XML 135 R34.htm IDEA: XBRL DOCUMENT

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2019

Principles of Consolidation—The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of OUTFRONT Media Inc. and all of its subsidiaries in which a controlling interest is maintained. Controlling interest is determined by majority ownership interest and the absence of substantive third-party participating rights. Investments over which we have a significant influence or ownership of more than 20% but less than or equal to 50%, without a controlling interest, are accounted for under the equity method. Investments of 20% or less, over which we have no significant influence, that do not have a readily determinable fair value, are measured at cost less impairment, if any. Intercompany transactions have been eliminated.

Cash and Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash

Cash and Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash—Cash and cash equivalents consist of cash on hand and short-term (maturities of three months or less at the date of purchase) highly liquid investments. We classify cash balances that are legally restricted pursuant to contractual arrangements as restricted cash.

Receivables

Receivables—Receivables consist primarily of trade receivables from customers, net of advertising agency commissions, and are stated net of an allowance for doubtful accounts. The provision for doubtful accounts is estimated based on historical bad debt experience, the aging of accounts receivable, industry trends and economic indicators, as well as recent payment history for specific customers.

New York Metropolitan Authority Agreement

New York Metropolitan Transportation Authority (the “MTA”) Agreement—Under the MTA Agreement, as title of the various digital displays we are obligated to deploy transfers to the MTA on installation, the cost of deploying these screens throughout the transit system does not represent our property and equipment. The portion of deployment costs expected to be reimbursed from transit franchise fees that would otherwise be payable to the MTA are recorded as Prepaid MTA equipment deployment costs on the Consolidated Statement of Financial Position and charged to operating expenses as advertising revenue is generated. The short-term portion of Prepaid MTA equipment deployment costs represents the costs that we expect to recover

from the MTA in the next twelve months. The portion of deployment costs expected to be reimbursed from advertising revenues that would otherwise be retained by us under the contract are recorded as Intangible assets on the Consolidated Statement of Financial Position and charged to amortization expense on a straight line basis over the contract period.

Property and Equipment

Property and Equipment—Property and equipment is stated at cost. Depreciation is computed using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives as follows:



Buildings and improvements	20 to 40 years
Advertising structures	5 to 20 years
Furniture, equipment and other	3 to 10 years

For advertising structures associated with a contract, the assets are depreciated over the shorter of the contract term or useful life. Maintenance and repair costs to maintain property and equipment in their original operating condition are charged to expense as incurred. Improvements or additions that extend the useful life of the assets are capitalized. When an asset is retired or otherwise disposed of, the associated cost and accumulated depreciation are removed and the resulting gain or loss is recognized.

Construction in progress includes all costs capitalized related to projects, primarily related to in-process digital conversion and development, which have yet to be placed in service.

Business Combinations and Asset Acquisitions

Business Combinations and Asset Acquisitions—We routinely acquire out-of-home advertising assets, including advertising structures, permits and leasehold agreements. We determine the accounting for these transactions by first evaluating whether the assets acquired and liabilities assumed, if any, constitute a business using the guidelines in the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) guidance for business combinations. If the assets acquired and liabilities assumed constitute a business, the purchase price is allocated to the tangible and identifiable intangible net assets acquired based on their estimated fair values with the excess of the purchase price over those estimated fair values recorded as goodwill. If the acquired assets do not constitute a business, we allocate the purchase price to the individual tangible and intangible assets acquired based on their relative fair values.

Impairment of Long-Lived Assets

Impairment of Long-Lived Assets—Long-lived assets are assessed for impairment whenever there is an indication that the carrying amount of the asset may not be recoverable. Recoverability of these assets is determined by comparing the forecasted undiscounted cash flows generated by those assets to the respective asset’s carrying value. The amount of impairment loss, if any, will be measured by the difference between the net carrying value and the estimated fair value of the asset and recognized as a non-cash charge. Long-lived assets held for sale are required to be measured at the lower of their carrying value (including unrecognized foreign currency translation adjustment losses) or fair value less cost to sell.

