Q2 2026 Lamar Advertising Co Earnings Call

August 6, 2026

Speaker #1: Excuse me, everyone. We now have Sean Reilly and Jay Johnson in conference. Please be aware that each of your line is in a listen-only mode.

Operator: Excuse me, everyone. We now have Sean Reilly and Jay Johnson in conference. Please be aware that each of your line is in a listen-only mode. At the conclusion of the company's presentation, we will open the floor for questions.

Speaker #1: At the conclusion of the company's presentation, we will open the floor for questions. To ask a question, please press star one on your telephone keypad at any time.

Operator: To ask a question, please press star one on your telephone keypad at any time. In the course of this discussion, Lamar may make forward-looking statements regarding the company, including statements about its future financial performance, strategic goals, plans, and objectives, including with respect to the amount and timing of any distributions to stockholders and the impacts and effects of general economic conditions, including inflationary pressures on the company's business, financial condition, and results of operations. All forward-looking statements involve risks, uncertainties, and contingencies, many of which are beyond Lamar's control and which may cause actual results to differ materially from anticipated results. Lamar has identified important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those discussed in this call in the company's Q2 2026 earnings release and its most recent annual report on Form 10-K. Lamar refers you to those documents.

Speaker #1: In the course of this discussion, Lamar may make forward-looking statements regarding the company including statements about its future financial performance, strategic goals, plans and objectives, including with respect to the amount and timing of any distributions to stockholders, and the impacts and effects of general economic conditions, including inflationary pressures.

Speaker #1: On the company's business, financial condition, and results of operations. All forward-looking statements involve risks, uncertainties, and contingencies; many of which are beyond Lamar's control, and which may cause actual results to differ materially from anticipated results.

Speaker #1: Lamar has identified important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those discussed in this call in the company's second quarter 2026 earnings release and its most recent annual report on Form 10-K.

Speaker #1: Lamar refers you to those documents. Lamar's second quarter 2026 earnings release which contains information required by regulation G regarding certain non-GAAP financial measures was furnished to the SEC on a Form 8-K this morning and is available on the investor section of Lamar's website www.lamar.com.

Operator: Lamar's Q2 2026 earnings release, which contains information required by Regulation G regarding certain non-GAAP financial measures, was furnished to the SEC on a Form 8-K this morning and is available on the investor section of Lamar's website, www.lamar.com. I would now like to turn the conference over to Sean Reilly. Mr. Reilly, you may begin.

Speaker #1: Our knowledge to turn the conference over to Sean Reilly. Mr. Reilly, you may begin.

Speaker #2: Thank you, Katie. Good morning, all, and welcome to Lamar's Q2 2026 earnings call. Our business is in a terrific place right now. As our second quarter results demonstrate, advertisers clearly value our ability to connect them with their audiences and deliver messages that resonate.

Sean Reilly: Thank you, Katie. Good morning, all, welcome to Lamar's Q2 2026 earnings call. Our business is in a terrific place right now. As our Q2 results demonstrate, advertisers clearly value our ability to connect them with their audiences and deliver messages that resonate. We are meeting our customers where they are, including through our growing programmatic sales channel, and we're attracting new advertisers who appreciate Out-of-Home's knack for standing out in today's increasingly fragmented media landscape. The vibe out there is good. For the quarter, revenue and EBITDA growth once again exceeded our internal forecasts, with increases in revenue across all business offerings, billboards, transit, airports, and logos, and all regions, and on both the local and national levels.

Speaker #2: We are meeting our customers where they are, including through our growing programmatic sales channel, and we're attracting new advertisers who appreciate out-of-home snack for standing out in today's increasingly fragmented media landscape.

Speaker #2: The vibe out there is good. For the quarter, revenue and EBITDA growth once again exceeded our internal forecast, with increases in revenue across all business offerings, billboards transit, airports, and logos, and all regions and on both the local and national levels.

Speaker #2: On an acquisition adjusted basis, consolidated revenue grew 6.1% in the second quarter, while EBITDA increased 7.3% with a record EBITDA margin of 49.2% in the quarter.

Sean Reilly: On an acquisition-adjusted basis, consolidated revenue grew 6.1% in Q2, while EBITDA increased 7.3%, with a record EBITDA margin of 49.2% in the quarter. It was our highest rate of revenue growth since Q2 2022 and our 21st consecutive quarter of revenue growth overall. The momentum has carried into Q3, and pacing suggests year-over-year revenue growth rates for the balance of 2026 are likely to be in the same range as Q2's. With that in mind, we have raised our guidance for full year AFFO to a range of $8.75 to $8.90 per share. At the midpoint, that would represent AFFO per share growth of approximately 7% over 2025. Additionally, management will be recommending a $0.05 increase in our quarterly dividend to $1.65 per share.

Speaker #2: It was our highest rate of revenue growth since Q2 2022, and our 21st consecutive quarter of revenue growth overall. The momentum has carried into Q3, and pacing suggests year-over-year revenue growth rates for the balance of 2026 are likely to be in the same range as Q2s.

Speaker #2: With that in mind, we have raised our guidance for full-year AFFO to a range of $8.75 to $8.90 per share. At the midpoint, that would represent AFFO per share growth of approximately 7% over 2025.

Speaker #2: Additionally, management will be recommending a 5-cent increase in our quarterly dividend to $1.65 per share. Back to Q2. Categories of strength included service, political, retail, and financial, while real estate and amusements were slightly weaker.

