined return, then upon redemption of the contributor’s units we would pay the contributor an additional amount necessary to achieve that return. Such a provision could further negatively impact our liquidity and flexibility. Finally, in order to allow a contributor of assets to defer taxable gain on the contribution of assets to our operating partnership, we might agree not to sell a contributed asset for a defined period of time or until the contributor exchanged the contributor’s units for cash or shares. Such an agreement would prevent us from selling those properties, even if market conditions made such a sale favorable to us.

Item 1B. Unresolved Staff Comments.

None.


28


Item 2. Properties.

Our principal executive offices, which we lease, are located at 405 Lexington Avenue, 17th Floor, New York, NY 10174. We and our subsidiaries also own and lease office and warehouse space throughout the United States and Canada. We consider our properties adequate for our present needs, and adequately covered by insurance.

In the United States and Canada, we primarily lease our outdoor advertising sites, but, in a few cases, we own or hold permanent easements on our outdoor advertising sites. These lease agreements have terms varying between one month and multiple years, with an average term of eight years, and usually provide renewal options. Our lease agreements generally allow us to use the land for the construction, repair and relocation of outdoor advertising structures, including all rights necessary to access and maintain the site. Approximately 69% of our leases will expire or be subject to renewal in the next 5 years, 20% will expire or be subject to renewal in 6 to 10 years and 11% will expire or be subject to renewal in more than 10 years. There is no significant concentration of outdoor advertising sites under any one lease or with any one landlord. An important part of our business activity is to manage our lease portfolio and negotiate suitable lease renewals and extensions. For further information regarding our outdoor advertising sites and structures, see “Item 1. Business—Our Portfolio of Outdoor Advertising Structures and Sites” and “Item 1. Business—Renovation, Improvement and Development.”

Item 3. Legal Proceedings.

On an ongoing basis, we are engaged in lawsuits and governmental proceedings and respond to various investigations, inquiries, notices and claims from national, state and local governmental and other authorities (collectively, “litigation”). Litigation is inherently uncertain and always difficult to predict. Although it is not possible to predict with certainty the eventual outcome of any litigation, in our opinion, none of our current litigation is expected to have a material adverse effect on our results of operations, financial position or cash flows.

Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures.

Not applicable.


29


PART II

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

Market Information

Shares of our common stock began trading on the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”) on March 28, 2014 under the ticker symbol “CBSO.” On November 20, 2014, in connection with our rebranding, shares of our common stock began trading on the NYSE under the ticker symbol “OUT”. Prior to March 28, 2014, there was no public market for our common stock.

The following table sets forth the historical high and low sales prices per share of our common stock as reported on the NYSE during the periods indicated, and the amount of dividends declared per share.
(per share)
 
High
 
Low
 
Dividends Declared
 
2016:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
First Quarter
 
$
22.10

 
$
18.01

 
$
0.34

 
Second Quarter
 
24.24

 
20.54

 
0.34

 
Third Quarter
 
24.32

 
20.72

 
0.34

 
Fourth Quarter
 
25.47

 
21.06

 
0.34

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2015:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
First Quarter
 
$
31.49

 
$
25.71

 
$
0.40

(a) 
Second Quarter
 
30.13

 
25.21

 
0.34

 
Third Quarter
 
28.38

 
20.63

 
0.34

 
Fourth Quarter
 
24.44

 
20.42

 
0.34

 

(a)
Includes a quarterly cash dividend and a special cash dividend. On February 26, 2015, our board of directors approved a quarterly cash dividend of $0.34 per share on our common stock and a special cash dividend of $0.06 per share on our common stock, comprised of a “top-up” of the 2014 annual dividend for REIT-distributable income (the “top-up dividend”). The quarterly cash dividend and the top-up dividend were paid on March 31, 2015, to stockholders of record on March 11, 2015.

On February 21, 2017, the closing price of our common stock on the NYSE was $27.33 per share.

Holders

As of February 21, 2017, we had 248 holders of record of our common stock.

Dividend Policy

To maintain REIT status, we must annually distribute to our stockholders at least 90% of our REIT taxable income, determined without regard to the dividends-paid deduction and excluding any net capital gains. To the extent that we satisfy this distribution requirement and qualify for taxation as a REIT but distribute less than 100% of our REIT taxable income, determined with the above modifications, we will be subject to U.S. federal income tax on our undistributed net taxable income. In addition, we will be subject to a nondeductible 4% excise tax if the amount that we actually distribute to our stockholders in a calendar year is less than a minimum amount specified under U.S. federal tax laws. We intend to pay regular quarterly distributions to our stockholders in an amount not less than 100% of our REIT taxable income (determined before the deduction for dividends paid). See “Item 1. Business—Tax Status.”

Distributions that we make will be authorized and determined by our board of directors in its sole discretion out of assets legally available therefor. While we anticipate maintaining relatively stable distribution(s) during each year, the amount, timing and frequency of distributions will be at the sole discretion of the board of directors, and distributions will be declared based upon various factors, including but not limited to: future taxable income, limitations contained in our debt instruments (such as restrictions on distributions in excess of the minimum amount required to maintain our status as a REIT and on the ability of our subsidiaries to distribute cash to the Company), debt service requirements, our results of operations, our financial condition, our operating cash inflows and outflows, including capital expenditures and acquisitions, limitations on our ability to use cash

30


generated in the TRSs to fund distributions and applicable law. See “Item 1A. Risk Factors,” “Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations—Liquidity and Capital Resources” and “Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.” We may need to increase our borrowings in order to fund our intended distributions. We expect that, at least initially, our distributions may exceed our net income, due, in part, to noncash expenses included in net income (loss).

We anticipate that our distributions generally will be taxable as ordinary income to our stockholders, although we may designate a portion of the distributions as qualified dividend income or capital gain dividends or a portion of the distributions may constitute a return of capital or be taxable as capital gain. We furnish annually to each of our stockholders a statement setting forth distributions paid during the preceding year and their characterization as ordinary income dividends, return of capital, qualified dividends, income or capital gain dividends or non-dividend distributions. 100% of the dividends we distributed in 2016 should be considered ordinary income by our stockholders for tax purposes.

On February 25, 2016, we announced that our board of directors had authorized a quarterly cash dividend of $0.34 per share on our common stock, which was paid on March 31, 2016, to stockholders of record at the close of business on March 10, 2016.

On April 28, 2016, we announced that our board of directors had authorized a quarterly cash dividend of $0.34 per share on our common stock, which was paid on June 30, 2016, to stockholders of record at the close of business on June 10, 2016.

On July 27, 2016, we announced that our board of directors had authorized a quarterly cash dividend of $0.34 per share on our common stock, which was paid on September 30, 2016, to stockholders of record at the close of business on September 9, 2016.

On October 27, 2016, we announced that our board of directors had authorized a quarterly cash dividend of $0.34 per share on our common stock, which was paid on December 30, 2016, to stockholders of record at the close of business on December 9, 2016.

On February 22, 2017, we announced that our board of directors approved a quarterly cash dividend of $0.36 per share on our common stock, payable on March 31, 2017, to stockholders of record at the close of business on March 10, 2017.

Performance Graph

The information in this section, including the performance graph, shall not be deemed “soliciting material” or to be “filed” with the SEC for purposes of Section 18 of the Exchange Act, or otherwise subject to the liabilities under that Section, and shall not be deemed to be incorporated by reference into any filing of the Company under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the Exchange Act.

The following graph compares the cumulative total stockholder return on OUTFRONT Media Inc.’s common stock to the cumulative total return of Lamar Advertising Company, Clear Channel Outdoor Holdings, Inc., the Standard & Poor’s 500 Stock Index (“S&P 500”), the S&P 500 Media Industry Index, and the FTSE National Association of Real Estate Investment Trusts (“NAREIT”) All Equity REITs Index.

The performance graph assumes $100 invested on March 28, 2014, in OUTFRONT Media Inc.’s common stock, Lamar Advertising Company’s common stock, Clear Channel Outdoor Holdings, Inc.’s common stock, the S&P 500, the S&P 500 Media Industry Index, and the FTSE NAREIT All Equity REITs Index, including the reinvestment of dividends, through the calendar year ended December 31, 2016.

31


a20161231-10_chartx43738.jpg
 
 
Mar. 28, 2014
 
Dec. 31, 2014
 
Dec. 31, 2015
 
Dec. 31, 2016
OUTFRONT Media Inc.
 
$
100.00

 
$
110.12

 
$
94.82

 
$
114.66

Lamar Advertising Company
 
100.00

 
108.99

 
127.89

 
150.48

Clear Channel Outdoor Holdings, Inc.
 
100.00

 
123.81

 
65.36

 
91.96

S&P 500
 
100.00

 
112.56

 
114.12

 
127.77

S&P 500 Media Industry Index(a)
 
100.00

 
115.65

 
110.68

 
127.97

FTSE NAREIT All Equity REITs Index
 
100.00

 
118.77

 
122.12

 
132.66


(a)
The S&P 500 Media Industry Index consists of the following companies: CBS Corporation; Charter Communications, Inc.; Comcast Corporation; Discovery Communications, Inc.; Interpublic Group of Companies Inc.; News Corporation; Omnicom Group Inc.; Scripps Networks Interactive, Inc.; TEGNA, Inc.; Time Warner Inc.; Twenty-First Century Fox, Inc.; Viacom Inc.; and Walt Disney Company.

Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities

None.

Purchases of Equity Securities by the Issuer
 
 
Total Number of Shares
Purchased
 
Average Price Paid Per Share
 
Total Number of Shares Purchased as Part of Publicly Announced Programs
 
Remaining Authorizations
October 1, 2016 through October 31, 2016
 

 
$

 

 

November 1, 2016 through November 30, 2016
 

 

 

 

December 1, 2016 through December 31, 2016
 

 

 

 

Total
 

 

 

 



32


Item 6. Selected Financial Data.

The following table sets forth our selected historical consolidated financial data for the periods presented. The selected historical consolidated statements of operations and cash flow data for each of the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014 and the selected historical consolidated balance sheet data as of December 31, 2016 and 2015, have been derived from our audited consolidated financial statements for such years, which are included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K. The selected historical consolidated statements of operations and cash flow data for the year ended December 31, 2013 and 2012 and the selected historical consolidated balance sheet information as of December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 have been derived from our audited historical consolidated financial statements, which are not included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Our historical consolidated financial data for 2013 and 2012 have been presented on a “carve-out” basis from CBS’s consolidated financial statements using the historical results of operations, cash flows, assets and liabilities attributable to CBS’s Outdoor Americas operating segment and include allocations of expenses from CBS. These allocations reflect significant assumptions, and the selected historical consolidated financial information set forth below and the financial statements included elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K do not necessarily reflect what our results of operations, financial condition or cash flows would have been if we had operated as a stand-alone company during the periods presented, and, accordingly, such information should not be relied upon as an indicator of our future performance, financial condition or liquidity.

You should read the following information together with “Item 1A. Risk Factors,” “Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” and “Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.”


33


 
 
Year Ended December 31,
(in millions, except per share amounts)
 
2016(a)
 
2015
 
2014
 
2013
 
2012
Statement of Operations data:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Revenues
 
$
1,513.9

 
$
1,513.8

 
$
1,353.8

 
$
1,294.0

 
$
1,284.6

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Adjusted OIBDA(c)
 
$
449.0

 
$
437.6

 
$
413.4

 
$
414.8

 
$
408.4

Less:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Stock-based compensation(d)
 
18.0

 
15.2

 
10.4

 
7.5

 
5.7

Restructuring charges
 
2.5

 
2.6

 
9.8

 

 
2.5

Acquisition costs
 

 

 
10.4

 

 

Loss on real estate assets held for sale(b)
 
1.3

 
103.6

 

 

 

Net (gain) loss on dispositions
 
(1.9
)
 
0.7

 
(2.5
)
 
(27.3
)
 
2.2

Depreciation
 
108.9

 
113.7

 
107.2

 
104.5

 
105.9

Amortization
 
115.3

 
115.4

 
95.0

 
91.3

 
90.9

Operating income
 
$
204.9

 
$
86.4

 
$
183.1

 
$
238.8

 
$
201.2

Interest expense, net
 
$
(113.8
)
 
$
(114.8
)
 
$
(84.8
)
 
$

 
$

Benefit (provision) for income taxes
 
$
(5.4
)
 
$
(5.4
)
 
$
206.0

 
$
(96.6
)
 
$
(89.0
)
Net income (loss)
 
$
90.9

 
$
(29.4
)
 
$
306.9

 
$
143.5

 
$
113.4

Net income (loss) per weighted average shares outstanding(e):
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Basic
 
$
0.66

 
$
(0.21
)
 
$
2.69

 
$
1.26

 
$
0.99

Diluted
 
$
0.66

 
$
(0.21
)
 
$
2.67

 
$
1.25

 
$
0.99

Dividends declared per common share
 
$
1.36

 
$
1.42

 
$
5.67

 
$

 
$

Funds from operations (“FFO”)(g)
 
$
280.4

 
$
272.2

 
$
483.9

 
$
299.5

 
$
288.0

Adjusted FFO (“AFFO”)(g)
 
$
294.5

 
$
268.1

 
$
235.7

 
$
263.1

 
$
269.4

Balance sheet data (at period end):
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Property and equipment, net
 
$
665.0

 
$
701.7

 
$
782.9

 
$
755.4

 
$
807.9

Total assets(f)
 
$
3,738.5

 
$
3,815.5

 
$
3,991.4

 
$
3,355.5

 
$
3,464.9

Current liabilities
 
$
251.5

 
$
265.6

 
$
255.2

 
$
212.2

 
$
205.6

Long-term debt, net(f)
 
$
2,136.8

 
$
2,222.0

 
$
2,166.1

 
$

 
$

Total stockholders’ equity/invested equity
 
$
1,232.9

 
$
1,212.6

 
$
1,445.5

 
$
2,754.4

 
$
2,843.9

Cash flow data:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash flow provided by operating activities
 
$
287.1

 
$
293.1

 
$
262.8

 
$
281.1

 
$
305.9

Capital expenditures:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Growth
 
$
40.9

 
$
33.6

 
$
40.9

 
$
37.2

 
$
34.2

Maintenance
 
18.5

 
25.6

 
23.3

 
23.7

 
14.0

Total capital expenditures
 
$
59.4

 
$
59.2

 
$
64.2

 
$
60.9

 
$
48.2


(a)
In 2016, we sold all of our equity interest in certain of our subsidiaries, which held all of the assets of our outdoor advertising business in Latin America. (See Item 8., Note 12. Acquisitions and Dispositions: Dispositions to the Consolidated Financial Statements).
(b)
In 2015, we recorded a non-cash loss on real estate assets held for sale. This non-cash loss is primarily comprised of the impact of including unrecognized foreign currency translation adjustment losses in the carrying value of assets held for sale. (See Item 8., Note 12. Acquisitions and Dispositions: Dispositions to the Consolidated Financial Statements).
(c)
Adjusted OIBDA is a non-GAAP financial measure. We calculate “Adjusted OIBDA” as Operating income (loss) before Depreciation, Amortization, Net (gain) loss on dispositions, Stock-based compensation, Restructuring charges, Loss on real estate assets held for sale and Acquisition costs. We use Adjusted OIBDA to evaluate our operating performance. Adjusted OIBDA is among the primary measures we use for managing our business, evaluating our operating performance and planning and forecasting future periods, as it is an important indicator of our operational strength and business performance. Our management believes users of our financial data are best

34


served if the information that is made available to them allows them to align their analysis and evaluation of our operating results along the same lines that our management uses in managing, planning and executing our business strategy. Our management also believes that the presentation of Adjusted OIBDA, as a supplemental measure, is useful in evaluating our business because eliminating certain non-comparable items highlight operational trends in our business that may not otherwise be apparent when relying solely on GAAP financial measures. It is management’s opinion that this supplemental measure provides users of our financial data with an important perspective on our operating performance and also makes it easier for users of our financial data to compare our results with other companies that have different financing and capital structures or tax rates. See “Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations,” for further information about Adjusted OIBDA.
(d)
Stock-based compensation in 2014, excludes $5.6 million recorded as Restructuring charges.
(e)
Net income per weighted average share outstanding for 2014, 2013 and 2012 was calculated based on weighted average shares outstanding for 2014 of 114.3 million for basic earnings (loss) per share (“EPS”) and 114.8 million for diluted EPS.
(f)
During 2016, we adopted the Financial Accounting Standards Board’s principles-based guidance addressing the recognition of debt issuance costs related to a recognized debt liability. We elected to adopt the guidance on a retrospective basis. As a result, $29.7 million from Total assets was reclassified to Long-term debt, net, as of December 31, 2015, and $32.2 million from Total assets was reclassified to Long-term debt, net, as of December 31, 2014.
(g)
We calculate FFO in accordance with the definition established by NAREIT. FFO reflects net income (loss) adjusted to exclude gains and losses from the sale of real estate assets, depreciation and amortization of real estate assets, amortization of direct lease acquisition costs, the non-cash effect of loss on real estate assets held for sale and the same adjustments for our equity-based investments, as well as the related income tax effect of adjustments, as applicable. We calculate AFFO as FFO adjusted to include cash paid for direct lease acquisition costs as such costs are generally amortized over a period ranging from four weeks to one year and therefore are incurred on a regular basis. AFFO also includes cash paid for maintenance capital expenditures since these are routine uses of cash that are necessary for our operations. In addition, AFFO excludes costs related to the Acquisition and restructuring charges, as well as certain non-cash items, including non-real estate depreciation and amortization, stock-based compensation expense, accretion expense, the non-cash effect of straight-line rent and amortization of deferred financing costs, and the non-cash portion of income taxes, as well as the related income tax effect of adjustments, as applicable. Our calculation of AFFO was revised in 2016 to adjust for the non-cash portion of income taxes instead of adjusting for current or deferred income taxes, as management believes that this calculation of AFFO is more consistent with AFFO presented by other REITs and analyzed by users of our financial data. This change is reflected in the calculation of AFFO for all prior periods presented. We use FFO and AFFO measures for managing our business and for planning and forecasting future periods, and each is an important indicator of our operational strength and business performance, especially compared to other REITs. Our management believes users of our financial data are best served if the information that is made available to them allows them to align their analysis and evaluation of our operating results along the same lines that our management uses in managing, planning and executing our business strategy. Our management also believes that the presentations of FFO and AFFO, as supplemental measures, are useful in evaluating our business because adjusting results to reflect items that have more bearing on the operating performance of REITs highlight trends in our business that may not otherwise be apparent when relying solely on GAAP financial measures. It is management’s opinion that these supplemental measures provide users of our financial data with an important perspective on our operating performance and also make it easier to compare our results to other companies in our industry, as well as to REITs. See “Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations,” for further information about FFO and AFFO.


35


The following table presents a reconciliation of Net income (loss) to FFO and AFFO:
 
 
Year Ended December 31,
(in millions)
 
2016
 
2015
 
2014
 
2013
 
2012
Net income (loss)(1)
 
$
90.9

 
$
(29.4
)
 
$
306.9

 
$
143.5

 
$
113.4

Depreciation of billboard advertising structures
 
98.2

 
104.9

 
99.6

 
97.5

 
98.8

Amortization of real estate-related intangible assets
 
52.9

 
55.8

 
44.9

 
43.2

 
42.5

Amortization of direct lease acquisition costs
 
38.2

 
36.3

 
33.8

 
30.9

 
31.1

Loss on real estate assets held for sale
 
1.3

 
103.6

 

 

 

Net (gain) loss on dispositions of billboard advertising structures
 
(1.9
)
 
0.7

 
(2.5
)
 
(27.3
)
 
2.2

Adjustment related to equity-based investments
 
0.7

 
0.7

 
0.8

 
0.8

 
0.9

Income tax effect of adjustments(2)
 
0.1

 
(0.4
)
 
0.4

 
10.9

 
(0.9
)
FFO
 
280.4

 
272.2

 
483.9

 
299.5

 
288.0

Non-cash portion of income taxes
 
4.2

 
(0.4
)
 
(259.0
)
 
(16.2
)
 
(7.5
)
Cash paid for direct lease acquisition costs
 
(37.0
)
 
(35.9
)
 
(32.8
)
 
(31.6
)
 
(30.9
)
Maintenance capital expenditures
 
(18.5
)
 
(25.6
)
 
(23.3
)
 
(23.7
)
 
(14.0
)
Restructuring charges - severance
 
2.5

 
2.6

 
4.2

 

 

Acquisition costs
 

 

 
10.4

 

 

Other depreciation
 
10.7

 
8.8

 
7.6

 
7.0

 
7.1

Other amortization
 
24.2

 
23.3

 
16.3

 
17.2

 
17.3

Stock-based compensation
 
18.0

 
15.2

 
16.0

 
7.5

 
5.7

Non-cash effect of straight-line rent
 
1.3

 
(0.3
)
 
(0.2
)
 
1.2

 
1.2

Accretion expense
 
2.4

 
2.5

 
2.3

 
2.2

 
2.5

Amortization of deferred financing costs
 
6.4

 
6.3

 
12.1

 

 

Income tax effect of adjustments(3)
 
(0.1
)
 
(0.6
)
 
(1.8
)
 

 

AFFO
 
$
294.5

 
$
268.1

 
$
235.7

 
$
263.1

 
$
269.4


(1)
Our net income (loss) reflects our tax status as a regular domestic C corporation for U.S. federal income tax purposes through July 16, 2014. On July 17, 2014, we began operating as a REIT for U.S. federal income tax purposes. We incurred an income tax expense of $5.4 million in each of 2016 and 2015, realized an income tax benefit of $206.0 million in 2014, and incurred an income tax expense of $96.6 million in 2013 and $89.0 million in 2012. Our cash paid for taxes during these periods were $1.2 million in 2016, $5.8 million in 2015, $53.0 million in 2014, $112.8 million in 2013 and $96.5 million in 2012. (See “Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations—Liquidity and Capital Resources—Cash Flows.”)
(2)
Income tax effect related to Net (gain) loss on dispositions of billboard advertising structures.
(3)
Income tax effect related to Restructuring charges - severance and Acquisition costs.



36


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

The following Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations (“MD&A”) should be read in conjunction with our historical consolidated financial statements and the notes thereto in “Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.” This MD&A contains forward-looking statements that involve numerous risks and uncertainties. The forward-looking statements are subject to a number of important factors, including, but not limited to, those factors discussed in “Item 1A. Risk Factors” and the “Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements” section of this Annual Report on Form 10-K, that could cause our actual results to differ materially from the results described herein or implied by such forward-looking statements.

Overview

OUTFRONT Media is a real estate investment trust (“REIT”), which provides advertising space (“displays”) on out-of-home advertising structures and sites in the United States (the “U.S.”) and Canada. We currently manage our operations through three operating segments—(1) U.S. Billboard and Transit, which is included in our U.S. Media reportable segment, (2) International and (3) Sports Marketing. International and Sports Marketing do not meet the criteria to be a reportable segment and accordingly, are both included in Other (see Item 8., Note 18. Segment Information to the Consolidated Financial Statements). Prior to April 1, 2016, our International segment included our advertising businesses in Canada and Latin America.

On April 1, 2016, we sold all of our equity interests in certain of our subsidiaries (the “Disposition”), which held all of the assets of our outdoor advertising business in Latin America. (See Item 8., Note 12. Acquisitions and Dispositions: Dispositions to the Consolidated Financial Statements.) The operating results of our outdoor advertising business in Latin America through April 1, 2016, are included in our Consolidated Financial Statements for 2016, 2015 and 2014, and are included in Other in our segment reporting.

Business

We are one of the largest providers of advertising space on out-of-home advertising structures and sites across the U.S. and Canada. Our inventory consists of billboard displays, which are primarily located on the most heavily traveled highways and roadways in top Nielsen Designated Market Areas (“DMAs”), and transit advertising displays operated under exclusive multi-year contracts with municipalities in large cities across the U.S. and Canada. We also have marketing and multimedia rights agreements with colleges, universities and other educational institutions, which entitle us to to operate on-campus advertising displays, as well as manage marketing opportunities, media rights and experiential entertainment at sports events. In total, we have displays in all of the 25 largest markets in the U.S. and over 150 markets in the U.S. and Canada. Our top market, high profile location focused portfolio includes sites such as the Bay Bridge in San Francisco, various locations along Sunset Boulevard in Los Angeles, and sites in and around both Grand Central Station and Times Square in New York. The breadth and depth of our portfolio provides our customers with a range of options to address their marketing objectives, from national, brand-building campaigns to hyper-local campaigns that drive customers to the advertiser’s website or retail location “one mile down the road.” 

Using Geopath Out of Home Ratings, the out-of-home advertising industry’s audience measurement system, we provide advertisers with the size and demographic composition of the audience that is exposed to individual displays or a complete campaign. As part of our ON Smart Media technology development initiative, we are developing hardware and software solutions for enhanced demographic and location targeting, and engaging ways to connect with consumers on-the-go. Additionally, our OUTFRONT Mobile Network allows our customers to further leverage location targeting with interactive mobile advertising that uses geofence technology to push mobile ads to consumers within a pre-defined radius around a corresponding billboard display or other designated advertising location.

We believe out-of-home advertising continues to be an attractive form of advertising, as our displays are ALWAYS ON™, are always viewable and cannot be turned off, skipped, blocked or fast-forwarded. Further, out-of-home advertising can be an effective “stand-alone” medium, as well as an integral part of a campaign to reach audiences using multiple forms of media, including television, radio, print, online, mobile and social media advertising platforms. We provide our customers with a differentiated advertising solution at an attractive price point relative to other forms of advertising. In addition to leasing displays, we provide other value-added services to our customers, such as pre-campaign category research, consumer insights, creative design support, print production and post-campaign tracking and analytics, as well as use of a real-time mobile operations reporting system that facilitates proof of performance to customers for substantially all of our business.


37


U.S. Media. Our U.S. Media segment generated 25% of its revenues in the New York City metropolitan area in 2016, 27% in 2015 and 23% in 2014, and generated 16% in the Los Angeles metropolitan area in 2016, 15% in 2015, and 13% in 2014. Our U.S. Media segment generated Revenues of $1.39 billion in 2016, $1.34 billion in 2015 and $1.16 billion in 2014, and Operating income before Depreciation, Amortization, Net (gain) loss on dispositions, Stock-based compensation, Restructuring charges, Loss on real estate assets held for sale and Acquisition costs (“Adjusted OIBDA”) of $473.8 million in 2016, $451.1 million in 2015 and $409.2 million in 2014. (See the “Segment Results of Operations” section of this MD&A.)

Other (includes International and Sports Marketing). Other generated Revenues of $120.1 million in 2016, $169.5 million in 2015 and $191.3 million in 2014, and Adjusted OIBDA of $17.8 million in 2016, $24.3 million in 2015, and $31.3 million in 2014.

Economic Environment

Our revenues and operating results are sensitive to fluctuations in advertising expenditures, general economic conditions and other external events beyond our control.

Business Environment

The outdoor advertising industry is fragmented, consisting of several companies operating on a national basis, as well as hundreds of smaller regional and local companies operating a limited number of displays in a single or a few local geographic markets. We compete with these companies for customers, structures and display locations. We also compete with other media, including online, mobile and social media advertising platforms and traditional platforms such as, broadcast and cable television, radio, print media and direct mail marketers. Increasing the number of digital billboard displays in our most heavily trafficked locations is an important element of our organic growth strategy, as digital billboard displays have the potential to attract additional business from both new and existing customers. We believe digital billboard displays are attractive to our customers because they allow for the development of richer and more visually engaging messages, provide our customers with the flexibility both to target audiences by time of day and to quickly launch new advertising campaigns, and eliminate or greatly reduce production costs. In addition, digital billboard displays enable us to run multiple advertisements on each display (up to eight per minute). As a result, digital billboard displays generate approximately four times more revenue per display on average than traditional static billboard displays, and digital billboard displays generate higher profits and cash flows than traditional static billboard displays.

Our revenues and profits may fluctuate due to seasonal advertising patterns and influences on advertising markets. Typically, our revenues and profits are highest in the fourth quarter, during the holiday shopping season, and lowest in the first quarter, as advertisers cut back on spending following the holiday shopping season.
 
We have a diversified base of customers across various industries. During 2016, our largest categories of advertisers were retail, television and healthcare/pharmaceuticals, which represented 9%, 8% and 7% of our total U.S. Media segment revenues, respectively. During 2015, our largest categories of advertisers were retail, television and healthcare/pharmaceuticals, which represented 9%, 9% and 7% of our total U.S. Media segment revenues, respectively. During 2014, our largest categories of advertisers were retail, television and healthcare/pharmaceuticals, which represented 10%, 9% and 8% of our total U.S. Media segment revenues, respectively.

