Form 10-Q
Table of Contents

 

 

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, 2009

 

¨ 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 has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files). Yes ¨ No ¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check One):

 

Large accelerated filer

  x        Accelerated filer   ¨  
Non-accelerated filer   ¨       

Smaller reporting company

  ¨  

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

As of April 24, 2009, there were 397,694,874 shares of Class A Common Stock outstanding.

 

 

 


Table of Contents

AMERICAN TOWER CORPORATION

INDEX

 

QUARTERLY REPORT ON FORM 10-Q

FOR THE QUARTER ENDED MARCH 31, 2009

 

     Page No.

PART I.   FINANCIAL INFORMATION

  

Item 1.

  

Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

  
  

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets as of March 31, 2009 and December 31,
2008

   1
  

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations for the three months ended
March 31, 2009 and 2008

   2
  

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the three months ended
March 31, 2009 and 2008

   3
  

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity for the three months ended
March  31, 2009 and 2008

   4
  

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

   5

Item 2.

  

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

   17

Item 3.

  

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk

   30

Item 4.

  

Controls and Procedures

   32

PART II.  OTHER INFORMATION

  

Item 1.

  

Legal Proceedings

   33

Item 1A.

  

Risk Factors

   34

Item 2.

  

Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds.

   43

Item 6.

   Exhibits    43

Signatures

   44

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,
2009
    December 31,
2008
 

ASSETS

    

CURRENT ASSETS:

    

Cash and cash equivalents

   $ 303,038     $ 143,077  

Restricted cash

     61,475       51,866  

Short-term investments and available-for-sale securities

     962       2,028  

Accounts receivable, net of allowances

     60,057       51,313  

Prepaid and other current assets

     70,180       61,415  

Deferred income taxes

     163,981       163,981  
                

Total current assets

     659,693       473,680  
                

PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT, net

     3,003,215       3,022,636  

GOODWILL

     2,186,270       2,186,233  

OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS, net

     1,532,832       1,566,155  

DEFERRED INCOME TAXES

     349,446       381,428  

NOTES RECEIVABLE AND OTHER LONG-TERM ASSETS

     594,414       581,533  
                

TOTAL

   $ 8,325,870     $ 8,211,665  
                

LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

    

CURRENT LIABILITIES:

    

Accounts payable and accrued expenses

   $ 144,268     $ 151,985  

Accrued interest

     47,994       28,635  

Current portion of long-term obligations

     1,527       1,837  

Unearned revenue

     125,519       120,188  
                

Total current liabilities

     319,308       302,645  
                

LONG-TERM OBLIGATIONS

     4,330,999       4,331,309  

OTHER LONG-TERM LIABILITIES

     593,493       583,232  
                

Total liabilities

     5,243,800       5,217,186  
                

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

    

STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY:

    

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

    

Class A Common Stock: $.01 par value; 1,000,000,000 shares authorized, 469,263,097 and 468,513,843 shares issued, and 397,658,712 and 396,976,896 shares outstanding, respectively

     4,692       4,685  

Additional paid-in capital

     8,139,915       8,109,224  

Accumulated deficit

     (2,297,526 )     (2,356,127 )

Accumulated other comprehensive loss

     (19,896 )     (20,031 )

Treasury stock (71,604,385 and 71,536,947 shares at cost, respectively)

     (2,748,265 )     (2,746,429 )
                

Total American Tower Corporation stockholders’ equity

     3,078,920       2,991,322  

Noncontrolling interest

     3,150       3,157  
                

Total stockholders’ equity

     3,082,070       2,994,479  
                

TOTAL

   $ 8,325,870     $ 8,211,665  
                

See accompanying notes to unaudited 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,  
     2009     2008  

REVENUES:

    

Rental and management

   $ 395,947     $ 373,983  

Network development services

     12,731       8,201  
                

Total operating revenues

     408,678       382,184  
                

OPERATING EXPENSES:

    

Costs of operations (exclusive of items shown separately below)

    

Rental and management

     90,090       86,931  

Network development services

     7,615       3,627  

Depreciation, amortization and accretion

     99,868       97,072  

Selling, general, administrative and development expense (including stock-based compensation expense of $24,338 and $16,264, respectively)

     57,631       48,909  

Other operating expenses

     3,189       789  
                

Total operating expenses

     258,393       237,328  
                

OPERATING INCOME

     150,285       144,856  
                

OTHER (EXPENSE) INCOME:

    

Interest income, TV Azteca, net of interest expense of $372 and $372, respectively

     3,499       3,541  

Interest income

     499       963  

Interest expense

     (61,568 )     (65,514 )

Loss on retirement of long-term obligations

     —         (25 )

Other income (expense)

     71       (778 )
                

Total other expense

     (57,499 )     (61,813 )
                

INCOME FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS BEFORE INCOME TAXES AND INCOME ON EQUITY METHOD INVESTMENTS

     92,786       83,043  

Income tax provision

     (37,107 )     (40,801 )

Income on equity method investments

     10       5  
                

INCOME FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS

     55,689       42,247  

INCOME (LOSS) FROM DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS, NET OF INCOME TAX (PROVISION) BENEFIT OF $(1,930) and $10, RESPECTIVELY

     3,070       (19 )
                

NET INCOME

     58,759       42,228  

Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest

     (158 )     (73 )
                

NET INCOME ATTRIBUTABLE TO AMERICAN TOWER CORPORATION

     58,601       42,155  
                

NET INCOME PER COMMON SHARE AMOUNTS:

    

BASIC:

    

Income from continuing operations attributable to American Tower Corporation

   $ 0.14     $ 0.11  

Income (loss) from discontinued operations attributable to American Tower Corporation

   $ 0.01     $ —    
                

Net income attributable to American Tower Corporation

   $ 0.15     $ 0.11  
                

DILUTED:

    

Income from continuing operations attributable to American Tower Corporation

   $ 0.14     $ 0.10  

Income (loss) from discontinued operations attributable to American Tower Corporation

   $ 0.01     $ —    
                

Net income attributable to American Tower Corporation

   $ 0.15     $ 0.10  
                

WEIGHTED AVERAGE COMMON SHARES OUTSTANDING:

    

BASIC

     397,180       397,128  
                

DILUTED

     408,250       421,622  
                

See accompanying notes to unaudited 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 31,  
     2009     2008  

CASH FLOWS PROVIDED BY OPERATING ACTIVITIES:

    

Net income

   $ 58,759     $ 42,228  

Stock-based compensation expense

     24,338       16,264  

Depreciation, amortization and accretion

     99,868       97,072  

Other non-cash items reflected in statements of operations

     38,525       33,629  

Increase in net deferred rent asset

     (2,717 )     (7,728 )

(Increase) decrease in restricted cash

     (9,609 )     1,238  

Increase in assets

     (23,367 )     (9,187 )

Increase in liabilities

     19,941       8,866  
                

Cash provided by operating activities

     205,738       182,382  
                

CASH FLOWS USED FOR INVESTING ACTIVITIES:

    

Payments for purchase of property and equipment and construction activities

     (49,627 )     (44,625 )

Payments for acquisitions

     (1,145 )     (28,312 )

Proceeds from sale of available-for-sale securities and other long-term assets

     1,144       2,136  

Deposits, restricted cash and investments

     1,120       2,070  
                

Cash used for investing activities

     (48,508 )     (68,731 )
                

CASH FLOWS USED FOR FINANCING ACTIVITIES:

    

Borrowings under credit facilities

     —         475,000  

Repayments of notes payable, credit facilities and capital leases

     (1,155 )     (325,640 )

Purchases of Class A common stock

     (4,661 )     (182,750 )

Proceeds from stock options, warrants and stock purchase plan

     8,898       11,644  

Deferred financing costs and other financing activities

     (99 )     (3,395 )
                

Cash provided by (used for) financing activities

     2,983       (25,141 )
                

Net effect of changes in foreign currency exchange rates on cash and cash equivalents

     (252 )     —    
                

NET INCREASE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS

     159,961       88,510  

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, BEGINNING OF YEAR

     143,077       33,123  
                

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, END OF PERIOD

   $ 303,038     $ 121,633  
                

CASH PAID FOR INCOME TAXES

   $ 7,494     $ 11,720  
                

CASH PAID FOR INTEREST

   $ 39,111     $ 46,300  
                

See accompanying notes to unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

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AMERICAN TOWER CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY—Unaudited

(In thousands, except share data)

 

    Class A
Common Stock
  Treasury Stock     Additional
Paid-in
Capital
  Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Income (Loss)
    Accumulated
Deficit
    Noncontrolling
Interest
    Total
Stockholders’
Equity
    Total
Comprehensive
Income(Loss)
 
    Issued Shares   Amount   Shares     Amount              

BALANCE, DECEMBER 31, 2007

  452,759,969   $ 4,527   (53,241,427 )   $ (2,047,818 )   $ 7,772,382   $ (3,626 )   $ (2,703,373 )   $ 3,342     $ 3,025,434    
                                                               

Stock option activity

  737,697     7         28,558           28,565    

Issuance of vested restricted stock, net of employee withholdings tax

                    —      

Issuance of common stock upon exercise of warrants

  264,138     3         57           60    

Issuance of common stock – Stock Purchase Plan

                    —      

Treasury stock activity

      (4,495,056 )     (172,099 )             (172,099 )  

Net change in fair value of cash flow hedges,
net of tax

              (7,411 )         (7,411 )     (7,411 )

Net realized gain on cash flow hedges, net of tax

              30           30       30  

Net unrealized loss on available-for-sale securities, net of tax

              (130 )         (130 )     (130 )

Convertible notes exchanged for common stock

  242     —           5           5    

Foreign currency translation adjustment

                    —      

Distributions to noncontrolling interest

                  (138 )     (138 )  

Net income

                42,155       73       42,228       42,228  
                         

Total comprehensive income

                    $ 34,717  
                                                                     

BALANCE, MARCH 31, 2008

  453,762,046   $ 4,537   (57,736,483 )   $ (2,219,917 )   $ 7,801,002   $ (11,137 )   $ (2,661,218 )   $ 3,277     $ 2,916,544    
                                                               

 

    Class A
Common Stock
  Treasury Stock     Additional
Paid-in
Capital
    Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Income (Loss)
    Accumulated
Deficit
    Noncontrolling
Interest
    Total
Stockholders’
Equity
    Total
Comprehensive
Income(Loss)
 
    Issued Shares   Amount   Shares     Amount              

BALANCE, DECEMBER 31, 2008

  468,513,843   $ 4,685   (71,536,947 )   $ (2,746,429 )   $ 8,109,224     $ (20,031 )   $ (2,356,127 )   $ 3,157     $ 2,994,479    
                                                                 

Stock option activity

  563,508     5         33,192             33,197    

Issuance of vested restricted stock, net of employee withholdings tax

  177,173     2         (2,539 )           (2,537 )  

Issuance of common stock upon exercise of warrants

  8,573     —           38             38    

Issuance of common stock – Stock Purchase Plan

                    —      

Treasury stock activity

      (67,438 )     (1,836 )             (1,836 )  

Net change in fair value of cash flow hedges,
net of tax

              300           300       300  

Net realized gain on cash flow hedges, net of tax

              29           29       29  

Net unrealized loss on available-for-sale securities, net of tax

              9           9       9  

Convertible notes exchanged for common stock

                    —      

Foreign currency translation adjustment

              (203 )         (203 )     (203 )

Distributions to noncontrolling interest

                  (165 )     (165 )  

Net income

                58,601       158       58,759       58,759  
                         

Total comprehensive income

                    $ 58,894  
                                                                       

BALANCE, MARCH 31, 2009

  469,263,097   $ 4,692   (71,604,385 )   $ (2,748,265 )   $ 8,139,915     $ (19,896 )   $ (2,297,526 )   $ 3,150     $ 3,082,070    
                                                                 

See accompanying notes to unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

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AMERICAN TOWER CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—Unaudited

 

1. Description of Business, Basis of Presentation and Accounting Policies

American Tower Corporation and subsidiaries (collectively, ATC or the Company) is an independent owner, operator and developer of wireless and broadcast communications sites in the United States, Mexico, Brazil and India. The Company’s primary business is the leasing of antenna space on multi-tenant communications sites to wireless service providers and radio and television broadcast companies. The Company also manages rooftop and tower sites for property owners, operates in-building distributed antenna system (DAS) networks, and provides network development services that support its rental and management operations and the addition of new tenants and equipment on its sites.

ATC is a holding company that conducts its operations through its directly and indirectly owned subsidiaries. ATC’s principal United States operating subsidiaries are American Towers, Inc. and SpectraSite Communications, LLC (SpectraSite). ATC conducts its international operations through its subsidiary, American Tower International, Inc., which in turn conducts operations through its various international operating subsidiaries. The Company’s international operations consist primarily of its operations in Mexico and Brazil, and also include operations in India, which the Company established in the second half of 2007.

The accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared by 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 that all adjustments (consisting only of normal recurring adjustments) considered necessary for a fair presentation of the Company’s financial position and results of operations for such periods have been included. 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 Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2008.

Significant Accounting Policies and Use of Estimates—The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (GAAP) 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.

Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements—In December 2007, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 141 (revised 2007), “Business Combinations” (SFAS No. 141R). SFAS No. 141R establishes principles and requirements for how an acquirer recognizes and measures in its financial statements the identifiable assets acquired, the liabilities assumed, any noncontrolling interest in the acquiree and the goodwill acquired. Among other items, SFAS No. 141R changes the accounting for acquisitions by eliminating the step acquisition model, providing that contingent consideration be recognized at the time of acquisition (instead of being recognized when it is probable), disallowing the capitalization of transaction costs, and changing when restructurings related to acquisitions can be recognized. SFAS No. 141R also establishes disclosure requirements to enable the evaluation of the nature and financial effects of the business combination. SFAS No. 141R was effective for the Company as of January 1, 2009. Approximately $1.2 million of transaction costs previously capitalized in notes receivable and other long-term assets was expensed upon adoption of this standard.

