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UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

 

 


 

Form 10-Q

 


 

 

 

(Mark One):

 

x   Quarterly report pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. For the quarterly period ended March 31, 2005.

 

¨   Transition report pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.

 

Commission File Number: 001-14195

 

 


 

 

American Tower Corporation

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

Delaware   65-0723837

(State or other jurisdiction of

Incorporation or Organization)

 

(I.R.S. Employer

Identification No.)

 

116 Huntington Avenue

Boston, Massachusetts 02116

(Address of principal executive offices)

 

Telephone Number (617) 375-7500

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days: Yes x No ¨

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an accelerated filer (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act): Yes x No ¨

 

As of May 4, 2005, there were 230,666,614 shares of Class A Common Stock outstanding.

 

 



Table of Contents

AMERICAN TOWER CORPORATION

 

INDEX

 

FORM 10-Q

QUARTER ENDED MARCH 31, 2005

 

          Page No.

PART I.    FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1.

   Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements     
     Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets as of March 31, 2005 and December 31, 2004    1
     Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations for the three months ended March 31, 2005 and 2004    2
     Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the three months ended March 31, 2005 and 2004    3
     Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements    4

Item 2.

   Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations    16

Item 3.

   Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk    28

Item 4.

   Controls and Procedures    29
PART II.    OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1.

   Legal Proceedings    31

Item 2.

   Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds.    31

Item 6.

   Exhibits    31

Signatures

   32

Exhibit Index

   EX-1


Table of Contents

PART 1.    FINANCIAL INFORMATION

 

ITEM 1.    UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

AMERICAN TOWER CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS—Unaudited

(In Thousands, Except Share Data)

 

     March 31,
2005


    December 31,
2004


 

ASSETS

                

CURRENT ASSETS:

                

Cash and cash equivalents

   $ 122,797     $ 215,557  

Accounts receivable, net of allowances of $13,597 and $13,968, respectively

     30,424       38,634  

Prepaid and other current assets

     35,820       45,367  

Deferred income taxes

     6,090       6,090  

Assets held for sale

     3,389       3,389  
    


 


Total current assets

     198,520       309,037  
    


 


PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT, net

     2,231,278       2,273,356  

OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS, net

     967,229       985,303  

GOODWILL

     592,683       592,683  

DEFERRED INCOME TAXES

     642,145       633,814  

NOTES RECEIVABLE AND OTHER LONG-TERM ASSETS

     293,045       291,779  
    


 


TOTAL

   $ 4,924,900     $ 5,085,972  
    


 


LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

                

CURRENT LIABILITIES:

                

Accounts payable and accrued expenses

   $ 120,666     $ 121,672  

Accrued interest

     43,586       39,466  

Current portion of other long-term obligations

     5,350       138,386  

Unearned revenue

     28,422       32,681  
    


 


Total current liabilities

     198,024       332,205  
    


 


LONG-TERM OBLIGATIONS

     3,141,835       3,155,228  

OTHER LONG-TERM LIABILITIES

     126,740       121,505  
    


 


Total liabilities

     3,466,599       3,608,938  
    


 


COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

                

MINORITY INTEREST IN SUBSIDIARIES

     5,970       6,081  

STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY:

                

Preferred Stock: $.01 par value; 20,000,000 shares authorized; no shares issued or outstanding

                

Class A Common Stock: $.01 par value; 500,000,000 shares authorized; 230,761,701 and 229,745,116 shares issued, 230,616,480 and 229,599,895 shares outstanding, respectively

     2,308       2,297  

Additional paid-in capital

     4,025,353       4,012,425  

Accumulated deficit

     (2,570,964 )     (2,539,403 )

Treasury stock (145,221 shares at cost)

     (4,366 )     (4,366 )
    


 


Total stockholders’ equity

     1,452,331       1,470,953  
    


 


TOTAL

   $ 4,924,900     $ 5,085,972  
    


 


 

See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

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AMERICAN TOWER CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS—Unaudited

(In Thousands, Except Per Share Data)

 

     Three Months Ended
March 31,


 
     2005

    2004

 

REVENUES:

                

Rental and management

   $ 181,570     $ 164,576  

Network development services

     2,785       4,215  
    


 


Total operating revenues

     184,355       168,791  
    


 


OPERATING EXPENSES:

                

Rental and management

     60,180       58,876  

Network development services

     2,202       3,561  

Depreciation, amortization and accretion

     81,971       81,345  

Corporate general, administrative and development expense

     6,973       6,879  

Impairments, net loss on sale of long-lived assets and restructuring expense

     2,777       3,914  
    


 


Total operating expenses

     154,103       154,575  
    


 


OPERATING INCOME FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS

     30,252       14,216  
    


 


OTHER INCOME (EXPENSE):

                

Interest income, TV Azteca, net of interest expense of $373 and $376, respectively

     3,498       3,540  

Interest income

     699       1,114  

Interest expense

     (54,716 )     (69,157 )

Loss on retirement of long-term obligations

     (15,042 )     (8,053 )

Other income (expense)

     670       (204 )
    


 


Total other expense

     (64,891 )     (72,760 )
    


 


LOSS FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS BEFORE INCOME TAXES, MINORITY INTEREST AND EQUITY METHOD INVESTMENTS

     (34,639 )     (58,544 )

Income tax benefit

     4,338       13,018  

Minority interest in net earnings of subsidiaries

     (55 )     (1,423 )

Loss on equity method investments

     (1,098 )     (618 )
    


 


LOSS FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS

     (31,454 )     (47,567 )

LOSS FROM DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS, NET OF INCOME TAX BENEFIT OF $57 and $363, RESPECTIVELY

     (107 )     (671 )
    


 


NET LOSS

   $ (31,561 )   $ (48,238 )
    


 


BASIC AND DILUTED LOSS PER COMMON SHARE AMOUNTS:

                

Loss from continuing operations

   $ (0.14 )   $ (0.22 )

Loss from discontinued operations

                
    


 


NET LOSS PER COMMON SHARE

   $ (0.14 )   $ (0.22 )
    


 


WEIGHTED AVERAGE COMMON SHARES OUTSTANDING

     230,158       220,408  
    


 


 

See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

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AMERICAN TOWER CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS—Unaudited

(In Thousands)

 

     Three Months Ended
March 30,


 
     2005

    2004

 

CASH FLOWS PROVIDED BY OPERATING ACTIVITIES:

                

Net loss

   $ (31,561 )   $ (48,238 )

Other non-cash items reflected in statements of operations

     109,829       102,720  

Decrease in assets

     13,606       10,829  

Increase (decrease) in liabilities

     681       (33,595 )
    


 


Cash provided by operating activities

     92,555       31,716  
    


 


CASH FLOWS USED FOR INVESTING ACTIVITIES:

                

Payments for purchase of property and equipment and construction activities

     (15,881 )     (10,832 )

Payments for acquisitions

     (932 )     (13,373 )

Payments for acquisition of Mexico minority interest

     (7,270 )        

Proceeds from sale of businesses and other long-term assets

     910       20,818  

Deposits, investments and other long-term assets

     (310 )     (2,586 )
    


 


Cash used for investing activities

     (23,483 )     (5,973 )
    


 


CASH FLOWS USED FOR FINANCING ACTIVITIES:

                

Repayment of notes payable, credit facility and capital leases

     (169,086 )     (307,704 )

Proceeds from issuance of debt securities

             225,000  

Net proceeds from stock options

     7,500       4,271  

Restricted cash and investments

             50,899  

Deferred financing costs and other financing activities

     (246 )     (4,976 )
    


 


Cash used for financing activities

     (161,832 )     (32,510 )
    


 


NET DECREASE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS

     (92,760 )     (6,767 )

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, BEGINNING OF YEAR

     215,557       105,465  
    


 


CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, END OF PERIOD

   $ 122,797     $ 98,698  
    


 


CASH PAID FOR INCOME TAXES

   $ 958     $ 279  
    


 


CASH PAID FOR INTEREST

   $ 37,255     $ 75,149  
    


 


NON-CASH TRANSACTIONS

                

Issuance of common stock in connection with the acquisition of Mexico minority interest

   $ 2,831          

 

See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

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AMERICAN TOWER CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—Unaudited

 

1.    Basis of Presentation and Accounting Policies

 

The accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared by American Tower Corporation (the Company) pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The financial information included herein is unaudited; however, the Company believes such information and the disclosures herein are adequate to make the information presented not misleading and reflect all adjustments (consisting only of normal recurring adjustments) that are necessary for a fair presentation of the Company’s financial position and results of operations for such periods. Results of interim periods may not be indicative of results for the full year. These condensed consolidated financial statements and related notes should be read in conjunction with the Company’s 2004 Annual Report on Form 10-K.

 

Use of Estimates—The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the condensed consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes. Actual results may differ from those estimates, and such differences could be material to the accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

Loss Per Common Share—Basic and diluted net loss per common share have been computed by dividing the Company’s net loss by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period. For the three months ended March 31, 2005 and 2004, potential common shares, including options, warrants and shares issuable upon conversion of the Company’s convertible notes, have been excluded from the computation of diluted loss per common share, as their effect is anti-dilutive. Potential common shares excluded from the calculation of net loss per share were approximately 67.9 million and 59.0 million for the three months ended March 31, 2005 and 2004, respectively.

 

Stock-Based Compensation—The Company continues to use Accounting Principles Board Opinion No. 25, “Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees,” (APB No. 25) to account for equity grants and awards to employees, officers and directors and has adopted the disclosure-only provisions of Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (SFAS) No. 148, “Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation—Transition and Disclosure—an amendment of SFAS No. 123.”

 

The following table illustrates the effect on net loss and net loss per share if the Company had applied the fair value recognition provisions of SFAS No. 123 (as amended) to stock-based compensation. The estimated fair value of each option is calculated using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model (in thousands, except per share amounts):

 

     Three Months Ended
March 31,


 
     2005

    2004

 

Net loss as reported

   $ (31,561 )   $ (48,238 )

Add: Stock-based employee compensation expense associated with modifications, net of related tax effect, included in net loss as reported

     133          

Less: Total stock-based employee compensation expense determined under fair value based method for all awards, net of related tax effect

     (4,320 )     (5,903 )
    


 


Pro-forma net loss

   $ (35,748 )   $ (54,141 )
    


 


Basic and diluted net loss per share—as reported

   $ (0.14 )   $ (0.22 )

Basic and diluted net loss per share pro-forma

   $ (0.16 )   $ (0.25 )

 

Recent Accounting Pronouncements—In December 2004, the FASB issued SFAS No. 123R, “Share-Based Payment” (SFAS No. 123R) which is a revision of SFAS No. 123, “Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation”, and supersedes APB No. 25 and its related implementation guidance. SFAS No. 123R requires entities to

 

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AMERICAN TOWER CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—Unaudited—(Continued)

 

recognize stock compensation expense for awards of equity instruments to employees based on the grant-date fair value of those awards (with limited exceptions). In April 2005, the SEC adopted a rule that deferred the required effective date for certain public companies, and SFAS 123R is now effective as of the beginning of the first fiscal year beginning after June 15, 2005. The Company is in the process of evaluating the two methods of adoption allowed by SFAS 123R; the modified-prospective transition method and modified-retrospective transition method. The Company will adopt SFAS No. 123R as of January 1, 2006.

