10-QPeriod: Q1 FY2005

AMERICAN TOWER CORP /MA/ Quarterly Report for Q1 Ended Mar 31, 2005

Filed May 10, 2005For Securities:AMT

Summary

American Tower Corporation (AMT) reported its first quarter 2005 financial results, highlighting a 9% increase in total revenues to $184.4 million, primarily driven by a 10% rise in rental and management revenues to $181.6 million. This growth was attributed to adding new tenants to existing towers and revenue from recently acquired/constructed towers. Despite revenue growth, the company reported a net loss of $31.6 million, an improvement from a $48.2 million loss in the prior year's first quarter, indicating progress in managing expenses and operational efficiency. Operationally, the company is progressing with its business strategy, focusing on expanding its tower portfolio and optimizing its rental and management segment. Significant financing activities during the quarter included the redemption of $133.0 million in 9 3/8% senior notes and repurchases of ATI 12.25% notes, demonstrating active debt management. A key development announced shortly after the quarter's end was the agreement to merge with SpectraSite, Inc. in a stock-for-stock transaction, expected to close in the second half of 2005, which will significantly expand AMT's tower portfolio.

Key Highlights

  • 1Total revenues increased by 9% to $184.4 million for the three months ended March 31, 2005.
  • 2Rental and management revenues grew by 10% to $181.6 million, driven by tenant additions and new tower additions.
  • 3Net loss decreased to $31.6 million from $48.2 million in the prior year's first quarter.
  • 4The company redeemed $133.0 million of its 9 3/8% senior notes due 2009 and repurchased $37.0 million face amount of ATI 12.25% senior subordinated discount notes due 2008.
  • 5As of March 31, 2005, total liquidity was approximately $504.5 million, consisting of $122.8 million in cash and cash equivalents and $381.7 million available under its credit facility.
  • 6A material weakness in internal control over financial reporting related to lease accounting was identified and is being remediated.
  • 7On May 4, 2005, American Tower announced an agreement to merge with SpectraSite, Inc. in a stock-for-stock transaction.

Frequently Asked Questions

For the first quarter ended March 31, 2005, American Tower reported a 9% increase in total revenues to $184.4 million, primarily driven by a 10% increase in rental and management revenues. Despite revenue growth, the company incurred a net loss of $31.6 million, which was an improvement compared to the $48.2 million net loss in the same period of 2004.

During the first quarter of 2005, American Tower actively managed its debt. The company redeemed $133.0 million of its 9 3/8% senior notes due 2009 and repurchased $37.0 million face amount of its ATI 12.25% senior subordinated discount notes due 2008. These actions were taken to manage debt maturities and potentially reduce interest expenses.

Shortly after the first quarter ended, on May 4, 2005, American Tower announced a definitive agreement to merge with SpectraSite, Inc. in a stock-for-stock transaction. This significant merger is expected to close in the second half of 2005, subject to shareholder and regulatory approvals, and will substantially expand American Tower's communication site portfolio.

Yes, the company disclosed a material weakness in its internal control over financial reporting related to the accounting for ground leases underlying its tower sites. This led to a restatement of prior financial statements. Management is implementing remediation steps to address this weakness.