1 As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on September 8, 2000. Registration No. 333- U.S. SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION Washington, D.C. 20549 ---------- FORM S-3 REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933 ---------- LAMAR ADVERTISING COMPANY (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter) DELAWARE 72-1205791 (State or other jurisdiction (I.R.S. Employer of incorporation or organization) Identification Number) 5551 CORPORATE BOULEVARD BATON ROUGE, LOUISIANA 70808 (225) 926-1000 (Address, including zip code, and telephone number, including area code, of registrant's principal executive offices) ---------- KEVIN P. REILLY, JR. Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer Lamar Advertising Company 5551 Corporate Boulevard Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70808 (225) 926-1000 (Name, address, including zip code, and telephone number, including area code, of agent for service) with a copy to: STANLEY KELLER, ESQ. Palmer & Dodge LLP One Beacon Street Boston, Massachusetts 02108 (617) 573-0100 ---------- Approximate date of commencement of proposed sale to the public: From time to time after the effective date of this registration statement. ---------- If the only securities being registered on this form are being offered pursuant to dividend or interest reinvestment plans, please check the following box. [ ] If any of the securities being registered on this form are to be offered on a delayed or continuous basis pursuant to Rule 415 under the Securities Act of 1933, other than securities offered only in connection with dividend or interest reinvestment plans, check the following box. [X] If this form is filed to register additional securities for an offering pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act, please check the following box and list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement for the same offering. [ ] If this form is a post-effective amendment filed pursuant to Rule 462(c) under the Securities Act, check the following box and list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement for the same offering. [ ] If delivery of the prospectus is expected to be made pursuant to Rule 434, please check the following box. [ ]

2 ---------- CALCULATION OF REGISTRATION FEE Proposed maximum Proposed maximum Title of each class of securities Amount to be offering price per aggregate offering price Amount of to be registered registered share(1) (1) registration fee --------------------------------- ------------ ------------------ ------------------------ ---------------- Class A common stock, $0.001 par value per share 26,227,273 shares $42.19 $1,106,528,647.87 $292,123.56 (1) Estimated solely for the purpose of determining the registration fee and computed pursuant to Rule 457(c) and based upon the high and low prices on September 7, 2000 as reported on the Nasdaq National Market. THE REGISTRANT HEREBY AMENDS THIS REGISTRATION STATEMENT ON SUCH DATE OR DATES AS MAY BE NECESSARY TO DELAY ITS EFFECTIVE DATE UNTIL THE REGISTRANT SHALL FILE A FURTHER AMENDMENT WHICH SPECIFICALLY STATES THAT THIS REGISTRATION STATEMENT SHALL THEREAFTER BECOME EFFECTIVE IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 8(a) OF THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933 OR UNTIL THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT SHALL BECOME EFFECTIVE ON SUCH DATE AS THE COMMISSION, ACTING PURSUANT TO SAID SECTION 8(a), MAY DETERMINE.

3 PROSPECTUS Subject to Completion Dated September 8, 2000 LAMAR ADVERTISING COMPANY 26,227,273 Shares Class A Common Stock This prospectus relates to the public offering of up to 26,227,273 shares of Lamar Advertising Company Class A common stock by one of our stockholders of shares issued in connection with our acquisition of the outdoor advertising businesses of Chancellor Media Outdoor Corporation and Chancellor Media Whiteco Corporation. These shares may be offered and sold by the selling stockholder identified on page 10 from time to time in open-market or privately-negotiated transactions. These transactions may involve underwriters or broker-dealers. We will not receive any of the proceeds from the sale of the shares covered by this prospectus. We have two types of common stock: Class A common stock and Class B common stock. The Class A common stock and the Class B common stock have the same rights and powers, except that a share of Class A common stock entitles the holder to one vote and a share of Class B common stock entitles the holder to ten votes. Our Class A common stock trades on the Nasdaq National Market under the symbol "LAMR." On September 7, 2000, the last reported per share sale price of our Class A common stock was $42.00. SEE "RISK FACTORS" BEGINNING ON PAGE 4 OF THIS PROSPECTUS FOR A DISCUSSION OF CERTAIN FACTORS THAT YOU SHOULD CONSIDER BEFORE PURCHASING SHARES OF CLASS A COMMON STOCK. ---------- NEITHER THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION NOR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION HAS APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED THESE SECURITIES OR DETERMINED IF THIS PROSPECTUS IS TRUTHFUL OR COMPLETE. ANY REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY IS A CRIMINAL OFFENSE. ---------- THE DATE OF THIS PROSPECTUS IS SEPTEMBER___, 2000.

4 TABLE OF CONTENTS Page ---- Business of Lamar.................................................................................................3 Recent Developments...............................................................................................3 Risk Factors......................................................................................................4 Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements.........................................................................9 Selling Stockholders.............................................................................................10 Plan of Distribution.............................................................................................11 Legal Matters....................................................................................................12 Experts..........................................................................................................12 Where You Can Find More Information..............................................................................13 2

5 BUSINESS OF LAMAR Lamar is one of the largest and most experienced owners and operators of outdoor advertising structures in the United States. We conduct a business that has operated under the Lamar name since 1902. As of July 31, 2000, we operated approximately 128,800 displays in 42 states. We also operate the largest logo sign business in the United States. Logo signs are signs located near highway exits which deliver brand name information on available gas, food, lodging and camping services. As of July 31, 2000, we maintained over 87,300 logo sign displays in 20 states. We also operate transit advertising displays on bus shelters, bus benches and buses in several markets. Our principal executive offices are located at 5551 Corporate Boulevard, Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70808 and our telephone number is (225) 926-1000. RECENT DEVELOPMENTS COMPLETED ACQUISITIONS From January 1, 2000 to July 31, 2000, we completed 58 acquisitions of complementary outdoor advertising assets, for an aggregate price of approximately $469 million. These acquisitions included approximately 15,000 displays. We expect that these acquisitions will allow us to take advantage of operating efficiencies and cross-market sales opportunities. PENDING ACQUISITIONS We have entered into agreements relating to several other acquisitions which are pending. If we complete all of these acquisitions, we would acquire approximately 4,500 outdoor advertising displays for an aggregate purchase price of approximately $69 million. These acquisitions are subject to various conditions including the satisfaction of customary closing conditions. We cannot be sure whether or when these acquisitions will be completed. 3