Our large-scale portfolio allows our customers to reach a national audience and also provides the flexibility to tailor campaigns to specific regions or markets. In 2016, we generated approximately 45% of our U.S. Media segment revenues from national advertising campaigns, compared to 47% in 2015 and 41% in 2014. The increase in revenues from national advertising campaigns in 2016 and 2015 compared to 2014 is primarily due to the impact of the acquisition of certain outdoor advertising businesses of Van Wagner Communications, LLC (the “Acquisition”) on October 1, 2014.

Our transit businesses require us to obtain and renew contracts with municipalities and other governmental entities. When these contracts expire, we generally must participate in highly competitive bidding processes in order to obtain new contracts. In November 2014, we were informed that we were not successful in the renewal of the New York City phone kiosk contract which we obtained as part of the Acquisition and our operation of these kiosks ceased during the first quarter of 2015. In 2015, we generated revenue of $1.6 million related to these operations.

Our transit contracts with the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (the “MTA”) represent $225.1 million in revenues, representing 58% of our U.S. Media segment transit and other revenues or 18% of our total U.S. Media segment revenues in 2016. The MTA has issued a “Request for Proposals” to prospective operators for the subway, bus and commuter rail (Metro-

38


North and Long Island Railroad) concessions, in any combination, each for a ten-year contract, with an additional potential five-year renewal period. On May 18, 2016, we submitted a response to the MTA. In mid-October, the MTA issued a follow-up request that refined its timeline and bid requirements, particularly relating to digital deployment and the communications platform and we submitted our response on December 12, 2016. On November 7, 2016, we entered into an agreement with the MTA to extend the expiration of our existing contracts for transit advertising services from December 31, 2016, to June 30, 2017, unless earlier terminated by the MTA on 90 days’ notice. (See “Item 1A. Risk Factors—Risks Related to Our Business and Operations—The success of our transit advertising business is dependent on obtaining and renewing key municipal contracts on favorable terms.”)

Key Performance Indicators

Our management reviews our performance by focusing on the indicators described below.

Several of our key performance indicators are not prepared in conformity with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles in the United States of America (“GAAP”). We believe these non-GAAP performance indicators are meaningful supplemental measures of our operating performance and should not be considered in isolation of, or as a substitute for, their most directly comparable GAAP financial measures.
 
 
Year Ended December 31,
 
(in millions, except percentages)
 
2016
 
2015
 
% Change
Revenues
 
$
1,513.9

 
$
1,513.8

 
%
Organic revenues(a)(b)
 
1,492.0

 
1,446.7

 
3

Operating income
 
204.9

 
86.4

 
137

Adjusted OIBDA(b)
 
449.0

 
437.6

 
3

Funds from operations (“FFO”)(b)
 
280.4

 
272.2

 
3

Adjusted FFO (“AFFO”)(b)
 
294.5

 
268.1

 
10

Net income (loss)
 
90.9

 
(29.4
)
 
*


* Calculation not meaningful.
(a)
Organic revenues exclude revenues associated with significant acquisitions and divestitures, revenues associated with business lines we no longer operate, and the impact of foreign currency exchange rates (“non-organic revenues”). We provide organic revenues to understand the underlying growth rate of revenue excluding the impact of non-organic revenue items. Our management believes organic revenues are useful to users of our financial data because it enables them to better understand the level of growth of our business period to period. Since organic revenues are not calculated in accordance with GAAP, it should not be considered in isolation of, or as a substitute for, revenues as an indicator of operating performance. Organic revenues, as we calculate it, may not be comparable to similarly titled measures employed by other companies.
(b)
See the “Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Financial Measures” and “Revenues” sections of this MD&A for reconciliations of Operating income to Adjusted OIBDA, Net income (loss) to FFO and AFFO and Revenues to organic revenues.

Adjusted OIBDA

We calculate Adjusted OIBDA as Operating income (loss) before Depreciation, Amortization, Net (gain) loss on dispositions, Stock-based compensation, Restructuring charges, Loss on real estate assets held for sale and Acquisition costs. We calculate Adjusted OIBDA margin by dividing Adjusted OIBDA by total revenues. Adjusted OIBDA and Adjusted OIBDA margin are among the primary measures we use for managing our business, evaluating our operating performance and planning and forecasting future periods, as each is an important indicator of our operational strength and business performance. Our management believes users of our financial data are best served if the information that is made available to them allows them to align their analysis and evaluation of our operating results along the same lines that our management uses in managing, planning and executing our business strategy. Our management also believes that the presentations of Adjusted OIBDA and Adjusted OIBDA margin, as supplemental measures, are useful in evaluating our business because eliminating certain non-comparable items highlight operational trends in our business that may not otherwise be apparent when relying solely on GAAP financial measures. It is management’s opinion that these supplemental measures provide users of our financial data with an important perspective on our operating performance and also make it easier for users of our financial data to compare our results with other companies that have different financing and capital structures or tax rates.

FFO and AFFO

We calculate FFO in accordance with the definition established by the National Association of Real Estate Investment Trusts (“NAREIT”). FFO reflects net income (loss) adjusted to exclude gains and losses from the sale of real estate assets, depreciation and amortization of real estate assets, amortization of direct lease acquisition costs, the non-cash effect of loss on

39


real estate assets held for sale and the same adjustments for our equity-based investments, as well as the related income tax effect of adjustments, as applicable. We calculate AFFO as FFO adjusted to include cash paid for direct lease acquisition costs as such costs are generally amortized over a period ranging from four weeks to one year and therefore are incurred on a regular basis. AFFO also includes cash paid for maintenance capital expenditures since these are routine uses of cash that are necessary for our operations. In addition, AFFO excludes costs related to the Acquisition and restructuring charges, as well as certain non-cash items, including non-real estate depreciation and amortization, stock-based compensation expense, accretion expense, the non-cash effect of straight-line rent and amortization of deferred financing costs, and the non-cash portion of income taxes, as well as the related income tax effect of adjustments, as applicable. Our calculation of AFFO was revised in 2016 to adjust for the non-cash portion of income taxes instead of adjusting for current or deferred income taxes, as management believes that this calculation of AFFO is more consistent with AFFO presented by other REITs and analyzed by users of our financial data. This change is reflected in the calculation of AFFO for 2015. We use FFO and AFFO measures for managing our business and for planning and forecasting future periods, and each is an important indicator of our operational strength and business performance, especially compared to other REITs. Our management believes users of our financial data are best served if the information that is made available to them allows them to align their analysis and evaluation of our operating results along the same lines that our management uses in managing, planning and executing our business strategy. Our management also believes that the presentations of FFO, AFFO, and related per weighted average share amounts, as supplemental measures, are useful in evaluating our business because adjusting results to reflect items that have more bearing on the operating performance of REITs highlight trends in our business that may not otherwise be apparent when relying solely on GAAP financial measures. It is management’s opinion that these supplemental measures provide users of our financial data with an important perspective on our operating performance and also make it easier to compare our results to other companies in our industry, as well as to REITs.

Since Adjusted OIBDA, Adjusted OIBDA margin, FFO and AFFO and, as applicable, related per weighted average share amounts, are not measures calculated in accordance with GAAP, they should not be considered in isolation of, or as a substitute for, Operating income (loss), Net income (loss), Revenues and Net income (loss) per common share for basic and diluted earnings per share, the most directly comparable GAAP financial measures, as indicators of operating performance. These measures, as we calculate them, may not be comparable to similarly titled measures employed by other companies. In addition, these measures do not necessarily represent funds available for discretionary use and are not necessarily a measure of our ability to fund our cash needs.


40


Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Financial Measures

The following table reconciles Operating income to Adjusted OIBDA, and Net income (loss) to FFO and AFFO.
 
 
Year Ended December 31,
(in millions, except per share amounts)
 
2016
 
2015
Operating income
 
$
204.9

 
$
86.4

Restructuring charges
 
2.5

 
2.6

Loss on real estate assets held for sale
 
1.3

 
103.6

Net (gain) loss on dispositions
 
(1.9
)
 
0.7

Depreciation
 
108.9

 
113.7

Amortization
 
115.3

 
115.4

Stock-based compensation
 
18.0

 
15.2

Adjusted OIBDA
 
$
449.0

 
$
437.6

 
 
 
 
 
Net income (loss)
 
$
90.9

 
$
(29.4
)
Depreciation of billboard advertising structures
 
98.2

 
104.9

Amortization of real estate-related intangible assets
 
52.9

 
55.8

Amortization of direct lease acquisition costs
 
38.2

 
36.3

Loss on real estate assets held for sale
 
1.3

 
103.6

Net (gain) loss on dispositions of billboard advertising structures
 
(1.9
)
 
0.7

Adjustment related to equity-based investments
 
0.7

 
0.7

Income tax effect of adjustments(a)
 
0.1

 
(0.4
)
FFO
 
$
280.4

 
$
272.2

 
 
 
 
 
FFO per weighted average shares outstanding:
 
 
 
 
Basic
 
$
2.03

 
$
1.98

Diluted
 
$
2.03

 
$
1.98

 
 
 
 
 

41


 
 
Year Ended December 31,
(in millions, except per share amounts)
 
2016
 
2015
FFO
 
$
280.4

 
$
272.2

Non-cash portion of income taxes
 
4.2

 
(0.4
)
Cash paid for direct lease acquisition costs
 
(37.0
)
 
(35.9
)
Maintenance capital expenditures
 
(18.5
)
 
(25.6
)
Restructuring charges
 
2.5

 
2.6

Other depreciation
 
10.7

 
8.8

Other amortization
 
24.2

 
23.3

Stock-based compensation
 
18.0

 
15.2

Non-cash effect of straight-line rent
 
1.3

 
(0.3
)
Accretion expense
 
2.4

 
2.5

Amortization of deferred financing costs
 
6.4

 
6.3

Income tax effect of adjustments(b)
 
(0.1
)
 
(0.6
)
AFFO
 
$
294.5

 
$
268.1

 
 
 
 
 
AFFO per weighted average shares outstanding:
 
 
 
 
Basic
 
$
2.14

 
$
1.95

Diluted
 
$
2.13

 
$
1.95

 
 
 
 
 
Net income (loss) per common share:
 
 
 
 
Basic
 
$
0.66

 
$
(0.21
)
Diluted
 
$
0.66

 
$
(0.21
)
 
 
 
 
 
Weighted average shares outstanding:
 
 
 
 
Basic
 
137.9

 
137.3

Diluted
 
138.4

 
137.3


(a)
Income tax effect related to Net (gain) loss on dispositions of billboard advertising structures.
(b)
Income tax effect related to Restructuring charges.

FFO in 2016 of $280.4 million increased 3% compared to 2015, primarily due to higher net income and increased amortization of direct lease acquisition costs, partially offset by a lower loss on real estate assets held for sale in 2016. AFFO in 2016 was $294.5 million, an increase of 10% compared to 2015, primarily due to higher net income, lower maintenance capital expenditures and higher stock-based compensation.

Analysis of Results of Operations

Revenues

We derive Revenues primarily from providing advertising space to customers on our advertising structures and sites. Our contracts with customers generally cover periods ranging from four weeks to one year. Revenues from billboard displays are recognized as rental income on a straight-line basis over the contract term. Transit and other revenues are recognized as earned over the contract period. For space provided to advertisers through the use of an advertising agency whose commission is calculated based on a stated percentage of gross advertising spending, our Revenues are reported net of agency commissions.


42


2016 vs. 2015
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(in constant dollars)(b)
 
 
 
 
 
 
Year Ended
 
 
 
 
Year Ended December 31,
 
% Change
 
December 31,
 
% Change
(in millions, except percentages)
 
2016
 
2015
 
 
2015
 
Revenues:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Billboard
 
$
1,071.0

 
$
1,084.3

 
(1
)%
 
$
1,079.7

 
(1
)%
Transit and other
 
442.9

 
429.5

 
3

 
428.9

 
3

Total revenues
 
1,513.9

 
1,513.8

 

 
$
1,508.6

 

Foreign currency exchange impact
 

 
5.2

 
 
 
 
 
 
Constant dollar revenues(b)
 
$
1,513.9

 
$
1,508.6

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Organic revenues(a):
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Billboard
 
$
1,056.8

 
$
1,025.9

 
3

 
$
1,025.9

 
3

Transit and other
 
435.2

 
420.8

 
3

 
420.8

 
3

Total organic revenues(a)
 
1,492.0

 
1,446.7

 
3

 
1,446.7

 
3

Non-organic revenues:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Billboard
 
14.2

 
58.4

 
(76
)
 
53.8

 
(74
)
Transit and other
 
7.7

 
8.7

 
(11
)
 
8.1

 
(5
)
Total non-organic revenues
 
21.9

 
67.1

 
(67
)
 
61.9

 
(65
)
Total revenues
 
$
1,513.9

 
$
1,513.8

 

 
$
1,508.6

 


(a)
Organic revenues exclude revenues associated with significant acquisitions and divestitures, revenues associated with business lines we no longer operate, and the impact of foreign currency exchange rates (“non-organic revenues”).
(b)
Revenues on a constant dollar basis are calculated as reported revenues excluding the impact of foreign currency exchange rates between periods. We provide constant dollar revenues to understand the underlying growth rate of revenue excluding the impact of changes in foreign currency exchange rates between periods, which are not under management’s direct control. Our management believes constant dollar revenues are useful to users of our financial data because it enables them to better understand the level of growth of our business period to period. Since constant dollar revenues are not calculated in accordance with GAAP, they should not be considered in isolation of, or as a substitute for, revenues as an indicator of operating performance. Constant dollar revenues, as we calculate them, may not be comparable to similarly titled measures employed by other companies.

Total revenues increased $0.1 million and organic revenues increased $45.3 million, or 3%, in 2016 compared to 2015. In constant dollars, revenues increased $5.3 million and organic revenues increased $45.3 million, or 3%, in 2016 compared to 2015.

Non-organic revenues primarily reflect acquisitions and dispositions, and the discontinuation of business lines in 2015.

Total billboard revenues decreased $13.3 million, or 1%, in 2016 compared to 2015, principally driven by the impact of the Disposition, the effect of lost billboard leases in 2016, lower performance in Canada, foreign currency exchange losses of $4.6 million and the impact of the disposition of billboard advertising structures in the second quarter of 2015, partially offset by an increase in average revenue per display (yield) and the conversion of traditional static billboard displays to digital billboard displays. In constant dollars, billboard revenues decreased $8.7 million, or 1%, in 2016 compared to 2015.

Total transit and other revenues increased $13.4 million, or 3%, in 2016 compared to 2015, driven by stronger market conditions in local advertising, the impact of an acquisition and the net effect of won and lost franchises in 2016, partially offset by lower advertising revenue in the first quarter of 2016 from major sports entertainment events and the impact of the Disposition.


43


2015 vs. 2014
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(in constant dollars)(b)
 
 
 
 
% Change
 
Year Ended
 
% Change
 
 
Year Ended December 31,
 
 
December 31,
 
(in millions, except percentages)
 
2015
 
2014
 
 
2014
 
Revenues:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Billboard
 
$
1,084.3

 
$
971.5

 
12
%
 
$
951.2

 
14
%
Transit and other
 
429.5

 
382.3

 
12

 
379.2

 
13

Total revenues
 
1,513.8

 
1,353.8

 
12

 
$
1,330.4

 
14

Foreign currency exchange impact
 

 
23.4

 
 
 
 
 
 
Constant dollar revenues(b)
 
$
1,513.8

 
$
1,330.4

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Organic revenues(a):
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Billboard
 
$
905.0

 
$
900.5

 

 
$
900.5

 

Transit and other
 
410.3

 
366.8

 
12

 
366.8

 
12

Total organic revenues(a)
 
1,315.3

 
1,267.3

 
4

 
1,267.3

 
4

Non-organic revenues:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Billboard
 
179.3

 
71.0

 
153

 
50.7

 
*

Transit and other
 
19.2

 
15.5

 
24

 
12.4

 
55

Total non-organic revenues
 
198.5

 
86.5

 
129

 
63.1

 
*

Total revenues
 
$
1,513.8

 
$
1,353.8

 
12

 
$
1,330.4

 
14


* Calculation not meaningful.
(a)
Organic revenues exclude revenues associated with significant acquisitions and divestitures, revenues associated with business lines we no longer operate, and the impact of foreign currency exchange rates (“non-organic revenues”).
(b)
Revenues on a constant dollar basis are calculated as reported revenues excluding the impact of foreign currency exchange rates between periods. We provide constant dollar revenues to understand the underlying growth rate of revenue excluding the impact of changes in foreign currency exchange rates between periods, which are not under management’s direct control. Our management believes constant dollar revenues are useful to users of our financial data because it enables them to better understand the level of growth of our business year to year. Since constant dollar revenues are not calculated in accordance with GAAP, they should not be considered in isolation of, or as a substitute for, revenues as an indicator of operating performance. Constant dollar revenues, as we calculate them, may not be comparable to similarly titled measures employed by other companies.

Total revenues increased $160.0 million, or 12%, and organic revenues increased $48.0 million, or 4%, in 2015 compared to 2014. In constant dollars, revenues increased $183.4 million, or 14%, and organic revenues increased $48.0 million, or 4%, in 2015 compared to 2014.

Non-organic revenues primarily reflect the Acquisition ($194.7 million in 2015 and $55.2 million in 2014), the discontinuation of a business line in April 2014 and other acquisitions and dispositions.

Total billboard revenues increased $112.8 million, or 12%, in 2015 compared to 2014, principally driven by the impact of the Acquisition, the conversion of traditional static billboard displays to digital billboard displays and an increase in production and installation revenues, partially offset by a decline in average revenue per display (yield) and the unfavorable foreign currency exchange impact of $20.3 million. In constant dollars, billboard revenues increased $133.1 million, or 14%, in 2015 compared to 2014.

Total transit and other revenues increased $47.2 million, or 12%, in 2015 compared to 2014, driven by the impact of the Acquisition and stronger market conditions in local and national advertising that increased yield.


44


Expenses
 
 
Year Ended December 31,
 
% Change
(in millions, except percentages)
 
2016
 
2015
 
2014
 
2016 vs. 2015
 
2015 vs. 2014
Expenses:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Operating
 
$
818.1

 
$
833.1

 
$
726.5

 
(2
)%
 
15
 %
Selling, general and administrative
 
264.8

 
258.3

 
224.3

 
3

 
15

Restructuring charges
 
2.5

 
2.6

 
9.8

 
(4
)
 
(73
)
Loss on real estate assets held for sale
 
1.3

 
103.6

 

 
(99
)
 
*

Acquisition costs
 

 

 
10.4

 
*

 
*

Net (gain) loss on dispositions
 
(1.9
)
 
0.7

 
(2.5
)
 
*

 
*

Depreciation
 
108.9

 
113.7

 
107.2

 
(4
)
 
6

Amortization
 
115.3

 
115.4

 
95.0

 

 
21

Total expenses
 
$
1,309.0

 
$
1,427.4

 
$
1,170.7

 
(8
)
 
22


*
Calculation is not meaningful.

Operating Expenses

Our operating expenses are composed of the following:

Billboard property lease expenses. These expenses reflect the cost of leasing the real property on which our billboards are mounted. These lease agreements have terms varying between one month and multiple years, and usually provide renewal options. Rental expenses are comprised of a fixed monthly amount and under certain agreements, also include contingent rent, which varies based on the revenues we generate from the leased site. Property leases are generally paid in advance for periods ranging from one to twelve months. The fixed rent is expensed evenly over the contract term and the contingent rent is expensed as incurred when the related revenues are recognized.
 
Transit franchise expenses. These expenses reflect costs charged by municipalities and transit operators under transit advertising contracts and are generally calculated based on a percentage of the revenues we generate under the contract, with a minimum guarantee. The costs that are determined based on a percentage of revenues are expensed as incurred when the related revenues are recognized, and the minimum guarantee is expensed over the contract term.

Posting, maintenance and other site-related expenses. These expenses primarily reflect costs associated with posting and rotation, materials, repairs and maintenance, utilities and property taxes.
 
 
Year Ended December 31,
 
% Change
(in millions, except percentages)
 
2016
 
2015
 
2014
 
2016 vs. 2015
 
2015 vs. 2014
Operating expenses:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Billboard property lease
 
$
364.9

 
$
369.5

 
$
291.9

 
(1
)%
 
27
%
Transit franchise
 
230.9

 
227.3

 
203.9

 
2

 
11

Posting, maintenance and other
 
222.3

 
236.3

 
230.7

 
(6
)
 
2

Total operating expenses
 
$
818.1

 
$
833.1

 
$
726.5

 
(2
)
 
15


Billboard property lease expenses represented 34% of billboard revenues in each of 2016 and 2015, and 30% in 2014. Transit franchise expenses represented 63% of transit revenues in each of 2016 and 2015, and 62% in 2014. Billboard property lease and transit franchise expenses decreased by $1.0 million in 2016 compared to 2015. The decrease in billboard property lease expenses in 2016 compared to 2015 was primarily due to the impact of the Disposition (a decrease of $12.2 million compared to 2015) and lost billboard leases in 2016, partially offset by increases in billboard property lease expenses in our U.S. Media segment. Excluding the impact of the Disposition in 2016, billboard property lease expenses increased 2% in 2016 compared to 2015. The increase in transit franchise expenses in 2016 compared to 2015 was primarily due to the increase in transit revenues, partially offset by the impact of the Disposition (a decrease of $3.6 million compared to 2015). Billboard property lease and transit franchise expenses increased by $101.0 million in 2015 compared to 2014. The increase in billboard property lease expenses in 2015 compared to 2014 was primarily due to the Acquisition. The increase in transit franchise expenses in 2015 compared to 2014 was primarily due to the increase in transit revenues.

45



Posting, maintenance and other expenses as a percentage of Revenues were 15% in 2016, 16% in 2015 and 17% in 2014. Posting, maintenance and other expenses decreased $14.0 million, or 6%, in 2016 compared to 2015, principally due to the impact of the Disposition (a decrease of $17.1 million compared to 2015). Excluding the impact of the Disposition, posting, maintenance and other expenses increased 1% in 2016 compared to 2015. Posting, maintenance and other expenses increased $5.6 million, or 2%, in 2015 compared to 2014, principally due to the impact of the Acquisition and higher production and installation costs, which are typically billed to the advertiser and recorded as Revenues, partially offset by a decrease in taxes, posting, materials and utilities expenses, and a favorable impact from foreign currency exchange rates.

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

SG&A expenses represented 17% of Revenues in each of 2016, 2015 and 2014. SG&A expenses increased $6.5 million, or 3%, in 2016 compared to 2015, primarily due to increased sales and other compensation-related expenses and one-time professional fees in 2016 of $3.8 million associated with implementing initiatives to improve our cost base and pricing/yield management, partially offset by the impact of the Disposition (a decrease of $11.5 million compared to 2015), lower administrative costs and non-recurring legal expenses in 2015 of $5.2 million. Excluding the impact of the Disposition, SG&A expenses increased 7% in 2016 compared to 2015. SG&A expenses increased $34.0 million, or 15%, in 2015 compared to 2014, primarily due to the impact of the Acquisition, increased strategic business development expenses of $9.8 million, incremental stand-alone costs of $6.3 million and non-recurring legal expenses of $5.2 million.

Restructuring Charges

In 2016, we recorded restructuring charges of $2.5 million for severance charges associated with the reorganization of our sales management and administrative functions. In 2015, we recorded restructuring charges of $2.6 million associated with the elimination of management positions and the elimination of positions in connection with the sale of assets and the consolidation of leased locations. In 2014, we recorded restructuring charges of $9.8 million associated with the reorganization of management, resulting in the departures of two executive officers. The restructuring charges in 2014 are comprised of severance charges, including stock-based compensation of $5.6 million.

Loss on Real Estate Assets Held for Sale

In connection with the Disposition, the assets of our outdoor advertising business in Latin America had been classified as Assets held for sale on the Consolidated Statement of Financial Position as of December 31, 2015. It is required that we measure assets held for sale at the lower of their carrying value (including unrecognized foreign currency translation adjustment losses) or fair value less cost to sell. The impact of including unrecognized foreign currency translation adjustment losses in the carrying value of assets held for sale resulted in a non-cash loss on real estate assets held for sale of approximately $103.6 million in 2015. Upon completion of the Disposition in 2016, the unrecognized foreign currency translation adjustment loss was reclassified to earnings from Accumulated other comprehensive loss on the Consolidated Statement of Financial Position.

Net (Gain) Loss on Dispositions

Net gain on dispositions was $1.9 million in 2016. Net loss on dispositions was $0.7 million in 2015. Net gain on dispositions in 2014 was $2.5 million and includes a gain of $0.6 million related to the divestiture of a transit shelter operation in the greater Los Angeles area.

Depreciation

Depreciation decreased $4.8 million, or 4%, in 2016 compared to 2015, due primarily to the impact of the Disposition, partially offset by higher depreciation associated with the increased number of digital billboards. Both digital and static billboards are depreciated over an estimated useful life of 5 years to 20 years. Depreciation increased $6.5 million, or 6%, in 2015 compared to 2014, due primarily to the impact of the Acquisition and higher depreciation associated with the increased number of digital billboards.


46


Amortization

Amortization decreased $0.1 million in 2016 compared to 2015, principally driven by lower amortization of intangible assets, partially offset by increased direct lease acquisition costs in 2016 compared to 2015. Amortization increased $20.4 million in 2015 compared to 2014, principally driven by amortization related to the intangible assets associated with the Acquisition. Amortization expense includes the amortization of direct lease acquisition costs of $38.2 million in 2016, $36.3 million in 2015 and $33.8 million in 2014. Capitalized direct lease acquisition costs were $38.0 million in 2016, $36.3 million in 2015 and $33.8 million in 2014.

Interest Expense

Interest expense, net, was $113.8 million (including $6.4 million of deferred financing costs) in 2016, $114.8 million (including $6.3 million of deferred financing costs) in 2015 and $84.8 million (including $12.1 million of deferred financing costs) in 2014.

Benefit (Provision) for Income Taxes

In 2014, as a result of our REIT conversion, substantially all Deferred income tax liabilities, net, was reversed into Net income via a non-cash benefit of approximately $235.6 million. As a result of our REIT conversion, our effective tax rate for the second half of 2014 was substantially lower than previous periods. We believe that the assumptions and estimates used to determine these tax amounts were reasonable. However, the consolidated financial statements included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K may not necessarily reflect our income tax expense or tax payments, or what our tax amounts would have been if we had been a stand-alone company operating as a REIT during the periods prior to July 16, 2014, when we were separated from CBS Corporation (the “Separation”).

The Provision for income taxes was $5.4 million in each of 2016 and 2015 and the Benefit for income taxes in 2014 was $206.0 million, including the reversal of $235.6 million, representing substantially all Deferred income tax liabilities, net, as a result of our REIT conversion. Excluding the Loss on real estate assets held for sale of $103.6 million in 2015 and the non-cash benefit recorded as a result of our REIT conversion in 2014, the effective income tax rate was 5.9% for 2016, 7.2% for 2015 and 30.3% for 2014. As a result of our REIT conversion, our 2016 and 2015 tax rates are substantially lower than 2014.

Net Income (Loss)

In 2016, Net income was $90.9 million compared to a Net loss of $29.4 million in 2015, primarily due to the impact of the Disposition, and a Loss on real estate assets held for sale and non-recurring legal expenses in 2015, partially offset by higher sales and other compensation-related expenses and one-time professional fees in 2016 of $3.8 million associated with implementing initiatives to improve our cost base and pricing/yield management. In 2015, Net loss was $29.4 million compared to Net income of $306.9 million in 2014, primarily due to a Loss on real estate assets held for sale in 2015, the write-off of deferred taxes in 2014 in connection with our conversion to a REIT, the impact of the Acquisition on Revenues, Total expenses and Interest expense, net, increased stand-alone costs, strategic business development expenses and legal expenses, the majority of which were expected to be non-recurring, and increased interest expenses related to the Term Loan (as defined below) and the issuance of $800.0 million of senior unsecured notes on January 31, 2014, partially offset by a lower provision for income taxes as a result of our REIT conversion.


47


Segment Results of Operations

We present Adjusted OIBDA as the primary measure of profit and loss for our operating segments in accordance with Financial Accounting Standards Board (the “FASB”) guidance for segment reporting. (See the “Key Performance Indicators” section of this MD&A and Item 8., Note 18. Segment Information to the Consolidated Financial Statements.)

Effective April 1, 2016, we changed the segments that we use to review operating results and make decisions regarding segment performance and resource allocation. Given the changes in our portfolio resulting from the Disposition and recent acquisitions, we made this change to better align our segments with our business strategy. We currently manage our operations through three operating segments—(1) U.S. Billboard and Transit, which is included in our U.S. Media reportable segment, (2) International and (3) Sports Marketing. International and Sports Marketing do not meet the criteria to be a reportable segment and accordingly, are both included in Other. Our new segment reporting therefore includes U.S. Media and Other.

