10-QPeriod: Q1 FY2010

AMERICAN TOWER CORP /MA/ Quarterly Report for Q1 Ended Mar 31, 2010

Filed May 6, 2010For Securities:AMT

Summary

American Tower Corporation (AMT) reported its first-quarter 2010 financial results, showing significant year-over-year growth in both revenues and net income. Total operating revenues increased by 11% to $454.4 million, driven primarily by a 12% rise in rental and management revenue, which now constitutes approximately 98% of the company's total revenue. This growth was attributed to incremental revenue from existing sites and contributions from newly acquired or constructed sites. Net income attributable to American Tower Corporation more than doubled, increasing by 64% to $96.3 million, or $0.24 per diluted share, up from $58.6 million, or $0.15 per diluted share, in the prior year period. The company also demonstrated strong operating cash flow, generating $253.6 million, a 23% increase from Q1 2009, reflecting improved operational efficiency and revenue growth. During the quarter, AMT continued its strategic capital allocation, investing $88.5 million in U.S. tower acquisitions and making significant progress on its international expansion, notably the pending acquisition in India. From a financial health perspective, AMT maintained a strong liquidity position with $352.9 million in cash and cash equivalents and $621.9 million available under its revolving credit facility. Long-term obligations remained substantial at approximately $4.2 billion, but the company reported compliance with its debt covenants. Management expressed confidence in its ability to fund operations, capital expenditures, and debt service obligations through internally generated cash flows over the next twelve months. The company also continued its share repurchase program, buying back $51.5 million worth of stock in the quarter. Notably, the company is considering a conversion to a Real Estate Investment Trust (REIT) structure, which could have implications for future tax liabilities and capital structure.

Financial Statements
Beta
Revenue$454.43M
SG&A Expenses$53.53M
Operating Expenses$275.58M
Operating Income$178.85M
Interest Expense$58.42M
Net Income$96.32M
EPS (Basic)$0.24
EPS (Diluted)$0.24
Shares Outstanding (Basic)402.35M
Shares Outstanding (Diluted)406.08M

Key Highlights

  • 1Total operating revenues increased 11% year-over-year to $454.4 million, driven by a 12% increase in rental and management revenue.
  • 2Net income attributable to American Tower Corporation grew significantly by 64% to $96.3 million ($0.24 per diluted share), compared to $58.6 million ($0.15 per diluted share) in the prior year.
  • 3Cash provided by operating activities increased by 23% to $253.6 million, underscoring strong operational cash generation.
  • 4The company invested $88.5 million in U.S. tower acquisitions and is proceeding with a large acquisition in India, signaling continued strategic expansion.
  • 5Total debt stood at approximately $4.2 billion, with the company maintaining compliance with its debt covenants and a strong liquidity position of $974.8 million (cash + available credit).
  • 6Selling, general, and administrative expenses decreased by 7% due to lower stock-based compensation, though SG&A related to international expansion increased.
  • 7The company is evaluating a potential conversion to a Real Estate Investment Trust (REIT) structure.

Frequently Asked Questions

The primary driver of American Tower's revenue growth is its rental and management segment, which accounts for approximately 98% of total revenues. Growth is achieved through recurring revenue from existing 'legacy' sites by adding new tenants or equipment, and through new revenue generated from recently acquired or constructed sites. Contractual tenant lease escalations also contribute.

Profitability significantly improved. Net income attributable to American Tower Corporation more than doubled, increasing by 64% from $58.6 million in Q1 2009 to $96.3 million in Q1 2010. This translated to diluted earnings per share of $0.24, up from $0.15 in the prior year period.

American Tower maintains a strong liquidity position with $352.9 million in cash and cash equivalents and $621.9 million available under its revolving credit facility, totaling approximately $974.8 million in liquidity. Total outstanding debt was around $4.2 billion. The company reported compliance with its debt covenants and believes its operating cash flow will be sufficient to cover capital expenditures and debt service obligations over the next twelve months. They are also considering a conversion to a REIT structure.

The company is investing capital in both domestic and international expansion. In Q1 2010, they invested $88.5 million in U.S. tower acquisitions and have a significant acquisition pending in India. Capital expenditures also include spending on discretionary projects like tower construction, DAS network installations, and land acquisitions under existing towers.