In December 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 160, “Noncontrolling Interests in Consolidated Financial Statements—an amendment of Accounting Research Bulletin No. 51” (SFAS No. 160). Among other items, SFAS No. 160 establishes consolidating parties other than the parent, the amount of consolidated net income attributable to the parent and to the noncontrolling interest, changes in a parent’s ownership interest, and the valuation of retained noncontrolling equity investments when a subsidiary is deconsolidated. SFAS No. 160 also

 

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AMERICAN TOWER CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

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

 

establishes disclosure requirements that clearly identify and distinguish between the interests of the parent and the interests of the noncontrolling owners. SFAS No. 160 was effective for the Company as of January 1, 2009. The adoption of SFAS No. 160 did not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated results of operations and financial position. However, the Company has adjusted its presentation of noncontrolling interest in the condensed consolidated financial statements in order to comply with the disclosure requirements provided by SFAS No. 160.

In February 2008, the FASB issued FASB Staff Position (FSP) 157-2. FSP 157-2 delayed the effective date of SFAS No. 157 “Fair Value Measurements” (SFAS No. 157) to January 1, 2009 for all nonfinancial assets and nonfinancial liabilities that are recognized or disclosed at fair value in the financial statements on a nonrecurring basis (that is, at least annually). The adoption of FSP 157-2 had no impact on the Company’s condensed consolidated results of operations or financial position.

In March 2008, the FASB issued SFAS No. 161, “Disclosures about Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities, an amendment of FASB Statement No. 133” (SFAS No. 161). Among other items, this statement changes disclosure requirements and requires entities to provide enhanced disclosures about how and why entities use derivative financial instruments, how derivative instruments and related hedged items are accounted for under SFAS No. 133 “Accounting for Derivative Financial Instruments and Hedging Activities” and related interpretations, and how derivative instruments and related hedged items affect an entity’s financial position, financial performance and cash flows. SFAS No. 161 was effective for the Company as of January 1, 2009. Beginning with the Company’s Quarterly Report for the quarter ended March 31, 2009, the Company has included additional disclosures regarding its derivative instruments in order to comply with the provisions of SFAS No. 161 (see note 5). The adoption of SFAS No. 161 had no impact on the Company’s condensed consolidated results of operations or financial position.

In May 2008, the FASB issued SFAS No. 162, “The Hierarchy of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles” (SFAS No. 162). This statement identifies the sources of accounting principles and the framework for selecting the principles used in preparation of financial statements that are presented in conformity with GAAP. SFAS No. 162 was effective for the Company 60 days following the SEC’s approval of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board amendments to AU Section 411, “The Meaning of Present Fairly in Conformity with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles.” The adoption of SFAS No. 162 had no impact on the Company’s condensed consolidated results of operations or financial position.

 

2. Short-Term Investments and Available-For-Sale Securities

As of March 31, 2009, short-term investments and available-for-sale securities included government bonds of approximately $0.9 million, whose original maturities were in excess of three months, and approximately $0.1 million of available-for-sale securities.

 

3. Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets

The Company’s net carrying amount of goodwill was approximately $2.2 billion as of March 31, 2009 and December 31, 2008, all of which related to its rental and management segment.

 

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AMERICAN TOWER CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

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

 

The Company’s intangible assets subject to amortization consist of the following:

 

     Estimated Useful
Lives
   March 31,
2009
    December 31,
2008
 
     (years)    (in thousands)  

Acquired network location (1)

   20    $ 1,055,068     $ 1,055,313  

Acquired customer base

   15      737,724       737,108  

Acquired customer relationships

   20      775,000       775,000  

Deferred financing costs (2)

   N/A      73,927       73,993  

Acquired licenses and other intangibles

   5-15      21,574       21,574  

Economic Rights, TV Azteca

   70      30,292       30,292  
                   

Total

     2,693,585       2,693,280  

Less accumulated amortization

     (1,160,753 )     (1,127,125 )
                   

Other intangible assets, net

   $ 1,532,832     $ 1,566,155  
                   

 

(1) Acquired network location intangibles are amortized over the shorter of the term of the corresponding ground lease or 20 years, as the Company considers these intangibles to be directly related to the tower assets.
(2) Deferred financing costs are amortized over the term of the respective debt instruments to which they relate. This amortization is included in interest expense, rather than in amortization of intangibles.

The Company amortizes these intangibles on a straight-line basis. As of March 31, 2009, the weighted average amortization period of the Company’s intangible assets, excluding the TV Azteca Economic Rights detailed in note 4 to the Company’s consolidated financial statements included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2008, was approximately 11 years. Amortization of intangible assets for the three months ended March 31, 2009 was approximately $32.1 million (excluding amortization of deferred financing costs, which is included in interest expense).

 

4. Financing Transactions

Revolving Credit Facility and Term Loan—As of March 31, 2009, the Company had $750.0 million outstanding under its $1.25 billion senior unsecured revolving credit facility (Revolving Credit Facility) and had approximately $4.8 million of undrawn letters of credit outstanding. In March 2008, the Company increased its borrowing capacity under the Revolving Credit Facility by adding $325.0 million of term loan commitments (Term Loan). As of March 31, 2009, the Term Loan was fully drawn. The Company continues to maintain the ability to draw down and repay amounts under the Revolving Credit Facility in the ordinary course.

Stock Repurchase Program—During the three months ended March 31, 2009, the Company repurchased an aggregate of approximately 0.1 million shares of its Class A common stock (Common Stock) for an aggregate of $1.8 million, including commissions and fees, pursuant to its $1.5 billion stock repurchase program approved by the Company’s Board of Directors in February 2008 (2008 Buyback).

Under the 2008 Buyback, the Company is authorized to purchase shares from time to time through open market purchases or privately negotiated transactions at prevailing prices as permitted by securities laws and other legal requirements, and subject to market conditions and other factors. To facilitate repurchases, the Company purchases its Common Stock pursuant to trading plans under Rule 10b5-1 of the Exchange Act, which allows the Company to repurchase shares during periods when it otherwise might be prevented from doing so under insider trading laws or because of self-imposed trading blackout periods. In the near term, the Company expects to fund any further repurchases of its Common Stock through a combination of cash on hand, cash

 

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generated by operations and borrowings under its Revolving Credit Facility. Purchases under the 2008 Buyback are subject to the Company having available cash to fund repurchases.

 

5. Derivative Financial Instruments

The Company is exposed to certain risks related to its ongoing business operations. The primary risk managed through the use of derivative instruments is interest rate risk. The Company enters into interest rate protection agreements to manage exposure on the variable rate debt under its credit facilities and to manage variability in cash flows relating to forecasted interest payments. Under these agreements, the Company is exposed to credit risk to the extent that a counterparty fails to meet the terms of a contract. The Company’s credit risk exposure is limited to the current value of the contract at the time the counterparty fails to perform. The Company believes its contracts as of March 31, 2009 are with creditworthy institutions.

If a derivative is designated as a cash flow hedge, the effective portions of changes in the fair value of the derivative are recorded in accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income and are recognized in the results of operations when the hedged item affects earnings. Ineffective portions of changes in the fair value of cash flow hedges are recognized in the results of operations. For derivative instruments not designated as hedging instruments, changes in fair value are recognized in the results of operations in the period that the change occurs.

As of March 31, 2009, the Company held fifteen interest rate swap agreements, all of which have been designated as cash flow hedges, and which have an aggregate notional amount of $775.0 million, interest rates ranging from 2.86% to 4.08% and expiration dates through March 2011. The Company utilizes these interest rate swap agreements to manage its exposure to variability in cash flows relating to forecasted interest payments under its Revolving Credit Facility and its Term Loan. As of March 31, 2009, the carrying amounts of the Company’s derivative financial instruments, along with the estimated fair values of the related liabilities are as follows (in thousands):

 

     Balance Sheet Location    Notional
Amount
   Carrying Amount
and Fair Value

Liabilities:

        

Interest rate swap agreements

   Other long-term liabilities    $ 775,000    $ 26,132

During the three months ended March 31, 2009, the interest rate swap agreements held by the Company had the following impact on other comprehensive income (OCI) included in the condensed consolidated balance sheet and on the condensed consolidated statement of operations:

 

Amount of

Gain/(Loss)

Recognized in OCI

on Derivatives

(Effective Portion)

   Location of Gain/(Loss)
Reclassified from
Accumulated OCI into
Income (Effective
Portion)
   Amount of
Gain/(Loss)
Reclassified from
Accumulated OCI into
Income (Effective
Portion)
  Location of Gain/(Loss)
Recognized in Income on
Derivative (Ineffective
Portion and Amount
Excluded from
Effectiveness Testing)
   Gain/(Loss) Recognized
in Income on
Derivative (Ineffective
Portion and Amount
Excluded from
Effectiveness Testing)

$(3,578)

   Interest expense    $(3,278)   N/A    N/A

 

6. Fair Value Measurements

The Company determines the fair market values of its financial instruments based on the fair value hierarchy established in SFAS No. 157, which requires an entity to maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs when measuring fair value. The standard describes three levels of inputs that may be used to measure fair value.

 

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Level 1

   Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that the Company has the ability to access at the measurement date.

Level 2

   Observable inputs other than Level 1 prices, such as quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities; quoted prices in markets that are not active; or other inputs that are observable or can be corroborated by observable market data for substantially the full term of the assets or liabilities.

Level 3

   Unobservable inputs that are supported by little or no market activity and that are significant to the fair value of the assets or liabilities.

Items Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis—Assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of March 31, 2009, consists of the following (in thousands):

 

     Fair Value Measurements Using    Assets/Liabilities
at Fair Value
       Level 1        Level 2        Level 3     

Assets:

           

Short-term investments and available-for-sale securities (1)

   $ 962          $ 962

Liabilities:

           

Interest rate swap agreements (2)

      $ 26,132       $ 26,132

 

(1) Consists of available-for-sale securities traded on active markets as well as certain Brazilian Treasury securities that are highly liquid and are actively traded in over-the-counter markets.
(2) Consists of interest rate swap agreements based on the London Interbank Offering Rate (LIBOR) swap rate whose value is determined using a pricing model with inputs that are observable in the market or can be derived principally from or corroborated by observable market data.

The fair value of the Company’s interest rate swap agreements recorded as liabilities is included in other long-term liabilities in the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheet as of March 31, 2009. Fair valuations of the Company’s interest rate swap agreements reflect the value of the instrument including the values associated with counterparty risk. With the issuance of SFAS No. 157, these values must also take into account the Company’s own credit standing. As a result, the Company must include in the valuation of the derivative instrument the value of the net credit differential between the counterparties to the derivative contract.

Items Measured at Fair Value on a Nonrecurring Basis—The Company’s long-lived assets, intangibles and goodwill are measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis. During the three months ended March 31, 2009, the Company did not record any changes to the fair value of these assets as a result of impairment.

 

7. 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.

As of March 31, 2009 and December 31, 2008, the total amount of unrecognized tax benefits that would affect the effective tax rate, if recognized, was $47.8 million. The Company expects the unrecognized tax benefits to change over the next 12 months if certain tax matters ultimately settle with the applicable taxing jurisdiction during this timeframe, as described in note 11 to the Company’s consolidated financial statements

 

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included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2008. The impact of the amount of such changes to previously recorded uncertain tax positions could range from zero to $10.0 million.

In accordance with FASB Interpretation No. 48, “Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes, an interpretation of SFAS No. 109” (FIN 48), the Company recorded penalties and tax-related interest expense during the three months ended March 31, 2009 and 2008 of $1.2 million and $1.6 million, respectively. As of March 31, 2009 and December 31, 2008, the total amount of accrued income tax-related interest and penalties included in other long-term liabilities in the condensed consolidated balance sheets was $29.2 million and $29.1 million, respectively. In accordance with FIN 48, the Company also recorded a $0.2 million increase in the amount of unrecognized tax benefits related to uncertain tax positions during the three months ended March 31, 2009, which is reflected as a reduction to the deferred income tax asset in the condensed consolidated balance sheets.

The Company files numerous consolidated and separate income tax returns, including U.S. federal and state tax returns and foreign tax returns. As a result of the Company’s ability to carry forward federal and state net operating losses, the applicable tax years remain open to examination until three years after the applicable loss carry forwards have been used or expired. The Company is currently in the final stages of the U.S. federal income tax examinations for tax years 2004 and 2005. Additionally, it is subject to examinations in various U.S. state jurisdictions for certain tax years.

 

8. Stock-Based Compensation

The Company recognized stock-based compensation expense during the three months ended March 31, 2009 and 2008 of approximately $24.3 million and $16.3 million, respectively. Stock-based compensation expense for the three months ended March 31, 2009 includes $6.6 million related to the modification of certain stock option awards for one member of senior management who terminated his employment agreement. The Company did not capitalize any stock-based compensation during the three months ended March 31, 2009 and 2008.

Stock Options—During the three months ended March 31, 2009, the Company granted stock options to purchase 1.5 million shares of its Common Stock pursuant to its 2007 Equity Incentive Plan (2007 Plan).

The following table summarizes the Company’s option activity for the three months ended March 31, 2009:

 

     Number of
Options
 

Outstanding as of January 1, 2009

   13,185,866  

Granted

   1,479,839  

Exercised

   (563,508 )

Forfeited

   (103,299 )
      

Outstanding as of March 31, 2009

   13,998,898  
      

 

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The Company estimates the fair value of each option grant on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option pricing model. The following assumptions were used to determine the grant date fair value for options granted during the three months ended March 31, 2009:

 

Range of risk-free interest rate

   1.57% -  1.73%

Weighted average risk-free interest rate

   1.73%

Expected life of option grants

   4.00 years

Range of expected volatility of underlying stock price

   36.16% -  36.23%

Weighted average expected volatility of underlying stock price

   36.23%

Expected annual dividends

   N/A

As of March 31, 2009, total unrecognized compensation expense related to unvested stock options was $58.7 million, and is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of approximately two years. A summary of weighted average grant date fair value and fair value of options vested during the three months ended March 31, 2009 is as follows:

 

Weighted average grant date fair value per share

   $ 8.74

Weighted average fair value of options vested (in millions)

   $ 29.8

Restricted Stock Units—During the three months ended March 31, 2009, the Company granted restricted stock units with respect to 1.2 million shares of its Common Stock pursuant to the 2007 Plan.