Sean Reilly: Back to Q2. Categories of strength included service, political, retail, and financial, while real estate and amusements were slightly weaker. Service has been a reliable growth category for several years now, propelled by demand from attorneys. In Q2, we also saw a surge in business from technology service providers, including those within the AI space. Political spend, meanwhile, increased more than $5 million year-over-year in Q2 and is running well ahead of 2024 levels. It will continue to be a tailwind in Q4. About half the political dollars are being spent on our digital platform, which was the biggest driver of our overall growth in Q2. Our digital revenue increased 15.4% year-over-year and now constitutes a full third of our total billboard revenues. On a same board basis, digital billboard revenue increased 6.5% year-over-year.

Speaker #2: Service has been a reliable growth category for several years now, propelled by demand from attorneys. But in the second quarter, we also saw a surge in business from technology service providers, including those within the AI space.

Speaker #2: Political spend, meanwhile, increased more than $5 million year-over-year in Q2 and is running well ahead of 2024 levels. It will continue to be a tailwind in Q4.

Speaker #2: About half the political dollars are being spent on our digital platform, which was the biggest driver of our overall growth in Q2. Our digital revenue increased 15.4% year-over-year and now constitutes a full third of our total billboard revenues.

Speaker #2: On a same board basis, digital billboard revenue increased 6.5% year-over-year. Growth of more than 50% through our programmatic sales channel once again made it a bright spot, and programmatic accounted for approximately 10% of digital billboard revenue in the quarter.

Sean Reilly: Growth of more than 50% through our programmatic sales channel once again made it a bright spot, and programmatic accounted for approximately 10% of digital billboard revenue in the quarter. Our national business was particularly strong, helped, of course, by the World Cup. On a consolidated basis, national and programmatic revenue increased nearly 16% in Q2, the sharpest increase since the COVID rebound in 2021. Local and regional revenue, meanwhile, increased 3.4%. We have been active on the M&A front. Through 30 June, we had spent more than $100 million on nearly 30 billboard acquisitions, as well as on purchases of easements beneath our billboards. We have a healthy pipeline of billboard deals and easements under LOI and should easily exceed $200 million in cash spend for the full year. Meanwhile, we expect to close our second Upreit transaction in the coming weeks.

Speaker #2: Our national business was particularly strong, helped of course, by the World Cup. On a consolidated basis, national and programmatic revenue increased nearly 16% in Q2.

Speaker #2: The sharpest increase since the COVID rebound in 2021. Local and regional revenue, meanwhile, increased 3.4%. We have been active on the M&A front. Through June 30, we had spent more than $100 million on nearly 30 billboard acquisitions, as well as on purchases of easements beneath our billboards.

Speaker #2: We have a healthy pipeline of billboard deals and easements under LOI and should easily exceed $200 million in cash spend for the full year.

Speaker #2: Meanwhile, we expect to close our second upreach transaction in the coming weeks. All in all, I could not be more pleased with how the year is shaping up.

Sean Reilly: All in all, I could not be more pleased with how the year is shaping up. I want to commend our team across Lamar Land for their efforts so far in 2026. We have been busy. With that, I will turn it over to Jay to walk you through some additional numbers.

Speaker #2: I want to commend our team across Lamarland for their efforts so far in 2026. We have been busy. With that, I will turn it over to Jay to walk you through some additional numbers.

Speaker #3: Thanks, Sean. Good morning, everyone, and thank you for joining us. We had a strong second quarter, and our extremely pleased with our results. Which exceeded internal expectations, and consistent estimates, across revenue, adjusted EBITDA, and AFFO.

Jay Johnson: Thanks, Sean. Good morning, everyone, and thank you for joining us. We had a strong Q2 and are extremely pleased with our results, which exceeded internal expectations and consensus estimates across revenue, adjusted EBITDA, and AFFO. The airport business continued to outperform, with acquisition-adjusted revenue increasing 21.1% in Q2 versus last year, which was an acceleration from last quarter when airports grew a healthy 15.5%. Our billboard regions all experienced mid-single-digit top-line growth led by the Southwest and Atlantic, which were up 7.7% and 6.5% respectively. In addition, the positive momentum continued in July, with revenue increasing 6%, outpacing our original budget. July's strong performance brings acquisition-adjusted revenue to 5.2% through the first seven months of the year, and we're optimistic about our booking pace for the balance of Q3 as we approach midterm elections.

Speaker #3: The airport business continued to outperform, with acquisition adjusted revenue increasing 21.1% in Q2 versus last year. Which was an acceleration from last quarter, when airports grew a healthy 15.5%.

Speaker #3: Our billboard regions all experienced mid-single-digit top-line growth, led by the Southwest and Atlantic, which were up 7.7% and 6.5%, respectively. In addition, the positive momentum continued in July, with revenue increasing 6%, outpacing our original budget.

Speaker #3: July's strong performance brings acquisition-adjusted revenue to 5.2% through the first seven months of the year, and we are optimistic about our booking pace for the balance of the third quarter as we approach the midterm elections.

Speaker #3: Acquisition adjusted consolidated expenses increased 5.1% in the second quarter, which grew 150 basis points more than anticipated, but driven by variable expenses tied to solid revenue growth in the second quarter.

