10-Q 1 d10q.htm FORM 10-Q Form 10-Q
Table of Contents

 

 

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

 

FORM 10-Q

 

 

(Mark One):

 

x Quarterly report pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. For the quarterly period ended June 30, 2009.

 

¨ Transition report pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.

Commission File Number: 001-14195

 

 

AMERICAN TOWER CORPORATION

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

Delaware   65-0723837
(State or other jurisdiction of
Incorporation or Organization)
  (I.R.S. Employer
Identification No.)

116 Huntington Avenue

Boston, Massachusetts 02116

(Address of principal executive offices)

Telephone Number (617) 375-7500

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days: Yes x No ¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files). Yes x No ¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check One):

 

Large accelerated filer

  x        Accelerated filer   ¨  
Non-accelerated filer   ¨       

Smaller reporting company

  ¨  

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act): Yes ¨ No x

As of July 24, 2009, there were 394,632,779 shares of Class A Common Stock outstanding.

 

 

 


Table of Contents

AMERICAN TOWER CORPORATION

INDEX

QUARTERLY REPORT ON FORM 10-Q

FOR THE QUARTER ENDED JUNE 30, 2009

 

         Page No.

PART I.

  FINANCIAL INFORMATION   

Item 1.

 

Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

  
 

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets as of June 30, 2009 and December 31,
2008

   1
 

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations for the three and six months ended
June 30, 2009 and 2008

   2
 

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the six months ended
June 30, 2009 and 2008

   3
 

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity for the six months ended
June 30, 2009 and 2008

   4
 

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

   5

Item 2.

 

Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of
Operations

   21

Item 3.

 

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk

   39

Item 4.

 

Controls and Procedures

   41

PART II.

  OTHER INFORMATION   

Item 1.

 

Legal Proceedings

   42

Item 1A.

 

Risk Factors

   42

Item 2.

 

Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

   51

Item 4.

 

Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders

   52

Item 6.

 

Exhibits

   52

Signatures

   53

Exhibit Index

   EX-1


Table of Contents
PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION

 

ITEM 1. UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

AMERICAN TOWER CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS—Unaudited

(in thousands, except share data)

 

    June 30,
2009
    December 31,
2008
 

ASSETS

   

CURRENT ASSETS:

   

Cash and cash equivalents

  $ 323,637      $ 143,077   

Restricted cash

    50,774        51,866   

Short-term investments and available-for-sale securities

    8,990        2,028   

Accounts receivable, net of allowances

    72,526        51,313   

Prepaid and other current assets

    70,974        61,415   

Deferred income taxes

    191,157        163,981   
               

Total current assets

    718,058        473,680   
               

PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT, net

    3,087,799        3,022,636   

GOODWILL

    2,232,783        2,186,233   

OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS, net

    1,547,944        1,566,155   

DEFERRED INCOME TAXES

    267,350        381,428   

NOTES RECEIVABLE AND OTHER LONG-TERM ASSETS

    632,553        581,533   
               

TOTAL

  $ 8,486,487      $ 8,211,665   
               

LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

   

CURRENT LIABILITIES:

   

Accounts payable and accrued expenses

  $ 172,663      $ 151,985   

Accrued interest

    26,813        28,635   

Current portion of long-term obligations

    22,577        1,837   

Unearned revenue

    125,967        120,188   
               

Total current liabilities

    348,020        302,645   
               

LONG-TERM OBLIGATIONS

    4,421,694        4,331,309   

OTHER LONG-TERM LIABILITIES

    625,738        583,232   
               

Total liabilities

    5,395,452        5,217,186   
               

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

   

STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY:

   

Preferred Stock: $.01 par value; 20,000,000 shares authorized; no shares issued or outstanding

   

Class A Common Stock: $.01 par value; 1,000,000,000 shares authorized, 469,645,920 and 468,513,843 shares issued, and 395,810,003 and 396,976,896 shares outstanding, respectively

    4,697        4,685   

Additional paid-in capital

    8,159,913        8,109,224   

Accumulated deficit

    (2,241,237     (2,356,127

Accumulated other comprehensive loss

    (19,532     (20,031

Treasury stock (73,835,917 and 71,536,947 shares at cost, respectively)

    (2,816,060     (2,746,429
               

Total American Tower Corporation stockholders’ equity

    3,087,781        2,991,322   

Noncontrolling interest

    3,254        3,157   
               

Total stockholders’ equity

    3,091,035        2,994,479   
               

TOTAL

  $ 8,486,487      $ 8,211,665   
               

See accompanying notes to unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

1


Table of Contents

AMERICAN TOWER CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS—Unaudited

(in thousands, except per share data)

 

    Three Months Ended
June 30,
    Six Months Ended
June 30,
 
    2009     2008     2009     2008  

REVENUES:

       

Rental and management

  $ 406,751      $ 384,343      $ 802,698      $ 758,326   

Network development services

    16,607        9,385        29,338        17,586   
                               

Total operating revenues

    423,358        393,728        832,036        775,912   
                               

OPERATING EXPENSES:

       

Costs of operations (exclusive of items shown separately below)

       

Rental and management

    92,330        91,952        182,420        178,883   

Network development services

    10,243        4,922        17,858        8,549   

Depreciation, amortization and accretion

    102,463        99,697        202,331        196,769   

Selling, general, administrative and development expense (including stock-based compensation expense of $12,836, $13,597, $37,174, and $29,862, respectively)

    49,861        41,784        107,493        90,693   

Other operating expenses

    2,014        583        5,203        1,372   
                               

Total operating expenses

    256,911        238,938        515,305        476,266   
                               

OPERATING INCOME

    166,447        154,790        316,731        299,646   
                               

OTHER (EXPENSE) INCOME:

       

Interest income, TV Azteca, net of interest expense of $372, $372, $744 and $745, respectively

    3,585        3,584        7,084        7,125   

Interest income

    482        979        981        1,942   

Interest expense

    (62,654     (62,508     (124,222     (128,022

Loss on retirement of long-term obligations

    (5,994     (211     (5,994     (236

Other income (expense)

    983        (1,326     1,054        (2,104
                               

Total other expense

    (63,598     (59,482     (121,097     (121,295
                               

INCOME FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS BEFORE INCOME TAXES AND INCOME ON EQUITY METHOD INVESTMENTS

    102,849        95,308        195,634        178,351   

Income tax provision

    (51,428     (44,535     (88,535     (85,336

Income on equity method investments

    7        8        17        13   
                               

INCOME FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS

    51,428        50,781        107,116        93,028   

INCOME FROM DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS, NET OF INCOME TAX BENEFIT OF $5,101, $104,926, $3,171 and $104,938, RESPECTIVELY

    5,060        108,103        8,130        108,084   
                               

NET INCOME

    56,488        158,884        115,246        201,112   

Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest

    (199     (98     (356     (171
                               

NET INCOME ATTRIBUTABLE TO AMERICAN TOWER CORPORATION

  $ 56,289      $ 158,786      $ 114,890      $ 200,941   
                               

NET INCOME PER COMMON SHARE AMOUNTS:

       

BASIC:

       

Income from continuing operations attributable to American Tower Corporation

  $ 0.13      $ 0.13      $ 0.27      $ 0.23   

Income from discontinued operations attributable to American Tower Corporation

    0.01        0.27        0.02        0.27   
                               

Net income attributable to American Tower Corporation

  $ 0.14      $ 0.40      $ 0.29      $ 0.51   
                               

DILUTED:

       

Income from continuing operations attributable to American Tower Corporation

  $ 0.13      $ 0.12      $ 0.26      $ 0.23   

Income from discontinued operations attributable to American Tower Corporation

    0.01        0.26        0.02        0.26   
                               

Net income attributable to American Tower Corporation

  $ 0.14      $ 0.38      $ 0.28      $ 0.48   
                               

WEIGHTED AVERAGE COMMON SHARES OUTSTANDING:

       

BASIC

    397,418        396,935        397,300        397,031   
                               

DILUTED

    408,832        421,617        408,855        422,488   
                               

See accompanying notes to unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

2


Table of Contents

AMERICAN TOWER CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS—Unaudited

(in thousands)

 

     Six Months Ended
June 30,
 
     2009     2008  

CASH FLOWS PROVIDED BY OPERATING ACTIVITIES:

    

Net income

   $ 115,246      $ 201,112   

Stock-based compensation expense

     37,174        29,862   

Depreciation, amortization and accretion

     202,331        196,769   

Deferred income taxes related to discontinued operations

     (3,171     (104,938

Other non-cash items reflected in statements of operations

     89,084        70,403   

Increase in net deferred rent asset

     (5,334     (12,983

Decrease (increase) in restricted cash

     1,829        (1,341

Increase in assets

     (31,553     (5,402

Increase (decrease) in liabilities

     3,740        (14,349
                

Cash provided by operating activities

     409,346        359,133   
                

CASH FLOWS USED FOR INVESTING ACTIVITIES:

    

Payments for purchase of property and equipment and construction activities

     (113,854     (97,318

Payments for acquisitions

     (93,266     (32,135

Proceeds from sale of available-for-sale securities and other long-term assets

     2,395        2,354   

Deposits, restricted cash and investments

     (7,056     (1,849
                

Cash used for investing activities

     (211,781     (128,948
                

CASH FLOWS USED FOR FINANCING ACTIVITIES:

    

Proceeds from issuance of senior debt

     300,000        —     

Borrowings under credit facilities

     —          475,000   

Repayments of notes payable, credit facilities and capital leases

     (257,484     (326,326

Purchases of Class A common stock

     (65,745     (296,566

Proceeds from stock options, warrants and stock purchase plan

     16,101        40,376   

Deferred financing costs and other financing activities

     (9,719     (3,662
                

Cash used for financing activities

     (16,847     (111,178
                

Net effect of changes in foreign currency exchange rates on cash and cash equivalents

     (158     —     
                

NET INCREASE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS

     180,560        119,007   

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, BEGINNING OF YEAR

     143,077        33,123   
                

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, END OF PERIOD

   $ 323,637      $ 152,130   
                

CASH PAID FOR INCOME TAXES

   $ 18,996      $ 21,806   
                

CASH PAID FOR INTEREST

   $ 119,881      $ 126,402   
                

See accompanying notes to unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

3


Table of Contents

AMERICAN TOWER CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY—Unaudited

(In thousands, except share data)

 

    Class A
Common Stock
  Treasury Stock     Additional
Paid-in
Capital
  Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Income (Loss)
    Accumulated
Deficit
    Noncontrolling
Interest
    Total
Stockholders’
Equity
    Total
Comprehensive
Income(Loss)
 
    Issued
Shares
  Amount   Shares     Amount              

BALANCE, DECEMBER 31, 2007

  452,759,969   $ 4,527   (53,241,427   $ (2,047,818   $ 7,772,382   $ (3,626   $ (2,703,373   $ 3,342      $ 3,025,434     
                                                               

Share based compensation related activity

  2,306,337     24         69,854           69,878     

Issuance of common stock upon exercise of warrants

  434,894     4         90           94     

Issuance of common stock – Stock Purchase Plan

  25,723     —           982           982     

Treasury stock activity

      (7,203,456     (287,405             (287,405  

Net change in fair value of cash flow hedges, net of tax

              4,760            4,760        4,760   

Net realized gain on cash flow hedges, net of tax

              (108         (108     (108

Net unrealized loss on available-for-sale securities, net of tax

              (220         (220     (220

Convertible notes exchanged for common stock

  1,115,742     11         13,476           13,487     

Foreign currency translation adjustment

                   

Distributions to noncontrolling interest

                  (282     (282  

Net income

                200,941        171        201,112        201,112   
                         

Total comprehensive income

                    $ 205,544   
                                                                     

BALANCE, JUNE 30, 2008

  456,642,665   $ 4,566   (60,444,883   $ (2,335,223   $ 7,856,784   $ 806      $ (2,502,432   $ 3,231      $ 3,027,732     
                                                               

 

    Class A
Common Stock
  Treasury Stock     Additional
Paid-in
Capital
  Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Income (Loss)
    Accumulated
Deficit
    Noncontrolling
Interest
    Total
Stockholders’
Equity
    Total
Comprehensive
Income(Loss)
 
    Issued
Shares
  Amount   Shares     Amount              

BALANCE, DECEMBER 31, 2008

  468,513,843   $ 4,685   (71,536,947   $ (2,746,429   $ 8,109,224   $ (20,031   $ (2,356,127   $ 3,157      $ 2,994,479     
                                                               

Share based compensation related activity

  1,062,730     12         49,580           49,592     

Issuance of common stock upon exercise of warrants

  22,612     —           99           99     

Issuance of common stock – Stock Purchase Plan

  46,639     —           1,008           1,008     

Treasury stock activity

      (2,298,970     (69,631             (69,631  

Net change in fair value of cash flow hedges, net of tax

              2,029            2,029        2,029   

Net realized gain on cash flow hedges, net of tax

              60            60        60   

Net unrealized loss on available-for-sale securities, net of tax

              83            83        83   

Convertible notes exchanged for common stock

  96     —           2           2        2   

Foreign currency translation adjustment

              (1,673         (1,673     (1,673

Distributions to noncontrolling interest

                  (259     (259  

Net income

                114,890        356        115,246        115,246   
                         

Total comprehensive income

                    $ 115,747   
                                                                     

BALANCE, JUNE 30, 2009

  469,645,920   $ 4,697   (73,835,917   $ (2,816,060   $ 8,159,913   $ (19,532   $ (2,241,237   $ 3,254      $ 3,091,035     
                                                               

See accompanying notes to unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

4


Table of Contents

AMERICAN TOWER CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—Unaudited

 

1. Description of Business, Basis of Presentation and Accounting Policies

American Tower Corporation and subsidiaries (collectively, ATC or the Company) is an independent owner, operator and developer of wireless and broadcast communications sites in the United States, Mexico, Brazil and India. The Company’s primary business is the leasing of antenna space on multi-tenant communications sites to wireless service providers and radio and television broadcast companies. The Company also manages rooftop and tower sites for property owners, operates in-building distributed antenna system (DAS) networks, and provides network development services that support its rental and management operations and the addition of new tenants and equipment on its sites.

ATC is a holding company that conducts its operations through its directly and indirectly owned subsidiaries. ATC’s principal United States operating subsidiaries are American Towers, Inc. and SpectraSite Communications, LLC (SpectraSite). ATC conducts its international operations through its subsidiary, American Tower International, Inc., which in turn conducts operations through its various international operating subsidiaries. The Company’s international operations consist primarily of its operations in Mexico, Brazil and also include its recently established operations in India.

The accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared by the Company pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The financial information included herein is unaudited; however, the Company believes that all adjustments (consisting only of normal recurring adjustments) considered necessary for a fair presentation of the Company’s financial position and results of operations for such periods have been included. Results of interim periods may not be indicative of results for the full year. The Company considers events or transactions that occur after the balance sheet date but before the financial statements are issued as additional evidence for certain estimates or to identify matters that require additional disclosure. Subsequent events have been evaluated to the date of issuance of these financial statements. (See note 13.) These condensed consolidated financial statements and related notes should be read in conjunction with the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2008.

Significant Accounting Policies and Use of Estimates—The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (GAAP) requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the condensed consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes. Actual results may differ from those estimates, and such differences could be material to the accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements.

Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements—In December 2007, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 141 (revised 2007), “Business Combinations” (SFAS No. 141R). SFAS No. 141R establishes principles and requirements for how an acquirer recognizes and measures in its financial statements the identifiable assets acquired, the liabilities assumed, any noncontrolling interest in the acquiree and the goodwill acquired. Among other items, SFAS No. 141R changes the accounting for acquisitions by eliminating the step acquisition model, providing that contingent consideration be recognized at the time of acquisition (instead of being recognized when it is probable), disallowing the capitalization of transaction costs, and changing when restructurings related to acquisitions can be recognized. SFAS No. 141R also establishes disclosure requirements to enable the evaluation of the nature and financial effects of the business combination. SFAS No. 141R was effective for the Company as of January 1, 2009. Approximately $1.2 million of transaction costs previously capitalized in notes receivable and other long-term assets was expensed upon adoption of this standard.

In December 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 160, “Noncontrolling Interests in Consolidated Financial Statements—an amendment of Accounting Research Bulletin No. 51” (SFAS No. 160). SFAS No. 160

 

5


Table of Contents

AMERICAN TOWER CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—Unaudited—(Continued)

 

establishes accounting and reporting standards for noncontrolling interests in a subsidiary and for the deconsolidation of a subsidiary. SFAS No. 160 requires noncontrolling interests to be classified as a separate component of equity and establishes disclosure requirements that clearly identify and distinguish between the interests of the parent and the interests of the noncontrolling owners. SFAS No. 160 was effective for the Company as of January 1, 2009. The adoption of SFAS No. 160 did not have a material impact on the Company’s condensed consolidated results of operations and financial position. However, the Company has adjusted its presentation of noncontrolling interests in the condensed consolidated financial statements in order to comply with the disclosure requirements provided by SFAS No. 160.

In February 2008, the FASB issued FASB Staff Position (FSP) 157-2. FSP 157-2 delayed the effective date of SFAS No. 157 “Fair Value Measurements” (SFAS No. 157) to January 1, 2009 for all nonfinancial assets and nonfinancial liabilities that are recognized or disclosed at fair value in the financial statements on a nonrecurring basis (that is, at least annually). The adoption of FAS 157 for non-financial assets and liabilities had no impact on the Company’s condensed consolidated results of operations or financial position.

In March 2008, the FASB issued SFAS No. 161, “Disclosures about Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities, an amendment of FASB Statement No. 133” (SFAS No. 161). Among other items, this statement changes disclosure requirements and requires entities to provide enhanced disclosures about how and why entities use derivative financial instruments, how derivative instruments and related hedged items are accounted for under SFAS No. 133 “Accounting for Derivative Financial Instruments and Hedging Activities” (SFAS No. 133) and related interpretations, and how derivative instruments and related hedged items affect an entity’s financial position, financial performance and cash flows. SFAS No. 161 was effective for the Company as of January 1, 2009. The Company has included additional disclosures regarding its derivative instruments in order to comply with the provisions of SFAS No. 161. (See note 5.) The adoption of SFAS No. 161 had no impact on the Company’s condensed consolidated results of operations or financial position.

In May 2008, the FASB issued SFAS No. 162, “The Hierarchy of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles” (SFAS No. 162). This statement identifies the sources of accounting principles and the framework for selecting the principles used in the preparation of financial statements that are presented in conformity with GAAP. SFAS No. 162 was effective for the Company 60 days following the SEC’s approval of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board amendments to AU Section 411, “The Meaning of Present Fairly in Conformity with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles” on November 15, 2008. The adoption of SFAS No. 162 had no impact on the Company’s condensed consolidated results of operations or financial position.