 

Reclassifications—Certain reclassifications have been made to the accompanying 2004 condensed consolidated financial statements and related notes to conform to the 2005 presentation.

 

2.    Income Taxes

 

The Company provides for income taxes at the end of each interim period based on the estimated effective tax rate for the full fiscal year. Cumulative adjustments to the Company’s estimate are recorded in the interim period in which a change in the estimated annual effective rate is determined.

 

3.    Discontinued Operations

 

As described in note 2 to the Company’s 2004 Annual Report on Form 10-K, the Company sold its tower construction services unit in November 2004 and substantially all the assets of Kline Iron & Steel Co., Inc. (Kline) in March 2004. In accordance with SFAS No. 144, “Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets,” the Company classified the operating results of these businesses as discontinued operations in the accompanying condensed consolidated statements of operations.

 

The following table presents summary operating results of the Company’s discontinued operations (in thousands):

 

     Three Months Ended
March 31,


 
         2005    

        2004    

 

Revenue

           $ 21,025  
    


 


Loss from discontinued operations

             (697 )

Income tax benefit on loss from discontinued operations

             245  

Net loss on disposal of discontinued operations, net of tax benefit of $57 and $118, respectively

   $ (107 )     (219 )
    


 


Loss from discontinued operations, net

   $ (107 )   $ (671 )
    


 


 

4.    Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets

 

The Company’s net carrying amount of goodwill was approximately $592.7 million as of March 31, 2005 and December 31, 2004, all of which related to its rental and management segment.

 

The following table presents summary information about the Company’s acquired intangible assets subject to amortization (in thousands):

 

     March 31, 2005

    December 31, 2004

 

Acquired customer base and network location intangibles

   $ 1,381,443     $ 1,369,607  

Deferred financing costs

     84,445       89,736  

Acquired licenses and other intangibles

     43,404       43,404  
    


 


Total

     1,509,292       1,502,747  

Less accumulated amortization

     (542,063 )     (517,444 )
    


 


Other intangible assets, net

   $ 967,229     $ 985,303  
    


 


 

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AMERICAN TOWER CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—Unaudited—(Continued)

 

The Company amortizes its intangible assets over periods ranging from three to fifteen years. Amortization of intangible assets for the three months ended March 31, 2005 was approximately $24.3 million (excluding amortization of deferred financing costs, which is included in interest expense). The Company expects to record estimated amortization expense of $98.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2005, and $96.7 million, $92.8 million, $91.3 million, $89.6 million and $87.9 million, respectively, for the years ended December 31, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009 and 2010, respectively.

 

5.    Financing Transactions

 

9 3/8% Notes Redemption—In January 2005, the Company completed the redemption of $133.0 million principal amount of its 9 3/8% senior notes due 2009 (9 3/8% Notes) in accordance with a notice of redemption issued in December 2004. The Company used a portion of the proceeds from its December 2004 offering of 7.125% senior notes due 2012, plus additional cash on hand, to redeem the 9 3/8% Notes pursuant to the terms of the indenture at a purchase price equal to 105.11% of the principal amount, plus accrued interest. The total aggregate redemption price was $139.8 million, plus approximately $5.3 million in accrued interest. Upon completion of this partial redemption and as of March 31, 2005, $141.9 million principal amount of the 9 3/8% Notes remained outstanding. The Company recorded a charge of $9.2 million related to amounts paid in excess of carrying value and write-off of deferred financing fees, which is reflected in loss on retirement of long-term obligations in the accompanying condensed consolidated statement of operations for the three months ended March 31, 2005.

 

ATI 12.25% Notes Repurchases—During the three months ended March 31, 2005, in addition to the redemption discussed above, the Company repurchased in privately negotiated transactions 12.25% senior subordinated discount notes due 2008 of American Towers, Inc. (ATI), the Company’s principal operating subsidiary (ATI 12.25% Notes). The Company repurchased an aggregate of $37.0 million face amount ($22.6 million accreted value, net of $1.6 million fair value allocated to warrants) of ATI 12.25% Notes for approximately $27.9 million in cash. The Company recorded a charge of $5.8 million related to the amounts paid in excess of carrying value and write-off of deferred financing fees, which is reflected in loss on retirement of long-term obligations in the accompanying condensed consolidated statement of operations for the three months ended March 31, 2005. As of March 31, 2005, the Company had $291.7 million accreted value of ATI 12.25% Notes outstanding (net of fair value allocated to warrants of $18.6 million).

 

6.    Restructuring

 

During the three months ended March 31, 2005, the Company incurred certain employee separation costs and made cash payments against its accrued restructuring liability. The following table displays activity with respect to the accrued restructuring liability for the three months ended March 31, 2005 (in thousands):

 

     Liability as of
January 1, 2005


   Restructuring
Expense


   Cash
Payments


    Liability as of
March 31, 2005


Employee separations

   $ 665    $ 45    $ (291 )   $ 419

Lease terminations and other facility closing costs

     431             (91 )     340
    

  

  


 

Total

   $ 1,096    $ 45    $ (382 )   $ 759
    

  

  


 

 

There were no material changes in estimates related to the Company’s accrued restructuring liability during the three months ended March 31, 2005. The Company expects to pay the balance of the employee separation liabilities through the second half of 2005. Additionally, the Company continues to negotiate certain lease terminations associated with its restructuring liability. Such liability is reflected in accounts payable and accrued expenses in the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheets.

 

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AMERICAN TOWER CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—Unaudited—(Continued)

 

7.    Business Segments

 

The Company operates in two business segments: rental and management and network development services. The rental and management segment provides for the leasing and subleasing of antennae sites on multi-tenant towers and other properties for a diverse range of customers primarily in the wireless communication and broadcast industries. The network development services segment offers services activities that support the Company’s rental and management operations and the addition of new tenants on the Company’s towers, including site acquisition, zoning, permitting and structural analysis.

 

The accounting policies applied in compiling segment information below are similar to those described in the Company’s 2004 Annual Report on Form 10-K. In evaluating financial performance, management focuses on operating profit (loss), excluding depreciation, amortization and accretion; corporate general, administrative and development expense; and impairments, net loss on sale of long-lived assets and restructuring expense. This measure of operating profit (loss) is also before interest income, interest expense, other expense, loss on retirement of long-term obligations, minority interest in net earnings of subsidiaries, loss on equity method investments, income taxes and discontinued operations. For reporting purposes, the rental and management segment includes interest income, TV Azteca, net.

 

The Company’s reportable segments are strategic business units that offer different services. They are managed separately because each segment requires different resources, skill sets and marketing strategies. Summarized financial information concerning the Company’s reportable segments for the three months ended March 31, 2005 and 2004 is shown in the following tables. The Other column below represents amounts excluded from specific segments, such as depreciation, amortization and accretion expense; corporate general, administrative and development expense; impairments, net loss on sale of long-lived assets and restructuring expense; interest income; interest expense; loss on retirement of long-term obligations; and other expense. The Other column also includes corporate assets such as cash and cash equivalents, certain tangible and intangible assets and income tax accounts not allocated to specific segments, as well as assets held for sale.

 

Three months ended March 31, (in thousands)


   RM

   Services

   Other

    Total

 

2005

                              

Revenues

   $ 181,570    $ 2,785            $ 184,355  

Operating profit (loss)

     124,888      583    $ (160,110 )     (34,639 )

Assets

     4,000,964      41,056      882,880       4,924,900  

2004

                              

Revenues

   $ 164,576    $ 4,215            $ 168,791  

Operating profit (loss)

     109,240      654      (168,438 )     (58,544 )

Assets

     4,194,721      67,976      891,231       5,153,928  

 

8.    Commitments and Contingencies

 

Verestar—Verestar, Inc., a subsidiary of the Company, filed for protection under Chapter 11 of the federal bankruptcy laws on December 22, 2003. If Verestar fails to honor certain of its contractual obligations because of its bankruptcy filing or otherwise, claims may be made against the Company for breaches by Verestar of those contracts as to which the Company is primarily or secondarily liable as a guarantor. The Company accrued its estimate of costs to settle these obligations as of December 31, 2003 and has adjusted such estimate to reflect actual payments made through March 31, 2005. The liability of $2.6 million and $3.2 million as of March 31, 2005, and December 31, 2004, respectively, is included in accounts payable and accrued expenses in the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheet. In addition, Verestar’s bankruptcy estate may bring certain claims against the Company or seek to hold the Company liable for certain transfers made by Verestar to the Company and/or for Verestar’s obligations to creditors under various equitable theories recognized under

 

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AMERICAN TOWER CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—Unaudited—(Continued)

 

bankruptcy law. The Official Committee of Unsecured Creditors appointed in the Verestar bankruptcy proceeding (the Committee) has requested, and the Company has agreed to produce, certain documents in connection with the subpoena for Rule 2004 Examination (as defined under federal bankruptcy laws) issued by the Committee. The Bankruptcy Court also has entered an order approving a stipulation between Verestar and the Committee that permits the Committee to file claims against the Company and/or its affiliates on behalf of Verestar. In filings with the Bankruptcy Court and in oral statements to the Company’s counsel, counsel for the Committee has stated that the Committee may pursue claims against the Company and certain of its current or former officers or directors. No such claims had been filed as of May 4, 2005. In the opinion of management, the resolution of any claims that may be made against the Company by Verestar’s bankruptcy estate will not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial position, results of operations or liquidity. Finally, the Company will incur additional costs in connection with its involvement in the Verestar bankruptcy proceedings. Such costs will be recorded as incurred and reflected within discontinued operations in the accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

Litigation—The Company periodically becomes involved in various claims and lawsuits that are incidental to its business. In the opinion of Company management, after consultation with counsel, there are no matters currently pending which would, in the event of adverse outcome, have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial position, results of operations or liquidity.

 

Acquisitions—As of March 31, 2005, the Company was party to an agreement relating to the acquisition of nine tower assets from Iusacell Celular (Iusacell) for an aggregate remaining purchase price of approximately $1.9 million. The Company may pursue acquisitions of other properties and businesses in new and existing locations, although there are no definitive material agreements with respect thereto, except as described in note 10.