The following table summarizes the Company’s restricted stock unit activity during the three months ended March 31, 2009:

 

     Number
of Units
 

Outstanding as of January 1, 2009

   1,138,268  

Granted

   1,216,255  

Vested

   (278,841 )

Forfeited

   (21,052 )
      

Outstanding as of March 31, 2009

   2,054,630  
      

The total fair value of the restricted stock units that vested during the three months ended March 31, 2009 was $10.3 million. As of March 31, 2009, total unrecognized compensation expense related to unvested restricted stock units granted under the 2007 Plan was $57.7 million, and is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of approximately four years.

Employee Stock Purchase Plan—The Company also maintains an employee stock purchase plan for all eligible employees as described in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2008. The offering periods run from June 1 through November 30 and from December 1 through May 31 of each year, and accordingly no shares were purchased by employees during the three months ended March 31, 2009.

 

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9. Earnings per Common Share

Basic income from continuing operations per common share represents income from continuing operations attributable to American Tower Corporation divided by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted income from continuing operations per common share represents income from continuing operations attributable to American Tower Corporation divided by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period and any dilutive common share equivalents, including shares issuable upon exercise of stock options and warrants as determined under the treasury stock method and upon conversion of the Company’s convertible notes, as determined under the if-converted method.

For the three months ended March 31, 2009 and 2008, the weighted average number of common shares outstanding excludes shares issuable upon conversion of the Company’s convertible notes of 1.2 million, and shares issuable upon exercise of the Company’s stock options and share based awards of 10.4 million and 6.4 million, respectively, as the effect would be anti-dilutive.

The following table sets forth basic and diluted income from continuing operations per common share computational data for the three months ended March 31, 2009 and 2008 (in thousands, except per share data):

 

     Three Months Ended
March 31,
     2009    2008

Income from continuing operations attributable to American Tower Corporation

   $ 55,531    $ 42,174
             

Effect of convertible notes

     747      1,722
             

Income available to common shareholders, as adjusted for diluted earnings

   $ 56,278    $ 43,896
             

Basic weighted average common shares outstanding

     397,180      397,128

Dilutive securities:

     

Stock options, warrants and convertible notes

     11,070      24,494
             

Diluted weighted average common shares outstanding

     408,250      421,622
             

Basic income from continuing operations attributable to American Tower Corporation per common share

   $ 0.14    $ 0 .11
             

Diluted income from continuing operations attributable to American Tower Corporation per common share

   $ 0.14    $ 0.10
             

 

10. Commitments and Contingencies

Legal and Governmental Proceedings Related to Review of Stock Option Granting Practices and Related Accounting—During the year ended December 31, 2006, the Company received a letter of informal inquiry from the SEC Division of Enforcement, a subpoena from the United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of New York, and an Information Document Request from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), each requesting documents and other information related to Company stock option grants and stock option practices. In addition, in August 2007, the Company received a request for information from the Department of Labor (DOL) with respect to the Company’s retirement savings plan, including documents related to Company stock option grants and the Company’s historical stock option administrative practices. The Company has become aware that a former officer of the Company has received and responded to a “Wells” notice from the SEC which affords such individual the opportunity to make a submission to the SEC with respect to contemplated civil enforcement

 

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recommendations against such individual for certain violations of the federal securities laws. In September 2008, the DOL concluded its review and advised the Company that no action would be taken. The reviews being conducted by the SEC, the U.S. Attorney’s Office and the IRS remain ongoing, and the Company continues to cooperate on these matters. For more information, see note 16 to the consolidated financial statements included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2008.

The Company was subject to a securities class action relating to its historical stock option granting practices and related accounting. On May 26, 2006, a purported securities class action was filed by John S. Greenebaum in United States District Court for the District of Massachusetts against the Company and certain of its current officers for monetary relief. Specifically, the complaint named the Company, James D. Taiclet, Jr. and Bradley E. Singer as defendants and alleged that the defendants violated federal securities laws in connection with public statements made relating to the Company’s stock option practices and related accounting. The complaint asserted claims under Sections 10(b) and 20(a) of the Exchange Act and SEC Rule 10b-5. In December 2006, the court appointed the Steamship Trade Association-International Longshoreman’s Association Pension Fund as the lead plaintiff. In March 2007, plaintiffs filed an amended consolidated complaint, which included additional current and former officers and directors of the Company as defendants. In December 2007, the Company reached a settlement in principle regarding the securities class action. The settlement, which was preliminarily approved by the court in February 2008, provided for a payment by the Company of $14.0 million and the dismissal of all claims against all defendants in the litigation. The Company paid $250,000 of the settlement amount to an escrow account controlled by the plaintiffs during the quarter ended March 31, 2008. In April 2008, the Company paid the remaining settlement amount of $13.8 million into escrow and received $12.5 million in insurance proceeds. In May 2008, the original plaintiff, Mr. Greenebaum, filed an objection to the settlement. Following a hearing in June 2008, the Court dismissed Mr. Greenebaum’s objection and approved the settlement. In July 2008, Mr. Greenebaum filed an untimely request to opt-out of the settlement class certified by the Court, which the Court denied in August 2008. Mr. Greenebaum filed a notice of appeal of the Court’s final order approving the settlement agreement and of the Court’s decision denying his untimely request to opt out of the settlement class. In December 2008, the Company entered into a settlement agreement with Mr. Greenebaum providing for payment by the Company of $5,000, which the Court approved in January 2009. In January 2009, the lead plaintiff also entered into a settlement agreement with Mr. Greenebaum. As a result of these settlements, Mr. Greenebaum withdrew his appeals, effectively ending the litigation.

On May 24, 2006 and June 14, 2006, two shareholder derivative lawsuits were filed in Suffolk County Superior Court in Massachusetts by Eric Johnston and Robert L. Garber, respectively. The lawsuits were filed against certain of the Company’s current and former officers and directors for alleged breaches of fiduciary duties and unjust enrichment in connection with the Company’s historical stock option granting practices. The lawsuits also named the Company as a nominal defendant. The lawsuits sought to recover the damages sustained by the Company and disgorgement of all profits received with respect to the alleged backdated stock options. In October 2006, these two lawsuits were consolidated, and in October 2007, the court dismissed the complaint, without leave to amend, due to the plaintiffs’ failure to make a demand upon the Company’s Board of Directors before initiating their lawsuits. In December 2007, the plaintiffs filed an appeal of that decision to the Massachusetts Court of Appeals, and in April 2008, the Company filed a motion to dismiss the appeal as moot. In June 2008, the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court elected, on its own motion, to hear the appeal, and in April 2009, affirmed the judgment dismissing the complaint without leave to amend due to failure to adequately establish demand futility and dismissed the complaint with prejudice.

Mexico Litigation—One of the Company’s subsidiaries, SpectraSite Communications, Inc. (SCI), is involved in a lawsuit brought in Mexico against a former Mexican subsidiary of SCI (the subsidiary of SCI was sold in 2002, prior to the Company’s merger with SCI’s parent in 2005). The lawsuit concerns a terminated tower construction contract and related agreements with a wireless carrier in Mexico. The primary issue for the

 

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Company is whether SCI itself can be found liable to the Mexican carrier. The trial and lower appellate courts initially found that SCI had no such liability in part because Mexican courts do not have full jurisdiction over SCI. These decisions were appealed by the plaintiff, and in July 2008, they were reversed by an intermediate Mexican appellate court. In its decision, the intermediate appellate court identified potential damages of approximately $23.0 million. SCI appealed that ruling to a higher constitutional court in Mexico. In January 2009, the constitutional court ruled in SCI’s favor, remanding the case back to the intermediate appellate court for further proceedings. In March 2009, the intermediate appellate court issued its decision, which reasserts jurisdiction and reimposes liability on SCI. In April 2009, SCI filed an appeal of this decision to the higher constitutional court, as permitted under Mexican law, on the grounds that the decision of the intermediate appellate court is inconsistent with the January 2009 ruling of the higher constitutional court and Mexican law. As such, the Company is unable to estimate its share, if any, of potential liability at this stage of the proceedings.

AT&T Transaction—SpectraSite entered into an agreement with SBC Communications Inc., a predecessor entity to AT&T Inc. (AT&T), for the lease or sublease of approximately 2,500 towers from AT&T between December 2000 and August 2004. All of the towers are part of the securitization transaction. The average term of the lease or sublease for all sites at the inception of the agreement was approximately 27 years, assuming renewals or extensions of the underlying ground leases for the sites. SpectraSite has the option to purchase the sites subject to the lease or sublease upon their expiration. Each of the towers is assigned into an annual tranche, ranging from 2013 to 2032, which represents the outside expiration date for the sublease rights to that tower. The purchase price for each site is a fixed amount stated in the sublease for that site plus the fair market value of certain alterations made to the related tower by AT&T. The aggregate purchase option price for the towers leased and subleased was approximately $384.4 million as of March 31, 2009, and will accrete at a rate of 10% per year to the applicable expiration of the lease or sublease of a site. For all such sites purchased by SpectraSite at the expiration of the lease or sublease, AT&T has the right to continue to lease the reserved space for successive one year terms at a rent equal to the lesser of the agreed upon market rate and the then current monthly fee, which is subject to an annual increase based on changes in the Consumer Price Index.

ALLTEL Transaction—In December 2000, the Company entered into an agreement with ALLTEL (which completed its merger with Verizon Wireless in January 2009) to acquire communications towers from ALLTEL through a 15-year sublease agreement. Pursuant to the agreement with ALLTEL, as amended, the Company acquired rights to a total of approximately 1,800 towers in tranches between April 2001 and March 2002. The Company has the option to purchase these towers at the expiration of the sublease period, which will occur between April 2016 and March 2017 based on the original closing date for such tranche of towers. The purchase price per tower as of the original closing date was $27,500 and will accrete at a rate of 3% per annum through the expiration of the sublease period. The aggregate purchase option price for the subleased towers was approximately $60.5 million as of March 31, 2009. At ALLTEL’s option, at the expiration of the sublease period the purchase price will be payable in cash or with 769 shares of the Company’s Common Stock per tower.

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, other than the legal proceedings discussed above, there are no matters currently pending which would, in the event of an adverse outcome, have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial position, results of operations or liquidity.

 

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11. 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 antenna space on multi-tenant towers and other properties for a diverse range of customers primarily in the wireless communications and broadcast industries. The network development services segment provides third party services that are complementary to the Company’s rental and management operations and that facilitate the addition of new tenants and equipment on the Company’s towers, including site acquisition, zoning, permitting, construction management and structural analysis.

The accounting policies applied in compiling segment information below are similar to those described in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2008. In evaluating financial performance, management focuses on segment gross margin and segment operating profit. The Company defines segment gross margin as segment revenue less segment operating expenses excluding depreciation, amortization and accretion; selling, general, administrative and development expense; and other operating expenses. The Company defines segment operating profit as segment gross margin less selling, general, administrative and development expense attributable to the segment, excluding stock-based compensation expense and corporate expenses. For reporting purposes, the rental and management segment operating profit and segment gross margin also include interest income, TV Azteca, net. These measures of segment gross margin and segment operating profit are also before interest income, interest expense, loss on retirement of long-term obligations, other (expense) income, minority interest in net earnings of subsidiaries, income on equity method investments, income taxes and discontinued operations.

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, 2009 and 2008 is shown in the table below. The Other column below represents amounts excluded from specific segments, such as stock-based compensation expense and corporate expenses included in selling, general, administrative and development expense; other operating expenses; interest income; interest expense; loss on retirement of long-term obligations; and other income (expense), as well as reconciles segment operating profit to income before income taxes, minority interest and income on equity method investments.

 

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Three months ended March 31,

   Rental and
Management
   Network
Development
Services
   Other    Total
     (in thousands)

2009

           

Segment revenues

   $ 395,947    $ 12,731       $ 408,678

Segment operating expenses

     90,090      7,615         97,705

Interest income, TV Azteca, net

     3,499            3,499
                       

Segment gross margin

     309,356      5,116         314,472
                       

Segment selling, general, administrative and development expenses

     17,644      1,535         19,179
                       

Segment operating profit

   $ 291,712    $ 3,581       $ 295,293
                       

Other selling, general, administrative and development expense

         $ 38,452      38,452

Depreciation, amortization and accretion

   $ 97,381    $ 666      1,821      99,868

Other expenses (principally interest expense)

           64,187      64,187
               

Income from continuing operations before income taxes and income on equity method investments

            $ 92,786
               

 

Three months ended March 31,

   Rental and
Management
   Network
Development
Services
   Other    Total
     (in thousands)

2008

           

Segment revenues

   $ 373,983    $ 8,201       $ 382,184

Segment operating expenses

     86,931      3,627         90,558

Interest income, TV Azteca, net

     3,541            3,541
                       

Segment gross margin

     290,593      4,574         295,167
                       

Segment selling, general, administrative and development expenses

     16,386      1,312         17,698
                       

Segment operating profit

   $ 274,207    $ 3,262       $ 277,469
                       

Other selling, general, administrative and development expense

         $ 31,211      31,211

Depreciation, amortization and accretion

   $ 94,962    $ 641      1,469      97,072

Other expenses (principally interest expense)

           66,143      66,143
               

Income from continuing operations before income taxes and income on equity method investments

            $ 83,043
               

 

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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,” “forecast,” “estimate,” “intend,” “should,” “would,” “could” or “may,” or other words that convey uncertainty of future events or outcomes, 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 under the caption “Risk Factors” in Part II, Item 1A. of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q. 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 (“GAAP”). 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, information set forth under the caption “Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates” beginning on page 45 of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2008, in particular, the information set forth therein under Item 7. “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.”