In April 2009, the FASB issued FASB Staff Position (FSP) 107-1 and Accounting Principles Board (APB) Opinion No. 28-1, “Interim Disclosures about Fair Value of Financials Instruments” (FSP 107-1 and APB 28-1). FSP 107-1 and APB 28-1 amend FASB Statement No. 107, “Disclosures about Fair Value of Financial Instruments” and APB Opinion No. 28, “Interim Financial Reporting,” to require disclosures about the fair value of financial instruments for interim reporting periods as well as in annual financial statements. FSP 107-1 and APB 28-1 were effective for the Company as of April 1, 2009. Beginning with the Company’s Quarterly Report for the quarter ended June 30, 2009, the Company has included additional disclosures regarding the fair value of its financial instruments. The adoption of FSP 107-1 and APB 28-1 had no impact on the Company’s condensed consolidated results of operations or financial position.

In May 2009, the FASB issued SFAS No. 165, “Subsequent Events” (SFAS No. 165). This statement establishes general accounting standards for the disclosure of events that occur after the balance sheet date but before financial statements are issued or are available to be issued. Among other items, SFAS No. 165 sets forth the period after the balance sheet date during which management should evaluate events or transactions that may

 

6


Table of Contents

AMERICAN TOWER CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—Unaudited—(Continued)

 

occur for potential recognition or disclosure in the financial statements, the circumstances under which an entity should disclose events or transactions occurring after the balance sheet date, and the disclosures entities should make about events or transactions that occurred after the balance sheet date. SFAS No. 165 was effective for the Company as of June 30, 2009. Beginning with the Company’s Quarterly Report for the quarter ended June 30, 2009, the Company has included additional disclosures regarding its review of subsequent events in order to comply with the provisions of SFAS No. 165. (See note 1.) The adoption of SFAS No. 165 had no impact on the Company’s condensed consolidated results of operations or financial position.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements—In June 2009, the FASB issued SFAS No. 168, “FASB Accounting Standards Codification and the Hierarchy of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles—a replacement of FASB Statement No. 162” (SFAS No. 168). FASB has stated that the FASB Accounting Standards Codification (Codification) will become the source of authoritative GAAP recognized by the FASB to be applied by nongovernmental entities. All guidance contained in the Codification carries an equal level of authority. On the effective date of SFAS No. 168, the Codification will supersede all then-existing non-SEC accounting and reporting standards. All other nongrandfathered non-SEC accounting literature not included in the Codification will become nonauthoritative. SFAS No. 168 will be effective for the Company as of September 30, 2009. The Company is in the process of evaluating the impact the adoption of SFAS No. 168 will have on its condensed consolidated results of operations and financial position.

 

2. Short-Term Investments and Available-For-Sale Securities

As of June 30, 2009, short-term investments and available-for-sale securities included Brazilian Treasury securities of approximately $8.8 million, whose original maturities were in excess of three months, and approximately $0.2 million of available-for-sale securities.

 

3. Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets

The changes in the carrying value of goodwill for the six months ended June 30, 2009 are as follows:

 

Balance as of December 31, 2008

   $ 2,186,233   

Additions

     48,167   

Effect of Foreign Currency Translation

     (1,617 )
        

Balance as of June 30, 2009

   $ 2,232,783   
        

The Company’s intangible assets subject to amortization consist of the following:

 

     Estimated Useful
Lives
   June 30,
2009
    December 31,
2008
 
     (years)    (in thousands)  

Acquired network location (1)

   20    $ 1,077,519      $ 1,055,313   

Acquired customer base

   15-20      764,650        737,108   

Acquired customer relationships

   20      775,000        775,000   

Deferred financing costs (2)

   N/A      74,494        73,993   

Acquired licenses and other intangibles

   5-15      21,574        21,574   

Economic Rights, TV Azteca

   70      30,292        30,292   
                

Total

     2,743,529        2,693,280   

Less accumulated amortization

     (1,195,585     (1,127,125
                

Other intangible assets, net

   $ 1,547,944      $ 1,566,155   
                

 

7


Table of Contents

AMERICAN TOWER CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—Unaudited—(Continued)

 

 

(1) Acquired network location intangibles are amortized over the shorter of the term of the corresponding ground lease or 20 years, as the Company considers these intangibles to be directly related to the tower assets.
(2) Deferred financing costs are amortized over the term of the respective debt instruments to which they relate. This amortization is included in interest expense, rather than in amortization of intangibles.

The Company amortizes these intangibles on a straight-line basis. As of June 30, 2009, the weighted average amortization period of the Company’s intangible assets, excluding the TV Azteca Economic Rights detailed in note 4 to the Company’s consolidated financial statements included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2008, was approximately 11 years. Amortization of intangible assets for the three and six months ended June 30, 2009 was approximately $35.9 million and $68.0 million (excluding amortization of deferred financing costs, which is included in interest expense), respectively.

 

4. Financing Transactions

Revolving Credit Facility and Term Loan—As of June 30, 2009, the Company had $700.0 million outstanding under its $1.25 billion senior unsecured revolving credit facility (Revolving Credit Facility) and had approximately $4.7 million of undrawn letters of credit outstanding. In March 2008, the Company increased its borrowing capacity under the Revolving Credit Facility by adding $325.0 million of term loan commitments (Term Loan). As of June 30, 2009, the Term Loan was fully drawn. The Company continues to maintain the ability to draw down and repay amounts under the Revolving Credit Facility in the ordinary course.

7.25% Senior Notes Offering—On June 10, 2009, the Company completed an institutional private placement of $300.0 million aggregate principal amount of its 7.25% senior unsecured notes due 2019 (7.25% Notes). The net proceeds to the Company from the offering were approximately $291.6 million, after deducting commissions and expenses. The Company used $210.2 million of the net proceeds to finance the repurchase of its outstanding 7.50% notes due 2012 (7.50% Notes) through a cash tender offer. In addition, the Company used $50.0 million of the net proceeds to repay certain of its outstanding indebtedness incurred under its Revolving Credit Facility.

The 7.25% Notes mature on May 15, 2019, and interest is payable semiannually in arrears on May 15 and November 15 of each year, commencing November 15, 2009, to the persons in whose names the notes are registered at the close of business on the preceding May 1 and November 1, respectively. The Company may redeem the 7.25% Notes at any time at a redemption price equal to 100% of the principal amount, plus a make-whole premium, together with accrued interest to the redemption date. Interest on the notes will accrue from June 10, 2009 and will be computed on the basis of a 360-day year comprised of twelve 30-day months.

If the Company undergoes a change of control and ratings decline, each as defined in the indenture for the 7.25% Notes, the Company may be required to repurchase all of the 7.25% Notes at a purchase price equal to 101% of the principal amount, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, and additional interest, if any, to but not including the date of repurchase. The 7.25% Notes rank equally with all of the Company’s other senior unsecured debt and are structurally subordinated to all existing and future indebtedness and other obligations of the Company’s subsidiaries. The indenture contains certain covenants that restrict the Company’s ability to incur more subsidiary debt or permit subsidiaries to provide guarantees; create liens; and merge, consolidate or sell assets. These covenants are subject to a number of exceptions, including that the Company and its subsidiaries may incur certain indebtedness or liens on assets, mortgages or other liens securing indebtedness, if the aggregate amount of such indebtedness and such liens do not exceed 3.5x Adjusted EBITDA as defined in the indenture.

 

8


Table of Contents

AMERICAN TOWER CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—Unaudited—(Continued)

 

Tender Offer for and Redemption of 7.50% Senior Notes—During the six months ended June 30, 2009, the Company repurchased an aggregate of $204.2 million principal amount of the 7.50% Notes pursuant to a cash tender offer. The Company paid $210.2 million, including approximately $1.7 million in accrued and unpaid interest, to holders of the 7.50% Notes using net proceeds from the institutional private placement of the 7.25% Notes discussed above. The Company recorded a charge of $6.0 million related to amounts paid in excess of carrying value and the write-off of deferred financing fees, which is reflected in loss on retirement of long-term obligations in the accompanying condensed consolidated statement of operations for the three and six months ended June 30, 2009. In June 2009, the Company issued a notice for the redemption of the $20.8 million principal amount of its 7.50% Notes that remained outstanding following the expiration of the tender offer. (See note 13.)

Stock Repurchase Program—During the six months ended June 30, 2009, the Company repurchased an aggregate of 2.3 million shares of its Class A common stock (Common Stock) for an aggregate of $69.6 million, including commissions and fees, pursuant to its $1.5 billion stock repurchase program approved by the Company’s Board of Directors in February 2008 (2008 Buyback). Between July 1, 2009 and July 24, 2009, the Company repurchased an additional 1.2 million shares of its Common Stock for an aggregate of $38.2 million, including commissions and fees. As of July 24, 2009, the Company had repurchased a total of 17.5 million shares of Common Stock for an aggregate of $641.2 million, including commissions and fees, pursuant to the 2008 Buyback.

Under the 2008 Buyback, the Company is authorized to purchase shares from time to time through open market purchases or privately negotiated transactions at prevailing prices in accordance with securities laws and other legal requirements, and subject to market conditions and other factors. To facilitate repurchases, the Company purchases its Common Stock pursuant to trading plans under Rule 10b5-1 of the Exchange Act, which allows the Company to repurchase shares during periods when it otherwise might be prevented from doing so under insider trading laws or because of self-imposed trading blackout periods. In the near term, the Company expects to fund any further repurchases of its Common Stock through a combination of cash on hand, cash generated by operations and borrowings under its Revolving Credit Facility. Purchases under the 2008 Buyback are subject to the Company having available cash to fund repurchases.

 

5. Derivative Financial Instruments

The Company is exposed to certain risks related to its ongoing business operations. The primary risk managed through the use of derivative instruments is interest rate risk. The Company enters into interest rate protection agreements to manage exposure on the variable rate debt under its credit facilities and to manage variability in cash flows relating to forecasted interest payments. Under these agreements, the Company is exposed to credit risk to the extent that a counterparty fails to meet the terms of a contract. The Company’s credit risk exposure is limited to the current value of the contract at the time the counterparty fails to perform. The Company believes its contracts as of June 30, 2009 are with creditworthy institutions.

If a derivative is designated as a cash flow hedge, the effective portions of changes in the fair value of the derivative are recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) and are recognized in the results of operations when the hedged item affects earnings. Ineffective portions of changes in the fair value of cash flow hedges are recognized immediately in the results of operations. For derivative instruments not designated as hedging instruments, changes in fair value are recognized in the results of operations in the period in which the change occurs.

As of June 30, 2009, the Company held fifteen interest rate swap agreements, all of which have been designated as cash flow hedges, and which have an aggregate notional amount of $775.0 million, interest rates

 

9


Table of Contents

AMERICAN TOWER CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—Unaudited—(Continued)

 

ranging from 2.86% to 4.08% and expiration dates through March 2011. The Company utilizes these interest rate swap agreements to manage its exposure to variability in cash flows relating to forecasted interest payments under its Revolving Credit Facility and Term Loan. As of June 30, 2009, the carrying amounts of the Company’s derivative financial instruments, along with the estimated fair values of the related liabilities are as follows (in thousands):

 

   

Balance Sheet Location

  Notional
Amount
  Carrying Amount
and Fair Value

Liabilities:

     

Interest rate swap agreements

  Other long-term liabilities   $ 775,000   $ 23,317

During the six months ended June 30, 2009, the interest rate swap agreements held by the Company had the following impact on other comprehensive income (OCI) included in the condensed consolidated balance sheet and on the condensed consolidated statement of operations:

 

Amount of

Gain/(Loss)

Recognized in OCI

on Derivatives

(Effective Portion)

   Location of Gain/(Loss)
Reclassified from
Accumulated OCI into
Income (Effective
Portion)
   Amount of
Gain/(Loss)
Reclassified from
Accumulated OCI into
Income (Effective
Portion)
  Location of Gain/(Loss)
Recognized in Income on
Derivative (Ineffective
Portion and Amount
Excluded from
Effectiveness Testing)
   Gain/(Loss) Recognized
in Income on
Derivative (Ineffective
Portion and Amount
Excluded from
Effectiveness Testing)

$(9,678)

   Interest expense    $(7,649)   N/A    N/A

In May 2009, the Company entered into a foreign currency exchange contract to hedge the foreign currency exposure associated with its acquisition of XCEL Telecom Private Limited (XCEL). (See note 11.) The foreign currency exchange contract was not designated as a hedging instrument and was settled upon the completion of the acquisition of XCEL on May 27, 2009. The settlement resulted in a gain of approximately $1.7 million, which was reflected in other income (expense) in the accompanying condensed consolidated statement of operations for the three and six months ended June 30, 2009.

 

6. Fair Value Measurements

The Company determines the fair market values of its financial instruments based on the fair value hierarchy established in SFAS No. 157, which requires an entity to maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs when measuring fair value. The standard describes the following three levels of inputs that may be used to measure fair value:

 

Level 1

   Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that the Company has the ability to access at the measurement date.

Level 2

   Observable inputs other than Level 1 prices, such as quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities; quoted prices in markets that are not active; or other inputs that are observable or can be corroborated by observable market data for substantially the full term of the assets or liabilities.

Level 3

   Unobservable inputs that are supported by little or no market activity and that are significant to the fair value of the assets or liabilities.

 

10


Table of Contents

AMERICAN TOWER CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—Unaudited—(Continued)

 

Items Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis—Assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of June 30, 2009 consist of the following (in thousands):

 

     Fair Value Measurements Using    Assets/Liabilities
at Fair Value
       Level 1        Level 2        Level 3     

Assets:

           

Short-term investments and available-for-sale
securities (1)

   $ 8,990          $ 8,990

Liabilities:

           

Interest rate swap agreements (2)

      $ 23,317       $ 23,317

 

(1) Consists of available-for-sale securities traded on active markets as well as certain Brazilian Treasury securities that are highly liquid and actively traded in over-the-counter markets.
(2) Consists of interest rate swap agreements based on the London Interbank Offering Rate (LIBOR) swap rate whose value is determined using a pricing model with inputs that are observable in the market or can be derived principally from, or corroborated by, observable market data.

The fair value of the Company’s interest rate swap agreements recorded as liabilities is included in other long-term liabilities in the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheet as of June 30, 2009. Fair valuations of the Company’s interest rate swap agreements reflect the value of the instrument including the values associated with counterparty risk. With the issuance of SFAS No. 157, these values must also take into account the Company’s own credit standing. As a result, the Company must include in the valuation of the derivative instrument the value of the net credit differential between the counterparties to the derivative contract.

Items Measured at Fair Value on a Nonrecurring Basis—The Company’s long-lived assets, intangibles and goodwill are measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis. During the six months ended June 30, 2009, the Company did not record any changes to the fair value of these assets as a result of impairment.

Fair Value of Financial Instruments—The carrying value of the Company’s financial instruments, with the exception of long-term obligations, including current portion, reasonably estimate the related fair values as of June 30, 2009 and December 30, 2009. The Company’s estimates of fair value of its long-term obligations, including current portion, are based primarily upon reported market values. As of June 30, 2009, the carrying value and fair value of long-term obligations, including current portion, were $4.4 billion and $4.3 billion, respectively. As of December 31, 2008, the carrying value and fair value of long-term obligations, including current portion, were $4.3 billion and $3.9 billion, respectively.

 

7. Income Taxes

The Company provides for income taxes at the end of each interim period based on the estimated effective tax rate for the full fiscal year. Cumulative adjustments to the Company’s estimate are recorded in the interim period in which a change in the estimated annual effective rate is determined.

As of June 30, 2009 and December 31, 2008, the total amount of unrecognized tax benefits that would affect the effective tax rate, if recognized, was $43.4 million and $47.8 million, respectively. The Company expects the unrecognized tax benefits to change over the next 12 months if certain tax matters ultimately settle with the applicable taxing jurisdiction during this timeframe, as described in note 11 to the Company’s consolidated financial statements included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2008. The impact of the amount of such changes to previously recorded uncertain tax positions could range from zero to $2.0 million.

 

11


Table of Contents

AMERICAN TOWER CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—Unaudited—(Continued)

 

In accordance with FASB Interpretation No. 48, “Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes, an interpretation of SFAS No. 109” (FIN 48), the Company recorded penalties and tax-related interest benefits during the three and six months ended June 30, 2009 of $15.7 million and $14.5 million, respectively. During the three and six months ended June 30, 2008, the Company recorded penalties and tax-related interest expense of $1.7 million and $2.1 million, respectively. As of June 30, 2009 and December 31, 2008, the total amount of accrued income tax-related interest and penalties included in other long-term liabilities in the condensed consolidated balance sheets was $15.5 million and $29.1 million, respectively. During the quarter ended June 30, 2009, the Company recognized approximately $9.2 million of tax benefits previously considered uncertain as a result of the expiration of the applicable statute of limitations in one of its foreign jurisdictions. In addition, as a result of the findings in the audit described below, the Company reviewed certain deductions and reversed approximately $4.5 million of previously recognized tax benefits which are now considered uncertain.

The Company files numerous consolidated and separate income tax returns, including U.S. federal and state tax returns and foreign tax returns. The Company is subject to examinations in various U.S. state jurisdictions for certain tax years. As a result of the Company’s ability to carry forward federal and state net operating losses, the applicable tax years remain open to examination until three years after the applicable loss carry forwards have been used or expired. The U.S. federal income tax examinations for tax years 2004 and 2005 were concluded during the three months ended June 30, 2009. Upon conclusion of the examinations, the Company recognized additional income tax expense of $13.7 million relating to the disallowance of certain deductions.

 

8. Stock-Based Compensation

The Company recognized non-cash stock-based compensation expense during the three and six months ended June 30, 2009 of approximately $12.8 million and $37.2 million, respectively, and non-cash stock-based compensation expense during the three and six months ended June 30, 2008 of approximately $13.6 million and $29.9 million, respectively. Non-cash stock-based compensation expense for the six months ended June 30, 2009 includes $6.6 million related to the modification of certain stock option awards during the six months ended June 30, 2009. The Company did not capitalize any non-cash stock-based compensation during the six months ended June 30, 2009 and 2008.

Stock Options—During the six months ended June 30, 2009, the Company granted stock options to purchase 1.6 million shares of its Common Stock pursuant to its 2007 Equity Incentive Plan (2007 Plan).

The following table summarizes the Company’s option activity for the six months ended June 30, 2009:

 

     Number of
Options
 

Outstanding as of January 1, 2009

   13,185,866   

Granted

   1,617,702   

Exercised

   (867,886

Forfeited

   (258,235
      

Outstanding as of June 30, 2009

   13,677,447   
      

 

12


Table of Contents

AMERICAN TOWER CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—Unaudited—(Continued)

 

The Company estimates the fair value of each option grant on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option pricing model. The following assumptions were used to determine the grant date fair value for options granted during the six months ended June 30, 2009:

 

Range of risk-free interest rate

   1.41% - 2.04%

Weighted average risk-free interest rate

   1.70%

Expected life of option grants

   4.00 years

Range of expected volatility of underlying stock price

   36.16% - 36.63%

Weighted average expected volatility of underlying stock price

   36.23%

Expected annual dividends

   N/A

As of June 30, 2009, total unrecognized compensation expense related to unvested stock options was $50.5 million, and is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of approximately two years. A summary of weighted average grant date fair value and fair value of options vested during the six months ended June 30, 2009 is as follows:

 

Weighted average grant date fair value per share

   $ 8.90

Weighted average fair value of options vested (in millions)

   $ 33.40

Restricted Stock Units—During the six months ended June 30, 2009, the Company granted restricted stock units with respect to 1.3 million shares of its Common Stock pursuant to the 2007 Plan.