 

Build-to-Suit Agreements—As of March 31, 2005, the Company was party to various arrangements relating to the construction of tower sites under existing build-to-suit agreements. Under the terms of the agreements, the Company is obligated over a three-year period to construct up to 750 towers, including 400 towers in Mexico and 350 towers in Brazil. During the three months ended March 31, 2005, the Company completed construction on 20 towers in Mexico pursuant to build-to-suit agreements.

 

9.    ATC International Transactions

 

ATC Mexico Holding—During 2004, the Company repurchased a 12.0% interest in ATC Mexico Holding Corp. (ATC Mexico), the subsidiary through which the Company conducts its Mexico operations, from certain stockholders of ATC Mexico, including J. Michael Gearon, Jr. (Mr. Gearon) and William H. Hess (Mr. Hess), executive officers of the Company. The Company paid 80% of the consideration for their interests in ATC Mexico in April 2004 (for Mr. Gearon) and October 2004 (for Mr. Hess and the other stockholders). Payment of the remaining 20% of the purchase price of $7.3 million, plus interest (for Mr. Gearon), and 218,566 shares of Class A common stock (for Mr. Hess and the other stockholders) was contingent upon ATC Mexico satisfying certain performance criteria. In February 2005, the Company’s Board of Directors determined that the performance criteria had been satisfied and the Company paid to these stockholders the remaining 20% of the purchase price. The Company paid Mr. Gearon $7.7 million in cash and issued to the other stockholders (including Mr. Hess) an aggregate of 159,836 shares of Class A common stock, net of 58,730 shares of Class A common stock retained by the Company to satisfy employee tax withholding obligations. The Company recorded the aggregate purchase price of these shares of $3.9 million in the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheet as of March 31, 2005. In accordance with SFAS No. 141 “Business Combinations” the acquisitions have been accounted for under the purchase method of accounting. The purchase prices have been allocated to the net assets acquired (principally intangible assets) and liabilities assumed based on the estimated fair values at the date of acquisition.

 

8


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AMERICAN TOWER CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—Unaudited—(Continued)

 

10.    Subsequent Events

 

Agreement to Merge with SpectraSite, Inc.—On May 4, 2005, the Company announced an agreement to merge with SpectraSite, Inc. (SpectraSite). Under the terms of the agreement, the Company and SpectraSite will merge in a stock for stock exchange, in which shareholders of SpectraSite will receive 3.575 shares of the Company’s Class A common stock for each common share of SpectraSite. The Company expects to issue approximately 181.0 million shares in the transaction. The Company expects the transaction, which is subject to approval by the Company’s and SpectraSite’s shareholders, as well as regulatory approvals and other customary closing conditions, to close in the second half of 2005.

 

ATI 12.25% Notes Repurchases—From April 1, 2005 to May 4, 2005, the Company repurchased in privately negotiated transactions an aggregate of $77.4 million face amount ($49.1 million accreted value, net of $3.1 million fair value allocated to warrants) of ATI 12.25% Notes for approximately $59.0 million in cash. The Company will record a charge of $11.1 million related to the amounts paid in excess of carrying value and write-off of deferred financing fees in the second quarter of 2005. As of May 4, 2005, the Company had $245.7 million accreted value of ATI 12.25% Notes outstanding (net of fair value allocated to warrants of $15.1 million).

 

11.    Subsidiary Guarantees

 

ATI’s payment obligations under the ATI 12.25% Notes and the ATI 7.25% senior subordinated notes due 2011 (the ATI 7.25% Notes, and collectively with the ATI 12.25% Notes, the ATI Notes) are fully and unconditionally guaranteed on joint and several bases by the Company (ATI’s parent) and substantially all of the Company’s and ATI’s wholly owned domestic subsidiaries (collectively Restricted Guarantors). The ATI Notes and the subsidiary guarantees under the ATI Notes are subordinated to all indebtedness under the Company’s credit facility.

 

The following condensed consolidating financial data illustrates the composition of the Company, ATI, the combined guarantor subsidiaries under the ATI Notes and non-guarantor subsidiaries. These statements have been prepared in accordance with the rules and requirements of the SEC and the requirements contained in the ATI Notes indentures. The Company believes that separate complete financial statements of the respective guarantors would not provide additional material information which would be useful in assessing the financial composition of the guarantors. No single guarantor has any significant legal restrictions on the ability of investors or creditors to obtain access to its assets in event of default on the subsidiary guarantee other than its subordination to the Company’s credit facility.

 

Investments in subsidiaries are accounted for by the Company under the equity method for purposes of the supplemental consolidating presentation. In addition, ATI and the guarantor subsidiaries account for their subsidiaries that are not guarantors under the equity method. (Earnings) losses of subsidiaries accounted for under the equity method are therefore reflected in their parents’ investment accounts. The principal elimination entries eliminate investments in subsidiaries and intercompany balances and transactions.

 

9


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AMERICAN TOWER CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—Unaudited—(Continued)

 

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING BALANCE SHEET

 

MARCH 31, 2005

(In Thousands)

 

    Parent

    ATI

    Guarantor
Subsidiaries


    Non-guarantor
Subsidiaries


    Eliminations

    Consolidated
Totals


 

ASSETS

                                               

CURRENT ASSETS;

                                               

Cash & cash equivalents

  $ 40,463     $ 64,401     $ 524     $ 17,409             $ 122,797  

Accounts receivable, net

            24,353       2,162       3,909               30,424  

Prepaid & other current assets

    3,948       26,421       333       5,118               35,820  

Deferred income taxes

    6,090                                       6,090  

Assets held for sale

                    3,389                       3,389  
   


 


 


 


 


 


Total current assets

    50,501       115,175       6,408       26,436               198,520  
   


 


 


 


 


 


PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT, NET

            1,935,746       18,037       277,495               2,231,278  

INTANGIBLE ASSETS, NET

    32,979       1,367,355       9,847       149,731               1,559,912  

INVESTMENTS IN AND ADVANCES TO SUBSIDIARIES

    2,459,605       23,357       479,228             $ (2,962,190 )        

OTHER LONG-TERM ASSETS

    642,648       173,652       25       118,865               935,190  
   


 


 


 


 


 


TOTAL

  $ 3,185,733     $ 3,615,285     $ 513,545     $ 572,527     $ (2,962,190 )   $ 4,924,900  
   


 


 


 


 


 


LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

                                               

CURRENT LIABILITIES:

                                               

Accounts payable and accrued expenses

  $ 33,275     $ 104,514     $ 1,620     $ 24,843             $ 164,252  

Current portion of long-term obligations

    46       4,821               483               5,350  

Other current liabilities

            27,993       396       33               28,422  
   


 


 


 


 


 


Total current liabilities

    33,321       137,328       2,016       25,359               198,024  
   


 


 


 


 


 


LONG-TERM OBLIGATIONS

    1,698,807       1,408,532       (2 )     34,498               3,141,835  

OTHER LONG-TERM LIABILITIES

    1,274       121,253       98       4,115               126,740  
   


 


 


 


 


 


Total liabilities

    1,733,402       1,667,113       2,112       63,972               3,466,599  
   


 


 


 


 


 


MINORITY INTEREST IN SUBSIDIARIES

                            5,970               5,970  
   


 


 


 


 


 


STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

                                               

Common Stock

    2,308                                       2,308  

Additional paid-in capital

    4,025,353       3,318,629       451,789       936,376     $ (4,706,794 )     4,025,353  

Accumulated (deficit) earnings

    (2,570,964 )     (1,370,457 )     59,644       (433,791 )     1,744,604       (2,570,964 )

Treasury stock

    (4,366 )                                     (4,366 )
   


 


 


 


 


 


Total stockholders’ equity

    1,452,331       1,948,172       511,433       502,585       (2,962,190 )     1,452,331  
   


 


 


 


 


 


TOTAL

  $ 3,185,733     $ 3,615,285     $ 513,545     $ 572,527     $ (2,962,190 )   $ 4,924,900  
   


 


 


 


 


 


 

10


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AMERICAN TOWER CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—Unaudited—(Continued)

 

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS

 

THREE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31, 2005

(In Thousands)

 

    Parent

    ATI

    Guarantor
Subsidiaries


    Non-Guarantor
Subsidiaries


    Eliminations

    Consolidated
Totals


 

Operating revenues

          $ 146,371     $ 1,718     $ 36,266             $ 184,355  

Operating expenses

            127,994       1,214       24,895               154,103  
   


 


 


 


 


 


Operating income from continuing operations

            18,377       504       11,371               30,252  

Other income (expense):

                                               

Interest income, TV Azteca, net

                            3,498               3,498  

Interest income

  $ 250       317               132               699  

Interest expense

    (25,637 )     (28,689 )     (2 )     (388 )             (54,716 )

Other expense

    (9,166 )     (5,351 )             145               (14,372 )

Equity in (loss) income of subsidiaries, net of income taxes recorded at the subsidiary level

    (9,102 )     686       11,768             $ (3,352 )        
   


 


 


 


 


 


(LOSS) INCOME FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS BEFORE INCOME TAXES, MINORITY INTEREST AND LOSS ON EQUITY METHOD INVESTMENTS

    (43,655 )     (14,660 )     12,270       14,758       (3,352 )     (34,639 )

Income tax benefit (provision)

    12,094       (5,693 )     186       (2,249 )             4,338  

Minority interest in net earnings of subsidiaries

                            (55 )             (55 )

Loss on equity method investments

            (1,098 )                             (1,098 )
   


 


 


 


 


 


(LOSS) INCOME FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS

    (31,561 )     (21,451 )     12,456       12,454       (3,352 )     (31,454 )

LOSS FROM DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS, NET OF INCOME TAX BENEFIT

            (107 )                             (107 )
   


 


 


 


 


 


NET (LOSS) INCOME

  $ (31,561 )   $ (21,558 )   $ 12,456     $ 12,454     $ (3,352 )   $ (31,561 )
   


 


 


 


 


 


 

11


Table of Contents

AMERICAN TOWER CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—Unaudited—(Continued)

 

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS

 

THREE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31, 2005

(In Thousands)

 

    Parent

    ATI

    Guarantor
Subsidiaries


    Non-guarantor
Subsidiaries


    Consolidated
Totals


 

CASH FLOWS (USED FOR) PROVIDED BY OPERATING ACTIVITIES

  $ (29,445 )   $ 93,457     $ 680     $ 27,863     $ 92,555  

CASH FLOWS USED FOR INVESTING ACTIVITIES:

                                       

Payments for purchase of property and equipment and construction activities

            (8,618 )     (41 )     (7,222 )     (15,881 )

Payments for acquisitions

                            (8,202 )     (8,202 )

Proceeds from sale of businesses and other long-term assets

            910                       910  

Deposits, investments and other long-term assets

            18               (328 )     (310 )
   


