LAMAR ADVERTISING CO
10-Q, 1997-08-12
ADVERTISING AGENCIES
Previous: SCHOONER FUND, NSAR-A, 1997-08-12
Next: FIRST CHESAPEAKE FINANCIAL CORP, 8-K, 1997-08-12



                          UNITED STATES
                SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                      Washington, DC  20549

                            FORM 10-Q

[ X ]  Quarterly Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934

For the period ended June 30,1997
 
or

[   ]  Transition Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934

For the transition period from 

Commission file number 0-20833

                    LAMAR ADVERTISING COMPANY                     
      (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

          DELAWARE                           72-1205791    
(State or other jurisdiction              (I.R.S. Employer              
     of incorporation)                   Identification No.)

5551 Corporate Blvd., 
Baton Rouge, LA                                 70808      
(Address of principal                         (Zip Code)
 executive officers)

Registrant's telephone number, including area code (504) 926-1000

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.

                  Yes    X            No       

Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer's classes of
common stock, as of the latest practicable date.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                      Outstanding as of
               Class                    July 31, 1997 
<S>                                         <C>

Class A Common Stock,$ .001 par value       17,629,715
Class B Common Stock,$ .001 par value       13,716,387
</TABLE>





                             CONTENTS
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                             Page
         

<S>                                                          <C>  

PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION

ITEM 1.  FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

         Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets as of
         October 31, 1996, December 31, 1996 and               1 - 2
         June 30, 1997

         Condensed Consolidated Statements of Earnings
         for the three months ended July 31, 1996
         and June 30, 1997 and the six months ended
         July 31, 1996 and June 30, 1997                         3
          
         Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows 
         for the six months ended July 31, 1996
         and June 30, 1997                                     4 - 5  

         Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial
         Statements                                            6 - 9

ITEM 2.  Management's Discussion and Analysis of
         Financial Condition and Results of Operations        10 - 15
    
ITEM 3.  Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about         15
         Market Risks

PART II - OTHER INFORMATION


ITEM 6.  Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K                       16

         Signatures                                             16  
</TABLE>

PART I  - FINANCIAL INFORMATION
ITEM 1. - FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

                  LAMAR ADVERTISING COMPANY AND
                           SUBSIDIARIES
              CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
                           (UNAUDITED)
         (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT SHARE AND PER SHARE DATA)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>


                                     October 31,     December 31,     June 30,
                                         1996            1996           1997
<S>                                    <C>               <C>             <C>

ASSETS                                                    
Cash and cash equivalents              $  8,430          81,007          7,748  

Receivables
  Trade accounts, net                    12,855          18,949         24,771
  Affiliates, related parties
    and employees                           348             558            627
  Other                                     327             141            442
    Net receivables                      13,530          19,648         25,840
Prepaid expenses                          1,973           3,939          6,681 
Other current assets                      1,544           1,655          2,076
  Total current assets                   25,477         106,249         42,345

Property, plant and equipment           207,071         260,325        379,328
  Less accumulated depreciation
    and amortization                   ( 87,343)        (89,595)      ( 98,725)
    Net property, plant and equipment   119,728         170,730        280,603

Investment securities                     4,414           2,250            870
Intangible assets                        18,223          78,899        195,874
Deferred taxes                            2,463           6,862            -
Other assets                              2,884           3,166          5,093
                                        173,189         368,156        524,785

LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
Current liabilities:
  Trade accounts payable                  3,263           4,279          2,694
  Accrued expenses                       11,066           7,900         10,604
  Current maturities of long-term 
    debt                                  3,815           4,088          4,161
  Deferred income                         5,793           6,484          6,133
      Total current liabilities          23,937          22,751         23,592

Long-term debt                          128,140         279,260        412,982
Deferred income                             811             847            827
Other liabilities                         1,260           1,535          2,147 
Deferred tax liability                      -               -           19,498
      Total liabilities                 154,148         304,393        459,046

</TABLE>

                  LAMAR ADVERTISING COMPANY AND
                           SUBSIDIARIES
              CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
                           (UNAUDITED)
         (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT SHARE AND PER SHARE DATA)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>




                                       October 31,   December 31,   June 30, 
                                           1996          1996         1997
<S>                                      <C>          <C>          <C>

STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY

Class A preferred stock, par
  value $638, $63.80 cumulative dividends,
  authorized 10,000 shares; 5,719.49 
  shares issued and outstanding at October
  31, 1996, December 31, 1996 and June 30,
  1997, respectively                        3,649        3,649        3,649

Class A common stock, $.001 par value.  
 Authorized 50,000,000 shares;
 issued and outstanding 15,004,340
 shares, 17,611,240 shares and 17,625,290
 shares at October 31, 1996, December 
 31, 1996, and June 30, 1997, respectively     15           17           18

Class B common stock, $.001 par value. 
 Authorized 25,000,000 shares;
 issued and outstanding 13,791,387 
 shares, 13,716,387 shares and 13,716,387
 shares at October 31,1996, December  31,
 1996, and June 30, 1997, respectively         14           14           14

Additional paid in capital                 38,060       92,258       92,483  

Accumulated deficit                      ( 24,681)    ( 32,796)    ( 30,189)

Unrealized gain (loss) on investment
  securities net of deferred tax 
  benefit/expense                           1,984          621     (    236)
  Stockholders' equity                     19,041       63,763       65,739
 


  Total liabilities and  
    stockholders' equity                $ 173,189     $368,156     $524,785
</TABLE>

                   LAMAR ADVERTISING COMPANY AND
                           SUBSIDIARIES
          CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EARNINGS
                           (UNAUDITED)
         (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT SHARE AND PER SHARE DATA)
                      
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                               Three Months Ended          Six Months Ended   
                         July 31,1996  June 30,1997 July 31,1996  June 30,1997 
<S>                          <C>           <C>           <C>         <C>
                                                         
Revenues
  Outdoor advertising net     $31,386       $49,962      $60,224      $87,644  
  Other income                    134           146          329          311
                               31,520        50,108       60,553       87,955
Operating expenses
    Direct advertising
      expenses                 10,076        15,483       20,125       28,950
    Selling, general and 
      administrative expenses   8,147        10,828       15,151       20,081
    Depreciation and
      amortization              3,540        10,977        7,181       17,727
                               21,763        37,288       42,457       66,758
      
    Operating income            9,757        12,820       18,096       21,197

Other expenses (income)
  Interest income            (     39)     (    300)     (    87)    (  1,421)
  Interest expense              4,105         8,460        8,130       15,404
  Loss on disposition
    of assets                     237           295          730          742
  Other expenses                    8           164          102          177
                                4,311         8,619        8,875       14,902
Earnings before 
  income taxes                  5,446         4,201        9,221        6,295
Income tax expense              2,230         2,616        3,745        3,414  
  

Net earnings                    3,216         1,585        5,476        2,881  
  
                                     
Preferred stock dividends          91           183          183          274
  
Net earnings applicable to 
  common stock                  3,125         1,402        5,293        2,607
                                      
Net earnings per common                                          
  share                           .13           .04          .21          .08  
</TABLE>

                    LAMAR ADVERTISING COMPANY AND        
                           SUBSIDIARIES
         CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
                           (UNAUDITED)
                          (IN THOUSANDS)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>






                                          Six Months Ended     Six Months Ended
                                            July 31, 1996        June 30, 1997 
                                                                             
<S>                                              <C>                  <C>

CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:

Net earnings                                     $ 5,476                2,881 
    
Adjustments to reconcile net earnings    
  to net cash provided by operating activities:
    Depreciation and amortization                  7,181               17,727
    Loss on disposition of assets                    730                  742  
    Deferred taxes                                 1,685             (  1,194)
    Provision for doubtful accounts                  248                  710
Changes in operating assets and 
  liabilities:
      Increase in receivables                   (  1,516)            (  3,718)
      (Increase) decrease in prepaid expenses          1             (    366) 
      (Increase) decrease in other assets          1,599             (    620) 
      Increase (decrease)in trade accounts
        payable                                      937             (  2,035) 
      Increase in accrued expenses                   863                2,142
      Increase (decrease) in other liabilities        38             (      1)
      Increase (decrease) in deferred income       1,692             (    415)
        Net cash provided by operating 
          activities                              18,934               15,853


CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:

Increase in notes receivable                    (    675)            (  1,300) 
Acquisition of new markets                      (  3,993)            (257,061)
Capital expenditures                            ( 12,624)            ( 14,990) 
Proceeds from disposition of assets                  419               52,186  
Purchase of intangible assets                   (    872)            (    881) 
      Net cash used in investing 
        activities                              ( 17,745)            (222,046)
</TABLE>

