10-QPeriod: Q2 FY2017

AMERICAN TOWER CORP /MA/ Quarterly Report for Q2 Ended Jun 30, 2017

Filed July 27, 2017For Securities:AMT

Summary

American Tower Corporation (AMT) reported solid financial performance for the second quarter and first half of 2017. Total revenues increased by 15% and 20% for the respective periods, driven by robust growth across all geographic segments, particularly in Asia, EMEA, and Latin America. This growth was fueled by increased tenant billings from colocations, amendments, and new sites, as well as pass-through revenue. The company also demonstrated strong operational execution, with operating income increasing by 31% for the quarter and 52% year-to-date. Adjusted EBITDA saw a 17% increase for the quarter and 19% for the year-to-date period, underscoring the company's ability to generate consistent cash flow from its expanding portfolio. Financially, AMT continued to manage its capital structure effectively. The company issued new senior notes in both Euro and USD denominations, raising significant capital to repay existing debt and for general corporate purposes. Furthermore, the company resumed its share repurchase program, demonstrating a commitment to returning value to shareholders. Despite an increase in total debt, the company maintained its financial flexibility with substantial available credit facilities. AMT's strategic focus on expanding its global tower portfolio through acquisitions, such as the FPS Towers France acquisition, alongside organic growth initiatives, positions it well for continued revenue and profit expansion.

Financial Statements
Beta
Revenue$1.66B
SG&A Expenses$153.10M
Operating Expenses$1.09B
Operating Income$576.90M
Interest Expense$187.03M
Net Income$367.00M
EPS (Basic)$0.81
EPS (Diluted)$0.80
Shares Outstanding (Basic)427.30M
Shares Outstanding (Diluted)430.49M

Key Highlights

  • 1Total revenues increased by 15% year-over-year for Q2 2017 to $1.66 billion and by 20% for the first half of 2017 to $3.28 billion.
  • 2Operating income grew significantly, up 31% year-over-year for Q2 2017 to $576.9 million and up 52% year-over-year for the first half of 2017 to $1.11 billion.
  • 3Adjusted EBITDA increased by 17% for Q2 2017 to $1.02 billion and by 19% for the first half of 2017 to $2.02 billion, indicating strong operational performance.
  • 4The company completed two senior note offerings, raising substantial capital in Euros and USD, which were used to repay existing debt.
  • 5Acquisitions, including the FPS Towers France acquisition, contributed to revenue growth, particularly in the EMEA and Asia segments.
  • 6The company resumed its share repurchase program, buying back over 5.1 million shares for approximately $641.3 million in the first half of 2017.
  • 7Diluted EPS increased to $0.80 in Q2 2017 from $0.37 in Q2 2016, and to $1.47 for the first half of 2017 from $0.95 in the prior year period.

Frequently Asked Questions

Revenue growth was primarily driven by increases in tenant billings, which included new revenue from colocations and amendments, new revenue from acquired or constructed sites, and contractual rent escalations. Pass-through revenue, particularly from acquisitions like Viom in Asia, also contributed significantly.

American Tower raised capital through senior note offerings in both Euros and U.S. Dollars, totaling over $1.2 billion in the first half of 2017, which was primarily used to repay existing indebtedness under its credit facilities. The company also has substantial availability under its credit facilities and is actively managing its debt maturities, including redeeming certain senior notes.

Acquisitions, notably the FPS Towers France transaction and the Viom Acquisition in India, were significant contributors to revenue and operating profit growth, especially in the EMEA and Asia segments. These acquisitions expand the company's global footprint and enhance its portfolio of communication sites.

American Tower demonstrated a commitment to shareholder returns by resuming its share repurchase program, repurchasing over 5.1 million shares for approximately $641.3 million in the first half of 2017. Additionally, the company continued to declare and pay dividends on its common stock, consistent with its REIT obligations.