Warren Buffett Just Bought This Advertising Stock: Should You?

Core Insights - Lamar Advertising is a leading player in the outdoor advertising sector, with a significant market share and a strong competitive advantage due to regulatory barriers [2][5][6] Company Overview - Founded in 1902, Lamar Advertising is based in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, and has a market capitalization of $13.5 billion [2][3] - The company operates approximately 360,000 displays across 45 states and Canada, including over 159,000 billboards, which is four times the number of its nearest competitor [2] Competitive Advantage - The company benefits from a "wide and long-lasting moat," which is characterized by regulatory barriers established by the Highway Beautification Act of 1965, making it difficult for competitors to enter the billboard market [4][6] - Lamar Advertising's revenue is primarily generated from billboards, accounting for 88% of total revenue, with a diverse client base that includes major corporations like GEICO, Coca-Cola, and JPMorgan Chase [8][9] Financial Resilience - The company has demonstrated resilience during economic downturns, with revenue dips of only 11% during the 2008-2009 crisis and a 10.8% decline in 2020 due to the pandemic [10][11] - In the most recent quarter, despite economic challenges, Lamar Advertising reported a 2.9% growth in acquisition-adjusted revenue [11] Dividend and Valuation - As a real estate investment trust (REIT), Lamar Advertising is required to return 90% of its net income to shareholders, resulting in a current dividend yield of 4.67% [12] - The company's price-to-earnings ratio stands at 29.5, which is comparable to the S&P 500, while its debt-to-equity ratio of 457% raises some concerns about financial leverage [13] - Despite these concerns, the company is refinancing to manage its debt and is expected to benefit from lower interest rates [13] Investment Outlook - Given the stability of its business model, reasonable valuation, and attractive dividend yield, Lamar Advertising is viewed as a favorable investment opportunity for those seeking growth and income [14]