Overview

We are a leading wireless and broadcast communications infrastructure company with a portfolio of over 23,900 communications sites, including wireless communications towers, broadcast communications towers and distributed antenna system (“DAS”) networks. Our portfolio of wireless and broadcast tower sites consists of towers that we own and towers that we operate pursuant to long-term lease arrangements, including, as of March 31, 2009, approximately 19,600 sites in the United States and approximately 4,200 in Mexico, Brazil and India. Our portfolio also includes approximately 170 DAS networks that we operate in malls, casinos and other in-building applications in the United States and Mexico. In addition to the communications sites in our portfolio, we manage rooftop and tower sites for property owners in the United States, Mexico and Brazil. Our primary business is leasing antenna space on multi-tenant communications sites to wireless service providers and radio and television broadcast companies. This segment of our business, which we refer to as our rental and management segment, accounted for approximately 97% of our total revenues for the three months ended March 31, 2009.

Our communications site portfolio provides us with growth potential because we have the ability to add new tenants, and new equipment for existing tenants, on our sites. Our broad site portfolio and our large customer base provide us with a diverse source of new business opportunities, which has historically resulted in consistent and predictable revenue growth. Through our network development services segment, we also offer tower-related services in the United States, including site acquisition, zoning and permitting services and structural analysis services, which directly support our site leasing business and the addition of new tenants and equipment on our sites. We intend to capitalize on the increasing use of wireless communications services by actively marketing space available for lease on our existing sites and selectively developing or acquiring new sites that meet our return on investment criteria.

Our continuing operations are reported in two segments, rental and management and network development services. Management focuses on segment gross margin and segment operating profit as a means to measure

 

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operating performance in these business segments. We define segment gross margin as segment revenue less segment operating expenses excluding depreciation, amortization and accretion; selling, general, administrative and development expense; and other operating expenses. We define segment operating profit as segment gross margin less selling, general, administrative and development expense attributable to the segment, excluding stock-based compensation expense and corporate expenses. Segment gross margin and segment operating profit for the rental and management segment also include interest income, TV Azteca, net (see note 11 to our condensed consolidated financial statements included herein). These measures of segment gross margin and segment operating profit are also before interest income, interest expense, loss on retirement of long-term obligations, other income (expense), income attributable to noncontrolling interest, income on equity method investments, income taxes and discontinued operations.

Results of Operations

Three Months Ended March 31, 2009 and 2008 (dollars in thousands)

 

     Three Months Ended
March 31,
    Amount of
Increase
(Decrease)
    Percent
Increase
(Decrease)
 
     2009     2008      

REVENUES:

        

Rental and management

   $ 395,947     $ 373,983     $ 21,964     6 %

Network development services

     12,731       8,201       4,530     55  
                          

Total revenues

     408,678       382,184       26,494     7  
                          

OPERATING EXPENSES:

        

Costs of operations (exclusive of items shown separately below)

        

Rental and management

     90,090       86,931       3,159     4  

Network development services

     7,615       3,627       3,988     110  

Depreciation, amortization and accretion

     99,868       97,072       2,796     3  

Selling, general, administrative and development expense (including stock-based compensation expense of $24,338 and $16,264, respectively)

     57,631       48,909       8,722     18  

Other operating expenses

     3,189       789       2,400     304  
                          

Total operating expenses

     258,393       237,328       21,065     9  
                          

OTHER INCOME (EXPENSE) AND OTHER ITEMS:

        

Interest income, TV Azteca, net

     3,499       3,541       (42 )   (1 )

Interest income

     499       963       (464 )   (48 )

Interest expense

     (61,568 )     (65,514 )     (3,946 )   (6 )

Loss on retirement of long-term obligations

     —         (25 )     (25 )   (100 )

Other income (expense)

     71       (778 )     849     109  

Income tax provision

     (37,107 )     (40,801 )     (3,694 )   (9 )

Income on equity method investments

     10       5       5     100  
                          

Income from continuing operations

     55,689       42,247       13,442     32  

Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net

     3,070       (19 )     3,089     —    
                          

Net income

     58,759       42,228       16,531     39  

Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest

     (158 )     (73 )     85     116  
                          

Net income attributable to American Tower Corporation

   $ 58,601     $ 42,155       16,446     39 %
                          

 

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Total Revenues

Total revenues for the three months ended March 31, 2009 were $408.7 million, an increase of $26.5 million from the three months ended March 31, 2008. Approximately $22.0 million of the increase was attributable to an increase in rental and management revenue, with the remaining portion of the increase attributable to network development services revenue.

Rental and Management Revenue

Rental and management revenue for the three months ended March 31, 2009 was $395.9 million, an increase of $22.0 million from the three months ended March 31, 2008. Approximately $16.0 million of the increase resulted from incremental revenue generated by communications sites that existed during the entire period between January 1, 2008 and March 31, 2009, which reflects revenue increases from adding new tenants to those sites, existing tenants adding more equipment to those sites, contractual escalators, net of the impact of straight-line lease accounting, partially offset by unfavorable foreign currency exchange rates. Approximately $6.0 million of the increase resulted from approximately 1,200 communications sites acquired and/or constructed subsequent to January 1, 2008. We believe that our rental and management revenue will grow as we continue to utilize existing site capacity. We anticipate that the majority of our new leasing activity will continue to come from wireless service providers.

Network Development Services Revenue

Network development services revenue for the three months ended March 31, 2009 was $12.7 million, an increase of $4.5 million from the three months ended March 31, 2008. This increase was primarily attributable to revenues generated from our site acquisition, zoning and permitting services. As we continue to focus on and grow our rental and management business, we anticipate that our network development services revenue will continue to represent a small percentage of our total revenues.

Total Operating Expenses

Total operating expenses for the three months ended March 31, 2009 were $258.4 million, an increase of approximately $21.1 million from the three months ended March 31, 2008. The increase was primarily attributable to an increase in selling, general, administrative and development expense of $8.7 million, increases in expenses within our rental and management segment of $3.2 million and network development services segment of $4.0 million. The increases in depreciation, amortization and accretion expenses of $2.8 million and in other operating expenses of $2.4 million also contributed to the increase in total operating expenses.

Rental and Management Expense/Segment Gross Margin/Segment Operating Profit

Rental and management expense for the three months ended March 31, 2009 was $90.1 million, an increase of $3.2 million from the three months ended March 31, 2008. The increase was the result of an approximately $0.8 million increase in expenses attributable to communications sites which existed during the period between January 1, 2008 and March 31, 2009 and a $2.4 million increase in expenses related to approximately 1,200 sites acquired and/or constructed subsequent to January 1, 2008. The $0.8 million increase in expenses for the communications sites that existed during the period between January 1, 2008 and March 31, 2009, was primarily as a result of land rent increases offset by the depreciation of the Mexican Peso and Brazilian Real against the U.S. Dollar.

Rental and management segment gross margin for the three months ended March 31, 2009 was $309.4 million, an increase of $18.8 million from the three months ended March 31, 2008. The increase primarily resulted from additional rental and management revenue described above.

 

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Rental and management segment operating profit for the three months ended March 31, 2009 was $291.7 million, an increase of $17.5 million from the three months ended March 31, 2008. This was comprised of the $18.8 million increase in rental and management segment gross margin described above, partially offset by an increase of approximately $1.3 million in selling, general, administrative and development expenses related to the rental and management segment.

Network Development Services Expense

Network development services expense for the three months ended March 31, 2009 was $7.6 million, an increase of $4.0 million from the three months ended March 31, 2008. The increase correlates to the growth in services performed as noted above.

Depreciation, Amortization and Accretion

Depreciation, amortization and accretion for the three months ended March 31, 2009 was $99.9 million, an increase of $2.8 million from the three months ended March 31, 2008. This increase was primarily attributable to an increase in property and equipment of approximately $221.5 million from March 31, 2008 to March 31, 2009.

Selling, General, Administrative and Development Expense

Selling, general, administrative and development expense for the three months ended March 31, 2009 was $57.6 million, an increase of $8.7 million from the three months ended March 31, 2008. The increase was primarily attributable to an increase of approximately $8.1 million in stock based compensation expense which was principally driven by the additional expense recognized upon the modification of certain stock option awards for one member of senior management who terminated his employment agreement during the three months ended March 31, 2009.

Other Operating Expenses

Other operating expenses for the three months ended March 31, 2009 was $3.2 million, an increase of $2.4 million from the three months ended March 31, 2008. The increase was primarily attributable to approximately $2.2 million in acquisition related costs which have been expensed due to the adoption of Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (“SFAS”) No. 141 (revised 2007), “Business Combinations” (“SFAS No. 141R”) on January 1, 2009. Approximately $1.2 million of these costs are related to the expensing of amounts which had been recorded as other long-term assets at December 31, 2008 for pending acquisitions and the remaining $1.0 million relates to additional acquisition related costs incurred during the three months ended March 31, 2009.

Interest Expense

Interest expense for the three months ended March 31, 2009 was $61.6 million, a decrease of $3.9 million from the three months ended March 31, 2008. The decrease was primarily attributable to a decrease in average outstanding debt of approximately $69.6 million coupled with a decrease in the average borrowing rate.

Income Tax Provision

The income tax provision for the three months ended March 31, 2009 was $37.1 million, a decrease of $3.7 million from the three months ended March 31, 2008. The effective tax rate was 40.0% for the three months ended March 31, 2009, as compared to an effective tax rate of 49.1% for the three months ended March 31, 2008. The reduction in the effective tax rate for the three months ended March 31, 2009 as compared to the three months ended March 31, 2008 is primarily due to the impact of foreign currency fluctuations on certain tax items and a decrease in certain tax reserves.

 

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The effective tax rates on income from continuing operations for the three months ended March 31, 2009 and March 31, 2008 differ from the federal statutory rate due primarily to adjustments for foreign items, non-deductible stock-based compensation expense, tax reserves and state taxes.

Income (loss) from Discontinued Operations, Net

Income from discontinued operations, net for the three months ended March 31, 2009 was $3.1 million, as compared to a loss from discontinued operations, net of less than $0.1 million for the three months ended March 31, 2008. The increase is primarily attributable to an insurance reimbursement received during the three months ended March 31, 2009 for approximately $5.0 million related to the Verestar, Inc. bankruptcy settlement.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

The information in this section updates as of March 31, 2009 the “Liquidity and Capital Resources” section of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2008 and should be read in conjunction with that report.

Overview

As a holding company, our cash flows are derived primarily from the operations of and distributions from our operating subsidiaries or funds raised through borrowings under our credit facilities and debt and equity offerings. As of March 31, 2009, we had approximately $798.3 million of total liquidity, comprised of approximately $303.0 million in cash and cash equivalents and the ability to borrow approximately $495.2 million under our $1.25 billion senior unsecured revolving credit facility (“Revolving Credit Facility”). In March 2008, we increased our borrowing capacity under the Revolving Credit Facility by adding $325.0 million of term loan commitments (“Term Loan”), and as of March 31, 2009, the Term Loan was fully drawn. As of March 31, 2009, our cash and cash equivalents increased by $181.4 million as compared to March 31, 2008. Summary cash flow information for the three months ended March 31, 2009 and 2008 is set forth below.

 

     Three Months Ended March 31,  
   2009      2008  

Net cash provided by (used for):

     

Operating activities

   $ 205,738      $ 182,382  

Investing activities

     (48,508 )      (68,731 )

Financing activities

     2,983        (25,141 )

Net effect of changes in exchange rates on cash and cash equivalents

     (252 )      —    
                 

Net increase in cash and cash equivalents

   $ 159,961      $ 88,510  
                 

We use our cash flows to fund our operations and investments in our business, including tower maintenance and improvements, tower construction and DAS network installations, and tower and land acquisitions. We also use our cash flows to fund refinancings and repurchases of our outstanding indebtedness, as well as our stock repurchase programs.

As of March 31, 2009, we had total outstanding indebtedness of approximately $4.3 billion. During the three months ended March 31, 2009 and the year ended December 31, 2008, we generated sufficient cash flow from operations to fund our capital expenditures and cash interest obligations. We believe the cash generated by operations during the next twelve months will be sufficient to fund our capital expenditures and our cash debt service (interest and principal repayments) obligations for the next twelve months. During 2009, if the financial and credit markets improve, we expect that we may opportunistically raise additional capital to fund stock repurchases, repurchase existing debt and for other general corporate purposes.

 

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Cash Flows from Operating Activities

For the three months ended March 31, 2009, cash provided by operating activities was $205.7 million, an increase of approximately $23.4 million as compared to the year ended March 31, 2008. This increase was primarily attributable to an increase in income from continuing operations of $13.4 million resulting from continued growth in our rental and management segment, and an increase in stock based compensation of $8.1 million resulting primarily from the modification of certain stock option awards for one member of senior management.

Each of our rental and management and network development services segments are expected to generate cash flows from operations during 2009 in excess of their cash needs for operating expenses and capital expenditures for tower construction, improvements and acquisitions.

Cash Flows from Investing Activities

For the three months ended March 31, 2009, cash used for investing activities was $48.5 million, a decrease of approximately $20.2 million as compared to the three months ended March 31, 2008. This decrease was primarily attributable to decreased spending on the acquisition of towers, partially offset by an increase in spending on the purchase of property and equipment and construction activities.

During the three months ended March 31, 2009, payments for purchases of property and equipment and construction activities totaled $49.6 million, including $16.5 million of capital expenditures related to the maintenance, improvement and augmentation of our existing communications sites, $23.3 million spent in connection with the construction of 194 communication tower sites and the installation of six in-building DAS networks, $9.0 million spent to acquire land under our towers that was subject to ground agreements (including leases), and $0.8 million spent on information technology improvements. In addition, during the three months ended March 31, 2009, we spent $1.1 million to acquire four communication tower sites.

