10-QPeriod: Q2 FY2009

AMERICAN TOWER CORP /MA/ Quarterly Report for Q2 Ended Jun 30, 2009

Filed August 6, 2009For Securities:AMT

Summary

AMERICAN TOWER CORP /MA/ (AMT) reported its financial results for the period ending June 29, 2009. The company saw a 8% increase in total revenues year-over-year for the quarter, driven by a 6% rise in rental and management revenue. This growth was supported by adding new tenants and equipment to existing sites, as well as revenue from newly acquired or constructed sites. Despite revenue growth, operating expenses also increased by 8%, largely due to higher selling, general, administrative, and development expenses, partly influenced by increased bad debt expense and acquisition-related costs. The company also recorded a significant loss on the retirement of long-term obligations due to repurchasing its 7.50% senior notes. Net income attributable to American Tower Corporation decreased by 65% compared to the prior year's quarter, primarily due to a significant income tax benefit recorded in the prior year related to discontinued operations (Verestar).

Financial Statements
Beta
Revenue$423.36M
SG&A Expenses$49.86M
Operating Expenses$256.91M
Operating Income$166.45M
Interest Expense$62.65M
Net Income$56.29M
EPS (Basic)$0.14
EPS (Diluted)$0.14
Shares Outstanding (Basic)397.42M
Shares Outstanding (Diluted)408.83M

Key Highlights

  • 1Total revenues increased by 8% to $423.4 million for the second quarter of 2009 compared to the same period in 2008.
  • 2Rental and management revenue, the primary revenue driver (96% of total revenues), grew by 6% to $406.8 million, reflecting growth from existing and acquired sites.
  • 3Selling, general, administrative, and development (SG&A&D) expenses increased by 19% to $49.9 million, impacted by higher bad debt expenses and acquisition costs.
  • 4The company recorded a $6.0 million loss on the retirement of long-term obligations related to the repurchase of 7.50% senior notes.
  • 5Net income attributable to American Tower Corporation decreased significantly by 65% to $56.3 million, largely due to the absence of a large tax benefit from discontinued operations recorded in the prior year.
  • 6Cash flow from operating activities increased by approximately $50.2 million to $409.3 million for the six months ended June 30, 2009, compared to the prior year.
  • 7The company acquired XCEL Telecom Private Limited in India for approximately $98.0 million, adding 1,660 towers to its portfolio and generating preliminary goodwill of $45.9 million.

Frequently Asked Questions

The increase in total revenues by 8% to $423.4 million was primarily driven by a 6% rise in rental and management revenue, which grew to $406.8 million. This growth was a result of adding new tenants and equipment to existing sites, revenue from contractual escalators, and contributions from approximately 2,780 newly acquired or constructed communications sites.

Net income attributable to American Tower Corporation decreased by 65% to $56.3 million for the quarter. This was primarily due to a large income tax benefit of $106.1 million recorded in the second quarter of 2008 related to discontinued operations (specifically, losses from Verestar). Excluding this one-time item from the prior year, the income from continuing operations showed modest growth.

The company recorded a $6.0 million loss on retirement of long-term obligations in the second quarter of 2009. This loss resulted from repurchasing $204.2 million of its 7.50% senior notes due 2012 for $210.2 million, which included amounts paid in excess of the carrying value and the write-off of related deferred financing fees. This action was part of the company's debt management strategy.

American Tower acquired XCEL, a telecom infrastructure provider in India, for approximately $98.0 million on May 27, 2009. This acquisition added approximately 1,660 towers to its portfolio and contributed to an increase in property and equipment. The acquisition resulted in approximately $45.9 million in preliminary goodwill, reflecting future growth opportunities and established infrastructure.