                   LAMAR ADVERTISING COMPANY AND
                           SUBSIDIARIES
         CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS 
                           (UNAUDITED)
                          (IN THOUSANDS)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>


                                         Six Months Ended     Six Months Ended 
                                         July 31,1996          June 30,1997    

<S>                                          <C>                   <C>

CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:          
Net proceeds from issuance of common stock         -                     225
Principal payments on long-term debt         (  1,627)              (  2,051)  
Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt           -                      34
Proceeds under New Bank Credit Agreement       14,500                186,000   
Principal payments under New Bank Credit
  Agreement                                  ( 10,500)              ( 51,000) 
Stock redemption                             (  2,964)                   -
Dividends                                    (    433)              (    274) 
  Net cash provided by (used in)
  financing activities                       (  1,024)               132,934   

Net increase (decrease) in cash and 
  cash equivalents                                165               ( 73,259)  
         
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning
  of period                                     1,800                 81,007   

Cash and cash equivalents at end of
  period                                     $  1,965                  7,748
                                             



SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURES OF CASH FLOW INFORMATION:


Cash paid for interest                       $  8,009                14,756
                                                                              
Cash paid for state and 
  federal income taxes                       $  1,686                 2,184
</TABLE>
                                               

                   LAMAR ADVERTISING COMPANY AND
                           SUBSIDIARIES
       NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
       (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT FOR SHARE AND PER SHARE DATA)




1.  SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

The information included in the foregoing interim financial statements is
unaudited.  In the opinion of management, all adjustments, consisting of normal
recurring adjustments, necessary for a fair presentation of the Company's
financial position and results of operations for the interim periods presented
have been reflected herein.  The results of operations for interim periods are
not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the entire year. 
These condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction
with the Company's consolidated financial statements and the notes thereto
included in the Company's annual report on Form 10-K.

Certain amounts in the prior year's consolidated financial statements have been
reclassified to conform with the current year presentation.  These
reclassifications had no effect on previously reported net earnings.

On December 17, 1996, the Board of Directors of the Company voted to change the
Company's fiscal year such that the Company's fiscal year shall end on December
31 of each year.  The Company's last fiscal year ended on October 31, 1996.  The
two-month period from November 1, 1996 to December 31, 1996 was  treated as a
transition period that was not a part of fiscal year 1996 or calendar year 1997,
and was reported on Form 10 Q/T.  In light of the Company's public offering in
fiscal 1996 this year end change was recommended to conform to predominant year
ends within the industry.

Earnings per common share are computed by dividing net earnings applicable to
common stock by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during
each period (24,482,020 for the three months ended July 31, 1996, 25,041,742 for
the six months ended July 31, 1996, 31,808,716 for the three months ended June
30, 1997 and 31,840,641 for the six months ended June 30, 1997).  Weighted
average shares for the three months ended June 30,1997 and six months ended June
30, 1997 include the effect of 477,158 shares and 510,331 shares, respectively,
issuable upon the exercise of stock options calculated using the treasury stock
method.

2.   Long-Term Debt

In November 1996, the Company commenced a tender offer for all of its 11% Senior
Secured Notes that were issued in 1993 in the principal amount of $100,000.  As
of June 30,1997, approximately $98,500 of the notes were tendered to the Company
and retired.  As a result of this tender offer and the extinguishment of other
credit facilities, the Company incurred a loss on debt extinguishment of
approximately $9,500 net of income tax benefit of $5,700. 

                 LAMAR ADVERTISING COMPANY AND
                           SUBSIDIARIES
       NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
       (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT FOR SHARE AND PER SHARE DATA)


Also in November 1996, the Company issued $255,000 in principal amount of 9 5/8%
Senior Subordinated Notes due December 1, 2006 (the "Notes"), with interest
payable semi-annually on June 1 and December 1, commencing June 1, 1997.  The
notes are senior subordinated unsecured obligations of the Company and are
subordinated in right of payment to all senior indebtedness of the Company and
are senior to all existing and future subordinated indebtedness of the Company.

