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American Tower Corporation Reports First Quarter 2015 Financial Results
[April 30, 2015]

American Tower Corporation Reports First Quarter 2015 Financial Results


American Tower Corporation (NYSE:AMT) today reported financial results for the quarter ended March 31, 2015.

Jim Taiclet, American Tower's Chief Executive Officer stated, "Our U.S. and international operations maintained strong leasing momentum through the first quarter of 2015, driving global Organic Core Growth of over 9%. We also completed the largest tower transaction in the domestic tower industry's history by adding over 11,400 Verizon assets to our portfolio. Additionally, in Latin America, we closed on nearly 4,200 TIM Brazil sites in April.

Our regional management teams are intently focused on integrating these assets and closing our Airtel Nigeria transaction as quickly and efficiently as possible. These three portfolios solidify our strategic positioning in the most populous countries in North America, South America and EMEA, respectively, securing our ability to benefit from their vibrant wireless markets far into the future."

FIRST QUARTER 2015 OPERATING RESULTS OVERVIEW

American Tower generated the following operating results for the quarter ended March 31, 2015 (unless otherwise indicated, all comparative information is presented against the quarter ended March 31, 2014).

Please note that the definitions of Core Growth, Organic Core Growth and New Property Core Growth now exclude the impacts of pass-through.

  • Total revenue increased 9.7% to $1,079 million, and total rental and management revenue increased 10.6% to $1,062 million.
  • Total rental and management revenue Core Growth was approximately 15.6%, and total rental and management Organic Core Growth was approximately 9.4%.
  • Total rental and management Gross Margin increased 13.2% to $806 million, and total rental and management Gross Margin percentage was 75.9%.
  • Adjusted EBITDA increased 13.0% to $724 million, Core Growth in Adjusted EBITDA was 17.5%, and Adjusted EBITDA Margin was 67%.
  • Adjusted Funds From Operations (AFFO) increased 16.9% to $514 million, AFFO per Share increased 13.6% to $1.25, and Core Growth in AFFO was approximately 21.9%.
  • Net income attributable to American Tower Corporation common stockholders decreased 9.4% to $183 million, and Net income attributable to American Tower Corporation stockholders per basic and diluted common share decreased to $0.45.
  • Cash provided by operating activities increased 7.0% to $510 million.

Segment Results

Domestic Rental and Management Segment

  • Revenue increased 12.9% to $718 million;
  • Organic Core Growth in revenue was 9.3% and included a favorable impact of about 1.9% due to the timing of $17 million of revenue recognition associated with an equipment decommissioning agreement;
  • Gross Margin increased 13.7% to $585 million;
  • Gross Margin percentage was 81%;
  • Operating Profit increased 14.6% to $558 million, which represented 74% of total Operating Profit; and
  • Operating Profit Margin was 78%.

International Rental and Management Segment

  • Revenue increased 6.2% to $344 million;
  • Organic Core Growth in revenue was 9.7%, and Core Growth in revenue was 22.3%;
  • Gross Margin increased 11.7% to $221 million;
  • Gross Margin percentage was 64% (86% excluding the impact of $88 million of pass-through revenues);
  • Operating Profit increased 10.5% to $186 million, which represented 25% of total Operating Profit; and
  • Operating Profit Margin was 54% (73% excluding the impact of $88 million of pass-through revenues).

Network Development Services Segment

  • Revenue was $17 million;
  • Gross Margin was $12 million;
  • Gross Margin percentage was 69%;
  • Operating Profit was $8 million, which represented 1% of total Operating Profit; and
  • Operating Profit Margin was 49%.

Please refer to "Non-GAAP and Defined Financial Measures" below for definitions of Gross Margin, Operating Profit, Operating Profit Margin, Adjusted EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA Margin, NAREIT Funds From Operations, AFFO, AFFO per Share, Core Growth, Organic Core Growth, New Property Core Growth and Net Leverage Ratio. For additional financial information, including reconciliations to GAAP measures, please refer to the unaudited selected financial information below.

INVESTING OVERVIEW

Common Stock Distributions - During the quarter ended March 31, 2015, the Company paid its fourth quarter 2014 distribution of $0.38 per share, or a total of approximately $151 million, to common stockholders. Subsequent to the end of the first quarter, the Company paid its first quarter distribution of $0.42 per share, or a total of approximately $178 million, to common stockholders.

Mandatory Convertible Preferred Stock Dividends - During the first quarter ended March 31, 2015, the Company paid its Series A Preferred Stock dividend of approximately $8 million. Subsequent to the end of the first quarter, the Company declared dividends attributable to its Series A and Series B Preferred Stock in an aggregate amount of $23 million, payable on May 15, 2015 to stockholders of record at the close of business on May 1, 2015.

Cash Paid for Capital Expenditures - During the first quarter of 2015, total capital expenditures of $159 million included:

  • $71 million for discretionary capital projects, including spending to complete the construction of 23 towers and the installation of two distributed antenna system networks and six shared generators domestically and the construction of 621 towers and the installation of nine distributed antenna system networks internationally;
  • $29 million to purchase land under the Company's communications sites;
  • $5 million for start-up capital projects;
  • $35 million for the redevelopment of existing communications sites to accommodate new tenant equipment; and
  • $19 million for capital improvements and corporate capital expenditures.