We plan to continue to allocate our available capital among investment alternatives that meet our return on investment criteria. Accordingly, we may continue to acquire communications sites, acquire land under our towers, build or install new communications sites and redevelop or improve existing communications sites when the expected returns on such investments meet our return on investment criteria. We expect that our 2009 total capital expenditures will be between approximately $200.0 million and $230.0 million, including $45.0 million for capital improvements and corporate expenditures, between $30.0 million and $35.0 million for the redevelopment of existing communications sites, between $25.0 million and $30.0 million of ground lease purchases and between $100.0 million and $120.0 million for the construction of approximately 700 to 900 new communications sites, including towers and DAS networks, and for the installation of shared back-up power generators at certain of our tower sites.

Cash Flows from Financing Activities

For the three months ended March 31, 2009, cash provided by financing activities was $3.0 million, as compared to cash used for financing activities of $25.1 million during the three months ended March 31, 2008. The $3.0 million of cash provided by financing activities during the three months ended March 31, 2009 primarily related to proceeds received from the sale of equity securities of $8.9 million, partially offset by approximately $4.7 million of payments for the repurchases of Class A common stock (“Common Stock”), which consisted of approximately $1.8 million of purchases of Common Stock and $2.5 million of amounts surrendered in connection with the vesting of restricted stock units, and $1.2 million of repayments of notes payable and capital leases. The $25.1 million of cash used for financing activities during the three months ended March 31, 2008 primarily related to the repayment of notes payable, credit facilities and capital leases of $325.6 million and payments for the repurchases of our Common Stock of $182.8 million, partially offset by $475.0 million of borrowings under the Revolving Credit Facility and Term Loan.

 

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Revolving Credit Facility.    As of March 31, 2009, we had $750.0 million outstanding and the ability to borrow approximately $495.2 million under the Revolving Credit Facility. We continue to maintain the ability to draw down and repay amounts under the Revolving Credit Facility in the ordinary course.

The Borrower under the Revolving Credit Facility is American Tower Corporation. The Revolving Credit Facility has a term of five years and matures on June 8, 2012. Any outstanding principal and accrued but unpaid interest will be due and payable in full at maturity. The Revolving Credit Facility does not require amortization of principal and may be paid prior to maturity in whole or in part at our option without penalty or premium. The Revolving Credit Facility allows us to use borrowings for working capital needs and other general corporate purposes of us and our subsidiaries (including, without limitation, to refinance or repurchase other indebtedness and, provided certain conditions are met, to repurchase our equity securities, in each case without additional lender approval).

Term Loan.    On March 24, 2008, we entered into the $325.0 million Term Loan pursuant to the Revolving Credit Facility. At closing, we received net proceeds of approximately $321.7 million from the Term Loan, which, together with available cash, we used to repay $325.0 million of existing indebtedness under the Revolving Credit Facility. The Term Loan is governed by the terms of the loan agreement for the Revolving Credit Facility. Consistent with the terms of the Revolving Credit Facility, the borrower under the Term Loan is American Tower Corporation, and the maturity date for the Term Loan is June 8, 2012. Any outstanding principal and accrued but unpaid interest will be due and payable in full at maturity. The Term Loan does not require amortization of principal and may be paid prior to maturity in whole or in part at our option without penalty or premium.

Stock Repurchase Program.    During the three months ended March 31, 2009, we repurchased an aggregate of approximately 0.1 million shares of our Common Stock for an aggregate of $1.8 million, including commissions and fees, pursuant to our $1.5 billion stock repurchase program approved by our Board of Directors in February 2008 (“2008 Buyback”). As of March 31, 2009, we had repurchased a total of 14.0 million shares of Common Stock for an aggregate of $535.2 billion, including commissions and fees, pursuant to the 2008 Buyback.

Under the 2008 Buyback, we are authorized to purchase shares from time to time through open market purchases or privately negotiated transactions at prevailing prices as permitted by securities laws and other legal requirements, and subject to market conditions and other factors. To facilitate repurchases, we purchase our Common Stock pursuant to trading plans under Rule 10b5-1 of the Exchange Act, which allow us to repurchase shares during periods when we otherwise might be prevented from doing so under insider trading laws or because of self-imposed trading blackout periods.

In the near term, we expect to fund any further repurchases of our Common Stock through a combination of cash on hand, cash generated by operations and borrowings under our Revolving Credit Facility. Purchases under the 2008 Buyback are subject to us having available cash to fund repurchases.

Sales of Equity Securities.    We receive proceeds from sales of our equity securities pursuant to our employee stock purchase plan, upon exercise of stock options granted under our equity incentive plans and upon exercise of warrants to purchase our equity securities. For the three months ended March 31, 2009, we received an aggregate of approximately $8.9 million in proceeds from sales of shares pursuant to our employee stock purchase plan, upon exercises of stock options and upon exercises of warrants.

Contractual Obligations.    Our contractual obligations relate primarily to the Commercial Mortgage Pass-Through Certificates, Series 2007-1 issued in our May 2007 securitization transaction, borrowings under our Revolving Credit Facility and Term Loan and our outstanding notes.

 

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The following table summarizes our borrowings under our Revolving Credit Facility and Term Loan, and the balance outstanding under our notes and the certificates issued in our securitization transaction, as of March 31, 2009 (in thousands):

 

Indebtedness

   Balance Outstanding    Maturity Date  

Commercial Mortgage Pass-Through Certificates, Series 2007-1

   $ 1,750,000    April 15, 2014 (1)

Revolving Credit Facility

     750,000    June 8, 2012  

Term Loan

     325,000    June 8, 2012  

7.25% senior subordinated notes

     288    December 1, 2011  

7.50% senior notes

     225,000    May 1, 2012  

7.125% senior notes

     501,043    October 15, 2012  

7.00% senior notes

     500,000    October 15, 2017  

5.0% convertible notes

     59,683    February 15, 2010  

3.00% convertible notes

     161,916    August 15, 2012  

2.25% convertible notes

     44    October 15, 2009  
         

Total

   $ 4,272,974   
         

 

(1) Anticipated repayment date; final legal maturity date is April 2037.

A description of our contractual debt obligations is included in Item 3. “Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk.” In accordance with the provisions of Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Interpretation No. 48, “Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes, an interpretation of SFAS No. 109”, we classified uncertain tax positions as non-current income tax liabilities. We expect the unrecognized tax benefits to change over the next twelve months if certain tax matters ultimately settle with the applicable taxing jurisdiction during this timeframe. However, based on the status of these items and the amount of uncertainty associated with the outcome and timing of audit settlements, we are currently unable to estimate the impact of the amount of such changes, if any, to previously recorded uncertain tax positions and have classified approximately $24.4 million as other long-term liabilities in the condensed consolidated balance sheet as of March 31, 2009. We also classified approximately $29.2 million of accrued income tax-related interest and penalties as other long-term liabilities in the condensed consolidated balance sheet as of March 31, 2009.

Factors Affecting Sources of Liquidity

As discussed in the “Liquidity and Capital Resources” section of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2008, our liquidity is dependent on our ability to generate cash flow from operating activities, borrow funds under our Revolving Credit Facility and maintain compliance with the contractual agreements governing our indebtedness. As discussed below, the loan agreement relating to the Revolving Credit Facility and Term Loan contains certain financial ratios and operating covenants and other restrictions, and the loan agreement related to the securitization transaction includes operating covenants and other restrictions, that could impact our liquidity. In addition, as discussed below under the caption “Information Presented Pursuant to the Indentures of our 7.50% Notes and 7.125% Notes,” the indentures governing the terms of our 7.50% senior notes due 2012 (“7.50% Notes”) and 7.125% senior notes due 2012 (“7.125% Notes”) contain certain restrictive covenants that could impact our liquidity. We believe that the foregoing debt agreements and indentures represent those of our material debt agreements that incorporate covenants the compliance with which would be material to an investor’s understanding of our financial results and the impact of those results on our liquidity.

Restrictions Under Loan Agreement Relating to Revolving Credit Facility and Term Loan.    The loan agreement for the Revolving Credit Facility and Term Loan contains certain financial ratios and operating covenants and other restrictions applicable to us and all of our subsidiaries designated as restricted subsidiaries on a consolidated basis. These include limitations on additional debt, distributions and dividends, guaranties, sales of assets and liens. The loan agreement also contains covenants that establish three financial tests with

 

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which we and our restricted subsidiaries must comply related to total leverage, senior secured leverage and interest coverage, as set forth below. As of March 31, 2009, we were in compliance with each of these covenants.

 

   

Consolidated Total Leverage Ratio: The consolidated total leverage ratio establishes a requirement that we not exceed Total Debt to Adjusted EBITDA of 6.00 to 1.00. Based on our financial performance for the twelve months ended March 31, 2009, we would have the ability to incur approximately $2.41 billion of additional indebtedness and still remain in compliance with this ratio. In addition, if we maintain our existing debt levels and our expenses do not change materially from current levels, our revenues could decrease by approximately $401 million and we would still remain in compliance with this ratio.

 

   

Consolidated Senior Secured Leverage Ratio: The consolidated senior secured leverage ratio establishes a requirement that we not exceed Senior Secured Debt to Adjusted EBITDA of 3.00 to 1.00. Based on our financial performance for the twelve months ended March 31, 2009, we would have the ability to incur approximately $1.59 billion of additional Senior Secured Debt and still remain in compliance with this ratio. In addition, if we maintain our existing Senior Secured Debt levels and our expenses do not change materially from current levels, our revenues could decrease by approximately $528 million and we would still remain in compliance with this ratio.

 

   

Interest Coverage Ratio: The interest coverage ratio establishes a requirement that we maintain a ratio of Adjusted EBITDA to Interest Expense of not less than 2.50 to 1.00. Based on our financial performance for the twelve months ended March 31, 2009, our interest expense, which was $238 million for that period, could increase by approximately $212 million and we would still remain in compliance with this ratio. In addition, if our interest expense does not change materially from current levels, our revenues could decrease by approximately $530 million and we would still remain in compliance with this ratio.

The loan agreement also contains reporting and information covenants that require us to provide financial and operating information within certain time periods. If we are unable to provide the required information on a timely basis, we would be in breach of these covenants.

Any failure to comply with the financial maintenance tests and operating covenants of the loan agreement for the Revolving Credit Facility and Term Loan would not only prevent us from being able to borrow additional funds under the facility, but would constitute a default, which could result in, among other things, the amounts outstanding, including all accrued interest and unpaid fees, becoming immediately due and payable. If this were to occur, we would not have sufficient cash on hand to repay such indebtedness. The key factors affecting our ability to comply with the debt covenants described above are our financial performance relative to the financial maintenance tests defined in the loan agreement for the Revolving Credit Facility and Term Loan and our ability to fund our debt service obligations. Based upon our current expectations, we believe our operating results during the next twelve months will be sufficient to comply with these covenants.

Restrictions Under Loan Agreement Relating to Securitization Transaction.    The loan agreement related to the securitization transaction (the “Securitization”) involved assets related to 5,295 broadcast and wireless communications towers owned by two special purpose subsidiaries of the Company (the “Borrowers”), through a private offering of $1.75 billion of Commercial Mortgage Pass-Through Certificates, Series 2007-1 (the “Certificates”). The Securitization loan agreement includes operating covenants and other restrictions customary for loans subject to rated securitizations. Among other things, the Borrowers are prohibited from incurring other indebtedness for borrowed money or further encumbering their assets. The Borrowers’ organizational documents contain provisions consistent with rating agency securitization criteria for special purpose entities, including the requirement that the Borrowers maintain at least two independent directors. The loan agreement also contains certain covenants that require the Borrowers to provide the trustee with regular financial reports and operating budgets, promptly notify the trustee of events of default and material breaches under the loan agreement and other agreements related to the towers subject to the Securitization, and allow the trustee reasonable access to the towers, including the right to conduct site investigations.

 

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Under the terms of the loan agreement, the loan will be paid solely from the cash flows generated by the towers subject to the Securitization, which must be deposited, and thereafter distributed, solely pursuant to the terms of the Securitization loan. The Borrowers are required to make monthly payments of interest on the Securitization loan. On a monthly basis, all cash flow in excess of amounts required to make debt service payments, to fund required reserves, to pay management fees and budgeted operating expenses and to make other payments required under the Securitization loan, referred to as excess cash flow, is to be released to the Borrowers for distribution to us. During the three months ended March 31, 2009, the Borrowers distributed excess cash to us of approximately $106.4 million.

In order to distribute this excess cash flow to us, the Borrowers must maintain several specified ratios with respect to their debt service coverage (“DSCR”). For this purpose, DSCR is tested as of the last day of each calendar quarter and is generally defined as four times the Borrowers’ net cash flow for that quarter divided by the amount of interest, servicing fees and trustee fees that the Borrowers must pay over the succeeding twelve months on the Securitization loan. Pursuant to one such test, if the DSCR as of the end of any calendar quarter were:

 

   

1.30x or less, during the five-year period commencing on the closing date of the Securitization in May 2007, or

 

   

1.75x or less, thereafter, (1.30x or 1.75x as applicable, the “Cash Trap DSCR”),

then all excess cash flow would be placed in a reserve account and would not be released to the Borrowers for distribution to us until the DSCR exceeded the Cash Trap DSCR for two consecutive calendar quarters.

Additionally, while principal payments generally are not due with respect to any component of the Securitization loan until April 2014, excess cash flow would be applied to principal during an “Amortization Period” under the Securitization loan until April 2014. An “Amortization Period” would commence under the Securitization loan if the DSCR as of the end of any calendar quarter fell below:

 

   

1.15x, during the five-year period commencing on the closing date of the Securitization in May 2007, or

 

   

1.45x thereafter (1.15x or 1.45x as applicable, the “Minimum DSCR”).

In such a case, all excess cash flow and any amounts then in the reserve account because the Cash Trap DSCR was not met would be applied to pay principal of the Securitization loan on each monthly payment date until the DSCR exceeded the Minimum DSCR for two consecutive calendar quarters, and so would not be available for distribution to us.

As of the end of the quarter ended March 31, 2009, the Borrowers’ DSCR was 3.01x. Based on the Borrowers’ net cash flow for the calendar quarter ended March 31, 2009 and the amount of interest, servicing fees and trustee fees payable over the succeeding twelve months on the Securitization loan, the Borrowers could endure a reduction of approximately $169.1 million in net cash flow before triggering a Cash Trap DSCR, and approximately $183.9 million in net cash flow before triggering an Amortization Period.