The Notes are redeemable at the Company's option any time on or after December
31, 2001 at redemption prices specified by the indenture, and are required to be
repurchased earlier in the event of a change of control of the Company.  The
indenture governing the Notes includes certain restrictive covenants which limit
the Company's ability to incur additional debt, pay dividends and make other
restricted payments, consummate certain transactions and other matters.

In December 1996, the Company entered into a Bank Credit Agreement (the Bank
Credit Agreement") with a syndicate of financial institutions which replaced the
Company's existing bank credit facilities.  The Bank Credit Agreement provides
the Company with a committed $225,000 revolving credit  facility and a $75,000
incremental term facility funded at the discretion of the lenders. Availability
of the line under the revolving facility will be reduced over a five year period
from 1999 to 2003 and will bear interest at a variable rate of interest based
upon an  applicable margin over prime or the LIBOR rate. The term loan will 
amortize over six years beginning in 1999. The Bank Credit Agreement is
guaranteed by the Company's subsidiaries and secured by the capital stock of the
Company's subsidiaries.  The Bank Credit Agreement contains various restrictive
covenants which require that the Company meet certain minimum leverage and 
coverage ratios, restrict additional indebtedness, limit dividends and other 
restricted payments, limit capital expenditures and dispositions of assets, and 
other restrictions. As of June 30, 1997 there was $135,000 outstanding under the
Bank Credit Agreement.

3.   Acquisitions

Effective November 1, 1996, the Company purchased all of the stock of FKM
Advertising Co., Inc. for a purchase price of approximately $40,000 and on
December 10, 1996, the Company purchased substantially all of the assets of
Outdoor East, L.P. for a total purchase price of approximately $60,500.

Effective April 1, 1997, the Company acquired all of the outstanding capital
stock of Penn Advertising, Inc. for a purchase price of approximately $167,000. 
The Company subsequently sold approximately 16% of the displays acquired to
Universal Outdoor, Inc. for $46,500 in cash.

On May 15, 1997, the Company acquired all of the outstanding stock of McWhorter
Advertising, Inc. for a cash purchase price of $8,500.


                 LAMAR ADVERTISING COMPANY AND
                           SUBSIDIARIES
       NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
       (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT FOR SHARE AND PER SHARE DATA)

On June 3, 1997, the Company purchased substantially all of the assets of
Headrick Outdoor, Inc. for a cash price of $76,600.  Simultaneous with the
acquisition, the Company sold approximately 9% of the outdoor displays
acquired for $6.0 million in cash.

The Company borrowed $135 million under the Bank Credit Agreement to
finance the above acquisitions.

Each of these acquisitions was accounted for under the purchase method of
accounting.  The following is a summary of the allocation of the acquisition 
costs in the above transactions.

<TABLE>
<S>                                     <C>
                                   
Current assets                            8,166
Property, plant, and equipment          150,214
Intangibles                             174,360
Current liabilities                       1,379
Deferred tax liabilities                 29,084
Other liabilities                         1,001

</TABLE>
Summarized below is unaudited pro forma statement of operations data for the
three months ended July 31, 1996 and June 30, 1997 and six months ended July
31, 1996 and June 30, 1997 as if these transactions had been consummated as of
February 1, 1996.  This pro forma information does not purport to represent
what the Company's results of operations actually would have been had such
transactions occurred on the date specified or to project the Company's
results of operations for any future periods.

<TABLE>
                             Three months ended            Six months ended
                        July 31,1996  June 30,1997   July 31,1996 June 30,1997

<S>                      <C>           <C>             <C>           <C>

Revenues                 $ 48,937      $ 52,356        $ 92,906      $100,239

Net loss, applicable to
  common stock             (  376)       (  155)        ( 2,898)     (     30)

Net (loss) per common share(  .02)       ( .004)        (   .12)     (   .001)

</TABLE>

                  LAMAR ADVERTISING COMPANY AND
                           SUBSIDIARIES
       NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
       (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT FOR SHARE AND PER SHARE DATA)


4.   Stockholders Equity

In November 1996, the Company completed an offering of 2,530,000 shares of its
Class A common stock at a price to the public of $23.00 per share.  This
transaction resulted in a $54,171 increase in total stockholders' equity after
deducting commissions and fees related to the transaction.