Jay Johnson: Acquisition-adjusted consolidated expenses increased 5.1% in Q2, which grew 150 basis points more than anticipated, driven by variable expenses tied to solid revenue growth in Q2. Adjusted EBITDA was $303.4 million, compared to $278.4 million in 2025, an increase of 9% in a quarter and improving 7.3% on an acquisition adjusted basis. This was the strongest growth we've seen since resurgence from the COVID-19 pandemic. Adjusted EBITDA margin expanded 110 basis points to 49.2%, the strongest margin in any quarter of the company's history. Adjusted funds from operations totaled $247.9 million in Q2, compared to $225.3 million last year, an increase of 10.1%. Diluted AFFO per share grew 8.1% to $2.40 per share versus $2.22 in Q2 of 2025. Local and regional sales grew for the 21st consecutive quarter and accounted for approximately 77% of billboard revenue in Q2.

Speaker #3: Adjusted EBITDA was $303.4 million, compared to $278.4 million in 2025, an increase of 9% in a quarter, and improving 7.3% on an acquisition adjusted basis.

Speaker #3: This was the strongest growth we've seen since resurgence from the COVID-19 pandemic. Adjusted EBITDA margin expanded 110 basis points to 49.2%, the strongest margin in any quarter of the company's history.

Speaker #3: Adjusted funds from operations totaled $247.9 million in the second quarter, compared to $225.3 million last year, an increase of 10.1%. Diluted AFFO per share grew 8.1% to $2.40 per share, versus $2.22 in the second quarter of 2025.

Speaker #3: Local and regional sales grew for the 21st consecutive quarter, and accounted for approximately 77% of billboard revenue in Q2. It has been over five years since the portfolio last experienced a year-over-year decline in local and regional sales, which was due to COVID.

Jay Johnson: It has been over 5 years since the portfolio last experienced a year-over-year decline in local and regional sales, which was due to COVID. National sales performance was extremely robust and grew to represent 23% of our book, up from 18% last quarter. On the capital expenditure front, total spend for the quarter was $42.7 million, including $14.7 million of maintenance CapEx. For the full year, we anticipate total CapEx of approximately $186 million, with maintenance CapEx comprising $65 million. As for our balance sheet, we have a well-laddered debt maturity schedule with no maturities until the AR securitization in October 2027 and no senior notes maturity until February 2028. We will likely extend the securitization later this year, assuming market conditions remain favorable.

Speaker #3: National sales performance was extremely robust and grew to represent 23% of our book, up from 18% last quarter. On the capital expenditure front, total spend for the quarter was $42.7 million, including $14.7 million of maintenance capex, and for the full year we anticipate total capex of approximately $186 million, with maintenance capex comprising $65 million.

Speaker #3: As for our balance sheet, we have a well-laddered debt maturity schedule, with no maturities until the AR securitization in October 2027, and no senior notes maturity until February 2028.

Speaker #3: We will likely extend the securitization later this year, assuming market conditions remain favorable. The company currently has approximately $3.5 billion in total consolidated debt, and our weighted average interest rate is 4.5%, with a weighted average debt maturity of four years.

Jay Johnson: The company currently has approximately $3.5 billion in total consolidated debt, and our weighted average interest rate is 4.5%, with a weighted average debt maturity of 4 years. As defined under our credit facility, we ended the quarter with total leverage of 2.9x net debt to EBITDA, which remains amongst the lowest levels ever for the company. Our secured debt leverage was 0.7x at quarter end, and we are in compliance with both our total debt incurrence and secured debt maintenance test against covenants of 7x and 4.5x, respectively. For the full year, we expect total leverage to hover around 3 turns, with secured leverage coming in comfortably below 1x net debt to EBITDA. In addition, our latest 12-month interest coverage through 30 June was 7.1x adjusted EBITDA to cash interest, further demonstrating the strength of the company's balance sheet.

Speaker #3: As defined under our credit facility, we ended the quarter with total leverage of 2.9 times net debt to EBITDA, which remains amongst the lowest levels ever for the company.

Speaker #3: Our secured debt leverage was 0.7 times a quarter-end, and we are in compliance with both our total debt incurrence and secured debt maintenance test against covenants of seven times and 4.5 times respectively.

Speaker #3: For the full year, we expect total leverage to hover.

Speaker #1: For around three turns with secured leverage coming in comfortably below one times . Net debt to EBITDA . In addition , our latest 12 month interest coverage through June 30th was 7.1 times adjusted EBITDA to cash interest .

Speaker #1: Further demonstrating the strength of the company's balance sheet As Sean mentioned , M&A has been active thus far . In 2026 , we continue to benefit from an investment capacity well over $1 billion , with the ability to deploy this capital while remaining at or below the high end of our target leverage range of three and a half to four times net debt to EBITDA .

Jay Johnson: As Sean mentioned, M&A has been active thus far in 2026. We continue to benefit from an investment capacity of well over $1 billion, with the ability to deploy this capital while remaining at or below the high end of our target leverage range of 3.5x to 4x net debt to EBITDA. Our liquidity and access to capital both remain strong. At quarter end, we had $720 million in total liquidity, comprised of $68 million of cash on hand and $652 million available under our revolver. The AR securitization was fully drawn with $250 million outstanding. Subsequent to quarter end, the company repaid $55 million on the revolving credit facility, and we currently have $35 million outstanding. In this morning's release, we revised our full-year outlook and now expect diluted AFFO per share of $8.75 to $8.90, an increase of $0.22 at the midpoint.

Speaker #1: Our liquidity and access to capital , both remain strong at quarter end . We had $720 million in total liquidity , comprised of $68 million of cash on hand and $652 million available under our revolver .

Speaker #1: The AR securitization was fully drawn with $250 million outstanding subsequent to quarter end , the company repaid $55 million on the revolving credit facility and currently have $35 million outstanding .