The following table summarizes the Company’s restricted stock unit activity during the six months ended June 30, 2009:

 

     Number of
Units
 

Outstanding as of January 1, 2009

   1,138,268   

Granted

   1,267,097   

Vested

   (278,896

Forfeited

   (86,724
      

Outstanding as of June 30, 2009

   2,039,745   
      

The total fair value of the restricted stock units that vested during the six months ended June 30, 2009 was $10.4 million. As of June 30, 2009, total unrecognized compensation expense related to unvested restricted stock units granted under the 2007 Plan was $52.7 million, and is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of approximately three years.

Employee Stock Purchase Plan—The Company maintains an employee stock purchase plan (ESPP) for all eligible employees as described in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2008. The offering periods run from June 1 through November 30 and from December 1 through May 31 of each year. During the six months ended June 30, 2009, 46,639 shares were purchased by employees under the ESPP and the fair value of such shares was $5.98.

 

13


Table of Contents

AMERICAN TOWER CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—Unaudited—(Continued)

 

Key assumptions used to apply the Black-Scholes pricing model for shares purchased through the ESPP during the six months ended June 30, 2009 are as follows:

 

Approximate risk-free interest rate

   0.44%

Expected life of shares

   6 months

Expected volatility of underlying stock price

   35.31%

Expected annual dividends

   N/A

 

9. Earnings per Common Share

Basic income from continuing operations per common share represents income from continuing operations attributable to American Tower Corporation divided by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted income from continuing operations per common share represents income from continuing operations attributable to American Tower Corporation divided by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period and any dilutive common share equivalents, including shares issuable upon exercise of stock options and warrants as determined under the treasury stock method and upon conversion of the Company’s convertible notes, as determined under the if-converted method.

For the three and six months ended June 30, 2009, the weighted average number of common shares outstanding excludes shares issuable upon conversion of the Company’s convertible notes of 1.2 million, and shares issuable upon exercise of the Company’s stock options and share based awards of 10.3 million and 10.4 million, respectively, as the effect would be anti-dilutive. For the three and six months ended June 30, 2008, the weighted average number of common shares outstanding excludes shares issuable upon conversion of the Company’s convertible notes of 1.2 million, and shares issuable upon exercise of the Company’s stock options and share based awards of 6.2 million and 6.0 million, respectively, as the effect would be anti-dilutive.

The following table sets forth basic and diluted income from continuing operations per common share computational data for the three and six months ended June 30, 2009 and 2008 (in thousands, except per share data):

 

     Three Months Ended
June 30,
   Six Months Ended
June 30,
     2009    2008    2009    2008

Income from continuing operations attributable to American Tower Corporation

   $ 51,229    $ 50,683    $ 106,760    $ 92,857
                           

Effect of convertible notes

     747      1,606      1,494      3,328
                           

Income available to common shareholders, as adjusted for diluted earnings

   $ 51,976    $ 52,289    $ 108,254    $ 96,185
                           

Basic weighted average common shares outstanding

     397,418      396,935      397,300      397,031

Dilutive securities:

           

Stock options, warrants and convertible notes

     11,414      24,682      11,555      25,457
                           

Diluted weighted average common shares outstanding

     408,832      421,617      408,855      422,488
                           

Basic income from continuing operations attributable to American Tower Corporation per common share

   $ 0.13    $ 0.13    $ 0.27    $ 0.23
                           

Diluted income from continuing operations attributable to American Tower Corporation per common share

   $ 0.13    $ 0.12    $ 0.26    $ 0.23
                           

 

14


Table of Contents

AMERICAN TOWER CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—Unaudited—(Continued)

 

10. Commitments and Contingencies

Legal and Governmental Proceedings Related to Review of Stock Option Granting Practices and Related Accounting—During the year ended December 31, 2006, the Company received a letter of informal inquiry from the SEC Division of Enforcement, a subpoena from the United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of New York, and an Information Document Request from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), each requesting documents and other information related to Company stock option grants and stock option practices. In addition, in August 2007, the Company received a request for information from the Department of Labor (DOL) with respect to the Company’s retirement savings plan, including documents related to Company stock option grants and the Company’s historical stock option administrative practices. The Company has become aware that a former officer of the Company has received and responded to a “Wells” notice from the SEC, which affords such individual the opportunity to make a submission to the SEC with respect to contemplated civil enforcement recommendations against such individual for certain violations of the federal securities laws. In September 2008, the DOL concluded its review and advised the Company that no action would be taken. The reviews being conducted by the SEC, the U.S. Attorney’s Office and the IRS remain ongoing, and the Company continues to cooperate on these matters. For more information, see note 16 to the consolidated financial statements included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2008.

The Company was subject to a securities class action relating to its historical stock option granting practices and related accounting. On May 26, 2006, a purported securities class action was filed by John S. Greenebaum in United States District Court for the District of Massachusetts against the Company and certain of its current officers for monetary relief. Specifically, the complaint named the Company, James D. Taiclet, Jr. and Bradley E. Singer as defendants and alleged that the defendants violated federal securities laws in connection with public statements made relating to the Company’s stock option practices and related accounting. The complaint asserted claims under Sections 10(b) and 20(a) of the Exchange Act and SEC Rule 10b-5. In December 2006, the court appointed the Steamship Trade Association-International Longshoreman’s Association Pension Fund as the lead plaintiff. In March 2007, plaintiffs filed an amended consolidated complaint, which included additional current and former officers and directors of the Company as defendants. In December 2007, the Company reached a settlement in principle regarding the securities class action. The settlement, which was preliminarily approved by the court in February 2008, provided for a payment by the Company of $14.0 million and the dismissal of all claims against all defendants in the litigation. The Company paid $250,000 of the settlement amount to an escrow account controlled by the plaintiffs during the quarter ended March 31, 2008. In April 2008, the Company paid the remaining settlement amount of $13.8 million into escrow and received $12.5 million in insurance proceeds. In May 2008, the original plaintiff, Mr. Greenebaum, filed an objection to the settlement. Following a hearing in June 2008, the Court dismissed Mr. Greenebaum’s objection and approved the settlement. In July 2008, Mr. Greenebaum filed an untimely request to opt-out of the settlement class certified by the Court, which the Court denied in August 2008. Mr. Greenebaum filed a notice of appeal of the Court’s final order approving the settlement agreement and of the Court’s decision denying his untimely request to opt out of the settlement class. In December 2008, the Company entered into a settlement agreement with Mr. Greenebaum providing for payment by the Company of $5,000, which the Court approved in January 2009. In January 2009, the lead plaintiff also entered into a settlement agreement with Mr. Greenebaum. As a result of these settlements, Mr. Greenebaum withdrew his appeals, effectively ending the litigation.

On May 24, 2006 and June 14, 2006, two shareholder derivative lawsuits were filed in Suffolk County Superior Court in Massachusetts by Eric Johnston and Robert L. Garber, respectively. The lawsuits were filed against certain of the Company’s current and former officers and directors for alleged breaches of fiduciary duties and unjust enrichment in connection with the Company’s historical stock option granting practices. The lawsuits also named the Company as a nominal defendant. The lawsuits sought to recover the damages sustained by the Company and disgorgement of all profits received with respect to the alleged backdated stock options. In October 2006, these two lawsuits were consolidated, and in October 2007, the court dismissed the complaint,

 

15


Table of Contents

AMERICAN TOWER CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—Unaudited—(Continued)

 

without leave to amend, due to the plaintiffs’ failure to make a demand upon the Company’s Board of Directors before initiating their lawsuits. In December 2007, the plaintiffs filed an appeal of that decision to the Massachusetts Court of Appeals, and in April 2008, the Company filed a motion to dismiss the appeal as moot. In June 2008, the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court elected, on its own motion, to hear the appeal, and in April 2009, affirmed the judgment dismissing the complaint without leave to amend due to failure to adequately establish demand futility and dismissed the complaint with prejudice. The plaintiffs’ right to initiate a new claim based on the response to the demand made at the time of dismissal expired in July 2009.

Mexico Litigation—One of the Company’s subsidiaries, SpectraSite Communications, Inc. (SCI), is involved in a lawsuit brought in Mexico against a former Mexican subsidiary of SCI that was sold in 2002, prior to the Company’s merger with SCI’s parent in 2005. The lawsuit concerns a terminated tower construction contract and related agreements with a wireless carrier in Mexico. The primary issue for the Company is whether SCI itself can be found liable to the Mexican carrier. The trial and lower appellate courts initially found that SCI had no such liability in part because Mexican courts do not have full jurisdiction over SCI. These decisions were appealed by the plaintiff, and in July 2008, they were reversed by an intermediate Mexican appellate court. In its decision, the intermediate appellate court identified potential damages of approximately $23.0 million. SCI appealed that ruling to a higher constitutional court in Mexico. In January 2009, the constitutional court ruled in SCI’s favor, remanding the case back to the intermediate appellate court for further proceedings. In March 2009, the intermediate appellate court issued its decision, which reasserts jurisdiction and reimposes liability on SCI. In April 2009, SCI filed an appeal of this decision to the higher constitutional court, as permitted under Mexican law, on the grounds that the decision of the intermediate appellate court is inconsistent with the January 2009 ruling of the higher constitutional court and Mexican law. As a result of the pending appeal, the Company is unable to estimate its share, if any, of potential liability at this stage of the proceedings.

AT&T Transaction—SpectraSite entered into an agreement with SBC Communications Inc., a predecessor entity to AT&T Inc. (AT&T), for the lease or sublease of approximately 2,500 towers from AT&T between December 2000 and August 2004. All of the towers are part of the securitization transaction. The average term of the lease or sublease for all sites at the inception of the agreement was approximately 27 years, assuming renewals or extensions of the underlying ground leases for the sites. SpectraSite has the option to purchase the sites subject to the lease or sublease upon their expiration. Each of the towers is assigned into an annual tranche, ranging from 2013 to 2032, which represents the outside expiration date for the sublease rights to that tower. The purchase price for each site is a fixed amount stated in the sublease for that site plus the fair market value of certain alterations made to the related tower by AT&T. The aggregate purchase option price for the towers leased and subleased was approximately $393.6 million as of June 30, 2009, and will accrete at a rate of 10% per year to the applicable expiration of the lease or sublease of a site. For all such sites purchased by SpectraSite at the expiration of the lease or sublease, AT&T has the right to continue to lease the reserved space for successive one year terms at a rent equal to the lesser of the agreed upon market rate and the then current monthly fee, which is subject to an annual increase based on changes in the Consumer Price Index.

ALLTEL Transaction—In December 2000, the Company entered into an agreement with ALLTEL (which completed its merger with Verizon Wireless in January 2009) to acquire communications towers from ALLTEL through a 15-year sublease agreement. Pursuant to the agreement with ALLTEL, as amended, the Company acquired rights to a total of approximately 1,800 towers in tranches between April 2001 and March 2002. The Company has the option to purchase these towers at the expiration of the sublease period, which will occur between April 2016 and March 2017 based on the original closing date for such tranche of towers. The purchase price per tower as of the original closing date was $27,500 and will accrete at a rate of 3% per annum through the expiration of the sublease period. The aggregate purchase option price for the subleased towers was approximately $62.3 million as of June 30, 2009. At ALLTEL’s option, at the expiration of the sublease period, the purchase price will be payable in cash or with 769 shares of the Company’s Common Stock per tower.

 

16


Table of Contents

AMERICAN TOWER CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—Unaudited—(Continued)

 

Litigation—The Company periodically becomes involved in various claims and lawsuits that are incidental to its business. In the opinion of Company management, after consultation with counsel, other than the legal proceedings discussed above, there are no matters currently pending which would, in the event of an adverse outcome, have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial position, results of operations or liquidity.

 

11. Business Acquisition

On May 27, 2009, the Company acquired 100% of the outstanding common and preferred stock of XCEL for an aggregate cash purchase price of approximately $98.0 million. XCEL provides shared telecom infrastructure services to telecom operators in India. At closing, XCEL owned approximately 1,660 towers located in fifteen telecom circles in India. Additionally, XCEL had approximately 70 towers in various stages of development. The acquisition of XCEL is consistent with the Company’s strategy to expand in selected markets around the world.

The acquisition of XCEL has been accounted for as a business combination in accordance with SFAS No. 141R. The operating results of the acquired business have been included in the Company’s condensed consolidated results of operations since the date of acquisition. The operating results of XCEL for periods prior to the acquisition by the Company were not material to the Company’s condensed consolidated results of operations and accordingly, pro forma results of operations have not been presented. The purchase price was preliminarily allocated to the acquired assets and liabilities based on the estimated fair value of the acquired assets and assumed liabilities at the date of acquisition. The preliminary goodwill of $45.9 million is calculated as the purchase premium after first allocating the purchase price to the fair value of net assets acquired and represents future growth opportunities and established infrastructure that XCEL provides. The allocation of the purchase price will be finalized upon completion of analyses of the fair value of XCEL’s assets and liabilities and certain tax matters. These analyses include examination of the underlying book and tax records, completion of an appraisal of certain tangible and intangible assets and liabilities and a full assessment of legal and tax contingencies.

The following table summarizes the aggregate purchase consideration paid for XCEL and the amounts of assets acquired and liabilities assumed at the acquisition date (in thousands):

 

Current assets (1)

   $ 28,782   

Other non-current assets (2)

     30,362   

Property and equipment

     84,541   

Intangible assets (3)

     47,133   

Current liabilities

     (26,673

Long-term debt

     (72,013

Other long-term liabilities (2)

     (40,003
        

Fair value of net assets acquired

     52,129   
        

Preliminary goodwill (4)

     45,867   

 

(1) Includes approximately $5.6 million of accounts receivable which approximates the gross value due the Company under certain contractual arrangements.
(2) Includes contingent amounts of approximately $25.6 million related to tax positions related to the acquisition and a related indemnification asset.
(3) Consists of customer relationships of approximately $24.7 million and network capacity of approximately $22.5 million. The customer relationships and network capacity are being amortized on a straight-line basis over a period of 20 years.
(4) No goodwill is expected to be deductible for income tax purposes.

 

17


Table of Contents

AMERICAN TOWER CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—Unaudited—(Continued)

 

12. Business Segments

The Company operates in two business segments: rental and management and network development services. The rental and management segment provides for the leasing and subleasing of antenna space on multi-tenant towers and other properties for a diverse range of customers primarily in the wireless communications and broadcast industries. The network development services segment provides third party services that are complementary to the Company’s rental and management operations and that facilitate the addition of new tenants and equipment on the Company’s towers, including site acquisition, zoning, permitting, construction management and structural analysis.

The accounting policies applied in compiling segment information below are similar to those described in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2008. In evaluating financial performance, management focuses on segment gross margin and segment operating profit. The Company defines segment gross margin as segment revenue less segment operating expenses excluding depreciation, amortization and accretion; selling, general, administrative and development expense; and other operating expenses. The Company defines segment operating profit as segment gross margin less selling, general, administrative and development expense attributable to the segment, excluding stock-based compensation expense and corporate expenses. For reporting purposes, the rental and management segment operating profit and segment gross margin also include interest income, TV Azteca, net. These measures of segment gross margin and segment operating profit are also before interest income, interest expense, loss on retirement of long-term obligations, other (expense) income, noncontrolling interest in net earnings of subsidiaries, income on equity method investments, income taxes and discontinued operations.

The Company’s reportable segments are strategic business units that offer different services. They are managed separately because each segment requires different resources, skill sets and marketing strategies. Summarized financial information concerning the Company’s reportable segments for the three and six months ended June 30, 2009 and 2008 is shown in the table below. The Other column below represents amounts excluded from specific segments, such as stock-based compensation expense and corporate expenses included in selling, general, administrative and development expense; other operating expenses; interest income; interest expense; loss on retirement of long-term obligations; and other (expense) income, as well as reconciles segment operating profit to income before income taxes and income on equity method investments.

 

Three months ended June 30,

   Rental and
Management
   Network
Development
Services
   Other    Total
     (in thousands)

2009

           

Segment revenues

   $ 406,751    $ 16,607       $ 423,358

Segment operating expenses

     92,330      10,243         102,573

Interest income, TV Azteca, net

     3,585            3,585
                       

Segment gross margin

     318,006      6,364         324,370
                       

Segment selling, general, administrative and
development expenses

     22,621      1,412         24,033
                       

Segment operating profit

   $ 295,385    $ 4,952         300,337
                       

Other selling, general, administrative and development expense

         $ 25,828      25,828

Depreciation, amortization and accretion

   $ 99,944    $ 692      1,827      102,463

Other expenses (principally interest expense)

           69,197      69,197
               

Income from continuing operations before income taxes and income on equity method investments

            $ 102,849
               

 

18


Table of Contents

AMERICAN TOWER CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—Unaudited—(Continued)

 

Three months ended June 30,

   Rental and
Management
   Network
Development
Services
   Other    Total
     (in thousands)

2008

           

Segment revenues

   $ 384,343    $ 9,385       $ 393,728

Segment operating expenses

     91,952      4,922         96,874

Interest income, TV Azteca, net

     3,584            3,584
                       

Segment gross margin

     295,975      4,463         300,438
                       

Segment selling, general, administrative and development expenses

     16,092      880         16,972
                       

Segment operating profit

   $ 279,883    $ 3,583         283,466
                       

Other selling, general, administrative and development expense

         $ 24,812      24,812

Depreciation, amortization and accretion

   $ 97,123    $ 611      1,963      99,697

Other expenses (principally interest expense)

           63,649      63,649
               

Income from continuing operations before income taxes and income on equity method investments

            $ 95,308
               

Six months ended June 30,

   Rental and
Management
   Network
Development
Services
   Other    Total
     (in thousands)

2009

           

Segment revenues

   $ 802,698    $ 29,338       $ 832,036

Segment operating expenses

     182,420      17,858         200,278

Interest income, TV Azteca, net

     7,084            7,084
                       

Segment gross margin

     627,362      11,480         638,842
                       

Segment selling, general, administrative and development expenses

     40,265      2,947         43,212
                       

Segment operating profit

   $ 587,097    $ 8,533         595,630
                       

Other selling, general, administrative and development expense

         $ 64,281      64,281

Depreciation, amortization and accretion

   $ 197,326    $ 1,357      3,648      202,331

Other expenses (principally interest expense)

           133,384      133,384
               

Income from continuing operations before income taxes and income on equity method investments

            $ 195,634
               

 

19


Table of Contents

AMERICAN TOWER CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—Unaudited—(Continued)

 

Six months ended June 30,

   Rental and
Management
   Network
Development
Services
   Other    Total
     (in thousands)

2008

           

Segment revenues

   $ 758,326    $ 17,586       $ 775,912

Segment operating expenses

     178,883      8,549         187,432

Interest income, TV Azteca, net

     7,125            7,125
                       

Segment gross margin

     586,568      9,037         595,605
                       

Segment selling, general, administrative and development expenses

     32,478      2,193         34,671
                       

Segment operating profit

   $ 554,090    $ 6,844         560,934
                       

Other selling, general, administrative and development expense

         $ 56,022      56,022

Depreciation, amortization and accretion

   $ 192,147    $ 1,191      3,431      196,769

Other expenses (principally interest expense)

           129,792      129,792
               

Income from continuing operations before income taxes and income on equity method investments

            $ 178,351
               

 

13. Subsequent Events

7.50% Senior Notes—In June 2009, the Company issued a notice for the redemption of the 7.50% Notes that remained outstanding following the expiration of its tender offer. On July 20, 2009, the Company redeemed the remaining $20.8 million aggregate principal amount of its 7.50% Notes in accordance with the indenture for the 7.50% Notes at a price equal to 101.875% of the principal amount, plus accrued and unpaid interest, for an aggregate purchase price of $21.5 million. The Company used available cash on hand to fund the redemption. Upon completion of this redemption, none of the 7.50% Notes remained outstanding.