6 RISK FACTORS An investment in Class A common stock involves a number of risks. In deciding whether to invest, you should carefully consider the following factors, the information contained in this prospectus and the other information that we have referred you to. It is especially important to keep these risk factors in mind when you read forward-looking statements. THE REQUIRED DISPOSITION OF THE SHARES COVERED BY THIS PROSPECTUS COULD CAUSE THE MARKET PRICE OF CLASS A COMMON STOCK TO DECLINE. The shares of Class A common stock covered by this prospectus represent approximately 35.0% of our Class A common stock and 28.6 % of all our outstanding common stock as of July 31, 2000. These shares must be disposed of by their current owner, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Clear Channel Communications, Inc., prior to January 1, 2003 under the terms of a consent decree with the Department of Justice. The consent decree was issued in connection with the merger of AMFM Inc. with Clear Channel, which was subject to review and clearance by the Federal Trade Commission and U.S. Department of Justice under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act of 1976, because Clear Channel is also in the outdoor advertising business. These shares were originally issued to a subsidiary of AMFM Inc. in connection with our acquisition of the Chancellor outdoor advertising business. This required disposition could adversely affect the market price of the Class A common stock. OUR DEBT AGREEMENTS AND THOSE OF OUR WHOLLY-OWNED, DIRECT SUBSIDIARY LAMAR MEDIA CORP. CONTAIN COVENANTS AND RESTRICTIONS THAT CREATE THE POTENTIAL FOR DEFAULTS. The terms of the indenture relating to Lamar Advertising's outstanding notes, Lamar Media Corp.'s bank credit facility and the indentures relating to Lamar Media's outstanding notes restrict, among other things, the ability of Lamar Advertising and Lamar Media to: o dispose of assets; o incur or repay debt; o create liens; and o make investments. Lamar Media's ability to make distributions to Lamar Advertising is also restricted under the terms of these agreements. Under Lamar Media's bank credit facility we must maintain specified financial ratios and levels including: o interest coverage; o fixed charges ratio; o senior debt ratios; and o total debt ratios. If we fail to comply with these tests, the lenders have the right to cause all amounts outstanding under the bank credit facility to become immediately due. If this were to occur and the lenders decide to exercise their right to accelerate the indebtedness, it would create serious financial problems for us. Our ability to comply with these restrictions, and any similar restrictions in future agreements, depends on our operating performance. Because our performance is subject to prevailing economic, financial and business conditions and other factors that are beyond our control, we may be unable to comply with these restrictions in the future. 4

7 BECAUSE WE HAVE SIGNIFICANT FIXED PAYMENTS ON OUR DEBT, WE MAY LACK SUFFICIENT CASH FLOW TO OPERATE OUR BUSINESS AS WE HAVE IN THE PAST AND MAY NEED TO BORROW MONEY IN THE FUTURE TO MAKE THESE PAYMENTS AND OPERATE OUR BUSINESS. We have borrowed substantial amounts of money in the past and may borrow more money in the future. At July 31, 2000, Lamar Advertising Company had approximately $288 million of convertible notes outstanding. At July 31, 2000, Lamar Media had approximately $1,599 million of debt outstanding consisting of approximately $1,047 million in bank debt, $541 million in various series of senior subordinated notes of Lamar Media and $11 million in various other short-term and long-term debt of Lamar Media. A large part of our cash flow from operations must be used to make principal and interest payments on our debt. If our operations make less money in the future, we may need to borrow to make these payments. In addition, we finance most of our acquisitions through borrowings under Lamar Media's bank credit facility which presently has a total committed amount of $1.25 billion in term and revolving credit loans. At July 31, 2000, we had approximately $202 million available to borrow under this bank credit facility. Since our borrowing capacity under Lamar Media's bank credit facility is limited, we may not be able to continue to finance future acquisitions at our historical rate with borrowings under this bank credit facility. We may need to borrow additional amounts or seek other sources of financing to fund future acquisitions. We cannot guarantee that additional financing will be available or available on favorable terms. We also may need the consent of the banks under Lamar Media's bank credit facility, or the holders of other indebtedness, to borrow additional money. OUR BUSINESS COULD BE HURT BY CHANGES IN ECONOMIC AND ADVERTISING TRENDS. We sell advertising space to generate revenues. A decrease in demand for advertising space could adversely affect our business. General economic conditions and trends in the advertising industry affect the amount of advertising space purchased. A reduction in money spent on our displays could result from: o a general decline in economic conditions; o a decline in economic conditions in particular markets where we conduct business; o a reallocation of advertising expenditures to other available media by significant users of our displays; or o a decline in the amount spent on advertising in general. OUR OPERATIONS ARE IMPACTED BY THE REGULATION OF OUTDOOR ADVERTISING. Our operations are significantly impacted by federal, state and local government regulation of the outdoor advertising business. The federal government conditions federal highway assistance on states imposing location restrictions on the placement of billboards on primary and interstate highways. Federal laws also impose size, spacing and other limitations on billboards. Some states have adopted standards more restrictive than the federal requirements. Local governments generally control billboards as part of their zoning regulations. Some local governments have enacted ordinances which require removal of billboards by a future date. Others prohibit the construction of new billboards and the reconstruction of significantly damaged billboards, or allow new construction only to replace existing structures. Local laws which mandate removal of billboards at a future date often do not provide for payment to the owner for the loss of structures that are required to be removed. Some federal and state laws require payment of compensation in such circumstances. Local laws that require the removal of a billboard without compensation have been challenged in state and federal courts with conflicting results. Accordingly, we may not be successful in negotiating acceptable arrangements when our displays have been subject to removal under these types of local laws. 5