Speaker #1: In this morning's release, we revised our full-year outlook and now expect diluted FFO per share of $8.75 to $8.90, an increase of $0.22 at the midpoint. Cash interest in our guidance totaled $155 million and assumes no change.

Jay Johnson: Cash interest in our guidance totals $155 million and assumes no change in short-term floating interest rates for the balance of the year. As I touched on earlier, maintenance CapEx is budgeted for $65 million in 2026, and cash taxes are projected to come in around $12 million, which is slightly higher than our original expectations. Finally, our dividend. We paid a cash dividend of $1.60 per share in each of Q1 and Q2. Management's recommendation for Q3 will be to increase the dividend to $1.65 per share. This recommendation is subject to board approval, and we will communicate the board's decision. For the full year, we expect to distribute a regular dividend of at least $6.50 per share. The proposed $6.50 distribution results in a yield of 4.1% at yesterday's closing stock price.

Speaker #1: In short term floating interest rates for the balance of the year As I touched on earlier , maintenance CapEx is budgeted for $65 million in 2026 and cash taxes are projected to come in around $12 million , which is slightly higher than our original expectations .

Speaker #1: And finally , our dividend . We paid a cash dividend of $1.60 per share in each of the first and second quarters . Management's recommendation for the third quarter will be to increase the dividend to $1.65 per share , and this recommendation is subject to board approval , and we will communicate the board's decision for the full year .

Speaker #1: We expect to distribute a regular dividend of at least $6.50 per share . The proposed $6.50 distribution results in a yield of 4.1% at yesterday's closing stock price However , given our performance in Q1 and Q2 and expectations for the remainder of the year , it is likely that we will request approval for a special dividend at year end .

Jay Johnson: However, given outperformance in Q1 and Q2 and expectations for the remainder of the year, it is likely that we will request approval for a special dividend at year-end. This is consistent with our practice in years past to ensure distribution of 100% of our taxable income. As a reminder, the company's dividend is based on taxable income subject to board approval, and our dividend policy remains to distribute 100% of our taxable income on an annual basis. Again, we are pleased with an extremely strong start to the H1 of the year, as well as the momentum that has continued into Q3, and we look forward to executing on our strategy in Q3 and Q4. I will now turn the call back over to Sean.

Speaker #1: This is consistent with our practice in years past to ensure distribution of 100% of our taxable income . As a reminder , the company's dividend is based on taxable income , subject to board approval and our dividend policy remains to distribute 100% of our taxable income on an annual basis Again , we are pleased with an extremely strong start to the first half of the year , as well as the momentum that has continued into the third quarter , and we look forward to executing on our strategy in the third and fourth quarters .

Speaker #1: I will now turn the call back over to Sean Thanks , Jay .

Sean Reilly: Thanks, Jay. I'll touch on some familiar metrics and then open it up for questions. While all regions are doing well, I'll give a special shout-out to the Southwest and Atlantic regions, which are showing the best growth both in Q2 and year to date. As mentioned, Q2 same-board digital growth was 6.5%, while total digital revenue growth was 15.4%, and digital now comprises 33.3% of total revenues. As has been the case for some time now, the bulk of our growth in static has come from rate. For example, in our marquee bulletin product, rate was up 3.7% in Q2. We ended Q2 with 5,730 digital units in operation, an increase of 177 units over year-end 2025.

Speaker #2: I'll touch on some familiar metrics and then open it up for questions , while all regions are doing well , I'll give a special shout out to the Southwest and Atlantic regions , which are showing the best growth , both in Q2 and year to date .

Speaker #2: As mentioned , Q2 same board digital growth was 6.5% , while total digital revenue growth was 15.4% . And digital now comprises 33.3% of total revenues and has been the case .

Speaker #2: And as has been the case for some time now , the bulk of our growth in static has come from rate . For example , in our marquee bulletin , product rate was up 3.7% in Q2 .

Speaker #2: We ended Q2 with 5730 digital units in operation , an increase of 177 units over year end 2025 . Also , as mentioned , National Programmatic had an exceptional Q2 , increasing nearly 16% and combined comprised 22.7% of our total book of business .

Sean Reilly: Also, as mentioned, national programmatic had an exceptional Q2, increasing nearly 16% and combined comprised 22.7% of our total book of business, while local and regional made up 77.3%. On top categories of business, services continues to set records, up 15.4% in Q2. We also saw strong growth from retail, up 6.5%, financial up 9.7%, gaming up 9.2%, and building and construction up 10.2%. Finally, political also continues to set records, with political pacings for this year running significantly ahead of the 2024 cycle. 2024 ended up with approximately $29 million in total political. I'll be disappointed if we don't reach low to mid-30s of millions this year. Katie, I'll now open it up for questions.

Speaker #2: While local and regional made up 77.3% . On top categories of business services continues to set records , up 15.4% in Q2 . We also saw strong growth from retail , up 6.5% .

Speaker #2: Financial up 9.7% . Gaming up 9.2% and building and construction up 10.2% . Finally , political also continues to set records with political pacings for this year , running significantly ahead of the 2024 cycle .

Speaker #2: 24 ended up with approximately 29 million in total political . I'll be disappointed if we don't reach low to mid 30s of millions this year Katie .

Speaker #2: I'll now open it up for questions

Speaker #3: Thank you . If you would like to ask a question , please press star one on your telephone keypad to leave the queue at any time .

Operator: Thank you. If you would like to ask a question, please press star one on your telephone keypad. To leave the queue at any time, please press star two. Once again, that is star one if you would like to ask a question. We'll pause for just a moment to allow everyone the chance to queue. Our first question will come from Jonnathan Navarrete with TD Cowen. Your line is open.

