World Advertising News

Outdoor advertising giant Lamar Advertising Co. reported fourth-quarter earnings rose to $10.2 million, or 11 cents per share, compared to $7.9 million, or 8 cents per share, a year ago.

Baton Rouge-based Lamar's revenue for the quarter increased to $320.4 million, compared to $306.6 million a year ago.

For the year, Lamar's earnings jumped to $40.1 million, or 42 cents per share, compared to $7.9 million, or 8 cents per share. The company's revenue grew to $1.25 billion, up 5.6 percent over 2012.

However, the profit for the quarter and the year fell short of Wall Street analysts' expectations for the Baton Rouge-based firm. Analysts surveyed by Thomson Reuters had forecast fourth-quarter earnings of 16 cents per share and 51 cents per share for the year.

Lamar beat analysts' fourth-quarter revenue forecasts of $316.5 million while meeting the 2013 revenue forecast of $1.25 billion. Meanwhile, the company also said it expects first quarter revenue for 2014 of $290 million to $293 million, an increase of 1 percent to 2 percent. Analysts surveyed by Thomson Reuters expect revenue at $292.7 million.

Lamar also expects that it will be able to convert to a Real Estate Investment Trust effective Jan. 1.

Such trusts typically invest in property or mortgages. The trusts don't have to pay corporate income taxes on profits if 90 percent or more of profits go to shareholders.

Lamar asked the Internal Revenue Service in November 2012 for a ruling on whether the company would qualify for conversion to a trust.

The IRS is actively working on Lamar's request, the company said.