Cash Paid for Acquisitions - During the first quarter of 2015, the Company spent approximately $120 million to acquire 190 sites in the U.S. and six sites internationally.

In addition to the 163 wireless communications sites the Company purchased from Verizon on March 27, 2015, which are reflected above, the Company also expanded its domestic portfolio by obtaining the exclusive right to lease or otherwise operate and manage 11,285 sites for a total cash payment of approximately $5.0 billion. American Tower funded the transaction with proceeds from its concurrent registered public offerings, borrowings under its revolving credit facilities and cash on hand.

Subsequent to the end of the first quarter, the Company closed on 4,176 sites as part of its previously announced TIM Brazil transaction, for a total consideration of approximately $644 million and expects to close on the remaining sites over the next twelve months. The Company's previously announced Airtel Nigeria transaction is still expected to close during the second quarter of 2015.

FINANCING OVERVIEW

Leverage - For the quarter ended March 31, 2015, the Company's Net Leverage Ratio was approximately 5.3x net debt (total debt less cash and cash equivalents) to first quarter 2015 annualized Adjusted EBITDA.

Liquidity - As of March 31, 2015, the Company had approximately $2.7 billion of total liquidity, comprised of the ability to borrow up to an aggregate of approximately $2.4 billion under its revolving credit facilities, net of outstanding letters of credit, and approximately $0.3 billion in cash and cash equivalents.

Subsequent to the end of the first quarter, the Company completed the redemption of all of its outstanding 7.000% senior notes due 2017, at 114.0629% of the principal amount, plus accrued and unpaid interest. The total aggregate redemption price was approximately $571.7 million, including approximately $1.4 million in accrued interest. The redemption was funded with borrowings under the Company's existing credit facilities and cash on hand.

FULL YEAR 2015 OUTLOOK

The following estimates are based on a number of assumptions that management believes to be reasonable and reflect the Company's expectations as of April 30, 2015. Actual results may differ materially from these estimates as a result of various factors, and the Company refers you to the cautionary language regarding "forward-looking" statements included in this press release when considering this information.

As reflected in the table below, the Company has raised the midpoint of its full year 2015 outlook for total rental and management revenue by $290 million, Adjusted EBITDA by $150 million and AFFO by $85 million. These estimates include the impacts of the Verizon transaction, which closed on March 27, 2015 and the first tranche of 4,176 TIM Brazil sites, which closed on April 29, 2015. The impacts of the approximately 2,300 TIM Brazil sites that have not yet closed are not included in our current outlook.

We expect to close our Airtel Nigeria acquisition during the second quarter of 2015 and anticipate that the over 4,800 Airtel towers will contribute approximately $145 million in revenue, $38 million in Adjusted EBITDA and $22 million in AFFO in 2015, at current exchange rates. These contributions are not currently included in our outlook.

The Company's outlook is based on the following average foreign currency exchange rates to 1.00 U.S. Dollar for the remainder of 2015: (a) 3.25 Brazilian Reais; (b) 640 Chilean Pesos; (c) 2,625 Colombian Pesos; (d) 0.95 Euros; (e) 3.75 Ghanaian Cedi; (f) 63.00 Indian Rupees; (g) 15.15 Mexican Pesos; (h) 3.15 Peruvian Soles; (i) 12.25 South African Rand; and (j) 3,000 Ugandan Shillings. The result of the updated foreign currency exchange rates assumptions versus our prior outlook was a reduction of approximately $75 million in rental and management revenue, $45 million in Adjusted EBITDA and $45 million in AFFO for the full year. These assumptions are based on the more conservative of: (a) the 30-day average spot rate; or (b) the average Bloomberg forecast for each currency.



($ in millions)   Full Year 2015   Midpoint

Growth

  Midpoint Core

Growth

Total rental and management revenue $ 4,555   to   $ 4,605 14.3% 22.0%
Adjusted EBITDA(1) 2,990 to 3,030 13.6% 19.4%
AFFO(1) 2,035 to 2,075 13.2% 21.3%
Net income 830 to 860 5.2% N/A

(1) See "Non-GAAP and Defined Financial Measures" below.

The Company's outlook for total rental and management revenue reflects the following at the midpoint:

  • Domestic rental and management segment revenue of $3,160 million and Organic Core Growth of over 7%; and
  • International rental and management segment revenue of $1,420 million and Organic Core Growth of approximately 10%. International rental and management segment revenue includes approximately $346 million of pass-through revenue.

The calculation of midpoint Core Growth is as follows:
(Totals may not add due to rounding)

     
Total Rental and

Management

Revenue

Adjusted

EBITDA

AFFO
Outlook midpoint Core Growth 22.0% 19.4% 21.3%
Impact of pass-through revenues (1.9)% -% -%
Estimated impact of fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates (6.0)% (5.8)% (7.9)%
Impact of straight-line revenue and expense recognition 0.2% 0.1% -
Impact of significant one-time items -% (0.1)% (0.2)%
Outlook midpoint growth 14.3% 13.6% 13.2%
 

Total Rental and Management Revenue Core Growth Components(1):
(Totals may not add due to rounding)

Full Year 2015
Organic Core Growth ~8%
New Property Core Growth(2) ~14%
Core Growth ~22%

(1) Reflects growth at the midpoint of outlook ranges. Excludes pass-through revenue.