Speaker #3: Please press star two . Once again , that is star one . If you would like to ask a question . We'll pause for just a moment to allow everyone the chance to queue Our first question will come from Jonathan Navarrette with TD Callen , your line is open .

Speaker #1: Thank you . Good morning Could you help us separate what is .

Jonnathan Navarrete: Thank you. Good morning. Could you help us separate what is already booked for H2 from what still depends on shorter lead time demands and whether the strength is broad-based across both Q3 and Q4? The second question I have is, perhaps I heard wrong, but did you say that you guys are weeks away from completing your second Upreit transaction? Thank you.

Speaker #4: Already booked for the second half ? From what ? Still depends on shorter lead time demand and whether the strength is broad based across both the During the fourth quarter .

Speaker #4: And the second question I have is perhaps I heard wrong , but did you say that you guys are weeks away from completing your second upbeat transaction ?

Speaker #4: Thank you

Speaker #2: Yeah , I'll hit the second question first . Yeah , we we have , , we expect to close our second upbeat transaction .

Sean Reilly: Yeah, I'll hit the second question first. Yeah, we expect to close our second Upreit transaction sometime next week. We're pleased with the reception we're getting out there to sellers that see that as a very attractive way to really join forces with Lamar, stay in the business, but also in a very tax-efficient way monetize their billboard assets. We're encouraged by what we're seeing out there in terms of, again, receptivity for an Upreit transaction. The first question was regarding bookings for H2?

Speaker #2: , sometime next week . , we're pleased with the reception we're getting out there to , , you know , sellers that see that as a very attractive , , , way to , to , , really join forces with Lamar , stay in the business , but also in a very tax efficient way .

Speaker #2: , monetize their billboard assets . So we're encouraged by what we're seeing out there in terms of , again , receptivity for an upbeat transactions .

Speaker #2: , the first question was regarding , , bookings to , for the second half .

Speaker #4: Yeah . For the second half . And like what's already already booked versus what still depends on the shorter lead time demand . , and whether you see the strength pretty equal in the third and fourth quarter .

Jonnathan Navarrete: Yeah, for H2, what's already booked versus what still depends on the shorter lead time demand, and whether you-

Sean Reilly: Sure

Jonnathan Navarrete: see the strength pretty equal in Q3 and Q4.

Speaker #2: Sure . , so we're , , you know , booked to gold . , we're booked at about 85 to 90% . So , you know , we still have 10 to 15% , you know , left to sell in the period for the period to , , to hit all of our goals .

Sean Reilly: We're booked to goal. We're booked at about 85% to 90%. We still have 10% to 15% left to sell in the period, for the period, to hit all of our goals. Pacings are strong. We feel good about it.

Speaker #2: , and Pacings are strong . You know , we feel good about it . .

Jonnathan Navarrete: Okay. Perhaps one more question, it's just, how do you guys think about we should do an Upreit transaction versus, I don't know, other forms of financing a transaction? What's the thought process like, and what's the strategy like going forward? Do you see this becoming a more common occurrence for Lamar, or is it more like a one-off kind of special occasion?

Speaker #4: Okay . And perhaps one more question is just , , what kind how do you guys think we should do an upbeat transaction versus , , I don't know , , other forms of financing a transaction .

Speaker #4: How does what's the thought process like ? And what's the strategy like going forward ? Do you see this becoming a more common occurrence for Lamar , or if it's more like a one off kind of special occasion ?

Speaker #2: Well , you know , we view it as . Number one , we're always going to do transactions that are accretive to a f o per share .

Sean Reilly: We view it as, number one, we're always going to do transactions that are accretive to AFFO per share. That's rule number one, right? Any time we're issuing shares, we want to make sure that we do so accretively. We view it as another arrow in our arsenal to do attractive accretive acquisitions. It's really up to the seller. Again, it's a very attractive way for sellers in a very tax efficient manner, to sell their inventory, yet also hitch their wagon to Lamar and enjoy the upside that we've delivered for folks that do Upreit transactions with us. We do see it happening more and more, and we're getting more and more inbound queries from folks in the billboard business that want to explore it.

Speaker #2: So that's that's rule number one , right . And so anytime we're issuing shares , we want to make sure that we do so creatively .

Speaker #2: , if we view it as another arrow in our arsenal , , to , , do attractive , accretive , acquisitions , , it's really up to the seller .

Speaker #2: It's again , it's a very attractive , , way for sellers in a very tax efficient manner , , to , to sell their inventory yet also hitch their wagon to Lamar and enjoy the upside that we've delivered for folks that , that do operate transactions with us .

Speaker #2: So we do see it happening , , more and more and we're getting more and more inbound queries from , folks in the Billboard business that want to explore it

Speaker #4: Got it . Thank you

Jonnathan Navarrete: Got it. Thank you.

Speaker #3: Thank you . Our next question will come from Alexey Filippov with J.P. Morgan . Your line is open .

Operator: Thank you. Our next question will come from Alexey Filippov with JPMorgan. Your line is open.

Speaker #5: Yes . Good morning . Thank you very much . Sean . You called out revenue was up almost 5% . Acquisition adjusted in April on the prior call .