 


 


 


 


Cash used for investing activities

            (7,690 )     (41 )     (15,752 )     (23,483 )
   


 


 


 


 


CASH FLOWS USED FOR FINANCING ACTIVITIES:

                                       

Repayment of notes payable, credit facility and capital leases

    (139,799 )     (29,150 )             (137 )     (169,086 )

Net proceeds from stock options

    7,500                               7,500  

Deferred financing costs and other financing activities

    (211 )     (35 )                     (246 )

Investments in and advances from (to) subsidiaries

    8,935       1,645       (422 )     (10,158 )        
   


 


 


 


 


Cash used for financing activities

    (123,575 )     (27,540 )     (422 )     (10,295 )     (161,832 )
   


 


 


 


 


NET (DECREASE) INCREASE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS

    (153,020 )     58,227       217       1,816       (92,760 )

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, BEGINNING OF YEAR

    193,483       6,174       307       15,593       215,557  
   


 


 


 


 


CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, END OF PERIOD

  $ 40,463     $ 64,401     $ 524     $ 17,409     $ 122,797  
   


 


 


 


 


 

12


Table of Contents

AMERICAN TOWER CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—Unaudited—(Continued)

 

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING BALANCE SHEET

 

DECEMBER 31, 2004

(In Thousands)

 

    Parent

    ATI

    Guarantor
Subsidiaries


  Non-guarantor
Subsidiaries


    Eliminations

    Consolidated
Totals


 

ASSETS

                                             

CURRENT ASSETS:

                                             

Cash & cash equivalents

  $ 193,483     $ 6,174     $ 307   $ 15,593             $ 215,557  

Accounts receivable, net

            33,880       471     4,283               38,634  

Prepaid & other current assets

    3,793       33,243       3,102     5,229               45,367  

Deferred income taxes

    6,090                                     6,090  

Assets held for sale

                    3,389                     3,389  
   


 


 

 


 


 


Total current assets

    203,366       73,297       7,269     25,105               309,037  
   


 


 

 


 


 


PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT, NET

            1,977,603       18,466     277,287               2,273,356  

INTANGIBLE ASSETS, NET

    36,463       1,390,729       9,853     140,941               1,577,986  

INVESTMENTS IN AND ADVANCES TO SUBSIDIARIES

    2,466,908       25,658       469,552           $ (2,962,118 )        

OTHER LONG-TERM ASSETS

    634,317       172,867       25     118,384               925,593  
   


 


 

 


 


 


TOTAL

  $ 3,341,054       3,640,154     $ 505,165   $ 561,717     $ (2,962,118 )   $ 5,085,972  
   


 


 

 


 


 


LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

                                             

CURRENT LIABILITIES:

                                             

Accounts payable and accrued expenses

  $ 36,954       99,874     $ 2,932   $ 21,378             $ 161,138  

Current portion of long-term obligations

    133,046       4,855             485               138,386  

Other current liabilities

            32,233       458     (10 )             32,681  
   


 


 

 


 


 


Total current liabilities

    170,000       136,962       3,390     21,853               332,205  
   


 


 

 


 


 


LONG-TERM OBLIGATIONS

    1,698,827       1,421,768             34,633               3,155,228  

OTHER LONG-TERM LIABILITIES

    1,274       116,193       98     3,940               121,505  
   


 


 

 


 


 


Total liabilities

    1,870,101       1,674,923       3,488     60,426               3,608,938  
   


 


 

 


 


 


MINORITY INTEREST IN SUBSIDIARIES

                          6,081               6,081  
   


 


 

 


 


 


STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

                                             

Common Stock

    2,297                                     2,297  

Additional paid-in capital

    4,012,425       3,314,130       454,489     941,455     $ (4,710,074 )     4,012,425  

Accumulated (deficit) earnings

    (2,539,403 )     (1,348,899 )     47,188     (446,245 )     1,747,956       (2,539,403 )

Treasury stock

    (4,366 )                                   (4,366 )
   


 


 

 


 


 


Total stockholders’ equity

    1,470,953       1,965,231       501,677     495,210       (2,962,118 )     1,470,953  
   


 


 

 


 


 


TOTAL

  $ 3,341,054     $ 3,640,154     $ 505,165   $ 561,717     $ (2,962,118 )   $ 5,085,972  
   


 


 

 


 


 


 

13


Table of Contents

AMERICAN TOWER CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—Unaudited—(Continued)

 

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS

 

THREE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31, 2004

(In Thousands)

 

     Parent

    ATI

    Guarantor
Subsidiaries


    Non-Guarantor
Subsidiaries


    Eliminations

   Consolidated
Totals


 

Operating revenues

           $ 137,300     $ 1,120     $ 30,371            $ 168,791  

Operating expenses

             131,749       761       22,065              154,575  
    


 


 


 


 

  


Operating income from continuing operations

             5,551       359       8,306              14,216  

Other income (expense):

                                               

Interest income, TV Azteca, net

                             3,540              3,540  

Interest income

   $ 296       753               65              1,114  

Interest expense

     (35,728 )     (33,135 )             (294 )            (69,157 )

Other expense

     (7,819 )     (238 )             (200 )            (8,257 )

Equity in (loss) income of subsidiaries, net of income taxes recorded at the subsidiary level

     (16,249 )     430       3,955             $ 11,864         
    


 


 


 


 

  


(LOSS) INCOME FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS BEFORE INCOME TAXES, MINORITY INTEREST AND LOSS ON EQUITY METHOD INVESTMENTS

     (59,500 )     (26,639 )     4,314       11,417       11,864      (58,544 )

Income tax benefit (provision)

     11,262       7,458       (93 )     (5,609 )            13,018  

Minority interest in net earnings of subsidiaries

                             (1,423 )            (1,423 )

Loss on equity method investments

             (618 )                            (618 )
    


 


 


 


 

  


(LOSS) INCOME FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS

     (48,238 )     (19,799 )     4,221       4,385       11,864      (47,567 )

LOSS FROM DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS, NET OF INCOME TAX BENEFIT

             (567 )     (104 )                    (671 )
    


 


 


 


 

  


NET (LOSS) INCOME

   $ (48,238 )   $ (20,366 )   $ 4,117     $ 4,385     $ 11,864    $ (48,238 )
    


 


 


 


 

  


 

14


Table of Contents

AMERICAN TOWER CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—Unaudited—(Continued)

 

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS

 

THREE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31, 2004

(In Thousands)

 

     Parent

    ATI

    Guarantor
Subsidiaries


    Non-guarantor
Subsidiaries


    Consolidated
Totals


 

CASH FLOWS (USED FOR) PROVIDED BY OPERATING ACTIVITIES

   $ (65,358 )   $ 70,145     $ (1,226 )   $ 28,155     $ 31,716  
    


 


 


 


 


CASH FLOWS PROVIDED BY (USED FOR) INVESTING ACTIVITIES:

                                        

Payments for purchase of property and equipment and construction activities

             (7,906 )     (1,171 )     (1,755 )     (10,832 )

Payments for acquisitions

             (2,810 )             (10,563 )     (13,373 )

Proceeds from sales of businesses and other long-term assets

             12,974       3,683       4,161       20,818  

Deposits, investments and other long-term assets

             (42 )     50       (2,594 )     (2,586 )
    


 


 


 


 


Cash provided by (used for) investing activities

             2,216       2,562       (10,751 )     (5,973 )
    


 


 


 


 


CASH FLOWS PROVIDED BY (USED FOR) FINANCING ACTIVITIES:

                                        

Repayment of notes payable, credit facility and capital leases

     (268,181 )     (39,276 )             (247 )     (307,704 )

Proceeds from issuance of debt securities

     225,000                               225,000  

Net proceeds from stock options

     4,271                               4,271  

Restricted cash and investments

     1,840       49,059                       50,899  

Deferred financing costs and other financing activities

     (3,391 )     (1,585 )                     (4,976 )

Investments in and advances from (to) subsidiaries

     108,608       (80,762 )     (2,172 )     (25,674 )        
    


 


 


 


 


Cash provided by (used for) financing activities

     68,147       (72,564 )     (2,172 )     (25,921 )     (32,510 )
    


 


 


 


 


NET INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS

     2,789       (203 )     (836 )     (8,517 )     (6,767 )

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, BEGINNING OF YEAR

     13,917       61,809       836       28,903       105,465  
    


 


 


 


 


CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, END OF PERIOD

   $ 16,706     $ 61,606             $ 20,386     $ 98,698  
    


 


 


 


 


 

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ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

 

This Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q contains forward-looking statements relating to our goals, beliefs, plans or current expectations and other statements that are not of historical facts. For example, when we use words such as “project,” “believe,” “anticipate,” “expect,” “estimate,” “intend,” “should,” “would,” “could” or “may,” or other words that convey uncertainty of future events or outcome, we are making forward-looking statements. Certain important factors may cause actual results to differ materially from those indicated by our forward-looking statements, including those set forth below under the caption “Factors That May Affect Future Results.” Forward-looking statements represent management’s current expectations and are inherently uncertain. We do not undertake any obligation to update forward-looking statements made by us.

 

The discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations that follows are based upon our condensed consolidated financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States. The preparation of our financial statements requires us to make estimates and judgments that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, revenues and expenses, and the related disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of our financial statements. Actual results may differ significantly from these estimates under different assumptions or conditions. This discussion should be read in conjunction with our condensed consolidated financial statements herein and the accompanying notes thereto, and our 2004 Annual Report on Form 10-K, in particular, the information set forth therein under Item 7. “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.”

 

Our continuing operations are reported in two segments, rental and management and network development services. Management focuses on segment profit (loss) as a means to measure operating performance in these business segments. We define segment operating profit (loss) as segment revenues less segment operating expenses excluding depreciation, amortization and accretion; corporate general, administrative and development expense; and impairments and net loss on sale of long-lived assets and restructuring expense. Segment profit (loss) for the rental and management segment also includes interest income, TV Azteca, net (see note 7 to our condensed consolidated financial statements). In accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, our accompanying condensed consolidated statements of operations for periods presented in this “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” have been adjusted to reflect certain businesses as discontinued operations (see note 3 to our condensed consolidated financial statements).

 

Recent Development

 

On May 4, 2005, we announced an agreement to merge with SpectraSite, Inc. (SpectraSite). Under the terms of the agreement, the Company and SpectraSite will merge in a stock for stock exchange, in which shareholders of SpectraSite will receive 3.575 shares of our Class A common stock for each common share of SpectraSite. We expect to issue approximately 181.0 million shares in the transaction. We expect the transaction, which is subject to approval by the Company’s and SpectraSite’s shareholders, as well as regulatory approvals and other customary closing conditions, to close in the second half of 2005.