(2) Revenue growth attributable to sites added to the portfolio on or after January 1, 2014.

       
Outlook for Capital Expenditures:
($ in millions)
(Totals may not add due to rounding) Full Year 2015
Discretionary capital projects(1) $ 335 to $ 375
Ground lease purchases 170 to 190
Start-up capital projects 85 to 95
Redevelopment 155 to 175
Capital improvement 90 to 100
Corporate 15   - 15
Total $ 850   to $ 950

(1) Includes the construction of approximately 2,750 to 3,250 communications sites.

 
Reconciliations of Outlook for Net Income to Adjusted EBITDA:
($ in millions)  
(Totals may not add due to rounding) Full Year 2015
Net income $ 830     to   $ 860
Interest expense 600 to 630
Depreciation, amortization and accretion 1,205 to 1,215
Income tax provision 85 to 62
Stock-based compensation expense 90 - 90
Other, including other operating expenses, interest income, (gain) loss on retirement of long-term obligations, (income) loss on equity method investments and other expense (income) 181   to 174
Adjusted EBITDA $ 2,990   to $ 3,030
 
Reconciliations of Outlook for Net Income to AFFO:
($ in millions)  
(Totals may not add due to rounding) Full Year 2015
Net income $ 830   to   $ 860
Straight-line revenue (151 ) - (151 )
Straight-line expense 51 - 51
Depreciation, amortization and accretion 1,205 to 1,215
Stock-based compensation expense 90 - 90
Non-cash portion of tax provision 7 to 13
Other, including other operating expenses, amortization of deferred financing costs, capitalized interest, debt discounts and premiums, (gain) loss on retirement of long-term obligations, other expense (income), non-cash interest related to joint venture shareholder loans and dividends on preferred stock 108 to 113
Capital improvement capital expenditures (90 ) to (100 )
Corporate capital expenditures (15 ) - (15 )
AFFO $ 2,035   to $ 2,075  
 

Conference Call Information

American Tower will host a conference call today at 8:30 a.m. ET to discuss its financial results for the quarter ended March 31, 2015 and its outlook for 2015. Supplemental materials for the call will be available on the Company's website, www.americantower.com. The conference call dial-in numbers are as follows:

U.S./Canada dial-in: (877) 586-5042
International dial-in: (706) 645-9644
Passcode: 19903164

When available, a replay of the call can be accessed until 11:59 p.m. ET on May 7, 2015. The replay dial-in numbers are as follows:

U.S./Canada dial-in: (855) 859-2056
International dial-in: (404) 537-3406
Passcode: 19903164

American Tower will also sponsor a live simulcast and replay of the call on its website, www.americantower.com.

About American Tower

American Tower, one of the largest global REITs, is a leading independent owner, operator and developer of multitenant communications real estate with a portfolio of over 87,000 communications sites. For more information about American Tower, please visit the "Earnings Materials" and "Company & Industry Resources" sections of our investor relations website at www.americantower.com.

Non-GAAP and Defined Financial Measures

In addition to the results prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States (GAAP) provided throughout this press release, the Company has presented the following non-GAAP and defined financial measures: Gross Margin, Operating Profit, Operating Profit Margin, Adjusted EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA Margin, NAREIT Funds From Operations, AFFO, AFFO per Share, Core Growth, Organic Core Growth, New Property Core Growth and Net Leverage Ratio. The Company uses Funds From Operations as defined by the National Association of Real Estate Investment Trusts (NAREIT), referred to herein as NAREIT Funds From Operations.