Alexey Filippov: Yes, good morning. Thank you very much. Sean, you called out revenue was up almost 5% acquisition adjusted in April on the prior call, and the second result came in much stronger at 6%. Can you help us unpack the monthly cadence through May to June and what you've seen so far in July and August? Then with the guidance upgrade, what's the underlying organic growth that you assume for the full year? I think you started with 3.6% in February, what's the number that you have in mind right now? The final one on Upreit, is it fair to expect a similar size to Verde? Also, do you include this deal in your new guidance? Thank you.

Alexey Philippov: Yes, good morning. Thank you very much. Sean, you called out revenue was up almost 5% acquisition adjusted in April on the prior call, and the second result came in much stronger at 6%. Can you help us unpack the monthly cadence through May to June and what you've seen so far in July and August? Then with the guidance upgrade, what's the underlying organic growth that you assume for the full year? I think you started with 3.6% in February, what's the number that you have in mind right now? The final one on Upreit, is it fair to expect a similar size to Verde? Also, do you include this deal in your new guidance? Thank you.

Speaker #5: And the second result came in much stronger at 6% . Can you help us unpack the monthly cadence through May to June ? And what you've seen so far in July and August , and then with the guidance upgrade , , what's the underlying organic growth that you assume for the full year ?

Speaker #5: I think you started with 3.6% in February and what's the number , , that you have in mind right now ? And the final one on upright , is it fair to expect a similar size to where there .

Speaker #5: And also , do you include this deal in your new guidance ? Thank you .

Speaker #2: So last question first , , no , this is a smaller update transaction . , you know , it's in the sort of 30s ish , , and , you know , at the end of the day , we're encouraged to actually be able to roll out an upright transaction in a , with a smaller asset size , , it means we can do more of them .

Sean Reilly: Last question first. No, this is a smaller Upreit transaction. It's in the sort of mid thirties-ish. At the end of the day, we're encouraged to actually be able to roll out an Upreit transaction with a smaller asset size. It means we can do more of them. I'm not going to guide to a specific pro forma growth number for the year, but it'll be north of five-ish, right? If you pencil out what we laid out there in terms of the rest of the year looking much like Q2, you'll get to that arithmetic. Same-board digital is a bright spot, I would encourage that you hold us accountable to same-board digital growing faster than the static base, because we're deploying a lot of capital to grow that platform.

Speaker #2: , you know , we're not , I'm not going to guide to a specific pro forma growth number for the year , but , , you know , it'll , it'll be , you know , north of five ish , right .

Speaker #2: , you know , if you just pencil out what we laid out there in terms of the rest of the year , looking like Q2 , that's the arithmetic .

Speaker #2: You'll get to that arithmetic . , you know , same for digital is a bright spot . And , you know , I would encourage that you , , you know , hold us accountable to the same board , digital growing faster , , than the static , , base .

Speaker #2: , because we're deploying a lot of capital to , to grow that , , that platform . And if it's not showing same board growth , then , you know , we have to question whether or not it's capital well spent .

Sean Reilly: If it's not showing same-board growth, we have to question whether or not it's capital well spent. Right now, we're extremely encouraged, we are putting up digitals as fast as we can.

Speaker #2: You know , right now we're extremely encouraged . And we are putting up digitals as fast as we can .

Speaker #1: Lexi , in terms of the cadence on top line growth in Q2 , we just saw an acceleration in each month . We were at 4.8% in April , we went to about five and a half in May , and June was 8% .

Jay Johnson: Alexey, in terms of the cadence on top line growth in Q2, we just saw an acceleration in each month. We were at 4.8% in April. We went to about 5.5% in May, and June was 8% top line growth. That's how you saw the acceleration go from 5% to 6% for the quarter. It was an excellent quarter.

Speaker #1: Top line growth . So that's how you saw the acceleration go from 5 to 6 for the quarter . So it was an excellent quarter

Speaker #5: Great . And if I may , to follow up on on costs , I think acquisition adjusted expenses were up . , 5% in second quarter , which is above , , your , , roughly 3% full year expense growth framework .

Alexey Filippov: Great. If I may, to follow up on costs, I think acquisition adjusted expenses were up 5% in Q2, which is above your roughly 3% full year expense growth framework. Is there any specific to this quarter, or we shall expect higher expense growth in the back half of the year?

Alexey Philippov: Great. If I may, to follow up on costs, I think acquisition adjusted expenses were up 5% in Q2, which is above your roughly 3% full year expense growth framework. Is there any specific to this quarter, or we shall expect higher expense growth in the back half of the year?

Speaker #5: , is there any like specific to this quarter or we shall expect , , higher expense growth in the back half of the year ?

Speaker #1: No , no . Lexi , if you look at , , expense growth , we grew 5.1% , about 150 basis points of that was all tied to variable expenses like , , revenue share leases or sales commissions that were tied to solid top line growth .

Jay Johnson: No, Alexey, if you look at expense growth, we grew 5.1%. About 150 basis points of that was all tied to variable expenses like revenue share leases or sales commissions that were tied to solid top line growth. It was a positive from our perspective. For the full year, because we are outpacing the 3.5% that we saw at top line, we're going to be closer to the mid. You're probably going to see expense growth kind of in the four range because of that.

Speaker #1: So it's actually , , it was a positive from , from , from our perspective for the full year , , because we are outpacing , the three and a half that we thought top line , we're going to be closer to the mid , you're probably going to see expense growth kind of in the four range because of that .

Speaker #5: Thank you so much

Alexey Filippov: Thank you so much.

Alexey Philippov: Thank you so much.

Speaker #3: Thank you . Our next question will come from Taryn McVeigh with Morgan Stanley . Your line is open .