Goodwill and Intangible Assets

Goodwill and Intangible Assets—Goodwill is allocated to various reporting units. Goodwill is not amortized but is tested qualitatively and/or quantitatively at the reporting-unit level annually for impairment as of October 31 of each year and between annual tests if events occur or circumstances change that would more likely than not reduce the fair value below its carrying amount. A qualitative test assesses macroeconomic conditions, industry and market conditions, cost factors, overall financial performance and other relevant entity specific events, as well as events affecting a reporting unit. If after the qualitative assessment, we determined that it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying value, we perform a quantitative assessment. We may also choose to only perform a quantitative assessment. We compute the estimated fair value of each reporting unit for which we perform a quantitative assessment by adding the present value of the estimated annual cash flows over a discrete projection period to the residual value of the business at the end of the projection period. This technique requires us to use significant estimates and assumptions such as growth rates, operating margins, capital expenditures and discount rates. The estimated growth rates, operating margins and capital expenditures for the projection period are based on our internal forecasts of future performance as well as historical trends. The residual value is estimated based on a perpetual nominal growth rate, which is based on projected long-range inflation and long-term industry projections. The discount rates are determined based on the weighted average cost of capital of comparable entities. There can be no assurance that these estimates and assumptions will prove to be an accurate prediction of the future, and a downward revision of these estimates and/or assumptions would decrease the fair values of our reporting units, which could result in additional impairment charges in the future. If the carrying value of a reporting unit is greater than its fair value, a goodwill impairment charge will be recorded as a non-cash charge for the difference up to the carrying value of the goodwill. The loss recognized should not exceed the total amount of goodwill allocated to that reporting unit. Intangible assets, which primarily consist of acquired permits and leasehold

agreements and franchise agreements, are amortized by the straight-line method over their estimated useful lives, which range from five to 40 years.

Hedging Activities

Hedging Activities—We utilize interest rate cash flow swap agreements to effectively convert a portion of our LIBOR-based variable rate debt to a fixed rate. These interest rate swaps have been designated and qualify as cash flow hedges and, as a result, changes in the fair value of these swaps are recorded in Other comprehensive income (loss) before taxes on the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income.

Revenue Recognition

Revenue Recognition—We derive Revenues from the following sources: (i) billboard displays, (ii) transit displays, and (iii) other.

Billboard display revenues are derived from providing advertising space to customers on our physical billboards or other outdoor structures. We generally (i) own the physical structures on which we display advertising copy for our customers, (ii) hold the legal permits to display advertising thereon, and (iii) lease the underlying sites. Billboard display revenues and installation services are recognized on a combined basis under the lease accounting standard as rental income on a straight-line basis over the customer lease term.

Transit display revenues are derived from agreements with municipalities and transit operators, which entitle us to operate advertising displays within their transit systems, including on the interior and exterior of rail and subway cars and buses, as well as on benches, transit shelters, street kiosks and transit platforms. Transit display contracts typically require the installation and delivery of multiple advertising displays, for which locations are not specifically identified. Installation services are highly interdependent with the provision of advertising space, and therefore the installation and display of advertising is recognized as a single performance obligation. Transit display revenues are recognized based on the level of units displayed in proportion to the total units to be displayed over the contract period.

Other revenues are derived primarily from (i) providing print production services for advertisements to be displayed on our billboards or other outdoor sites, or on displays that we operate within transit systems, and (ii) revenues from marketing and multimedia rights agreements with colleges, universities and other educational institutions, which entitle us to operate on-campus advertising displays, as well as manage marketing opportunities, media rights and experiential entertainment at sporting events. Print production services are not interrelated with the provision of advertising space and are considered a distinct performance obligation. Production revenue is recognized over the production period, which is typically very short in duration. Revenues from our Sports Marketing operating segment are principally derived from advertising and marketing arrangements and are recognized over the contract period.