The following table presents our Revenues, Adjusted OIBDA, Operating income (loss) and Depreciation and Amortization by segment, in 2016, 2015 and 2014. Historical financial information by reportable segment has been recast to reflect the changes in segment reporting with no impact to previously reported consolidated financial statements. Prior to April 1, 2016, our International segment included our advertising businesses in Canada and Latin America (see Item 8., Note 12. Acquisitions and Dispositions: Dispositions to the Consolidated Financial Statements). Historical operating results for our advertising business in Latin America are included in Other.
 
 
Year Ended December 31,
(in millions)
 
2016
 
2015
 
2014
Revenues:
 
 
 
 
 
 
U.S. Media
 
$
1,393.8

 
$
1,344.3

 
$
1,162.5

Other
 
120.1

 
169.5

 
191.3

Total revenues
 
$
1,513.9

 
$
1,513.8

 
$
1,353.8

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Operating income
 
$
204.9

 
$
86.4

 
$
183.1

Restructuring charges(a)(b)
 
2.5

 
2.6

 
9.8

Acquisition costs(a)
 

 

 
10.4

Loss on real estate assets held for sale
 
1.3

 
103.6

 

Net (gain) loss on dispositions
 
(1.9
)
 
0.7

 
(2.5
)
Depreciation
 
108.9

 
113.7

 
107.2

Amortization
 
115.3

 
115.4

 
95.0

Stock-based compensation(a)
 
18.0

 
15.2

 
10.4

Adjusted OIBDA
 
$
449.0

 
$
437.6

 
$
413.4

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Adjusted OIBDA:
 
 
 
 
 
 
U.S. Media
 
$
473.8

 
$
451.1

 
$
409.2

Other
 
17.8

 
24.3

 
31.3

Corporate
 
(42.6
)
 
(37.8
)
 
(27.1
)
Total Adjusted OIBDA
 
$
449.0

 
$
437.6

 
$
413.4

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Operating income (loss):
 
 
 
 
 
 
U.S. Media
 
$
269.5

 
$
245.3

 
$
240.2

Other
 
(4.0
)
 
(105.9
)
 
0.6

Corporate
 
(60.6
)
 
(53.0
)
 
(57.7
)
Total operating income
 
$
204.9

 
$
86.4

 
$
183.1


(a)
`Restructuring charges, costs related to the Acquisition and stock-based compensation are classified as Corporate expenses.
(b)
Restructuring charges for 2014 includes stock-based compensation expenses of $5.6 million.


48


U.S. Media

2016 vs. 2015
 
 
Year Ended December 31,
 
% Change
(in millions, except percentages)
 
2016
 
2015
 
Revenues:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Billboard
 
$
1,005.6

 
$
969.8

 
4
 %
Transit and other
 
388.2

 
374.5

 
4

Total revenues
 
$
1,393.8

 
$
1,344.3

 
4

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Organic revenues(a):
 
 
 
 
 
 
Billboard
 
$
1,001.6

 
$
968.4

 
3

Transit and other
 
381.7

 
372.9

 
2

Total organic revenues(a)
 
1,383.3

 
1,341.3

 
3

Non-organic revenues:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Billboard
 
4.0

 
1.4

 
186

Transit and other
 
6.5

 
1.6

 
*

Total non-organic revenues
 
10.5

 
3.0

 
*

Total revenues
 
1,393.8

 
1,344.3

 
4

Operating expenses
 
(739.3
)
 
(722.4
)
 
2

SG&A expenses
 
(180.7
)
 
(170.8
)
 
6

Adjusted OIBDA
 
$
473.8

 
$
451.1

 
5

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Operating income
 
$
269.5

 
$
245.3

 
10

Restructuring charges
 
2.5

 
2.6

 
(4
)
Net (gain) loss on dispositions
 
(1.7
)
 
0.6

 
*

Depreciation and amortization
 
203.5

 
202.6

 

Adjusted OIBDA
 
$
473.8

 
$
451.1

 
5


*
Calculation not meaningful.
(a)
Organic revenues exclude revenues associated with significant acquisitions and divestitures, and revenues associated with business lines we no longer operate (“non-organic revenues”).

Total U.S. Media segment revenues increased $49.5 million, or 4%, and U.S. Media segment organic revenues increased $42.0 million, or 3%, in 2016 compared to 2015.

Non-organic revenues primarily reflect acquisitions and dispositions, and revenues associated with business lines we no longer operate.

Total U.S. Media segment revenue grew in 2016 compared to 2015, reflecting stronger market conditions in local advertising, an increase in average revenue per display (yield) in billboards, growth attributable to the conversion of traditional static billboard displays to digital billboard displays and the impact of an acquisition, partially offset by the impact of the disposition of billboard advertising structures in the second quarter of 2015, the loss of the New York City phone kiosk contract in the first quarter of 2015, the net impact of won and lost billboard leases and franchises in 2016, and lower advertising revenue in the first quarter of 2016 from major sports entertainment events. We generated approximately 45% in 2016 and 47% in 2015 of our U.S. Media segment revenues from national advertising campaigns.

Revenues from U.S. Media segment billboards increased $35.8 million, or 4%, in 2016 compared to 2015, primarily reflecting stronger market conditions in local advertising, an increase in average revenue per display (yield) and the conversion of traditional static billboard displays to digital billboard displays, partially offset by the impact of lost billboard leases in 2016 and the disposition of billboard advertising structures in the second quarter of 2015.

Organic revenues from U.S. Media segment billboards increased $33.2 million in 2016 compared to 2015, primarily due to an increase in average revenue per display (yield) and the conversion of traditional static billboard displays to digital billboard displays, partially offset by the impact of lost low-margin billboard leases in 2016.

49



Transit and other revenues in the U.S. Media segment increased $13.7 million, or 4%, in 2016 compared to 2015, reflecting stronger market conditions in local advertising, the net effect of won and lost franchises in 2016 and the impact of an acquisition, partially offset by lower advertising revenue in the first quarter of 2016 from major sports entertainment events.

Organic transit and other revenues in the U.S. Media segment increased $8.8 million, or 2%, in 2016 compared to 2015. This increase was driven by the net effect of won and lost franchises.

U.S. Media segment operating and SG&A expenses increased $16.9 million and $9.9 million, or 2% and 6%, respectively, in 2016 compared to 2015, primarily due to higher billboard property lease expenses, increased transit franchise expenses resulting from an increase in transit revenues, increased sales and other compensation-related expenses, increased strategic business development expenses of $3.3 million and higher professional fees of $2.4 million, partially offset by lost billboard leases in 2016 and lower administrative costs. In the U.S. Media segment, billboard property lease expenses represented 34% of billboard revenues in each of 2016 and 2015, and transit franchise expenses represented 63% of transit revenues in each of 2016 and 2015.

U.S. Media segment Adjusted OIBDA increased $22.7 million in 2016 compared to 2015. Adjusted OIBDA margin was 34% in each of 2016 and 2015.

2015 vs. 2014
 
 
Year Ended December 31,
 
% Change
(in millions, except percentages)
 
2015
 
2014
 
Revenues:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Billboard
 
$
969.8

 
$
838.4

 
16
%
Transit and other
 
374.5

 
324.1

 
16

Total revenues
 
$
1,344.3

 
$
1,162.5

 
16

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Organic revenues(a):
 
 
 
 
 
 
Billboard
 
$
790.5

 
$
787.7

 

Transit and other
 
355.3

 
311.7

 
14

Total organic revenues(a)
 
1,145.8

 
1,099.4

 
4

Non-organic revenues:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Billboard
 
179.3

 
50.7

 
*

Transit and other
 
19.2

 
12.4

 
55

Total non-organic revenues
 
198.5

 
63.1

 
*

Total revenues
 
1,344.3

 
1,162.5

 
16

Operating expenses
 
(722.4
)
 
(602.9
)
 
20

SG&A expenses
 
(170.8
)
 
(150.4
)
 
14

Adjusted OIBDA
 
$
451.1

 
$
409.2

 
10

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Operating income
 
$
245.3

 
$
240.2

 
2

Restructuring charges
 
2.6

 

 
*

Net (gain) loss on dispositions
 
0.6

 
(2.5
)
 
*

Depreciation and amortization
 
202.6

 
171.5

 
18

Adjusted OIBDA
 
$
451.1

 
$
409.2

 
10


*
Calculation not meaningful.
(a)
Organic revenues exclude revenues associated with significant acquisitions and divestitures, and revenues associated with business lines we no longer operate (“non-organic revenues”).

Total U.S. Media segment revenues increased $181.8 million, or 16%, and U.S. organic revenues increased $46.4 million, or 4%, in 2015 compared to 2014. Non-organic revenues primarily reflect the Acquisition in 2014, the discontinuation of a business line in April 2014 and other acquisitions and dispositions.


50


Total U.S. Media revenue grew in 2015 compared to 2014, reflecting the impact of the Acquisition ($194.7 million), strong local and national revenues in transit, and growth attributable to the conversion of traditional static billboard displays to digital billboard displays, partially offset by a decline in average revenue per display (yield) in billboards. We generated approximately 47% in 2015 and 41% in 2014 of our U.S. Media segment revenues from national advertising campaigns. The increase in the percentages of revenues from national advertising campaigns in 2015 compared to 2014 is primarily due to the impact of the Acquisition.

Revenues from U.S. Media segment billboards increased $131.4 million, or 16%, in 2015 compared to 2014, primarily reflecting the impact of the Acquisition, the conversion of traditional static billboard displays to digital billboard displays and an increase in production and installation revenues, partially offset by a decline in average revenue per display (yield).

Organic revenues from U.S. Media segment billboards increased $2.8 million in 2015 compared to 2014, primarily due to the conversion of traditional static billboard displays to digital billboard displays and production and installation revenues, partially offset by a decline in average revenue per display (yield). Sales performance in 2015 compared to 2014 was negatively impacted by proactive organizational changes in certain markets.

Transit and other revenues in the U.S. Media segment increased $50.4 million, or 16%, in 2015 compared to 2014, reflecting the impact of the Acquisition and stronger market conditions in local and national advertising for transit that increased yield.

Organic revenues from U.S. Media segment transit and other increased $43.6 million, or 14%, in 2015 compared to 2014. This increase was driven by increased advertiser demand for transit displays as reflected by an increase in average revenue per display (yield).

U.S. Media segment operating and SG&A expenses increased $119.5 million and $20.4 million, or 20% and 14%, respectively, in 2015 compared to 2014, primarily due to the impact of the Acquisition, higher transit franchise expenses due to the increase in transit revenues compared to the corresponding prior-year period, increased compensation-related expenses and increased strategic business development expenses. In the U.S. Media segment, billboard property lease expenses represented 34% of billboard revenues in 2015 and 30% of billboard revenues in 2014, and transit franchise expenses represented 63% of transit revenues in 2015 and 64% of transit revenues in 2014.

U.S. Media segment Adjusted OIBDA increased $41.9 million in 2015 compared to 2014, primarily due to the impact of the Acquisition. Adjusted OIBDA margin decreased to 34% in 2015 from 35% in 2014.

Other

2016 vs. 2015
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(in constant dollars)(a)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Year Ended
 
 
 
Year Ended December 31,
 
% Change
 
December 31,
% Change
(in millions, except percentages)
 
2016
 
2015
 
 
2015
 
Total revenues
 
$
120.1

 
$
169.5

 
(29
)%
 
$
164.3

 
(27
)%
Operating expenses
 
(78.8
)
 
(110.7
)
 
(29
)
 
(106.9
)
 
(26
)
SG&A expenses
 
(23.5
)
 
(34.5
)
 
(32
)
 
(33.0
)
 
(29
)
Adjusted OIBDA
 
$
17.8

 
$
24.3

 
(27
)
 
$
24.4

 
(27
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Operating income (loss)
 
$
(4.0
)
 
$
(105.9
)
 
(96
)
 
 
 
 
Loss on real estate assets held for sale
 
1.3

 
103.6

 
(99
)
 
 
 
 
Net (gain) loss on dispositions
 
(0.2
)
 
0.1

 
*

 
 
 
 
Depreciation and amortization
 
20.7

 
26.5

 
(22
)
 
 
 
 
Adjusted OIBDA
 
$
17.8

 
$
24.3

 
(27
)
 
 
 
 

*
Calculation is not meaningful.
(a)
Revenues on a constant dollar basis are calculated as reported revenues excluding the impact of foreign currency exchange rates between periods.


51


Total Other revenues decreased $49.4 million, or 29%, in 2016 compared to 2015. In constant dollars, total Other revenues in 2016 decreased 27% compared to 2015, driven by the impact of the Disposition (a decrease of $47.5 million) and lower performance in Canada of 3%, partially offset by stronger results in our Sports Marketing operating segment.

Other operating expenses decreased $31.9 million, or 29%, in 2016 compared to 2015, driven by the impact of the Disposition (a decrease of $32.9 million), partially offset by higher expenses related to our Sports Marketing operating segment. Other SG&A expenses decreased $11.0 million, or 32%, in 2016 compared to 2015, primarily driven by the impact of the Disposition (a decrease of $11.2 million), foreign currency exchange rates and lower expenses in Canada, partially offset by higher expenses related to our Sports Marketing operating segment.

Other Adjusted OIBDA decreased $6.5 million, or 27%, in 2016 compared to 2015, primarily driven by the impact of the Disposition and lower performance in Canada. In constant dollars, Other Adjusted OIBDA decreased $6.6 million, or 27%, in 2016 compared to 2015.

2015 vs. 2014
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(in constant dollars)(a)
 
 
 
 
 
 
Year Ended
 
 
 
 
Year Ended December 31,
 
% Change
 
December 31,
 
% Change
(in millions, except percentages)
 
2015
 
2014
 
 
2014
 
Total revenues
 
$
169.5

 
$
191.3

 
(11
)%
 
$
167.9

 
1
 %
Operating expenses
 
(110.7
)
 
(123.5
)
 
(10
)
 
(108.5
)
 
2

SG&A expenses
 
(34.5
)
 
(36.5
)
 
(5
)
 
(31.9
)
 
8

Adjusted OIBDA
 
$
24.3

 
$
31.3

 
(22
)
 
$
27.5

 
(12
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Operating income (loss)
 
$
(105.9
)
 
$
0.6

 
*

 
 
 
 
Loss on real estate assets held for sale
 
103.6

 

 
*

 
 
 
 
Net (gain) loss on dispositions
 
0.1

 

 
*

 
 
 
 
Depreciation and amortization
 
26.5

 
30.7

 
(14
)
 
 
 
 
Adjusted OIBDA
 
$
24.3

 
$
31.3

 
(22
)
 
 
 
 

*
Calculation is not meaningful.
(a)
Revenues on a constant dollar basis are calculated as reported revenues excluding the impact of foreign currency exchange rates between periods.

Total Other revenues decreased $21.8 million, or 11%, in 2015 compared to 2014, reflecting the negative impact of foreign exchange rates. In constant dollars, total Other revenues increased 1% in 2015 compared to 2014, driven by an increase in Canada and Latin America.

Other operating expenses decreased $12.9 million, or 10%, in 2015 compared to 2014, driven by the favorable impact of foreign currency exchange rates, partially offset by an increase in billboard property lease costs and higher posting, maintenance and other expenses in Latin America. Other SG&A expenses decreased $1.9 million, or 5%, in 2015 compared to 2014, primarily driven by the favorable impact of foreign currency exchange rates, partially offset by higher compensation-related expenses and professional fees.

Other Adjusted OIBDA decreased $7.0 million, or 22%, in 2015 compared to 2014, driven by higher expenses. In constant dollars, Other Adjusted OIBDA decreased $3.2 million, or 12%, in 2015 compared to 2014.

Corporate

Corporate expenses primarily include expenses associated with employees who provide centralized services. Corporate expenses, excluding restructuring charges, costs related to the Acquisition and stock-based compensation, were $42.6 million in 2016, $37.8 million in 2015 and $27.1 million in 2014. The increase in corporate expenses in 2016 compared to 2015 primarily reflects increased compensation-related expenses and one-time professional fees in 2016 of $3.8 million associated with implementing initiatives to improve our cost base and pricing/yield management, partially offset by non-recurring legal expenses in 2015 of $5.2 million. The increase in corporate expenses in 2015 compared to 2014 reflect incremental stand-alone costs of $6.3 million, non-recurring legal expenses of $5.2 million, and increased strategic business development expenses of $4.1 million, partially offset by decreases in compensation expense.

52



Liquidity and Capital Resources
 
 
As of December 31,
 
%
(in millions, except percentages)
 
2016
 
2015
 
Change
Assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents
 
$
65.2

 
$
101.6

 
(36
)%
Receivables, less allowances of $9.2 in 2016 and $8.9 in 2015
 
222.0

 
209.5

 
6

Prepaid lease and transit franchise costs
 
67.4

 
61.5

 
10

Other prepaid expenses
 
15.8

 
21.9

 
(28
)
Assets held for sale
 

 
5.2

 
*

Other current assets
 
7.8

 
12.5

 
(38
)
Total current assets
 
378.2

 
412.2

 
(8
)
Liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Accounts payable
 
85.6

 
83.6

 
2

Accrued compensation
 
33.9

 
39.4

 
(14
)
Accrued interest
 
15.7

 
19.5

 
(19
)
Accrued lease costs
 
26.7

 
28.8

 
(7
)
Other accrued expenses
 
54.8

 
35.3

 
55

Deferred revenues
 
20.2

 
20.7

 
(2
)
Liabilities held for sale
 

 
25.0

 
*

Other current liabilities
 
14.6

 
13.3

 
10

Total current liabilities
 
251.5

 
265.6

 
(5
)
Working capital
 
$
126.7

 
$
146.6

 
(14
)

*
Calculation is not meaningful.

We continually project anticipated cash requirements for our operating, investing and financing needs as well as cash flows generated from operating activities available to meet these needs. Due to seasonal advertising patterns and influences on advertising markets, our revenues and operating income are typically highest in the fourth quarter, during the holiday shopping season, and lowest in the first quarter, as advertisers cut back on spending following the holiday shopping season. Further, some of our municipal transit contracts, as well as our marketing and multimedia rights agreements with colleges and universities, require guaranteed minimum annual payments to be paid at the beginning of the year.

Our short-term cash requirements primarily include payments for operating leases, guaranteed minimum annual payments, capital expenditures, interest and dividends. Funding for short-term cash needs will come primarily from our cash on hand, operating cash flows and borrowing capacity under our Revolving Credit Facility (as defined below) or other secured credit facilities that we may establish.

In addition, as part of our growth strategy, we frequently evaluate strategic opportunities to acquire new businesses, assets or digital technology. Consistent with this strategy, we regularly evaluate potential acquisitions, ranging from small transactions to larger acquisitions, which transactions could be funded through cash on hand, additional borrowings, equity or other securities, or some combination thereof.

Our long-term cash needs include principal payments on outstanding indebtedness. Funding for long-term cash needs will come from our cash on hand, operating cash flows, our ability to issue debt and equity securities, and borrowing capacity under our Revolving Credit Facility or other secured credit facilities that we may establish.

As of December 31, 2016, we had net indebtedness of approximately $2.1 billion.

On February 22, 2017, we announced that our board of directors approved a quarterly cash dividend of $0.36 per share on our common stock, payable on March 31, 2017, to stockholders of record at the close of business on March 10, 2017.


53


Debt

Long-term debt, net, consists of the following:
 
 
As of
(in millions, except percentages)
 
December 31,
2016
 
December 31,
2015
Term loan, due 2021
 
$
659.0

 
$
748.6

Senior unsecured notes:
 
 
 
 
5.250% senior unsecured notes, due 2022
 
549.5

 
549.4

5.625% senior unsecured notes, due 2024
 
503.0

 
503.4

5.875% senior unsecured notes, due 2025
 
450.0

 
450.0

Total senior unsecured notes
 
1,502.5

 
1,502.8

Other
 

 
0.3

Debt issuance costs(a)
 
(24.7
)
 
(29.7
)
Total long-term debt, net
 
$
2,136.8

 
$
2,222.0

 
 
 
 
 
Weighted average cost of debt
 
4.8
%
 
4.7
%

(a)
See Item 8., Note 3. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies: Adoption of New Accounting Standards to the Consolidated Financial Statements.
 
 
Payments Due by Period
(in millions)
 
Total
 
2017
 
2018-2019
 
2020-2021
 
2022 and thereafter
Long-term debt
 
$
2,160.0

 
$

 
$

 
$
660.0

 
$
1,500.0

Interest
 
662.8

 
103.7

 
207.3

 
188.8

 
163.0

Total
 
$
2,822.8

 
$
103.7

 
$
207.3

 
$
848.8

 
$
1,663.0


Term Loan

The interest rate on the term loan due in 2021 (the “Term Loan”) was 3.0% per annum as of December 31, 2016. As of December 31, 2016, a discount of $1.0 million on the Term Loan remains unamortized. The discount is being amortized through Interest expense, net, on the Consolidated Statement of Operations.

During 2016, we made aggregate discretionary payments of $90.0 million on the Term Loan.

Senior Unsecured Notes

As of December 31, 2016, a discount of $0.5 million on $150.0 million aggregate principal amount of the 5.250% Senior Unsecured Notes due 2022, remains unamortized. The discount is being amortized through Interest expense, net, on the Consolidated Statement of Operations.

As of December 31, 2016, a premium of $3.0 million on $100.0 million aggregate principal amount of the 5.625% Senior Unsecured Notes, due 2024, remains unamortized. The premium is being amortized through Interest expense, net, on the Consolidated Statement of Operations.

Revolving Credit Facility

We have a $425.0 million Revolving Credit Facility, which matures in 2019 (the “Revolving Credit Facility”).

As of December 31, 2016, there were no outstanding borrowings under the Revolving Credit Facility.

The commitment fee based on the amount of unused commitments under the Revolving Credit Facility was $1.8 million in 2016 and $1.9 million in each of 2015 and 2014. As of December 31, 2016, we had issued letters of credit totaling approximately $31.7 million against the Revolving Credit Facility.


54


Debt Covenants

The credit agreement dated January 31, 2014 (the “Credit Agreement”), governing the Term Loan and the Revolving Credit Facility, and the indentures governing our senior unsecured notes contain customary affirmative and negative covenants, subject to certain exceptions, including but not limited to those that limit the Company’s and our subsidiaries’ abilities to (i) pay dividends on, repurchase or make distributions in respect to the Company’s or its wholly-owned subsidiary, Outfront Media Capital LLC’s capital stock or make other restricted payments other than dividends or distributions necessary for us to maintain our REIT status, subject to certain conditions, and (ii) enter into agreements restricting certain subsidiaries’ ability to pay dividends or make other intercompany transfers.

The terms of the Credit Agreement require that, as long as any commitments remain outstanding under the Revolving Credit Facility, we maintain a Consolidated Net Secured Leverage Ratio, which is the ratio of (i) our consolidated secured debt (less up to $150.0 million of unrestricted cash) to (ii) our Consolidated EBITDA (as defined in the Credit Agreement) for the trailing four consecutive quarters, of no greater than 4.0 to 1.0. As of December 31, 2016, our Consolidated Net Secured Leverage Ratio was 1.3 to 1.0, as adjusted for the non-cash loss on real estate assets held for sale related to the Disposition and to give pro forma effect to acquisitions and dispositions, in accordance with the Credit Agreement. The Credit Agreement also requires that, in connection with the incurrence of certain indebtedness, we maintain a Consolidated Total Leverage Ratio, which is the ratio of our consolidated total debt to our Consolidated EBITDA for the trailing four consecutive quarters, of no greater than 6.0 to 1.0. As of December 31, 2016, our Consolidated Total Leverage Ratio was 4.7 to 1.0, as adjusted for the non-cash loss on real estate assets held for sale related to the Disposition and to give pro forma effect to acquisitions and dispositions, in accordance with the Credit Agreement. As of December 31, 2016, we are in compliance with our debt covenants. 

Letter of Credit Facility

Effective January 31, 2017, we completed the bifurcation process of our letter of credit facility between two institutions for administrative purposes. As of February 23, 2017, our letter of credit facilities totaled $80.0 million.
 
As of December 31, 2016, we issued letters of credit totaling approximately $68.0 million under our aggregate letter of credit facilities. The fees under the letter of credit facility in 2016, 2015 and 2014 were immaterial.

Deferred Financing Costs

As of December 31, 2016, we had deferred $26.9 million in fees and expenses associated with the Term Loan, Revolving Credit Facility, letter of credit facility and our senior unsecured notes. We are amortizing the deferred fees through Interest expense, net, on the Consolidated Statement of Operations over the respective terms of the Term Loan, Revolving Credit Facility, letter of credit facility and our senior unsecured notes.

Cash Flows

The following table sets forth our cash flows in 2016, 2015 and 2014.
 
 
Year Ended December 31,
 
% Change
(in millions, except percentages)
 
2016
 
2015
 
2014
 
2016 vs. 2015
 
2015 vs. 2014
Cash provided by operating activities
 
$
287.1

 
$
293.1

 
$
262.8

 
(2
)%
 
12
 %
Cash used for investing activities
 
(36.7
)
 
(62.4
)
 
(798.4
)
 
(41
)
 
(92
)
Cash provided by (used for) financing activities
 
(286.5
)
 
(148.6
)
 
536.6

 
93

 
*

Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents
 
(0.3
)
 
(3.3
)
 
(2.3
)
 
(91
)
 
43

Net increase (decrease) to cash and cash equivalents
 
$
(36.4
)
 
$
78.8

 
$
(1.3
)
 
*

 
*


*
Calculation is not meaningful.

Cash provided by operating activities decreased $6.0 million in 2016 compared to 2015, due primarily to the timing of interest payments on our debt and the timing of commissions and other expense payments, partially offset by higher net income, as adjusted for non-cash items. Cash provided by operating activities increased $30.3 million in 2015 compared to 2014, primarily due to higher net income, as adjusted for non-cash items, resulting from the impact of the Acquisition and lower income taxes due to our REIT conversion. This was partially offset by an increased use of working capital driven by an increase in accounts

55


receivable and decreases in accounts payables and accrued expenses. These working capital increases were offset by lower cash paid for income taxes.

After the Separation, we began operating as a REIT for U.S. federal income tax purposes. Actual cash payments for income taxes were $1.2 million in 2016, $5.8 million in 2015 and $53.0 million in 2014, including payments made to CBS Corporation (“CBS”).

Cash used for investing activities decreased $25.7 million in 2016 compared to 2015 and decreased $736.0 million in 2015 compared to 2014. In 2016, we completed several small acquisitions for a total purchase price of approximately $67.9 million, incurred $59.4 million in capital expenditures and received $90.6 million in proceeds from dispositions, primarily related to the Disposition. In 2015, we completed several small acquisitions for a total purchase price of approximately $12.1 million, incurred $59.2 million in capital expenditures and received $8.9 million in proceeds from dispositions, primarily related to the disposition of substantially all of our assets in Puerto Rico. In 2014, we completed the Acquisition for a total purchase price of approximately $714.2 million (including working capital adjustments), completed several smaller acquisitions for a total purchase price of approximately $19.6 million, incurred $64.2 million in capital expenditures and made an investment of $3.0 million in Videri Inc. in connection with licenses and services to be received under a development and license agreement with Videri Inc. and its affiliate, and received $4.5 million in proceeds from dispositions.

The following table presents our capital expenditures in 2016, 2015 and 2014.
 
 
Year Ended December 31,
 
% Change
(in millions, except percentages)
 
2016
 
2015
 
2014
 
2016 vs. 2015
 
2015 vs. 2014
Growth
 
$
40.9

 
$
33.6

 
$
40.9

 
22
 %
 
(18
)%
Maintenance
 
18.5

 
25.6

 
23.3

 
(28
)
 
10

Total capital expenditures
 
$
59.4

 
$
59.2

 
$
64.2

 

 
(8
)

Capital expenditures increased $0.2 million in 2016 compared to 2015, driven by installation of the most current LED lighting technology to improve the quality and extend the life of our static billboards and an increase in digital display spending, partially offset by decreased expenditures related to the Disposition and the renovation of certain office facilities. Capital expenditures decreased $5.0 million, or 8%, in 2015 compared to 2014, driven by a decline in digital display spending, partially offset by increased investments in information technology and expenditures to renovate certain office facilities.

For the full year of 2017, we expect our capital expenditures to be approximately $65.0 million to $70.0 million, which will be used primarily for growth in digital displays, installation of the most current LED lighting technology to improve the quality and extend the life of our static billboards, billboard maintenance and to renovate certain office facilities.

Cash used for financing activities increased $137.9 million in 2016 compared 2015. Cash provided by financing activities was $536.6 million in 2014. In 2016, we paid cash dividends of $188.6 million and made discretionary payments totaling $90.0 million on the Term Loan. In 2015, we paid cash dividends $196.3 million, prepaid $50.0 million on the Term Loan and incurred debt, including a premium, of $103.8 million. In 2014, we incurred debt of $600.0 million related to the Acquisition on October 1, 2014, retained $100.0 million related to our IPO, retained $50.0 million related to the incurrence of $1.6 billion of indebtedness on January 31, 2014, received $49.3 million of net capital contributions from CBS and paid cash dividends of $242.7 million.