The Company defines Gross Margin as revenues less operating expenses, excluding stock-based compensation expense recorded in costs of operations, depreciation, amortization and accretion, selling, general, administrative and development expense, and other operating expenses. The Company defines Operating Profit as Gross Margin less selling, general, administrative and development expense, excluding stock-based compensation expense and corporate expenses. For reporting purposes, the international rental and management segment Operating Profit and Gross Margin also include interest income, TV Azteca, net. These measures of Gross Margin and Operating Profit are also before interest income, interest expense, gain (loss) on retirement of long-term obligations, other income (expense), net income (loss) attributable to non-controlling interest, income (loss) on equity method investments and income tax benefit (provision). The Company defines Operating Profit Margin as the percentage that results from dividing Operating Profit by revenue. The Company defines Adjusted EBITDA as net income before income (loss) from discontinued operations, net, income (loss) from equity method investments, income tax benefit (provision), other income (expense), gain (loss) on retirement of long-term obligations, interest expense, interest income, other operating income (expense), depreciation, amortization and accretion and stock-based compensation expense. The Company defines Adjusted EBITDA Margin as the percentage that results from dividing Adjusted EBITDA by total revenue. NAREIT Funds From Operations is defined as net income before gains or losses from the sale or disposal of real estate, real estate related impairment charges, real estate related depreciation, amortization and accretion and dividends on preferred stock, and including adjustments for (i) unconsolidated affiliates and (ii) noncontrolling interest. The Company defines AFFO as NAREIT Funds From Operations before (i) straight-line revenue and expense, (ii) stock-based compensation expense, (iii) the non-cash portion of our tax provision, (iv) non-real estate related depreciation, amortization and accretion, (v) amortization of deferred financing costs, capitalized interest, debt discounts and premiums and long-term deferred interest charges, (vi) other income (expense), (vii) gain (loss) on retirement of long-term obligations, (viii) other operating income (expense), and adjustments for (ix) unconsolidated affiliates and (x) noncontrolling interest, less cash payments related to capital improvements and cash payments related to corporate capital expenditures. The Company defines AFFO per Share as AFFO divided by the diluted weighted average common shares outstanding. The Company defines Core Growth in total rental and management revenue, Adjusted EBITDA and AFFO as the increase or decrease, expressed as a percentage, resulting from a comparison of financial results for a current period with corresponding financial results for the corresponding period in a prior year, in each case, excluding the impact of pass-through revenue (expense), where applicable, straight-line revenue and expense recognition, foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations and significant one-time items. The Company defines Organic Core Growth in rental and management revenue as the increase or decrease, expressed as a percentage, resulting from a comparison of financial results for a current period with corresponding financial results for the corresponding period in a prior year, in each case, excluding the impact of pass-through revenue (expense), straight-line revenue and expense recognition, foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations, significant one-time items and revenue associated with new properties that the Company has added to the portfolio since the beginning of the prior period. The Company defines New Property Core Growth in rental and management revenue as the increase or decrease, expressed as a percentage, on the properties the Company has added to its portfolio since the beginning of the prior period, in each case, excluding the impact of pass-through revenue (expense), straight-line revenue and expense recognition, foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations and significant one-time items. The Company defines Net Leverage Ratio as net debt (total debt, less cash and cash equivalents) divided by last quarter annualized Adjusted EBITDA. These measures are not intended to replace financial performance measures determined in accordance with GAAP. Rather, they are presented as additional information because management believes they are useful indicators of the current financial performance of the Company's core businesses. The Company believes that these measures can assist in comparing company performances on a consistent basis irrespective of depreciation and amortization or capital structure. Depreciation and amortization can vary significantly among companies depending on accounting methods, particularly where acquisitions or non-operating factors, including historical cost bases, are involved. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Company's measures of Gross Margin, Operating Profit, Operating Profit Margin, Adjusted EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA Margin, NAREIT Funds From Operations, AFFO, AFFO per Share, Core Growth, Organic Core Growth, New Property Core Growth and Net Leverage Ratio may not be comparable to similarly titled measures used by other companies.

Cautionary Language Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains "forward-looking statements" concerning our goals, beliefs, expectations, strategies, objectives, plans, future operating results and underlying assumptions, and other statements that are not necessarily based on historical facts. Examples of these statements include, but are not limited to statements regarding our full year 2015 outlook, foreign currency exchange rates, our expectation regarding the leasing demand for communications real estate and our anticipated closing dates of acquisitions. Actual results may differ materially from those indicated in our forward-looking statements as a result of various important factors, including: (1) decrease in demand for our communications sites would materially and adversely affect our operating results, and we cannot control that demand; (2) if our tenants share site infrastructure to a significant degree or consolidate or merge, our growth, revenue and ability to generate positive cash flows could be materially and adversely affected; (3) increasing competition for tenants in the tower industry may materially and adversely affect our pricing; (4) competition for assets could adversely affect our ability to achieve our return on investment criteria; (5) 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; (6) our leverage and debt service obligations may materially and adversely affect us; (7) failure to successfully and efficiently integrate acquired or leased assets, including those leased from Verizon, into our operations may adversely affect our business, operations and financial condition; (8) our expansion initiatives involve a number of risks and uncertainties that could adversely affect our operating results, disrupt our operations or expose us to additional risk; (9) our foreign operations are subject to economic, political and other risks that could materially and adversely affect our revenues or financial position, including risks associated with fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates; (10) a substantial portion of our revenue is derived from a small number of tenants, and we are sensitive to changes in the creditworthiness and financial strength of our tenants; (11) new technologies or changes in a tenant's business model could make our tower leasing business less desirable and result in decreasing revenues; (12) if we fail to remain qualified as a REIT, we will be subject to tax at corporate income tax rates, which may substantially reduce funds otherwise available; (13) complying with REIT requirements may limit our flexibility or cause us to forego otherwise attractive opportunities; (14) certain of our business activities may be subject to corporate level income tax and foreign taxes, which reduce our cash flows and may create deferred and contingent tax liabilities; (15) we may need additional financing to fund capital expenditures, future growth and expansion initiatives and to satisfy our REIT distribution requirements; (16) if we are unable to protect our rights to the land under our towers, it could adversely affect our business and operating results; (17) 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 will be eliminated; (18) restrictive covenants in the agreements related to our securitization transactions, our credit facilities and our debt securities could materially and adversely affect our business by limiting flexibility, and we may be prohibited from paying dividends on our common stock if we fail to pay scheduled dividends on our preferred stock, which may jeopardize our qualification for taxation as a REIT; (19) our costs could increase and our revenues could decrease due to perceived health risks from radio emissions, especially if these perceived risks are substantiated; (20) we could have liability under environmental and occupational safety and health laws; and (21) our towers, data centers or computer systems may be affected by natural disasters and other unforeseen events for which our insurance may not provide adequate coverage. For additional information regarding factors that may cause actual results to differ materially from those indicated in our forward-looking statements, we refer you to the information contained in Item 1A of our Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2014. We undertake no obligation to update the information contained in this press release to reflect subsequently occurring events or circumstances.