3.00% Convertible Notes—On August 6, 2009, the Company issued a notice for the redemption of all of the $162.2 million aggregate principal amount of its outstanding 3.00% convertible notes due August 15, 2012 (3.00% Notes). In accordance with the redemption provisions of the 3.00% Notes and the indenture for the 3.00% Notes, the notes will be redeemed at a price equal to 101.125% of the principal amount. In addition, the Company will pay accrued and unpaid interest on the redeemed notes up to, but excluding, the redemption date. In accordance with the conversion provisions of the 3.00% Notes and the indenture for the 3.00% Notes, holders of the notes have the right at any time until and including, but not after, the close of business on August 26, 2009, to convert their notes into shares of the Company’s Common Stock at a conversion rate of 48.7805 shares per $1,000 principal amount of notes.

Brazil Acquisition—On June 25, 2009, the Company agreed to acquire up to 350 communications tower sites and related third party leases located in Brazil for an aggregate purchase price of approximately $70 million. In July 2009, the Company completed the first tranche of this transaction, acquiring 230 communications tower sites and related third party leases for an aggregate purchase price of approximately $50 million.

 

20


Table of Contents
ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

This Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q contains forward-looking statements relating to our goals, beliefs, plans or current expectations and other statements that are not of historical facts. For example, when we use words such as “project,” “believe,” “anticipate,” “expect,” “forecast,” “estimate,” “intend,” “should,” “would,” “could” or “may,” or other words that convey uncertainty of future events or outcomes, we are making forward-looking statements. Certain important factors may cause actual results to differ materially from those indicated by our forward-looking statements, including those set forth under the caption “Risk Factors” in Part II, Item 1A. of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q. Forward-looking statements represent management’s current expectations and are inherently uncertain. We do not undertake any obligation to update forward-looking statements made by us.

The discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations that follow are based upon our condensed consolidated financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (“GAAP”). The preparation of our financial statements requires us to make estimates and judgments that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, revenues and expenses, and the related disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of our financial statements. Actual results may differ significantly from these estimates under different assumptions or conditions. This discussion should be read in conjunction with our condensed consolidated financial statements herein and the accompanying notes thereto, information set forth under the caption “Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates” beginning on page 35 and our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2008, in particular, the information set forth therein under Item 7. “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.”

Overview

We are a leading wireless and broadcast communications infrastructure company with a portfolio of over 25,800 communications sites, including wireless communications towers, broadcast communications towers and distributed antenna system (“DAS”) networks. Our portfolio of wireless and broadcast tower sites consists of towers that we own and towers that we operate pursuant to long-term lease arrangements, including, as of June 30, 2009, approximately 19,600 sites in the United States and approximately 6,000 sites in Mexico, Brazil and India. Our portfolio also includes approximately 200 DAS networks that we operate in malls, casinos and other in-building applications in the United States and Mexico. In addition to the communications sites in our portfolio, we manage rooftop and tower sites for property owners in the United States, Mexico and Brazil. Our primary business is leasing antenna space on multi-tenant communications sites to wireless service providers and radio and television broadcast companies. This segment of our business, which we refer to as our rental and management segment, accounted for approximately 96% of our total revenues for the three and six months ended June 30, 2009.

Our communications site portfolio provides us with growth potential because we have the ability to add new tenants, and new equipment for existing tenants, on our sites. Our broad site portfolio and our large customer base provide us with a diverse source of new business opportunities, which has historically resulted in consistent and predictable revenue growth. Through our network development services segment, we also offer tower-related services in the United States, including site acquisition, zoning and permitting services and structural analysis services, which directly support our site leasing business and the addition of new tenants and equipment on our sites. We intend to capitalize on the increasing use of wireless communications services by actively marketing space available for lease on our existing sites and selectively developing or acquiring new sites that meet our return on investment criteria.

Our continuing operations are reported in two segments, rental and management and network development services. Management focuses on segment gross margin and segment operating profit as a means to measure

 

21


Table of Contents

operating performance in these business segments. We define segment gross margin as segment revenue less segment operating expenses excluding depreciation, amortization and accretion; selling, general, administrative and development expense; and other operating expenses. We define segment operating profit as segment gross margin less selling, general, administrative and development expense attributable to the segment, excluding stock-based compensation expense and corporate expenses. Segment gross margin and segment operating profit for the rental and management segment also include interest income, TV Azteca, net (see note 12 to our condensed consolidated financial statements included herein). These measures of segment gross margin and segment operating profit are also before interest income, interest expense, loss on retirement of long-term obligations, other income (expense), income attributable to noncontrolling interest, income on equity method investments, income taxes and discontinued operations.

Results of Operations

Three Months Ended June 30, 2009 and 2008 (dollars in thousands)

 

     Three Months Ended
June 30,
    Amount of
Increase
(Decrease)
    Percent
Increase
(Decrease)
 
     2009     2008      

REVENUES:

        

Rental and management

   $ 406,751      $ 384,343      $ 22,408      6

Network development services

     16,607        9,385        7,222      77   
                          

Total revenues

     423,358        393,728        29,630      8   
                          

OPERATING EXPENSES:

        

Costs of operations (exclusive of items shown separately below)

        

Rental and management

     92,330        91,952        378      —     

Network development services

     10,243        4,922        5,321      108   

Depreciation, amortization and accretion

     102,463        99,697        2,766      3   

Selling, general, administrative and development expense (including stock-based compensation expense of $12,836 and $13,597, respectively)

     49,861        41,784        8,077      19   

Other operating expenses

     2,014        583        1,431      245   
                          

Total operating expenses

     256,911        238,938        17,973      8   
                          

OTHER INCOME (EXPENSE) AND OTHER ITEMS:

        

Interest income, TV Azteca, net

     3,585        3,584        1      —     

Interest income

     482        979        (497   (51

Interest expense

     (62,654     (62,508     146      —     

Loss on retirement of long-term obligations

     (5,994     (211     5,783      2,741   

Other income (expense)

     983        (1,326     2,309      174   

Income tax provision

     (51,428     (44,535     6,893      15   

Income on equity method investments

     7        8        (1   (13
                          

Income from continuing operations

     51,428        50,781        647      1   

Income from discontinued operations, net

     5,060        108,103        (103,043   (95
                          

Net income

     56,488        158,884        (102,396   (64

Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest

     (199     (98     (101   (103
                          

Net income attributable to American Tower Corporation

   $ 56,289      $ 158,786        (102,497   (65 )% 
                          

 

22


Table of Contents

Total Revenues

Total revenues for the three months ended June 30, 2009 were $423.4 million, an increase of $29.6 million from the three months ended June 30, 2008. Approximately $22.4 million of the increase was attributable to an increase in rental and management revenue, with the remaining portion of the increase attributable to network development services revenue.

Rental and Management Revenue

Rental and management revenue for the three months ended June 30, 2009 was $406.8 million, an increase of $22.4 million from the three months ended June 30, 2008. Approximately $14.1 million of the increase resulted from incremental revenue generated by communications sites that existed in our portfolio during the entire period between April 1, 2008 and June 30, 2009, which reflects revenue increases from adding new tenants to those sites, existing tenants adding more equipment to those sites, contractual escalators, partially offset by unfavorable foreign currency exchange rates and the impact of straight-line lease accounting. Approximately $8.3 million of the increase resulted from approximately 2,780 communications sites acquired and/or constructed subsequent to April 1, 2008. We believe that our rental and management revenue will grow as we continue to utilize existing site capacity. We anticipate that the majority of our new leasing activity will continue to come from wireless service providers.

Network Development Services Revenue

Network development services revenue for the three months ended June 30, 2009 was $16.6 million, an increase of $7.2 million from the three months ended June 30, 2008. This increase was primarily attributable to revenues generated from our site acquisition, zoning, permitting and installation services. As we continue to focus on and grow our rental and management business, we anticipate that our network development services revenue will continue to represent only a small percentage of our total revenues.

Total Operating Expenses

Total operating expenses for the three months ended June 30, 2009 were $256.9 million, an increase of $18.0 million from the three months ended June 30, 2008. The increase was primarily attributable to an increase in selling, general, administrative and development expense of $8.1 million and an increase in expenses within our network development services segment of $5.3 million. The increases in depreciation, amortization and accretion expenses of $2.8 million and in other operating expenses of $1.4 million also contributed to the increase in total operating expenses.

Rental and Management Expense/Segment Gross Margin/Segment Operating Profit

Rental and management expense for the three months ended June 30, 2009 was $92.3 million, an increase of $0.4 million from the three months ended June 30, 2008. The increase was primarily the result of a $3.3 million increase in expenses related to approximately 2,780 sites acquired and/or constructed subsequent to April 1, 2008, offset by a decrease of $2.9 million in expenses attributable to communications sites that existed in our portfolio during the period between April 1, 2008 and June 30, 2009, primarily due to the impact of fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates.

Rental and management segment gross margin for the three months ended June 30, 2009 was $318.0 million, an increase of $22.0 million from the three months ended June 30, 2008. The increase primarily resulted from the additional rental and management revenue described above.

Rental and management segment operating profit for the three months ended June 30, 2009 was $295.4 million, an increase of $15.5 million from the three months ended June 30, 2008. This was comprised of the $22.0 million increase in rental and management segment gross margin described above, partially offset by an increase of approximately $6.5 million in selling, general, administrative and development expenses related to the rental and management segment.

 

23


Table of Contents

Network Development Services Expense

Network development services expense for the three months ended June 30, 2009 was $10.2 million, an increase of $5.3 million from the three months ended June 30, 2008. The increase correlates to the growth in services performed as noted above.

Depreciation, Amortization and Accretion

Depreciation, amortization and accretion for the three months ended June 30, 2009 was $102.5 million, an increase of $2.8 million from the three months ended June 30, 2008. This increase was primarily attributable to an increase in property, plant and equipment (including the property, plant and equipment acquired from XCEL Telecom Private Limited (“XCEL”) (See note 11 to our condensed consolidated financial statements included herein)) from June 30, 2008 to June 30, 2009.

Selling, General, Administrative and Development Expense

Selling, general, administrative and development expense for the three months ended June 30, 2009 was $49.9 million, an increase of $8.1 million from the three months ended June 30, 2008. The increase was primarily attributable to an increase of $4.8 million of bad debt expense and increases in various administrative expenses. For the three months ended June 30, 2008, selling, general, administrative and development expense included a one-time reduction related to payroll tax expense of approximately $3.1 million.

Other Operating Expenses

Other operating expenses for the three months ended June 30, 2009 were $2.0 million, an increase of $1.4 million from the three months ended June 30, 2008. The increase was primarily attributable to approximately $1.2 million in acquisition related costs which have been expensed under the provisions of Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (“SFAS”) No. 141 (revised 2007), “Business Combinations” (“SFAS No. 141R”).

Loss on Retirement of Long-Term Obligations

Loss on retirement of long-term obligations for the three months ended June 30, 2009 was $6.0 million, an increase of $5.8 million from the three months ended June 30, 2008.

During the three months ended June 30, 2009, pursuant to a tender offer, we repurchased an aggregate of $204.2 million principal amount of 7.50% notes due 2012 (“7.50% Notes”) for an aggregate purchase price of $210.2 million in cash. As a result of this transaction, we recorded a charge of $6.0 million related to the amounts paid in excess of carrying value and the write-off of the related deferred financing fees.

Other Income (Expense)

Other income for the three months ended June 30, 2009 was approximately $1.0 million, as compared to other expense of approximately $1.3 million for the three months ended June 30, 2008. During the three months ended June 30, 2009, we recorded a gain of approximately $1.7 million on the settlement of a foreign currency exchange contract executed to hedge the foreign currency exposure associated with our acquisition of XCEL, offset by foreign currency remeasurement losses of approximately $0.8 million. During the three months ended June 30, 2008, we recorded foreign currency remeasurement losses of approximately $1.3 million.

Income Tax Provision

The income tax provision for the three months ended June 30, 2009 was $51.4 million, an increase of $6.9 million from the three months ended June 30, 2008. The effective tax rate was 50.0% for the three months ended June 30, 2009, as compared to an effective tax rate of 46.7% for the three months ended June 30, 2008. The increase in the effective tax rate for the three months ended June 30, 2009, as compared to the three months

 

24


Table of Contents

ended June 30, 2008, is primarily due to the discrete impact of foreign currency fluctuations on certain tax items, IRS audit adjustments, partially offset by the decrease in certain tax reserves.

The effective tax rates on income from continuing operations for the three months ended June 30, 2009 and June 30, 2008 differ from the federal statutory rate due primarily to adjustments for foreign items, non-deductible stock-based compensation expense, IRS audit adjustments, tax reserves and state taxes.

Income from Discontinued Operations, Net

Income from discontinued operations, net for the three months ended June 30, 2009 was $5.1 million, a decrease of $103.0 million from the three months ended June 30, 2008. The decrease is primarily attributable to the recording of an income tax benefit during the three months ended June 30, 2008, related to losses associated with our investment in our wholly subsidiary, Verestar, Inc. (“Verestar”). Verestar filed for protection under Chapter 11 of the federal bankruptcy laws in December 2003. In April 2008, the bankruptcy court approved Verestar’s plan of liquidation. We recorded an income tax benefit of $106.1 million as income from discontinued operations during the three months ended June 30, 2008.

Six Months Ended June 30, 2009 and 2008 (dollars in thousands)

 

     Six Months Ended
June 30,
    Amount of
Increase
(Decrease)
    Percent
Increase
(Decrease)
 
     2009     2008      

REVENUES:

        

Rental and management

   $ 802,698      $ 758,326      44,372      6

Network development services

     29,338        17,586      11,752      67   
                        

Total revenues

     832,036        775,912      56,124      7   
                        

OPERATING EXPENSES:

        

Costs of operations (exclusive of items shown separately below)

        

Rental and management

     182,420        178,883      3,537      2   

Network development services

     17,858        8,549      9,309      109   

Depreciation, amortization and accretion

     202,331        196,769      5,562      3   

Selling, general, administrative and development expense (including stock-based compensation expense of $37,174 and $29,862, respectively)

     107,493        90,693      16,800      19   

Other operating expenses

     5,203        1,372      3,831      279   
                        

Total operating expenses

     515,305        476,266      39,039      8   
                        

OTHER INCOME (EXPENSE) AND OTHER ITEMS:

        

Interest income, TV Azteca, net

     7,084        7,125      (41   (1

Interest income

     981        1,942      (961   (49

Interest expense

     (124,222     (128,022   (3,800   (3

Loss on retirement of long-term obligations

     (5,994     (236   5,758      2,440   

Other income (expense)

     1,054        (2,104   3,158      150   

Income tax provision

     (88,535     (85,336   3,199      4   

Income on equity method investments

     17        13      4      31   
                        

Income from continuing operations

     107,116        93,028      14,088      15   

Income from discontinued operations, net

     8,130        108,084      (99,954   (92
                        

Net income

     115,246        201,112      (85,866   (43

Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest

     (356     (171   (185   (108
                        

Net income attributable to American Tower Corporation

   $ 114,890      $ 200,941      (86,051   (43 )% 
                        

 

25


Table of Contents

Total Revenues

Total revenues for the six months ended June 30, 2009 were $832.0 million, an increase of $56.1 million from the six months ended June 30, 2008. Approximately $44.4 million of the increase was attributable to an increase in rental and management revenue, with the remaining portion of the increase attributable to network development services revenue.

Rental and Management Revenue

Rental and management revenue for the six months ended June 30, 2009 was $802.7 million, an increase of $44.4 million from the six months ended June 30, 2008. Approximately $30.1 million of the increase resulted from incremental revenue generated by communications sites that existed in our portfolio during the entire period between January 1, 2008 and June 30, 2009, which reflects revenue increases from adding new tenants to those sites, existing tenants adding more equipment to those sites, contractual escalators, partially offset by unfavorable foreign currency exchange rates and the impact of straight-line lease accounting. Approximately $14.3 million of the increase resulted from approximately 3,000 communications sites acquired and/or constructed subsequent to January 1, 2008. We believe that our rental and management revenue will grow as we continue to utilize existing site capacity. We anticipate that the majority of our new leasing activity will continue to come from wireless service providers.

Network Development Services Revenue

Network development services revenue for the six months ended June 30, 2009 was $29.3 million, an increase of $11.8 million from the six months ended June 30, 2008. This increase was primarily attributable to revenues generated from our site acquisition, zoning, permitting and installation services. As we continue to focus on and grow our rental and management business, we anticipate that our network development services revenue will continue to represent a small percentage of our total revenues.

Total Operating Expenses

Total operating expenses for the six months ended June 30, 2009 were $515.3 million, an increase of $39.0 million from the six months ended June 30, 2008. The increase was primarily attributable to an increase in selling, general, administrative and development expense of $16.8 million and increases in expenses within our network development services segment of $9.3 million and rental and management segment of $3.5 million. The increases in depreciation, amortization and accretion expenses of $5.6 million and in other operating expenses of $3.8 million also contributed to the increase in total operating expenses.

Rental and Management Expense/Segment Gross Margin/Segment Operating Profit

Rental and management expense for the six months ended June 30, 2009 was $182.4 million, an increase of $3.5 million from the six months ended June 30, 2008. The increase was primarily the result of a $5.9 million increase in expenses related to approximately 3,000 sites acquired and/or constructed subsequent to January 1, 2008, offset by a decrease of $2.4 million in expenses attributable to communications sites that existed in our portfolio during the period between January 1, 2008 and June 30, 2009, primarily due to the impact of fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates.

Rental and management segment gross margin for the six months ended June 30, 2009 was $627.4 million, an increase of $40.8 million from the six months ended June 30, 2008. The increase primarily resulted from additional rental and management revenue described above.