56


Contractual Obligations

As of December 31, 2016, our significant contractual obligations and payments due by period were as follows:
 
 
Payments Due by Period
(in millions)
 
Total
 
2017
 
2018-2019
 
2020-2021
 
2022 and thereafter
Guaranteed minimum annual payments(a)(b)
 
$
435.6

 
$
158.4

 
$
113.8

 
$
54.1

 
$
109.3

Operating leases(c)
 
995.0

 
119.3

 
226.8

 
177.2

 
471.7

Long-term debt(d)
 
2,160.0

 

 

 
660.0

 
1,500.0

Interest(d)
 
662.8

 
103.7

 
207.3

 
188.8

 
163.0

Total
 
$
4,253.4

 
$
381.4

 
$
547.9

 
$
1,080.1

 
$
2,244.0


(a)
We have agreements with municipalities and transit operators which entitle us to operate advertising displays within their transit systems, including on the interior and exterior of rail and subway cars and buses, as well as on benches, transit shelters, street kiosks, and transit platforms. Under most of these franchise agreements, the franchisor is entitled to receive the greater of a percentage of the relevant revenues, net of agency fees, or a specified guaranteed minimum annual payment. Franchise rights are generally paid monthly, or in some cases upfront at the beginning of the year.
(b)
We also have marketing and multimedia rights agreements with colleges, universities and other educational institutions, which entitle us to operate on-campus advertising displays, as well as manage marketing opportunities, media rights and experiential entertainment at sports events. Under most of these agreements, the school is entitled to receive the greater of a percentage of the relevant revenue, net of agency commissions, or a specified guaranteed minimum annual payment.
(c)
Consists of non-cancellable operating leases with terms in excess of one year for billboard sites, office space and equipment. Total future minimum payments of $995.0 million include $955.6 million for our billboard sites. Excludes rent on cancellable leases and leases with terms of under one year, as well as contingent rent. (See Item 8, Note 17. Commitments and Contingencies to the Consolidated Financial Statements for further information about our contractual obligations.)
(d)
As of December 31, 2016, we had long-term debt of approximately $2.2 billion. Interest on the Term Loan is variable. For illustrative purposes, we are assuming an interest rate of 3.0% for all years, which reflects the interest rate as of December 31, 2016. An increase or decrease of 1/4% in the interest rate will change the annual interest expense by $1.7 million

The above table excludes $0.6 million of reserves for uncertain tax positions and the related accrued interest and penalties, as we cannot reasonably predict the amount of and timing of cash payments related to this obligation.

In 2017, we expect to contribute $2.0 million to our pension plans. Contributions to our pension plans were $2.0 million in each of 2016 and 2015, and $1.6 million in 2014.

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

Our off-balance sheet commitments primarily consist of operating lease arrangements and guaranteed minimum annual payments. (See Item 8, Note 17. Commitments and Contingencies to the Consolidated Financial Statements for information about our off-balance sheet commitments.)

Critical Accounting Policies

The preparation of our financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates, judgments and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amount of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. On an ongoing basis, we evaluate these estimates, which are based on historical experience and on various assumptions that we believe are reasonable under the circumstances. The result of these evaluations forms the basis for making judgments about the carrying values of assets and liabilities and the reported amount of revenues and expenses that are not readily apparent from other sources. Actual results may differ from these estimates under different assumptions.

We consider the following accounting policies to be the most critical as they are significant to its financial condition and results of operations, and require significant judgment and estimates on the part of management in their application. For a summary of our significant accounting policies, see Item 8., Note 3. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies to the Consolidated Financial Statements.


57


Goodwill

We test goodwill for impairment on an annual basis on October 31 of each year and between annual tests should factors or indicators become apparent that would require an interim test. Goodwill is tested for impairment at the reporting-unit level. We elected to perform the two-step quantitative impairment test in 2016.

The first step of the goodwill impairment test examines whether the carrying value of a reporting unit exceeds its fair value. We compute the estimated fair value of each reporting unit by adding the present value of the estimated annual cash flows over a discrete projection period to the residual value of the business at the end of the projection period. This technique requires us to use significant estimates and assumptions such as growth rates, operating margins, capital expenditures and discount rates. The estimated growth rates, operating margins and capital expenditures for the projection period are based on our internal forecasts of future performance as well as historical trends. The residual value is estimated based on a perpetual nominal growth rate, which is based on projected long-range inflation and long-term industry projections. The discount rates are determined based on the weighted average cost of capital of comparable entities. A downward revision of these assumptions would decrease the fair values of our reporting units.

If the fair value of a reporting unit falls below its carrying value, excluding any impacts from foreign currency translation adjustments reflected in Accumulated other comprehensive loss on the Consolidated Statement Financial Position in conformity with GAAP, we would then perform the second step of the goodwill impairment test to determine the amount of any non-cash impairment charge. Such a charge could have a material effect on the statement of operations and statement of financial position.

Long-Lived Assets

We report long-lived assets, including billboard advertising structures, other property, plant and equipment and intangible assets, at historical cost less accumulated depreciation and amortization. We depreciate or amortize these assets over their estimated useful lives, which generally range from five to 40 years. For billboard advertising structures, we estimate the useful lives based on the estimated economic life of the asset. Transit fixed assets are depreciated over the shorter of their estimated useful lives or the related contractual term. Our long-lived identifiable intangible assets primarily consist of acquired permits and leasehold agreements and franchise agreements, which grant us the right to operate out-of-home advertising structures in specified locations and the right to provide advertising displays on railroad and municipal transit properties. Our long-lived identifiable intangible assets are amortized on a straight-line basis over their estimated useful lives, which is the respective life of the agreement and in some cases includes an estimation for renewals, which is based on historical experience.

Long-lived assets subject to depreciation and amortization are also reviewed for impairment when events and circumstances indicate that the long-lived asset might be impaired, by comparing the forecasted undiscounted cash flows to be generated by those assets to the carrying values of those assets. The significant assumptions we use to determine the useful lives and fair values of long-lived assets include contractual commitments, regulatory requirements, future expected cash flows and industry growth rates, as well as future salvage values.

Long-lived assets are assessed for impairment whenever there is an indication that the carrying amount of the asset may not be recoverable. Recoverability of these assets is determined by comparing the forecasted undiscounted cash flows generated by those assets to the respective asset’s carrying value, excluding any impacts from foreign currency translation adjustments reflected in Accumulated other comprehensive loss on the Consolidated Statement Financial Position in conformity with GAAP. The amount of impairment loss, if any, will be measured by the difference between the net carrying value and the estimated fair value of the asset and recognized as a non-cash charge. Long-lived assets held for sale are required to be measured at the lower of their carrying value (including unrecognized foreign currency translation adjustment losses) or fair value less cost to sell.


58


Asset Retirement Obligation

We record an asset retirement obligation for our estimated future legal obligation, upon termination or nonrenewal of a lease, associated with removing structures from the leased property and, when required by the contract, the cost to return the leased property to its original condition. These obligations are recorded at their present value in the period in which the liability is incurred and are capitalized as part of the related assets’ carrying value. Accretion of the liability is recognized in operating expenses and the capitalized cost is depreciated over the expected useful life of the related asset. The obligation is calculated based on the assumption that all of our advertising structures will be removed within the next 50 years. The significant assumptions used in estimating the asset retirement obligation include the cost of removing the asset, the cost of remediating the leased property to its original condition where required and the timing and number of lease renewals, all of which are estimated based on historical experience.

Income Taxes

Income taxes are accounted for under the asset and liability method of accounting. Deferred income tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the estimated future tax effects of temporary differences between the financial statement carrying amounts and their respective tax basis. Deferred tax assets are reduced by a valuation allowance if it is more likely than not that some or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized.

On July 17, 2014, we began operating as a REIT for U.S. federal income tax purposes. As long as we remain qualified to be taxed as a REIT, we generally will not be subject to U.S. federal income tax on our REIT taxable income that we distribute to our stockholders. If we fail to qualify to be taxed as a REIT in any taxable year and do not qualify for certain statutory relief provisions, we will be subject to U.S. federal income tax at regular corporate rates and will be precluded from re-electing to be taxed as a REIT for the subsequent four taxable years following the year during which we lose our REIT qualification. Even if we qualify for taxation as a REIT, we may be subject to certain U.S. federal, state and local taxes on our income or property, and the income of our TRSs will be subject to taxation at regular corporate rates. Our qualification to be taxed as a REIT will depend upon our ability to meet on a continuing basis, through actual investment and operating results, various complex requirements under the Code, related to, among other things, the sources of our gross income, the composition and values of our assets, our distribution levels and the diversity of ownership of our shares. We believe we are organized in conformity with these requirements and that our manner of operation will enable us to continue to meet the requirements for qualification and taxation as a REIT. (See “Item 1. Business—Tax Status.”)

As a REIT, we must distribute to our stockholders, at least 90% of our REIT taxable income, determined without regard to the deduction for dividends paid and excluding net capital gain. To the extent that we satisfy the 90% distribution requirement, but distribute less than 100% of our taxable income, we will be subject to U.S. federal corporate income tax on the undistributed income. In addition, we would be subject to a 4% nondeductible excise tax on the amount, if any, by which our distributions in any calendar year are less than a minimum amount specified under U.S. federal income tax laws. We intend to pay regular quarterly distributions to our stockholders in an amount not less than 100% of our REIT taxable income (determined before the deduction for dividends paid).

Prior to July 17, 2014, we were a member of CBS’s consolidated tax group, and the provision for income taxes, deferred tax assets and liabilities, and income tax payments were calculated on a separate tax return basis. These amounts may not necessarily reflect the income tax expense or tax payments that would have been reported if we had been operating as a stand-alone company, and would not reflect what our income tax expense or tax payments would have been as a REIT during the periods prior to the Separation. We believe that the assumptions and estimates used to determine these tax amounts were reasonable.  

Accounting Standards

See Item 8., Note 3. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies to the Consolidated Financial Statements, for information about adoption of new accounting standards and recent accounting pronouncements.

Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk.

We are exposed to market risk related to commodity prices and foreign currency exchange rates, and to a limited extent, interest rates and credit risks.


59


Commodity Price Risk

We incur various operating costs that are subject to price risk caused by volatility in underlying commodity values. Commodity price risk is present in electricity costs associated with powering our digital billboard displays and lighting our traditional static billboard displays at night.

We do not currently use derivatives or other financial instruments to mitigate our exposure to commodity price risk. However, we do enter into contracts with commodity providers to limit our exposure to commodity price fluctuations. For the year ended December 31, 2016, such contracts accounted for 8.9% of our total utility costs. As of December 31, 2016, we had active electricity purchase agreements with fixed contract rates for locations throughout Connecticut, Illinois, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Ohio and Texas, which expire at various dates in July 2018.

Foreign Exchange Risk

Foreign currency translation risk is the risk that exchange rate gains or losses arise from translating our Canadian business’ statements of earnings and statements of financial position from functional currency to our reporting currency (the U.S. Dollar) for consolidation purposes. Any gain or loss on translation is included within comprehensive income and Accumulated other comprehensive income on our Consolidated Statement of Financial Position. The functional currency of our international subsidiaries is their respective local currency. As of December 31, 2016, we have $9.9 million of unrecognized foreign currency translation losses included within Accumulated other comprehensive income on our Consolidated Statement of Financial Position.

Substantially all of our transactions at our Canadian subsidiary is denominated in their local functional currency, thereby reducing our risk of foreign currency transaction gains or losses.

We do not currently use derivatives or other financial instruments to mitigate foreign currency risk, although we may do so in the future.

Interest Rate Risk

We are subject to interest rate risk to the extent we have variable-rate debt outstanding including under our Senior Credit Facilities. As of December 31, 2016, we had a $660.0 million variable-rate Term Loan due 2021 outstanding, which has an interest rate of 3.0% per year. An increase or decrease of 1/4% in our interest rate on the Term Loan will change our annualized interest expense by approximately $1.7 million. We do not currently use derivatives or other financial instruments to mitigate interest rate risk, although we may do so in the future.

Credit Risk

In the opinion of our management, credit risk is limited due to the large number of customers and advertising agencies utilized. We perform credit evaluations on our customers and agencies and believe that the allowances for doubtful accounts are adequate. We do not currently use derivatives or other financial instruments to mitigate credit risk.




60


Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

To the Board of Directors and Stockholders of OUTFRONT Media Inc.

In our opinion, the accompanying consolidated statements of financial position and the related consolidated statements of operations, comprehensive income, equity and cash flows present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of OUTFRONT Media Inc. and its subsidiaries at December 31, 2016 and 2015, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2016 in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. In addition, in our opinion, the financial statement schedules II and III appearing under Item 15(a)(2) present fairly, in all material respects, the information set forth therein when read in conjunction with the related consolidated financial statements. Also in our opinion, the Company maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2016, based on criteria established in Internal Control-Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). The Company's management is responsible for these financial statements and financial statement schedules, for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, included in Management's Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting appearing under Item 9A. Our responsibility is to express opinions on these financial statements, on the financial statement schedules, and on the Company's internal control over financial reporting based on our audits (which were integrated audits in 2016 and 2015). We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audits to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement and whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audits of the financial statements included examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, and evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. Our audit of internal control over financial reporting included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, and testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk. Our audits also included performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinions.

A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (i) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (ii) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (iii) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

/s/ PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
New York, New York
February 23, 2017


61


OUTFRONT Media Inc.
Consolidated Statements of Financial Position
 
 
As of December 31,
(in millions)
 
2016
 
2015
Assets:
 
 
 
 
Current assets:
 
 
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents
 
$
65.2

 
$
101.6

Receivables, less allowances of $9.2 in 2016 and $8.9 in 2015
 
222.0

 
209.5

Prepaid lease and transit franchise costs
 
67.4

 
61.5

Other prepaid expenses
 
15.8

 
21.9

Assets held for sale (Note 12)
 

 
5.2

Other current assets
 
7.8

 
12.5

Total current assets
 
378.2

 
412.2

Property and equipment, net (Note 4)
 
665.0

 
701.7

Goodwill (Note 5)
 
2,089.4

 
2,074.7

Intangible assets (Note 5)
 
545.3

 
570.5

Other assets
 
60.6

 
56.4

Total assets
 
$
3,738.5

 
$
3,815.5

 
 
 
 
 
Liabilities:
 
 
 
 
Current liabilities:
 
 
 
 
Accounts payable
 
$
85.6

 
$
83.6

Accrued compensation
 
33.9

 
39.4

Accrued interest
 
15.7

 
19.5

Accrued lease costs
 
26.7

 
28.8

Other accrued expenses
 
54.8

 
35.3

Deferred revenues
 
20.2

 
20.7

Liabilities held for sale (Note 12)
 

 
25.0

Other current liabilities
 
14.6

 
13.3

Total current liabilities
 
251.5

 
265.6

Long-term debt (Note 8)
 
2,136.8

 
2,222.0

Deferred income tax liabilities, net (Note 15)
 
8.5

 
10.9

Asset retirement obligation (Note 6)
 
34.1

 
33.2

Other liabilities
 
74.6

 
71.2

Total liabilities
 
2,505.5

 
2,602.9

 
 
 
 
 
Commitments and contingencies (Note 17)
 

 

 
 
 
 
 
Stockholders’ equity (Note 10):
 
 
 
 
Common stock (2016 - 450.0 shares authorized, and 138.0 shares issued and outstanding; 2015 - 450.0 shares authorized, and 137.6 shares authorized, issued or outstanding)
 
1.4

 
1.4

Additional paid-in capital
 
1,949.5

 
1,934.3

Distribution in excess of earnings
 
(699.5
)
 
(602.2
)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss (Note 9)
 
(18.5
)
 
(120.9
)
Total stockholders’ equity
 
1,232.9

 
1,212.6

Non-controlling interests
 
0.1

 

Total equity
 
1,233.0

 
1,212.6

Total liabilities and equity
 
$
3,738.5

 
$
3,815.5

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.


62


OUTFRONT Media Inc.
Consolidated Statements of Operations
 
 
Year Ended December 31,
(in millions, except per share amounts)
 
2016
 
2015
 
2014
Revenues:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Billboard
 
$
1,071.0

 
$
1,084.3

 
$
971.5

Transit and other
 
442.9

 
429.5

 
382.3

Total revenues
 
1,513.9

 
1,513.8

 
1,353.8

Expenses:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Operating
 
818.1

 
833.1

 
726.5

Selling, general and administrative
 
264.8

 
258.3

 
224.3

Restructuring charges (Note 11)
 
2.5

 
2.6

 
9.8

Loss on real estate assets held for sale (Note 12)
 
1.3

 
103.6

 

Acquisition costs
 

 

 
10.4

Net (gain) loss on dispositions
 
(1.9
)
 
0.7

 
(2.5
)
Depreciation
 
108.9

 
113.7

 
107.2

Amortization
 
115.3

 
115.4

 
95.0

Total expenses
 
1,309.0

 
1,427.4

 
1,170.7

Operating income
 
204.9

 
86.4

 
183.1

Interest expense, net
 
(113.8
)
 
(114.8
)
 
(84.8
)
Other expense, net
 
(0.1
)
 
(0.4
)
 
(0.3
)
Income (loss) before benefit (provision) for income taxes and equity in earnings of investee companies
 
91.0

 
(28.8
)
 
98.0

Benefit (provision) for income taxes
 
(5.4
)
 
(5.4
)
 
206.0

Equity in earnings of investee companies, net of tax
 
5.3

 
4.8

 
2.9

Net income (loss)
 
$
90.9

 
$
(29.4
)
 
$
306.9

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net income (loss) per common share:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Basic
 
$
0.66

 
$
(0.21
)
 
$
2.69

Diluted
 
$
0.66

 
$
(0.21
)
 
$
2.67

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Weighted average shares outstanding:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Basic
 
137.9

 
137.3

 
114.3

Diluted
 
138.4

 
137.3

 
114.8

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Dividends declared per common share
 
$
1.36

 
$
1.42

 
$
5.67

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.


63


OUTFRONT Media Inc.
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income
 
 
Year Ended December 31,
(in millions)
 
2016
 
2015
 
2014
Net income (loss)
 
$
90.9

 
$
(29.4
)
 
$
306.9

Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cumulative translation adjustments
 
102.3

 
(32.3
)
 
(10.7
)
Net actuarial gain (loss)
 
0.1

 
1.5

 
(3.1
)
Deferred tax rate adjustment
 

 

 
(1.2
)
Total other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax
 
102.4

 
(30.8
)
 
(15.0
)
Total comprehensive income (loss)
 
$
193.3

 
$
(60.2
)
 
$
291.9

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.


64


OUTFRONT Media Inc.
Consolidated Statements of Equity
(in millions, except per share amounts)
 
Shares of Common Stock
 
 Common Stock ($0.01 per share par value)
 
Additional Paid-In Capital
 
Distribution in Excess of Earnings
 
Invested Capital
 
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss
 
Treasury Stock, at Cost
 
Total Invested Equity/ Stockholders’ Equity
Balance as of December 31, 2013
 

 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$
2,829.5

 
$
(75.1
)
 
$

 
$
2,754.4

Net income
 

 

 

 
305.8

 
1.1

 
$

 

 
306.9

Other comprehensive loss
 

 

 

 

 

 
(15.0
)
 

 
(15.0
)
Initial public offering (“IPO”)
 
23.0

 
0.2

 
614.8

 

 

 

 

 
615.0

Stock-based payments:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Amortization
 

 

 
14.1

 

 

 

 

 
14.1

Shares paid for tax withholding for stock-based payments
 

 

 

 

 

 

 
(0.1
)
 
(0.1
)
Retirement of treasury stock
 

 

 
(0.1
)
 

 

 

 
0.1

 

Conversion to stockholders’ equity (Note 10)
 
97.0

 
1.0

 
2,829.6

 

 
(2,830.6
)
 

 

 

Issuance of stock for purchase of property and equipment
 
0.1

 

 
2.0

 

 

 

 

 
2.0

Distribution of debt and IPO proceeds to CBS
 

 

 
(2,038.8
)
 

 

 

 

 
(2,038.8
)
Dividends ($5.67 per share)
 
16.5

 
0.2

 
438.0

 
(682.8
)
 

 

 

 
(244.6
)
Net contribution from CBS
 

 

 
51.6

 

 

 

 

 
51.6

Balance as of December 31, 2014
 
136.6

 
$
1.4

 
$
1,911.2

 
$
(377.0
)
 
$

 
$
(90.1
)
 
$

 
$
1,445.5




65


OUTFRONT Media Inc.
Consolidated Statements of Equity (Continued)
(in millions, except per share amounts)
 
Shares of Common Stock
 
 Common Stock ($0.01 per share par value)
 
Additional Paid-In Capital
 
Distribution in Excess of Earnings
 
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss
 
Total Stockholders’ Equity
 
Non-Controlling Interests
 
Total Equity
Balance as of December 31, 2014
 
136.6

 
$
1.4

 
$
1,911.2

 
$
(377.0
)
 
$
(90.1
)
 
$
1,445.5

 
 
 
 
Net loss
 

 

 

 
(29.4
)
 

 
(29.4
)
 
 
 
 
Other comprehensive loss
 

 

 

 

 
(30.8
)
 
(30.8
)
 
 
 
 
Stock-based payments:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Vested
 
0.5

 

 

 

 

 

 
 
 
 
Exercise of stock options
 
0.2

 

 
2.0

 

 

 
2.0

 
 
 
 
Amortization
 

 

 
15.8

 

 

 
15.8

 
 
 
 
Shares paid for tax withholding for stock-based payments
 
(0.1
)
 

 
(6.9
)
 

 

 
(6.9
)
 
 
 
 
Issuance of stock for purchase of property and equipment
 
0.4

 

 
12.2

 

 

 
12.2

 
 
 
 
Dividends ($1.42 per share)
 

 

 

 
(195.8
)
 

 
(195.8
)
 
 
 
 
Balance as of December 31, 2015
 
137.6

 
$
1.4

 
$
1,934.3

 
$
(602.2
)
 
$
(120.9
)
 
$
1,212.6

 
$

 
$
1,212.6

Net income
 

 

 

 
90.9

 

 
90.9

 

 
90.9

Other comprehensive income
 

 

 

 

 
102.4

 
102.4

 

 
102.4

Stock-based payments:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Vested
 
0.5

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Amortization
 

 

 
18.0

 

 

 
18.0

 

 
18.0

Shares paid for tax withholding for stock-based payments
 
(0.2
)
 

 
(4.7
)
 

 

 
(4.7
)
 

 
(4.7
)
Issuance of stock for purchase of property and equipment
 
0.1

 

 
1.9

 

 

 
1.9

 

 
1.9

Dividends ($1.36 per share)
 

 

 

 
(188.2
)
 

 
(188.2
)
 

 
(188.2
)
Other
 

 

 

 

 

 

 
0.1

 
0.1

Balance as of December 31, 2016
 
138.0

 
$
1.4

 
$
1,949.5

 
$
(699.5
)
 
$
(18.5
)
 
$
1,232.9

 
$
0.1

 
$
1,233.0


See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.


66


OUTFRONT Media Inc.
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
 
 
Year Ended December 31,
(in millions)
 
2016
 
2015
 
2014
Operating activities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net income (loss)
 
$
90.9

 
$
(29.4
)
 
$
306.9

Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash flow provided by operating activities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Depreciation and amortization
 
224.2

 
229.1

 
202.2

Deferred tax benefit
 
(1.8
)
 
(1.7
)
 
(249.5
)
Stock-based compensation
 
18.0

 
15.2

 
16.0

Provision for doubtful accounts
 
3.6

 
2.7

 
2.9

Accretion expense
 
2.4

 
2.5

 
2.3

Loss on real estate assets held for sale
 
1.3

 
103.6

 

Net (gain) loss on dispositions
 
(1.9
)
 
0.7

 
(2.5
)
Equity in earnings of investee companies, net of tax
 
(5.3
)
 
(4.8
)
 
(2.9
)
Distributions from investee companies
 
5.0

 
7.7

 
7.4

Amortization of deferred financing costs and debt discount and premium
 
6.4

 
6.3

 
12.1

Change in assets and liabilities, net of investing and financing activities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Increase in receivables
 
(11.7
)
 
(13.3
)
 
(0.6
)
Increase in prepaid expenses and other current assets
 
(0.5
)
 
(2.7
)
 
(6.4
)
Decrease in accounts payable and accrued expenses
 
(43.8
)
 
(25.9
)
 
(5.8
)
Increase (decrease) in deferred revenues
 

 
3.0

 
(9.8
)
Increase (decrease) in income taxes
 
6.0

 
1.2

 
(9.0
)
Other, net
 
(5.7
)
 
(1.1
)
 
(0.5
)
Net cash flow provided by operating activities
 
287.1

 
293.1

 
262.8

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Investing activities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Capital expenditures
 
(59.4
)
 
(59.2
)
 
(64.2
)
Acquisitions
 
(67.9
)
 
(12.1
)
 
(735.7
)
Investments in investee companies
 

 

 
(3.0
)
Proceeds from dispositions
 
90.6

 
8.9

 
4.5

Net cash flow used for investing activities
 
(36.7
)
 
(62.4
)
 
(798.4
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Financing activities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Proceeds from IPO
 

 

 
615.0

Proceeds from long-term debt borrowings - term loan and senior notes
 

 

 
1,598.0

Proceeds from long-term debt borrowings - senior notes
 

 
103.8

 
599.3

Proceeds from borrowings under revolving credit facility
 
35.0

 
105.0

 

Repayments of borrowings under revolving credit facility
 
(35.0
)
 
(105.0
)
 

Repayments of long-term debt borrowings - term loan
 
(90.0
)
 
(50.0
)
 

Deferred financing costs
 
(0.4
)
 
(3.3
)
 
(42.7
)
Distribution of debt and IPO proceeds to CBS
 

 

 
(2,038.8
)
Net cash contribution from CBS
 

 

 
49.3

Proceeds from stock option exercises
 

 
2.0

 

Taxes withheld for stock-based compensation
 
(7.3
)
 
(4.3
)
 

Dividends
 
(188.6
)
 
(196.3
)
 
(242.7
)
Other
 
(0.2
)
 
(0.5
)
 
(0.8
)
Net cash flow provided by (used for) financing activities
 
(286.5
)
 
(148.6
)
 
536.6

 
 
 
 
 
 
 

67


OUTFRONT Media Inc.
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Continued)
 
 
Year Ended December 31,
(in millions)
 
2016
 
2015
 
2014
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents
 
(0.3
)
 
(3.3
)
 
(2.3
)
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
 
(36.4
)
 
78.8

 
(1.3
)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year
 
101.6

 
28.5

 
29.8

Cash reclassified to assets held for sale
 

 
(5.7
)
 

Cash and cash equivalents at end of year
 
$
65.2

 
$
101.6

 
$
28.5

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash paid for income taxes (Note 15)
 
$
1.2

 
$
5.8

 
$
53.0

Cash paid for interest
 
111.4

 
107.0

 
55.1

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Non-cash investing and financing activities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Accrued purchases of property and equipment
 
$
11.2

 
$
7.0

 
$
1.4

Issuance of stock for purchase of property and equipment
 
1.9

 
12.2

 
2.0

Taxes withheld for stock-based compensation
 

 
2.6

 


See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.




68


OUTFRONT Media Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements


Note 1. Description of Business and Basis of Presentation

Description of Business

OUTFRONT Media Inc. (the “Company”) and its subsidiaries (collectively, “we,” “us” or “our”) is a real estate investment trust (“REIT”), which provides advertising space (“displays”) on out-of-home advertising structures and sites in the United States (the “U.S.”) and Canada. Our inventory consists of billboard displays, which are primarily located on the most heavily traveled highways and roadways in top Nielsen Designated Market Areas (“DMAs”), and transit advertising displays operated under exclusive multi-year contracts with municipalities in large cities across the U.S. and Canada. We also have marketing and multimedia rights agreements with colleges, universities and other educational institutions, which entitle us operate on-campus advertising displays, as well as manage marketing opportunities, media rights and experiential entertainment at sports events. In total, we have displays in all of the 25 largest markets in the U.S. and over 150 markets across the U.S. and Canada. We currently manage our operations through three operating segments—(1) U.S. Billboard and Transit, which is included in our U.S. Media reportable segment, (2) International and (3) Sports Marketing.

On April 1, 2016, we sold all of our equity interests in certain of our subsidiaries (the “Disposition”), which held all of the assets of our outdoor advertising business in Latin America (see Note 12. Acquisitions and Dispositions: Dispositions to the Consolidated Financial Statements). The operating results of our outdoor advertising business in Latin America through April 1, 2016, are included in our Consolidated Financial Statements for 2016, 2015 and 2014.

Basis of Presentation and Use of Estimates

The accompanying consolidated financial statements have been prepared pursuant to the rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”). In the opinion of our management, the accompanying financial statements reflect all adjustments, consisting of normal and recurring adjustments, necessary for a fair presentation of our financial position, results of operations and cash flows for the years presented. Certain previously reported amounts have been reclassified to conform with the current 2016 presentation.