 

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Results of Operations

 

Three Months Ended March 31, 2005 and 2004 (dollars in thousands)

 

     Three Months Ended
March 31,


    Amount of
Increase
(Decrease)


   

Percent

Increase

(Decrease)


 
     2005

    2004

     

REVENUES:

                              

Rental and management

   $ 181,570     $ 164,576     $ 16,994     10 %

Network development services

     2,785       4,215       (1,430 )   (34 )
    


 


 


     

Total revenues

     184,355       168,791       15,564     9  
    


 


 


     

OPERATING EXPENSES:

                              

Rental and management

     60,180       58,876       1,304     2  

Network development services

     2,202       3,561       (1,359 )   (38 )

Depreciation, amortization and accretion

     81,971       81,345       626     1  

Corporate general, administrative and development expense

     6,973       6,879       94     1  

Impairments, net loss on sale of long-lived assets and restructuring expense

     2,777       3,914       (1,137 )   (29 )
    


 


 


     

Total operating expenses

     154,103       154,575       (472 )   (1 )
    


 


 


     

OTHER INCOME (EXPENSE) AND OTHER ITEMS:

                              

Interest income, TV Azteca, net

     3,498       3,540       (42 )   (1 )

Interest income

     699       1,114       (415 )   (37 )

Interest expense

     (54,716 )     (69,157 )     (14,441 )   (21 )

Loss on retirement of long-term obligations

     (15,042 )     (8,053 )     6,989     87  

Other income (expense)

     670       (204 )     (874 )   (428 )

Income tax benefit

     4,338       13,018       (8,680 )   (67 )

Minority interest in net earnings of subsidiaries

     (55 )     (1,423 )     (1,368 )   (96 )

Loss on equity method investments

     (1,098 )     (618 )     480     78  

Loss from discontinued operations, net

     (107 )     (671 )     (564 )   (84 )
    


 


 


     

Net loss

   $ (31,561 )   $ (48,238 )   $ (16,677 )   (35 )%
    


 


 


     

 

Total Revenues

 

Total revenues for the three months ended March 31, 2005 were $184.4 million, an increase of $15.6 million from the three months ended March 31, 2004. The increase resulted from an increase in rental and management revenues of $17.0 million, partially offset by a decrease in network development services revenue of $1.4 million.

 

Rental and Management Revenue

 

Rental and management revenue for the three months ended March 31, 2005 was $181.6 million, an increase of $17.0 million from the three months ended March 31, 2004. The increase resulted primarily from adding additional wireless and broadcast tenants to towers that existed as of January 1, 2004 and, to a lesser extent, from revenue generated on the approximately 340 towers acquired and/or constructed subsequent to January 1, 2004. This increase was partially offset by a reduction in revenue on the approximately 58 owned towers sold or disposed of subsequent to January 1, 2004. We believe that our rental and management revenue will grow as we continue to utilize existing tower capacity. We anticipate that the majority of our new leasing activity will continue to come from wireless and broadcast service providers.

 

Network Development Services Revenue

 

Network development services revenue for the three months ended March 31, 2005 was $2.8 million, a decrease of $1.4 million from the three months ended March 31, 2004. The decrease in revenue was primarily a result of a decline in revenues on a long-term construction contract completed during the three months ended March 31, 2005 and site acquisition, zoning and permitting services.

 

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Total Operating Expenses

 

Total operating expenses for the three months ended March 31, 2005 were $154.1 million, a decrease of $0.5 million from the three months ended March 31, 2004. The principal components of the decrease were attributable to decreases in expenses within our network development services segment of $1.4 million and a decrease in impairments, net loss on sale of long-lived assets and restructuring expense of $1.1 million. These decreases were partially offset by an increase in expenses within our rental and management segment of $1.3 million and an increase in depreciation, amortization and accretion expense of $0.6 million.

 

Rental and Management Expense/Segment Profit

 

Rental and management expense for the three months ended March 31, 2005 was $60.2 million, an increase of $1.3 million from the three months ended March 31, 2004. The increase resulted primarily from an increase in tower expenses related to the approximately 340 towers we have acquired/constructed since January 1, 2004, due to their inclusion in our results for a full quarter in 2005. This increase was partially offset by a reduction in expenses related to our existing towers resulting from overhead efficiencies.

 

Rental and management segment profit for the three months ended March 31, 2005 was $124.9 million, an increase of $15.6 million from the three months ended March 31, 2004. The increase resulted primarily from additional revenue from adding tenants to towers that existed as of January 1, 2004 and revenue generated on the 340 towers acquired and constructed subsequent to January 1, 2004. This increase was partially offset by a reduction in revenue on the approximately 58 owned towers sold or disposed of subsequent to January 1, 2004, coupled with an increase in rental and management expenses.

 

Network Development Services Expense

 

Network development services expense for the three months ended March 31, 2005 was $2.2 million, a decrease of $1.4 million from the three months ended March 31, 2004. The majority of the decrease correlates directly to the decline in services performed as noted above.

 

Interest Expense

 

Interest expense for the three months ended March 31, 2005 was $54.7 million, a decrease of $14.4 million from the three months ended March 31, 2004. The decrease resulted primarily from the redemption of a portion of our 9 3/8% senior notes due 2009 (9 3/8% Notes) and repurchases of our ATI 12.25% senior subordinated discount notes due 2008 (ATI 12.25% Notes), partially offset by higher interest rates on our credit facility and additional interest incurred related to the issuance of our 3.00% convertible notes due August 15, 2012, 7.125% senior notes due 2012 (7.125% Notes) and 7.50% senior notes due 2012 (7.50% Notes) subsequent to March 31, 2004.

 

Loss on Retirement of Long-Term Obligations

 

During the three months ended March 31, 2005, we redeemed $133.0 million of our 9 3/8% Notes and recorded a charge of $9.2 million related to the loss on redemption and the write-off of the related deferred financing fees. In addition, we repurchased $37.0 million face amount of our ATI 12.25% Notes ($22.6 million accreted value, net of $1.6 million in fair value allocated to warrants) for approximately $27.9 million in cash and recorded a charge of $5.8 million related to the amounts paid in excess of carrying value and the write-off of the related deferred financing fees.

 

During the three months ended March 31, 2004, we redeemed the remaining balance of our 6.25% convertible notes due 2009 and recorded a charge of $7.2 million related to the loss on redemption and the write-off of the related deferred financing fees. We also repurchased $51.2 million principal amount of 5.0% convertible notes due 2010 for approximately $51.0 in cash and made a $21.0 million voluntary prepayment under our credit facility resulting in a net charge of $0.9 million related to the write-off of the related deferred financing fees.

 

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Income Tax Benefit

 

The income tax benefit for the three months ended March 31, 2005 was $4.3 million, a decrease of $8.7 million from the three months ended March 31, 2004. The effective tax rate was 12.5% for the three months ended March 31, 2005, as compared to 22.2% for the three months ended March 31, 2004. The effective tax rate on loss from continuing operations for the three months ended March 31, 2005 and 2004 differs from the federal statutory rate due primarily to valuation allowances related to our capital losses and foreign items. The decrease in the effective rate from 2005 to 2004 is attributed to an increase in foreign items and the decline in our projected annual net loss.

 

SFAS No. 109, “Accounting for Income Taxes,” requires that we record a valuation allowance when it is “more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized.” At March 31, 2005, we have provided a valuation allowance of approximately $175.4 million primarily related to net state deferred tax assets, capital loss carryforwards, certain foreign items and the lost tax benefit and costs associated with our tax refund claims. We have not provided a valuation allowance for the remaining deferred tax assets, primarily our tax refund claims as discussed below and our federal net operating loss carryforwards, as management believes that we will be successful with our tax refund claims and will have sufficient time to realize these federal net operating loss carryforwards during the twenty-year tax carryforward period.

 

In June 2003, we filed an income tax refund claim with the IRS related to carrying back net operating losses that we generated in 1998, 1999 and 2001. We filed a similar claim in October 2003 with respect to net operating losses generated in 2002. In total, we carried back $380.0 million in federal net operating losses generated prior to 2003. We anticipate receiving a refund of approximately $90.0 million as a result of these claims, which will monetize a portion of our deferred tax asset. We estimate recovery of these amounts within two to three years of the dates the claims were filed with the IRS. There can be no assurances, however, with respect to the specific amount and timing of the refund.

 

We intend to recover a portion of our deferred tax asset through our tax refund claims discussed above. The recoverability of our remaining net deferred tax asset has been assessed utilizing stable state (no growth) projections based on our current operations. The projections show a significant decrease in depreciation and interest expense in the later years of the carryforward period as a result of a significant portion of our assets being fully depreciated during the first fifteen years of the carryforward period and debt repayments reducing interest expense. Accordingly, the recoverability of our net deferred tax asset is not dependent on material improvements to operations, material asset sales or other non-routine transactions. Based on our current outlook of future taxable income during the carryforward period, management believes that our net deferred tax asset will be realized. The realization of our deferred tax assets as of March 31, 2005 will be dependent upon our ability to generate approximately $1.5 billion in taxable income from April 1, 2005 to December 31, 2024. If we are unable to generate sufficient taxable income in the future, or carry back losses, as described above, we will be required to reduce our net deferred tax asset through a charge to income tax expense, which would result in a corresponding decrease in stockholders’ equity.

 

Depending on the resolution of the Verestar bankruptcy proceedings described in note 8 to our accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements, we may be entitled to a worthless stock or bad debt deduction for our investment in Verestar. No income tax benefit has been provided for these potential deductions due to the uncertainty surrounding the bankruptcy proceedings.

 

Liquidity and Capital Resources

 

The information in this section updates as of March 31, 2005, the “Liquidity and Capital Resources” section of our 2004 Annual Report on Form 10-K and should be read in conjunction with that report.

 

As of March 31, 2005, we had total outstanding indebtedness of approximately $3.1 billion. During the quarter ended March 31, 2005 and the year ended December 31, 2004, we generated sufficient cash flow from

 

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operations to fund our capital expenditures and cash interest obligations. We believe our cash generated from operations for the year ending December 31, 2005 will be sufficient to fund our obligations for capital expenditures and cash debt service, including interest and principal repayments, for 2005.

 

Uses of Cash

 

Tower Acquisitions, Construction and Improvements.    We use our available cash, including cash obtained from our credit facility, proceeds from the sale of our debt and equity securities and proceeds from non-core asset sales, to fund the acquisition, construction and improvement of tower assets when the expected returns on such investments meet our investment criteria. During the three months ended March 31, 2005, payments for purchases of property and equipment and construction activities totaled $15.9 million, including capital expenditures incurred in connection with the construction of 59 towers. We anticipate that we will build between 150 and 175 new towers through the end of 2005, and expect our 2005 total capital expenditures for construction, improvements and corporate purposes to be between approximately $60.0 million and $70.0 million.