8 Additional regulations may be imposed on outdoor advertising in the future. Legislation regulating the content of billboard advertisements has been introduced in Congress from time to time in the past. Additional regulations or changes in the current laws regulating and affecting outdoor advertising at the federal, state or local level may have a material adverse effect on our results of operations. OUR CONTINUED GROWTH THROUGH ACQUISITIONS MAY BECOME MORE DIFFICULT AND INVOLVES COSTS AND UNCERTAINTIES. We have substantially increased our inventory of advertising displays through acquisitions. Our operating strategy involves making purchases in markets where we currently compete as well as in new markets. However, the following factors may affect our ability to continue to pursue this strategy effectively. o The outdoor advertising market has been consolidating, and this may adversely affect our ability to find suitable candidates for purchase. o We are also likely to face increased competition from other outdoor advertising companies for the companies or assets that we wish to purchase. Increased competition may lead to higher prices for outdoor advertising companies and assets and decrease those that we are able to purchase. o We do not know if we will have sufficient capital resources to make purchases, obtain any required consents from our lenders, or find acquisition opportunities with acceptable terms. o We must integrate newly acquired assets and businesses into our existing operations. From January 1, 2000 to July 31, 2000, we completed 58 transactions involving the purchase of complementary outdoor advertising assets. The process of integrating these acquisitions may result in unforeseen difficulties and could require significant time and attention from our management that would otherwise be directed at developing our existing business. Further, we cannot be certain that the benefits and cost savings that we anticipate from these purchases will develop. WE FACE COMPETITION FROM LARGER AND MORE DIVERSIFIED OUTDOOR ADVERTISERS AND OTHER FORMS OF ADVERTISING THAT COULD HURT OUR PERFORMANCE. We cannot be sure that in the future we will compete successfully against the current and future forms of outdoor advertising and other media. The competitive pressure that we face could adversely affect our profitability or financial performance. Although we are the largest company focusing exclusively on outdoor advertising, we face competition from larger companies with more diversified operations which also include radio and other broadcast media. We also face competition from other forms of media, including television, radio, newspapers and direct mail advertising. We must also compete with an increasing variety of other out-of-home advertising media that include advertising displays in shopping centers, malls, airports, stadiums, movie theaters and supermarkets, and on taxis, trains and buses. In our logo sign business, we currently face competition for state-awarded service contracts from two other logo sign providers as well as local companies. Initially, we compete for state-awarded service contracts as they are privatized. Because these contracts expire after a limited time, we must compete to keep our existing contracts each time they are up for renewal. IF OUR CONTINGENCY PLANS RELATING TO HURRICANES FAIL, THE RESULTING LOSSES COULD HURT OUR BUSINESS. Although we have developed contingency plans designed to deal with the threat posed to our advertising structures by hurricanes, we cannot guarantee that these plans will work. If these plans fail, significant losses could result. A significant portion of our structures is located in the Mid-Atlantic and Gulf Coast regions of the United States. These areas are highly susceptible to hurricanes during the late summer and early fall. In the past, we have incurred significant losses due to severe storms. These losses resulted from structural damage, overtime 6

9 compensation, loss of billboards that could not be replaced under applicable laws and reduced occupancy because billboards were out of service. We have determined that it is not economical to obtain insurance against losses from hurricanes and other storms. Instead, we have developed contingency plans to deal with the threat of hurricanes. For example, we attempt to remove the advertising faces on billboards at the onset of a storm, when possible, which permits the structures to better withstand high winds during a storm. We then replace these advertising faces after the storm has passed. However, these plans may not be effective in the future and, if they are not, significant losses may result. OUR LOGO SIGN CONTRACTS ARE SUBJECT TO STATE AWARD AND RENEWAL. A growing portion of our revenues and operating income come from our state-awarded service contracts for logo signs. We cannot predict what remaining states, if any, will start logo sign programs or convert state-run logo sign programs to privately operated programs. We compete with many other parties for new state-awarded service contracts for logo signs. Even when we are awarded a contract, the award may be challenged under state contract bidding requirements. If an award is challenged, we may incur delays and litigation costs. Generally, state-awarded logo sign contracts have a term, including renewal options, of ten to twenty years. States may terminate a contract early, but in most cases must pay compensation to the logo sign provider for early termination. Typically, at the end of the term of the contract, ownership of the structures is transferred to the state without compensation to the logo sign provider. Of our 20 logo sign contracts in place at July 31, 2000, two are subject to renewal in October 2000 and February 2001. We cannot guarantee that we will be able to obtain new logo sign contracts or renew our existing contracts. In addition, after we receive a new state-awarded logo contract, we generally incur significant start-up costs. We cannot guarantee that we will continue to have access to the capital necessary to finance those costs. OUR OPERATIONS COULD BE AFFECTED BY THE LOSS OF KEY EXECUTIVES. Our success depends to a significant extent upon the continued services of our executive officers and other key management and sales personnel. Kevin P. Reilly, Jr., our Chief Executive Officer, our nine regional managers and the manager of our logo sign business, in particular, are essential to our continued success. Although we have designed our incentive and compensation programs to retain key employees, we have no employment contracts with any of our employees and none of our executive officers have signed non-compete agreements. We do not maintain key man insurance on our executives. If any of our executive officers or other key management and sales personnel stopped working with us in the future, it could have an adverse effect on our business. WE HAVE A CONTROLLING STOCKHOLDER THAT CAN CONTROL ANY VOTES TO EXCLUSION OF THE OTHER HOLDERS OF CLASS A COMMON STOCK. Purchasers of Class A common stock under this prospectus will have no control over the management or business practices of the company. Kevin P. Reilly, Jr., Chief Executive Officer of Lamar Advertising, is the managing general partner of the Reilly Family Limited Partnership. On July 31, 2000 this partnership beneficially owned all of the outstanding shares of Class B common stock, which shares represented approximately 69.0 % total voting power of the Lamar Advertising common stock as of July 31, 2000. As a result, Mr. Reilly, or his successor as managing general partner, controls the outcome of matters requiring a stockholder vote. These matters include electing directors, amending Lamar Advertising's certificate of incorporation or by-laws, adopting or preventing certain mergers or other similar transactions, such as a sale of substantially all of our assets. Mr. Reilly would also decide the outcome of transactions that could give the holders of the Class A common stock the opportunity to realize a premium over the then-prevailing market price for their shares. Further, subject to contractual restrictions and general fiduciary obligations, we are not prohibited from engaging in transactions with management or our principal stockholders or with entities in which members of management or Lamar Advertising's principal stockholders have an interest. Lamar Advertising's certificate of 7