 

UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(In thousands)

 
  March 31, 2015   December 31, 2014(1)
ASSETS
CURRENT ASSETS:
Cash and cash equivalents $ 323,400 $ 313,492
Restricted cash 129,505 160,206
Short-term investments 14,394 6,302
Accounts receivable, net 175,784 199,074
Prepaid and other current assets 269,181 255,083
Deferred income taxes 13,555   14,510  
Total current assets 925,819   948,667  
PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT, NET 9,422,641 7,595,939
GOODWILL 3,980,174 4,028,549
OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS, NET 9,536,782 6,908,043
DEFERRED INCOME TAXES 226,710 253,186
DEFERRED RENT ASSET 1,059,953 1,030,707
NOTES RECEIVABLE AND OTHER NON-CURRENT ASSETS 778,115   566,454  
TOTAL $ 25,930,194   $ 21,331,545  
 
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
CURRENT LIABILITIES:
Accounts payable $ 72,512 $ 90,366
Accrued expenses 392,450 417,754
Distributions payable 179,192 159,864
Accrued interest 77,654 130,265
Current portion of long-term obligations 789,152 897,624
Unearned revenue 220,454   233,819  
Total current liabilities 1,731,414   1,929,692  
LONG-TERM OBLIGATIONS 14,930,952 13,711,084
ASSET RETIREMENT OBLIGATIONS 792,991 609,035
OTHER NON-CURRENT LIABILITIES 1,043,198   1,028,382  
Total liabilities 18,498,555   17,278,193  
 
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
EQUITY:
5.25%, Series A Preferred Stock 60 60
5.50%, Series B Preferred Stock 14 -
Common stock 4,259 3,995
Additional paid-in capital 9,583,498 5,788,786
Distributions in excess of earnings (822,545 ) (837,320 )
Accumulated other comprehensive loss (1,205,860 ) (794,221 )
Treasury stock (207,740 ) (207,740 )
Total American Tower Corporation equity 7,351,686 3,953,560
Noncontrolling interest 79,953   99,792  
Total equity 7,431,639   4,053,352  
TOTAL $ 25,930,194   $ 21,331,545  

(1) December 31, 2014 balances have been revised to reflect purchase accounting measurement period adjustments.

 

UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

(In thousands, except per share data)

 
  Three Months Ended
March 31,
2015   2014
REVENUES:
Rental and management $ 1,062,180 $ 960,120
Network development services 17,010   23,969  
Total operating revenues 1,079,190   984,089  
OPERATING EXPENSES:
Costs of operations (exclusive of items shown separately below):
Rental and management (including stock-based compensation expense of $432 and $372, respectively) 259,257 250,835
Network development services (including stock-based compensation expense of $139 and $132, respectively) 5,383 9,934
Depreciation, amortization and accretion 263,520 245,763
Selling, general, administrative and development expense (including stock-based compensation expense of $29,290 and $24,100, respectively) 123,290 110,029
Other operating expenses 7,774   13,891  
Total operating expenses 659,224   630,452  
OPERATING INCOME 419,966   353,637  
OTHER INCOME (EXPENSE):
Interest income, TV Azteca, net 2,596 2,595
Interest income 2,964 2,018
Interest expense (147,934 ) (143,307 )
Loss on retirement of long-term obligations (3,725 ) (238 )
Other expense (including unrealized foreign currency losses of $55,468 and $2,005, respectively) (54,503 ) (3,743 )
Total other expense (200,602 ) (142,675 )
INCOME FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS BEFORE INCOME TAXES 219,364 210,962
Income tax provision (23,872 ) (17,649 )
NET INCOME 195,492 193,313
Net (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interest (2,175 ) 9,186  
NET INCOME ATTRIBUTABLE TO AMERICAN TOWER CORPORATION STOCKHOLDERS 193,317 202,499
Dividends on preferred stock (9,819 ) -  
NET INCOME ATTRIBUTABLE TO AMERICAN TOWER CORPORATION COMMON STOCKHOLDERS $ 183,498   $ 202,499  
NET INCOME PER COMMON SHARE AMOUNTS:
Basic net income attributable to American Tower Corporation common stockholders $ 0.45   $ 0.51  
Diluted net income attributable to American Tower Corporation common stockholders $ 0.45   $ 0.51  
WEIGHTED AVERAGE COMMON SHARES OUTSTANDING:
Basic 405,111   395,146  
Diluted 409,399   399,120  
 
 

UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(In thousands)