Consequently, a failure to comply with the covenants in the Securitization loan agreement could prevent the Borrowers from taking certain actions with respect to the towers. Additionally, a failure to meet the noted DSCR tests could prevent the Borrowers from distributing excess cash flow to us, which could affect our ability to fund our discretionary expenditures, including tower construction and acquisitions, and our stock repurchase programs. In addition, if the Borrowers were to default on the loan related to the Securitization, the trustee could seek to foreclose upon or otherwise convert the ownership of the towers subject to the Securitization, in which case we could lose the towers and the revenue associated with the towers.

 

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As discussed above, we use our available liquidity and seek new sources of liquidity to refinance and repurchase our outstanding indebtedness. In addition, in order to fund our stock repurchase programs and fund future growth and expansion initiatives, we may need to raise additional capital through financing activities. The downturn in the economy and the disruptions in the financial and credit markets have made it more difficult and more expensive to obtain financing. If we determined that it was desirable or necessary to raise additional capital, we may be unable to do so, or such additional financing may be prohibitively expensive or restricted by the terms of our outstanding indebtedness. If we are unable to raise capital when our needs arise, we may not be able to fund our stock repurchase programs, refinance our existing indebtedness or fund future growth and expansion initiatives.

In addition, our liquidity depends on our ability to generate cash flow from operating activities. As discussed in our “Risk Factors” section of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, we derive a substantial portion of our revenues from a small number of customers and, consequently, a failure by a significant customer to perform its contractual obligations to us could adversely affect our cash flow and liquidity. As discussed in our “Risk Factors” section of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, as of March 31, 2009, foreign currency fluctuations have caused a subsidiary of Grupo Iusacell, which represented approximately 5% of our total revenues for the three months ended March 31, 2009, to suspend debt service payments of its U.S. dollar denominated debt. While Grupo Iusacell has continued to make partial payments to us over the past several months, our accounts receivable related to Grupo Iusacell was approximately $24.4 million, as of March 31, 2009.

For more information regarding the terms of our outstanding indebtedness, please see note 6 to our consolidated financial statements included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2008.

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 GAAP. 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, asset retirement obligations, stock-based compensation, impairment of assets, revenue recognition and estimated useful lives of assets, which we discussed in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2008. Management bases its estimates on historical experience and other various 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.

We have reviewed our policies and estimates to determine our critical accounting policies for the three months ended March 31, 2009. We have made no material changes to the critical accounting policies described in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2008, other than the adoption of the accounting pronouncements discussed below.

Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements

In December 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 141R. SFAS No. 141R establishes principles and requirements for how an acquirer recognizes and measures in its financial statements the identifiable assets acquired, the liabilities assumed, any noncontrolling interest in the acquiree and the goodwill acquired. Among other items, SFAS No. 141R changes the accounting for acquisitions by eliminating the step acquisition model, providing that contingent consideration be recognized at the time of acquisition (instead of being recognized when it is probable), disallowing the capitalization of transaction costs, and changing when restructurings related to acquisitions can be recognized. SFAS No. 141R also establishes disclosure requirements to enable the

 

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evaluation of the nature and financial effects of the business combination. SFAS No. 141R was effective for us as of January 1, 2009. Approximately $1.2 million of transaction costs previously capitalized in notes receivable and other long-term assets were expensed upon adoption of this standard.

In December 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 160, “Noncontrolling Interests in Consolidated Financial Statements—an amendment of Accounting Research Bulletin No. 51” (SFAS No. 160). Among other items, SFAS No. 160 establishes consolidating parties other than the parent, the amount of consolidated net income attributable to the parent and to the noncontrolling interest, changes in a parent’s ownership interest, and the valuation of retained noncontrolling equity investments when a subsidiary is deconsolidated. SFAS No. 160 also establishes disclosure requirements that clearly identify and distinguish between the interests of the parent and the interests of the noncontrolling owners. SFAS No. 160 was effective for us as of January 1, 2009. The adoption of SFAS No. 160 did not have a material impact on our consolidated results of operations and financial position. However, we have adjusted our presentation of noncontrolling interest in the condensed consolidated financial statements in order to comply with the disclosure requirements provided by SFAS No. 160.

In February 2008, the FASB issued FASB Staff Positions (FSP) 157-2. FSP 157-2 delayed the effective date of SFAS No. 157 “Fair Value Measurements” (SFAS No. 157) to January 1, 2009 for all nonfinancial assets and nonfinancial liabilities that are recognized or disclosed at fair value in the financial statements on a nonrecurring basis (that is, at least annually). The adoption of FSP 157-2 had no impact on our condensed consolidated results of operations or financial position.

In March 2008, the FASB issued SFAS No. 161, “Disclosures about Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities, an amendment of FASB Statement No. 133” (SFAS No. 161). Among other items, this statement changes disclosure requirements and requires entities to provide enhanced disclosures about how and why entities use derivative financial instruments, how derivative instruments and related hedged items are accounted for under SFAS No. 133 “Accounting for Derivative Financial Instruments and Hedging Activities” and related interpretations, and how derivative instruments and related hedged items affect an entity’s financial position, financial performance and cash flows. SFAS No. 161 was effective for us as of January 1, 2009. Beginning with our Quarterly Report for the quarter ended March 31, 2009, we have included additional disclosures regarding our derivative instruments in order to comply with the provisions of SFAS No. 161 (see note 5). The adoption of SFAS No. 161 had no impact on our condensed consolidated results of operations or financial position.

In May 2008, the FASB issued SFAS No. 162, “The Hierarchy of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles” (SFAS No. 162). This statement identifies the sources of accounting principles and the framework for selecting the principles used in preparation of financial statements that are presented in conformity with GAAP. SFAS No. 162 was effective for the Company 60 days following the SEC’s approval of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board amendments to AU Section 411, “The Meaning of Present Fairly in Conformity with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles.” The adoption of SFAS No. 162 had no impact on our condensed consolidated results of operations or financial position.

Information Presented Pursuant to the Indentures of our 7.50% Notes and 7.125% Notes

The table below sets forth information that is presented solely to address certain tower cash flow reporting requirements contained in the indentures for our 7.50% Notes and 7.125% Notes. The indentures governing our 7.50% Notes and 7.125% Notes contain affirmative and restrictive covenants with which we and our restricted subsidiaries must comply. The restrictive covenants include restrictions on our ability to incur additional debt, guarantee debt, pay dividends and make other distributions and make certain investments. Any failure to comply with these covenants would constitute a default, which could result in the acceleration of the principal amount and accrued and unpaid interest on all our outstanding 7.50% Notes and 7.125% Notes.

In order for the holders of these notes to assess our compliance with certain of these covenants, the indentures require us to disclose in the periodic reports we file with the SEC our Tower Cash Flow, Adjusted

 

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Consolidated Cash Flow and Non-Tower Cash Flow (each as defined in the indentures). These indentures also contain certain restrictive covenants. For example, subject to certain exceptions, these indentures limit our ability to make restricted payments by the sum of the amount of Consolidated Cash Flow (as defined in the indentures) that we generate, which is determined based on our Tower Cash Flow and Non-Tower Cash Flow, and certain other amounts such as investment return and equity issuance proceeds. In addition, subject to certain exceptions, these indentures prohibit us from incurring additional debt or issuing certain types of preferred stock if, on a pro forma basis, the issuance of such debt and preferred stock would cause our consolidated debt to be greater than 7.5 times our Adjusted Consolidated Cash Flow. As of March 31, 2009, the ratio of our consolidated debt to Adjusted Consolidated Cash Flow was approximately 3.5:1. Based on our financial performance for the twelve months ended March 31, 2009, we would have the ability to incur approximately $2.9 billion of additional consolidated debt and still remain in compliance with this ratio. In addition, assuming that our consolidated debt levels stay constant, our Adjusted Consolidated Cash Flow could decrease by $390 million and we would still remain in compliance with this ratio.

As noted above, we are required to provide the following data on Tower Cash Flow, Adjusted Consolidated Cash Flow and Non-Tower Cash Flow, which are considered non-GAAP financial measures, for us and our restricted subsidiaries (in thousands):

 

Tower Cash Flow, for the three months ended March 31, 2009

   $ 187,694  
        

Consolidated Cash Flow, for the twelve months ended March 31, 2009

   $ 738,929  

Less: Tower Cash Flow, for the twelve months ended March 31, 2009

     (749,498 )

Plus: four times Tower Cash Flow, for the three months ended March 31, 2009

     750,777  
        

Adjusted Consolidated Cash Flow, for the twelve months ended March 31, 2009

   $ 740,208  
        

Non-Tower Cash Flow, for the twelve months ended March 31, 2009

   $ (10,569 )
        

For more information about the restrictions under our notes indentures, see note 6 to our consolidated financial statements included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2008, and the section entitled “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations—Liquidity and Capital Resources—Factors Affecting Sources of Liquidity.”

 

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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 swaps. As of March 31, 2009, we held fifteen interest rate swap agreements, all of which have been designated as cash flow hedges, and which have an aggregate notional amount of $775.0 million, interest rates ranging from 2.86% to 4.08% and expiration dates through March 2011.

The following tables provide information as of March 31, 2009 about our market risk exposure associated with changing interest rates. For long-term debt obligations, the table presents principal cash flows by maturity date and average interest rates related to outstanding obligations.

Twelve month period ended March 31, 2009

Principal Payments and Interest Rate Detail by Contractual Maturity Dates

(In thousands, except percentages)

 

Long-Term Debt

   2009     2010     2011     2012     2013     Thereafter     Total    Fair Value

Fixed Rate Debt(a)

   $ 1,526     $ 60,722     $ 932     $ 887,823     $ 646     $ 2,305,135     $ 3,256,784    $ 3,015,121

Average Interest Rate(a)

     5.48 %     5.01 %     6.53 %     6.47 %     6.31 %     5.97 %     

Variable Rate Debt(a)

         $ 1,075,000         $ 1,075,000    $ 1,023,986

Aggregate Notional Amounts Associated with Interest Rate Swaps in Place

As of March 31, 2009 and Interest Rate Detail by Contractual Maturity Dates

(In thousands, except percentages)

 

Interest Rate SWAPS

   2009     2010     2011     2012    2013    Thereafter    Total    Fair Value  

Notional Amount

   $ 150,000 (c)                $ 150,000    $ (2,932 )

Fixed Rate(b)

     3.95 %                  

Notional Amount

     $ 100,000 (d)              $ 100,000    $ (4,896 )

Fixed Rate(b)

       4.08 %                

Notional Amount

       $ 525,000 (e)            $ 525,000    $ (18,304 )

Fixed Rate(b)

         3.11 %              

 

(a) As of March 31, 2009, variable rate debt consists of our Revolving Credit Facility ($750.0 million drawn) and Term Loan ($325.0 million) included above based on the June 8, 2012 maturity date. As of March 31, 2009, fixed rate debt consists of: the Certificates issued in the Securitization ($1.75 billion); 2.25% convertible notes due 2009 (“2.25% Notes”) ($0.04 million); the 7.125% Notes ($500.0 million principal amount due at maturity; the balance as of March 31, 2009 is $501.0 million); the 5.0% convertible notes due 2010 (“5.0% Notes”) ($59.7 million); the 7.50% Notes ($225.0 million); the ATI 7.25% senior subordinated notes due 2011 (“ATI 7.25% Notes”) ($0.3 million); the 3.00% convertible notes due August 15, 2012 (“3.00% Notes”) ($162.2 million principal amount due at maturity; the balance as of March 31, 2009 is $161.9 million accreted value); the 7.00% senior notes due 2017 (“7.00 Notes”) ($500.0 million) and other debt of $59.6 million. Interest on the Revolving Credit Facility and Term Loan 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, 2009 for the Revolving Credit Facility and Term Loan was 1.93%. For the year ended March 31, 2009, the weighted average interest rate under the Revolving Credit Facility and Term Loan was 2.43%.
(b) Represents the weighted-average fixed rate or range of interest based on contractual notional amount as a percentage of total notional amounts in a given year.
(c) Includes notional amounts of $150,000 that expire in December 2009.
(d) Includes notional amount of $100,000 that expires in December 2010.
(e) Includes notional amounts of $525,000 that expire between January and March 2011.

 

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Changes in interest rates can cause interest charges to fluctuate on our variable rate debt. Variable rate debt as of March 31, 2009, after giving effect to our interest rate swap agreements, was comprised of $250.0 million under the Revolving Credit Facility and $50.0 million under the Term Loan. A 10% increase, or approximately 18 basis points, in current interest rates would have caused an additional pre-tax charge to our net income and an increase in our cash outflows of $0.1 million for the year ended March 31, 2009.

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, Brazil and India. For the three months ended March 31, 2009, the remeasurement loss from these operations approximated $6.7 million. For the three months ended March 31, 2009, the remeasurement gain from these operations approximated $6.5 million.

 

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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 Exchange Act 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 Exchange Act 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 Exchange Act. 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.