The preparation of our financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”) requires management to make estimates, judgments and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements, and the reported amount of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. We base our estimates on historical experience and on various other assumptions that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis for making judgments about the carrying values of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. Actual results may differ from these estimates under different assumptions or conditions.

Note 2. Initial Public Offering (“IPO”)

On April 2, 2014, we completed an IPO of 23,000,000 shares of our common stock, including 3,000,000 shares of our common stock sold pursuant to the underwriters’ option to purchase additional shares, at a price of $28.00 per share for total net proceeds, after underwriting discounts and commissions, of $615.0 million.

Note 3. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Cash and Cash Equivalents—Cash and cash equivalents consist of cash on hand and short-term (maturities of three months or less at the date of purchase) highly liquid investments.

Receivables—Receivables consist primarily of trade receivables from customers, net of advertising agency commissions, and are stated net of an allowance for doubtful accounts. The provision for doubtful accounts is estimated based on historical bad debt experience, the aging of accounts receivable, industry trends and economic indicators, as well as recent payment history for specific customers.


69


OUTFRONT Media Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)


Property and Equipment—Property and equipment is stated at cost. Depreciation is computed using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives as follows:
Buildings and improvements
20 to 40 years
Advertising structures
5 to 20 years
Furniture, equipment and other
3 to 10 years

For advertising structures associated with a contract, the assets are depreciated over the shorter of the contract term or useful life. Maintenance and repair costs to maintain property and equipment in their original operating condition are charged to expense as incurred. Improvements or additions that extend the useful life of the assets are capitalized. When an asset is retired or otherwise disposed of, the associated cost and accumulated depreciation are removed and the resulting gain or loss is recognized.

Construction in progress includes all costs capitalized related to projects which have yet to be placed in service.

Business Combinations and Asset Acquisitions—We routinely acquire out-of-home advertising assets, including advertising structures, permits and leasehold agreements. We determine the accounting for these transactions by first evaluating whether the assets acquired and liabilities assumed, if any, constitute a business using the guidelines in the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) guidance for business combinations. If the assets acquired and liabilities assumed constitute a business, the purchase price is allocated to the tangible and identifiable intangible net assets acquired based on their estimated fair values with the excess of the purchase price over those estimated fair values recorded as goodwill. If the acquired assets do not constitute a business, we allocate the purchase price to the individual tangible and intangible assets acquired based on their relative fair values.

Impairment of Long-Lived Assets—Long-lived assets are assessed for impairment whenever there is an indication that the carrying amount of the asset may not be recoverable. Recoverability of these assets is determined by comparing the forecasted undiscounted cash flows generated by those assets to the respective asset’s carrying value. The amount of impairment loss, if any, will be measured by the difference between the net carrying value and the estimated fair value of the asset and recognized as a non-cash charge. Long-lived assets held for sale are required to be measured at the lower of their carrying value (including unrecognized foreign currency translation adjustment losses) or fair value less cost to sell.

Goodwill and Intangible Assets—Goodwill is allocated to various reporting units. Intangible assets, which primarily consist of acquired permits and leasehold agreements and franchise agreements, are amortized by the straight-line method over their estimated useful lives, which range from five to 40 years. Goodwill is not amortized but is tested at the reporting-unit level annually for impairment and between annual tests if events occur or circumstances change that would more likely than not reduce the fair value below its carrying amount. If the carrying value of goodwill exceeds its fair value, an impairment loss is recognized as a non-cash charge.

Revenue Recognition—We derive Revenues primarily from providing advertising space to customers on our advertising structures and sites. Our contracts with customers generally cover periods ranging from four weeks to one year. Revenues from billboard displays are recognized as rental income on a straight-line basis over the contract term. Transit and other revenues are recognized as earned over the contract period. For space provided to advertisers through the use of an advertising agency whose commission is calculated based on a stated percentage of gross advertising spending, our Revenues are reported net of agency commissions.

Deferred revenues primarily consist of revenues paid in advance of being earned.

Revenues derived from a single contract that contains multiple site locations are allocated based on the relative fair value of each delivered item and recognized in accordance with the applicable revenue recognition criteria for the specific unit of accounting.

Concentration of Credit Risk—In the opinion of management, credit risk is limited due to the large number of customers and advertising agencies utilized. We perform credit evaluations on our customers and agencies and believe that the allowances for doubtful accounts are adequate.


70


OUTFRONT Media Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)


Billboard Property Lease and Transit Franchise Expenses—Our billboards are primarily located on leased real property. Lease agreements are negotiated for varying terms ranging from one month to multiple years, most of which provide renewal options. Lease costs consist of a fixed monthly amount and certain lease agreements also include contingent rent based on the revenues we generate from the leased site. Property leases are generally paid in advance for periods ranging from one to twelve months.

The fixed component of lease costs is expensed evenly over the contract term, and contingent rent is expensed as incurred when the related revenues are recognized.

Transit franchise agreements generally provide for payment to the municipality or transit operator of the greater of a percentage of the revenues that we generate under the related transit contract and a specified guaranteed minimum payment. The costs which are determined based on a percentage of revenues are expensed as incurred when the related revenues are recognized, and the minimum guarantee is expensed over the contract term.

Direct Lease Acquisition Costs—Variable commissions directly associated with billboard revenues are amortized on a straight-line basis over the related customer lease term, which generally ranges from four weeks to one year. Amortization of direct lease acquisition costs is presented within Amortization expense in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Operations.

Foreign Currency Translation and Transactions—The assets and liabilities of foreign subsidiaries are translated at exchange rates in effect at the balance sheet date, while results of operations are translated at average exchange rates for the respective periods. Any gain or loss on translation is included within other comprehensive income (loss) and Accumulated other comprehensive loss on our Consolidated Statement of Financial Position. Foreign currency transaction gains and losses are included in Other income (expense), net, in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.

Income Taxes—As of July 17, 2014, we began operating as a REIT. Accordingly, we generally will not be subject to U.S. federal income tax on our REIT taxable income that we distribute to our stockholders. We have elected to treat our subsidiaries that participate in certain non-REIT qualifying activities, and our foreign subsidiaries, as taxable REIT subsidiaries (“TRSs”). As such, the taxable income of our TRSs will be subject to federal, state and foreign income taxation at regular corporate rates.

Prior to July 17, 2014, we were a member of CBS Corporation’s (“CBS”) consolidated tax group, and the provision for income taxes, deferred tax assets and liabilities, and income tax payments were calculated on a separate tax return basis, with us as the taxpayer, even though our U.S. operating results were included in the consolidated federal, and certain state and local income tax returns of CBS. We believe that the assumptions and estimates used to determine these tax amounts were reasonable.

Income taxes are accounted for under the asset and liability method of accounting. Deferred income tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the estimated future tax effects of temporary differences between the financial statement carrying amounts and their respective tax basis. Deferred tax assets are reduced by a valuation allowance if it is more likely than not that some or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized.

We have applied the FASB’s guidance relating to uncertainty in income taxes recognized. Under this guidance we may recognize the tax benefit from an uncertain tax position only if it is more likely than not that the tax position will be sustained on examination by taxing authorities, based on the technical merits of the position. The tax benefits recognized from such a position are measured based on the largest benefit that has a greater than fifty percent likelihood of being realized upon ultimate settlement. The guidance on accounting for uncertainty in income taxes also provides guidance on de-recognition, classification, interest and penalties on income taxes, and accounting in interim periods.

Asset Retirement Obligation—An asset retirement obligation is established for the estimated future obligation, upon termination or non-renewal of a lease, associated with removing structures from the leased property and, when required by the contract, the cost to return the leased property to its original condition. These obligations are recorded at their present value in the period in which the liability is incurred and are capitalized as part of the related assets’ carrying value. Accretion of the liability is recognized in selling, general and administrative expenses and the capitalized cost is depreciated over the expected useful life of the related asset.

Stock-based Compensation—We measure the cost of employee services received in exchange for an award of equity instruments based on the grant-date fair value of the award. The cost is recognized over the vesting period during which an employee is required to provide service in exchange for the award.


71


OUTFRONT Media Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)


Adoption of New Accounting Standards

Simplifying the Presentation of Debt Issuance Costs

During the first quarter of 2016, we adopted the FASB’s principles-based guidance addressing the recognition of debt issuance costs related to a recognized debt liability. We elected to adopt the guidance on a retrospective basis. As a result, $24.7 million of debt issuance costs was recorded as a direct deduction from the carrying amount of our debt liability on the Consolidated Statement of Financial Position as of December 31, 2016, and $4.4 million from Other current assets and $25.3 million from Other assets was reclassified to Long-term debt, net, on the Consolidated Statement of Financial Position as of December 31, 2015. Regarding line-of-credit arrangements, we continue to defer and present debt issuance costs as an asset and subsequently amortize the deferred debt issuance costs ratably over the term of the line-of-credit arrangement, regardless of whether there are any outstanding borrowings on the line-of-credit arrangement. This guidance did not have a material effect on our financial statements.

Balance Sheet Classification of Deferred Taxes

During the first quarter of 2016, we adopted the FASB’s guidance to simplify the presentation of deferred income taxes. We elected to adopt the guidance on a prospective basis. This guidance requires that deferred tax liabilities and assets be classified as noncurrent in a classified statement of financial position. This guidance did not have a material effect on our financial statements.

Recent Pronouncements

Goodwill

In January 2017, the FASB issued guidance simplifying the test for goodwill impairment by eliminating Step 2 from the goodwill impairment test. Step 2 measures a goodwill impairment loss by comparing the implied fair value of a reporting unit’s goodwill with the carrying amount of that goodwill. An entity should recognize an impairment charge for the amount by which the carrying amount exceeds the reporting unit’s fair value, however, the loss recognized should not exceed the total amount of goodwill allocated to that reporting unit. The guidance is to be applied on a prospective basis and is effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2019. Early adoption is permitted for interim and annual impairment tests performed on testing dates after January 1, 2017. We do not expect this guidance to have a material effect on our consolidated financial statements.

Business Combinations

In January 2017, the FASB issued guidance clarifying the definition of a business for acquisitions and dispositions. The guidance is to be applied on a prospective basis and is effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2017. Early adoption is permitted for acquisitions and dispositions, and for transactions in which a subsidiary is deconsolidated or a group of assets is derecognized, that have not been reported in financial statements that have been issued or made available for issuance.

Statement of Cash Flows

In August 2016, the FASB issued guidance which clarifies presentation of certain cash receipts and cash payments in the Statement of Cash Flows. The guidance is to be applied on a retrospective basis and is effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2017. Early adoption is permitted and must be reflected as of the beginning of the fiscal year that includes the interim period. We are currently evaluating the impact of this guidance on our consolidated financial statements.

Stock Compensation

In March 2016, the FASB issued guidance which simplifies the accounting for employee share-based payment transactions, including the accounting for income taxes, forfeitures and statutory tax withholding requirements, as well as the classification in the statement of cash flows. This guidance is effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2016. We do not expect this guidance to have a material effect on our consolidated financial statements.


72


OUTFRONT Media Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)


Leases

In February 2016, the FASB issued guidance addressing the recognition, measurement, presentation and disclosure of leases for both lessees and lessors. The new standard requires lessees to apply a dual approach, classifying leases as either finance or operating based on the principle of whether or not the lease is effectively a financed purchase by the lessee. This classification will determine whether lease expense is recognized based on an effective interest method or on a straight line basis over the term of the lease, respectively. A lessee is also required to record a right-of-use asset and a lease liability for all leases with a term of greater than 12 months regardless of their classification. Leases with a term of 12 months or less will be accounted for similar to existing guidance for operating leases today. Lessors will account for leases using an approach that is substantially equivalent to existing guidance for sales-type leases, direct financing leases and operating leases. This guidance is to be applied on a modified retrospective basis and is effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2018. Early adoption is permitted for financial statements that have not been previously issued. As of December 31, 2016, we had approximately 22,600 lease agreements in the U.S., the majority of which will be classified as operating leases under the new guidance. We are currently evaluating our lease contracts and exploring software solutions. This standard will require us to recognize a right-of-use asset and lease liability for the present value of minimum lease payments for operating leases with a term greater than 12 months and will have a significant impact on our consolidated financial statements. Our billboard lease revenues will continue to be recognized on a straight-line basis over their respective lease terms.

Revenue from Contracts with Customers

In May 2014 (updated in August 2015, March 2016, April 2016 and May 2016), the FASB issued principles-based guidance addressing revenue recognition issues. The guidance will be applied to all contracts with customers regardless of industry-specific or transaction-specific fact patterns. The guidance requires that the amount of revenue a company should recognize reflect the consideration it expects to be entitled to in exchange for goods and services. This guidance is to be applied retrospectively and is effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2017. Our billboard lease revenues will be recognized under the lease standard discussed above. The revenue recognition guidance will be primarily applicable to our multi-year transit advertising contracts with municipalities in the U.S. and Canada, and marketing and multimedia rights agreements with colleges, universities and other educational institutions. We are currently evaluating the impact of this guidance on our consolidated financial statements.

Note 4. Property and Equipment

The table below presents the balances of major classes of assets and accumulated depreciation.
 
 
As of December 31,
(in millions)
 
2016
 
2015(a)
Land
 
$
90.7

 
$
89.9

Buildings and improvements
 
48.2

 
44.1

Advertising structures
 
1,696.6

 
1,643.6

Furniture, equipment and other
 
88.5

 
79.1

Construction in progress
 
37.2

 
29.1

 
 
1,961.2

 
1,885.8

Less accumulated depreciation
 
1,296.2

 
1,184.1

Property and equipment, net
 
$
665.0

 
$
701.7


(a)
In 2015, in connection with the Disposition, as defined in Note 12. Acquisitions and Dispositions: Dispositions, Property, plant and equipment was reclassified as Assets held for sale on the Consolidated Statement of Financial Position. (See Note 12. Acquisitions and Dispositions: Dispositions.)

Included in Construction in Progress as of December 31, 2016, is $21.8 million related to the development of software to be utilized within our digital displays. This balance principally consists of stock issued under a license and development agreement. See Note 10. Equity.

Depreciation expense was $108.9 million in 2016, $113.7 million in 2015 and $107.2 million in 2014.


73


OUTFRONT Media Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)


Note 5. Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets

Effective April 1, 2016, we changed the segments that we use to review operating results and make decisions regarding segment performance and resource allocation (see Note 18. Segment Information to the Consolidated Financial Statements). Historical financial information by reportable segment has been recast to reflect the changes in segment reporting with no impact to previously reported consolidated financial statements.

For the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015, the changes in the book value of goodwill by segment were as follows:
(in millions)
 
U.S. Media
 
Other
 
Total
As of December 31, 2014
 
$
2,044.7

 
$
109.5

 
$
2,154.2

Currency translation adjustments
 

 
(14.6
)
 
(14.6
)
Additions
 
1.4

 

 
1.4

Dispositions(a)
 
(6.0
)
 
(60.3
)
 
(66.3
)
As of December 31, 2015
 
2,040.1

 
34.6

 
$
2,074.7

Currency translation adjustments
 

 
1.1

 
1.1

Additions
 
13.9

 

 
13.9

Dispositions
 

 
(0.3
)
 
(0.3
)
As of December 31, 2016
 
$
2,054.0

 
$
35.4

 
$
2,089.4


(a)
In 2015, in the U.S. Media segment, we disposed of substantially all of our assets in Puerto Rico and in connection with the Disposition, Goodwill in Other was reclassified as Assets held for sale on the Consolidated Statement of Financial Position. (See Note 12. Acquisitions and Dispositions: Dispositions.)

Our identifiable intangible assets primarily consist of acquired permits and leasehold agreements and franchise agreements which grant us the right to operate out-of-home structures in specified locations and the right to provide advertising space on railroad and municipal transit properties. Identifiable intangible assets are amortized on a straight-line basis over their estimated useful life, which is the respective life of the agreement that in some cases includes historical experience of renewals.

Our identifiable intangible assets consist of the following:
(in millions)
 
Gross
 
Accumulated
Amortization
 
Net
As of December 31, 2016:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Permits and leasehold agreements
 
$
1,038.0

 
$
(636.1
)
 
$
401.9

Franchise agreements
 
451.6

 
(336.6
)
 
115.0

Other intangible assets
 
45.4

 
(17.0
)
 
28.4

Total intangible assets
 
$
1,535.0

 
$
(989.7
)
 
$
545.3

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
As of December 31, 2015:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Permits and leasehold agreements
 
$
996.1

 
$
(589.1
)
 
$
407.0

Franchise agreements
 
447.2

 
(314.5
)
 
132.7

Other intangible assets
 
40.0

 
(9.2
)
 
30.8

Total intangible assets(a)
 
$
1,483.3

 
$
(912.8
)
 
$
570.5


(a)
In 2015, in connection with the Disposition, Intangible assets, net, was reclassified as Assets held for sale on the Consolidated Statement of Financial Position. (See Note 12. Acquisitions and Dispositions: Dispositions.)

All of our intangible assets, except goodwill, are subject to amortization. Amortization expense was $115.3 million in 2016, $115.4 million in 2015 and $95.0 million in 2014, which includes the amortization of direct lease acquisition costs of $38.2 million in 2016, $36.3 million in 2015 and $33.8 million in 2014. Direct lease acquisition costs are amortized on a straight-line basis over the related customer lease term, which generally ranges from four weeks to one year.


74


OUTFRONT Media Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)


We expect our aggregate annual amortization expense for intangible assets, before considering the impact of future direct lease acquisition costs, for each of the years 2017 through 2021, to be as follows:
(in millions)
 
2017
 
2018
 
2019
 
2020
 
2021
Amortization expense
 
$
55.7

 
$
47.2

 
$
45.3

 
$
41.0

 
$
39.4


Note 6. Asset Retirement Obligation

The following table sets forth the change in the asset retirement obligations associated with our advertising structures located on leased properties. The obligation is calculated based on the assumption that all of our advertising structures will be removed within the next 50 years. The estimated annual costs to dismantle and remove the structures upon the termination or non-renewal of our leases are consistent with our historical experience.
 
 
Year Ended December 31,
(in millions)
 
2016
 
2015
Balance, at beginning of period
 
$
33.2

 
$
36.6

Accretion expense
 
2.4

 
2.5

Additions
 
0.2

 
0.1

Liabilities settled(a)
 
(1.8
)
 
(4.3
)
Foreign currency translation adjustments
 
0.1

 
(1.7
)
Balance, at end of period
 
$
34.1

 
$
33.2


(a)
In 2015, includes liabilities reclassified to Liabilities held for sale on the Consolidated Statement of Financial Position in connection with the Disposition. (See Note 12. Acquisitions and Dispositions: Dispositions.)

Note 7. Related Party Transactions

Joint Ventures

We have a 50% ownership interest in two joint ventures that operate transit shelters in the greater Los Angeles area and Vancouver, and three joint ventures which operate a total of 15 billboards in New York and Boston. All of these ventures are accounted for as equity investments. These investments totaled $21.7 million as of December 31, 2016, and $21.3 million as of December 31, 2015, and are included in Other assets on the Consolidated Statements of Financial Position. We provided sales and management services to these joint ventures and recorded management fees in Revenues on the Consolidated Statement of Operations of $7.3 million in 2016, $7.2 million in 2015 and $6.5 million in 2014.

CBS Corporation

On July 16, 2014, CBS disposed of all of its shares of our common stock and as of July 16, 2014, we were separated from CBS (the “Separation”) and CBS and their affiliates ceased to be related parties. Our Statement of Operations for the year ended December 31, 2014, include charges from CBS for services, such as tax, internal audit, cash management, insurance, technology systems and other services. Charges for these services and benefits have been included in Selling, general and administrative expenses in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Operations and totaled $9.6 million in 2014. Also included in these charges are professional fees associated with our planned election to be taxed as a REIT. As of December 31, 2014, all services previously provided by CBS have been transitioned to us.

For advertising spending placed by CBS and its subsidiaries, we recognized total revenues of $18.6 million, of which $7.7 million was before the Separation, for 2014.

Viacom Inc. is controlled by National Amusements, Inc., the controlling stockholder of CBS. On July 16, 2014, as a result of the Separation, Viacom Inc. ceased to be a related party. Revenues recognized for advertising spending placed by various subsidiaries of Viacom Inc. were $10.4 million, of which $4.3 million was before the Separation, in 2014.


75


OUTFRONT Media Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)


Note 8. Debt

Long-term debt, net, consists of the following:
 
 
As of
(in millions, except percentages)
 
December 31, 2016
 
December 31,
2015
Term loan, due 2021
 
$
659.0

 
$
748.6

Senior unsecured notes:
 
 
 
 
5.250% senior unsecured notes, due 2022
 
549.5

 
549.4

5.625% senior unsecured notes, due 2024
 
503.0

 
503.4

5.875% senior unsecured notes, due 2025
 
450.0

 
450.0

Total senior unsecured notes
 
1,502.5

 
1,502.8

Other
 

 
0.3

Debt issuance costs(a)
 
(24.7
)
 
(29.7
)
Total long-term debt, net
 
$
2,136.8

 
$
2,222.0

 
 
 
 
 
Weighted average cost of debt
 
4.8
%
 
4.7
%

(a)
See Note 3. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies: Adoption of New Accounting Standards.

Term Loan

The interest rate on the term loan due in 2021 (the “Term Loan”) was 3.0% per annum as of December 31, 2016. As of December 31, 2016, a discount of $1.0 million on the Term Loan remains unamortized. The discount is being amortized through Interest expense, net, on the Consolidated Statement of Operations.

Senior Unsecured Notes

As of December 31, 2016, a discount of $0.5 million on $150.0 million aggregate principal amount of the 5.250% Senior Unsecured Notes due 2022, remains unamortized. The discount is being amortized through Interest expense, net, on the Consolidated Statement of Operations.

As of December 31, 2016, a premium of $3.0 million on $100.0 million aggregate principal amount of the 5.625% Senior Unsecured Notes, due 2024, remains unamortized. The premium is being amortized through Interest expense, net, on the Consolidated Statement of Operations.

Revolving Credit Facility

We have a $425.0 million Revolving Credit Facility, which matures in 2019 (the “Revolving Credit Facility”).

As of December 31, 2016, there were no outstanding borrowings under the Revolving Credit Facility.

The commitment fee based on the amount of unused commitments under the Revolving Credit Facility was $1.8 million in 2016 and $1.9 million in each of 2015 and 2014. As of December 31, 2016, we had issued letters of credit totaling approximately $31.7 million against the Revolving Credit Facility.


76


OUTFRONT Media Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)


Debt Covenants

The credit agreement dated January 31, 2014 (the “Credit Agreement”), governing the Term Loan and the Revolving Credit Facility, and the indentures governing our senior unsecured notes contain customary affirmative and negative covenants, subject to certain exceptions, including but not limited to those that limit the Company’s and our subsidiaries’ abilities to (i) pay dividends on, repurchase or make distributions in respect to the Company’s or its wholly-owned subsidiary, Outfront Media Capital LLC’s (“Finance LLC’s”) capital stock or make other restricted payments other than dividends or distributions necessary for us to maintain our REIT status, subject to certain conditions, and (ii) enter into agreements restricting certain subsidiaries’ ability to pay dividends or make other intercompany transfers.

The terms of the Credit Agreement require that, as long as any commitments remain outstanding under the Revolving Credit Facility, we maintain a Consolidated Net Secured Leverage Ratio, which is the ratio of (i) our consolidated secured debt (less up to $150.0 million of unrestricted cash) to (ii) our Consolidated EBITDA (as defined in the Credit Agreement) for the trailing four consecutive quarters, of no greater than 4.0 to 1.0. As of December 31, 2016, our Consolidated Net Secured Leverage Ratio was 1.3 to 1.0, as adjusted for the non-cash loss on real estate assets held for sale related to the Disposition and to give pro forma effect to acquisitions and dispositions, in accordance with the Credit Agreement. The Credit Agreement also requires that, in connection with the incurrence of certain indebtedness, we maintain a Consolidated Total Leverage Ratio, which is the ratio of our consolidated total debt to our Consolidated EBITDA for the trailing four consecutive quarters, of no greater than 6.0 to 1.0. As of December 31, 2016, our Consolidated Total Leverage Ratio was 4.7 to 1.0, as adjusted for the non-cash loss on real estate assets held for sale related to the Disposition and to give pro forma effect to acquisitions and dispositions, in accordance with the Credit Agreement. As of December 31, 2016, we are in compliance with our debt covenants. 

Letter of Credit Facility

Effective January 31, 2017, we completed the bifurcation process of our letter of credit facility between two institutions for administrative purposes. As of February 23, 2017, our letter of credit facilities totaled $80.0 million.

As of December 31, 2016, we issued letters of credit totaling approximately $68.0 million under our aggregate letter of credit facilities. The fees under the letter of credit facility in 2016, 2015 and 2014 were immaterial.

Deferred Financing Costs

As of December 31, 2016, we had deferred $26.9 million in fees and expenses associated with the Term Loan, Revolving Credit Facility, letter of credit facility and our senior unsecured notes. We are amortizing the deferred fees through Interest expense, net, on the Consolidated Statement of Operations over the respective terms of the Term Loan, Revolving Credit Facility, letter of credit facility and our senior unsecured notes.

Fair Value

Under the fair value hierarchy, observable inputs such as unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities are defined as Level 1; observable inputs other than quoted prices included within Level 1 that are either directly or indirectly observable for the asset or liability are defined as Level 2; and unobservable inputs for the asset or liability are defined as Level 3. The aggregate fair value of our debt, which is estimated based on quoted market prices of similar liabilities, was approximately $2.2 billion as of December 31, 2016, and $2.3 billion as of December 31, 2015. The fair value of our debt as of both December 31, 2016 and 2015 is classified as Level 2.


77


OUTFRONT Media Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)


Note 9. Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss

The following table presents the changes in the components of accumulated other comprehensive loss.
(in millions)
 
Cumulative
Translation
Adjustments
 
Net
Actuarial
Gain
(Loss)
 
Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive Loss
As of December 31, 2013
 
$
(69.2
)
 
$
(5.9
)
 
$
(75.1
)
Other comprehensive loss before reclassifications
 
(10.7
)
 
(3.3
)
 
(14.0
)
Amortization of actuarial losses reclassified to net income(a)
 

 
0.2

 
0.2

Deferred tax rate adjustment
 

 
(1.2
)
 
(1.2
)
Total other comprehensive loss, net of tax
 
(10.7
)
 
(4.3
)
 
(15.0
)
As of December 31, 2014
 
(79.9
)
 
(10.2
)
 
(90.1
)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications
 
(32.3
)
 
1.0

 
(31.3
)
Amortization of actuarial losses reclassified to net loss(a)
 

 
0.5

 
0.5

Total other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax
 
(32.3
)
 
1.5

 
(30.8
)
As of December 31, 2015
 
(112.2
)
 
(8.7
)
 
(120.9
)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications(b)
 
102.3

 
(0.3
)
 
102.0

Amortization of actuarial losses reclassified to net loss(a)
 

 
0.4

 
0.4

Total other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax
 
102.3

 
0.1

 
102.4

As of December 31, 2016
 
$
(9.9
)
 
$
(8.6
)
 
$
(18.5
)

(a)
See Note 14. Retirement Benefits for additional details of items reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss to net income (loss).
(b)
On April 1, 2016, in connection with the Disposition, we recognized $99.9 million in unrealized foreign currency translation losses.

Net actuarial gain (loss) included in other comprehensive income (loss) is net of a tax expense of $1.0 million in 2015 and a tax benefit of $1.3 million in 2014. The tax impact for net actuarial gain included in other comprehensive income (loss) in 2016 was not material.

Note 10. Equity

As of December 31, 2016, 450,000,000 shares of our common stock, par value $0.01 per share, were authorized; 138,044,896 shares were issued and outstanding; and 50,000,000 shares of our preferred stock, par value $0.01 per share, were authorized with no shares issued and outstanding.

In 2016, we issued 79,690 shares, valued at approximately $1.9 million, in 2015, we issued 442,922 shares, valued at approximately $12.2 million, and in 2014, we issued 74,129 shares, valued at approximately $2.0 million, of our common stock to J&M Holding Enterprises, Inc. (“J&M”), an affiliate of Videri Inc. (“Videri”), or Videri, as applicable, in connection with licenses and services received under a development and license agreement (the “Videri Agreement”) with J&M and Videri. We have capitalized the payments, which are related to the development of software and equipment to be utilized within digital displays, as construction in progress within Property and equipment, net, on the Consolidated Statement of Financial Position.

On February 22, 2017, we announced that our board of directors approved a quarterly cash dividend of $0.36 per share on our common stock, payable on March 31, 2017, to stockholders of record at the close of business on March 10, 2017.