Rental and management segment operating profit for the six months ended June 30, 2009 was $587.1 million, an increase of $33.0 million from the six months ended June 30, 2008. This was comprised of the $40.8

 

26


Table of Contents

million increase in rental and management segment gross margin described above, partially offset by an increase of approximately $7.8 million in selling, general, administrative and development expenses related to our rental and management segment.

Network Development Services Expense

Network development services expense for the six months ended June 30, 2009 was $17.9 million, an increase of $9.3 million from the six months ended June 30, 2008. The increase correlates to the growth in services performed as noted above.

Depreciation, Amortization and Accretion

Depreciation, amortization and accretion for the six months ended June 30, 2009 was $202.3 million, an increase of $5.6 million from the six months ended June 30, 2008. This increase was primarily attributable to an increase in property, plant and equipment (including the property, plant and equipment acquired from XCEL (see note 11 to our condensed consolidated financial statements included herein)) from June 30, 2008 to June 30, 2009.

Selling, General, Administrative and Development Expense

Selling, general, administrative and development expense for the six months ended June 30, 2009 was $107.5 million, an increase of $16.8 million from the six months ended June 30, 2008. The increase was primarily attributable to an increase of approximately $7.3 million in non-cash stock based compensation expense, which was principally driven by the additional expense recognized upon the modification of certain stock option awards during the six months ended June 30, 2009, an increase of $4.8 million of bad debt expense and increases in various administrative expenses. For the six months ended June 30, 2008, selling, general, administrative and development expense included a one-time reduction related to payroll tax expense of approximately $3.1 million.

Other Operating Expenses

Other operating expenses for the six months ended June 30, 2009 were $5.2 million, an increase of $3.8 million from the six months ended June 30, 2008. The increase was primarily attributable to approximately $3.8 million in acquisition related costs which have been expensed due to the adoption of SFAS No. 141R on January 1, 2009. Approximately $1.2 million of these costs are related to the expensing of amounts which had been recorded as other long-term assets at December 31, 2008 for pending acquisitions and the remaining $2.6 million relates to additional acquisition related costs incurred during the six months ended June 30, 2009.

Interest Expense

Interest expense for the six months ended June 30, 2009 was $124.2 million, a decrease of $3.8 million from the six months ended June 30, 2008. The decrease was primarily attributable to a decrease in average outstanding debt of approximately $85.1 million coupled with a decrease in the average borrowing rate.

Loss on Retirement of Long-Term Obligations

Loss on retirement of long-term obligations for the six months ended June 30, 2009 was $6.0 million, an increase of $5.8 million from the six months ended June 30, 2008.

 

27


Table of Contents

During the six months ended June 30, 2009, pursuant to a tender offer, we repurchased an aggregate of $204.2 million principal amount of 7.50% Notes for an aggregate purchase price of $210.2 million in cash. As a result of this transaction, we recorded a charge of $6.0 million related to the amounts paid in excess of carrying value and the write-off of the related deferred financing fees.

Other Income (Expense)

Other income for the six months ended June 30, 2009 was approximately $1.1 million, as compared to other expense of approximately $2.1 million for the six months ended June 30, 2008. During the six months ended June 30, 2009, we recorded a gain of approximately $1.7 million on the settlement of a foreign currency exchange contract executed to hedge the foreign currency exposure associated with our acquisition of XCEL, offset by foreign currency remeasurement losses of approximately $1.0 million. During the three months ended June 30, 2008, we recorded foreign currency remeasurement losses of approximately $2.1 million.

Income Tax Provision

The income tax provision for the six months ended June 30, 2009 was $88.5 million, a increase of $3.2 million from the six months ended June 30, 2008. The effective tax rate was 45.3% for the six months ended June 30, 2009, as compared to an effective tax rate of 47.8% for the six months ended June 30, 2008. The reduction in the effective tax rate for the six months ended June 30, 2009, as compared to the six months ended June 30, 2008, is primarily due to the discrete impact of foreign currency fluctuations on certain tax items, IRS audit adjustments, partially offset by the decrease in certain tax reserves.

The effective tax rates on income from continuing operations for the six months ended June 30, 2009 and June 30, 2008 differ from the federal statutory rate due primarily to adjustments for foreign items, non-deductible stock-based compensation expense, IRS audit adjustments, tax reserves and state taxes.

Income from Discontinued Operations, Net

Income from discontinued operations, net for the six months ended June 30, 2009 was $8.1 million, a decrease of $100.0 million from the six months ended June 30, 2008. This decrease is primarily attributable to the recording of an income tax benefit of $106.1 million during the six months ended June 30, 2008, related to losses associated with our investment in Verestar as income from discontinued operations during the six months ended June 30, 2008, partially offset by an insurance reimbursement received during the six months ended June 30, 2009 for approximately $5.0 million related to the Verestar bankruptcy settlement.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

The information in this section updates as of June 30, 2009 the “Liquidity and Capital Resources” section of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2008 and should be read in conjunction with that report.

Overview

As a holding company, our cash flows are derived primarily from the operations of, and distributions from, our operating subsidiaries or funds raised through borrowings under our credit facilities and debt and equity offerings. As of June 30, 2009, we had approximately $868.9 million of total liquidity, comprised of approximately $323.7 million in cash and cash equivalents and the ability to borrow approximately $545.3 million under our $1.25 billion senior unsecured revolving credit facility (“Revolving Credit Facility”). In March 2008, we increased our borrowing capacity under the Revolving Credit Facility by adding $325.0 million of term loan commitments (“Term Loan”), and as of June 30, 2009, the Term Loan was fully drawn. As of June 30, 2009,

 

28


Table of Contents

our cash and cash equivalents increased by $171.5 million as compared to June 30, 2008. Summary cash flow information for the six months ended June 30, 2009 and 2008 is set forth below (in thousands).

 

     Six Months Ended June 30,  
     2009     2008  

Net cash provided by (used for):

    

Operating activities

   $ 409,346      $ 359,133   

Investing activities

     (211,781     (128,948

Financing activities

     (16,847     (111,178

Net effect of changes in exchange rates on cash and cash equivalents

     (158     —     
                

Net increase in cash and cash equivalents

   $ 180,560      $ 119,007   
                

We use our cash flows to fund our operations and investments in our business, including tower maintenance and improvements, tower construction, DAS network installations, and tower and land acquisitions. We also use our cash flows to fund refinancings and repurchases of our outstanding indebtedness, as well as our stock repurchase programs.

As of June 30, 2009, we had total outstanding indebtedness of approximately $4.4 billion. During the six months ended June 30, 2009 and the year ended December 31, 2008, we generated sufficient cash flow from operations to fund our capital expenditures and cash interest obligations. We believe the cash generated by operations during the next twelve months will be sufficient to fund our capital expenditures and our cash debt service (interest and principal repayments) obligations for the next twelve months. During 2009, if the financial and credit markets improve, we expect that we may opportunistically raise additional capital to fund stock repurchases, repurchase existing debt and for other general corporate purposes.

Cash Flows from Operating Activities

For the six months ended June 30, 2009, cash provided by operating activities was $409.3 million, an increase of approximately $50.2 million as compared to the six months ended June 30, 2008. This increase was primarily attributable to an increase of approximately $43.2 million in the gross margin of our operating segments and a decrease of approximately $6.5 million in interest costs.

Each of our rental and management and network development services segments is expected to generate cash flows from operations during 2009 in excess of its cash needs for operating expenses and capital expenditures for tower construction, improvements and acquisitions.

Cash Flows from Investing Activities

For the six months ended June 30, 2009, cash used for investing activities was $211.8 million, an increase of approximately $82.8 million as compared to the six months ended June 30, 2008. This increase was primarily attributable to the acquisition of XCEL in May 2009 (see note 11 to the condensed consolidated financial statements), increased spending on the purchase of property and equipment and construction activities and increased purchases of short-term investments.

During the six months ended June 30, 2009, payments for purchases of property and equipment and construction activities totaled $113.9 million, including $34.5 million of capital expenditures related to the maintenance, improvement and augmentation of our existing communications sites, $59.1 million spent in connection with the construction of 404 communications tower sites and the installation of eight in-building DAS

 

29


Table of Contents

networks, $17.6 million spent to acquire land under our towers that was subject to ground agreements (including leases), and $2.7 million spent on information technology improvements. In addition, during the six months ended June 30, 2009, we spent $86.7 million, net of $11.3 million in cash acquired, to acquire XCEL and $6.6 million to acquire 14 communications tower sites.

We plan to continue to allocate our available capital among investment alternatives that meet our return on investment criteria. Accordingly, we may continue to acquire communications sites, acquire land under our towers, build or install new communications sites and redevelop or improve existing communications sites when the expected returns on such investments meet our return on investment criteria. We expect that our 2009 total capital expenditures will be between approximately $220.0 million and $255.0 million, including $45.0 million for capital improvements and corporate expenditures, between $30.0 million and $35.0 million for the redevelopment of existing communications sites, between $30.0 million and $40.0 million for ground lease purchases and between $115.0 million and $135.0 million for the construction of approximately 900 to 1,100 new communications sites, including towers and DAS networks, and for the installation of shared back-up power generators at certain of our tower sites.

Cash Flows from Financing Activities

For the six months ended June 30, 2009, cash used for financing activities was $16.8 million, as compared to cash used for financing activities of $111.2 million during the six months ended June 30, 2008. The $16.8 million of cash used for financing activities during the six months ended June 30, 2009 primarily related to the tender offer for the 7.50% Notes, repayment of credit facilities and capital leases of approximately $257.5 million; payments for the repurchase of our Class A common stock (“Common Stock”) of $65.7 million, which consisted of approximately $63.2 million of Common Stock and $2.5 million of amounts surrendered in connection with the vesting of restricted stock units, partially offset by $300.0 million ($291.6 million, net of commissions and expenses) of proceeds from the issuance of the 7.25% senior unsecured notes due 2019 (“7.25% Notes”) and approximately $16.1 million of proceeds from stock options, warrants and the employee stock purchase plan. The $111.2 million of cash used for financing activities during the six months ended June 30, 2008 primarily related to the repayment of notes payable, credit facilities and capital leases of approximately $326.3 million and payments for the repurchases of our Common Stock of $296.6 million, partially offset by $475.0 million of borrowings under the Revolving Credit Facility and Term Loan.

Revolving Credit Facility.    As of June 30, 2009, we had $700.0 million outstanding and the ability to borrow approximately $545.3 million under the Revolving Credit Facility. We continue to maintain the ability to draw down and repay amounts under the Revolving Credit Facility in the ordinary course.

The Borrower under the Revolving Credit Facility is American Tower Corporation. The Revolving Credit Facility has a term of five years and matures on June 8, 2012. Any outstanding principal and accrued but unpaid interest will be due and payable in full at maturity. The Revolving Credit Facility does not require amortization of principal and may be paid prior to maturity in whole or in part at our option without penalty or premium. The Revolving Credit Facility allows us to use borrowings for our and our subsidiaries’ working capital needs and other general corporate purposes (including, without limitation, to refinance or repurchase other indebtedness and, provided certain conditions are met, to repurchase our equity securities, in each case without additional lender approval).

Term Loan.    On March 24, 2008, we entered into the $325.0 million Term Loan pursuant to the Revolving Credit Facility. At closing, we received net proceeds of approximately $321.7 million from the Term Loan, which, together with available cash, we used to repay $325.0 million of existing indebtedness under the Revolving Credit Facility. The Term Loan is governed by the terms of the loan agreement for the Revolving Credit Facility. Consistent with the terms of the Revolving Credit Facility, the borrower under the Term Loan is American Tower Corporation, and the maturity date for the Term Loan is June 8, 2012. Any outstanding

 

30


Table of Contents

principal and accrued but unpaid interest will be due and payable in full at maturity. The Term Loan does not require amortization of principal and may be paid prior to maturity in whole or in part at our option without penalty or premium.

7.25% Senior Notes Offering—On June 10, 2009, we completed an institutional private placement of $300.0 million aggregate principal amount of our 7.25% Notes. The net proceeds to us from the offering were approximately $291.6 million, after deducting commissions and expenses. We used $210.2 million of the net proceeds to finance the repurchase of our outstanding 7.50% Notes through a tender offer. In addition, we used $50.0 million of the net proceeds to repay certain of our outstanding indebtedness incurred under our Revolving Credit Facility.

The 7.25% Notes mature on May 15, 2019, and interest is payable semiannually in arrears on May 15 and November 15 of each year, commencing November 15, 2009, to the persons in whose names the notes are registered at the close of business on the preceding May 1 and November 1, respectively. We may redeem the 7.25% Notes at any time at a redemption price equal to 100% of the principal amount, plus a make-whole premium, together with accrued interest to the redemption date. Interest on the notes will accrue from June 10, 2009 and will be computed on the basis of a 360-day year comprised of twelve 30-day months.

If we undergo a change of control, as defined in the indenture for the 7.25% Notes, or ratings decline (a decrease by one or more gradations of our current debt ratings of Ba1, BB+ and BBB-), we may be required to repurchase all of the 7.25% Notes at a purchase price equal to 101% of the principal amount, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, and additional interest, if any, to but not including the date of repurchase. The 7.25% Notes rank equally with all of our other senior unsecured debt and are structurally subordinated to all existing and future indebtedness and other obligations of our subsidiaries. The indenture contains certain covenants that restrict our ability to incur more subsidiary debt or permit subsidiaries to provide guarantees; create liens; and merge, consolidate or sell assets. These covenants are subject to a number of exceptions, including that we and our subsidiaries may incur certain indebtedness or liens on assets, mortgages or other liens securing indebtedness, if the aggregate amount of such indebtedness and such liens do not exceed 3.5x Adjusted EBITDA, as defined in the indenture.

Stock Repurchase Program.    During the six months ended June 30, 2009, we repurchased an aggregate of 2.3 million shares of our Common Stock for an aggregate of $69.6 million, including commissions and fees, pursuant to our $1.5 billion stock repurchase program approved by our Board of Directors in February 2008 (the “2008 Buyback”). Between July 1, 2009 and July 24, 2009, we repurchased an additional 1.2 million shares of our Common Stock for an aggregate of $38.2 million, including commissions and fees. As of July 24, 2009, we had repurchased a total of 17.5 million shares of Common Stock for an aggregate of $641.2 million, including commissions and fees, pursuant to the 2008 Buyback.

Under the 2008 Buyback, we are authorized to purchase shares from time to time through open market purchases or privately negotiated transactions at prevailing prices in accordance with securities laws and other legal requirements, and subject to market conditions and other factors. To facilitate repurchases, we purchase our Common Stock pursuant to trading plans under Rule 10b5-1 of the Exchange Act, which allow us to repurchase shares during periods when we otherwise might be prevented from doing so under insider trading laws or because of self-imposed trading blackout periods.

In the near term, we expect to fund any further repurchases of our Common Stock through a combination of cash on hand, cash generated by operations and borrowings under our Revolving Credit Facility. Purchases under the 2008 Buyback are subject to us having available cash to fund repurchases.

Sales of Equity Securities.    We receive proceeds from sales of our equity securities pursuant to our employee stock purchase plan, upon the exercise of stock options granted under our equity incentive plans and upon the exercise of warrants to purchase our equity securities. For the six months ended June 30, 2009, we received an aggregate of approximately $16.1 million in proceeds from sales of shares pursuant to our employee stock purchase plan, upon exercises of stock options and upon exercises of warrants.

 

31


Table of Contents

Contractual Obligations.    Our contractual obligations relate primarily to the Commercial Mortgage Pass-Through Certificates, Series 2007-1 issued in our May 2007 securitization transaction, borrowings under our Revolving Credit Facility and Term Loan and our outstanding notes.

The following table summarizes our borrowings under our Revolving Credit Facility and Term Loan, and balance outstanding under our notes and the certificates issued in our securitization transaction and certain other debt, as of June 30, 2009 (in thousands):

 

Indebtedness

   Balance Outstanding    Maturity Date  

Commercial Mortgage Pass-Through Certificates, Series 2007-1

   $ 1,750,000    April 15, 2014 (1) 

Revolving Credit Facility

     700,000    June 8, 2012   

Term Loan

     325,000    June 8, 2012   

7.25% senior subordinated notes

     288    December 1, 2011   

7.50% senior notes (2)

     20,816    May 1, 2012   

7.25% senior notes

     294,857    May 15, 2019   

7.125% senior notes

     500,980    October 15, 2012   

7.00% senior notes

     500,000    October 15, 2017   

5.0% convertible notes

     59,683    February 15, 2010   

3.00% convertible notes

     161,936    August 15, 2012   

XCEL Credit Facility (3)

     70,932    March 31, 2016   

Other debt, including capital leases

     59,779   
         

Total

   $ 4,444,271   
         

 

(1) Anticipated repayment date; final legal maturity date is April 2037.
(2) On July 20, 2009, we redeemed the outstanding balance, as described in further detail below under “—Refinancing Activities.”
(3) The rupee-denominated debt was outstanding at the time of the acquisition of XCEL.

A description of our contractual debt obligations is set forth under the caption “Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk” in Part I, Item 3 of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q. In accordance with the provisions of Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Interpretation No. 48, “Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes, an interpretation of SFAS No. 109”, we classified uncertain tax positions as non-current income tax liabilities. We expect the unrecognized tax benefits to change over the next twelve months if certain tax matters ultimately settle with the applicable taxing jurisdiction during this timeframe. However, based on the status of these items and the amount of uncertainty associated with the outcome and timing of audit settlements, we are currently unable to estimate the impact of the amount of such changes, if any, to previously recorded uncertain tax positions and have classified approximately $16.5 million as other long-term liabilities in the condensed consolidated balance sheet as of June 30, 2009. We also classified approximately $15.5 million of accrued income tax related interest and penalties as other long-term liabilities in the condensed consolidated balance sheet as of June 30, 2009.

Refinancing Activities

In order to extend the maturity dates of our indebtedness, lower our cost of debt and improve our financial flexibility, we use our available liquidity and seek new sources of liquidity to refinance our outstanding indebtedness.

7.50% Senior Notes—During the six months ended June 30, 2009, we repurchased an aggregate of $204.2 million principal amount of the 7.50% Notes pursuant to a cash tender offer. We paid $210.2 million, including approximately $1.7 million in accrued and unpaid interest, to holders of the 7.50% Notes using net proceeds from the offering of the 7.25% Notes discussed above. In June 2009, we issued a notice for the redemption of the 7.50%

 

32


Table of Contents

Notes that remained outstanding following the expiration of the tender offer. On July 20, 2009, we redeemed the remaining $20.8 million aggregate principal amount of 7.50% Notes in accordance with the indenture for the 7.50% Notes at a price equal to 101.875% of the principal amount, plus accrued and unpaid interest, for an aggregate purchase price of $21.5 million. We used available cash on hand to fund the redemption. Upon completion of this redemption, none of the 7.50% Notes remained outstanding.

