10-QPeriod: Q1 FY2009

AMERICAN TOWER CORP /MA/ Quarterly Report for Q1 Ended Mar 31, 2009

Filed May 8, 2009For Securities:AMT

Summary

AMERICAN TOWER CORP /MA/ (AMT) reported a solid first quarter for 2009, demonstrating revenue growth and improved profitability despite the broader economic climate. Total revenues increased by 7% to $408.7 million, driven by a 6% increase in rental and management revenue, which benefited from new tenants, equipment additions, and contractual escalators. Network development services also saw significant growth, up 55%. The company reported net income of $58.8 million, a substantial increase from $42.2 million in the prior year's quarter. This growth was fueled by increased revenues, a lower interest expense, and a more favorable tax provision. The balance sheet remains robust, with total assets at $8.3 billion and stockholders' equity growing to $3.1 billion. Cash flow from operations was strong at $205.7 million, providing ample liquidity, with $303 million in cash and cash equivalents and significant availability under its revolving credit facility.

Financial Highlights

24 data points
Beta

Revenue

$408.68M

Net Income

$58.60M

14.3% Net Margin

EPS (Diluted)

$0.15

Cash & Equivalents

$303.04M

Free Cash Flow

$205.74M

Financial Statements
Beta
Revenue$408.68M
SG&A Expenses$57.63M
Operating Expenses$258.39M
Operating Income$150.28M
Interest Expense$61.57M
Net Income$58.60M
EPS (Basic)$0.15
EPS (Diluted)$0.15
Shares Outstanding (Basic)397.18M
Shares Outstanding (Diluted)408.25M

Key Highlights

  • 1Total revenues increased by 7% year-over-year to $408.7 million.
  • 2Net income attributable to American Tower Corporation grew by 39% to $58.6 million.
  • 3Rental and management revenue, the company's primary revenue driver, increased by 6% to $395.9 million.
  • 4Network development services revenue saw substantial growth of 55% to $12.7 million.
  • 5Operating income increased to $150.3 million from $144.9 million.
  • 6Cash provided by operating activities was $205.7 million, an increase of 13% from the prior year's quarter.
  • 7The company maintained compliance with its debt covenants, including a Consolidated Total Leverage Ratio well within the 6.00 to 1.00 limit.

Frequently Asked Questions

The primary driver of revenue growth was the rental and management segment, which saw a 6% increase due to factors such as adding new tenants, existing tenants adding more equipment, and contractual escalators. Network development services also contributed significantly with a 55% increase.

Profitability improved significantly. Net income attributable to American Tower Corporation increased by 39% to $58.6 million, driven by higher revenues, reduced interest expenses, and a lower effective tax rate.

The company has a strong liquidity position, with $303.0 million in cash and cash equivalents and approximately $495.2 million available under its $1.25 billion senior unsecured revolving credit facility as of March 31, 2009. Total liquidity was approximately $798.3 million.

While the company is involved in various legal proceedings, including ongoing governmental inquiries related to stock option granting practices and a lawsuit in Mexico concerning a terminated tower construction contract, management believes that, apart from the matters discussed, there are no other pending proceedings that would have a material adverse impact on its financial position or results of operations if an unfavorable outcome were to occur.