10 incorporation does not provide for cumulative voting in the election of directors and, consequently, the Reilly Family Limited Partnership can elect all the directors. LAMAR ADVERTISING'S BY-LAWS AND CERTIFICATE OF INCORPORATION CONTAIN CERTAIN ANTI-TAKEOVER PROVISIONS THAT MAY MAKE IT HARDER TO REALIZE A PREMIUM OVER THE COMMON STOCK'S MARKET PRICE OR MAY AFFECT THE MARKET PRICE OF THE CLASS A COMMON STOCK. Certain provisions of Lamar Advertising's certificate of incorporation and by-laws may discourage a third party from offering to purchase Lamar Advertising. These provisions, therefore, inhibit actions that would result in a change in control of Lamar Advertising. Some of these actions would otherwise give the holders of the Class A common stock the opportunity to realize a premium over the then-prevailing market price of the stock. These provisions may also adversely affect the market price of the Class A common stock. For example, under Lamar Advertising's certificate of incorporation Lamar Advertising can issue "blank check" preferred stock with such designations, rights and preferences as Lamar Advertising's board of directors determines from time to time. If issued, this type of preferred stock could be used as a method of discouraging, delaying or preventing a change in control of Lamar Advertising. In addition, if Lamar Advertising issues preferred stock, it may adversely affect the voting and dividend rights, rights upon liquidation and other rights that holders of the common stock currently hold. Lamar Advertising does not currently intend to issue any shares of this type of preferred stock, but retains the right to do so in the future. Furthermore, Lamar Advertising is subject to Section 203 of the Delaware General Corporation Law, which may discourage takeover attempts. Section 203 generally prohibits a publicly held Delaware corporation from engaging in a business combination with an "interested stockholder" for a period of three years after the date of the transaction in which the person became an interested stockholder. YOU MAY NOT RECEIVE ANY CASH DIVIDENDS ON YOUR CLASS A COMMON STOCK. Lamar Advertising has never paid cash dividends on its Class A common stock and does not plan to do so in the foreseeable future. 8

11 NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS This prospectus, including documents incorporated by reference, contains "forward-looking statements". These are statements that relate to future periods and include statements about: o our expected operating results; o our market opportunities; o our acquisition opportunities; o our ability to integrate successfully the operations of acquired assets and businesses; o our ability to compete; and o our stock price. Generally, the words "anticipates", "believes", "expects", "intends" and similar expressions identify forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other important factors that could cause our actual results, performance or achievements, or industry results, to differ materially from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. These risks, uncertainties and other important factors include, among others, those relating to: (1) our significant indebtedness; (2) our need for and ability to obtain additional funding for acquisitions or operations; (3) the integration of companies that we acquire and our ability to recognize cost savings or operating efficiencies as a result of these acquisitions; (4) the continued popularity of outdoor advertising; (5) the regulation of the outdoor advertising industry; (6) the risks and uncertainties described under the caption "Risk Factors" and (7) other factors described in the reports on Forms 10-K and 10-Q that we file from time to time with the SEC. The forward-looking statements contained in this prospectus speak only as of the date of this prospectus. 9

12 SELLING STOCKHOLDERS We issued the shares covered by this prospectus to subsidiaries of AMFM Inc. in connection with our acquisition of the outdoor advertising business of Chancellor Media Outdoor Corporation and Chancellor Media Whiteco Corporation and agreed to register the shares. On August 30, 2000, AMFM Inc. was merged with Clear Channel Communications, Inc. All of the shares covered by this prospectus are currently held by AMFM Operating, Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of Clear Channel. The following table sets forth the name and number of shares of Class A common stock owned by the selling stockholder as of September 6, 2000, all of which may be offered by this prospectus. As of September 6, 2000, there were approximately 75,018,411 shares of Class A common stock outstanding. SHARES BENEFICIALLY OWNED PRIOR TO OFFERING AND BEING NAME OF SELLING STOCKHOLDER REGISTERED FOR SALE --------------------------- --------------------------- Number Percent ---------- ------- AMFM Operating, Inc. 26,227,273 35.0% All of the shares covered by this prospectus must be disposed of prior to January 1, 2003 under the terms of a consent decree with the Department of Justice. The consent decree was issued in connection with the merger of AMFM with Clear Channel, which was subject to review and clearance by the Federal Trade Commission and U.S. Department of Justice under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act of 1976, because Clear Channel is also in the outdoor advertising business. In connection with the acquisition of the Chancellor outdoor advertising business, we granted AMFM the right to designate two members of our board of directors and we agreed not to take certain actions without their approval. As part of the consent decree, Thomas Hicks and Steven Hicks have resigned from our board and all of its committees effective August 30, 2000 and Clear Channel does not have the right to designate board members. In accordance with the consent decree, as well as agreements with us, Clear Channel must treat the shares covered by this prospectus as a passive investment. Clear Channel may not, among other things, vote the shares in a manner inconsistent with the vote of all other holders of Class A common stock not held by them, exercise any veto rights with regard to our business, or obtain any non-public financial or business information with respect to us. These restrictions do not apply to any purchaser of the shares that is unaffiliated with Clear Channel. Except as described above, neither the selling stockholder, nor any of its affiliates, has held any position or office with, been employed by or otherwise had a material relationship with, Lamar Advertising or any of our predecessors or affiliates other than as a stockholder. Any person who receives shares from a selling stockholder as a gift or in connection with a pledge may sell up to 500 of such shares using this prospectus. 10