Operator: Thank you. Our next question will come from Taran McPhai with Morgan Stanley. Your line is open.

Speaker #6: Hi guys . Thank you . Good morning Just from a from a high level , Sean . , I'm curious , you know , why do you think you're seeing strength recently both at Lamar and what we're seeing across the industry .

Taran McPhai: Hi, guys. Thank you. Good morning.

Cameron McVeigh: Hi, guys. Thank you. Good morning.

Sean Reilly: Good morning.

Taran McPhai: Just from a high level, Sean, I'm curious why you think you're seeing such strength recently, both at Lamar and in what we're seeing across the industry. Do you think you're taking share from other mediums? Is this the AI industry advertising more? Is it more political? I'm just curious your high-level thoughts on how you see it.

Cameron McVeigh: Just from a high level, Sean, I'm curious why you think you're seeing such strength recently, both at Lamar and in what we're seeing across the industry. Do you think you're taking share from other mediums? Is this the AI industry advertising more? Is it more political? I'm just curious your high-level thoughts on how you see it.

Speaker #6: And do you think you're you're taking share from other mediums ? Like , is this the AI industry advertising more ? Is it more political ?

Speaker #6: I'm just curious—your high-level thoughts on how you see it.

Speaker #2: So , you know , I think there there is something secular going on in terms of , you know , what's happening to , , our competitors out there and in other local media , you know , for example , what's going on clearly with , with radio , what's going on with print ?

Sean Reilly: I think there is something secular going on in terms of what's happening to our competitors out there in other local media. For example, what's going on clearly with radio, what's going on with print, and what is increasingly going on with local network affiliate television. Some of that is coming our way as they experience a drop in their audience. Some of their spend is coming our way. What we're also increasingly hearing from advertisers, and I think you're hearing this from our peers at OUTFRONT and Clear Channel as well. Digital ad spend, while it's still the gorilla in the room, there is some disaffection with what's going on in the sort of what many people believe is the vast wasteland of what's going on with the panoply of digital products out there.

Speaker #2: , and what is increasingly going on with local network affiliate television , , some of that is coming our way as they experience , , a drop in their audience .

Speaker #2: , some of their spend is coming our way . What we're also increasingly hearing from advertisers . And I think you're hearing this from our peers at out front in Clear Channel as well .

Speaker #2: , you know , digital ad spend while it's still the gorilla in the room . There is some disaffection with what's going on in the sort of what many people believe is the vast wasteland of , of what's going on with , with , , the panoply of digital products out there , , and so some , some advertisers are coming to us , , in the out-of-home world because they , they know exactly what they're getting .

Sean Reilly: Some advertisers are coming to us in the out-of-home world because they know exactly what they're getting. There's no bot fraud. There's no chance that they're going to show up in a place that they don't want to be. They're increasingly getting comfortable with our ability to track results when they spend with us. It's all good out there for out-of-home. You heard this from OUTFRONT yesterday. You saw it in the Clear Channel numbers. A rising tide is lifting all boats because we're feeling it as well.

Speaker #2: , there's no bot fraud . , there's no , , chance that they're going to show up in a place that they don't want to be .

Speaker #2: , and they're increasingly getting comfortable with our ability to , , track results when they spend with us . So , , it's all good out there , you know , for , for out-of-home , it's , it's , you heard this from out front , , yesterday .

Speaker #2: You saw it in the clear channel numbers . , and a rising tide is lifting all boats because we're feeling it as well .

Speaker #6: Got it . That's great . , and then , and then just secondly , you know , Sean and Jay , I'd be curious what the latest is on your cost savings initiatives .

Taran McPhai: Got it. No, that's great. Just secondly, Sean and Jay, I'd be curious what the latest is on your cost savings initiatives. Is this the year we might see the 48% margin?

Cameron McVeigh: Got it. No, that's great. Just secondly, Sean and Jay, I'd be curious what the latest is on your cost savings initiatives. Is this the year we might see the 48% margin?

Speaker #6: , and is this the year we , we might see the 48% margins

Speaker #2: , we're going to be close . , I don't know that we're going to get all the way to 48% , but we will set a record and we should be at least a point better than last year .

Sean Reilly: We're going to be close. I don't know that we're going to get all the way to 48%, but we will set a record, and we should be at least a point better than last year. We've successfully gone through phase I of our enterprise software and upgrades, mostly back office and financial, and with some savings accompanying those efforts. We're somewhat hitting the pause button on phase II. We've had some wins that are going to result in some cost savings in out-years. As you're hearing from other companies, the sands are shifting around software deployment and options for functionality. We're evaluating those things, and what we're seeing out there are some more elegant and more cost-effective ways to get the functionality we're looking for. On some of those cost savings, it's a stay tuned.

Speaker #2: , so we've successfully gone through phase one of our , our enterprise , , software and , and upgrades mostly back office and financial .

Speaker #2: And with some , , savings , , accompanying those efforts . , we're somewhat hitting the pause button on phase two . We've had some wins , , that are going to result in some cost savings in out years .

Speaker #2: , but as you're hearing from other companies , the sands are shifting around software deployment and options for , for , , functionality , , so we're , we're evaluating those things and what we're seeing out there are some , some more elegant and more cost effective ways to , to get the functionality we're looking for .

Speaker #2: So on some of those cost savings , it's a stay tuned . , maybe not a , a get to 48% this year , but quite possibly in , , 27 or 28 , I would say probably .

Sean Reilly: Maybe not a get to 48% this year, but quite possibly in 2027 or 2028, I would say probably.