5.   Summarized Financial Information of Subsidiaries

Separate financial statements of each of the Company's direct or indirect
wholly owned subsidiaries that have guaranteed the Company's obligations with
respect to the Notes (collectively, the "Guarantors") are not included herein
because the Guarantors are jointly and severally liable under the guarantees,
and the aggregate assets, liabilities, earnings and equity of the Guarantors
are substantially equivalent to the assets, liabilities, earnings and equity
of the Company on a consolidated basis.

Summarized financial information for Missouri Logos, a Partnership, a 66 2/3%
owned subsidiary of the Company and the only subsidiary of the Company that is
not a Guarantor, is set forth below:

<TABLE>
                         Six Months Ended June 30, 1997
                                      (Unaudited)
<S>                                    <C> 

Current assets                         $   350
Total assets                               408
Total liabilities                            9
Venturers' equity                          399
Revenues                                   457 
Net income                                 235
</TABLE>

6.   Subsequent Event

The Company has signed a letter of intent to acquire from Outdoor Systems,
Inc. ("OSI"), for a cash purchase price of approximately $118,000 outdoor
advertising assets located in certain markets that OSI has agreed to acquire
from National Advertising Company ("3M").  The acquisition is contingent on
completion of OSI's acquisition of 3M and other customary closing conditions,
including execution of a definitive agreement and expiration or early
termination of the waiting period under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust
Improvements Act.  Both the number of displays and purchase price are subject
to change before finalization of the transaction.  The Company intends to
initially finance the acquisition with a draw under the Bank Credit  Agreement.


ITEM 2.
             MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF
          FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

As a result of the change in the Company's fiscal year end from October 31 to
December 31, the results of operations set forth in the accompanying financial
statements reflect the three month periods ended June 30, 1997 and July 31,
1996, and the six month periods ended June 30, 1997 and July 31, 1996.  As a
result, the results of operations do not reflect comparative periods.  As an
aid to understanding and comparing the Company's operating results, the
following table sets forth results of operations for the three month periods
ended June 30, 1996 and 1997, and the six month periods ended June 30, 1996
and 1997.  The discussion that follows compares these two periods.


<TABLE>
                             Three Months Ended         Six Months Ended
                       June 30,1996  June 30,1997   June 30,1996  June 30,1997
<S>                         <C>           <C>            <C>          <C>
   
Outdoor advertising, net  $  30,834      $ 49,962       $ 58,497     $ 87,644
Other income                    113           146            295          311
                             30,947        50,108         58,792       87,955

Direct advertising expenses  10,329        15,483         21,108       28,950
General and administrative
  expenses                    7,429        10,828         14,863       20,081
Depreciation and 
  amortization                3,533        10,977          7,035       17,727
                             21,291        37,288         43,006       66,758
   
Operating income              9,656        12,820         15,786       21,197

Other expenses (income)      

Interest income             (    39)      (   300)       (    91)     ( 1,421)
Interest expense              3,957         8,460          7,983       15,404
Other expenses                  339           459            820          919
                              4,257         8,619          8,712       14,902
Earnings before income
  taxes                       5,399         4,201          7,074        6,295

Income tax expense            2,177         2,616          2,829        3,414 

Net earnings                  3,222         1,585          4,245        2,881
</TABLE>


The following discussion is a summary of the key factors management considers
necessary in reviewing the Company's results of operations,liquidity and capital
resources.  Forward-looking statements contained in the following discussion are
expectations only and there can be no assurance that actual results will not
materially differ from these expectations.  This discussion should be read in
conjunction with the financial statements and related notes of the Company as
well as the "Important Factors Regarding Forward-Looking Statements" included as
Exhibit 99.1 to the Company's annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended
October 31, 1996.


RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Six Months Ended June 30, 1997 Compared to Six Months Ended June 30, 1996

Revenues increased $29.2 million or 49.6% to $88.0 million for the six months
ended June 30, 1997.  This increase was the result of a (i) $24.7 million 
increase in billboard net revenues,of which $20.3 million is attributable to the
Company's acquisitions of FKM Outdoor Advertising Co., Outdoor East, L.P.,Revere
National Corporation, Penn Advertising, Inc., and Headrick Outdoor, Inc., with
the remaining $4.4 million attributable to existing operations, and a (ii) $4.0
million increase in logo sign revenue due to the completion of development of 
the new state logo sign franchises awarded and acquired in 1996 and the 
continued expansion of the Company's existing logo sign franchises.  Net 
billboard advertising revenue for the six months ended June 30, 1997 was 
$76.4 million and net logo sign revenue was $9.9 million.

