Lamar Advertising Company (NASDAQ:LAMR) reported third-quarter 2018 adjusted funds from operations (AFFO) of $1.51 per share, comfortably surpassing the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $1.47. This also marks a 7.9% increase from the year-ago tally of $1.40 per share.
Robust top-line growth supported results. However, operating income declined year over year on account of higher operating expenses.
Net revenues for the third quarter climbed 4.8% from the prior-year tally to $418.5 million. Moreover, the revenue figure outpaced the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $421.4 million.
Quarter in Detail
Operating income decreased to $128.4 million from $131.7 million recorded in the year-ago period. Adjusted earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (EBITDA) rose 5.3%, year over year, to $192.5 million. Additionally, free cash flow of $130.7 million in the Sep-end quarter was up 7% year over year.
At the end of third-quarter 2018, Lamar had total liquidity of $342.6 million, of which $332 million was available under its revolving senior credit facility, and $10.6 million in cash and cash equivalents.
Guidance
Lamar reiterated its projection of AFFO per share to $5.30-$5.40. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for the same is currently pegged at $5.38.
Our Take
Lamar’s impressive national footprint and leading position as a provider of logo signs in the United States enabled the company to record higher revenues during the Jul-Sep period. Nevertheless, escalating expenses is detrimental for the company’s margin growth.
Going forward, elevated investment expenditures for acquisitions are likely to unfavorably impact the company’s profitability. Furthermore, rising interest rates and competition from other outdoor advertisers remain growth hurdles.
Lamar Advertising Company Price, Consensus and EPS Surprise
Lamar Advertising Company Price, Consensus and EPS Surprise | Lamar Advertising Company Quote
Lamar currently has a Zacks Rank #4 (Sell).
You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.
Performance of Stocks in the Same Space
Cousins Properties Incorporated (NYSE:CUZ) reported third-quarter 2018 FFO per share of 16 cents, beating the Zacks Consensus Estimate by a whisker. The figure also came in higher than the year-earlier tally of 15 cents.
Highwoods Properties Inc. (NYSE:HIW) reported third-quarter 2018 FFO of 86 cents per share, surpassing the Zacks Consensus Estimate. Additionally, the figure remained flat year over year.
Ventas, Inc. (NYSE:VTR) reported third-quarter 2018 normalized FFO of 99 cents, outpacing the Zacks Consensus Estimate of 97 cents. However, the figure came in lower than the year-ago quarter’s tally of $1.04.
Note: Anything related to earnings presented in this write-up represents funds from operations (FFO) — a widely used metric to gauge the performance of REITs.
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Lamar Advertising Company (LAMR): Free Stock Analysis Report
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