Our billboard display and transit display contracts with customers range from four weeks to one year and billing commences at the beginning of the contract term, with payment generally due within 30 days of billing. For the majority of our contracts, transaction prices are explicitly stated. Any contracts with transaction prices that contain multiple performance obligations, are allocated primarily based on a relative standalone selling price basis.

Deferred revenues primarily consist of revenues paid in advance of being earned.

Concentration of Credit Risk

Concentration of Credit Risk—In the opinion of management, credit risk is limited due to the large number of customers and advertising agencies utilized. We perform credit evaluations on our customers and agencies and believe that the allowances for doubtful accounts are adequate.

Billboard Property Lease and Transit Franchise Expenses

Billboard Property Lease and Transit Franchise Expenses—Our billboards are primarily located on leased real property. Lease agreements are negotiated for varying terms ranging from one month to multiple years, most of which provide renewal options. Lease costs consist of a fixed monthly amount and certain lease agreements also include contingent rent based on the revenues we generate from the leased site. Property leases are generally paid in advance for periods ranging from one to twelve months.

The fixed component of lease costs is expensed evenly over the non-cancellable contract term, and contingent rent is expensed as incurred when the related revenues are recognized.

Transit franchise agreements generally provide for payment to the municipality or transit operator of the greater of a percentage of the revenues that we generate under the related transit contract and a specified guaranteed minimum payment. The costs

which are determined based on a percentage of revenues are expensed as incurred when the related revenues are recognized, and the minimum guarantee is expensed over the contract term.

Our agreements with customers to advertise on our billboards are considered operating leases. Substantially all of our advertising structures (see Note 5. Property and Equipment, Net) are utilized to lease advertising space to customers, for which the contracts are accounted for as rental income. Billboard display revenues are recognized as rental income on a straight-line basis over the customer lease term. We exclude from rental income all taxes assessed by a governmental authority that we collect from customers. These operating leases are short-term in duration, typically a term of 4 weeks to one year and do not include any variable lease provisions or options to extend the lease. Certain contracts may include provisions for the early termination of the lease after an agreed upon notice period. We account for non-lease installation services and the lease associated with providing advertising space on our billboards as a combined component under the lease standard.

Direct Lease Acquisition Costs

Direct Lease Acquisition Costs—Variable commissions directly associated with billboard revenues are amortized on a straight-line basis over the related customer lease term, which generally ranges from four weeks to one year. Amortization of direct lease acquisition costs is presented within Amortization expense in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Operations.

Foreign Currency Translation and Transactions

Foreign Currency Translation and Transactions—The assets and liabilities of foreign subsidiaries are translated at exchange rates in effect at the balance sheet date, while results of operations are translated at average exchange rates for the respective periods. Any gain or loss on translation is included within other comprehensive income (loss) and Accumulated other comprehensive loss on our Consolidated Statement of Financial Position. Foreign currency transaction gains and losses are included in Other income (expense), net, on the Consolidated Statements of Operations.

Income Taxes

Income Taxes—As of July 17, 2014, we began operating as a REIT. Accordingly, we generally will not be subject to U.S. federal income tax on our REIT taxable income that we distribute to our stockholders. We have elected to treat our subsidiaries that participate in certain non-REIT qualifying activities, and certain of our foreign subsidiaries, as taxable REIT subsidiaries (“TRSs”). As such, the taxable income of our TRSs will be subject to federal, state and foreign income taxation at regular corporate rates.

Income taxes are accounted for under the asset and liability method of accounting. Deferred income tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the estimated future tax effects of temporary differences between the financial statement carrying amounts and their respective tax basis. Deferred tax assets are reduced by a valuation allowance if it is more likely than not that some or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized.