 

Refinancing and Repurchases of Debt.    In order to extend the maturity dates of our indebtedness and reduce interest expense, from time to time we use our available cash to refinance and repurchase our outstanding debt securities. During the three months ended March 31, 2005, we refinanced or repurchased approximately $170.0 million face amount of our outstanding debt. For more information about our financing activities, see “—Financing Activities” below.

 

Contractual Obligations.    Our contractual obligations relate primarily to borrowings under our credit facility and our outstanding notes. We included a table of our contractual obligations in our 2004 Annual Report on Form 10-K. Since December 31, 2004, we refinanced and repurchased a portion of our outstanding debt, as discussed below under “Financing Activities.”

 

Sources of Cash

 

Total Liquidity at March 31, 2005.    As of March 31, 2005, we had approximately $504.5 million of total liquidity, comprised of approximately $122.8 million in cash and cash equivalents and the ability to draw approximately $381.7 million of the revolving loan under our credit facility.

 

Cash Generated by Operations.    For the three months ended March 31, 2005, our cash provided by operating activities was $92.6 million, compared to $31.7 million for the same period in 2004. Each of our rental and management and network development services segments are expected to generate cash flows from operations during 2005 in excess of their cash needs for operations and expenditures for tower construction, improvements and acquisitions. See “Results of Operations.” We expect to use the excess cash generated by operations principally to service our debt.

 

Financing Activities

 

9 3/8% Senior Notes Redemption.    In January 2005, we redeemed $133.0 million principal amount of our outstanding 9 3/8% Notes using a portion of net proceeds from our December 2004 7.125% Notes offering, plus additional cash on hand. We redeemed these notes pursuant to the terms of the indenture at a purchase price equal to 105.11% of the principal amount, for $139.8 million, plus $5.3 million in accrued interest. As of March 31, 2005, $141.9 million face amount of 9 3/8% Notes remained outstanding.

 

ATI 12.25% Notes Repurchases.    During the three months ended March 31, 2005, in addition to the redemption discussed above, we repurchased, in privately negotiated transactions, primarily using cash on hand an aggregate of $37.0 million face amount of our ATI 12.25% Notes ($22.6 million accreted value, net of $1.6 million fair value allocated to warrants) for approximately $27.9 million in cash. In addition, from

 

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April 1, 2005 to May 4, 2005, we repurchased in privately negotiated transactions an aggregate of $77.4 million face amount of our ATI 12.25% Notes ($49.1 million accreted value, net of $3.1 million fair value allocated to warrants) for approximately $59.0 million in cash. As of May 4, 2005, $245.7 million accreted value of our ATI 12.25% Notes remained outstanding, (net of fair value allocated to warrants of $15.1 million).

 

Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

 

Management’s discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations are based upon our condensed consolidated financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States. The preparation of these financial statements requires us to make estimates and judgments that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses, as well as related disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities. We evaluate our policies and estimates on an ongoing basis, including those related to income taxes, impairment of assets, allowances for accounts receivable, investment impairment charges and revenue recognition. Management bases its estimates on historical experience and various other assumptions that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis for making judgments about the carrying values of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. Actual results may differ from these estimates under different assumptions or conditions.

 

In our Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2004, our most critical accounting policies and estimates upon which our consolidated financial statements were prepared were those relating to income taxes, impairment of assets, allowances for accounts receivable, investment impairment charges and revenue recognition. We have reviewed our policies and determined that these remain our most critical accounting policies for the quarter ended March 31, 2005. We did not make any changes to those policies during the quarter.

 

Factors That May Affect Future Results

 

Our business and stock price could be adversely impacted by uncertainty related to the our proposed merger with SpectraSite, Inc.

 

On May 4, 2005, we announced our plans to merge with SpectraSite, Inc. Our business and stock price may be adversely affected if the merger with SpectraSite is not completed. Completion of the proposed merger is subject to the satisfaction of various conditions, including the receipt of approvals from our stockholders and stockholders of SpectraSite, and receipt of various regulatory approvals and authorizations. There is no assurance that all of the various conditions will be satisfied. If the proposed merger is not completed for any reason, we will be subject to several risks, including having incurred certain costs relating to the proposed merger that are payable whether or not the merger is completed, including legal, accounting and advisory fees, and having diverted the attention of management to the proposed merger and integration planning from our core leasing business and other opportunities that could have been beneficial to us.

 

The proposed merger involves risks to our business due to the uncertainty surrounding the integration of SpectraSite’s communication site portfolio into our operational system. A completed transaction may have an adverse effect on our operating results, particularly in the fiscal quarters immediately following its completion while we integrate the operations of the SpectraSite business. In addition, once integrated, combined operations may not necessarily achieve the levels of revenues, profitability or productivity anticipated.

 

Decrease in demand for tower space would materially and adversely affect our operating results and we cannot control that demand.

 

Many of the factors affecting the demand for wireless communications tower space, and to a lesser extent our network development services business, could materially affect our operating results. Those factors include:

 

    consumer demand for wireless services;

 

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    the financial condition of wireless service providers;

 

    the ability and willingness of wireless service providers to maintain or increase their capital expenditures;

 

    the growth rate of wireless communications or of a particular wireless segment;

 

    governmental licensing of spectrum;

 

    mergers or consolidations among wireless service providers;

 

    increased use of network sharing arrangements or roaming and resale arrangements by wireless service providers;

 

    delays or changes in the deployment of 3G or other technologies;

 

    zoning, environmental, health and other government regulations; and

 

    technological changes.

 

The demand for broadcast antenna space is dependent on the needs of television and radio broadcasters. Among other things, technological advances, including the development of satellite-delivered radio, may reduce the need for tower-based broadcast transmission. We could also be affected adversely should the development of digital television be further delayed or impaired, or if demand for it were less than anticipated because of delays, disappointing technical performance or cost to the consumer.

 

Substantial leverage and debt service obligations may adversely affect us.

 

We have a substantial amount of indebtedness. As of March 31, 2005, we had approximately $3.1 billion of consolidated debt. Our substantial level of indebtedness increases the possibility that we may be unable to generate cash sufficient to pay when due the principal of, interest on, or other amounts due with respect to our indebtedness. Approximately 22% of our outstanding indebtedness bears interest at floating rates. As a result, our interest payment obligations on such indebtedness will increase if interest rates increase. Subject to certain restrictions under our existing indebtedness, we may also obtain additional long-term debt and working capital lines of credit to meet future financing needs. This would have the effect of increasing our total leverage.

 

Our substantial leverage could have significant negative consequences on our financial condition and results of operations, including:

 

    impairing our ability to meet one or more of the financial ratios contained in our debt agreements or to generate cash sufficient to pay interest or principal, including periodic principal amortization payments, which events could result in an acceleration of some or all of our outstanding debt as a result of cross-default provisions;

 

    increasing our vulnerability to general adverse economic and industry conditions;

 

    limiting our ability to obtain additional debt or equity financing;

 

    requiring the dedication of a substantial portion of our cash flow from operations to service our debt, thereby reducing the amount of our cash flow available for other purposes, including capital expenditures;

 

    requiring us to sell debt or equity securities or to sell some of our core assets, possibly on unfavorable terms, to meet payment obligations;

 

    limiting our flexibility in planning for, or reacting to, changes in our business and the industries in which we compete; and

 

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    placing us at a possible competitive disadvantage with less leveraged competitors and competitors that may have better access to capital resources.

 

Restrictive covenants in the credit facility and indentures could adversely affect our business by limiting flexibility.

 

The credit facility and the indentures governing the terms of our other debt securities contain restrictive covenants and, in the case of the credit facility, requirements that we comply with certain leverage and other financial tests. These limit our ability to take various actions, including incurring additional debt, guaranteeing indebtedness, issuing preferred stock, engaging in various types of transactions, including mergers and sales of assets, and paying dividends and making distributions or other restricted payments, including investments. These covenants could have an adverse effect on our business by limiting our ability to take advantage of financing, new tower development, merger and acquisition or other opportunities.

 

If our wireless service provider customers consolidate or merge with each other to a significant degree, our growth, revenue and ability to generate positive cash flows could be adversely affected.

 

Significant consolidation among our wireless service provider customers, such as the recently completed transaction between Cingular Wireless and AT&T Wireless and the recently announced transaction between Sprint PCS and Nextel, may result in reduced capital expenditures in the aggregate because the existing networks of many wireless carriers overlap, as do their expansion plans. Similar consequences might occur if wireless service providers engage in extensive sharing, roaming or resale arrangements as an alternative to leasing our antennae space. In January 2003, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) eliminated its spectrum cap, which prohibited wireless carriers from owning more than 45 MHz of spectrum in any given geographical area. The FCC has also eliminated the cross-interest rule for metropolitan areas, which limited an entity’s ability to own interests in multiple cellular licenses in an overlapping geographical service area. Also, in May 2003, the FCC adopted new rules authorizing wireless radio services holding exclusive licenses to freely lease unused spectrum. Some wireless carriers may be encouraged to consolidate with each other as a result of these regulatory changes as a means to strengthen their financial condition. Consolidation among wireless carriers would also increase our risk that the loss of one or more of our major customers could materially decrease revenues and cash flows.

 

Due to the long-term expectations of revenue from tenant leases, the tower industry is sensitive to the creditworthiness of its tenants.

 

Due to the long-term nature of our tenant leases, we, like others in the tower industry, are dependent on the continued financial strength of our tenants. Many wireless service providers operate with substantial leverage. During the past few years, several of our customers have filed for bankruptcy, although to date these bankruptcies have not had a material adverse effect on our business or revenues. If one or more of our major customers experience financial difficulties, it could result in uncollectible accounts receivable and our loss of significant customers and anticipated lease revenues.

 

Our foreign operations are subject to economic, political and other risks that could adversely affect our revenues or financial position.

 

Our business operations in Mexico and Brazil, and any other possible foreign operations in the future, could result in adverse financial consequences and operational problems not experienced in the United States. For the three months ended March 31, 2005 and the year ended December 31, 2004, approximately 18.3% and 16.6%, respectively, of our consolidated revenues were generated by our international operations. We anticipate that our revenues from our international operations may grow in the future. Accordingly, our business is subject to risks associated with doing business internationally, including:

 

    changes in a specific country’s or region’s political or economic conditions;

 

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    laws and regulations that restrict repatriation of earnings or other funds;

 

    difficulty in recruiting trained personnel; and

 

    language and cultural differences.

 

In addition, we face risks associated with changes in foreign currency exchange rates. While many of the contracts for our international operations are denominated in the U.S. dollar, others are denominated in the Mexican Peso or the Brazilian Real. We have not historically engaged in significant hedging activities relating to our non-U.S. dollar operations, and we may suffer future losses as a result of changes in currency exchange rates.

