8-KEarnings & ResultsLeadership ChangesMaterial Agreements+3

AMERICAN TOWER CORP /MA/ 8-K Report, Material Agreement (Feb 20, 2007)

Filed February 20, 2007For Securities:AMT

Summary

American Tower Corporation (AMT) filed an 8-K on February 20, 2007, detailing significant financial and corporate events. The company secured $550 million in new incremental revolving loan commitments across its American Tower and SpectraSite credit facilities, which are secured and guaranteed by the company and its restricted subsidiaries. These facilities mature on October 27, 2010, and provide flexibility for general corporate purposes, including potential equity repurchases and debt refinancing. In addition to strengthening its credit capacity, AMT announced a substantial $1.5 billion stock repurchase program for its Class A common stock, approved by its Board of Directors and set to run through February 2008. The company also drew down $250 million from its existing revolving credit facility to fund a tender offer for its 5.0% Convertible Notes due 2010, aiming to repurchase approximately $252.4 million of these notes. Lastly, the filing noted the departure of J. Michael Gearon, Jr., Vice Chairman and President of American Tower International.

Key Highlights

  • 1Secured $550 million in new incremental revolving loan commitments across two credit facilities (American Tower and SpectraSite).
  • 2These new credit facilities mature on October 27, 2010, and offer flexibility for general corporate purposes.
  • 3Borrowed $250 million from the American Tower Credit Facility to fund a tender offer for 5.0% Convertible Notes due 2010.
  • 4Announced a new stock repurchase program authorized by the Board of Directors to buy back up to $1.5 billion of Class A common stock through February 2008.
  • 5The press release furnished with this 8-K likely contains the company's financial results for the fourth quarter and full year ended December 31, 2006.
  • 6J. Michael Gearon, Jr., Vice Chairman and President of American Tower International, announced his intention to leave the company.

Frequently Asked Questions

The new incremental revolving loan commitments totaling $550 million provide American Tower Corporation with additional borrowing capacity. These funds are available for general corporate purposes and can be used, under certain conditions, for repurchasing the company's equity securities and refinancing other indebtedness.

American Tower Corporation borrowed $250 million to fund a tender offer to repurchase its outstanding 5.0% Convertible Notes due 2010. This tender offer is designed to satisfy the rights of noteholders to require the company to repurchase their notes.

The $1.5 billion stock repurchase program indicates the company's commitment to returning value to shareholders and managing its capital structure. It suggests management's confidence in the company's stock and its ability to generate sufficient cash flow to fund these repurchases.

Yes, J. Michael Gearon, Jr., Vice Chairman and President of American Tower International, has notified the company of his intention to leave to pursue personal endeavors and other interests.