13 PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION As used in this prospectus, "selling stockholders" includes donees, pledgees, permitted transferees and other permitted successors-in-interest selling shares received from a selling stockholder as a gift, pledge, partnership distribution or other non-sale related transfer after the date of this prospectus. If we are notified by a donee, pledgee, transferee or other successor-in-interest that it intends to sell more than 500 shares, a supplement to this prospectus will be filed. The selling stockholders may sell the shares of Class A common stock covered by this prospectus from time to time: o in the over-the-counter market, o on any exchange or automated quotation system where the Class A common stock is then listed, o with broker-dealers or third-parties other than in the over-the-counter market or on an exchange or automated quotation system (including in block sales); o in connection with a firmly underwritten offering; o in connection with the exercise, exchange or conversion of derivative securities of Class A common stock issued by the selling stockholder; o in privately-negotiated transactions; o in connection with short sales; o in connection with writing call options or in other hedging arrangements; o or in transactions involving a combination of these methods. The selling stockholders may also sell shares under Rule 144 or Section 4(1) of the Securities Act, to the extent available, rather than pursuant to this prospectus. The selling stockholders may sell their shares at market prices prevailing at the time of sale, at prices related to such prevailing market prices, at negotiated prices or at fixed prices. The selling stockholders may use broker-dealers, agents or underwriters to sell their shares. Broker-dealers, agents or underwriters engaged by the selling stockholders may use broker-dealers to sell the shares. If this happens, the broker-dealers, agents or underwriters may receive compensation in the form of discounts or commissions from the selling stockholders, purchasers of shares or both (which compensation to a particular broker might be in excess of customary compensation). The selling stockholder and any broker-dealers, agents or underwriters that participate with the selling stockholder in the distribution of the shares may be deemed to be "underwriters" within the meaning of the Securities Act of 1933. Any commissions paid or any discounts or concessions allowed to any of these persons, and any profits received on the resale of the shares of Class A common stock offered by this prospectus, may be deemed to be underwriting commissions or discounts under the Securities Act of 1933. To comply with the securities laws of certain jurisdictions, the shares offered by this prospectus may need to be offered or sold in those jurisdictions only through registered or licensed broker-dealers. Under applicable rules and regulations under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, any person engaged in a distribution of the shares of Class A common stock covered by this prospectus may be limited in its ability to engage in market activities with respect to the Class A common stock. The selling stockholder, for example, will be subject to applicable provisions of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and the rules and regulations under it, which 11

14 may limit the timing of purchases and sales of any shares of Class A common stock by the selling stockholder. The restrictions may affect the marketability of the shares offered by this prospectus. We have agreed to keep the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part effective until December 31, 2002 or, if sooner, until all of the shares covered by this prospectus are sold. The selling stockholders have agreed to pay and to reimburse us for the expenses of the offering and sale of the shares covered by this prospectus, including the printing, legal and accounting expenses we incur and the registration and filing fees imposed by the SEC or the Nasdaq National Market. To the extent required, we will amend or supplement this prospectus to disclose material arrangements regarding the plan of distribution. LEGAL MATTERS Palmer & Dodge LLP, Boston, Massachusetts, counsel to Lamar Advertising, will give Lamar Advertising an opinion on the validity of the securities offered by this prospectus. EXPERTS The consolidated financial statements of Lamar Advertising Company and subsidiaries as of December 31, 1999 and 1998 and for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 1999, incorporated by reference into this prospectus and registration statement have been incorporated by reference herein and in the registration statement in reliance upon the report of KPMG LLP, independent certified public accountants, incorporated by reference herein, and upon the authority of such firm as experts in accounting and auditing. The report of KPMG LLP covering the December 31, 1999 financial statements refers to a change in the method of accounting for the costs of start-up activities. The consolidated balance sheet of Chancellor Outdoor Media Corporation as of December 31, 1998 and consolidated statements of operations, equity and cash flows for the period from July 22, 1998 to December 31, 1998, the statements of income, divisional equity and cash flows of The Outdoor Division of Whiteco Industries, Inc. for the eleven months ended November 30, 1998, the statements of operations, partners' capital and cash flows of Martin Media, L.P. for the seven months ended July 31, 1998, and the statements of operations, retained earnings and cash flows of Martin & MacFarlane, Inc. for the seven months ended July 31, 1998, incorporated in this registration statement by reference to the Current Report on Form 8-K of Lamar Advertising Company dated July 6, 1999 have been so incorporated in reliance upon the reports of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, independent accountants, given on the authority of said firm as experts in auditing and accounting. The financial statements of the Outdoor Advertising Division of Whiteco Industries, Inc., incorporated by reference in this prospectus have been audited by BDO Seidman, LLP, independent certified public accountants, to the extent and for the periods set forth in their report incorporated herein by reference, and are incorporated herein in reliance upon such report given the authority of said firm as experts in auditing and accounting. The balance sheets of Martin Media as of December 31, 1997 and 1996 and the related statements of operations, partners' capital (deficit) and cash flows for each of the years ended December 31, 1997, 1996, and 1995 and the balance sheets of Martin & MacFarlane, Inc. as of December 31, 1997 and 1996 and the related statements of income, retained earnings and cash flows for each of the years ended December 31, 1997 and 1996 and the six-month period ended December 31, 1995, all of which have been incorporated by reference in this prospectus and in the registration statement, have been audited by Arthur Andersen LLP, independent public accountants, as indicated in their reports with respect thereto, and are included herein in reliance upon the authority of said firm as experts in accounting and auditing in giving said reports. The balance sheet of Martin & MacFarlane, Inc. as of June 30, 1995 and the related statements of income, retained earnings and cash flows of Martin & MacFarlane, Inc. for the year ended June 30, 1995, all of which have been incorporated by reference in this prospectus and in the registration statement have been incorporated by 12