3.00% Convertible Notes—On August 6, 2009, we issued a notice for the redemption of all of the $162.2 million aggregate principal amount of our outstanding 3.00% convertible notes due August 15, 2012 (“3.00% Notes”). In accordance with the conversion provisions of the 3.00% Notes and the indenture for the 3.00% Notes, holders of the notes have the right at any time until and including, but not after, the close of business on August 26, 2009, to convert their notes into shares of our Common Stock at a conversion rate of 48.7805 shares per $1,000 principal amount of notes.

Factors Affecting Sources of Liquidity

As discussed in the “Liquidity and Capital Resources” section of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2008, our liquidity is dependent on our ability to generate cash flow from operating activities, borrow funds under our Revolving Credit Facility and maintain compliance with the contractual agreements governing our indebtedness. As discussed below, the loan agreements relating to the securitization transaction and to our Revolving Credit Facility and Term Loan contain certain financial ratios and operating covenants and other restrictions that could impact our liquidity. In addition, as discussed below under the caption “Information Presented Pursuant to the Indenture of our 7.125% Notes,” the indenture governing the terms of our 7.125% senior notes due 2012 (“7.125% Notes”) contains certain restrictive covenants not found in our other indentures that could impact our liquidity. We believe that the foregoing debt agreements and indentures represent those of our material debt agreements that incorporate covenants, the compliance with which would be material to an investor’s understanding of our financial results and the impact of those results on our liquidity.

Restrictions Under Loan Agreement Relating to Revolving Credit Facility and Term Loan.    The loan agreement for the Revolving Credit Facility and Term Loan contains certain financial ratios and operating covenants and other restrictions applicable to us and all of our subsidiaries designated as restricted subsidiaries on a consolidated basis. These include limitations on additional debt, distributions and dividends, guaranties, sales of assets and liens. The loan agreement also contains covenants that establish three financial tests with which we and our restricted subsidiaries must comply related to total leverage, senior secured leverage and interest coverage, as set forth below. As of June 30, 2009, we were in compliance with each of these covenants.

 

   

Consolidated Total Leverage Ratio: This ratio requires that we not exceed a ratio of Total Debt to Adjusted EBITDA (as defined in the loan agreement) of 6.00 to 1.00. Based on our financial performance for the twelve months ended June 30, 2009, we could incur approximately $2.35 billion of additional indebtedness and still remain in compliance with this ratio. In addition, if we maintain our existing debt levels and our expenses do not change materially from current levels, our revenues could decrease by approximately $392 million and we would still remain in compliance with this ratio.

 

   

Consolidated Senior Secured Leverage Ratio: This ratio requires that we not exceed a ratio of Senior Secured Debt to Adjusted EBITDA of 3.00 to 1.00. Based on our financial performance for the twelve months ended June 30, 2009, we could incur approximately $1.61 billion of additional Senior Secured Debt and still remain in compliance with this ratio. In addition, if we maintain our existing Senior Secured Debt levels and our expenses do not change materially from current levels, our revenues could decrease by approximately $538 million and we would still remain in compliance with this ratio.

 

   

Interest Coverage Ratio: This ratio requires that we maintain a ratio of Adjusted EBITDA to Interest Expense of not less than 2.50 to 1.00. Based on our financial performance for the twelve months ended June 30, 2009, our interest expense, which was $238 million for that period, could increase by approximately $215 million and we would still remain in compliance with this ratio. In addition, if our interest expense does not change materially from current levels, our revenues could decrease by approximately $539 million and we would still remain in compliance with this ratio.

 

33


Table of Contents

The loan agreement also contains reporting and information covenants that require us to provide financial and operating information within certain time periods. If we are unable to provide the required information on a timely basis, we would be in breach of these covenants.

Any failure to comply with the financial maintenance tests and operating covenants of the loan agreement for the Revolving Credit Facility and Term Loan would not only prevent us from being able to borrow additional funds under the facility, but would constitute a default, which could result in, among other things, the amounts outstanding, including all accrued interest and unpaid fees, becoming immediately due and payable. If this were to occur, we would not have sufficient cash on hand to repay such indebtedness. The key factors affecting our ability to comply with the debt covenants described above are our financial performance relative to the financial maintenance tests defined in the loan agreement for the Revolving Credit Facility and Term Loan and our ability to fund our debt service obligations. Based upon our current expectations, we believe our operating results during the next twelve months will be sufficient to comply with these covenants.

Restrictions Under Loan Agreement Relating to Securitization Transaction.    The loan agreement related to the securitization transaction (the “Securitization”) involved assets related to 5,295 broadcast and wireless communications towers owned by two special purpose subsidiaries of the Company (the “Borrowers”), through a private offering of $1.75 billion of Commercial Mortgage Pass-Through Certificates, Series 2007-1 (the “Certificates”). The Securitization loan agreement includes certain financial ratios and operating covenants and other restrictions customary for loans subject to rated securitizations. Among other things, the Borrowers are prohibited from incurring other indebtedness for borrowed money or further encumbering their assets. The Borrowers’ organizational documents contain provisions consistent with rating agency securitization criteria for special purpose entities, including the requirement that the Borrowers maintain at least two independent directors. The Securitization loan agreement also contains certain covenants that require the Borrowers to provide the trustee with regular financial reports and operating budgets, promptly notify the trustee of events of default and material breaches under the Securitization loan agreement and other agreements related to the towers subject to the Securitization, and allow the trustee reasonable access to the towers, including the right to conduct site investigations.

Under the terms of the Securitization loan agreement, the loan will be paid solely from the cash flows generated by the towers subject to the Securitization, which must be deposited, and thereafter distributed, solely pursuant to the terms of the Securitization loan. The Borrowers are required to make monthly payments of interest on the Securitization loan. On a monthly basis, all cash flow in excess of amounts required to make debt service payments, to fund required reserves, to pay management fees and budgeted operating expenses and to make other payments required under the Securitization loan, referred to as excess cash flow, is to be released to the Borrowers for distribution to us. During the three months ended June 30, 2009, the Borrowers distributed excess cash to us of approximately $113.9 million.

In order to distribute this excess cash flow to us, the Borrowers must maintain several specified ratios with respect to their debt service coverage (“DSCR”). For this purpose, DSCR is tested as of the last day of each calendar quarter and is generally defined as four times the Borrowers’ net cash flow for that quarter divided by the amount of interest, servicing fees and trustee fees that the Borrowers must pay over the succeeding twelve months on the Securitization loan. Pursuant to one such test, if the DSCR as of the end of any calendar quarter were:

 

   

1.30x or less, during the five-year period commencing on the closing date of the Securitization in May 2007, or

 

   

1.75x or less, thereafter, (1.30x or 1.75x as applicable, the “Cash Trap DSCR”),

then all excess cash flow would be placed in a reserve account and would not be released to the Borrowers for distribution to us until the DSCR exceeded the Cash Trap DSCR for two consecutive calendar quarters.

 

34


Table of Contents

Additionally, while principal payments generally are not due with respect to any component of the Securitization loan until April 2014, excess cash flow would be applied to principal during an “Amortization Period” under the Securitization loan until April 2014. An “Amortization Period” would commence under the Securitization loan if the DSCR as of the end of any calendar quarter fell below:

 

   

1.15x, during the five-year period commencing on the closing date of the Securitization in May 2007, or

 

   

1.45x thereafter (1.15x or 1.45x as applicable, the “Minimum DSCR”).

In such a case, all excess cash flow and any amounts then in the reserve account because the Cash Trap DSCR was not met would be applied to pay principal of the Securitization loan on each monthly payment date until the DSCR exceeded the Minimum DSCR for two consecutive calendar quarters, and so would not be available for distribution to us.

Consequently, a failure to comply with the covenants in the Securitization loan agreement could prevent the Borrowers from taking certain actions with respect to the towers. Additionally, a failure to meet the noted DSCR tests could prevent the Borrowers from distributing excess cash flow to us, which could affect our ability to fund our discretionary expenditures, including tower construction and acquisitions, and our stock repurchase programs. In addition, if the Borrowers were to default on the loan related to the Securitization, the trustee could seek to foreclose upon or otherwise convert the ownership of the towers subject to the Securitization, in which case we could lose the towers and the revenue associated with the towers.

As of the end of the quarter ended June 30, 2009, the Borrowers’ DSCR was 3.01x. Based on the Borrowers’ net cash flow for the calendar quarter ended June 30, 2009 and the amount of interest, servicing fees and trustee fees payable over the succeeding twelve months on the Securitization loan, the Borrowers could endure a reduction of approximately $171 million in net cash flow before triggering a Cash Trap DSCR, and approximately $185.8 million in net cash flow before triggering an Amortization Period.

As discussed above, we use our available liquidity and seek new sources of liquidity to refinance and repurchase our outstanding indebtedness. In addition, in order to fund our stock repurchase programs and fund future growth and expansion initiatives, we may need to raise additional capital through financing activities. The downturn in the economy and the disruptions in the financial and credit markets have made it more difficult and more expensive to obtain financing. If we determined that it is desirable or necessary to raise additional capital, we may be unable to do so, or such additional financing may be prohibitively expensive or restricted by the terms of our outstanding indebtedness. If we are unable to raise capital when our needs arise, we may not be able to fund our stock repurchase programs, refinance our existing indebtedness or fund future growth and expansion initiatives.

In addition, our liquidity depends on our ability to generate cash flow from operating activities. As set forth under the caption “Risk Factors” in Part II, Item 1A. of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, we derive a substantial portion of our revenues from a small number of customers and, consequently, a failure by a significant customer to perform its contractual obligations to us could adversely affect our cash flow and liquidity. As also set forth in that Item, as of June 30, 2009, foreign currency fluctuations have caused a subsidiary of Grupo Iusacell, which represented approximately 5% of our total revenues for the six months ended June 30, 2009, to suspend debt service payments of its U.S. dollar denominated debt. While Grupo Iusacell has continued to make partial payments to us over the past several months, our net accounts receivable related to Grupo Iusacell was approximately $30.9 million as of June 30, 2009.

For more information regarding the terms of our outstanding indebtedness, please see note 6 to our consolidated financial statements included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2008.

 

35


Table of Contents

Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

Management’s discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations are based upon our condensed consolidated financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with GAAP. The preparation of these financial statements requires us to make estimates and judgments that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses, as well as related disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities. We evaluate our policies and estimates on an ongoing basis, including those related to income taxes, asset retirement obligations, stock-based compensation, impairment of assets, revenue recognition and estimated useful lives of assets, which we discussed in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2008. Management bases its estimates on historical experience and other various assumptions that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis for making judgments about the carrying values of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. Actual results may differ from these estimates under different assumptions or conditions.

We have reviewed our policies and estimates to determine our critical accounting policies for the three months ended June 30, 2009. We have made no material changes to the critical accounting policies described in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2008, other than the adoption of the accounting pronouncements discussed below.

Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements

In December 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 141R. SFAS No. 141R establishes principles and requirements for how an acquirer recognizes and measures in its financial statements the identifiable assets acquired, the liabilities assumed, any noncontrolling interest in the acquiree and the goodwill acquired. Among other items, SFAS No. 141R changes the accounting for acquisitions by eliminating the step acquisition model, providing that contingent consideration be recognized at the time of acquisition (instead of being recognized when it is probable), disallowing the capitalization of transaction costs, and changing when restructurings related to acquisitions can be recognized. SFAS No. 141R also establishes disclosure requirements to enable the evaluation of the nature and financial effects of the business combination. SFAS No. 141R was effective for us as of January 1, 2009. Approximately $1.2 million of transaction costs previously capitalized in notes receivable and other long-term assets were expensed upon adoption of this standard.

In December 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 160, “Noncontrolling Interests in Consolidated Financial Statements—an amendment of Accounting Research Bulletin No. 51” (SFAS No. 160). SFAS No. 160 establishes accounting and reporting standards for noncontrolling interests in a subsidiary and for the deconsolidation of a subsidiary. SFAS No. 160 requires noncontrolling interests to be classified as a separate component of equity and establishes disclosure requirements that clearly identify and distinguish between the interests of the parent and the interests of the noncontrolling owners. SFAS No. 160 was effective for us as of January 1, 2009. The adoption of SFAS No. 160 did not have a material impact on our condensed consolidated results of operations and financial position. However, we have adjusted our presentation of noncontrolling interests in the condensed consolidated financial statements in order to comply with the disclosure requirements provided by SFAS No. 160.

In February 2008, the FASB issued FASB Staff Position (FSP) 157-2. FSP 157-2 delayed the effective date of SFAS No. 157 “Fair Value Measurements” (SFAS No. 157) to January 1, 2009 for all nonfinancial assets and nonfinancial liabilities that are recognized or disclosed at fair value in the financial statements on a nonrecurring basis (that is, at least annually). The adoption of FAS 157 for non-financial assets and liabilities had no impact on our condensed consolidated results of operations or financial position.

In March 2008, the FASB issued SFAS No. 161, “Disclosures about Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities, an amendment of FASB Statement No. 133” (SFAS No. 161). Among other items, this statement changes disclosure requirements and requires entities to provide enhanced disclosures about how and why entities use derivative financial instruments, how derivative instruments and related hedged items are accounted

 

36


Table of Contents

for under SFAS No. 133 “Accounting for Derivative Financial Instruments and Hedging Activities” and related interpretations, and how derivative instruments and related hedged items affect an entity’s financial position, financial performance and cash flows. SFAS No. 161 was effective for us as of January 1, 2009. We have included additional disclosures regarding our derivative instruments in order to comply with the provisions of SFAS No. 161 (see note 5 to our condensed consolidated financial statements included herein). The adoption of SFAS No. 161 had no impact on our condensed consolidated results of operations or financial position.

In May 2008, the FASB issued SFAS No. 162, “The Hierarchy of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles” (SFAS No. 162). This statement identifies the sources of accounting principles and the framework for selecting the principles used in the preparation of financial statements that are presented in conformity with GAAP. SFAS No. 162 was effective for us 60 days following the SEC’s approval of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board amendments to AU Section 411, “The Meaning of Present Fairly in Conformity with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles” on November 15, 2008. The adoption of SFAS No. 162 had no impact on our condensed consolidated results of operations or financial position.

In April 2009, the FASB issued FASB Staff Position (FSP) 107-1 and Accounting Principles Board (APB) Opinion No. 28-1, “Interim Disclosures about Fair Value of Financials Instruments” (FSP 107-1 and APB 28-1). FSP 107-1 and APB 28-1 amend FASB Statement No. 107, “Disclosures about Fair Value of Financial Instruments” and APB Opinion No. 28, “Interim Financial Reporting,” to require disclosures about the fair value of financial instruments for interim reporting periods as well as in annual financial statements. FSP 107-1 and APB 28-1 were effective for us as of April 1, 2009. Beginning with our Quarterly Report for the quarter ended June 30, 2009, we have included additional disclosures regarding the fair value of our financial instruments. The adoption of FSP 107-1 and APB 28-1 had no impact on our condensed consolidated results of operations or financial position.

In May 2009, the FASB issued SFAS No. 165, “Subsequent Events” (SFAS No. 165). This statement establishes general accounting standards for the disclosure of events that occur after the balance sheet date but before financial statements are issued or are available to be issued. Among other items, SFAS No. 165 sets forth the period after the balance sheet date during which management of a reporting entity should evaluate events or transactions that may occur for potential recognition or disclosure in the financial statements, the circumstances under which an entity should disclose events or transactions occurring after the balance sheet date, and the disclosures entities should make about events or transactions that occurred after the balance sheet date. SFAS No. 165 was effective for us as of June 30, 2009. Beginning with our Quarterly Report for the quarter ended June 30, 2009, we have included additional disclosures regarding our review of subsequent events in order to comply with the provisions of SFAS No. 165 (see note 1 to our condensed consolidated financial statements included herein). The adoption of SFAS No. 165 had no impact on our condensed consolidated results of operations or financial position.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements—In June 2009, the FASB issued SFAS No. 168, “FASB Accounting Standards Codification and the Hierarchy of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles – a replacement of FASB Statement No. 162” (SFAS No. 168). FASB has stated that the FASB Accounting Standards Codification (“Codification”) will become the source of authoritative GAAP recognized by the FASB to be applied by nongovernmental entities. All guidance contained in the Codification carries an equal level of authority. On the effective date of SFAS No. 168, the Codification will supersede all then-existing non-SEC accounting and reporting standards. All other nongrandfathered non-SEC accounting literature not included in the Codification will become nonauthoritative. SFAS No. 168 will be effective for us as of September 30, 2009. We are currently in the process of evaluating the impact the adoption of SFAS No. 168 will have on our condensed consolidated results of operations and financial position.

Information Presented Pursuant to the Indenture of our 7.125% Notes

The table below sets forth information that is presented solely to address certain tower cash flow reporting requirements contained in the indenture for our 7.125% Notes. The indenture governing our 7.125% Notes

 

37


Table of Contents

contains affirmative and restrictive covenants with which we and our restricted subsidiaries must comply. The restrictive covenants include restrictions on our ability to incur additional debt, guarantee debt, pay dividends and make other distributions and make certain investments. Any failure to comply with these covenants would constitute a default, which could result in the acceleration of the principal amount and accrued and unpaid interest on all our outstanding 7.125% Notes.

In order for the holders of the 7.125% Notes to assess our compliance with certain of these covenants, the indenture requires us to disclose in the periodic reports we file with the SEC our Tower Cash Flow, Adjusted Consolidated Cash Flow and Non-Tower Cash Flow (as defined in the indenture). The indenture also contains certain restrictive covenants. For example, subject to certain exceptions, the indenture limits our ability to make restricted payments by the sum of the amount of Consolidated Cash Flow (as defined in the indenture) that we generate, which is determined based on our Tower Cash Flow and Non-Tower Cash Flow, and certain other amounts such as investment return and equity issuance proceeds. In addition, subject to certain exceptions, the indenture prohibits us from incurring additional debt or issuing certain types of preferred stock if, on a pro forma basis, the issuance of such debt and preferred stock would cause our consolidated debt to be greater than 7.5 times our Adjusted Consolidated Cash Flow. As of June 30, 2009, the ratio of our consolidated debt to Adjusted Consolidated Cash Flow was approximately 3.6:1. Based on our financial performance for the twelve months ended June 30, 2009, we could incur approximately $2.9 billion of additional consolidated debt and still remain in compliance with this ratio. In addition, assuming that our consolidated debt levels stay constant, our Adjusted Consolidated Cash Flow could decrease by $387 million and we would still remain in compliance with this ratio.