Operating expenses, exclusive of depreciation and amortization, increased $13.1
million or 36.3% for the six months ended June 30, 1997 as compared to the same
period in 1996.  This increase was primarily the result of the additional
operating expenses related to acquisitions of outdoor advertising assets and the
newly developed and acquired logo sign franchises.

Depreciation and amortization expense increased $10.7 million or 152.0% from 
$7.0 million for the six months ended June 30, 1996 to $17.7 million for six 
months ended June 30, 1997 as a result of an increase in capital assets due to 
the Company's recent acquisitions. 

Due to the above factors, operating income increased $5.4 million or 34.3% to
$21.2 million for six months ended June 30, 1997 from $15.8 million for the same
period in 1996.

Interest income increased $1.3 million as a result of earnings on excess cash
investments made during the period. Interest expense increased $7.4 million from
$8.0 million for the six months ended June 30, 1996 to $15.4 million for six
months ended June 30, 1997 as a result of interest expense on the Notes issued
in November 1996 and additional borrowings under the Bank Credit Agreement.

The effective income tax rate increased from 40% for the six months ended June
30, 1996 to 54% for the six months ended June 30, 1997.  This increase was due
to goodwill recorded as part of the stock acquisitions described above.  The
amortization of this goodwill is nondeductible for income tax purposes and
generates the increased tax rate.

As a result of the above factors, the Company recognized  net earnings for the
six months ended June 30, 1997 of $2.9 million.



Three Months Ended June 30, 1997 Compared to Three Months Ended June 30, 1996

Revenues for the three months ended June 30, 1997 increased $19.2 million or
61.9% to $50.1 million from $30.9 million for the same period in 1996.
     
Operating expenses, exclusive of depreciation and amortization, for the three
months ended June 30, 1997 increased $8.6 million or 48.2% over the same period
in 1996.

Depreciation and amortization expense increased $7.4 million or 210.7% from $3.5
million for three months ended June 30, 1996 to $11.0 million for the three
months ended June 30, 1997.

Due to the above factors, operating income increased $3.2 million or 32.8% to
$12.8 million compared to $9.7 million for the three months ended June 30, 1997
as compared to the same period in 1996.

Interest expense increased $4.5 million from $4.0 million for the three months
ended June 30, 1996 to $8.5 million for the same period in 1997.

The effective tax rate increased from 40.1% for the three months ended June 30,
1996 to 62.3% for the three months ended June 30, 1997.

As a result of the above factors, the Company recognized net earnings for the
three months ended June 30, 1997 of $1.6 million.

The results for the three months ended June 30, 1997 were affected by the same
factors as the six months ended June 30, 1997.  Reference is made to the
discussion of the six month results.


LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

The Company has historically satisfied its working capital requirements with 
cash from operations and revolving credit borrowings. Its acquisitions have been
financed primarily with borrowed funds.

In November and December of 1996, the Company engaged in several transactions
which significantly changed its capital structure and positioned it to expand
operations through acquisitions.  These transactions were: (i) a public offering
of 2,530,000 shares of Class A Common Stock at $23 per share,(ii) a tender offer
that retired approximately $98.5 million of the $100 million outstanding 11%
Senior Secured Notes due 2003, (iii) the offering of $255 million in principal
amount of the Notes, and (iv) entering into the Bank Credit Agreement, which
consists of a committed $225 million revolving credit facility  (the "Revolving
Facility")and a $75 million incremental facility funded at the discretion of the
lenders (the "Incremental Facility"). The Bank Credit Agreement replaced the
Company's previous bank credit facilities.  There is currently $132 million
outstanding under the Revolving Facility.

Net proceeds to the Company, after underwriting discounts, from the equity and
Note offerings were $55.4 million and $248.0 million, respectively.  These
proceeds were used to extinguish outstanding bank debt of approximately $47.0
million, fund the tender offer for the Senior Secured Notes, purchase
substantially all of the assets of Outdoor East, L.P. for $60.5 million and pay
investment banking fees as well as other related costs of approximately $12.0
million related to the above transactions.  The balance of approximately $85
million was used for acquisitions in the second quarter as described below.  