 
  Three months ended March 31,
2015   2014
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
Net income $ 195,492 $ 193,313
Adjustments to reconcile net income to cash provided by operating activities:
Stock-based compensation expense 29,861 24,604
Depreciation, amortization and accretion 263,520 245,763
Loss on early retirement of long-term obligations 3,725 238
Other non-cash items reflected in statements of operations 66,309 5,060
Increase in net deferred rent asset (25,074 ) (21,393 )
Decrease (increase) in restricted cash 28,180 (8,347 )
Increase in assets (2,779 ) (43,449 )
(Decrease) increase in liabilities (49,304 ) 80,793  
Cash provided by operating activities 509,930   476,582  
 
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Payments for purchase of property and equipment and construction activities (159,184 ) (213,891 )
Payments for acquisitions, net of cash acquired (20,946 ) (62,761 )
Payment for Verizon transaction (5,058,019 ) -
Proceeds from sale of short-term investments and other non-current assets 72,684 138,228
Payments for short-term investments (82,557 ) (151,263 )
Deposits, restricted cash and other (1,397 ) (1,369 )
Cash used for investing activities (5,249,419 ) (291,056 )
 
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Repayments of short-term borrowings, net - (172 )
Borrowings under credit facilities 3,150,000 -
Proceeds from issuance of senior notes, net - 769,640
Proceeds from term loan 500,000 -
Proceeds from other long-term borrowings - 3,033
Repayments of notes payable, credit facilities, senior notes and capital leases (2,490,771 ) (916,632 )
Distributions to noncontrolling interest holders, net (137 ) (154 )
Proceeds from stock options 5,106 13,795
Proceeds from the issuance of common stock, net 2,440,390 -
Proceeds from the issuance of preferred stock, net 1,338,009 -
Deferred financing costs and other financing activities (22,558 ) (21,857 )
Distributions paid on common stock (152,037 ) (554 )
Distributions paid on preferred stock (7,875 ) -  
Cash provided by (used for) financing activities 4,760,127   (152,901 )
Net effect of changes in foreign currency exchange rates on cash and cash equivalents (10,730 ) 7,238  
NET INCREASE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS 9,908 39,863
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, BEGINNING OF PERIOD 313,492   293,576  
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, END OF PERIOD $ 323,400 $ 333,439
CASH PAID FOR INCOME TAXES, NET $ 14,714   $ 19,094  
CASH PAID FOR INTEREST $ 199,022   $ 154,497  
 
 

UNAUDITED RESULTS FROM OPERATIONS, BY SEGMENT

(In thousands, except percentages. Totals may not add due to rounding.)

 
Three months ended March 31, 2015
  Rental and Management   Network
Development
Services
  Total
Domestic   International   Total
Segment revenues $ 717,880 $ 344,300 $ 1,062,180 $ 17,010 $ 1,079,190
Segment operating expenses (1) 133,032 125,793 258,825 5,244 264,069
Interest income, TV Azteca, net -   2,596   2,596   -   2,596  
Segment Gross Margin 584,848   221,103   805,951   11,766   817,717  
Segment selling, general, administrative and development expense (1) 26,822   34,611   61,433   3,436   64,869  
Segment Operating Profit $ 558,026   $ 186,492   $ 744,518   $ 8,330   $ 752,848  
Segment Operating Profit Margin 78 % 54 % 70 % 49 % 70 %
Percent of total Operating Profit 74 % 25 % 99 % 1 % 100 %
 
Three months ended March 31, 2014
Rental and Management Network
Development
Services
Total
Domestic International Total
Segment revenues $ 635,779 $ 324,341 $ 960,120 $ 23,969 $ 984,089
Segment operating expenses (1) 121,509 128,954 250,463 9,802 260,265
Interest income, TV Azteca, net -   2,595   2,595   -   2,595  
Segment Gross Margin 514,270   197,982   712,252   14,167   726,419  
Segment selling, general, administrative and development expense (1) 27,409   29,216   56,625   2,530   59,155  
Segment Operating Profit $ 486,861   $ 168,766   $ 655,627   $ 11,637   $ 667,264  
Segment Operating Profit Margin 77 % 52 % 68 % 49 % 68 %
Percent of total Operating Profit 73 % 25 % 98 % 2 % 100 %

(1) Excludes stock-based compensation expense.

 

UNAUDITED SELECTED FINANCIAL INFORMATION

(In thousands, except where noted. Totals may not add due to rounding.)

 

SELECTED BALANCE SHEET DETAIL:

 
Long-term obligations summary, including current portion   March 31, 2015   Pro Forma

March 31, 2015 (1)

2013 Credit Facility 400,000 1,952,000
2013 Term Loan 2,000,000 2,000,000
2014 Credit Facility 1,980,000 1,980,000
3.40% senior notes due 2019 1,005,193 1,005,193
3.450% senior notes due 2021 646,513 646,513
3.50% senior notes due 2023 993,412 993,412
4.500% senior notes due 2018 999,660 999,660
4.70% senior notes due 2022 699,017 699,017
5.00% senior notes due 2022 1,010,594 1,010,594
5.050% senior notes due 2020 699,518 699,518
5.900% senior notes due 2021 499,490 499,490
7.000% senior notes due 2017 500,000 -
7.25% senior notes due 2019 297,394   297,394
Total unsecured at American Tower Corporation $ 11,730,791   $ 12,782,791
Secured Tower Revenue Securities, Series 2013-1A 500,000 500,000
Secured Tower Revenue Securities, Series 2013-2A 1,300,000 1,300,000
GTP Notes(2) 1,259,506 1,259,506
Unison Notes(3) 203,245 203,245
South African facility(4) 70,089 70,089
Colombian credit facility(4) 76,668 76,668
BR Towers debentures(4)(5) 100,937 100,937
Mexican loan(4) 254,649 254,649
Shareholder loans(6) 129,298 129,298
Capital leases 94,921   94,921
Total secured or subsidiary debt $ 3,989,313   $ 3,989,313
Total debt $ 15,720,104   $ 16,772,104
Cash and cash equivalents 323,400  
Net debt (total debt less cash and cash equivalents) $ 15,396,704  