As noted above, we are required to provide the following data on our and our restricted subsidiaries’ Tower Cash Flow, Adjusted Consolidated Cash Flow and Non-Tower Cash Flow, which are considered non-GAAP financial measures (in thousands):

 

Tower Cash Flow, for the three months ended June 30, 2009

   $ 189,645   
        

Consolidated Cash Flow, for the twelve months ended June 30, 2009

     746,356   

Less: Tower Cash Flow, for the twelve months ended June 30, 2009

     (755,270

Plus: four times Tower Cash Flow, for the three months ended June 30, 2009

     758,580   
        

Adjusted Consolidated Cash Flow, for the twelve months ended June 30, 2009

   $ 749,666   
        

Non-Tower Cash Flow, for the twelve months ended June 30, 2009

   $ (8,914
        

For more information about the restrictions under our notes indenture, see note 6 to our consolidated financial statements included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2008, and the section entitled “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations—Liquidity and Capital Resources—Factors Affecting Sources of Liquidity.”

 

38


Table of Contents
ITEM 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

We are exposed to market risk from changes in interest rates on long-term debt obligations. We attempt to reduce these risks by utilizing derivative financial instruments, namely interest rate swaps. As of June 30, 2009, we held fifteen interest rate swap agreements, all of which have been designated as cash flow hedges, and which have an aggregate notional amount of $775.0 million, interest rates ranging from 2.86% to 4.08% and expiration dates through March 2011. In addition, in May 2009, we entered into a foreign currency exchange contract to hedge the foreign currency exposure associated with our acquisition of XCEL. This foreign currency exchange contract was not designated as a hedging instrument and was settled upon the completion of the acquisition of XCEL on May 27, 2009.

The following tables provide information as of June 30, 2009 about our market risk exposure associated with changing interest rates. For long-term debt obligations, the table presents principal cash flows by maturity date and average interest rates related to outstanding obligations.

Principal Payments and Interest Rate Detail by Contractual Maturity Dates

As of June 30, 2009

(In thousands, except percentages)

 

Long-Term Debt

   2009     2010     2011     2012     2013     Thereafter     Total    Fair Value

Fixed Rate Debt (a)

   $ 1,761      $ 69,660      $ 12,950      $ 695,459      $ 12,469      $ 2,631,317      $ 3,423,616    $ 3,270,764

Average Interest Rate (a)

     5.53     6.05     12.58 %(b)      6.28     12.82 %(b)      6.19     

Variable Rate Debt (a)

         $ 1,025,000          $ 1,025,000    $ 994,250

Aggregate Notional Amounts Associated with Interest Rate Swaps in Place

As of June 30, 2009 and Interest Rate Detail by Contractual Maturity Dates

(In thousands, except percentages)

 

Interest Rate SWAPS

   2009     2010     2011     2012    2013    Thereafter    Total    Fair Value  

Notional Amount

   $ 150,000 (d)                 $ 150,000    $ (2,218

Fixed Rate (c)

     3.95                  

Notional Amount

     $ 100,000 (e)               $ 100,000    $ (4,465

Fixed Rate (c)

       4.08                

Notional Amount

       $ 525,000 (f)             $ 525,000    $ (16,634

Fixed Rate (c)

         3.11              

 

(a) As of June 30, 2009, variable rate debt consists of our Revolving Credit Facility ($700.0 million drawn) and Term Loan ($325.0 million) included above based on the June 8, 2012 maturity date. As of June 30, 2009, fixed rate debt consists of: the Certificates issued in the Securitization ($1.75 billion); 2.25% convertible notes due 2009 ($0.04 million); the 7.125% Notes ($500.0 million principal amount due at maturity; the balance as of June 30, 2009 is $501.0 million); the 5.0% convertible notes due 2010 ($59.7 million); the 7.50% Notes ($20.8 million), which were fully redeemed on July 20, 2009, as further described under “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operation-Refinancing Activities”; the 7.25% senior notes due 2019 ($300.0 million principal amount due at maturity, the balance as of June 30, 2009 is $294.9 million); ATI 7.25% senior subordinated notes due 2011 ($0.3 million); the 3.00% Notes ($162.2 million principal amount due at maturity; the balance as of June 30, 2009 is $161.9 million accreted value); the 7.00% senior notes due 2017 ($500.0 million); the XCEL Credit Facility ($70.9 million); and other debt of $59.7 million. Interest on the Revolving Credit Facility and Term Loan is payable in accordance with the applicable London Interbank Offering Rate (“LIBOR”) agreement or quarterly and accrues at our option either at LIBOR plus margin (as defined) or the base rate plus margin (as defined). The weighted average interest rate in effect at June 30, 2009 for the Revolving Credit Facility and Term Loan was 3.60%. For the six months ended June 30, 2009, the weighted average interest rate under the Revolving Credit Facility and Term Loan was 2.73%.
(b) The increase in the interest rate is primarily due to the scheduled payments under the XCEL credit facility.
(c) Represents the weighted-average fixed rate or range of interest based on contractual notional amount as a percentage of total notional amounts in a given year.

 

39


Table of Contents
(d) Includes notional amounts of $150,000 that expire in December 2009.
(e) Includes notional amount of $100,000 that expires in December 2010.
(f) Includes notional amounts of $525,000 that expire between January and March 2011.

Changes in interest rates can cause interest charges to fluctuate on our variable rate debt. Variable rate debt as of June 30, 2009, after giving effect to our interest rate swap agreements, was comprised of $200.0 million under the Revolving Credit Facility and $50.0 million under the Term Loan. A 10% increase, or approximately 27 basis points, in current interest rates would have caused an additional pre-tax charge to our net income and an increase in our cash outflows of $0.3 million for the year ended June 30, 2009.

We are exposed to market risk from changes in foreign currency exchange rates in connection with our foreign operations, including our rental and management segment divisions in Mexico, Brazil and India. For the three and six months ended June 30, 2009, the remeasurement loss from these operations approximated $0.8 million and $1.0 million, respectively. For the three and six months ended June 30, 2008, the remeasurement loss from these operations approximated $1.3 million and $2.1 million, respectively.

 

40


Table of Contents
ITEM 4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

Disclosure Controls and Procedures

We have established disclosure controls and procedures to ensure that material information relating to us, including our consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to the officers who certify our financial reports and to other members of senior management and the Board of Directors.

Our management, with the participation of our principal executive officer and principal financial officer, evaluated the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Exchange Act as of the end of the period covered by this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q. Based on this evaluation, our principal executive officer and principal financial officer concluded that these disclosure controls and procedures are effective and designed to ensure that the information required to be disclosed in our reports filed or submitted under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the requisite time periods.

Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting

Our management, with the participation of our principal executive officer and principal financial officer, is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting as defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) under the Exchange Act. Our internal control system is designed to provide reasonable assurance to our management and Board of Directors regarding the preparation and fair presentation of published financial statements.

There have not been any changes in our internal control over financial reporting during the three months ended June 30, 2009 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

 

41


Table of Contents

PART II.     OTHER INFORMATION

 

ITEM 1. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

On May 24, 2006 and June 14, 2006, two shareholder derivative lawsuits were filed in Suffolk County Superior Court in Massachusetts by Eric Johnston and Robert L. Garber, respectively. The lawsuits were filed against certain of our current and former officers and directors for alleged breaches of fiduciary duties and unjust enrichment in connection with our historical stock option granting practices. The lawsuits also named us as a nominal defendant. The lawsuits sought to recover the damages sustained by us and disgorgement of all profits received with respect to the alleged backdated stock options. In October 2006, these two lawsuits were consolidated, and in October 2007, the court dismissed the complaint, without leave to amend, due to the plaintiffs’ failure to make a demand upon our Board of Directors before initiating their lawsuits. In December 2007, the plaintiffs filed an appeal of that decision to the Massachusetts Court of Appeals, and in April 2008, we filed a motion to dismiss the appeal as moot. In June 2008, the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court elected, on its own motion, to hear the appeal, and in April 2009, affirmed the judgment dismissing the complaint without leave to amend due to failure to adequately establish demand futility and dismissed the complaint with prejudice. The plaintiffs’ right to initiate a new claim based on the response to the demand made at the time of dismissal expired in July 2009.

We periodically become involved in various claims and lawsuits that are incidental to our business. In our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2008 and the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the three months ended March 31, 2009, we reported our material legal proceedings. Since these filings, other than the legal proceedings discussed above, there have been no material developments with respect to any material legal proceedings to which we are a party. In the opinion of management, after consultation with counsel, other than the legal proceedings discussed in note 10 to our condensed consolidated financial statements included herein, there are no matters currently pending that would, in the event of an adverse outcome, have a material impact on our consolidated financial position, results of operations or liquidity.

 

ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS

Decrease in demand for our communications sites would materially and adversely affect our operating results and we cannot control that demand.

Many of the factors affecting the demand for our communications sites, and to a lesser extent our network development services, could adversely affect our operating results. Those factors include:

 

   

a decrease in consumer demand for wireless services due to general economic conditions or other factors;

 

   

the financial condition of wireless service providers;

 

   

the ability and willingness of wireless service providers to maintain or increase capital expenditures;

 

   

the growth rate of wireless communications or of a particular wireless segment;

 

   

governmental licensing of spectrum;

 

   

mergers or consolidations among wireless service providers;

 

   

increased use of network sharing, roaming or resale arrangements by wireless service providers;

 

   

delays or changes in the deployment of next generation wireless technologies;

 

   

zoning, environmental, health or other government regulations; and

 

   

technological changes.

The demand for broadcast space is dependent on the needs of television and radio broadcasters. Among other things, technological advances, including the development of satellite-delivered radio and video services, may reduce the need for tower-based broadcast transmission. In addition, our broadcast tower division could be adversely affected as a result of the recently completed shift from analog-based transmissions to digital-based transmissions.

 

42


Table of Contents

Furthermore, the downturn in the economy and the disruptions in the financial and credit markets could have an impact on consumer demand for wireless services. If wireless service subscribers significantly reduce their minutes of use, or fail to widely adopt and use wireless data applications, our wireless carrier customers would experience a decrease in demand for their services. As a result, they may scale back their business plans or otherwise reduce their spending, which could adversely affect demand for our tower sites and our network development services business, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition.

If our wireless service provider customers consolidate or merge with each other to a significant degree, our growth, revenue and ability to generate positive cash flows could be adversely affected.

Significant consolidation among our wireless service provider customers may result in the decommissioning of certain existing communications sites, because certain portions of their networks may be redundant, and a reduction in future capital expenditures in the aggregate, because their expansion plans may be similar. For example, in connection with the recent combinations of Verizon Wireless and ALLTEL (to form Verizon Wireless), Cingular and AT&T Wireless (to form AT&T Mobility) and Sprint PCS and Nextel (to form Sprint Nextel) in the United States, and of Iusacell Celular and Unefon (now under the common ownership of Grupo Iusacell) in Mexico, the combined companies have or are considering rationalizing their duplicative networks, which has led and may continue to lead to the decommissioning of certain communications sites. In addition, these and other customers could determine not to renew leases with us as a result. Our future results may be negatively impacted if a significant number of these contracts are terminated, and our ongoing contractual revenues would be reduced as a result. Similar consequences might occur if wireless service providers engage in extensive sharing, roaming or resale arrangements as an alternative to leasing on our communications sites.

Substantial leverage and debt service obligations may adversely affect us.

We have a substantial amount of indebtedness. As of June 30, 2009, we had approximately $4.4 billion of consolidated debt, and the ability to borrow additional amounts of approximately $545.3 million under the Revolving Credit Facility. Our substantial level of indebtedness increases the possibility that we may be unable to generate cash sufficient to pay when due the principal of, interest on, or other amounts due with respect to our indebtedness. In addition, we may draw down the Revolving Credit Facility, effectively increasing our indebtedness. We are also permitted, subject to certain restrictions under our existing indebtedness, to obtain additional long-term debt and working capital lines of credit to meet future financing needs. This would have the effect of increasing our total leverage.

Our substantial leverage could have significant negative consequences on our financial condition and results of operations, including:

 

   

impairing our ability to meet one or more of the financial ratio covenants contained in our debt agreements or to generate cash sufficient to pay interest or principal, which could result in an acceleration of some or all of our outstanding debt and the loss of towers subject to our Securitization in the event that an uncured default occurs;

 

   

increasing our vulnerability to general adverse economic and industry conditions;

 

   

limiting our ability to obtain additional debt or equity financing;

 

   

requiring the dedication of a substantial portion of our cash flow from operations to service our debt, thereby reducing the amount of our cash flow available for other purposes, including capital expenditures;

 

   

requiring us to sell debt or equity securities or to sell some of our core assets, possibly on unfavorable terms, to meet payment obligations;

 

   

limiting our flexibility in planning for, or reacting to, changes in our business and the industries in which we compete;

 

43


Table of Contents
   

limiting our ability to repurchase our Common Stock; and

 

   

placing us at a possible competitive disadvantage with less leveraged competitors and competitors that may have better access to capital resources.

Restrictive covenants in the loan agreement for the Revolving Credit Facility and Term Loan, the indentures governing our debt securities, and the loan agreement related to our Securitization could adversely affect our business by limiting flexibility.

The loan agreement for the Revolving Credit Facility and Term Loan and the indentures governing the terms of our debt securities contain restrictive covenants, as well as requirements to comply with certain leverage and other financial maintenance tests. These covenants and requirements limit our ability to take various actions, including incurring additional debt, guaranteeing indebtedness and engaging in various types of transactions, including mergers, acquisitions and sales of assets. These covenants could place us at a disadvantage compared to some of our competitors, who may have fewer restrictive covenants and may not be required to operate under these restrictions. Further, these covenants could have an adverse effect on our business by limiting our ability to take advantage of financing, new tower development, mergers and acquisitions or other opportunities.

In addition, the loan agreement related to our Securitization includes operating covenants and other restrictions customary for loans subject to rated securitizations. Among other things, the Borrowers under the loan agreement for the Securitization are prohibited from incurring other indebtedness for borrowed money or further encumbering their assets. A failure to comply with the covenants in the loan agreement could prevent the Borrowers from taking certain actions with respect to the towers subject to the Securitization, and could prevent the Borrowers from distributing any excess cash from the operation of such towers to us. If the Borrowers were to default on the loan, the servicer on the loan could seek to foreclose upon or otherwise convert the ownership of the towers subject to the Securitization, in which case we could lose such towers and the revenue associated with such towers.

In addition, reporting and information covenants in our loan agreements and indentures require that we provide financial and operating information within certain time periods. If we are unable to timely provide the required information, we would be in breach of these covenants. For more information regarding the covenants and requirements discussed above, please see Item 7 of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2008 under the caption “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations—Liquidity and Capital Resources—Factors Affecting Sources of Liquidity” and note 6 to our consolidated financial statements included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2008.

We could suffer adverse tax and other financial consequences if taxing authorities do not agree with our tax positions, or we are unable to utilize our net operating losses.

We are periodically subject to a number of tax examinations by taxing authorities in the states and countries where we do business. We also have significant deferred tax assets related to our net operating losses (“NOLs”) in U.S. federal and state taxing jurisdictions. Generally, for U.S. federal and state tax purposes, NOLs can be carried forward and used for up to twenty years, and all of our tax years will remain subject to examination until three years after our NOLs are used or expire. We expect that we will continue to be subject to tax examinations in the future. We recognize tax benefits of uncertain tax positions when we believe the positions are more likely than not of being sustained upon a challenge by the relevant tax authority in accordance with the provisions of FASB Interpretation No. 48, “Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes, an interpretation of SFAS No. 109” (“FIN 48”). We believe our judgments in this area are reasonable and correct, but there is no guarantee that we will be successful if challenged by a tax authority. If there are tax benefits, including from our use of NOLs or other tax attributes, that we have recognized under FIN 48 that are challenged successfully by a taxing authority, we may be required to pay additional taxes or we may seek to enter into settlements with the taxing authorities, which could require significant payments or otherwise have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition.

 

44


Table of Contents

In addition, we may be limited in our ability to utilize our NOLs to offset future taxable income and thereby reduce our otherwise payable income taxes. We have substantial federal and state NOLs, including significant portions obtained through acquisitions and dispositions, as well as those generated through our historic business operations. In addition, we have disposed of some entities and restructured other entities in conjunction with financing transactions and other business activities. We apply the principles contained in FIN 48 to our NOLs and, to the extent we believe that a position with respect to an NOL is not more likely than not to be sustained, we do not record the related deferred tax asset. In addition, for NOLs that meet the recognition threshold of FIN 48, we assess the recoverability of the NOL and establish a valuation allowance against the deferred tax asset related to the NOL if recoverability is questionable. Given the uncertainty surrounding the recoverability of certain of our NOLs, we have established a valuation allowance to offset the related deferred tax asset so as to reflect what we believe to be the recoverable portion of our NOLs.

Our ability to utilize our NOLs is also dependent, in part, upon us having sufficient future earnings to utilize our NOLs before they expire. If market conditions change materially and we determine that we will be unable to generate sufficient taxable income in the future to utilize our NOLs, we could be required to record an additional valuation allowance. We review our FIN 48 position and the valuation allowance for our NOLs periodically and make adjustments from time to time, which can result in an increase or decrease to the net deferred tax asset related to our NOLs. Our NOLs are also subject to review and potential disallowance upon audit by the taxing authorities of the jurisdictions where the NOLs were incurred, and future changes in tax laws or interpretations of such tax laws could limit materially our ability to utilize our NOLs. If we are unable to use our NOLs or use of our NOLs is limited, we may have to make significant payments or otherwise record charges or reduce our deferred tax assets, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition.

Due to the long-term expectations of revenue from tenant leases, the tower industry is sensitive to the creditworthiness and financial strength of its tenants.

Due to the long-term nature of our tenant leases, we, like others in the tower industry, are dependent on the continued financial strength of our tenants. Many wireless service providers operate with substantial leverage. In the past, we have had customers that have filed for bankruptcy, although to date these bankruptcies have not had a material adverse effect on our business or revenues. In addition, many of our customers and potential customers rely on capital raising activities to fund their operations and capital expenditures, and the downturn in the economy and the disruptions in the financial and credit markets have made it more difficult and more expensive to raise capital. If our customers or potential customers are unable to raise adequate capital to fund their business plans, they may reduce their spending, which could adversely affect demand for our tower sites and our network development services business. If, as a result of a prolonged economic downtown or otherwise, one or more of our significant customers experienced financial difficulties or filed for bankruptcy, it could result in uncollectible accounts receivable and an impairment on our deferred rent asset. In addition, it could result in the loss of significant customers and anticipated lease revenues, all of which could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition.

Our foreign operations are subject to economic, political and other risks that could adversely affect our revenues or financial position, including risks associated with foreign currency exchange rates.

Our business operations in Mexico, Brazil and India, and our expansion into any other international markets in the future, could result in adverse financial consequences and operational problems not experienced in the United States. For the six months ended June 30, 2009, approximately 14% of our consolidated revenues were generated by our international operations. We anticipate that our revenues from our international operations may grow in the future. Accordingly, our business is subject to risks associated with doing business internationally, including:

 

   

changes in a specific country’s or region’s political or economic conditions;

 

   

laws and regulations that tax or otherwise restrict repatriation of earnings or other funds or otherwise limit distributions of capital;

 

45


Table of Contents
   

changes to existing or new tax laws directed specifically at the ownership and operation of tower sites;

 

   

expropriation and governmental regulation restricting foreign ownership;

 

   

uncertainties regarding legal or judicial systems, including inconsistencies between and within laws, regulations and decrees, and judicial application thereof;

 

   

difficulty in recruiting and retaining trained personnel; and

 

   

language and cultural differences.