We have applied the FASB’s guidance relating to uncertainty in income taxes recognized. Under this guidance we may recognize the tax benefit from an uncertain tax position only if it is more likely than not that the tax position will be sustained on examination by taxing authorities, based on the technical merits of the position. The tax benefits recognized from such a position are measured based on the largest benefit that has a greater than fifty percent likelihood of being realized upon ultimate settlement. The guidance on accounting for uncertainty in income taxes also provides guidance on de-recognition, classification, interest and penalties on income taxes, and accounting in interim periods.

Asset Retirement Obligation

Asset Retirement Obligation—An asset retirement obligation is established for the estimated future obligation, upon termination or non-renewal of a lease, associated with removing structures from the leased property and, when required by the contract, the cost to return the leased property to its original condition. These obligations are recorded at their present value in the period in which the liability is incurred and are capitalized as part of the related assets’ carrying value. Accretion of the liability is recognized in selling, general and administrative expenses and the capitalized cost is depreciated over the expected useful life of the related asset.

Stock-based Compensation

Stock-based Compensation—We measure the cost of employee services received in exchange for an award of equity instruments based on the grant-date fair value of the award. The cost is recognized over the vesting period during which an employee is required to provide service in exchange for the award.

Adoption of New Accounting Standards

Leases

In the first quarter of 2019, we adopted the Financial Accounting Standards Board’s (the “FASB’s”) guidance addressing the recognition, measurement, presentation and disclosure of leases for both lessees and lessors using the modified retrospective transition method to adopt the new lease standard. The modified retrospective transition method allows entities to apply the new lease standard at the adoption date rather than adjusting each period presented at the date of adoption. The new standard requires lessees to apply a dual approach, classifying leases as either finance or operating based on the principle of whether or not the lease is effectively a financed purchase by the lessee. This classification determines whether lease expense is recognized based on an effective interest method or on a straight line basis over the term of the lease, respectively. A lessee is also required to record a right-of-use asset and a lease liability for all leases regardless of their classification.

We elected the package of practical expedients permitted under the transition guidance within the new standard, which allowed us to carry forward our historical lease classification. We also elected the practical expedient related to land easements, which allowed us to carry forward our accounting treatment for land easements on existing leases. In addition we elected the hindsight practical expedient which resulted in increasing the length of our lease term for existing leases with cancellation provisions.

At adoption, we had approximately 23,600 lease agreements as lessee, all of which were classified as operating leases. On January 1, 2019, the adoption of this standard resulted in the recognition of an operating lease liability of $1.2 billion and a right-of-use operating lease asset of the same amount. Existing prepaid and accrued lease costs were reclassified to the right-of-use operating lease asset, resulting in a net asset of $1.3 billion on the Consolidated Statement of Financial Position. As a result of the adoption of this standard, we also recorded a cumulative-effect adjustment of $24.8 million to beginning Distribution in excess of earnings on the Consolidated Statement of Equity for lease costs which would have been recognized in prior periods as a result of the change in the lease term.

Under the new guidance, lessors account for leases using an approach that is substantially equivalent to previous guidance for sales-type leases, direct financing leases and operating leases. Our billboard lease revenues will continue to be recognized on a straight-line basis over their respective lease terms. Adoption of this guidance did not have a material effect on our consolidated financial statements.

Recent Pronouncements

In April 2015 (updated in August 2018), the FASB updated their guidance for evaluating and determining when a cloud computing arrangement (hosting arrangement) includes a software license. The new guidance is effective for annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2019. We do not expect this guidance to have a material effect on our consolidated financial statements.

In June 2016 (updated in May 2019 and November 2019), the FASB issued guidance which requires a reporting entity to estimate credit losses on certain types of financial instruments, and present assets held at amortized cost and available-for-sale debt securities at the amount expected to be collected. The new guidance is effective for annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2019, and early adoption is permitted. We do not expect this guidance to have a material effect on our consolidated financial statements.

In December 2019, the FASB issued guidance simplifying the accounting for income taxes by removing certain exceptions to the general principles of Accounting Standards Codification Topic 740, Income Taxes. The new guidance is effective for annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2020. We do not expect this guidance to have a material effect on our consolidated financial statements.