(1) Pro Forma for the following activity in April 2015, (i) the redemption of all of the outstanding 7.000% senior notes due in 2017 in accordance with the terms thereof and (ii) net borrowings of $1,552 million under the 2013 Credit Facility, the proceeds of which, together with cash on hand, were used to fund the closing of the first tranche of TIM Brazil sites, redeem the 7.000% senior notes, fund our Q1 common stock distribution and will also be used to repay the Mexican Loan.

(2) The GTP Notes are secured debt and were assumed in connection with the acquisition.

(3) The Unison Notes are secured debt and were assumed in connection with the acquisition.

(4) Denominated in local currency.

(5) The BR Towers debentures were assumed in connection with the acquisition.

(6) Reflects balances attributable to minority shareholder loans in the Company's joint ventures in Ghana and Uganda. The Ghana shareholder loan is denominated in Ghanaian Cedi and the Uganda shareholder loan is denominated in USD.

 

UNAUDITED SELECTED FINANCIAL INFORMATION

(In thousands, except where noted. Totals may not add due to rounding.)

 

SELECTED BALANCE SHEET DETAIL (CONTINUED):

 
Calculation of Net Leverage Ratio ($ in thousands)  

Three months ended
March 31, 2015

Total debt $ 15,720,104
Cash and cash equivalents   323,400
Numerator: net debt (total debt less cash and cash equivalents) $ 15,396,704
 
Adjusted EBITDA $ 723,717
Denominator: annualized Adjusted EBITDA 2,894,868
Net Leverage Ratio 5.3x
 
Share count rollforward: (in millions of shares)

Three months ended
March 31, 2015

Total common shares, beginning of period 396.7
Common shares repurchased -
Common shares issued 26.4
Total common shares outstanding, end of period (1) 423.1

(1) As of March 31, 2015, excludes (a) 4.2 million potentially dilutive common shares associated with vested and exercisable stock options with an average exercise price of $54.08 per common share, (b) 4.2 million potentially dilutive common shares associated with unvested stock options, (c) 1.7 million potentially dilutive common shares associated with unvested restricted stock units and (d) the potentially dilutive common shares associated with the Company's preferred stock.

 

SELECTED STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS DETAIL:

 

Rental and management segment straight-line revenue and expense (1):

 
  Three months ended March 31,
Domestic straight-line revenue and expense detail: 2015   2014
Straight-line revenue $ 26,658 $ 24,176
Straight-line expense $ 6,473 $ 6,811
 
Three months ended March 31,
International straight-line revenue and expense detail: 2015   2014
Straight-line revenue $ 7,179 $ 7,055
Straight-line expense $ 2,291 $ 2,667

(1) In accordance with GAAP, the Company recognizes rental and management revenue and expense related to non-cancellable tenant and ground lease agreements with fixed escalations on a straight-line basis, over the applicable lease term. As a result, the Company's revenue recognized may differ materially from the amount of cash collected per tenant lease, and the Company's expense incurred may differ materially from the amount of cash paid per ground lease. Additional information regarding straight-line accounting can be found in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2014 in the section entitled "Revenue Recognition," in note 1, "Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies" within the notes to the consolidated financial statements. The above table sets forth a summary of total rental and management straight-line revenue and expense, which represents the non-cash revenue and expense recorded due to straight-line recognition.

 

UNAUDITED SELECTED FINANCIAL INFORMATION

($ in thousands. Totals may not add due to rounding.)

 

SELECTED STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS DETAIL (CONTINUED):

 
  Three months ended March 31,
International pass-through revenue detail: 2015   2014
Pass-through revenue $ 87,671 $ 82,432
 
Three months ended March 31,
Pre-paid rent detail(1): 2015   2014
Beginning balance $ 496,524 $ 326,177
Cash 50,881 102,933
Amortization(2) (37,805 ) (24,848 )
Ending balance $ 509,600   $ 404,262  

(1) Reflects cash received for capital contributions and prepayments associated with long-term tenant leases and amortization of GAAP revenue associated with the leases corresponding to the capital contributions or prepayments.

(2) Includes the impact of fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates.