There have not been any changes in our internal control over financial reporting during the three months ended March 31, 2009 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

On May 26, 2006, a purported securities class action was filed in United States District Court for the District of Massachusetts against us and certain of our current officers by John S. Greenebaum for monetary relief. Specifically, the complaint named us, James D. Taiclet, Jr. and Bradley E. Singer as defendants and alleged that the defendants violated federal securities laws in connection with public statements made relating to our stock option practices and related accounting. The complaint asserted claims under Sections 10(b) and 20(a) of the Exchange Act and SEC Rule 10b-5. In December 2006, the court appointed the Steamship Trade Association-International Longshoreman’s Association Pension Fund as the lead plaintiff. In March 2007, plaintiffs filed an amended consolidated complaint, which included additional current and former officers and directors of the Company as defendants. In December 2007, we announced that we had reached a settlement in principle regarding the securities class action. The settlement, which was preliminarily approved by the court in February 2008, provided for a payment by us of $14.0 million and would lead to a dismissal of all claims against all defendants in the litigation. We paid $250,000 of the settlement amount to an escrow account controlled by the plaintiffs during the quarter ended March 31, 2008. In April 2008, we paid the remaining settlement amount of $13.8 million into escrow and received $12.5 million in insurance proceeds. In May 2008, the original plaintiff, Mr. Greenebaum, filed an objection to the settlement. Following a hearing in June 2008, the Court dismissed Mr. Greenebaum’s objection and finally approved the settlement. In July 2008, Mr. Greenebaum filed an untimely request to opt-out of the settlement class certified by the Court in its orders, which the Court denied in August 2008. Mr. Greenebaum filed a notice of appeal of the Court’s final order approving the settlement agreement and of the Court’s decision denying his untimely request to opt out of the settlement class. In December 2008, we entered into a settlement agreement with Mr. Greenebaum providing for payment by us of $5,000, which the Court approved in January 2009. In January 2009, the lead plaintiff entered into a settlement agreement with Mr. Greenebaum. As a result of these settlements, Mr. Greenebaum withdrew his appeals, effectively ending the litigation.

On May 24, 2006 and June 14, 2006, two shareholder derivative lawsuits were filed in Suffolk County Superior Court in Massachusetts by Eric Johnston and Robert L. Garber, respectively. The lawsuits were filed against certain of our current and former officers and directors for alleged breaches of fiduciary duties and unjust enrichment in connection with our historical stock option granting practices. The lawsuits also named us as a nominal defendant. The lawsuits sought to recover the damages sustained by us and disgorgement of all profits received with respect to the alleged backdated stock options. In October 2006, these two lawsuits were consolidated, and in October 2007, the court dismissed the complaint, without leave to amend, due to the plaintiffs’ failure to make a demand upon our Board of Directors before initiating their lawsuits. In December 2007, the plaintiffs filed an appeal of that decision to the Massachusetts Court of Appeals, and in April 2008, we filed a motion to dismiss the appeal as moot. In June 2008, the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court elected, on its own motion, to hear the appeal, and in April 2009, affirmed the judgment dismissing the complaint without leave to amend due to failure to adequately establish demand futility and dismissed the complaint with prejudice.

One of our subsidiaries, SpectraSite Communications, Inc. (“SCI”), is involved in a lawsuit brought in Mexico against a former Mexican subsidiary of SCI (the subsidiary of SCI was sold in 2002, prior to our merger with SCI’s parent in 2005). The lawsuit concerns a terminated tower construction contract and related agreements with a wireless carrier in Mexico. The primary issue for us is whether SCI itself can be found liable to the Mexican carrier. The trial and lower appellate courts initially found that SCI had no such liability in part because Mexican courts do not have full jurisdiction over SCI. These decisions were appealed by the plaintiff, and in July 2008, they were reversed by an intermediate Mexican appellate court. In its decision, the intermediate appellate court identified potential damages of approximately $23.0 million. SCI appealed that ruling to a higher constitutional court in Mexico. In January 2009, the constitutional court ruled in SCI’s favor, remanding the case back to the intermediate appellate court for further proceedings. In March 2009, the intermediate appellate court issued its decision, which reasserts jurisdiction and reimposes liability on SCI. In April 2009, SCI filed an appeal

 

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of this decision to the higher constitutional court, as permitted under Mexican law, on the grounds that the decision of the intermediate appellate court is inconsistent with the January 2009 ruling of the higher constitutional court and Mexican law. As such, we are unable to estimate our share, if any, of potential liability at this stage of the proceedings.

We periodically become involved in various claims and lawsuits that are incidental to our business. In our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2008, we reported our material legal proceedings. Since the filing of our Annual Report, other than the legal proceedings discussed above, there have been no material developments with respect to any material legal proceedings to which we are a party. In the opinion of management, after consultation with counsel, other than the legal proceedings discussed above and in note 10 to our condensed consolidated financial statements included herein, there are no matters currently pending that would, in the event of an adverse outcome, have a material impact on our consolidated financial position, results of operations or liquidity.

 

ITEM 1A.     RISK FACTORS

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

Many of the factors affecting the demand for our communications sites, and to a lesser extent our network development services, could adversely affect our operating results. Those factors include:

 

   

a decrease in consumer demand for wireless services due to general economic conditions or other factors;

 

   

the financial condition of wireless service providers;

 

   

the ability and willingness of wireless service providers to maintain or increase 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, roaming or resale arrangements by wireless service providers;

 

   

delays or changes in the deployment of next generation wireless technologies;

 

   

zoning, environmental, health or other government regulations; and

 

   

technological changes.

The demand for broadcast space is dependent on the needs of television and radio broadcasters. Among other things, technological advances, including the development of satellite-delivered radio and video services, may reduce the need for tower-based broadcast transmission. In addition, our broadcast tower division could be adversely affected as a result of the shift from analog-based transmissions to digital-based transmissions, which is currently scheduled to commence in June 2009.

In addition, the downturn in the economy and the disruptions in the financial and credit markets could have an impact on consumer demand for wireless services. If wireless service subscribers significantly reduce their minutes of use, or fail to widely adopt and use wireless data applications, our wireless carrier customers would experience a decrease in demand for their services. As a result, they may scale back their business plans or otherwise reduce their spending, which could adversely affect demand for our tower sites and our network development services business, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition.

 

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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 may result in the decommissioning of certain existing communications sites, because certain portions of their networks may be redundant, and a reduction in future capital expenditures in the aggregate, because their expansion plans may be similar. For example, in connection with the recent combinations of Verizon Wireless and ALLTEL (to form Verizon Wireless), Cingular and AT&T Wireless (to form AT&T Mobility) and Sprint PCS and Nextel (to form Sprint Nextel) in the United States, and of Iusacell Celular and Unefon (now under the common ownership of Grupo Iusacell) in Mexico, the combined companies have or are considering rationalizing their duplicative networks, which has led and may continue to lead to the decommissioning of certain communications sites. In addition, these and other customers could determine not to renew leases with us as a result. Our future results may be negatively impacted if a significant number of these contracts are terminated, and our ongoing contractual revenues would be reduced as a result. Similar consequences might occur if wireless service providers engage in extensive sharing, roaming or resale arrangements as an alternative to leasing on our communications sites.

Substantial leverage and debt service obligations may adversely affect us.

We have a substantial amount of indebtedness. As of March 31, 2009, we had approximately $4.3 billion of consolidated debt, and the ability to borrow additional amounts of approximately $495.2 million under the Revolving Credit Facility. 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. In addition, we may draw down the Revolving Credit Facility, which has the effect of increasing our indebtedness. We are also permitted, subject to certain restrictions under our existing indebtedness, to 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 ratio covenants contained in our debt agreements or to generate cash sufficient to pay interest or principal, which could result in an acceleration of some or all of our outstanding debt and the loss of towers subject to our Securitization in the event that an uncured default occurs;

 

   

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;

 

   

limiting our ability to repurchase our Common Stock; and

 

   

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

 

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Restrictive covenants in the loan agreement for the Revolving Credit Facility and Term Loan, the indentures governing our debt securities, and the loan agreement related to our Securitization could adversely affect our business by limiting flexibility.

The loan agreement for the Revolving Credit Facility and Term Loan and the indentures governing the terms of our debt securities contain restrictive covenants, as well as requirements to comply with certain leverage and other financial maintenance tests. These covenants and requirements limit our ability to take various actions, including incurring additional debt, guaranteeing indebtedness and engaging in various types of transactions, including mergers, acquisitions and sales of assets. These covenants could place us at a disadvantage compared to some of our competitors, who may have fewer restrictive covenants and may not be required to operate under these restrictions. Further, these covenants could have an adverse effect on our business by limiting our ability to take advantage of financing, new tower development, mergers and acquisitions or other opportunities.

In addition, the loan agreement related to our Securitization includes operating covenants and other restrictions customary for loans subject to rated securitizations. Among other things, the Borrowers under the loan agreement for the Securitization are prohibited from incurring other indebtedness for borrowed money or further encumbering their assets. A failure to comply with the covenants in the loan agreement could prevent the borrowers from taking certain actions with respect to the towers subject to the Securitization, and could prevent the Borrowers from distributing any excess cash from the operation of such towers to us. If the Borrowers were to default on the loan, the servicer on the loan could seek to foreclose upon or otherwise convert the ownership of the towers subject to the Securitization, in which case we could lose such towers and the revenue associated with such towers.

In addition, reporting and information covenants in our loan agreements and indentures require that we provide financial and operating information within certain time periods. If we are unable to timely provide the required information, we would be in breach of these covenants. For more information regarding the covenants and requirements discussed above, please see Item 7 of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2008 under the caption “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations—Liquidity and Capital Resources—Factors Affecting Sources of Liquidity” and note 6 to our consolidated financial statements included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2008.

We could suffer adverse tax and other financial consequences if taxing authorities do not agree with our tax positions, or we are unable to utilize our net operating losses.

We are periodically subject to a number of tax examinations by taxing authorities in the states and countries where we do business. We also have significant deferred tax assets related to our net operating losses (“NOLs”) in U.S. federal and state taxing jurisdictions. For U.S. federal and state tax purposes, NOLs can be carried forward and used for up to twenty years, and all of our tax years will remain subject to examination until three years after our NOLs are used or expire. We expect that we will continue to be subject to tax examinations in the future. We apply the principles contained in FASB Interpretation No. 48, “Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes, an interpretation of SFAS No. 109” (“FIN 48”), and we recognize tax benefits of uncertain tax positions when we believe the positions are more likely than not of being sustained upon a challenge by the relevant tax authority. We believe our judgments in this area are reasonable and correct, but there is no guarantee that we will be successful if challenged by a tax authority. If there are tax benefits, including from our use of NOLs or other tax attributes, that we have recognized under FIN 48 that are challenged successfully by a taxing authority, we may be required to pay additional taxes or we may seek to enter into settlements with the taxing authorities, which could require significant payments or otherwise have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition.

 

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In addition, we may be limited in our ability to utilize our NOLs to offset future taxable income and thereby reduce our otherwise payable income taxes. We have substantial federal and state NOLs, including significant portions obtained through acquisitions and dispositions, as well as those generated through our historic business operations. In addition, we have disposed of some entities and restructured other entities in conjunction with financing transactions and other business activities. We apply the principles contained in FIN 48 to our NOLs and, to the extent we believe that a position with respect to an NOL is not more likely than not to be sustained, we do not record the related deferred tax asset. In addition, for NOLs that meet the recognition threshold of FIN 48, we assess the recoverability of the NOL and establish a valuation allowance against the deferred tax asset related to the NOL if recoverability is questionable. Given the uncertainty surrounding the recoverability of certain of our NOLs, we have established a valuation allowance to offset the related deferred tax asset so as to reflect what we believe to be the recoverable portion of our NOLs.

Our ability to utilize our NOLs is also dependent, in part, upon us having sufficient future earnings to utilize our NOLs before they expire. If market conditions change materially and we determine that we will be unable to generate sufficient taxable income in the future to utilize our NOLs, we could be required to record an additional valuation allowance. We review our FIN 48 position and the valuation allowance for our NOLs periodically and make adjustments from time to time, which can result in an increase or decrease to the net deferred tax asset related to our NOLs. Our NOLs are also subject to review and potential disallowance upon audit by the taxing authorities of the jurisdictions where the NOLs were incurred, and future changes in tax laws or interpretations of such tax laws could limit materially our ability to utilize our NOLs. If we are unable to use our NOLs or use of our NOLs is limited, we may have to make significant payments or otherwise record charges or reduce our deferred tax assets, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition.

Due to the long-term expectations of revenue from tenant leases, the tower industry is sensitive to the creditworthiness and financial strength 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. In the past, we have had customers that have filed for bankruptcy, although to date these bankruptcies have not had a material adverse effect on our business or revenues. In addition, many of our customers and potential customers rely on capital raising activities to fund their operations and capital expenditures, and the downturn in the economy and the disruptions in the financial and credit markets have made it more difficult and more expensive to raise capital. If our customers or potential customers are unable to raise adequate capital to fund their business plans, they may reduce their spending, which could adversely affect demand for our tower sites and our network development services business. If, as a result of a prolonged economic downtown or otherwise, one or more of our significant customers experienced financial difficulties or filed for bankruptcy, it could result in uncollectible accounts receivable and an impairment on our deferred rent asset. In addition, it could result in the loss of significant customers and anticipated lease revenues, all of which could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition.

Our foreign operations are subject to economic, political and other risks that could adversely affect our revenues or financial position, including risks associated with foreign currency exchange rates.

Our business operations in Mexico, Brazil and India, and our expansion into any other international markets 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, 2009, approximately 13% 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 tax or otherwise restrict repatriation of earnings or other funds or otherwise limit distributions of capital;

 

   

changes to existing or new tax laws directed specifically at the ownership and operation of tower sites;

 

   

expropriation and governmental regulation restricting foreign ownership;

 

   

uncertainties regarding legal or judicial systems, including inconsistencies between and within laws, regulations and decrees, and judicial application thereof;

 

   

difficulty in recruiting and retaining trained personnel; and

 

   

language and cultural differences.

In addition, we face risks associated with changes in foreign currency exchange rates, including those arising from our operations, investments and financing transactions related to our international business. Volatility in foreign currency exchange rates can also affect our ability to plan, forecast and budget for our international operations and expansion efforts. While most of the contracts for our operations in Mexico are denominated in the U.S. Dollar, many are denominated in the Mexican Peso, and contracts for our operations in Brazil and India are denominated in the local currencies. We have not historically engaged in significant currency hedging activities relating to our non-U.S. Dollar operations, and a weakening of these foreign currencies against the U.S. Dollar would have a negative impact on our revenues and operating profits, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition.

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

A substantial portion of our total operating revenues is derived from a small number of customers. For the three months ended March 31, 2009:

 

   

Five customers accounted for approximately 69% of our revenues;

 

   

AT&T Mobility accounted for approximately 20% of our revenues;

 

   

Sprint Nextel accounted for approximately 18% of our revenues;

 

   

Verizon Wireless and ALLTEL, which completed their merger in January 2009, accounted for approximately 15% of our revenues; and

 

   

T-Mobile accounted for approximately 10% of our revenues.