The Company's net cash provided by operating activities is $15.9 million for the
six months ended June 30,1997 due to the Company's net earnings of $2.9 million,
non-cash items of $18.0 million (including depreciation and amortization of 
$17.7 million), an increase in receivables of $3.7 million, a decrease in trade
accounts payable of $2.0 million, and an increase in accrued expenses of $2.1
million.  Net cash used in investing activities is $222.0 million for the six
months ended June 30, 1997 due to an increase in notes receivable of $1.3
million, acquisitions of new markets of $257.1 million (offset by proceeds from
dispositions of assets of $52.2 million), capital expenditures of $15.0 million,
and purchases of intangible assets of $.9 million.  Net cash provided by
financing activities is $132.9 million for the six months ending June 30,1997 
due primarily to proceeds from issuance of notes payable to banks of $186 
million offset by principal payments on long-term debt of $2.1 million and 
principal payments on notes payable to banks of $51.0 million.  The items 
described above yield a net decrease in cash and cash equivalents of $73.3 
million for the six months ending June 30, 1997.

On April 1, 1997, the Company acquired the outstanding capital stock of Penn
Advertising, Inc. ("Penn") for a cash purchase price of $167 million.  Funds for
the acquisition were provided from the remaining proceeds of the equity and Note
offerings and a $94 million draw under the Revolving Facility.  On June 3, 1997,
the Company sold Penn Advertising of Baltimore, Inc., a subsidiary of Penn, for
a cash purchase price of $46.5 million.  Upon the closing of the sale, $46.0
million in proceeds was used to reduce the amount outstanding under the 
Revolving Facility.

On June 4, 1997, the Company acquired the assets of Headrick Outdoor, Inc.
("Headrick") for a cash purchase price of $76.6 million.  Funds for this
acquisition were provided from the Revolving Facility.  In obtaining approval of
the acquisition under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act (the "HSR
Act"), the Company agreed to sell certain of the acquired assets to an
unaffiliated third party for a purchase price of $6.0 million, consisting of
approximately $4.7 million in cash and an approximately $1.3 million note from
the purchaser.  The cash proceeds from such sale were used to reduce the amount
outstanding under the Revolving Facility.

The Company has signed a letter of intent to acquire from Outdoor Systems, Inc.
("OSI"), for a cash purchase price of approximately $118.0 million, outdoor
advertising assets located in certain markets that OSI has agreed to acquire 
from National Advertising Company ("3M"). The acquisition is contingent on com-
pletion of OSI's acquisition of 3M and other customary closing conditions, 
including execution of a definitive agreement and expiration or early 
termination of the waiting period under the HSR Act. Both the number of displays
and purchase price are subject to change before finalization of the transaction.
The Company intends to initially finance the acquisition with a $78 million draw
under the Revolving Facility and a $40 million draw under the Incremental 
Facility.  Following completion of this acquisition, the Company will have $15 
million available under the Revolving Facility and $35 million available but not
committed under the Incremental Facility.  As a result, the Company will be
required to raise funds from external sources to finance any additional
acquisition activity.  There can be no assurance, however, that such funds will
be available on acceptable terms, if at all.

Regulation of Tobacco Advertising

Approximately 10% of the Company's billboard advertising net revenues and 8% of
consolidated net revenues in fiscal 1996 came from the tobacco products 
industry, compared to 9% for fiscal 1995, 7% for fiscal 1994 and 1993, 12% for 
fiscal 1992 and 17% for fiscal 1991. Manufacturers of tobacco products, 
principally cigarettes, were historically major users of outdoor advertising 
displays. Beginning in 1992, the leading tobacco companies substantially reduced
their domestic advertising expenditures in response to societal and governmental
pressures and other factors.  Although the Company has attempted to replace 
tobacco advertising by diversifying its customer base and increasing sales to 
local advertisers, there can be no assurance that the tobacco industry will not
further reduce advertising expenditures in the future either voluntarily or as a
result of governmental regulations or as to what affect any such reduction may 
have on the Company.

In June 1997 several of the major tobacco companies in the U.S. and
numerous state attorneys general reached agreement on a proposed settlement of
litigation between such parties.  The terms of this proposed settlement include
a ban on all outdoor advertising of tobacco products commencing nine months 
after finalization of the settlement.  The settlement, however, is subject to 
numerous conditions, the most notable of which is the enactment of legislation 
by the federal government.  At this time, it is uncertain when a definitive 
settlement will be reached, if at all, or what the terms of any such settlement 
will be.A reduction in billboard advertising by the tobacco industry could cause
an immediate reduction in the Company's outdoor advertising revenues, may
simultaneously increase the Company's available inventory, and could have a 
material adverse effect on the Company's results of operations.  The Company 
believes, however, that it would be able to replace a substantial portion of 
revenues from tobacco advertising that would be eliminated due to such a
settlement with revenues from other sources.