 

A substantial portion of our revenues is derived from a small number of customers.

 

A substantial portion of our total operating revenues is derived from a small number of customers. Approximately 66% of our revenues for the three months ended March 31, 2005 and approximately 64% of our revenues for the year ended December 31, 2004 were derived from ten customers. Our largest domestic customer is Cingular Wireless, which merged with AT&T Wireless in October 2004. Cingular Wireless represented approximately 15% of our total revenues for the three months ended March 31, 2005, and the combined revenues of Cingular Wireless and AT&T Wireless represented approximately 14% of our total revenues for the year ended December 31, 2004. Verizon Wireless represented approximately 12% of our total revenues for the three months ended March 31, 2005 and for the year ended December 31, 2004. Sprint PCS and Nextel, which announced their merger plans in December 2004, had combined revenues that would have represented approximately 11% of our total revenues for the three months ended March 31, 2005 and 10% of our total revenues for the year ended December 31, 2004. Our largest international customer is Iusacell Celular, which is an affiliate of TV Azteca. Iusacell Celular accounted for approximately 5% of our total revenues for the three months ended March 31, 2005 and the year ended December 31, 2004. TV Azteca also owns a minority interest in Unefon, which is our second largest customer in Mexico and accounted for approximately 4% and 3% of our total revenues for the three months ended March 31, 2005 and the year ended December 31, 2004, respectively. In addition, we received $3.5 million and $14.3 million in interest income, net, from TV Azteca for the three months ended March 31, 2005 and the year ended December 31, 2004, respectively. If any of these customers were unwilling or unable to perform their obligations under our agreements with them, our revenues, results of operations, and financial condition could be adversely affected.

 

In the ordinary course of our business, we also sometimes experience disputes with our customers, generally regarding the interpretation of terms in our agreements. Although historically we have resolved these disputes in a manner that did not have a material adverse effect on our company or our customer relationships, these disputes could lead to a termination of our agreements with customers or a material modification of the terms of those agreements, either of which could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition. If we are forced to resolve any of these disputes through litigation, our relationship with the applicable customer could be terminated or damaged, which could lead to decreased revenues or increased costs, resulting in a corresponding adverse effect on our operating results.

 

Status of Iusacell Celular’s financial restructuring exposes us to certain risks and uncertainties.

 

Iusacell Celular is our largest customer in Mexico and accounted for approximately 5% of our total revenues for the three months ended March 31, 2005 and the year ended December 31, 2004. Iusacell currently is in default under certain of its debt obligations and is involved in litigation with certain of its creditors. If Iusacell files for bankruptcy, or if the creditor litigation has an adverse impact on Iusacell’s overall liquidity, it could interfere with Iusacell’s ability to meet its operating obligations, including rental payments under our leases with them.

 

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New technologies could make our tower antenna leasing services less desirable to potential tenants and result in decreasing revenues.

 

The development and implementation of new technologies designed to enhance the efficiency of wireless networks could reduce the use and need for tower-based wireless services transmission and reception and have the effect of decreasing demand for antenna space. Examples of such technologies include technologies that enhance spectral capacity, such as lower-rate vocoders, which can increase the capacity at existing sites and reduce the number of additional sites a given carrier needs to serve any given subscriber base. In addition, the emergence of new technologies could reduce the need for tower-based broadcast services transmission and reception. For example, the growth in delivery of video services by direct broadcast satellites could adversely affect demand for our antenna space. The development and implementation of any of these and similar technologies to any significant degree could have an adverse effect on our operations.

 

We could have liability under environmental laws.

 

Our operations, like those of other companies engaged in similar businesses, are subject to the requirements of various federal, state and local and foreign environmental and occupational safety and health laws and regulations, including those relating to the management, use, storage, disposal, emission and remediation of, and exposure to, hazardous and non-hazardous substances, materials and wastes. As owner, lessee or operator of approximately 15,000 real estate sites, we may be liable for substantial costs of remediating soil and groundwater contaminated by hazardous materials, without regard to whether we, as the owner, lessee or operator, knew of or were responsible for the contamination. In addition, we cannot assure you that we are at all times in complete compliance with all environmental requirements. We may be subject to potentially significant fines or penalties if we fail to comply with any of these requirements. The current cost of complying with these laws is not material to our financial condition or results of operations. However, the requirements of these laws and regulations are complex, change frequently, and could become more stringent in the future. It is possible that these requirements will change or that liabilities will arise in the future in a manner that could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

 

Our business is subject to government regulations and changes in current or future laws or regulations could restrict our ability to operate our business as we currently do.

 

We are subject to federal, state, local and foreign regulation of our business, including regulation by the FAA, the FCC, the EPA and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration. Both the FCC and the FAA regulate towers used for wireless communications and radio and television antennae and the FCC separately regulates transmitting devices operating on towers. Similar regulations exist in Mexico, Brazil and other foreign countries regarding wireless communications and the operation of communications towers. Local zoning authorities and community organizations are often opposed to construction in their communities and these regulations can delay, prevent or increase the cost of new tower construction, collocations or site upgrade projects, thereby limiting our ability to respond to customer demand. Existing regulatory policies may adversely affect the timing or cost of new tower construction and locations and additional regulations may be adopted that increase delays or result in additional costs to us or that prevent or restrict new tower construction in certain locations. These factors could adversely affect our operations.

 

Increasing competition in the tower industry may create pricing pressures that may adversely affect us.

 

Our industry is highly competitive, and our customers have numerous alternatives for leasing antenna space. Some of our competitors, such as national wireless carriers that allow collocation on their towers, are larger and have greater financial resources than we do, while other competitors are in weak financial condition or may have lower return on investment criteria than we do. Competitive pricing pressures for tenants on towers from these competitors could adversely affect our lease rates and services income.

 

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In addition, if we lose customers due to pricing, we may not be able to find new customers, leading to an accompanying adverse effect on our profitability. Increasing competition could also make the acquisition of high quality tower assets more costly.

 

Our competition includes:

 

    national tower companies;

 

    wireless carriers that own towers and lease antenna space to other carriers;

 

    site development companies that purchase antenna space on existing towers for wireless carriers and manage new tower construction; and

 

    alternative site structures (e.g., building rooftops, billboards and utility poles).

 

If we are unable to protect our rights to the land under our towers, it could adversely affect on our business and operating results.

 

Our real property interests relating to our towers consist primarily of leasehold and sub-leasehold interests, fee interests, easements, licenses and rights-of-way. A loss of these interests may interfere with our ability to operate our towers and generate revenues. For various reasons, we may not always have the ability to access, analyze and verify all information regarding titles and other issues prior to completing an acquisition of sites. Further, we may not be able to renew ground leases on commercially viable terms. Of the approximately 14,000 towers in our portfolio that we own or hold subject to long-term capital lease, approximately 80% are located on leased land. Approximately 11% of these sites are on land where our property interests in such land have a final expiration date of less than 10 years. Our inability to protect our rights to the land under our towers may have a material adverse affect on us.

 

Our costs could increase and our revenues could decrease due to perceived health risks from radio emissions, especially if these perceived risks are substantiated.

 

Public perception of possible health risks associated with cellular and other wireless communications media could slow the growth of wireless companies, which could in turn slow our growth. In particular, negative public perception of, and regulations regarding, these perceived health risks could slow the market acceptance of wireless communications services and increase opposition to the development and expansion of tower sites. The potential connection between radio frequency emissions and certain negative health effects has been the subject of substantial study by the scientific community in recent years. To date, the results of these studies have been inconclusive.

 

If a connection between radio frequency emissions and possible negative health effects, including cancer, were established, or if the public perception that such a connection exists were to increase, our operations, costs and revenues would be materially and adversely affected. We do not maintain any significant insurance with respect to these matters.

 

The bankruptcy proceeding of our Verestar subsidiary exposes us to risks and uncertainties.

 

Our wholly owned subsidiary, Verestar, Inc., filed for protection under Chapter 11 of the federal bankruptcy laws on December 22, 2003. Verestar was reported as a discontinued operation through the date of the bankruptcy filing in 2003 for financial statement purposes and, as of the date of the bankruptcy filing, was deconsolidated for financial statement purposes. In December 2004, substantially all of the remaining fixed assets of Verestar were sold. The bankruptcy proceeding will continue until such time as all claims against Verestar are settled and approved by the Bankruptcy Court.

 

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If Verestar fails to honor certain of its contractual obligations because of its bankruptcy filing or otherwise, claims may be made against us for breaches by Verestar of those contracts as to which we are primarily or secondarily liable as a guarantor, which as of March 31, 2005, we do not expect will exceed $5.0 million. In addition, Verestar’s bankruptcy estate may bring certain claims against us or seek to hold us liable for certain transfers made by Verestar to us and/or for Verestar’s obligations to creditors under various equitable theories recognized under bankruptcy law. The Official Committee of Unsecured Creditors appointed in the Verestar bankruptcy proceeding (the Committee) has requested, and we have agreed to produce, certain documents in connection with the subpoena for Rule 2004 Examination (as defined under federal bankruptcy laws) issued by the Committee. The Bankruptcy Court also has entered an order approving a stipulation between Verestar and the Committee that permits the Committee to file claims against us and/or our affiliates on behalf of Verestar. In filings with the Bankruptcy Court and in oral statements to the Company’s counsel, counsel for the Committee has stated that the Committee may pursue claims against the Company and certain of its current or former officers or directors. No such claims had been filed as of May 4, 2005. The outcome of complex litigation (including claims which may be asserted against us by the Committee) cannot be predicted with certainty and is dependent upon many factors beyond our control; however, any such claims, if successful, could have a material adverse impact on our financial condition. Finally, we will incur additional costs in connection with our involvement in the Verestar bankruptcy proceedings.

 

Information Presented Pursuant to the Indentures of Our 9 3/8% Notes, 7.50% Notes, 7.125% Notes, ATI 12.25% Notes and ATI 7.25% Notes

 

The following table sets forth information that is presented solely to address certain tower cash flow reporting requirements contained in the indentures for our 9 3/8% Notes, 7.50% Notes, 7.125% Notes, ATI 12.25% Notes and ATI 7.25% senior subordinated notes due 2011 (ATI 7.25% Notes). The information contained in note 11 to our condensed consolidated financial statements is also presented to address certain reporting requirements contained in the indentures for our ATI 12.25% Notes and ATI 7.25% Notes.