Our largest international customer is Grupo Iusacell, which now controls both Iusacell Celular and Unefon in Mexico. Grupo Iusacell is under common control with TV Azteca. Grupo Iusacell accounted for approximately 5% of our total revenues for the three months ended March 31, 2009. In addition, for the three months ended March 31, 2009, we received $3.5 million in net interest income from TV Azteca.

If any of these customers is unwilling or unable to perform its obligations under our agreements with them, our revenues, results of operations, financial condition and liquidity could be adversely affected. In the ordinary course of our business, we do occasionally experience disputes with our customers, generally regarding the interpretation of terms in our agreements. Although we have historically resolved these disputes in a manner that did not have a material adverse effect on us or our customer relationships, it is possible that such 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 business, results of operations and financial condition.

On April 1, 2009, Grupo Iusacell announced that one of its subsidiaries has suspended the debt service payment of its U.S. dollar denominated debt as part of an ongoing process to restructure its U.S. dollar

 

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denominated debt, which has been affected by the significant devaluation of the Mexican peso versus the U.S. dollar. While Grupo Iusacell has continued to make partial payments to us over the past several months, our accounts receivable related to Grupo Iusacell was approximately $24.4 million as of March 31, 2009. As of April 30, 2009, despite additional partial payments made to us, this balance has increased to approximately $29.3 million. We also have approximately $41.1 million of other Grupo Iusacell related assets from financing lease commitments and straight-line revenue accrued that are primarily long-term in nature as of March 31, 2009. If Grupo Iusacell is unable to restructure its indebtedness or if a further devaluation of the Mexican peso were to adversely impact Grupo Iusacell’s overall liquidity, Grupo Iusacell may not be able to meet its operating obligations, including making full payments under the lease agreements with us in the future.

We anticipate that we may need additional financing to fund our stock repurchase programs, to refinance our existing indebtedness and to fund future growth and expansion initiatives.

In order to fund our stock repurchase programs, refinance our existing indebtedness and fund future growth and expansion initiatives, we may need to raise additional capital through financing activities. We believe our cash provided by operations for the year ending December 31, 2009 will be sufficient to fund our cash needs for operations, capital expenditures and cash debt service (interest and principal repayments) obligations for 2009. However, we anticipate that we may need to obtain additional sources of capital in the future to fund growth initiatives and to support additional return of capital to stockholders. If so, depending on market conditions, we may seek to raise capital through credit facilities or debt or equity offerings. The downturn in the economy and the disruptions in the financial and credit markets have made it more difficult and more expensive to raise capital. Such additional financing may be unavailable, may be prohibitively expensive, or may be restricted by the terms of our outstanding indebtedness. If we are unable to raise capital when our needs arise, we may not be able to fund our stock repurchase programs, refinance our existing indebtedness or fund future growth and expansion initiatives.

New technologies could make our tower leasing business 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 tower space. Examples of such technologies include technologies that enhance spectral capacity, 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. Additionally, certain complementary network technologies, such as femtocells, could offload a portion of network traffic away from the traditional tower-based networks, which would reduce the need for carriers to add more equipment at certain communications sites. Moreover, the emergence of alternative technologies could reduce the need for tower-based broadcast services transmission and reception. For example, the growth in delivery of radio and 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 a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition.

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 the owner, lessee or operator of many thousands of real estate sites underlying our towers, 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. Many of these laws and regulations contain information reporting and record keeping requirements. We cannot assure you that we are at all times in

 

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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 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, results of operations and financial condition.

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.

Our business, and that of our customers, is subject to federal, state, local and foreign regulation, including by the Federal Aviation Administration (“FAA”), the U.S. Federal Communications Commission (“FCC”), the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (“EPA”) and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration. Both the FCC and the FAA regulate towers used for wireless communications and radio and television broadcasting and the FCC separately regulates transmitting devices operating on towers. Similar regulations exist in Mexico, Brazil, India 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, modifications, additions of new antennas to a site, or site upgrades, thereby limiting our ability to respond to customer demands and requirements. Existing regulatory policies may adversely affect the associated timing or cost of such projects and additional regulations may be adopted which increase delays or result in additional costs to us, or that prevent such projects in certain locations. These factors could adversely affect our business, results of operations and financial condition.

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 a weaker financial condition or may have lower return on investment criteria than we do.

Our competition includes:

 

   

national and regional 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, outdoor and indoor DAS networks, billboards and electric transmission towers).

Competitive pricing pressures for tenants on towers from these competitors could adversely affect our lease rates and services income. In addition, we may not be able to renew existing customer leases or enter into new customer leases, resulting in a material adverse impact on our results of operations and growth rate. Increasing competition could also make the acquisition of high quality tower assets more costly.

If we are unable to protect our rights to the land under our towers, it could adversely affect 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 at a particular tower site may interfere with our ability to operate a tower 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

 

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acquisition of communications sites, which can affect our rights to access and operate a site. From time to time we also experience disputes with landowners regarding the terms of ground agreements for land under a tower, which can affect our ability to access and operate a tower site. Further, for various reasons, landowners may not want to renew their ground agreements with us, they may lose their rights to the land, or they may transfer their land interests to third parties, including ground lease aggregators, which could affect our ability to renew ground agreements on commercially viable terms. Approximately 82% of the communications sites in our portfolio as of March 31, 2009 are located on land we do not own. Approximately 86% of the ground agreements for these sites have a final expiration date of 2018 and beyond. Our inability to protect our rights to the land under our towers may have a material adverse effect on us.

If we are unable or choose not to exercise our rights to purchase towers that are subject to lease and sublease agreements at the end of the applicable period, our cash flows derived from such towers would be eliminated.

Our communications site portfolio includes towers that we operate pursuant to lease and sublease agreements that include a purchase option at the end of each lease period. If we are unable or choose not to exercise our rights to purchase towers under these agreements at the end of the applicable period, our cash flows derived from such towers would be eliminated. For example, our SpectraSite subsidiary has entered into lease or sublease agreements with affiliates of SBC Communications, a predecessor entity to AT&T Mobility, with respect to approximately 2,500 towers pursuant to which SpectraSite has the option to purchase the sites upon the expiration of the lease or sublease beginning in 2013. The aggregate purchase option price for the AT&T Mobility towers was approximately $384.4 million as of March 31, 2009, and will accrete at a rate of 10% per year to the applicable expiration of the lease or sublease of a site. In addition, we have entered into a similar agreement with ALLTEL, which completed its merger with Verizon Wireless in January 2009, with respect to approximately 1,800 towers, for which we have an option to purchase the sites upon the expiration of the lease or sublease beginning in 2016. The aggregate purchase option price for the ALLTEL towers was approximately $60.5 million as of March 31, 2009, and will accrete at a rate of 3% per year through the expiration of the lease or sublease period. At ALLTEL’s option, at the expiration of the sublease period, the purchase price will be payable in cash or with 769 shares of our Common Stock per tower. We may not have the required available capital to exercise our right to purchase these or other leased or subleased towers at the end of the applicable period. Even if we do have available capital, we may choose not to exercise our right to purchase such towers for business or other reasons. In the event that we do not exercise these purchase rights, or are otherwise unable to acquire an interest that would allow us to continue to operate these towers after the applicable period, we will lose the cash flows derived from such towers, which may have a material adverse effect on our business. In the event that we decide to exercise these purchase rights, the benefits of the acquisitions of such towers may not exceed the associated acquisition, compliance and integration costs, and our financial results could be adversely affected.

Our towers may be affected by natural disasters and other unforeseen damage for which our insurance may not provide adequate coverage.

Our towers are subject to risks associated with natural disasters, such as ice and wind storms, tornadoes, floods, hurricanes and earthquakes, as well as other unforeseen damage. Any damage or destruction to our towers as a result of these or other risks would impact our ability to provide services to our customers and could impact our results of operation and financial condition. For example, as a result of the severe hurricane activity in 2005, approximately 25 of our broadcast and wireless communications sites in the southeastern United States and Mexico suffered material damage and many more suffered lesser damage. While we maintain insurance that provided sufficient coverage for this incident, we may not have adequate insurance to cover the associated costs of repair or reconstruction for a future major event. Further, we carry business interruption insurance, but such insurance may not adequately cover all of our lost revenues, including potential revenues from new tenants that could have been added to our towers but for the damage. If we are unable to provide services to our customers as a result of damage to our towers, it could lead to customer loss, resulting in a corresponding adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition.

 

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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, and numerous health-related lawsuits have been filed against wireless carriers and wireless device manufacturers. If a scientific study or court decision resulted in a finding that radio frequency emissions posed health risks to consumers, it could negatively impact the market for wireless services, as well as our wireless carrier customers, which would adversely affect our operations, costs and revenues. We do not maintain any significant insurance with respect to these matters.

Our historical stock option granting practices are subject to ongoing governmental proceedings, which could result in fines, penalties or other liability.

In May 2006, we announced that our Board of Directors had established a special committee of independent directors to conduct a review of our stock option granting practices and related accounting. Subsequent to the formation of the special committee, we received an informal letter of inquiry from the SEC, a subpoena from the office of the United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York and an information document request from the IRS, each requesting documents and information related to our stock option grants and practices. We also received a request for information from the Department of Labor, which concluded its review in September 2008, with no action taken against us. We are cooperating with these governmental authorities to provide the requested documents and information. These governmental proceedings are ongoing, and the time period necessary to resolve these proceedings is uncertain and could require significant additional management and financial resources. Significant legal and accounting expenses related to these matters have been incurred to date, and we may continue to incur expenses in the future. Depending on the outcomes of these proceedings, we and members of our senior management could be subject to regulatory fines, penalties, enforcement actions or other liability, which could have a material adverse impact on our business, results of operations and financial condition. In addition, as a result of the special committee’s findings, we restated our historical financial statements for certain periods prior to March 31, 2006 to, among other things, record changes for stock-based compensation expense (and related tax effects) relating to certain past stock option grants.

 

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

Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities

During the three months ended March 31, 2009, we repurchased 67,438 shares of our Common Stock for an aggregate of $1.8 million pursuant to our publicly announced stock repurchase program, as follows:

 

Period

   Total Number
of Shares
Purchased
   Average
Price Paid
per Share
   Total Number of Shares
Purchased as Part of
Publicly Announced
Plans or Programs
   Approximate Dollar Value of Shares
that May Yet be Purchased Under
the Plans or Programs
                    (In millions)

January 2009 (1)

   23,888    $ 27.94    23,888    $ 967.2

February 2009 (1)

   43,550    $ 26.84    43,550    $ 966.1

March 2009 (1)

   —        —      —      $ 966.1
               

Total First Quarter

   67,438    $ 27.23    67,438    $ 966.1
               

 

(1) Repurchases made pursuant to the $1.5 billion stock repurchase program publicly approved by our Board of Directors in February 2008. Under this program, our management is authorized to purchase shares from time to time through open market purchases or privately negotiated transactions at prevailing prices as permitted by securities laws and other legal requirements, and subject to market conditions and other factors. To facilitate repurchases, we make purchases pursuant to a trading plan under Rule 10b5-1 of the Exchange Act, which allows us to repurchase shares during periods when we otherwise might be prevented from doing so under insider trading laws or because of self-imposed trading blackout periods. This program may be discontinued at any time.

Recent Sales of Unregistered Securities

During the three months ended March 31, 2009, we issued an aggregate of 8,387 shares of our Common Stock upon the exercise of 1,173 warrants assumed in our merger with SpectraSite, Inc. In August 2005, in connection with the merger, we assumed approximately 1.0 million warrants to purchase shares of SpectraSite, Inc. common stock. Upon completion of the merger, each warrant to purchase shares of SpectraSite, Inc. common stock automatically converted into a warrant to purchase 7.15 shares of Common Stock at an exercise price of $32 per warrant. Net proceeds from these warrant exercises were $37,536. The shares were issued in reliance on the exemption from registration set forth in Sections 3(a)(9) and 3(a)(10) of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 1145 of the United States Code. No underwriters were engaged in connection with such issuances.

 

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 8, 2009     By:   /S/    THOMAS A. BARTLETT        
      Thomas A. Bartlett
     

Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

(Duly Authorized Officer and Principal

Financial Officer)

 

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EXHIBIT INDEX

 

Exhibit No.

  

Description

  3.1    Amended and Restated By-Laws of American Tower Corporation, as of February 25, 2009 (incorporated by reference from Exhibit 3.1 to Current Report on Form 8-K (File 001-14195) filed on February 26, 2009).
10.1    Summary Compensation Information for Named Executive Officers (incorporated by reference from Item 5.02(e) of Current Report on Form 8-K (File 001-14195) filed on February 26, 2009).
10.2    Agreement with Steven Moskowitz, dated February 25, 2009 (incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.1 to Current Report on Form 8-K (File 001-14195) filed on February 26, 2009).
10.3    Letter Agreement with Thomas Bartlett, dated February 20, 2009 (incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.1 to Current Report on Form 8-K (File 001-14195) filed on March 5, 2009).
10.4    American Tower Corporation Severance Program (incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.2 to Current Report on Form 8-K (File 001-14195) filed on March 5, 2009).
10.5    Severance Policy for Executive Vice Presidents and Chief Executive Officer (incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.3 to Current Report on Form 8-K (File 001-14195) filed on March 5, 2009).
10.6    Form of Waiver and Termination Agreement (incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.4 to Current Report on Form 8-K (File 001-14195) filed on March 5, 2009).
10.7    Amendment to Lease and Sublease, dated September 30, 2008, by and between SpectraSite, LLC, American Tower Asset Sub II, LLC, SBC Wireless, LLC and SBC Tower Holdings LLC. (This Exhibit has been filed separately with the Commission pursuant to an application for confidential treatment. The confidential portions of this Exhibit have been omitted and are marked by an asterisk.)
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