 
Three months ended March 31,
Selling, general, administrative and development expense breakout: 2015   2014
Total rental and management overhead $ 61,433 $ 56,625
Network development services segment overhead 3,436 2,530
Corporate and development expenses 29,131 26,774
Stock-based compensation expense 29,290   24,100
Total $ 123,290   $ 110,029
 

The following table reflects the estimated impact of foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations, pass-through revenue (expense), straight-line revenue and expense recognition and material one-time items on total rental and management revenue, Adjusted EBITDA and AFFO:

The calculation of Core Growth is as follows:

Three months ended March 31, 2015  

Total Rental and
Management
Revenue

 

Adjusted
EBITDA

  AFFO
Core Growth 15.6 % 17.5 % 21.9 %
Impact of pass-through (0.4 )% - % - %
Estimated Impact of fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates (4.5 )% (4.6 )% (5.8 )%
Estimated Impact of straight-line revenue recognition (0.1 )% 0.1 % -
Estimated Impact of material one-time items -   - % 0.8 %
Reported growth 10.6 % 13.0 % 16.9 %
 

The components of Core Growth in rental and management revenue are as follows:

Three months ended March 31, 2015   Domestic   International   Total
Organic Core Growth 9.3% 9.7% 9.4%
New Property Core Growth(1) 3.7% 12.6% 6.2%
Core Growth 13.0% 22.3% 15.6%

(1) Revenue growth attributable to sites added to the portfolio on or after January 1, 2014.

 

UNAUDITED SELECTED FINANCIAL INFORMATION

($ in thousands. Totals may not add due to rounding.)

 

SELECTED CASH FLOW DETAIL:

 
  Three months ended March 31,
Payments for purchase of property and equipment and construction activities: 2015   2014
Discretionary - capital projects $ 70,991 $ 111,172
Discretionary - ground lease purchases 28,993 44,860
Start-up capital projects 5,043 5,033
Redevelopment 35,061 30,372
Capital improvements 16,784 17,231
Corporate 2,312   5,223
Total $ 159,184   $ 213,892
 
 

SELECTED PORTFOLIO DETAIL - OWNED AND OPERATED SITES:

 
Tower Count (1):  

As of December 31,
2014

  Constructed   Acquired   Adjustments  

As of March 31,
2015

United States 28,566 23 11,475 (16 ) 40,048
Brazil 11,873 92 - 24 11,989
Chile 1,156 4 - (1 ) 1,159
Colombia 3,589 41 - (4 ) 3,626
Costa Rica 464 - - - 464
Germany 2,031 - - - 2,031
Ghana 2,038 14 - - 2,052
India 12,977 407 - (95 ) 13,289
Mexico 8,716 1 - - 8,717
Peru 571 7 - - 578
South Africa 1,918 - - - 1,918
Uganda 1,265   55   6   -   1,326
Total 75,164 644 11,481 (92 ) 87,197

(1) Excludes in-building and outdoor distributed antenna system networks.

 

UNAUDITED RECONCILIATIONS TO GAAP MEASURES AND THE CALCULATION OF DEFINED FINANCIAL MEASURES

(In thousands, except per share data and percentages. Totals may not add due to rounding.)

 

The reconciliation of net income to Adjusted EBITDA and the calculation of Adjusted EBITDA Margin are as follows:

 
  Three months ended March 31,
2015   2014
Net income $ 195,492 $ 193,313
Income tax provision 23,872 17,649
Other expense 54,503 3,743
Loss on retirement of long-term obligations 3,725 238
Interest expense 147,934 143,307
Interest income (2,964 ) (2,018 )
Other operating expenses 7,774 13,891
Depreciation, amortization and accretion 263,520 245,763
Stock-based compensation expense 29,861   24,604  
Adjusted EBITDA $ 723,717   $ 640,490  
Divided by total revenue 1,079,190   984,089  
Adjusted EBITDA Margin 67 % 65 %
 

The reconciliation of net income to NAREIT Funds From Operations and the calculation of AFFO and AFFO per Share are presented below:

 
  Three months ended March 31,
2015   2014
Net income $ 195,492 $ 193,313
Real estate related depreciation, amortization and accretion 228,828 217,018
Losses from sale or disposal of real estate and real estate related impairment charges 3,681 1,670
Dividends on preferred stock (9,819 ) -
Adjustments for unconsolidated affiliates and noncontrolling interest (7,226 ) 2,446  
NAREIT Funds From Operations 410,956   414,447  
Straight-line revenue (33,838 ) (31,230 )
Straight-line expense 8,764 9,478
Stock-based compensation expense 29,861 24,604
Non-cash portion of tax (benefit) provision 9,158 (1,445 )
Non-real estate related depreciation, amortization and accretion 34,692 28,745
Amortization of deferred financing costs, capitalized interest, debt discounts and premiums and long-term deferred interest charges 3,603 3,417
Other expense (1) 54,503 3,743
Loss on retirement of long-term obligations 3,725 238
Other operating expense (2) 4,093 12,221
Capital improvement capital expenditures (16,784 ) (17,231 )
Corporate capital expenditures (2,312 ) (5,223 )
Adjustments for unconsolidated affiliates and noncontrolling interest 7,226   (2,446 )
AFFO $ 513,647   $ 439,318  
Divided by weighted average diluted shares outstanding 409,399 399,120
AFFO per Share $ 1.25 $ 1.10

(1) Primarily includes unrealized losses on foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations.

(2) Primarily includes acquisition related costs, integration costs, losses from sale of assets and impairment charges.


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