Note 11. Restructuring Charges

In 2014, we recorded restructuring charges of $9.8 million, including stock-based compensation of $5.6 million associated with the reorganization of management. In 2015, we recorded restructuring charges of $2.6 million in our U.S. Media segment associated with the elimination of management positions and the elimination of positions in connection with the sale of assets and the consolidation of leased locations. In 2016, we recorded restructuring charges of $2.5 million in our U.S. Media segment for severance charges associated with the reorganization of our sales management and administrative functions. As of December 31, 2016, $2.4 million in restructuring reserves remained outstanding and is included in Other current liabilities on the Consolidated Statement of Financial Position.

78


OUTFRONT Media Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)



Note 12. Acquisitions and Dispositions

Acquisitions

We completed several acquisitions for a total purchase price of approximately $67.9 million in 2016, $12.1 million in 2015 and $735.7 million in 2014.

On October 1, 2014, we completed the acquisition of certain outdoor advertising businesses (the “Acquired Business”) of Van Wagner Communications, LLC, for a total purchase price of approximately $690.0 million in cash, plus working capital adjustments (the “Acquisition”). The results of operations related to the Acquired Business is included in our U.S. Media segment for the years ending December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014.

Unaudited Pro Forma Condensed Combined Statements of Operations Information

The following unaudited pro forma financial information presents our results of operations combined with the Acquired Business as if the Acquisition had occurred as of January 1, 2014. The pro forma information is not necessarily indicative of what the financial position or results of operations actually would have been had the Acquisition been completed as of January 1, 2014. In addition, the unaudited pro forma financial information is not indicative of, nor does it purport to project, our future financial position or operating results. The unaudited pro forma financial information excludes acquisition and integration costs and does not give effect to any estimated and potential cost savings or other operating efficiencies that could result from the Acquisition.
 
 
 
 
Year Ended December 31,
(in millions, except per share amounts)
 
 
 
2014
Revenues
 
 
 
$
1,505.9

Operating income
 
 
 
193.6

Net income
 
 
 
293.6

Net income per common share attributable to shareholders of OUTFRONT Media Inc.:
 
 
 
 
Basic
 
 
 
$
2.57

Diluted
 
 
 
$
2.56

Transaction Costs

In 2014, we recorded $7.6 million of commitment and other fees in Interest expense, net, in the Consolidated Statement of Operations associated with a lender commitment to provide a senior unsecured bridge term loan facility for the purpose of financing the Acquisition in the event we did not complete an offering of senior notes. In addition we also recorded $10.4 million of other acquisition costs.


79


OUTFRONT Media Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)


Dispositions

On April 1, 2016, we completed the Disposition and received $82.0 million in cash plus working capital, which was subject to post-closing adjustments. We recorded a loss on real estate assets held for sale of approximately $1.3 million in 2016 and $103.6 million in 2015 on the Consolidated Statement of Operations. In connection with the Disposition, the assets and liabilities of our outdoor advertising business in Latin America had been classified as Assets held for sale and Liabilities held for sale on the Consolidated Statement of Financial Position as of December 31, 2015. The components of Assets held for sale and Liabilities held for sale, which were written off upon completion of the Disposition, were as follows:
 
 
As of
(in millions)
 
April 1,
 2016
 
December 31, 2015
Current assets:
 
 
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents
 
$
4.5

 
$
5.7

Receivables, less allowances
 
14.0

 
14.5

Other current assets
 
10.1

 
7.8

Total current assets
 
28.6

 
28.0

Property and equipment, net
 
18.0

 
18.3

Goodwill
 
60.6

 
60.3

Intangible assets
 
0.1

 
0.1

Other assets
 
2.2

 
2.1

Total assets
 
109.5

 
108.8

Loss on real estate assets held for sale(a)
 
(104.7
)
 
(103.6
)
Assets held for sale
 
$
4.8

 
$
5.2

 
 
 
 
 
Total current liabilities
 
$
16.9

 
$
20.9

Deferred income tax liabilities, net
 
1.9

 
1.4

Asset retirement obligation
 
2.7

 
2.7

Liabilities held for sale
 
$
21.5

 
$
25.0


(a)
Loss on real estate assets held for sale is primarily comprised of the impact of including unrecognized foreign currency translation adjustment losses in the carrying value of assets held for sale.

In the second quarter of 2015, we disposed of substantially all of our assets in Puerto Rico and recorded a loss of $0.9 million in Net (gain) loss on dispositions on the Consolidated Statement of Operations.

Note 13. Stock-Based Compensation

Under the OUTFRONT Media Inc. Amended and Restated Omnibus Stock Incentive Plan (the “Stock Plan”), we have 8,000,000 shares of our common stock reserved for the issuance of stock-based awards. Under the Stock Plan, the board of directors is authorized to grant awards of options to purchase shares of our common stock, stock appreciation rights, restricted and unrestricted stock, restricted share units (“RSUs”), dividend equivalents, performance awards, including performance-based restricted share units (“PRSUs”), and other equity-related awards and cash payments to all of our employees and non-employee directors and employees of our subsidiaries. In addition, consultants and advisors who perform services for us and our subsidiaries may, under certain conditions, receive grants under the Stock Plan.

RSUs and PRSUs accrue dividend equivalents in amounts equal to the regular cash dividends paid on our common stock and will be paid in either cash or stock. Accrued dividend equivalents payable in stock shall convert to shares of our common stock on the date of vesting.

Compensation expense for RSUs is determined based upon the market price of the shares underlying the awards on the date of grant and expensed over the vesting period, which is generally a three- to four-year service period. For PRSU awards, the number of shares an employee earns may range from 0% to 120% based on the outcome of a one year performance condition.

80


OUTFRONT Media Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)


Compensation expense is recorded based on the probable outcome of the performance condition. On an annual basis, our board of directors will review actual performance and certify the degree to which performance goals applicable to the award have been met. Forfeitures of RSUs are estimated on the date of grant based on historical forfeiture rates. On an annual basis, adjustments are made to compensation expense based on actual forfeitures and the forfeiture rates are revised as necessary.

The following table summarizes our stock-based compensation expense for 2016, 2015 and 2014.
 
 
Year Ended December 31,
(in millions)
 
2016
 
2015
 
2014
RSUs and PRSUs
 
$
17.8

 
$
14.9

 
$
13.1

Stock options
 
0.2

 
0.3

 
2.9

Stock-based compensation expense, before income taxes
 
18.0

 
15.2

 
16.0

Tax benefit
 
(1.9
)
 
(1.3
)
 
(3.0
)
Stock-based compensation expense, net of tax
 
$
16.1

 
$
13.9

 
$
13.0


As of December 31, 2016, total unrecognized compensation cost related to non-vested RSUs and PRSUs was $19.2 million, which is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 1.7 years, and total unrecognized compensation cost related to non-vested stock options was $0.1 million, which is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 0.7 years.

RSUs and PRSUs

The following table summarizes the activity in 2016 of the RSUs and PRSUs issued to our employees.
 
 
Activity
 
Weighted Average Per Share Grant Date Fair Market Value
Non-vested as of December 31, 2015
 
1,302,932

 
$
26.48

Granted:
 
 
 
 
RSUs
 
640,592

 
19.20

PRSUs
 
319,926

 
19.01

Vested:
 
 
 
 
RSUs
 
(455,749
)
 
23.80

PRSUs
 
(121,379
)
 
29.30

Forfeitures:
 
 
 
 
RSUs
 
(28,856
)
 
24.43

PRSUs
 
(20,325
)
 
29.83

Non-vested as of December 31, 2016
 
1,637,141

 
22.71


The total fair value of RSUs and PRSUs that vested was $11.6 million during 2016, $17.3 million during 2015 and $1.6 million during 2014.

Stock Options

Stock options vest over a four-year service period and expire eight or ten years from the date of grant. On an annual basis, adjustments are made to compensation expense based on actual forfeitures and the forfeiture rates are revised as necessary.


81


OUTFRONT Media Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)


The following table summarizes the activity of stock options issued to our employees.
 
 
Activity
 
Weighted Average Exercise Price
Outstanding as of December 31, 2015
 
294,897

 
$
15.72

Outstanding as of December 31, 2016
 
294,897

 
15.72

 
 
 
 
 
Exercisable as of December 31, 2016
 
258,611

 
14.47


The following table summarizes other information relating to stock option exercises.
 
 
Year Ended December 31,
(in millions)
 
2016
 
2015
Cash paid by our employees for stock option exercises
 
$

 
$
2.1

Tax benefit of stock option exercises
 

 
0.1

Intrinsic value of stock option exercises
 

 
1.8


In 2014, stock options granted by CBS and held by our active employees were converted into options under the Stock Plan. Cash paid to CBS by our employees for stock option exercises was $5.0 million in 2014. There was no tax benefit related to CBS stock option exercises in 2014. The intrinsic value of CBS stock option exercises was $5.3 million in 2014.

The following table summarizes information concerning outstanding and exercisable stock options to purchase our common stock under the Stock Plan as of December 31, 2016.
 
 
Outstanding
 
Exercisable
Range of
Exercise Price
 
Number
of
Options
 
Remaining
Contractual
Life (Years)
 
Weighted
Average
Exercise
Price
 
Number of
Options
 
Weighted
Average
Exercise
Price
$0 to 4.99
 
64,556

 
0.15
 
$
2.43

 
64,556

 
$
2.43

$5 to 9.99
 
23,446

 
1.16
 
6.25

 
23,446

 
6.25

$10 to 14.99
 
61,758

 
2.71
 
12.39

 
61,758

 
12.39

$20 to 24.99
 
41,724

 
4.12
 
20.07

 
31,292

 
20.07

$25 to 29.99
 
103,413

 
4.72
 
26.39

 
77,559

 
26.39

 
 
294,897

 
 
 
 
 
258,611

 
 

Stock options outstanding as of December 31, 2016, have a weighted average remaining contractual life of 2.93 years and the total intrinsic value for “in-the-money” options, based on the closing stock price of our common stock of $24.87, was $2.9 million. Stock options exercisable as of December 31, 2016, have a weighted average remaining contractual life of 2.70 years and the total intrinsic value for “in-the-money” exercisable options was $2.8 million.

Note 14. Retirement Benefits

We sponsor two defined benefit pension plans covering specific groups of employees in Canada and the U.S.

The benefits for the pension plan in Canada are based primarily on an employee’s years of service and an average of the employee’s highest five years of earnings. Participating employees in the pension plan in Canada are vested after two years of service or immediately, depending on the province of their employment. We fund the pension plan in Canada in accordance with the rules and regulations of the Pension Benefits Act of the Province of Ontario, Canada. Canada pension plan assets consist principally of equity securities, corporate and government related securities, and insurance contracts.

The pension plan in the U.S. covers a small number of hourly employees. The investments of the pension plan in the U.S. consist entirely of the plan’s interest in a trust, which invests the assets of this plan. The pension plan in the U.S. is funded in accordance with requirements of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended.

82


OUTFRONT Media Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)



We use a December 31 measurement date for all pension plans.

The following table sets forth the change in benefit obligation for our pension plans.
 
 
As of December 31,
(in millions)
 
2016
 
2015
 
2014
Benefit obligation, beginning of year
 
$
44.9

 
$
50.9

 
$
46.0

Service cost
 
1.6

 
1.4

 
1.4

Interest cost
 
1.9

 
1.9

 
2.2

Actuarial (gain) loss
 
0.2

 
(0.2
)
 
7.2

Benefits paid
 
(1.5
)
 
(1.1
)
 
(1.8
)
Cumulative translation adjustments
 
1.2

 
(8.0
)
 
(4.1
)
Benefit obligation, end of year
 
$
48.3

 
$
44.9

 
$
50.9


The following table sets forth the change in plan assets for our pension plans.
 
 
As of December 31,
(in millions)
 
2016
 
2015
Fair value of plan assets, beginning of year
 
$
39.7

 
$
44.1

Actual return on plan assets
 
2.4

 
1.8

Employer contributions
 
2.0

 
2.0

Benefits paid
 
(1.5
)
 
(1.1
)
Cumulative translation adjustments
 
1.0

 
(7.1
)
Fair value of plan assets, end of year
 
$
43.6

 
$
39.7


The unfunded status of pension benefit obligations and the related amounts recognized on the Consolidated Statement of Financial Position were as follows:
 
 
As of December 31,
(in millions)
 
2016
 
2015
Unfunded status, end of year
 
$
(4.7
)
 
$
(5.2
)
Amounts recognized on the Consolidated Statement of Financial Position:
 
 
 
 
Other noncurrent liabilities
 
(4.7
)
 
(5.2
)
Net amounts recognized
 
(4.7
)
 
(5.2
)

The following amounts were recognized in accumulated other comprehensive loss on the Consolidated Statement of Financial Position.
 
 
As of December 31,
(in millions)
 
2016
 
2015
Net actuarial loss
 
$
(11.6
)
 
$
(11.7
)
Deferred income taxes
 
3.0

 
3.0

Net amount recognized in accumulated other comprehensive loss
 
$
(8.6
)
 
$
(8.7
)

The accumulated benefit obligation for the defined benefit pension plans was $43.8 million as of December 31, 2016, and $40.8 million as of December 31, 2015.


83


OUTFRONT Media Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)


The information for the pension plans with an accumulated benefit obligation in excess of plan assets is set forth below.
 
 
As of December 31,
(in millions)
 
2016
 
2015
Projected benefit obligation
 
$
48.3

 
$
44.9

Accumulated benefit obligation
 
43.8

 
40.8

Fair value of plan assets
 
43.6

 
39.7


The following tables present the components of net periodic pension cost and amounts recognized in other comprehensive income (loss).
 
 
As of December 31,
(in millions)
 
2016
 
2015
 
2014
Service cost
 
$
1.6

 
$
1.4

 
$
1.4

Interest cost
 
1.9

 
1.9

 
2.2

Expected return on plan assets
 
(2.1
)
 
(2.2
)
 
(2.5
)
Amortization of actuarial losses(a)
 
0.6

 
0.8

 
0.3

Amortization of transitional obligation
 
(0.1
)
 
(0.1
)
 

Net periodic pension cost
 
$
1.9

 
$
1.8

 
$
1.4

(in millions)
 
Year Ended December 31, 2016
Amortization of actuarial losses(a)
 
$
0.6

Cumulative translation adjustments
 
(0.4
)
Amortization of transitional obligation
 
(0.1
)
 
 
0.1

Deferred income taxes
 

Recognized in other comprehensive loss, net of tax
 
0.1


(a)
Reflects amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) to net income (loss).

Estimated net actuarial losses related to the defined benefit pension plans of approximately $0.5 million, will be amortized from accumulated other comprehensive loss into net periodic pension costs in 2017.
 
 
As of and for the Year Ended December 31,
 
 
2016
 
2015
Weighted average assumptions used to determine benefit obligations:
 
 
 
 
Discount rate
 
4.0
%
 
4.0
%
Rate of compensation increase
 
3.0

 
3.0

Weighted average assumptions used to determine net periodic cost:
 
 
 
 
Discount rate
 
4.0

 
4.0

Expected long-term return on plan assets
 
5.1

 
5.3

Rate of compensation increase
 
3.0

 
3.0


For each pension plan, the discount rate is determined based on the yield on portfolios of high quality bonds, constructed to provide cash flows necessary to meet the expected future benefit payments, as determined for the projected benefit obligation. The expected return on plan assets assumption was derived using the current and expected asset allocation of the pension plan assets and considering historical as well as expected returns on various classes of plan assets.


84


OUTFRONT Media Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)


Plan Assets

Our plan assets are included in a trust in Canada and a trust in the U.S. The asset allocations of these trusts are based upon an analysis of the timing and amount of projected benefit payments, projected company contributions, the expected returns and risk of the asset classes and the correlation of those returns. As of December 31, 2016, we invested approximately 30% in fixed income instruments, 57% in equity instruments, and the remainder in cash, cash equivalents and insurance contracts.

The following tables set forth our pension plan assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of December 31, 2016 and 2015. These assets have been categorized according to the three-level fair value hierarchy established by the FASB which prioritizes the inputs used in measuring fair value. Level 1 is based on quoted prices for the asset in active markets. Level 2 is based on inputs that are observable other than quoted market prices in active markets, such as quoted prices for the asset in inactive markets or quoted prices for similar assets. Level 3 is based on unobservable inputs that market participants would use in pricing the asset.
 
 
As of December 31, 2016
(in millions)
 
Level 1
 
Level 2
 
Level 3
 
Total
Cash and cash equivalents(a)
 
$

 
$
0.9

 
$

 
$
0.9

Fixed income securities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Corporate and government related securities
 

 
12.3

 

 
12.3

Corporate bonds(b)
 
0.7

 

 

 
0.7

Equity securities(c):
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
U.S. equity
 
0.9

 

 

 
0.9

International equity
 
0.3

 
23.8

 

 
24.1

Insurance contracts
 

 

 
4.7

 
4.7

Total assets
 
$
1.9

 
$
37.0

 
$
4.7

 
$
43.6

 
 
As of December 31, 2015
(in millions)
 
Level 1
 
Level 2
 
Level 3
 
Total
Cash and cash equivalents(a)
 
$

 
$
0.7

 
$

 
$
0.7

Fixed income securities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Corporate and government related securities
 

 
11.2

 

 
11.2

Corporate bonds(b)
 
0.7

 

 

 
0.7

Equity securities(c):
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
U.S. equity
 
0.8

 

 

 
0.8

International equity
 
0.3

 
21.1

 

 
21.4

Insurance contracts
 

 

 
4.9

 
4.9

Total assets
 
$
1.8

 
$
33.0

 
$
4.9

 
$
39.7

(a)
Assets categorized as Level 2 reflect investments in money market funds.
(b)
Securities of diverse industries, substantially all investment grade.
(c)
Assets categorized as Level 2 reflect investments in common collective funds.


85


OUTFRONT Media Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)


Significant changes in Level 3 plan assets are as follows:
 
 
Year Ended December 31,
(in millions)
 
2016
 
2015
Insurance contracts:
 
 
 
 
Beginning of year
 
$
4.9

 
$

Purchases
 

 
5.2

Payments
 
(0.5
)
 
(0.1
)
Actuarial loss
 

 
(0.2
)
Interest income
 
0.2

 

Cumulative translation adjustments
 
0.1

 

End of year
 
$
4.7

 
$
4.9


Our insurance contracts classified as Level 3 are valued based on a discount rate determined by reference to the market interest rates prevailing on high quality debt instruments with cash flows that match the timing and amount of expected benefit payments under the pension plan in Canada, as well as a mortality assumption based upon the current mortality table, CPM2014 generational projected using mortality improvement scale CPM-B. As a result, the fair value of the insurance contract is equal to the defined benefit obligation in respect of the members covered under the insurance contract.

Money market investments are carried at amortized cost which approximates fair value due to the short-term maturity of these investments. Investments in equity securities are reported at fair value based on quoted market prices on national security exchanges. The fair value of investments in common collective funds are determined using the Net Asset Value (“NAV”) provided by the administrator of the fund. The NAV is determined by each fund’s trustee based upon the fair value of the underlying assets owned by the fund, less liabilities, divided by the number of outstanding units. The fair value of government related securities and corporate bonds is determined based on quoted market prices on national security exchanges, when available, or using valuation models which incorporate certain other observable inputs including recent trading activity for comparable securities and broker-quoted prices.

Future Benefit Payments
(in millions)
 
2017
 
2018
 
2019
 
2020
 
2021
 
2022-2026
Estimated future benefit payments for pension plans
 
1.2
 
1.3
 
1.4
 
1.6
 
2.0
 
13.5

We expect to contribute $2.0 million to our pension plans in 2017.

Multi-Employer Pension and Postretirement Benefit Plans

We contribute to multi-employer plans that provide pension and other postretirement benefits to certain employees under collective bargaining agreements. Contributions to these plans were $2.9 million in 2016, $2.7 million in 2015 and $2.0 million in 2014. Based on our contributions to each individual multi-employer plan relative to the total contributions of all participating employers in such plan, no multi-employer plan was deemed to be individually significant to us.

Defined Contribution Plans

Employer contributions for defined contribution plans sponsored by us were $4.4 million in 2016, $4.2 million in 2015 and $3.8 million in 2014.

Note 15. Income Taxes

On July 17, 2014, we began operating as a REIT for U.S. federal income tax purposes under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”), and accordingly, we have not provided for U.S. federal income tax on our REIT taxable income that we distributed to our stockholders. We have elected to treat our subsidiaries that participate in certain non-REIT qualifying activities, and our foreign subsidiaries, as TRSs. As such, we have provided for their federal, state and foreign income taxes.

86


OUTFRONT Media Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)



As a result of our REIT conversion in 2014, our effective tax rate subsequent to the Separation was substantially lower than previous periods. Prior to July 17, 2014, we were a member of CBS’s consolidated tax group, and the provision for income taxes, deferred tax assets and liabilities, and income tax payments were calculated on a separate tax return basis. These amounts may not necessarily reflect the income tax expense or tax payments that would have been reported if we had been operating as a stand-alone company, and would not reflect what our income tax expense or tax payments would have been as a REIT during the periods prior to the Separation. We believe that the assumptions and estimates used to determine these tax amounts were reasonable.  

In 2014, as a result of our REIT conversion, substantially all Deferred income tax liabilities, net, was reversed into Net income via a non-cash benefit of approximately $235.6 million.

Cash paid for income taxes was $1.2 million in 2016 and $5.8 million in 2015 and assumed to be $53.0 million in 2014.

The U.S. and foreign components of Income (loss) before benefit (provision) for income taxes and equity in earnings of investee companies were as follows:
 
 
Year Ended December 31,
(in millions)
 
2016
 
2015
 
2014
United States
 
$
100.9

 
$
83.3

 
$
102.8

Foreign
 
(9.9
)
 
(112.1
)
 
(4.8
)
Income (loss) before benefit (provision) for income taxes and equity in earnings of investee companies
 
$
91.0

 
$
(28.8
)
 
$
98.0


The following table reconciles Income (loss) before benefit (provision) for income taxes and equity in earnings of investee companies to REIT taxable income for the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015, and the period July 17, 2014, through December 31, 2014.
 
 
Year Ended December 31,
(in millions)
 
2016
 
2015
 
2014
Income (loss) before benefit (provision) for income taxes and equity in earnings of investee companies
 
$
91.0

 
$
(28.8
)
 
$
98.0

Income before provision for income taxes and equity in earnings of investee companies for the period January 1, 2014, through July 16, 2014
 
 
 
 
 
(57.9
)
Income before benefit (provision) for income taxes and equity in earnings for the period July 17, 2014, through December 31, 2014
 
 
 
 
 
40.1

Net (income) loss of TRSs
 
5.4

 
108.7

 
(1.6
)
Income from REIT operations
 
96.4

 
79.9

 
38.5

Book depreciation in excess of tax depreciation
 
50.8

 
51.7

 
15.0

Book amortization in excess of tax amortization
 
12.2

 
7.9

 
21.3

Tax dividend from foreign subsidiary
 
41.0

 
39.0

 

Book/tax differences - stock-based compensation
 
4.2

 
(3.4
)
 
8.1

Book/tax differences - deferred gain for tax
 
(3.5
)
 
(2.7
)
 

Book/tax differences - capitalized costs
 

 

 
7.4

Book/tax differences - investments in joint ventures
 
6.0

 
5.6

 
2.5

Book/tax differences - other
 
6.4

 
3.1

 
4.2

REIT taxable income (estimated)
 
$
213.5

 
$
181.1

 
$
97.0


87


OUTFRONT Media Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)



The components of the Benefit (provision) for income taxes are as follows:
 
 
Year Ended December 31,
(in millions)
 
2016
 
2015
 
2014
Current:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Federal
 
$
(4.0
)
 
$
(0.3
)
 
$
(29.9
)
State and local
 
(1.5
)
 
(0.9
)
 
(9.8
)
Foreign
 
(1.7
)
 
(5.9
)
 
(3.8
)
 
 
(7.2
)
 
(7.1
)
 
(43.5
)
Deferred tax benefit (liability):
 
 
 
 
 
 
Federal
 
(0.7
)
 
(0.5
)
 
198.0

State and local
 
(0.2
)
 

 
50.3

Foreign
 
2.7

 
2.2

 
1.2

 
 
1.8

 
1.7

 
249.5

Benefit (provision) for income taxes
 
$
(5.4
)
 
$
(5.4
)
 
$
206.0


Excluding the Loss on real estate assets held for sale of $103.6 million (see Note 12. Acquisitions and Dispositions: Dispositions) in 2015 and the non-cash benefit recorded as a result of our REIT conversion in 2014 of $235.6 million, the effective income tax rate was 5.9% in 2016, 7.2% in 2015 and 30.3% in 2014.

The difference between income taxes expected at the U.S. federal statutory income tax rate of 35% and the Benefit (provision) for income taxes is summarized as follows:
 
 
Year Ended December 31,
(in millions)
 
2016
 
2015
 
2014
Benefit (provision) for income taxes on income (loss) at U.S. statutory rate
 
$
(31.9
)
 
$
10.1

 
$
(34.3
)
Loss on real estate assets held for sale
 

 
(36.3
)
 

REIT dividends paid deduction
 
33.8

 
28.0

 
13.5

State and local taxes, net of federal tax benefit
 
(1.6
)
 
(1.8
)
 
(4.8
)
Effect of foreign operations
 
(2.4
)
 
(7.3
)
 
(2.9
)
Deferred tax adjustment due to REIT conversion
 

 

 
235.6

Resolution of prior year tax
 
(2.9
)
 
2.1

 

Other, net
 
(0.4
)
 
(0.2
)
 
(1.1
)
Benefit (provision) for income taxes
 
$
(5.4
)
 
$
(5.4
)
 
$
206.0



88


OUTFRONT Media Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)


The following table is a summary of the components of deferred income tax assets and liabilities.
 
 
As of December 31,
(in millions)
 
2016
 
2015
Deferred income tax assets:
 
 
 
 
Provision for expenses and losses
 
$
0.6

 
$
0.7

Postretirement and other employee benefits
 
5.0

 
5.0

Tax credit and loss carryforwards
 
1.1

 
1.7

Total deferred income tax assets
 
6.7

 
7.4

 
 
 
 
 
Deferred income tax liabilities:
 
 
 
 
Property, equipment and intangible assets
 
(8.8
)
 
(11.1
)
Total deferred income tax liabilities
 
(8.8
)
 
(11.1
)
 
 
 
 
 
Deferred income tax liabilities, net
 
$
(2.1
)
 
$
(3.7
)

As of December 31, 2016, we had net operating loss carryforwards for federal, state and local, and foreign jurisdictions of $2.8 million, which expire in various years from 2017 through 2023.

Our undistributed earnings of foreign subsidiaries not included in our consolidated federal income tax return that could be subject to additional income taxes if remitted was approximately $25.0 million as of December 31, 2016. No provision was recorded for taxes that could result from the remittance of such undistributed earnings since we intend to declare dividends to our shareholders in an amount sufficient to offset such distributions and to reinvest the remainder outside the U.S. indefinitely. The determination of the unrecognized U.S. federal deferred income tax liability for undistributed earnings is not practical.

The following table sets forth the change in the reserve for uncertain tax positions, excluding related accrued interest and penalties.
(in millions)
 
 
As of January 1, 2014
 
$
4.0

Additions for current year tax positions
 
0.1

Reductions for prior year tax positions
 
(2.9
)
As of December 31, 2014
 
1.2

Additions for current year tax positions
 
0.2

Reductions for prior year tax positions
 
(0.6
)
As of December 31, 2015
 
0.8

Additions for current year tax positions
 
0.1

Reductions for prior year tax positions
 
(0.3
)
As of December 31, 2016
 
$
0.6


The reserve for uncertain tax positions of $0.6 million as of December 31, 2016, includes $0.4 million which would affect our effective income tax rate if and when recognized in future years. During 2014, reductions for prior year tax positions included $2.1 million of liabilities which were transferred to CBS pursuant to our tax matters agreement. The reduction in this liability did not impact our provision for income taxes during 2014.

We recognize interest and penalty charges related to the reserve for uncertain tax positions as part of income tax expense. These charges were not material for any of the periods presented.

We are subject to taxation in the U.S. and various state, local and foreign jurisdictions. As of December 31, 2016, tax years for 2015, 2014, and 2013 are subject to examination by the tax authorities. As of December 31, 2016, we are no longer subject to U.S. federal, state, local, or foreign examinations by tax authorities for years before 2013. The IRS and a local tax jurisdiction are currently auditing one of our TRSs for the period July 17, 2014, through December 31, 2014.


89


OUTFRONT Media Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)


Note 16. Earnings (Loss) Per Share (“EPS”)
 
 
Year Ended December 31,
(in millions)
 
2016
 
2015
 
2014
Net income (loss)
 
$
90.9

 
$
(29.4
)
 
$
306.9

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Weighted average shares for basic EPS
 
137.9

 
137.3

 
114.3

Dilutive potential shares from grants of RSUs, PRSUs and stock options(a)
 
0.5

 

 
0.5

Weighted average shares for diluted EPS
 
138.4

 
137.3

 
114.8


(a)
The potential impact of an aggregate 0.5 million granted RSUs, PRSUs and stock options for 2016, 0.7 million granted RSUs, PRSUs and stock options for 2015 and 0.2 million granted RSUs, PRSUs and stock options for 2014 was antidilutive.