15 reference herein and in the registration statement in reliance upon the report of Barbich Longcrier Hooper & King, Accounting Corporation, independent certified public accountants, incorporated by reference herein, and upon the authority of such firm as experts in accounting and auditing. WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION Lamar Advertising and Lamar Media each file annual, quarterly and special reports, proxy statements and other information with the SEC. You may read and copy any document that we file at the SEC's public reference rooms in Washington, D.C., New York, New York and Chicago, Illinois. Please call the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330 for further information on the public reference rooms. Lamar Advertising's and Lamar Media's SEC filings are also available on the SEC's Website at "http://www.sec.gov." Copies of these materials can also be inspected and copied at the office of the Nasdaq National Market, 1735 K Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20006-1500. The SEC allows us to "incorporate by reference" information from other documents that we file with them, which means that we can disclose important information by referring to those documents. The information incorporated by reference is considered to be part of this prospectus, and information that we file later with the SEC will automatically update and supersede this information. We incorporate by reference the documents listed below and any future filings we make with the SEC under Sections 13(a), 13(c), 14 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 prior to the sale of all the shares covered by this prospectus: o Annual Report on Form 10-K of Lamar Advertising for the year ended December 31, 1999; o Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q of Lamar Advertising for the quarters ended March 31, 2000 and June 30, 2000; o Current Reports on Form 8-K of Lamar Advertising filed with the SEC on July 7, 1999, November 23, 1999, February 9, 2000, August 31, 2000 and September 6, 2000; and o The description of the Class A common stock contained in the Registration Statement on Form 8-A/A of Lamar Advertising filed with the SEC on July 27, 1999. You may request a copy of these filings, at no cost, by writing or telephoning using the following contact information: Shareholder Services Lamar Advertising Company 5551 Corporate Boulevard Baton Rouge, LA 70808 (225) 926-1000 You may rely only on the information contained or incorporated by reference in this prospectus. We have not authorized anyone to provide information different from that contained or incorporated by reference in this prospectus. Neither the delivery of this prospectus nor the sale of the Class A common stock offered by this prospectus means that information contained or incorporated by reference in this prospectus from previous filings by Lamar Advertising is correct after the date of this prospectus. This prospectus is not an offer to sell or solicitation of an offer to buy Class A common stock offered by this prospectus in any circumstance under which the offer or solicitation is unlawful. 13

16 PART II INFORMATION NOT REQUIRED IN PROSPECTUS ITEM 14. OTHER EXPENSES OF ISSUANCE AND DISTRIBUTION The following is an estimate of the fees and expenses, other than underwriting discounts and commissions, payable or reimbursable by the selling stockholders in connection with the issuance and distribution of the offered securities offered by this prospectus. SEC registration fee $ 292,124 Legal fees and expenses 15,000 Accounting fees and expenses 25,000 Miscellaneous 7,876 ---------- Total $ 340,000 ITEM 15. INDEMNIFICATION OF DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS. Section 145 of the Delaware General Corporation Law grants the registrant the power to indemnify each person who was or is a party or is threatened to be made a party to any threatened, pending or completed action, suit or proceeding, whether civil, criminal, administrative or investigative by reason of the fact that he is or was a director, officer, employee or agent of the registrant, or is or was serving at the request of the registrant as a director, officer, employee or agent of another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise, against expenses (including attorneys' fees), judgments, fines and amounts paid in settlement actually and reasonably incurred by him in connection with any such action, suit or proceeding if he acted in good faith and in a manner he reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the registrant, and with respect to any criminal action or proceeding, had no reasonable cause to believe his conduct was unlawful, provided, however, no indemnification shall be made in connection with any proceeding brought by or in the right of the registrant where the person involved is adjudged to be liable to the registrant except to the extent approved by a court. The registrant's By-laws provide that any person who is made a party to any action or proceeding because such person is or was a director or officer of the registrant will be indemnified and held harmless against all claims, liabilities and expenses, including those expenses incurred in defending a claim and amounts paid or agreed to be paid in connection with reasonable settlements made before final adjudication with the approval of the Board of Directors, if such person has not acted, or in the judgment or the shareholders or directors of the registrant has not acted, with willful or intentional misconduct. The indemnification provided for in the registrant's By-laws is expressly not exclusive of any other rights to which those seeking indemnification may be entitled as a matter of law. The registrant's Certificate of Incorporation provides that directors of the registrant will not be personally liable to the Company or its stockholders for monetary damages for breach of fiduciary duty as a director, whether or not an individual continues to be a director at the time such liability is asserted, except for liability (i) for any breach of the director's duty of loyalty to the registrant or its stockholders, (ii) for acts or omissions not in good faith or which involve intentional misconduct or a knowing violation of law, (iii) under Section 174 of the DGCL, relating to prohibited dividends or distributions or the repurchase or redemption of stock, or (iv) for any transaction from which the director derives an improper personal benefit. The registrant carries directors' and officers' liability insurance which insures its directors and officers against certain liabilities that they may incur when acting in their capacity as directors and officers of the registrant. II-1