 

Tower Cash Flow, Adjusted Consolidated Cash Flow and Non-Tower Cash Flow for the Company and its restricted subsidiaries, as defined in the indentures for the Notes, are as follows (in thousands):

 

    9 3/8% Notes

    ATI 12.25% Notes,
ATI 7.25% Notes,
7.50% Notes and
7.125% Notes


 

Tower Cash Flow, for the three months ended March 31, 2005

  $ 124,888     $ 123,499  
   


 


Consolidated Cash Flow, for the twelve months ended March 31, 2005

    456,864       450,987  

Less: Tower Cash Flow, for the twelve months ended March 31, 2005

    (477,074 )     (471,210 )

Plus: four times Tower Cash Flow, for the three months ended March 31, 2005

    499,552       493,996  
   


 


Adjusted Consolidated Cash Flow, for the twelve months ended March 31, 2005

    479,342       473,773  
   


 


Non-Tower Cash Flow, for the twelve months ended March 31, 2005

  $ (27,217 )   $ (27,230 )
   


 


 

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ITEM 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

 

We are exposed to market risk from changes in interest rates on long-term debt obligations. We attempt to reduce these risks by utilizing derivative financial instruments, namely interest rate caps pursuant to our policies. All derivative financial instruments are for purposes other than trading. During the three months ended March 31, 2005, we repaid or repurchased $171.8 million face amount of outstanding debt for $169.1 million in cash, including the redemption of $133.0 million of 9 3/8% Notes, $37.0 million face amount ($22.6 million accreted value) of ATI 12.25% Notes and a $1.0 million principal payment under our credit facility.

 

The following tables provide information as of March 31, 2005 about our market risk exposure associated with changing interest rates. For long-term debt obligations, the tables present principal cash flows by maturity date and average interest rates related to outstanding obligations. For interest rate caps, the tables present notional principal amounts and weighted-average interest rates by contractual maturity dates.

 

Twelve month period ended March 31, 2005

Principal Payments and Interest Rate Detail by Contractual Maturity Dates

(In thousands, except percentages)

 

Long-Term Debt


   2006

    2007

    2008

    2009

    2010

    Thereafter

    Total

   Fair Value

Fixed Rate Debt(a)

   $ 1,350     $ 291,977     $ 369     $ 603,196     $ 12     $ 1,721,634     $ 2,618,538    $ 2,677,715

Average Interest Rate(a)

     7.16 %     7.35 %     7.76 %     6.79 %     5.90 %     6.12 %             

Variable Rate Debt(a)

   $ 4,000     $ 34,000     $ 64,000     $ 64,000     $ 64,000     $ 467,000     $ 697,000    $ 705,461

Average Interest Rate(a)

                                                             

 

Aggregate Notional Amounts Associated with Interest Rate Caps in Place

As of March 31, 2005 and Interest Rate Detail by Contractual Maturity Dates

(In thousands, except percentages)

 

Interest Rate CAPS


   2006

                                   

Notional Amount(b)

   $ 350,000 (b)                                  

Cap Rate

     6.00 %                                  

(a)   As of March 31, 2005, variable rate debt consists of our credit facility ($697.0 million) and fixed rate debt consists of: the 2.25% Notes ($0.1 million); the 7.125% Notes ($500.0 million principal amount due at maturity; the balance as of March 31, 2005 is $501.9 million); the 5.0% Notes ($275.7 million); the 3.25% Notes ($210.0 million); the 7.50% Notes ($225.0 million); the ATI 7.25% Notes ($400.0 million); the ATI 12.25% Notes ($461.3 million principal amount due at maturity; the balance as of March 31, 2005 is $291.7 million accreted value, net of the allocated fair value of the related warrants of $18.6 million); the 9 3/8% Notes ($141.9 million); the 3.00% Notes ($345.0 million principal amount due at maturity; the balance as of March 31, 2005 is $344.3 million accreted value) and other debt of $59.6 million. Interest on the credit facility is payable in accordance with the applicable London Interbank Offering Rate (LIBOR) agreement or quarterly and accrues at our option either at LIBOR plus margin (as defined) or the base rate plus margin (as defined). The weighted average interest rate in effect at March 31, 2005 for the credit facility was 5.01%. For the three months ended March 31, 2005, the weighted average interest rate under the credit facility was 5.30%. The 7.125% Notes bear interest at 7.125% per annum, which is payable semiannually on April 15 and October 15 of each year, beginning April 15, 2005. The 5.0% Notes bear interest at 5.0% per annum, which is payable semiannually on February 15 and August 15 of each year. The ATI 12.25% Notes bear interest (after giving effect to the accretion of the original discount and the accretion of the fair value of the warrants) at 14.7% per annum, payable upon maturity. The 2.25% Notes bear interest (after giving effect to the accretion of the original discount) at 6.25% per annum, which is payable semiannually on April 15 and October 15 of each year. The 9 3/8% Notes bear interest at 9 3/8% per annum, which is payable semiannually on February 1 and August 1 of each year. The 3.25% Notes bear interest at 3.25% per annum, which is payable semiannually on February 1 and August 1 of each year. The ATI 7.25% Notes bear interest at 7.25% per annum, which is payable semiannually on June 1 and December 1 of each year. The 7.50% Notes bear interest at 7.50% per annum, which is payable semiannually on May 1 and November 1 of each year. The 3.00% Notes bear interest at 3.00% per annum, which is payable semiannually on February 15 and August 15 of each year. Other debt consists of notes payable, capital leases and other obligations bearing interest at rates ranging from 7.9% to 12.0%, payable monthly.
(b)   Includes notional amounts of $250,000 and $100,000 that will expire in June and July 2006, respectively.

 

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We maintain a portion of our cash and cash equivalents in short-term financial instruments that are subject to interest rate risks. Due to the relatively short duration of such instruments, we believe fluctuations in interest rates with respect to those investments will not materially affect our financial condition or results of operations.

 

We are exposed to market risk from changes in foreign currency exchange rates in connection with our foreign operations, including our rental and management segment divisions in Mexico and Brazil. For the three months ended March 31, 2005 and 2004, the remeasurement gain (loss) on revenues from these operations approximated $0.3 million and $(0.2) million, respectively.

 

ITEM 4.    CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

 

Disclosure Controls and Procedures

 

We have established disclosure controls and procedures to ensure that material information relating to us, including our consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to the officers who certify our financial reports and to other members of senior management and the Board of Directors.

 

Our management, with the participation of our principal executive officer and principal financial officer, evaluated the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended) as of the end of the period covered by this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q. Based on this evaluation, our principal executive officer and principal financial officer concluded that these disclosure controls and procedures are effective and designed to ensure that the information required to be disclosed in our reports filed or submitted under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the requisite time periods.

 

Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting

 

Our management, with the participation of our principal executive officer and principal financial officer, is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting as defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Our internal control system is designed to provide reasonable assurance to our management and Board of Directors regarding the preparation and fair presentation of published financial statements.

 

In February 2005, our management determined that our previously issued financial statements for periods ending on or prior to September 30, 2004 should be restated to correct our accounting practices for ground leases underlying our tower sites. We undertook a review of our lease accounting practices as a result of changes in lease accounting announced by other public companies in January and February of 2005 and guidance provided by the SEC in its February 7, 2005 letter to the accounting industry. As a result of this review, our management determined that we should change the periods used to calculate depreciation and amortization expense and straight-line rent expense relating to certain of our tower assets and underlying ground leases. Accordingly, in March 2005, we restated our consolidated financial statements included in our annual report on Form 10-K/A for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2003 and in our quarterly reports on Form 10-Q/A for the first three fiscal quarters of 2004.

 

As further discussed in our Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2004, our management evaluated the impact of this restatement on our assessment of our system of internal control over financial reporting. Based on the definition of “material weakness” in the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (PCAOB) Auditing Standard No. 2, An Audit of Internal Control Over Financial Reporting Performed in Conjunction With an Audit of Financial Statements, restatement of financial statements in prior filings with the SEC is a strong indicator of the existence of a “material weakness” in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting. Based on this interpretation, our management concluded that a material weakness existed in our internal control over financial reporting relating to the selection, application and monitoring of our accounting practices for depreciation and amortization expense and straight-line rent expense relating to certain of our tower assets and underlying ground leases. Our management disclosed this to the Audit Committee of our Board and to our

 

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independent registered public accountants. As a result of this material weakness, our management concluded that, as of December 31, 2004, our internal control over financial reporting was not effective based on the criteria set forth by the COSO of the Treadway Commission in Internal Control—Integrated Framework. To remediate this material weakness, we conducted a review of our lease accounting practices and corrected our accounting practices for depreciation and amortization expense and straight-line rent expense relating to certain of our tower assets and underlying ground leases in the first quarter of 2005.

 

Except as set forth above, there have not been any changes in the our internal control over financial reporting during the quarter ended March 31, 2005 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

 

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PART II.    OTHER INFORMATION

 

ITEM 1.    LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

 

The Company periodically becomes involved in various claims and lawsuits that are incidental to its business. In the opinion of management, after consultation with counsel, there are no matters currently pending that would, in the event of an adverse outcome, have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial position, the results of operations or liquidity.

 

ITEM 2.    UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS.

 

In February 2005, we issued 159,836 shares of our Class A common stock in connection with the Company’s repurchase of interests in ATC Mexico Holding Corp., the subsidiary through which we conduct our Mexico operations (ATC Mexico) from certain stockholders of ATC Mexico, including J. Michael Gearon, Jr. and William H. Hess, executive officers of the Company. See the discussion of this transaction set forth under note 9 to the Company’s condensed consolidated financial statements included in Part 1, Item 1 of this Quarterly Report and incorporated herein by reference. The shares were issued in reliance upon the exemptions provided under Section 4(2) and Regulation S of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended. The shares issued in reliance on Section 4(2) were issued based upon, among other things, the following factors: (i) the shares were issued in a private offering; (ii) the individuals receiving the shares were accredited investors, as defined in Rule 501 under the Securities Act; and (iii) the shares issued cannot be resold without registration under the Securities Act or an exemption therefrom.

 

ITEM 6.    EXHIBITS.

 

See the Exhibit Index on Page EX-1 of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, which Exhibit Index is incorporated herein by reference.

 

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SIGNATURES

 

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

 

       

AMERICAN TOWER CORPORATION

Date: May 9, 2005       By:  

/s/    BRADLEY E. SINGER        


               

Bradley E. Singer

Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer

(Duly Authorized Officer and Principal

Financial Officer)

 

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EXHIBIT INDEX

 

Exhibit No.

  

Description


2    Agreement and Plan of Merger by and among American Tower Corporation, Asteroid Merger Sub, LLC and SpectraSite, Inc., dated as of May 3, 2005 (incorporated by reference from Exhibit 2 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K (File No. 001-14195) filed on May 5, 2005).
10    2005 Base Salary and Cash Bonus Incentives with Named Executive Officers.
31.1    Certification of Principal Executive Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
31.2    Certification of Principal Financial Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
32    Certifications pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350.

 

EX-1