Speaker #6: Great . Thanks , Sean

Taran McPhai: Great. Thanks, Sean.

Cameron McVeigh: Great. Thanks, Sean.

Speaker #3: Thank you again . As a reminder , if you'd like to ask a question , please press star one . Now , our next question will come from Stephen Cahall with Wells Fargo .

Operator: Thank you. Again, as a reminder, if you'd like to ask a question, please press star one now. Our next question will come from Steven Cahall with Wells Fargo. Your line is open.

Speaker #3: Your line is open .

Speaker #7: Thanks . I was wondering if we could go one level deeper into that acceleration you saw through the second quarter . , I know there was a lot of sports going on in that time , but , , it sounds like you're pacings continue to improve .

Steven Cahall: Thanks. I was wondering if we could go one level deeper into that acceleration you saw through Q2. I know there was a lot of sports going on in that time, but it sounds like your pacings continued to improve. Were there particular categories of strength that you see persisting into the back half and maybe even into 2027? I'm curious if AI, which has become obviously a much bigger sector, is showing up as a bigger advertiser as well. Just on your M&A plans, I was wondering how you're thinking about valuations in the marketplace right now. It seems like one of your competitors is going to have a better balance sheet than it has historically. Sector multiples are a little higher. Just wondering how competitive that market looks for valuations. Thanks.

Speaker #7: Were there particular categories of strength that you see persisting into the back half and maybe even into 27 ? I'm curious if AI , which has become obviously a much bigger sector , is showing up as a as a bigger advertiser as well .

Speaker #7: And then, just on your M&A plans, I was wondering how you're thinking about valuations in the marketplace right now. It seems like one of your competitors is going to have a better balance sheet than it has historically.

Speaker #7: Sector multiples are a little higher . So just wondering , , how competitive that market looks for valuations . Thanks .

Speaker #2: Sure . I'll have to second question first . , so you know , we do basically three types of acquisitions . , there , there are ones that are 100% fill in in our existing footprint .

Sean Reilly: Sure. I'll hit the second question first. We do basically 3 types of acquisitions. There are ones that are 100% fill in in our existing footprint. We have, by far and away, the largest footprint nationwide of any operator. For many of these transactions that we do that are sort of cookie-cutter fill-in transactions, we're the highest and best buyer, and sometimes we're the only buyer, and we just sit down and meet with a seller, and we get to, yes. Some of them are actually not competitive processes. As the transactions get larger, more parties come to the table, and there is more of a competitive dynamic. Sometimes those transactions are in DMAs where we don't already have operations, and that can attract some attention. We just remain disciplined, and we have our valuation metrics, and we stick to them.

Speaker #2: We have by far and away the largest footprint nationwide of any operator . So for many of these transactions that we do that are sort of cookie cutter , fill in transactions , , we're the highest and best buyer .

Speaker #2: And sometimes we're the only buyer and we just sit down and meet with a seller and we get to guess . , so some of them are actually not competitive processes as the transactions get larger , more parties come to the table and there is more of a competitive dynamic .

Speaker #2: , sometimes , you know , those transactions are in dmas where we don't already have operations . , and that can attract some attention .

Speaker #2: We just remain disciplined and we have our , , our valuation metrics and we stick to them . , you know , regarding , , the other two publics , , you know , it's interesting .

Sean Reilly: Regarding the other two publics, it's interesting. Their footprints are different. Oftentimes, they're shopping in places we're not, just given their geographical profile. We run into them sometimes, and sometimes we don't. I would describe it as we're frenemies when it comes to that. We're going to win our fair share, as will they. Business, as I mentioned, services is a pretty big catch basin. It's just growing really fast. We saw the advent of telecom and technology services, particularly in the AI space, augment that whole category of business. That's been a good thing to see. Then, don't forget political. We've got nice political tailwinds that we're enjoying this year. It has been somewhat unusual to have a mid-cycle outpace a presidential cycle, but that's what's going on in 2026 over 2024.

Speaker #2: Their footprints are different . , oftentimes they're shopping in places where not just given their , , their , geographical profile . , so we run into them sometimes and sometimes we don't .

Speaker #2: And , , you know , I would describe it as we're , we're frenemies when it comes to that . , and we're going to win our fair share , as will they , , you know , business , as I mentioned , services is a , is a pretty big catch basin .

Speaker #2: , and it's just growing really fast and , , we saw the , the advent of , of telecom and technology services , , particularly around in the AI space augment that whole , , category of business .

Speaker #2: And that's , that's been a good thing to see . , and then , you know , don't forget political , , we've got nice political tailwinds that we're enjoying this year .

Speaker #2: , it has been somewhat unusual to have a mid-cycle outpace a presidential cycle , but that's what's going on in 2026/2024 . , and that again , is certainly been one of the , the nice things to see this year

Sean Reilly: That, again, has certainly been one of the nice things to see this year.

Speaker #7: Thank you

Steven Cahall: Thank you.

Speaker #3: Thank you . This does conclude our Q&A session . I would now like to turn the meeting back to Sean Riley for any closing remarks .

Operator: Thank you. This does conclude our Q&A session. I would now like to turn the meeting back to Sean Reilly for any closing remarks.

Speaker #2: Well , thank you all for , , for listening . And we look forward to catching up again next quarter

Sean Reilly: Well, thank you all for listening, and we look forward to catching up again next quarter.

Operator: Thank you. That brings us to the end of today's meeting. We appreciate your time and participation. You may now disconnect.

Q2 2026 Lamar Advertising Co Earnings Call

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