17 ITEM 16. EXHIBITS See Exhibit Index immediately following signature pages. ITEM 17. UNDERTAKINGS (a) The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes: (1) To file, during any period in which offers or sales are being made, a post-effective amendment to this registration statement: (i) To include any prospectus required by Section 10(a)(3) of the Securities Act of 1933; (ii) To reflect in the prospectus any facts or events arising after the effective date of the registration statement (or the most recent post-effective amendment thereof) which, individually or in the aggregate, represent a fundamental change in the information set forth in the registration statement. Notwithstanding the foregoing, any increase or decrease in volume of securities offered (if the total dollar value of securities offered would not exceed that which was registered) and any deviation from the low or high and of the estimated maximum offering range may be reflected in the form of prospectus filed with the Commission pursuant to Rule 424(b) if, in the aggregate, the changes in volume and price represent no more than 20 percent change in the maximum aggregate offering price set forth in the "Calculation of Registration Fee" table in the effective registration statement. (iii) To include any material information with respect to the plan of distribution not previously disclosed in the registration statement or any material change to such information in the registration statement; provided, however, that paragraphs (a)(1)(i) and (a)(1)(ii) do not apply if the registration statement is on Form S-3, Form S-8 or Form F-3, and the information required to be included in a post-effective amendment by those paragraphs is contained in periodic reports filed with or furnished to the Commission by the registrant pursuant to Section 13 of 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 that are incorporated by reference in the registration statement. (2) That, for the purpose of determining any liability under the Securities Act of 1933, each such post-effective amendment shall be deemed to be a new registration statement relating to the securities offered therein, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof. (3) To remove from registration by means of a post-effective amendment any of the securities being registered which remain unsold at the termination of the offering. (4) If the registrant is a foreign private issuer, to file a post-effective amendment to the registration statement to include any financial statements required by Rule 3-19 of this chapter at the start of any delayed offering or throughout a continuous offering. Financial statements and information otherwise required by Section 10(a)(3) of the Act need not be furnished, provided, that the registrant includes in the prospectus, by means of a post-effective amendment, financial statements required pursuant to this paragraph (a)(4) and other information necessary to ensure that all other information in the prospectus is at least as current as the date of those financial statements. Notwithstanding the foregoing, with respect to registration statements on Form F-3, a post-effective amendment need not be filed to include financial statements and information required by Section 10(a)(3) of the Act or Rule 3-19 of this chapter if such financial statements and information are contained in periodic reports filed with or furnished to the Commission by the registrant pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 that are incorporated by reference in the Form F-3. (b) The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes that, for purposes of determining any liability under the Securities Act of 1933, each filing of the registrant's annual report pursuant to Section 13(a) or Section 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (and, where applicable, each filing of any employee benefit plan's annual II-2

18 report pursuant to Section 15(d) of the Securities Act of 1934) that is incorporated by reference in this Registration Statement shall be deemed to be a new registration statement relating to the securities offered herein, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof. (c) Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act of 1933 may be permitted to directors, officers and controlling persons of the registrant pursuant to the provisions referred to in Item 15 hereof, or otherwise, the registrant has been advised that in the opinion of the Securities and Exchange Commission such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Act and is, therefore, unenforceable. In the event that a claim for indemnification against such liabilities (other than the payment by the registrant of expenses incurred or paid by a director, officer or controlling person of the registrant in the successful defense of any action, suit or proceeding) is asserted by such director, officer or controlling person in connection with the securities being registered, the registrant will, unless in the opinion of its counsel the matter has been settled by controlling precedent, submit to a court of appropriate jurisdiction the question whether such indemnification by it is against public policy as expressed in the Act and will be governed by the final adjudication of such issue. II-3

19 SIGNATURES Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the Registrant certifies that it has reasonable grounds to believe that it meets all of the requirements for filing on Form S-3 and has duly caused this Registration Statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the City of Baton Rouge, State of Louisiana, on September 7, 2000. LAMAR ADVERTISING COMPANY By: /s/ Kevin P. Reilly, Jr. --------------------------------------- Kevin P. Reilly, Jr. President and Chief Executive Officer POWER OF ATTORNEY We, the undersigned officers and directors of Lamar Advertising Company, hereby severally constitute and appoint Kevin P. Reilly, Jr. and Keith A. Istre and each of them singly, our true and lawful attorneys, with full power to them in any and all capacitates, to sign any amendments to this Registration Statement on Form S-3 (including Pre- and Post-Effective Amendments), and any related Rule 462(b) registration statement or amendment thereto, and to file the same, with exhibits thereto and other documents in connection therewith, with the Securities and Exchange Commission, hereby ratifying and confirming all that each of said attorneys-in-fact may do or cause to be done by virtue hereof. Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this Registration Statement has been signed by the following persons in the capacities and on the dates indicated. SIGNATURE TITLE DATE - --------- ----- ---- /s/ Kevin P. Reilly, Jr. Director and Principal September 7, 2000 - ------------------------------------ Executive Officer Kevin P. Reilly, Jr. /s/ Keith A. Istre Director and Principal Financial September 7, 2000 - ------------------------------------ and Accounting Officer Keith A. Istre /s/ Charles W. Lamar Director September 7, 2000 - ------------------------------------ Charles W. Lamar /s/ Gerald H. Marchand Director September 7, 2000 - ------------------------------------ Gerald H. Marchand /s/ Stephen Mumblow Director September 7, 2000 - ------------------------------------ Stephen Mumblow /s/ T. Everett Stewart, Jr. Director September 7, 2000 - ------------------------------------ T. Everett Stewart, Jr. /s/ Sean E. Reilly Director September 7, 2000 - ------------------------------------ Sean E. Reilly Director September 7, 2000 - ------------------------------------ Wendell Reilly /s/ John Maxwell Hamilton Director September 7, 2000 - ------------------------------------ John Maxwell Hamilton Director September 7, 2000 - ------------------------------------ Thomas Reifenheiser

20 INDEX TO EXHIBITS EXHIBIT NUMBER DESCRIPTION - ------- ----------- 3.1 Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of Lamar New Holding Co., as amended. Previously filed as Exhibit 3.1 to the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended June 30, 1999 (File No. 020833) and incorporated herein by reference. 3.2 Certificate of Amendment to the Certificate of Incorporation of Lamar New Holding Co. (whereby the name of Lamar New Holding Co. was changed to Lamar Advertising Company). Previously filed as Exhibit 3.2 to the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended June 30, 1999 (File No. 0-20833) and incorporated herein by reference. 3.3 Certificate of Amendment to the Certificate of Incorporation of the Company. Previously filed as Exhibit 3.3 to the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended June 30, 2000 (File No. 0-30242) and incorporated herein by reference. 3.4 By-Laws. Previously filed as Exhibit 3.3 to the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended June 30, 1999 (File No. 0-20833) and incorporated herein by reference. 4.2 Specimen certificate for shares of the Class A common stock of Lamar Advertising Company. Previously filed as Exhibit 4.1 to the Company's Registration Statement on Form S-1 (File No. 333-05479), and incorporated herein by reference. 5.1 Opinion of Palmer & Dodge LLP. Filed herewith. 23.1 Consent of Palmer & Dodge LLP (included as part of their opinion listed as Exhibit 5.1). Filed herewith. 23.2 Consent of KPMG LLP, independent auditors of Lamar Advertising Company. Filed herewith. 23.3 Consent of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, independent accountants of Chancellor Media Outdoor Corporation, The Outdoor Division of Whiteco Industries, Inc., Martin Media, L.P. and Martin & MacFarlane, Inc. Filed herewith. 23.4 Consent of BDO Seidman LLP, independent accountants of The Outdoor Advertising Division of Whiteco Industries, Inc. Filed herewith. 23.5 Consent of Arthur Andersen LLP, independent public accountants of Martin Media (a California limited partnership) and Martin & MacFarlane, Inc. Filed herewith. 23.6 Consent of Barbich Longcrier Hooper & King, Accounting Corporation, independent accountants of Martin & MacFarlane, Inc. Filed herewith. 24.1 Powers of Attorney (included on signature pages). Filed herewith.