Note 17. Commitments and Contingencies

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

Our off-balance sheet commitments primarily consist of operating lease arrangements and guaranteed minimum annual payments. These arrangements result from our normal course of business and represent obligations that are payable over several years.

Contractual Obligations

We have long-term operating leases for office space, billboard sites and equipment, which expire at various dates. Certain leases contain renewal and escalation clauses.

We have agreements with municipalities and transit operators which entitle us to operate advertising displays within their transit systems, including on the interior and exterior of rail and subway cars and buses, as well as on benches, transit shelters, street kiosks, and transit platforms. Under most of these franchise agreements, the franchisor is entitled to receive the greater of a percentage of the relevant revenues, net of agency fees, or a specified guaranteed minimum annual payment.

We also have marketing and multimedia rights agreements with colleges, universities and other educational institutions, which entitle us to operate on-campus advertising displays, as well as manage marketing opportunities, media rights and experiential entertainment at sports events. Under most of these agreements, the school is entitled to receive the greater of a percentage of the relevant revenue, net of agency commissions, or a specified guaranteed minimum annual payment.

The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (the “MTA”) has issued a “Request for Proposals” to prospective operators for the subway, bus and commuter rail (Metro-North and Long Island Railroad) concessions, in any combination, each for a ten-year contract, with an additional potential five-year renewal period. On May 18, 2016, we submitted a response to the MTA. In mid-October, the MTA issued a follow-up request that refined its timeline and bid requirements, particularly relating to digital deployment and the communications platform and we submitted our response on December 12, 2016. On November 7, 2016, we entered into an agreement with the MTA to extend the expiration of our existing contracts for transit advertising services from December 31, 2016, to June 30, 2017, unless earlier terminated by the MTA on 90 days’ notice.


90


OUTFRONT Media Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)


As of December 31, 2016, minimum rental payments under non-cancellable operating leases with terms in excess of one year and guaranteed minimum annual payments are as follows:
(in millions)
 
Operating
Leases
 
Guaranteed
Minimum
Annual
Payments
2017
 
$
119.3

 
$
158.4

2018
 
119.4

 
66.3

2019
 
107.4

 
47.5

2020
 
93.4

 
28.0

2021
 
83.8

 
26.1

2022 and thereafter
 
471.7

 
109.3

Total minimum payments
 
$
995.0

 
$
435.6


Rent expense was $372.1 million in 2016, $376.4 million in 2015 and $317.4 million in 2014, including contingent rent amounts of $88.1 million in 2016, $87.5 million in 2015 and $59.5 million in 2014. Rent expense is primarily reflected in operating expenses on the Consolidated Statements of Operations and includes rent on cancellable leases and leases with terms under one year, as well as contingent rent, none of which are included in the operating lease commitments in the table above.

Letters of Credit

We have indemnification obligations with respect to letters of credit and surety bonds primarily used as security against non-performance in the normal course of business. The outstanding letters of credit and surety bonds approximated $127.2 million as of December 31, 2016, and were not recorded on the Consolidated Statements of Financial Position.

Legal Matters

On an ongoing basis, we are engaged in lawsuits and governmental proceedings and respond to various investigations, inquiries, notices and claims from national, state and local governmental and other authorities (collectively, “litigation”). Litigation is inherently uncertain and always difficult to predict. Although it is not possible to predict with certainty the eventual outcome of any litigation, in our opinion, none of our current litigation is expected to have a material adverse effect on our results of operations, financial position or cash flows.

Note 18. Segment Information

Effective April 1, 2016, we changed the segments that we use to review operating results and make decisions regarding segment performance and resource allocation. Given the changes in our portfolio resulting from the Disposition and recent acquisitions, we made this change to better align our segments with our business strategy. We currently manage our operations through three operating segments—(1) U.S. Billboard and Transit, which is included in our U.S. Media reportable segment, (2) International and (3) Sports Marketing. International and Sports Marketing do not meet the criteria to be a reportable segment and accordingly, are both included in Other. Our new segment reporting therefore includes U.S. Media and Other.

The following tables set forth our financial performance by segment. Historical financial information by reportable segment has been recast to reflect the changes in segment reporting with no impact to previously reported consolidated financial statements. Prior to April 1, 2016, our International segment included our advertising businesses in Canada and Latin America (see Note 12. Acquisitions and Dispositions: Dispositions to the Consolidated Financial Statements). Historical operating results for our advertising business in Latin America are included in Other.
 
 
Year Ended December 31,
(in millions)
 
2016
 
2015
 
2014
Revenues:
 
 
 
 
 
 
U.S. Media
 
$
1,393.8

 
$
1,344.3

 
$
1,162.5

Other
 
120.1

 
169.5

 
191.3

Total revenues
 
$
1,513.9

 
$
1,513.8

 
$
1,353.8


91


OUTFRONT Media Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)



We present Operating income before Depreciation, Amortization, Net gain (loss) on dispositions, Stock-based compensation, Restructuring charges, Loss on real estate assets held for sale and Acquisition costs (“Adjusted OIBDA”) as the primary measure of profit and loss for our operating segments in accordance with FASB guidance for segment reporting.
 
 
Year Ended December 31,
(in millions)
 
2016
 
2015
 
2014
Net income (loss)
 
$
90.9

 
$
(29.4
)
 
$
306.9

(Benefit) provision for income taxes
 
5.4

 
5.4

 
(206.0
)
Equity in earnings of investee companies, net of tax
 
(5.3
)
 
(4.8
)
 
(2.9
)
Interest expense (income), net
 
113.8

 
114.8

 
84.8

Other expense, net
 
0.1

 
0.4

 
0.3

Operating income
 
204.9

 
86.4

 
183.1

Restructuring charges(a)
 
2.5

 
2.6

 
9.8

Acquisition costs
 

 

 
10.4

Loss on real estate assets held for sale
 
1.3

 
103.6

 

Net (gain) loss on dispositions
 
(1.9
)
 
0.7

 
(2.5
)
Depreciation and amortization
 
224.2

 
229.1

 
202.2

Stock-based compensation(a)
 
18.0

 
15.2

 
10.4

Total Adjusted OIBDA
 
$
449.0

 
$
437.6

 
$
413.4

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Adjusted OIBDA:
 
 
 
 
 
 
U.S. Media
 
$
473.8

 
$
451.1

 
$
409.2

Other
 
17.8

 
24.3

 
31.3

Corporate
 
(42.6
)
 
(37.8
)
 
(27.1
)
Total Adjusted OIBDA
 
$
449.0

 
$
437.6

 
$
413.4


(a)
In 2014, restructuring charges (including stock-based compensation of $5.6 million), costs related to the Acquisition and stock-based compensation are classified as Corporate expense.

92


OUTFRONT Media Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)


 
 
Year Ended December 31,
(in millions)
 
2016
 
2015
 
2014
Operating income (loss):
 
 
 
 
 
 
U.S. Media
 
$
269.5

 
$
245.3

 
$
240.2

Other
 
(4.0
)
 
(105.9
)
 
0.6

Corporate
 
(60.6
)
 
(53.0
)
 
(57.7
)
Total operating income
 
$
204.9

 
$
86.4

 
$
183.1

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net (gain) loss on dispositions:
 
 
 
 
 
 
U.S. Media
 
$
(1.7
)
 
$
0.6

 
$
(2.5
)
Other
 
(0.2
)
 
0.1

 

Total (gain) loss on dispositions
 
$
(1.9
)
 
$
0.7

 
$
(2.5
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Depreciation and amortization:
 
 
 
 
 
 
U.S. Media
 
$
203.5

 
$
202.6

 
$
171.5

Other
 
20.7

 
26.5

 
30.7

Total depreciation and amortization
 
$
224.2

 
$
229.1

 
$
202.2

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Capital expenditures:
 
 
 
 
 
 
U.S. Media
 
$
54.8

 
$
53.3

 
$
56.8

Other
 
4.6

 
5.9

 
7.4

Total capital expenditures
 
$
59.4

 
$
59.2

 
$
64.2

 
 
As of December 31,
(in millions)
 
2016
 
2015
 
2014
Assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
U.S. Media
 
$
3,578.8

 
$
3,593.0

 
$
3,690.8

Other(a)
 
145.5

 
134.3

 
283.8

Corporate
 
14.2

 
88.2

 
16.8

Total assets
 
$
3,738.5

 
$
3,815.5

 
$
3,991.4


(a)
In 2015, includes amounts reclassified as Assets held for sale on the Consolidated Statement of Financial Position. (See Note 12. Acquisitions and Dispositions: Dispositions to the Consolidated Financial Statements.)
 
 
Year Ended December 31,
(in millions)
 
2016
 
2015
 
2014
Revenues(a):
 
 
 
 
 
 
United States
 
$
1,435.2

 
$
1,380.3

 
$
1,198.8

Canada
 
67.3

 
71.7

 
82.5

Latin America
 
11.4

 
61.8

 
72.5

Total revenues
 
$
1,513.9

 
$
1,513.8

 
$
1,353.8


(a)
Revenues classifications are based on the geography of the advertising.

93


OUTFRONT Media Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)


 
 
As of December 31,
(in millions)
 
2016
 
2015
 
2014
Long-lived assets(a):
 
 
 
 
 
 
United States
 
$
3,255.0

 
$
3,291.1

 
3,395.6

Canada
 
73.9

 
82.2

 
112.0

Latin America(b)
 

 

 
94.5

Total long-lived assets
 
$
3,328.9

 
$
3,373.3

 
$
3,602.1


(a)
Reflects total assets less current assets, investments and non-current deferred tax assets.
(b)
In 2015, in connection with the Disposition, we reclassified long-lived assets to Assets held for sale on the Consolidated Statement of Financial Position. (See Note 12. Acquisitions and Dispositions: Dispositions to the Consolidated Financial Statements.)

Note 19. Condensed Consolidating Financial Information

We and our material existing and future direct and indirect 100% owned domestic subsidiaries (except Finance LLC and Outfront Media Capital Corporation, the borrowers under the Term Loan and the Revolving Credit Facility) guarantee the obligations under the Term Loan and the Revolving Credit Facility. Our senior unsecured notes are fully and unconditionally, and jointly and severally guaranteed on a senior unsecured basis by us and each of our direct and indirect wholly owned domestic subsidiaries that guarantees the Term Loan and the Revolving Credit Facility (see Note 8. Debt). The following condensed consolidating schedules present financial information on a combined basis in conformity with the SEC’s Regulation S-X, Rule 3-10 for: (i) OUTFRONT Media Inc. (the “Parent Company”); (ii) Finance LLC (the “Subsidiary Issuer”); (iii) the guarantor subsidiaries; (iv) the non-guarantor subsidiaries; (v) elimination entries necessary to consolidate the Parent Company and the Subsidiary Issuer, the guarantor subsidiaries and non-guarantor subsidiaries; and (vi) the Parent Company on a consolidated basis. Outfront Media Capital Corporation is a co-issuer finance subsidiary with no assets or liabilities, and therefore has not been included in the tables below.

94


OUTFRONT Media Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)


 
 
As of December 31, 2016
(in millions)
 
Parent Company
 
Subsidiary Issuer
 
Guarantor Subsidiaries
 
Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries
 
Eliminations
 
Consolidated
Current assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents
 
$

 
$
11.4

 
$
35.8

 
$
18.0

 
$

 
$
65.2

Receivables, less allowances
 

 

 
207.9

 
14.1

 

 
222.0

Other current assets
 

 
1.1

 
77.9

 
12.0

 

 
91.0

Total current assets
 

 
12.5

 
321.6

 
44.1

 

 
378.2

Property and equipment, net
 

 

 
621.4

 
43.6

 

 
665.0

Goodwill
 

 

 
2,059.9

 
29.5

 

 
2,089.4

Intangible assets
 

 

 
545.3

 

 

 
545.3

Investment in subsidiaries
 
1,233.0

 
3,371.9

 
114.4

 

 
(4,719.3
)
 

Other assets
 

 
1.1

 
56.9

 
2.6

 

 
60.6

Intercompany
 

 

 
42.7

 
67.0

 
(109.7
)
 

Total assets
 
$
1,233.0

 
$
3,385.5

 
$
3,762.2

 
$
186.8

 
$
(4,829.0
)
 
$
3,738.5

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total current liabilities
 
$

 
$
15.7

 
$
223.4

 
$
12.4

 
$

 
$
251.5

Long-term debt
 

 
2,136.8

 

 

 

 
2,136.8

Deferred income tax liabilities, net
 

 

 

 
8.5

 

 
8.5

Asset retirement obligation
 

 

 
29.7

 
4.4

 

 
34.1

Deficit in excess of investment of subsidiaries
 

 

 
2,138.9

 

 
(2,138.9
)
 

Other liabilities
 

 

 
70.2

 
4.4

 

 
74.6

Intercompany
 

 

 
67.0

 
42.7

 
(109.7
)
 

Total liabilities
 

 
2,152.5

 
2,529.2

 
72.4

 
(2,248.6
)
 
2,505.5

Total stockholders’ equity
 
1,232.9

 
1,232.9

 
1,232.9

 
114.4

 
(2,580.2
)
 
1,232.9

Non-controlling interests
 
0.1

 
0.1

 
0.1

 

 
(0.2
)
 
0.1

Total equity
 
1,233.0

 
1,233.0

 
1,233.0

 
114.4

 
(2,580.4
)
 
1,233.0

Total liabilities and equity
 
$
1,233.0

 
$
3,385.5

 
$
3,762.2

 
$
186.8

 
$
(4,829.0
)
 
$
3,738.5



95


OUTFRONT Media Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)


 
 
As of December 31, 2015
(in millions)
 
Parent Company
 
Subsidiary Issuer
 
Guarantor Subsidiaries
 
Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries
 
Eliminations
 
Consolidated
Current assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents
 
$

 
$
81.6

 
$
8.5

 
$
11.5

 
$

 
$
101.6

Receivables, less allowances
 

 

 
196.5

 
13.0

 

 
209.5

Other current assets(a)
 

 
1.1

 
118.1

 
15.9

 
(34.0
)
 
101.1

Total current assets
 

 
82.7

 
323.1

 
40.4

 
(34.0
)
 
412.2

Property and equipment, net
 

 

 
649.4

 
52.3

 

 
701.7

Goodwill
 

 

 
2,046.0

 
28.7

 

 
2,074.7

Intangible assets
 

 

 
570.5

 

 

 
570.5

Investment in subsidiaries
 
1,212.6

 
3,369.1

 
25.0

 

 
(4,606.7
)
 

Other assets
 

 
2.2

 
51.1

 
3.1

 

 
56.4

Intercompany
 

 

 
70.6

 
58.9

 
(129.5
)
 

Total assets
 
$
1,212.6

 
$
3,454.0

 
$
3,735.7

 
$
183.4

 
$
(4,770.2
)
 
$
3,815.5

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total current liabilities(a)
 
$

 
$
19.7

 
$
212.0

 
$
67.9

 
$
(34.0
)
 
$
265.6

Long-term debt
 

 
2,221.7

 
0.3

 

 

 
2,222.0

Deferred income tax liabilities, net
 

 

 

 
10.9

 

 
10.9

Asset retirement obligation
 

 

 
29.1

 
4.1

 

 
33.2

Deficit in excess of investment of subsidiaries
 

 

 
2,156.5

 

 
(2,156.5
)
 

Other liabilities
 

 

 
66.3

 
4.9

 

 
71.2

Intercompany
 

 

 
58.9

 
70.6

 
(129.5
)
 

Total liabilities
 

 
2,241.4

 
2,523.1

 
158.4

 
(2,320.0
)
 
2,602.9

Total stockholders’ equity
 
1,212.6

 
1,212.6

 
1,212.6

 
25.0

 
(2,450.2
)
 
1,212.6

Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity
 
$
1,212.6

 
$
3,454.0

 
$
3,735.7

 
$
183.4

 
$
(4,770.2
)
 
$
3,815.5


(a)
Includes amounts classified as Assets held for sale and Liabilities held for sale, as applicable, on the Consolidated Statement of Financial Position. (See Note 12. Acquisitions and Dispositions: Dispositions to the Consolidated Financial Statements.)


96


OUTFRONT Media Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)


 
 
Year Ended December 31, 2016
(in millions)
 
Parent Company
 
Subsidiary Issuer
 
Guarantor Subsidiaries
 
Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries
 
Eliminations
 
Consolidated
Revenues:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Billboard
 
$

 
$

 
$
1,005.6

 
$
65.4

 
$

 
$
1,071.0

Transit and other
 

 

 
429.6

 
13.3

 

 
442.9

Total revenues
 

 

 
1,435.2

 
78.7

 

 
1,513.9

Expenses:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Operating
 

 

 
764.9

 
53.2

 

 
818.1

Selling, general and administrative
 
1.5

 
0.2

 
246.7

 
16.4

 

 
264.8

Restructuring charges
 

 

 
2.5

 

 

 
2.5

Loss on real estate assets held for sale
 

 

 

 
1.3

 

 
1.3

Net gain on dispositions
 

 

 
(1.7
)
 
(0.2
)
 

 
(1.9
)
Depreciation
 

 

 
94.1

 
14.8

 

 
108.9

Amortization
 

 

 
112.3

 
3.0

 

 
115.3

Total expenses
 
1.5

 
0.2

 
1,218.8

 
88.5

 

 
1,309.0

Operating income (loss)
 
(1.5
)
 
(0.2
)
 
216.4

 
(9.8
)
 

 
204.9

Interest expense, net
 

 
(113.6
)
 
(0.2
)
 

 

 
(113.8
)
Other expense, net
 

 

 

 
(0.1
)
 

 
(0.1
)
Income (loss) before income taxes and equity earnings of investee
 
(1.5
)
 
(113.8
)
 
216.2

 
(9.9
)
 

 
91.0

Benefit (provision) for income taxes
 

 

 
(6.4
)
 
1.0

 

 
(5.4
)
Equity in earnings of investee companies, net of tax
 
92.4

 
206.2

 
(117.4
)
 
1.0

 
(176.9
)
 
5.3

Net income (loss)
 
$
90.9

 
$
92.4

 
$
92.4

 
$
(7.9
)
 
$
(176.9
)
 
$
90.9

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net income (loss)
 
$
90.9

 
$
92.4

 
$
92.4

 
$
(7.9
)
 
$
(176.9
)
 
$
90.9

Total other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax
 
102.4

 
102.4

 
102.4

 
102.6

 
(307.4
)
 
102.4

Total comprehensive income
 
$
193.3

 
$
194.8

 
$
194.8

 
$
94.7

 
$
(484.3
)
 
$
193.3


97


OUTFRONT Media Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)


 
 
Year Ended December 31, 2015
(in millions)
 
Parent Company
 
Subsidiary Issuer
 
Guarantor Subsidiaries
 
Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries
 
Eliminations
 
Consolidated
Revenues:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Billboard
 
$

 
$

 
$
969.8

 
$
114.5

 
$

 
$
1,084.3

Transit and other
 

 

 
410.5

 
19.0

 

 
429.5

Total revenues
 

 

 
1,380.3

 
133.5

 

 
1,513.8

Expenses:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Operating
 

 

 
743.9

 
89.2

 

 
833.1

Selling, general and administrative
 
1.5

 
0.3

 
228.0

 
28.5

 

 
258.3

Restructuring charges
 

 

 
2.6

 

 

 
2.6

Loss on real estate assets held for sale
 

 

 

 
103.6

 

 
103.6

Net loss on dispositions
 

 

 
0.6

 
0.1

 

 
0.7

Depreciation
 

 

 
94.0

 
19.7

 

 
113.7

Amortization
 

 

 
111.1

 
4.3

 

 
115.4

Total expenses
 
1.5

 
0.3

 
1,180.2

 
245.4

 

 
1,427.4

Operating income (loss)
 
(1.5
)
 
(0.3
)
 
200.1

 
(111.9
)
 

 
86.4

Interest income (expense), net
 

 
(114.8
)
 
(0.2
)
 
0.2

 

 
(114.8
)
Other expense, net
 

 

 

 
(0.4
)
 

 
(0.4
)
Income (loss) before income taxes and equity earnings of investee
 
(1.5
)
 
(115.1
)
 
199.9

 
(112.1
)
 

 
(28.8
)
Provision for income taxes
 

 

 
(2.0
)
 
(3.4
)
 

 
(5.4
)
Equity in earnings of investee companies, net of tax
 
(27.9
)
 
87.2

 
(225.8
)
 
1.1

 
170.2

 
4.8

Net loss
 
$
(29.4
)
 
$
(27.9
)
 
$
(27.9
)
 
$
(114.4
)
 
$
170.2

 
$
(29.4
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net loss
 
$
(29.4
)
 
$
(27.9
)
 
$
(27.9
)
 
$
(114.4
)
 
$
170.2

 
$
(29.4
)
Total other comprehensive loss, net of tax
 
(30.8
)
 
(30.8
)
 
(30.8
)
 
(30.5
)
 
92.1

 
(30.8
)
Total comprehensive loss
 
$
(60.2
)
 
$
(58.7
)
 
$
(58.7
)
 
$
(144.9
)
 
$
262.3

 
$
(60.2
)

98


OUTFRONT Media Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)


 
 
Year Ended December 31, 2014
(in millions)
 
Parent Company
 
Subsidiary Issuer
 
Guarantor Subsidiaries
 
Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries
 
Eliminations
 
Consolidated
Revenues:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Billboard
 
$

 
$

 
$
838.4

 
$
133.1

 
$

 
$
971.5

Transit and other
 

 

 
360.4

 
21.9

 

 
382.3

Total revenues
 

 

 
1,198.8

 
155.0

 

 
1,353.8

Expenses:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Operating
 

 

 
626.1

 
100.4

 

 
726.5

Selling, general and administrative
 
1.3

 

 
192.7

 
30.3

 

 
224.3

Restructuring charges
 

 

 
9.8

 

 

 
9.8

Acquisition costs
 

 

 
10.4

 

 

 
10.4

Net gain on dispositions
 

 

 
(2.5
)
 

 

 
(2.5
)
Depreciation
 

 

 
84.5

 
22.7

 

 
107.2

Amortization
 

 

 
89.9

 
5.1

 

 
95.0

Total expenses
 
1.3

 

 
1,010.9

 
158.5

 

 
1,170.7

Operating income (loss)
 
(1.3
)
 

 
187.9

 
(3.5
)
 

 
183.1

Interest income (expense), net
 

 
(84.8
)
 
(0.2
)
 
0.2

 

 
(84.8
)
Other expense, net
 

 

 

 
(0.3
)
 

 
(0.3
)
Income (loss) before income taxes and equity earnings of investee
 
(1.3
)
 
(84.8
)
 
187.7

 
(3.6
)
 

 
98.0

Benefit (provision) for income taxes
 

 

 
209.7

 
(3.7
)
 

 
206.0

Equity in earnings of investee companies, net of tax
 
308.2

 
393.0

 
(89.2
)
 
0.7

 
(609.8
)
 
2.9

Net income (loss)
 
$
306.9

 
$
308.2

 
$
308.2

 
$
(6.6
)
 
$
(609.8
)
 
$
306.9

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net income (loss)
 
$
306.9

 
$
308.2

 
$
308.2

 
$
(6.6
)
 
$
(609.8
)
 
$
306.9

Total other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax
 
(15.0
)
 
(15.0
)
 
(15.0
)
 
(14.8
)
 
44.8

 
(15.0
)
Total comprehensive income (loss)
 
$
291.9

 
$
293.2

 
$
293.2

 
$
(21.4
)
 
$
(565.0
)
 
$
291.9





99


OUTFRONT Media Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)


 
 
Year Ended December 31, 2016
(in millions)
 
Parent Company
 
Subsidiary Issuer
 
Guarantor Subsidiaries
 
Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries
 
Eliminations
 
Consolidated
Cash provided by (used for) operating activities
 
$
(1.5
)
 
$
(111.3
)
 
$
399.1

 
$
0.8

 
$

 
$
287.1

Investing activities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Capital expenditures
 

 

 
(54.8
)
 
(4.6
)
 

 
(59.4
)
Acquisitions
 

 

 
(67.9
)
 

 

 
(67.9
)
Proceeds from dispositions
 

 

 
2.9

 
87.7

 

 
90.6

Cash provided by (used for) investing activities
 

 

 
(119.8
)
 
83.1

 

 
(36.7
)
Financing activities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Proceeds from borrowings under revolving credit facility
 

 
35.0

 

 

 

 
35.0

Repayments of borrowings under revolving credit facility
 

 
(35.0
)
 

 

 

 
(35.0
)
Repayments of long-term debt borrowings - term loan
 

 
(90.0
)
 

 

 

 
(90.0
)
Deferred financing costs
 

 
(0.4
)
 

 

 

 
(0.4
)
Taxes withheld for stock-based compensation
 

 

 
(7.3
)
 

 

 
(7.3
)
Dividends
 
(188.6
)
 

 

 

 

 
(188.6
)
Intercompany
 
190.1

 
131.5

 
(244.5
)
 
(77.1
)
 

 

Other
 

 

 
(0.2
)
 

 

 
(0.2
)
Cash provided by (used for) financing activities
 
1.5

 
41.1

 
(252.0
)
 
(77.1
)
 

 
(286.5
)
Effect of exchange rate on cash and cash equivalents
 

 

 

 
(0.3
)
 

 
(0.3
)
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
 

 
(70.2
)
 
27.3

 
6.5

 

 
(36.4
)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period
 

 
81.6

 
8.5

 
11.5

 

 
101.6

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
 
$

 
$
11.4

 
$
35.8

 
$
18.0

 
$

 
$
65.2


100


OUTFRONT Media Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)


 
 
Year Ended December 31, 2015
(in millions)
 
Parent Company
 
Subsidiary Issuer
 
Guarantor Subsidiaries
 
Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries
 
Eliminations
 
Consolidated
Cash provided by (used for) operating activities
 
$
(1.5
)
 
$
(107.4
)
 
$
378.9

 
$
23.1

 
$

 
$
293.1

Investing activities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Capital expenditures
 

 

 
(53.3
)
 
(5.9
)
 

 
(59.2
)
Acquisitions
 

 

 
(12.1
)
 

 

 
(12.1
)
Proceeds from dispositions
 

 

 
8.9

 

 

 
8.9

Cash used for investing activities
 

 

 
(56.5
)
 
(5.9
)
 

 
(62.4
)
Financing activities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Proceeds from long-term debt borrowings - senior notes
 

 
103.8

 

 

 

 
103.8

Proceeds from borrowings under revolving credit facility
 

 
105.0

 

 

 

 
105.0

Repayments of borrowings under revolving credit facility
 

 
(105.0
)
 

 

 

 
(105.0
)
Repayments of long-term borrowings - term loan
 

 
(50.0
)
 

 

 

 
(50.0
)
Deferred financing costs
 

 
(3.3
)
 

 

 

 
(3.3
)
Proceeds from stock option exercises
 
2.0

 

 

 

 

 
2.0

Taxes withheld for stock-based compensation
 

 

 
(4.3
)
 

 

 
(4.3
)
Dividends
 
(196.3
)
 

 

 

 

 
(196.3
)
Intercompany
 
195.8

 
127.0

 
(317.9
)
 
(4.9
)
 

 

Other
 

 

 
(0.5
)
 

 

 
(0.5
)
Cash provided by (used for) financing activities
 
1.5

 
177.5

 
(322.7
)
 
(4.9
)
 

 
(148.6
)
Effect of exchange rate on cash and cash equivalents
 

 

 

 
(3.3
)
 

 
(3.3
)
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
 

 
70.1

 
(0.3
)
 
9.0

 

 
78.8

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period
 

 
11.5

 
8.8

 
8.2

 

 
28.5

Cash reclassified to assets held for sale
 

 

 

 
(5.7
)
 

 
(5.7
)
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
 
$

 
$
81.6

 
$
8.5

 
$
11.5

 
$

 
$
101.6



101


OUTFRONT Media Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)


 
 
Year Ended December 31, 2014
(in millions)
 
Parent Company
 
Subsidiary Issuer
 
Guarantor Subsidiaries
 
Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries
 
Eliminations
 
Consolidated
Cash provided by (used for) operating activities
 
$
(1.3
)
 
$
(54.8
)
 
$
330.6

 
$
(11.7
)
 
$

 
$
262.8

Investing activities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Capital expenditures
 

 

 
(56.8
)
 
(7.4
)
 

 
(64.2
)
Acquisitions
 

 

 
(735.7
)
 

 

 
(735.7
)
Investments in investee companies
 

 

 
(3.0
)
 

 

 
(3.0
)
Proceeds from dispositions
 

 

 
4.2

 
0.3

 

 
4.5

Cash used for investing activities
 

 

 
(791.3
)
 
(7.1
)
 

 
(798.4
)
Financing activities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Proceeds from IPO
 
615.0

 

 

 

 

 
615.0

Proceeds from long-term debt borrowings - term loan and senior notes
 

 
1,598.0

 

 

 

 
1,598.0

Proceeds from long-term debt borrowings - senior notes
 

 
599.3

 

 

 

 
599.3

Deferred financing costs
 

 
(42.7
)
 

 

 

 
(42.7
)
Distribution of debt and IPO proceeds to CBS
 
(515.0
)
 
(1,523.8
)
 

 

 

 
(2,038.8
)
Net cash contribution from CBS
 
9.5

 

 
39.8

 

 

 
49.3

Dividends
 
(242.7
)
 

 

 

 

 
(242.7
)
Intercompany
 
134.5

 
(564.5
)
 
428.4

 
1.6

 

 

Other
 

 

 
(0.8
)
 

 

 
(0.8
)
Cash provided by financing activities
 
1.3

 
66.3

 
467.4

 
1.6

 

 
536.6

Effect of exchange rate on cash and cash equivalents
 

 

 

 
(2.3
)
 

 
(2.3
)
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
 

 
11.5

 
6.7

 
(19.5
)
 

 
(1.3
)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period
 

 

 
2.1

 
27.7

 

 
29.8

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
 
$

 
$
11.5

 
$
8.8

 
$
8.2

 
$

 
$
28.5



102


OUTFRONT Media Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)


Note 20. Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited)

Our revenues and profits experience seasonality due to seasonal advertising patterns and influences on advertising markets. Typically, our revenues and profits are highest in the fourth quarter, during the holiday shopping season, and lowest in the first quarter, as advertisers cut back on spending following the holiday shopping season.