In addition, we face risks associated with changes in foreign currency exchange rates, including those arising from our operations, investments and financing transactions related to our international business. Volatility in foreign currency exchange rates can also affect our ability to plan, forecast and budget for our international operations and expansion efforts. While most of the contracts for our operations in Mexico are denominated in the U.S. Dollar, many are denominated in the Mexican Peso, and contracts for our operations in Brazil and India are denominated in the local currencies. We have not historically engaged in significant currency hedging activities relating to our non-U.S. Dollar operations, and a weakening of these foreign currencies against the U.S. Dollar would have a negative impact on our revenues and operating profits, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition.

A substantial portion of our revenue is derived from a small number of customers.

A substantial portion of our total operating revenues is derived from a small number of customers. For the three months ended June 30, 2009:

 

   

Four customers accounted for approximately 63% of our revenues;

 

   

AT&T Mobility accounted for approximately 20% of our revenues;

 

   

Sprint Nextel accounted for approximately 18% of our revenues;

 

   

Verizon Wireless and ALLTEL, which completed their merger in January 2009, accounted for approximately 16% of our revenues; and

 

   

T-Mobile accounted for approximately 9% of our revenues.

Our largest international customer is Grupo Iusacell, which now controls both Iusacell Celular and Unefon in Mexico. Grupo Iusacell is under common control with TV Azteca. Grupo Iusacell accounted for approximately 5% of our total revenues for the six months ended June 30, 2009. In addition, for the six months ended June 30, 2009, we received $7.1 million in net interest income from TV Azteca.

If any of these customers is unwilling or unable to perform its obligations under our agreements with them, our revenues, results of operations, financial condition and liquidity could be adversely affected. In the ordinary course of our business, we do occasionally experience disputes with our customers, generally regarding the interpretation of terms in our agreements. Although we have historically resolved these disputes in a manner that did not have a material adverse effect on us or our customer relationships, it is possible that such disputes could lead to a termination of our agreements with customers or a material modification of the terms of those agreements, either of which could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition. If we are forced to resolve any of these disputes through litigation, our relationship with the applicable customer could be terminated or damaged, which could lead to decreased revenues or increased costs, resulting in a corresponding adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition.

On April 1, 2009, Grupo Iusacell announced that one of its subsidiaries has suspended the debt service payment of its U.S. dollar denominated debt as part of an ongoing process to restructure its U.S. dollar denominated debt, which has been affected by the significant devaluation of the Mexican peso versus the U.S. dollar. While Grupo Iusacell has continued to make partial payments to us over the past several months, our net

 

46


Table of Contents

accounts receivable related to Grupo Iusacell was approximately $30.9 million as of June 30, 2009. We also have approximately $34.3 million of other Grupo Iusacell related assets which includes financing lease commitments and straight-line revenue accrued that are primarily long-term in nature as of June 30, 2009. If Grupo Iusacell is unable to restructure its indebtedness or if a further devaluation of the Mexican peso were to adversely impact Grupo Iusacell’s overall liquidity, Grupo Iusacell may not be able to meet its operating obligations, including making full payments under the lease agreements with us in the future.

We anticipate that we may need additional financing to fund our stock repurchase programs, to refinance our existing indebtedness and to fund future growth and expansion initiatives.

In order to fund our stock repurchase programs, refinance our existing indebtedness and fund future growth and expansion initiatives, we may need to raise additional capital through financing activities. We believe our cash provided by operations for the year ending December 31, 2009 will be sufficient to fund our cash needs for operations, capital expenditures and cash debt service (interest and principal repayments) obligations for 2009. However, we anticipate that we may need to obtain additional sources of capital in the future to fund growth initiatives and to support additional return of capital to stockholders. If so, depending on market conditions, we may seek to raise capital through credit facilities or debt or equity offerings. The downturn in the economy and the disruptions in the financial and credit markets have made it more difficult and more expensive to raise capital. Such additional financing may be unavailable, may be prohibitively expensive, or may be restricted by the terms of our outstanding indebtedness. If we are unable to raise capital when our needs arise, we may not be able to fund our stock repurchase programs, refinance our existing indebtedness or fund future growth and expansion initiatives.

New technologies could make our tower leasing business less desirable to potential tenants and result in decreasing revenues.

The development and implementation of new technologies designed to enhance the efficiency of wireless networks could reduce the use and need for tower-based wireless services transmission and reception and have the effect of decreasing demand for tower space. Examples of such technologies include technologies that enhance spectral capacity, which can increase the capacity at existing sites and reduce the number of additional sites a given carrier needs to serve any given subscriber base. Additionally, certain complementary network technologies, such as femtocells, could offload a portion of network traffic away from the traditional tower-based networks, which would reduce the need for carriers to add more equipment at certain communications sites. Moreover, the emergence of alternative technologies could reduce the need for tower-based broadcast services transmission and reception. For example, the growth in delivery of radio and video services by direct broadcast satellites could adversely affect demand for our antenna space. The development and implementation of any of these and similar technologies to any significant degree could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition.

We could have liability under environmental laws.

Our operations, like those of other companies engaged in similar businesses, are subject to the requirements of various federal, state and local and foreign environmental and occupational safety and health laws and regulations, including those relating to the management, use, storage, disposal, emission and remediation of, and exposure to, hazardous and non-hazardous substances, materials and wastes. As the owner, lessee or operator of many thousands of real estate sites underlying our towers, we may be liable for substantial costs of remediating soil and groundwater contaminated by hazardous materials, without regard to whether we, as the owner, lessee or operator, knew of or were responsible for the contamination. Many of these laws and regulations contain information reporting and record keeping requirements. We cannot assure you that we are at all times in complete compliance with all environmental requirements. We may be subject to potentially significant fines or penalties if we fail to comply with any of these requirements. The requirements of these laws and regulations are complex, change frequently, and could become more stringent in the future. It is possible that these requirements will change or that liabilities will arise in the future in a manner that could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition.

 

47


Table of Contents

Our business is subject to government regulations and changes in current or future laws or regulations could restrict our ability to operate our business as we currently do.

Our business, and that of our customers, is subject to federal, state, local and foreign regulation, including by the Federal Aviation Administration (“FAA”), the U.S. Federal Communications Commission (“FCC”), the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (“EPA”) and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration. Both the FCC and the FAA regulate towers used for wireless communications and radio and television broadcasting and the FCC separately regulates transmitting devices operating on towers. Similar regulations exist in Mexico, Brazil, India and other foreign countries regarding wireless communications and the operation of communications towers. Local zoning authorities and community organizations are often opposed to construction in their communities and these regulations can delay, prevent or increase the cost of new tower construction, modifications, additions of new antennas to a site, or site upgrades, thereby limiting our ability to respond to customer demands and requirements. Existing regulatory policies may adversely affect the associated timing or cost of such projects and additional regulations may be adopted which increase delays or result in additional costs to us, or that prevent such projects in certain locations. These factors could adversely affect our business, results of operations and financial condition.

Increasing competition in the tower industry may create pricing pressures that may adversely affect us.

Our industry is highly competitive, and our customers have numerous alternatives for leasing antenna space. Some of our competitors, such as national wireless carriers that allow collocation on their towers, are larger and have greater financial resources than we do, while other competitors are in a weaker financial condition or may have lower return on investment criteria than we do.

Our competition includes:

 

   

national and regional tower companies;

 

   

wireless carriers that own towers and lease antenna space to other carriers;

 

   

site development companies that purchase antenna space on existing towers for wireless carriers and manage new tower construction; and

 

   

alternative site structures (e.g., building rooftops, outdoor and indoor DAS networks, billboards and electric transmission towers).

Competitive pricing pressures for tenants on towers from these competitors could adversely affect our lease rates and services income. In addition, we may not be able to renew existing customer leases or enter into new customer leases, resulting in a material adverse impact on our results of operations and growth rate. Increasing competition could also make the acquisition of high quality tower assets more costly.

If we are unable to protect our rights to the land under our towers, it could adversely affect our business and operating results.

Our real property interests relating to our towers consist primarily of leasehold and sub-leasehold interests, fee interests, easements, licenses and rights-of-way. A loss of these interests at a particular tower site may interfere with our ability to operate a tower and generate revenues. For various reasons, we may not always have the ability to access, analyze and verify all information regarding titles and other issues prior to completing an acquisition of communications sites, which can affect our rights to access and operate a site. From time to time we also experience disputes with landowners regarding the terms of ground agreements for land under a tower, which can affect our ability to access and operate a tower site. Further, for various reasons, landowners may not want to renew their ground agreements with us, they may lose their rights to the land, or they may transfer their land interests to third parties, including ground lease aggregators, which could affect our ability to renew ground agreements on commercially viable terms. Approximately 83% of the communications sites in our portfolio as of June 30, 2009 are located on land we do not own. Approximately 88% of the ground agreements for these sites have a final expiration date of 2018 and beyond. Our inability to protect our rights to the land under our towers may have a material adverse effect on us.

 

48


Table of Contents

If we are unable or choose not to exercise our rights to purchase towers that are subject to lease and sublease agreements at the end of the applicable period, our cash flows derived from such towers would be eliminated.

Our communications site portfolio includes towers that we operate pursuant to lease and sublease agreements that include a purchase option at the end of each lease period. If we are unable or choose not to exercise our rights to purchase towers under these agreements at the end of the applicable period, our cash flows derived from such towers would be eliminated. For example, our SpectraSite subsidiary has entered into lease or sublease agreements with affiliates of SBC Communications, a predecessor entity to AT&T Mobility, with respect to approximately 2,500 towers pursuant to which SpectraSite has the option to purchase the sites upon the expiration of the lease or sublease beginning in 2013. The aggregate purchase option price for the AT&T Mobility towers was approximately $393.6 million as of June 30, 2009, and will accrete at a rate of 10% per year to the applicable expiration of the lease or sublease of a site. In addition, we have entered into a similar agreement with ALLTEL, which completed its merger with Verizon Wireless in January 2009, with respect to approximately 1,800 towers, for which we have an option to purchase the sites upon the expiration of the lease or sublease beginning in 2016. The aggregate purchase option price for the ALLTEL towers was approximately $62.3 million as of June 30, 2009, and will accrete at a rate of 3% per year through the expiration of the lease or sublease period. At ALLTEL’s option, at the expiration of the sublease period, the purchase price will be payable in cash or with 769 shares of our Common Stock per tower. We may not have the required available capital to exercise our right to purchase these or other leased or subleased towers at the end of the applicable period. Even if we do have available capital, we may choose not to exercise our right to purchase such towers for business or other reasons. In the event that we do not exercise these purchase rights, or are otherwise unable to acquire an interest that would allow us to continue to operate these towers after the applicable period, we will lose the cash flows derived from such towers, which may have a material adverse effect on our business. In the event that we decide to exercise these purchase rights, the benefits of the acquisitions of such towers may not exceed the associated acquisition, compliance and integration costs, and our financial results could be adversely affected.

Our towers may be affected by natural disasters and other unforeseen damage for which our insurance may not provide adequate coverage.

Our towers are subject to risks associated with natural disasters, such as ice and wind storms, tornadoes, floods, hurricanes and earthquakes, as well as other unforeseen damage. Any damage or destruction to our towers as a result of these or other risks would impact our ability to provide services to our customers and could impact our results of operation and financial condition. For example, as a result of the severe hurricane activity in 2005, approximately 25 of our broadcast and wireless communications sites in the southeastern United States and Mexico suffered material damage and many more suffered lesser damage. While we maintain insurance that provided sufficient coverage for this incident, we may not have adequate insurance to cover the associated costs of repair or reconstruction for a future major event. Further, we carry business interruption insurance, but such insurance may not adequately cover all of our lost revenues, including potential revenues from new tenants that could have been added to our towers but for the damage. If we are unable to provide services to our customers as a result of damage to our towers, it could lead to customer loss, resulting in a corresponding adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition.

Our costs could increase and our revenues could decrease due to perceived health risks from radio emissions, especially if these perceived risks are substantiated.

Public perception of possible health risks associated with cellular and other wireless communications media could slow the growth of wireless companies, which could in turn slow our growth. In particular, negative public perception of, and regulations regarding, these perceived health risks could slow the market acceptance of wireless communications services and increase opposition to the development and expansion of tower sites. The potential connection between radio frequency emissions and certain negative health effects has been the subject of substantial study by the scientific community in recent years, and numerous health-related lawsuits have been

 

49


Table of Contents

filed against wireless carriers and wireless device manufacturers. If a scientific study or court decision resulted in a finding that radio frequency emissions posed health risks to consumers, it could negatively impact the market for wireless services, as well as our wireless carrier customers, which would adversely affect our operations, costs and revenues. We do not maintain any significant insurance with respect to these matters.

Our historical stock option granting practices are subject to ongoing governmental proceedings, which could result in fines, penalties or other liability.

In May 2006, we announced that our Board of Directors had established a special committee of independent directors to conduct a review of our stock option granting practices and related accounting. Subsequent to the formation of the special committee, we received an informal letter of inquiry from the SEC, a subpoena from the office of the United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York and an information document request from the IRS, each requesting documents and information related to our stock option grants and practices. We also received a request for information from the Department of Labor, which concluded its review in September 2008, with no action taken against us. We are cooperating with these governmental authorities to provide the requested documents and information. These governmental proceedings are ongoing, and the time period necessary to resolve these proceedings is uncertain and could require significant additional management and financial resources. Significant legal and accounting expenses related to these matters have been incurred to date, and we may continue to incur expenses in the future. Depending on the outcomes of these proceedings, we and members of our senior management could be subject to regulatory fines, penalties, enforcement actions or other liability, which could have a material adverse impact on our business, results of operations and financial condition. In addition, as a result of the special committee’s findings, we restated our historical financial statements for certain periods prior to March 31, 2006 to, among other things, record changes for stock-based compensation expense (and related tax effects) relating to certain past stock option grants.

 

50


Table of Contents
ITEM 2. UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS

During the three months ended June 30, 2009, we issued an aggregate of 14,039 shares of our Common Stock upon the exercise of 1,972 warrants assumed in our merger with SpectraSite, Inc. In August 2005, in connection with the merger, we assumed approximately 1.0 million warrants to purchase shares of SpectraSite, Inc. common stock. Upon completion of the merger, each warrant to purchase shares of SpectraSite, Inc. common stock automatically converted into a warrant to purchase 7.15 shares of Common Stock at an exercise price of $32 per warrant. Net proceeds from these warrant exercises were $61,216. The shares were issued in reliance on the exemption from registration set forth in Sections 3(a)(9) and 3(a)(10) of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 1145 of the United States Code. No underwriters were engaged in connection with such issuances.

Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities

During the three months ended June 30, 2009, we repurchased 2,231,532 shares of our Common Stock for an aggregate of $67.8 million, including commissions and fees, pursuant to our publicly announced stock repurchase program, as follows:

 

Period

   Total Number of
Shares Purchased
   Average
Price Paid
per Share
   Total Number of Shares
Purchased as Part of
Publicly Announced
Plans or Programs
   Approximate Dollar Value of
Shares that May Yet be
Purchased Under the
Plans or Programs
                    (In millions)

April 2009 (1)

   —        —      —      $ 966.1

May 2009 (1)

   59,400    $ 29.36    59,400    $ 964.2

June 2009 (1)

   2,172,132    $ 30.39    2,172,132    $ 898.1
               

Total Second Quarter

   2,231,532    $ 30.36    2,231,532    $ 898.1
               

 

(1) Repurchases made pursuant to the $1.5 billion stock repurchase program publicly approved by our Board of Directors in February 2008. Under this program, our management is authorized to purchase shares from time to time through open market purchases or privately negotiated transactions at prevailing prices as permitted by securities laws and other legal requirements, and subject to market conditions and other factors. To facilitate repurchases, we make purchases pursuant to a trading plan under Rule 10b5-1 of the Exchange Act, which allows us to repurchase shares during periods when we otherwise might be prevented from doing so under insider trading laws or because of self-imposed trading blackout periods. This program may be discontinued at any time.

Since June 30, 2009, we have continued to repurchase shares of our Common Stock pursuant to our stock repurchase program. Between July 1, 2009 and July 24, 2009, we repurchased 1.2 million shares of our Common Stock for an aggregate of $38.2 million, including commissions and fees, pursuant to this program.

 

51


Table of Contents
ITEM 4. SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS

The 2009 Annual Meeting of Stockholders was held on May 6, 2009, to consider and act upon the following matters, all of which were approved and adopted. The results of the stockholder voting were as follows:

 

  1. Election of the following directors for the ensuing year or until their successors are elected and qualified.

 

Nominee

   Votes Cast For    Votes Against    Votes Abstained

Raymond P. Dolan

   345,641,086    4,901,682    468,066

Ronald M. Dykes

   350,412,437    253,391    345,006

Carolyn F. Katz

   345,664,951    4,879,508    466,375

Gustavo Lara Cantu

   350,392,713    268,225    349,896

JoAnn A. Reed

   350,417,622    242,967    350,246

Pamela D.A. Reeve

   346,417,761    4,195,081    397,992

David E. Sharbutt

   350,217,377    375,816    417,642

James D. Taiclet, Jr.

   335,616,893    14,988,179    405,762

Samme L. Thompson

   349,832,107    710,108    468,620

 

  2. Ratification of the selection of Deloitte & Touche LLP as the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm for 2009.

 

Votes Cast For

   Votes Against    Votes Abstained

340,553,303

   10,090,358    367,173

 

ITEM 6. EXHIBITS

See the Exhibit Index on Page EX-1 of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, which Exhibit Index is incorporated herein by reference.

 

52


Table of Contents

SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

 

    AMERICAN TOWER CORPORATION
Date: August 6, 2009     By:   /s/    THOMAS A. BARTLETT        
      Thomas A. Bartlett
     

Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

(Duly Authorized Officer and Principal

Financial Officer)

 

53


Table of Contents

EXHIBIT INDEX

 

Exhibit No.

  

Description

10.1    Indenture, dated as of June 10, 2009 by and between American Tower Corporation and The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A., as Trustee, for the 7.25% Senior Notes due 2019, including the form of 7.25% Senior Note.
10.2    Registration Rights Agreement, dated as of June 10, 2009, by and among American Tower Corporation and the Initial Purchasers named therein with respect to the 7.25% Senior Notes due 2019.
31.1    Certification of Principal Executive Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
31.2    Certification of Principal Financial Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
32    Certifications pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350.
101*    The following materials from American Tower Corporation’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2009, formatted in XBRL (Extensible Business Reporting Language): (i) the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets, (ii) Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations, (iii) Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows, (iv) Condensed Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity and (v) Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements, tagged as blocks of text.

 

* Furnished herewith.

 

EX-1