1 EXHIBIT 5.1 [PALMER & DODGE LLP LETTERHEAD] September 7, 2000 Lamar Advertising Company 5551 Corporate Boulevard Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70808 We are rendering this opinion in connection with the Registration Statement on Form S-3 (the "Registration Statement") filed by Lamar Advertising Company (the "Company") with the Securities and Exchange Commission under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, on or about the date hereof. The Registration Statement relates to the registration of up to 26,227,273 shares (the "Class A Shares") of the Company's Class A Common Stock, $0.001 par value. We have acted as your counsel in connection with the preparation of the Registration Statement. We are familiar with the proceedings of the Board of Directors in connection with the authorization and issuance of the Class A Shares. We have examined all such documents as we consider necessary to enable us to render this opinion. Based upon the foregoing, we are of the opinion that the Class A Shares have been duly authorized and are validly issued, fully paid and non-assessable. The foregoing opinion is limited to Delaware General Corporation Law, including the applicable provisions of the Delaware Constitution and reported judicial decisions interpreting these laws, and the federal laws of the United States. We hereby consent to the filing of this opinion as an exhibit to the Registration Statement and to the reference to our firm under "Legal Matters." Very truly yours, /s/ Palmer & Dodge LLP

1 EXHIBIT 23.2 INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' CONSENT The Board of Directors Lamar Advertising Company: We consent to incorporation by reference in the Registration Statement of Lamar Advertising Company on Form S-3 of our reports dated March 17, 2000, relating to (a) the consolidated balance sheets of Lamar Advertising Company and subsidiaries as of December 31, 1999 and 1998, and the related consolidated statements of operations, comprehensive income, stockholders' equity, and cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 1999 and related schedules, and (b) the consolidated balance sheets of Lamar Media Corp. and subsidiaries as of December 31, 1999 and 1998, and the related consolidated statements of operations, comprehensive income, stockholder's equity, and cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 1999 and related schedules, which reports appear in the December 31, 1999, annual report on Form 10-K of Lamar Advertising Company and to the reference to our firm under the heading "Experts" in the Registration Statement on Form S-3. Our reports refer to a change in the method of accounting for the costs of start-up activities. /s/ KPMG LLP New Orleans, Louisiana September 6, 2000

1 EXHIBIT 23.3 CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS The Board of Directors Lamar Advertising Company: We hereby consent to the incorporation by reference in this Registration Statement on Form S-3 of our reports dated June 9, 1999 relating to the financial statements of Chancellor Media Outdoor Corporation, The Outdoor Division of Whiteco Industries, Inc., Martin Media, L.P., and Martin & MacFarlane, Inc., which appear in Lamar Advertising Company's Current Report on Form 8-K dated July 6, 1999. We also consent to the reference to us under the heading "Experts" in such Registration Statement. /s/ PRICEWATERHOUSECOOPERS LLP Dallas, Texas September 6, 2000

1 EXHIBIT 23.4 CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT CERTIFIED PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS We hereby consent to the incorporation by reference in the Prospectus constituting a part of this Registration Statement on Form S-3 of Lamar Advertising Company (the "Registrant") of our report dated September 17, 1998, with respect to the balance sheets of the Outdoor Advertising Division of Whiteco Industries, Inc., as of December 31, 1996 and 1997, and the related statements of income and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 1997, which report appears in the Registrant's filing on Form 8-K dated July 6, 1999. We also consent to the reference to us under the caption "Experts" in the Prospectus. /s/ BDO SEIDMAN, LLP Chicago, Illinois September 6, 2000

1 EXHIBIT 23.5 CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS As independent public accountants, we hereby consent to incorporation by reference in this Registration Statement on Form S-3 of Lamar Advertising Company (the "Registrant") of our report dated February 13, 1998, with respect to the balance sheets of Martin Media (a California limited partnership) as of December 31, 1997 and 1996 and the related statements of operations, partners' capital (deficit) and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 1997, and our report dated February 13, 1998, with respect to the balance sheets of Martin & MacFarlane, Inc. as of December 31, 1997 and 1996, and the related statements of income, retained earnings and cash flows for each of the two years in the period ended December 31, 1997 and the six month period ended December 31, 1995, which reports appear in the Registrant's filing on Form 8-K dated July 6, 1999. We also consent to the reference to our firm under the heading "Experts" in this Registration Statement on Form S-3 and the Prospectus. /s/ ARTHUR ANDERSEN LLP Bakersfield, California September 6, 2000

1 EXHIBIT 23.6 CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS We consent to the incorporation by reference in this Registration Statement on Form S-3 of Lamar Advertising Company (the "Registrant") of our report dated August 25, 1995 with respect to the balance sheet of Martin & MacFarlane, Inc. as of June 30, 1995 and the related statements of income, retained earnings and cash flows for the year then ended, which report appears in the Registrant's filing on Form 8-K dated July 6, 1999. We also consent to the reference to our firm under the heading "Experts" in the Registration Statement on Form S-3 and the Prospectus. BARBICH LONGCRIER HOOPER & KING Accountancy Corporation By: /s/ Geoffrey B. King --------------------------------- Geoffrey B. King, CPA Bakersfield, California September 7, 2000