Effective April 1, 2016, we changed the segments that we use to review operating results and make decisions regarding segment performance and resource allocation. Historical financial information by reportable segment has been recast to reflect the changes in segment reporting with no impact to previously reported consolidated financial statements. (See Note 18. Segment information to the Consolidated Financial Statements.)
 
 
2016
(in millions)
 
First
Quarter
 
 
Second
Quarter
 
 
Third
Quarter
 
 
Fourth
Quarter
 
 
Total
Year
Revenues:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
U.S. Media
 
$
312.6

 
 
$
356.5

 
 
$
356.7

 
 
$
368.0

 
 
$
1,393.8

Other
 
35.8

 
 
28.8

(a) 
 
26.1

(a) 
 
29.4

(a) 
 
120.1

Total revenues
 
$
348.4

 
 
$
385.3

 
 
$
382.8

 
 
$
397.4

 
 
$
1,513.9

Adjusted OIBDA:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
U.S. Media
 
$
94.9

 
 
$
123.7

 
 
$
129.3

 
 
$
125.9

 
 
$
473.8

Other
 
2.2

 
 
8.4

(a) 
 
2.2

(a) 
 
5.0

(a) 
 
17.8

Corporate
 
(9.0
)
 
 
(9.1
)
 
 
(10.8
)
 
 
(13.7
)
 
 
(42.6
)
Total Adjusted OIBDA
 
88.1

 
 
123.0

 
 
120.7

 
 
117.2

 
 
449.0

Restructuring charges
 

 
 
(0.4
)
 
 

 
 
(2.1
)
 
 
(2.5
)
Loss on real estate assets held for sale
 
(1.3
)
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 
(1.3
)
Net gain (loss) on dispositions
 
(0.4
)
 
 
(0.2
)
 
 
2.3

 
 
0.2

 
 
1.9

Depreciation
 
(29.1
)
 
 
(28.5
)
 
 
(26.7
)
 
 
(24.6
)
 
 
(108.9
)
Amortization
 
(28.3
)
 
 
(30.4
)
 
 
(28.3
)
 
 
(28.3
)
 
 
(115.3
)
Stock-based compensation
 
(4.8
)
 
 
(4.5
)
 
 
(4.5
)
 
 
(4.2
)
 
 
(18.0
)
Total operating income
 
$
24.2

 
 
$
59.0

 
 
$
63.5

 
 
$
58.2

 
 
$
204.9

Operating income (loss):
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
U.S. Media
 
$
43.1

 
 
$
69.7

 
 
$
81.5

 
 
$
75.2

 
 
$
269.5

Other
 
(5.1
)
 
 
2.9

(a) 
 
(2.7
)
(a) 
 
0.9

(a) 
 
(4.0
)
Corporate
 
(13.8
)
 
 
(13.6
)
 
 
(15.3
)
 
 
(17.9
)
 
 
(60.6
)
Total operating income
 
$
24.2

 
 
$
59.0

 
 
$
63.5

 
 
$
58.2

 
 
$
204.9

Net income (loss)
 
$
(2.3
)
 
 
$
28.5

 
 
$
38.1

 
 
$
26.6

 
 
$
90.9


(a)
On April 1, 2016, we completed the Disposition. (See Note 12. Acquisitions and Dispositions: Dispositions to the Consolidated Financial Statements.)


103


OUTFRONT Media Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)


 
 
2015
(in millions)
 
First
Quarter
 
 
Second
Quarter
 
 
Third
Quarter
 
 
Fourth
Quarter
 
 
Total
Year
Revenues:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
U.S. Media
 
$
305.0

 
 
$
336.9

 
 
$
346.3

 
 
$
356.1

 
 
$
1,344.3

Other
 
38.9

 
 
47.8

 
 
40.4

 
 
42.4

 
 
169.5

Total revenues
 
$
343.9

 
 
$
384.7

 
 
$
386.7

 
 
$
398.5

 
 
$
1,513.8

Adjusted OIBDA:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
U.S. Media
 
$
92.0

 
 
$
118.5

 
 
$
121.0

 
 
$
119.6

 
 
$
451.1

Other
 
2.5

 
 
10.0

 
 
4.5

 
 
7.3

 
 
24.3

Corporate
 
(7.5
)
 
 
(9.4
)
 
 
(11.6
)
 
 
(9.3
)
 
 
(37.8
)
Total Adjusted OIBDA
 
87.0

 
 
119.1

 
 
113.9

 
 
117.6

 
 
437.6

Restructuring charges
 
(0.6
)
 
 
(2.0
)
 
 

 
 

 
 
(2.6
)
Loss on real estate assets held for sale
 

 
 

 
 

 
 
(103.6
)
(a) 
 
(103.6
)
Net gain (loss) on dispositions
 
0.3

 
 
(0.9
)
 
 

 
 
(0.1
)
 
 
(0.7
)
Depreciation
 
(28.7
)
 
 
(28.0
)
 
 
(28.4
)
 
 
(28.6
)
 
 
(113.7
)
Amortization
 
(27.8
)
 
 
(29.2
)
 
 
(29.1
)
 
 
(29.3
)
 
 
(115.4
)
Stock-based compensation
 
(3.6
)
 
 
(4.4
)
 
 
(3.7
)
 
 
(3.5
)
 
 
(15.2
)
Total operating income (loss)
 
$
26.6

 
 
$
54.6

 
 
$
52.7

 
 
$
(47.5
)
 
 
$
86.4

Operating income (loss):
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
U.S. Media
 
$
42.0

 
 
$
65.2

 
 
$
69.9

 
 
$
68.2

 
 
$
245.3

Other
 
(4.3
)
 
 
3.2

 
 
(1.9
)
 
 
(102.9
)
 
 
(105.9
)
Corporate
 
(11.1
)
(b) 
 
(13.8
)
(b) 
 
(15.3
)
(b) 
 
(12.8
)
(b) 
 
(53.0
)
Total operating income (loss)
 
$
26.6

 
 
$
54.6

 
 
$
52.7

 
 
$
(47.5
)
 
 
$
86.4

Net income (loss)
 
$
1.1

 
 
$
22.2

 
 
$
21.2

 
 
$
(73.9
)
 
 
$
(29.4
)

(a)
In the fourth quarter of 2015, we recorded a non-cash loss on real estate assets held for sale. This non-cash loss is primarily comprised of the impact of including unrecognized foreign currency translation adjustment losses in the carrying value of assets held for sale. (See Note 12. Acquisitions and Dispositions: Dispositions to the Consolidated Financial Statements).
(b)
We incurred incremental corporate stand-alone costs of $2.9 million during the first quarter of 2015; $1.5 million during the second quarter of 2015, $1.4 million during the third quarter of 2015 and $0.5 million during the fourth quarter of 2015.




104


Item 9. Changes in and Disagreements With Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure.

None.

Item 9A. Controls and Procedures.

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

As required by Rule 13a-15(b) of the Exchange Act, our management has carried out an evaluation, under the supervision of and with the participation of our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures, as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) of the Exchange Act, as of the end of the period covered by this report. Based on the foregoing, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures as of the end of the period covered by this report, were effective to provide reasonable assurance that information required to be disclosed by us in reports that we file or submit under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in Securities and Exchange Commission’s rules and forms and is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

Our management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting, as defined in Rule 13a-15(f) under the Exchange Act. Our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, conducted an assessment of the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting based on the criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. Based on that assessment, our management has concluded that our internal control over financial reporting was effective as of December 31, 2016 to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. The effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2016 has been audited by PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, as stated in their report which appears in “Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.”

Limitations on Effectiveness of Disclosure Controls and Procedures and Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

In designing and evaluating our disclosure controls and procedures and internal control over financial reporting, management recognizes that any controls and procedures, no matter how well designed and operated, can provide only reasonable assurance of achieving the desired control objectives. In addition, the design of disclosure controls and procedures and internal control over financial reporting must reflect the fact that there are resource constraints and that management is required to apply its judgment in evaluating the benefits of possible controls and procedures relative to their costs.

Item 9B. Other Information.

None.


105


PART III

Item 10. Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance.

The Company has adopted a Code of Conduct that applies to all executive officers, employees and directors of the Company. In addition, the Company has adopted a Supplemental Code of Ethics applicable to our principal executive officer, principal financial officer, principal accounting officer and controller or persons performing similar functions. Both the Code of Conduct and the Supplemental Code of Ethics are available in the Investor Relations section of our website at www.outfrontmedia.com. We intend to satisfy the disclosure requirements under Item 5.05 of Form 8-K regarding any amendment to, or waiver from, a provision of the Code of Conduct or the Supplemental Code of Ethics that applies to our principal executive officer, principal financial officer, principal accounting officer and controller or persons performing similar functions, and relates to any element of the definition of code of ethics set forth in Item 406(b) of Regulation S-K, by posting such information on our website at www.outfrontmedia.com.

All additional information required by this item is incorporated by reference to our Proxy Statement for the 2017 Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be filed with the SEC within 120 days of the fiscal year ended December 31, 2016.

Item 11. Executive Compensation.

The information required by this item is incorporated by reference to our Proxy Statement for the 2017 Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be filed with the SEC within 120 days of the fiscal year ended December 31, 2016.

Item 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters.

The information required by this item is incorporated by reference to our Proxy Statement for the 2017 Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be filed with the SEC within 120 days of the fiscal year ended December 31, 2016.

Item 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence.

The information required by this item is incorporated by reference to our Proxy Statement for the 2017 Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be filed with the SEC within 120 days of the fiscal year ended December 31, 2016.

Item 14. Principal Accounting Fees and Services.

The information required by this item is incorporated by reference to our Proxy Statement for the 2017 Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be filed with the SEC within 120 days of the fiscal year ended December 31, 2016.

PART IV

Item 15. Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules.

(a)(1) Financial Statements. The financial statements filed as part of this Annual Report on Form 10-K are listed in the index to the financial statements, which is included in “Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.”

(a)(2) Financial Statement Schedules. The following financial statement schedules should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements included in “Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.” All other schedules for which provision is made in the applicable accounting regulation of the SEC are not required under the related instructions or are inapplicable, and therefore have been omitted.



106


OUTFRONT Media Inc.
Schedule II—Valuation and Qualifying Accounts
(in millions)
Col. A
 
Col. B
 
Col. C
 
Col. D
 
Col. E
Description
 
Balance at
Beginning
of Period
 
Balance
Acquired through
Acquisitions
 
Charged to
Costs and
Expenses
 
Charged
to Other
Accounts(a)
 
Deductions
 
Balance at
End of
Period
Allowance for doubtful accounts:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Year ended December 31, 2016
 
$
8.9

 
$

 
$
3.6

 
$

 
$
3.3

 
$
9.2

Year ended December 31, 2015
 
14.2

 

 
2.7

 
(3.7
)
 
4.3

 
8.9

Year ended December 31, 2014
 
15.7

 

 
2.9

 
(0.7
)
 
3.7

 
14.2

Valuation allowance on deferred tax assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Year ended December 31, 2016
 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$

Year ended December 31, 2015
 
6.9

 

 
0.1

 
(4.7
)
 
2.3

 

Year ended December 31, 2014
 
10.1

 

 
0.5

 

 
3.7

 
6.9

(a)
Reflects change in allowance related to foreign currency translation adjustments and amounts reclassified to Assets held for sale on our Consolidated Statement of Financial Position.


107


OUTFRONT Media Inc.
SCHEDULE III – Schedule of Real Estate and
Accumulated Depreciation
as of December 31, 2016
(in millions)
 
 
 
 
Initial Cost
 
Cost
Capitalized
Subsequent
to
Acquisition
 
Gross Carrying Amount at December 31, 2016 (3)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Description (1)
 
Encumbrances
 
Land
 
Structures and Improvements
 
 
Land
 
Structures and Improvements
 
Total
 
Accumulated
Depreciation
 
Construction
Date
 
Acquisition
Date
 
Useful
Lives
Structures added prior to January 1, 2014
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
United States - 42,114 displays
 

 
(2) 
 
(2) 
 
(2) 
 
$
83.2

 
$
1,328.0

 
1,411.2

 
$
(974.7
)
 
Various
 
Various
 
5 to 20 years
Canada - 5,656 displays
 

 
(2) 
 
(2) 
 
(2) 
 
2.1

 
268.3

 
270.4

 
(232.1
)
 
Various
 
Various
 
5 to 20 years
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
$
85.3

 
$
1,596.3

 
$
1,681.6

 
$
(1,206.8
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
Structures added subsequent to January 1, 2014
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
United States - 2,090 displays
 
 
 
$
5.4

 
$
110.6

 
$
(12.7
)
 
$
5.4

 
$
97.9

 
$
103.3

 
$
(1.4
)
 
Various
 
Various
 
5 to 20 years
Canada - 105 displays
 
 
 

 
2.4

 

 

 
2.4

 
2.4

 
(0.3
)
 
Various
 
Various
 
5 to 20 years
 
 
 
 
$
5.4

 
$
113.0

 
$
(12.7
)
 
$
5.4

 
$
100.3

 
$
105.7

 
$
(1.7
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
United States - 44,204 displays
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
$
88.6

 
$
1,425.9

 
$
1,514.5

 
$
(976.1
)
 
Various
 
Various
 
5 to 20 years
Canada - 5,761 displays
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2.1

 
270.7

 
272.8

 
(232.4
)
 
Various
 
Various
 
5 to 20 years
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
$
90.7

 
$
1,696.6

 
$
1,787.3

 
$
(1,208.5
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
______________________
(1)
No single asset exceeded 5% of the total gross carrying amount as of December 31, 2016.
(2)
This information is omitted as it would be impracticable to compile on a site-by-site basis.
(3)
Includes sites under construction.


108


The following table summarizes the activity for the Company’s real estate assets, which consist of advertising displays, and the related accumulated depreciation.
 
2016
 
2015
 
2014
Gross real estate assets:
 
 
 
 
 
Balance at the beginning of the year
$
1,778.7

 
$
1,833.7

 
$
1,750.9

New Investments
9.1

 
8.0

 
98.0

Redevelopments
23.7

 
23.9

 
21.6

Recurring capital expenditures
14.5

 
16.4

 
17.0

Purchase price accounting adjustments
1.0

 
(13.1
)
 

Land acquisitions
0.6

 
4.8

 

Additions for construction of / improvements to structures
48.9

 
40.0

 
136.6

Assets sold or written-off
(49.4
)
 
(26.5
)
 
(14.2
)
Foreign exchange
9.1

 
(68.5
)
 
(39.6
)
Balance at the end of the year
$
1,787.3

 
$
1,778.7

 
$
1,833.7

Accumulated depreciation:
 
 
 
 
 
Balance at the beginning of the year
$
1,137.7

 
$
1,109.4

 
$
1,052.7

Depreciation
98.2

 
104.9

 
99.6

Assets sold or written-off
(34.6
)
 
(22.5
)
 
(13.0
)
Foreign exchange
7.2

 
(54.1
)
 
(29.9
)
Balance at the end of the year
$
1,208.5

 
$
1,137.7

 
$
1,109.4






109


(a)(3) Exhibits. The exhibits filed as part of this Annual Report on Form 10-K are listed on the Exhibit Index immediately following the signature page hereto, which is incorporated herein by reference.

Item 16. Form 10-K Summary.

None.


110


SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

OUTFRONT MEDIA INC.
 
 
 
By:
 
/s/ Donald R. Shassian
 
 
Name:
 
Donald R. Shassian
 
 
Title:
 
Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
Date: February 23, 2017

POWER OF ATTORNEY

Each person whose signature appears below constitutes and appoints Donald R. Shassian, Richard H. Sauer and Louis J. Capocasale, and each of them, as his or her true and lawful attorney-in-fact and agent, with full power of substitution and resubstitution, for him or her and in his or her name, place and stead, in any and all capacities, to sign any and all amendments to this Annual Report on Form 10-K, and to file the same, with all exhibits thereto, and other documents in connection therewith, with the Securities and Exchange Commission, granting unto said attorneys-in-fact and agents, and each of them, full power and authority to do and perform each and every act and thing requisite and necessary to be done in connection therewith, as fully to all intents and purposes as he or she might or could do in person, hereby ratifying and confirming all that said attorneys-in-fact and agents, or any of them, or their or his substitutes, may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue thereof.

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.
Signature
 
Title
 
Date
 
 
 
 
 
/s/ Jeremy J. Male
 
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
 
February 23, 2017
Jeremy J. Male
 
(Principal Executive Officer)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
/s/ Donald R. Shassian
 
Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
 
February 23, 2017
Donald R. Shassian
 
(Principal Financial and Principal Accounting Officer)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
/s/ Nicolas Brien
 
Director
 
February 23, 2017
Nicolas Brien
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
/s/ Manuel A. Diaz
 
Director
 
February 23, 2017
Manuel A. Diaz
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
/s/ Peter Mathes
 
Director
 
February 23, 2017
Peter Mathes
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
/s/ Susan M. Tolson
 
Director
 
February 23, 2017
Susan M. Tolson
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
/s/ Joseph H. Wender
 
Director
 
February 23, 2017
Joseph H. Wender
 
 
 
 


111


EXHIBIT INDEX

Exhibit
Number
 
Description
 
 
 
2.1
 
Agreement and Plan of Reorganization, dated as of January 15, 2014, by and among CBS Corporation, CBS Outdoor Americas Inc. and CBS Radio Media Corporation (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 2.1 to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-11 (File No. 333-189643), filed on January 31, 2014).
 
 
 
2.2
 
Master Separation Agreement, dated as of April 2, 2014, by and between CBS Outdoor Americas Inc. and CBS Corporation (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 2.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K (File No. 001-36367), filed on April 2, 2014).†
 
 
 
2.3
 
Membership Interest Purchase Agreement, dated as of July 20, 2014, by and among CBS Outdoor Americas Inc., CBS Outdoor LLC, Van Wagner Communications, LLC, Van Wagner Twelve Holdings, LLC and Richard M. Schaps (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 2.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K (File No. 001-36367), filed on July 21, 2014).†
 
 
 
3.1
 
Articles of Amendment and Restatement of OUTFRONT Media Inc. effective March 28, 2014, as amended by the Articles of Amendment of OUTFRONT Media Inc. effective November 20, 2014 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K (File No. 001-36367), filed on November 20, 2014).
 
 
 
3.2
 
Amended and Restated Bylaws of OUTFRONT Media Inc. (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K (File No. 001-36367), filed on February 25, 2016).
 
 
 
4.1
 
Indenture, dated as of January 31, 2014, by and among CBS Outdoor Americas Capital LLC, CBS Outdoor Americas Capital Corporation, the guarantors named therein and Deutsche Bank Trust Company Americas (including the Form of Senior Notes) (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-11 (File No. 333-189643), filed on January 31, 2014).
 
 
 
4.2
 
Indenture, dated as of October 1, 2014, by and among CBS Outdoor Americas Capital LLC, CBS Outdoor Americas Capital Corporation, the guarantors named therein and Deutsche Bank Trust Company Americas (including the Form of Senior Notes) (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K (File No. 001-36367), filed on October 2, 2014).
 
 
 
4.3
 
First Supplemental Indenture, dated as of October 1, 2014, by and among CBS Outdoor Americas Capital LLC, CBS Outdoor Americas Capital Corporation, the guarantors named therein and Deutsche Bank Trust Company Americas (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.2 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K (File No. 001-36367), filed on October 2, 2014).
 
 
 
4.4
 
Third Supplemental Indenture, dated as of March 30, 2015, by and among Outfront Media Capital LLC, Outfront Media Capital Corporation, the guarantors named therein and Deutsche Bank Trust Company Americas (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K (File No. 001-36367), filed on March 30, 2015).
 
 
 
10.1
 
Tax Matters Agreement, dated as of April 2, 2014, by and between CBS Outdoor Americas Inc. and CBS Corporation (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K (File No. 001-36367), filed on April 2, 2014).
 
 
 
10.2
 
Registration Rights Agreement, dated as of March 30, 2015, by and among Outfront Media Capital LLC, Outfront Media Capital Corporation, the guarantors named therein, Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated and Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K (File No. 001-36367), filed on March 30, 2015).
 
 
 
10.3
 
Form of Director Indemnification Agreement (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.5 to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-11 (File No. 333-189643), filed on February 18, 2014).
 
 
 
10.4
 
Credit Agreement, dated as of January 31, 2014, by and among CBS Outdoor Americas Capital LLC, CBS Outdoor Americas Capital Corporation, the guarantors party thereto, Citibank, N.A. and the other lenders party thereto from time to time (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.9 to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-4 (File No. 333-201197), filed on December 22, 2014).
 
 
 
10.5
 
CBS Outdoor Americas Inc. Omnibus Stock Incentive Plan (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.6 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K (File No. 001-36367), filed on April 2, 2014).*
 
 
 
10.6
 
OUTFRONT Media Inc. Amended and Restated Omnibus Stock Incentive Plan (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended March 31, 2015, File No. 001-36367).*
 
 
 

112


10.7
 
OUTFRONT Media Inc. Amended and Restated Executive Bonus Plan (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended March 31, 2015, File No. 001-36367).*
 
 
 
10.8
 
OUTFRONT Media Excess 401(k) Plan (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.9 to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-11 (File No. 333-189643), filed on February 18, 2014).*
 
 
 
10.9
 
Employment Agreement with Jeremy J. Male, dated as of September 6, 2013 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.10 to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-11 (File No. 333-189643), filed on February 18, 2014).*
 
 
 
10.10
 
Employment Agreement with Donald R. Shassian, dated as of November 20, 2013 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.12 to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-11 (File No. 333-189643), filed on February 18, 2014).*
 
 
 
10.11
 
Employment Agreement with Richard Sauer, dated as of February 17, 2014 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.15 to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-11 (File No. 333-189643), filed on February 18, 2014).*
 
 
 
10.12
 
Form of Certificate and Terms and Conditions for Performance-Based Restricted Share Units Awards with Time Vesting under the CBS Outdoor Americas Inc. Omnibus Stock Incentive Plan before February 19, 2015 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.11 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended March 31, 2014, File No. 001-36367).*
 
 
 
10.13
 
Form of Certificate and Terms and Conditions for Performance-Based Restricted Share Units Awards with Time Vesting under the OUTFRONT Media Inc. Amended and Restated Omnibus Stock Incentive Plan (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.4 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended March 31, 2015, File No. 001-36367).*
 
 
 
10.14
 
Form of Certificate and Terms and Conditions for Restricted Share Units Awards with Time Vesting under the CBS Outdoor Americas Inc. Omnibus Stock Incentive Plan before February 19, 2015 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.12 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended March 31, 2014, File No. 001-36367).*
 
 
 
10.15
 
Form of Certificate and Terms and Conditions for Restricted Share Units Awards with Time Vesting granted under the CBS Outdoor Americas Inc. Omnibus Stock Incentive Plan on or after February 19, 2015 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.5 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended March 31, 2015, File No. 001-36367).*
 
 
 
10.16
 
Form of Certificate and Terms and Conditions for Restricted Share Units Awards with Time Vesting for Directors granted under the CBS Outdoor Americas Inc. Omnibus Stock Incentive Plan before February 19, 2015 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.13 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended March 31, 2014, File No. 001-36367).*
 
 
 
10.17
 
Form of Certificate and Terms and Conditions for Restricted Share Units Awards with Time Vesting for Directors granted under the OUTFRONT Media Inc. Amended and Restated Omnibus Stock Incentive Plan (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K (File No. 001-36367), filed on June 11, 2015).*
 
 
 
10.18
 
Summary of Compensation for Outside Directors, effective June 9, 2015 and July 1, 2015 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K (File No. 001-36367), filed on June 11, 2015).*
 
 
 
10.19
 
CBS Corporation 2004 Long-Term Management Incentive Plan (as amended and restated through May 25, 2006) (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10 to CBS Corporation’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended June 30, 2006, File No. 001-09553).*
 
 
 
10.20
 
CBS Corporation 2009 Long-Term Incentive Plan (effective February 21, 2008, as amended and restated May 23, 2013) (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10(c) to CBS Corporation’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended June 30, 2013, File No. 001-09553).*
 
 
 
10.21
 
Form of Certificate and Terms and Conditions for Converted Stock Options (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10(c)(ii) to CBS Corporation’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2011, File No. 001-09553).*
 
 
 
10.22
 
Form of Certificate and Terms and Conditions of Converted Performance-Based Restricted Share Units with Time Vesting (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10(c)(v) to CBS Corporation’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2011, File No. 001-09553).*
 
 
 

113


10.23
 
Form of Certificate and Terms and Conditions of Converted Restricted Share Units with Time Vesting (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10(c)(vii) to CBS Corporation’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2011, File No. 001-09553).*
 
 
 
10.24
 
Employment Agreement with Andy Sriubas, dated as of July 28, 2014 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended September 30, 2014, File No. 001-36367).*
 
 
 
10.25
 
Employment Agreement with Clive Punter, dated as of October 6, 2014 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.30 to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-4 (File No. 333-201197), filed on December 22, 2014).*
 
 
 
10.26
 
Employment Agreement with Nancy Tostanoski, dated as of May 5, 2014 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.31 to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-4 (File No. 333-201197), filed on December 22, 2014).*
 
 
 
10.27
 
Employment Agreement with Jodi Senese, dated as of June 6, 2016 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended June 30, 2016, File No. 001-36367).*
 
 
 
10.28
 
OUTFRONT Media Inc. Executive Change in Control Severance Plan (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K (File No. 001-36367), filed on December 14, 2015).*
 
 
 
10.29
 
Form of Participation Agreement under the OUTFRONT Media Inc. Executive Change in Control Severance Plan (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K (File No. 001-36367), filed on December 14, 2015).*
 
 
 
10.30
 
Employment Agreement with Donald R. Shassian, dated as of December 28, 2016.*
 
 
 
21.1
 
List of Subsidiaries of OUTFRONT Media Inc.
 
 
 
23.1
 
Consent of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP.
 
 
 
24.1
 
Power of Attorney (included on the signature page of this Annual Report on Form 10-K and incorporated herein by reference).
 
 
 
31.1
 
Certification of the Chief Executive Officer of OUTFRONT Media Inc. pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) or 15d-14(a), as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
 
 
 
31.2
 
Certification of the Chief Financial Officer of OUTFRONT Media Inc. pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) or 15d-14(a), as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
 
 
 
32.1
 
Certification of the Chief Executive Officer of OUTFRONT Media Inc. furnished pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley act of 2002.
 
 
 
32.2
 
Certification of the Chief Financial Officer of OUTFRONT Media Inc. furnished pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley act of 2002.
 
 
 
101.INS
 
XBRL Instance Document
 
 
 
101.SCH
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema
 
 
 
101.CAL
 
XBRL Taxonomy Calculation Linkbase
 
 
 
101.DEF
 
XBRL Taxonomy Definition Document
 
 
 
101.LAB
 
XBRL Taxonomy Label Linkbase
 
 
 
101.PRE
 
XBRL Taxonomy Presentation Linkbase
 
 
 
_______________________
Schedules, annexes and exhibits have been omitted pursuant to Item 601(b)(2) of Regulation S-K. The Company agrees to furnish supplementally to the SEC a copy of any omitted schedule, annex or exhibit upon request.
*
Management contracts and compensatory plans and arrangements.



114