New Accounting Pronouncements

The Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB)has issued Statement of Financial
Accounting Standards (SFAS) No.128 "Earnings Per Share", which established a new
accounting principle for the calculation of earnings per share.  This SFAS is
effective for accounting periods ending after December 15, 1997. Management does
not believe that SFAS No. 128 will have a material impact on earnings per share
for the periods presented.

The FASB has issued SFAS No. 130, "Reporting Comprehensive Income", which will
require the Company to disclose, in financial statement format, all non-owner
changes in equity.  SFAS No. 130 is effective for fiscal years beginning after
December 15, 1997.  Adoption of this standard is not expected to have a material
impact on disclosures in the Company's financial statements.

The FASB has issued SFAS No. 131, "Disclosures About Segments of an Enterprise
and Related Information", which established a new accounting principle for
reporting information about operating segments in annual financial statements 
and interim financial reports.  It also established standards for related 
disclosures about products and services, geographic areas and major customers. 
SFAS No. 131 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 1997. 
The Company is currently evaluating the applicability of this standard. However,
the Company oes not expect a material impact on disclosures in the Company's 
financial statements.

ITEM 3.
            QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISKS

Not Applicable

PART II - OTHER INFORMATION


ITEM 6.   EXHIBITS AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K

     (a)  Exhibits

          Exhibit 27.1   Financial Data Schedule.  Filed herewith.

     (b)  Reports on Form 8-K

          Reports on Form 8-K were filed with the Commission during the
          quarter ended June 30, 1997 to report the following items as of
          the dates indicated:     

               The Company filed on April 14, 1997 a report on Form 8-K 
               reporting under Item 2 that it had completed the acquisition
               of the outstanding capital stock of Penn Advertising, Inc.
               ("Penn") for a cash purchase price of approximately $167.0
               million and that it had agreed to sell certain outdoor
               advertising displays that it had acquired in Baltimore, Maryland
               to Universal Outdoor, Inc. ("UOUT") for a cash
               purchase price of $46.5 million.  On June 12, 1997, the Company 
               amended this report to report under Item 2 the
               completion of the sale to UOUT and to present under Item 7
               the historical financial statements of Penn and pro forma
               financial information of the Company giving effect to the Penn 
               acquisition and the subsequent sale of assets to UOUT.




                            SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements 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.

                                   LAMAR ADVERTISING COMPANY

DATED: August 5, 1997                 BY /s/Keith Istre             
                                      Keith A. Istre
                                      Chief Financial and Accounting Officer   
                                      and Director








<TABLE> <S> <C>

<ARTICLE> 5
<MULTIPLIER> 1000
       
<S>                             <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   6-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          DEC-31-1997
<PERIOD-END>                               JUN-30-1997
<CASH>                                            7748
<SECURITIES>                                       870
<RECEIVABLES>                                    27100
<ALLOWANCES>                                      1260
<INVENTORY>                                          0
<CURRENT-ASSETS>                                 42345
<PP&E>                                          379328
<DEPRECIATION>                                   98725
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                                  524785
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES>                            23592
<BONDS>                                         412982
                                0
                                       3649
<COMMON>                                            32
<OTHER-SE>                                       62058
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY>                    524785
<SALES>                                          87644
<TOTAL-REVENUES>                                 87955
<CGS>                                                0
<TOTAL-COSTS>                                    49031
<OTHER-EXPENSES>                                     0
<LOSS-PROVISION>                                   710
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                               15404
<INCOME-PRETAX>                                   6295
<INCOME-TAX>                                      3414
<INCOME-CONTINUING>                               2881
<DISCONTINUED>                                       0
<EXTRAORDINARY>                                      0
<CHANGES>                                            0
<NET-INCOME>                                      2881
<EPS-PRIMARY>                                      .08
<EPS-DILUTED>                                      .08
        

</TABLE>


© 2022 IncJournal is not affiliated with or endorsed by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission