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 September 30, 2012.

 

¨ 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  x    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 October 18, 2012, there were 395,352,861 shares of common stock outstanding.

 

 

 


Table of Contents

AMERICAN TOWER CORPORATION

INDEX

QUARTERLY REPORT ON FORM 10-Q

FOR THE QUARTER ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2012

 

          Page No.  

PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION

  

Item 1.

  

Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

  
  

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets as of September 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011

     1   
  

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011

     2   
  

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011

     3   
  

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the nine months ended September  30, 2012 and 2011

     4   
  

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Equity for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011

     5   
  

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

     6   

Item 2.

  

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

     38   

Item 3.

  

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk

     63   

Item 4.

  

Controls and Procedures

     65   

PART II. OTHER INFORMATION

  

Item 1.

   Legal Proceedings      66   

Item 1A.

   Risk Factors      66   

Item 2.

   Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds      77   

Item 6.

   Exhibits      77   

Signatures

     78   

Exhibit Index

     EX-1   


Table of Contents
PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION

 

ITEM 1. UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

AMERICAN TOWER CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS—Unaudited

(in thousands, except share data)

 

     September 30,
2012
    December 31,
2011
 

ASSETS

    

CURRENT ASSETS:

    

Cash and cash equivalents

   $ 382,312     $ 330,191  

Restricted cash

     43,482       42,770  

Short-term investments and available-for-sale securities

     —          22,270  

Accounts receivable, net

     148,807       100,792  

Prepaid and other current assets

     270,541       254,750  

Deferred income taxes

     27,641       29,596  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total current assets

     872,783       780,369  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT, net

     5,242,781       4,901,012  

GOODWILL

     2,763,706       2,676,971  

OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS, net

     2,595,059       2,497,611  

DEFERRED INCOME TAXES

     233,472       207,044  

DEFERRED RENT ASSET

     731,343       609,529  

NOTES RECEIVABLE AND OTHER LONG-TERM ASSETS

     522,160       557,278  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

TOTAL

   $ 12,961,304     $ 12,229,814  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

LIABILITIES AND EQUITY

    

CURRENT LIABILITIES:

    

Accounts payable

   $ 87,380     $ 216,448  

Accrued expenses

     334,034       304,208  

Distributions payable

     91,063       —     

Accrued interest

     74,343       65,729  

Current portion of long-term obligations

     130,209       101,816  

Unearned revenue

     133,896       92,708  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total current liabilities

     850,925       780,909  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

LONG-TERM OBLIGATIONS

     7,359,355       7,134,492  

ASSET RETIREMENT OBLIGATIONS

     397,362       344,180  

OTHER LONG-TERM LIABILITIES

     667,680       560,091  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total liabilities

     9,275,322       8,819,672  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

EQUITY:

    

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

    

Common stock: $.01 par value; 1,000,000,000 shares authorized; 395,607,119 and 393,642,079 shares issued; and 395,354,428 and 393,642,079 shares outstanding, respectively

     3,956       3,936  

Additional paid-in capital

     4,971,181       4,903,800  

Distributions in excess of earnings

     (1,237,569     (1,477,899

Accumulated other comprehensive loss

     (164,081     (142,617

Treasury stock (252,691 and 0 shares at cost, respectively)

     (16,733     —     
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total American Tower Corporation equity

     3,556,754       3,287,220  

Non-controlling interest

     129,228       122,922  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total equity

     3,685,982       3,410,142  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

TOTAL

   $ 12,961,304     $ 12,229,814  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

See accompanying notes to unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

1


Table of Contents

AMERICAN TOWER CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS—Unaudited

(in thousands, except per share data)

 

    Three Months Ended
September 30,
    Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 
    2012     2011     2012     2011  

REVENUES:

       

Rental and management

  $ 697,554     $ 614,808     $ 2,063,806     $ 1,745,302  

Network development services

    15,781       15,595       43,780       45,031  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total operating revenues

    713,335       630,403       2,107,586       1,790,333  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

OPERATING EXPENSES:

       

Costs of operations (exclusive of items shown separately below):

       

Rental and management (including stock-based compensation expense of $195, $853, $594 and $853, respectively)

    177,336       160,265       506,120       432,454  

Network development services (including stock-based compensation expense of $245, $910, $749 and $910, respectively)

    7,568       8,668       22,153       22,884  

Depreciation, amortization and accretion

    144,061       142,113       465,788       411,902  

Selling, general, administrative and development expense (including stock-based compensation expense of $12,618, $10,377, $38,311 and $34,422, respectively)

    81,459       76,476       237,891       214,929  

Other operating expenses

    7,359       14,576       35,150       35,770  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total operating expenses

    417,783       402,098       1,267,102       1,117,939  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

OPERATING INCOME

    295,552       228,305       840,484       672,394  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

OTHER INCOME (EXPENSE):

       

Interest income, TV Azteca, net of interest expense of $372, $458, $1,114 and $1,186, respectively

    3,586       3,498       10,715       10,587  

Interest income

    1,717       1,822       6,253       6,837  

Interest expense

    (102,272     (77,796     (297,622     (226,735

Loss on retirement of long-term obligations

    —          —          (398     —     

Other income (expense) (including unrealized foreign currency gains (losses) of $46,191, $(145,144), $(12,847) and $(101,505), respectively)

    46,294       (150,876     (19,468     (115,710
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total other expense

    (50,675     (223,352     (300,520     (325,021
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

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

    244,877       4,953       539,964       347,373  

Income tax provision

    (13,054     (24,681     (64,117     (161,981

Income on equity method investments

    2       2       25       14  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

NET INCOME (LOSS)

    231,825       (19,726     475,872       185,406  

Net loss attributable to non-controlling interest

    264       4,025       25,732       5,946  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

NET INCOME (LOSS) ATTRIBUTABLE TO AMERICAN TOWER CORPORATION

  $ 232,089     $ (15,701   $ 501,604     $ 191,352  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

NET INCOME (LOSS) PER COMMON SHARE AMOUNTS:

       

Basic net income (loss) attributable to American Tower Corporation

  $ 0.59     $ (0.04   $ 1.27     $ 0.48  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Diluted net income (loss) attributable to American Tower Corporation

  $ 0.58     $ (0.04   $ 1.26     $ 0.48  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

WEIGHTED AVERAGE COMMON SHARES OUTSTANDING:

       

Basic

    395,244       395,183       394,626       396,507  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Diluted

    399,487       395,183       399,084       400,467  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

DISTRIBUTIONS DECLARED PER SHARE

  $ 0.23     $ —        $ 0.66     $ —     
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

See accompanying notes to unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

2


Table of Contents

AMERICAN TOWER CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)—Unaudited

(in thousands)

 

     Three Months Ended
September 30,
    Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 
     2012     2011     2012     2011  

Net income (loss)

   $ 231,825     $ (19,726   $ 475,872     $ 185,406  

Other comprehensive income (loss):

        

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

     (955     —          (2,483     1,977  

Reclassification of unrealized losses on cash flow hedges to net income, net of tax

     199       29       397       195  

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

     —          (6     —          (86

Reclassification of unrealized losses on available-for-sale securities to net income

     —          —          495       —     

Foreign currency translation adjustments

     38,782       (149,563     (36,357     (127,209
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Other comprehensive income (loss)

     38,026       (149,540     (37,948     (125,123
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Comprehensive income (loss)

     269,851       (169,266     437,924       60,283  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Comprehensive loss attributable to non-controlling interest

     1,460       4,025       42,216       5,946  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to American Tower Corporation

   $ 271,311     $ (165,241   $ 480,140     $ 66,229  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

See accompanying notes to the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

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Table of Contents

AMERICAN TOWER CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS—Unaudited

(in thousands)

 

     Nine Months Ended September 30,  
               2012                          2011             

CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:

    

Net income

   $ 475,872     $ 185,406  

Adjustments to reconcile net income to cash provided by operating activities:

    

Stock-based compensation expense

     39,654       36,185  

Depreciation, amortization and accretion

     465,788       411,902  

Other non-cash items reflected in statements of operations

     79,655       287,286  

Increase in net deferred rent asset

     (92,296     (69,874

Increase in restricted cash

     (693     (825

Increase in assets

     (36,137     (58,891

Increase in liabilities

     184,704       58,809  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Cash provided by operating activities

     1,116,547       849,998  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:

    

Payments for purchase of property and equipment and construction activities

     (377,026     (397,088

Payments for acquisitions, net of cash acquired

     (822,714     (1,220,572

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

     358,707       65,223  

Payments for short-term investments

     (330,341     (20,412

Deposits, restricted cash, investments and other

     (2,892     13,218  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Cash used for investing activities

     (1,174,266     (1,559,631
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:

    

Proceeds from short-term borrowings, net

     20,099       101,128  

Borrowings under credit facilities

     1,325,000       280,014  

Proceeds from issuance of senior notes

     698,670       —     

Proceeds from term loan credit facility

     750,000       —     

Proceeds from other long-term borrowings

     99,132       80,814  

Repayments of notes payable, credit facilities and capital leases

     (2,655,367     (207,120

Contributions from non-controlling interest holders, net

     48,500       87,183  

Purchases of common stock

     (33,436     (391,098

Proceeds from stock options

     42,825       60,926  

Distributions

     (169,816     —     

Deferred financing costs and other financing activities

     (13,512     (7,582
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Cash provided by financing activities

     112,095       4,265  

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

     (2,255     (1,089
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

NET INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS

     52,121       (706,457

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, BEGINNING OF PERIOD

     330,191       883,963  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, END OF PERIOD

   $ 382,312     $ 177,506  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

NET CASH PAID FOR INCOME TAXES

   $ 28,465     $ 48,808  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

CASH PAID FOR INTEREST

   $ 265,443     $ 195,877  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

NON-CASH INVESTING AND FINANCING ACTIVITIES:

    

(DECREASE) INCREASE IN ACCOUNTS PAYABLE AND ACCRUED EXPENSES FOR PURCHASES OF PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT AND CONSTRUCTION ACTIVITIES

   $ (1,228   $ 4,495  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

PURCHASES OF PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT UNDER CAPITAL LEASES

   $ 12,219     $ 5,060  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

See accompanying notes to unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

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Table of Contents

AMERICAN TOWER CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EQUITY—Unaudited

(in thousands, except share data)

 

     Common Stock      Treasury Stock     Additional
Paid-in
Capital
     Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Income (Loss)
    Earnings
(Distributions)
in Excess of
Distributions
(Earnings)
    Non-controlling
Interest
    Total
Equity
 
     Issued
Shares
     Amount      Shares     Amount             

BALANCE, JANUARY 1, 2011

     486,056,952      $ 4,860        (87,379,718   $ (3,381,966   $ 8,577,093      $ 38,053     $ (1,736,596   $ 3,114     $ 3,504,558  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Stock-based compensation related activity

     2,333,452        23            86,828              86,851  

Issuance of common stock-Stock Purchase Plan

     43,485        1            1,886              1,887  

Treasury stock activity

           (7,586,960     (393,121              (393,121

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

                  1,977           1,977  

Reclassification of unrealized losses on cash flow hedges to net income, net of tax

                  195           195  

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

                  (86         (86

Foreign currency translation adjustment

                  (127,209         (127,209

Contributions from non-controlling interest

                      87,564       87,564  

Distributions to non-controlling interest

                      (381     (381

Net income (loss)

                    191,352       (5,946     185,406  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

BALANCE, SEPTEMBER 30, 2011

     488,433,889      $ 4,884        (94,966,678   $ (3,775,087   $ 8,665,807      $ (87,070   $ (1,545,244   $ 84,351     $ 3,347,641  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

BALANCE, JANUARY 1, 2012

     393,642,079      $ 3,936        —        $ —        $ 4,903,800      $ (142,617   $ (1,477,899   $ 122,922     $ 3,410,142  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Stock-based compensation related activity

     1,917,576        19            65,017              65,036  

Issuance of common stock—Stock Purchase Plan

     47,464        1            2,364              2,365  

Treasury stock activity

           (252,691     (16,733              (16,733

Net change in fair value of cash flow hedges

                  (1,862       (621     (2,483

Reclassification of unrealized losses on cash flow hedges to net income

                  397           397  

Reclassification of unrealized losses on available-for-sale securities to net income

                  495           495  

Foreign currency translation adjustment

                  (20,494       (15,863     (36,357

Contributions from non-controlling interest

                      48,963       48,963  

Distributions to non-controlling interest

                      (441     (441

Dividends/distributions declared

                    (261,274       (261,274

Net income (loss)

                    501,604       (25,732     475,872  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

BALANCE, SEPTEMBER 30, 2012

     395,607,119      $ 3,956        (252,691   $ (16,733   $ 4,971,181      $ (164,081   $ (1,237,569   $ 129,228     $ 3,685,982  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

See accompanying notes to unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

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Table of Contents

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 is, through its various subsidiaries (collectively, “ATC” or the “Company”), an independent owner, operator and developer of wireless and broadcast communications sites in the United States, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Ghana, India, Mexico, Peru, South Africa and Uganda. The Company’s primary business is the leasing of antenna space on multi-tenant communications sites to wireless service providers, radio and television broadcast companies, wireless data providers, government agencies and municipalities and tenants in a number of other industries. The Company also manages rooftop and tower sites for property owners, operates in-building and outdoor distributed antenna system (“DAS”) networks, holds property interests under communications sites and provides network development services that primarily support its rental and management operations and the addition of new tenants and equipment on its sites. The Company began operating as a real estate investment trust (“REIT”) for federal income tax purposes effective January 1, 2012.

ATC is a holding company that conducts its operations through its directly and indirectly owned subsidiaries and its joint ventures. ATC’s principal domestic operating subsidiaries are American Towers LLC 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 and joint ventures.

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 primarily 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. Subsequent events have been evaluated up to the date of issuance of these financial statements. 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, 2011.

REIT Conversion—In May 2011, the Company announced its intention to reorganize to qualify as a REIT for federal income tax purposes (the “REIT Conversion”). Effective December 31, 2011, the Company completed the merger with its predecessor (“American Tower”) that was approved by the Company’s stockholders in November 2011. At the time of the merger all outstanding shares of Class A common stock of American Tower were converted into a right to receive an equal number of shares of common stock of the surviving corporation. In addition, each share of Class A common stock of American Tower held in treasury at December 31, 2011 ceased to be outstanding, and a corresponding adjustment was recorded to additional paid-in capital and common stock.

The Company believes that since January 1, 2012, it has been organized and has operated in a manner that enables it to qualify, and intends to continue to operate in a manner that will allow it to continue to qualify as a REIT for federal income tax purposes.

The Company holds and operates certain of its assets through one or more taxable REIT subsidiaries (“TRSs”). A TRS is a subsidiary of a REIT that is subject to applicable corporate income tax. The Company’s use of TRSs enables it to continue to engage in certain businesses while complying with REIT qualification requirements and also allows the Company to retain income generated by these businesses for reinvestment without the requirement of distributing those earnings. The non-REIT qualified businesses that the Company holds through TRSs include its network development services segment. In addition, the Company has included its international operations and DAS networks business within its TRSs. In the future, the Company may elect to have previously designated TRSs be treated as qualified REIT subsidiaries or other disregarded entities (“QRSs”), or reorganize and transfer certain assets or operations from its TRSs to other subsidiaries, including QRSs.

 

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AMERICAN TOWER CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—Unaudited

 

As a REIT, the Company generally will not be subject to federal income taxes on its income and gains that the Company distributes to its stockholders, including the income derived from leasing towers. However, even as a REIT, the Company will remain obligated to pay income taxes on earnings from all of its TRS assets. In addition, the Company’s international assets and operations continue to be subject to taxation in the foreign jurisdictions where those assets are held or those operations are conducted.

Principles of Consolidation and Basis of Presentation—The accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and those entities in which it has a controlling interest. Investments in entities that the Company does not control are accounted for using the equity or cost method, depending upon the Company’s ability to exercise significant influence over operating and financial policies. All intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated.

Significant Accounting Policies and Use of Estimates—The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (“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. The Company considers events or transactions that occur after the balance sheet date but before the financial statements are issued as additional evidence for certain estimates or to identify matters that require additional disclosure.

Changes in Presentation—Changes have been made to the presentation of the Company’s condensed consolidated statements of cash flows for the nine months ended September 30, 2011 to be consistent with the current year presentation. Specifically, contributions from non-controlling interest holders, in a net amount of $87.2 million, were previously included in deferred financing costs and other financing activities, but are now stated separately within financing activities in the Company’s condensed consolidated statements of cash flows.

Recently Adopted Accounting Standards—In May 2011, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) amended its guidance related to fair value measurement and disclosure. This guidance clarifies existing measurement and disclosure requirements and results in greater consistency between GAAP and International Financial Reporting Standards. This guidance became effective prospectively for interim and annual periods beginning on or after December 15, 2011. The implementation of this guidance did not have a material impact on the Company’s condensed consolidated results of operations or financial position.

In September 2011, the FASB issued guidance on testing goodwill for impairment that became effective for the interim and annual periods beginning on or after December 15, 2011 (with early adoption permitted). Under the new guidance, an entity has the option to first assess qualitative factors to determine whether the existence of events or circumstances leads to a determination that it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying value. If the entity determines that it is more likely than not that the carrying value of a reporting unit is less than its fair value, then performing the two-step impairment test is unnecessary. The implementation of this guidance did not have an impact on the Company’s condensed consolidated results of operations or financial position.

 

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

As of September 30, 2012, there were no short-term investments with original maturities of three months or more or available-for-sale securities outstanding. As of December 31, 2011, short-term investments included investments with original maturities of three months or more of $22.3 million and available-for-sale securities of less than $0.1 million.

 

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AMERICAN TOWER CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—Unaudited

 

3. Prepaid and Other Current Assets

Prepaid and other current assets consist of the following (in thousands):

 

     As of
September 30, 2012
     As of
December 31, 2011 (1)
 

Prepaid assets

   $ 110,783      $ 59,312  

Prepaid operating ground leases

     61,698        54,756  

Other miscellaneous current assets

     61,452        59,405  

Value added tax and other consumption tax receivables

     36,608        81,277  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Balance

   $ 270,541      $ 254,750  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

(1) December 31, 2011 balances have been revised to reflect purchase accounting measurement period adjustments.

 

4. Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets

The changes in the carrying value of goodwill for the Company’s business segments are as follows (in thousands):

 

    

 

Rental and Management

     Network
Development
Services
     Total  
     Domestic      International        

Balance as of January 1, 2012 (1)

   $ 2,244,612      $ 430,359      $ 2,000      $ 2,676,971  

Additions

     1,374        84,891        —           86,265  

Effect of foreign currency translation

     —           470        —           470  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Balance as of September 30, 2012

   $ 2,245,986      $ 515,720      $ 2,000      $ 2,763,706  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

(1) Balances have been revised to reflect purchase accounting measurement period adjustments.

The Company’s other intangible assets subject to amortization consist of the following ($ in thousands):

 

          As of September 30, 2012     As of December 31, 2011 (1)  
    Estimated
Useful
Lives
    Gross
Carrying
Value
    Accumulated
Amortization
    Net Book
Value
    Gross
Carrying
Value
    Accumulated
Amortization
    Net Book
Value
 
    (years)        

Acquired network location (2)

    Up to 20      $ 1,641,639     $ (704,131   $ 937,508     $ 1,538,015     $ (654,137   $ 883,878  

Acquired customer-related intangibles

    15-20        2,530,338       (944,760     1,585,578       2,389,470       (843,432     1,546,038  

Acquired licenses and other intangibles

    3-20        26,065       (20,743     5,322       25,949       (20,045     5,904  

Economic Rights, TV Azteca

    70       29,261       (13,949     15,312       26,902       (12,643     14,259  
   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

      4,227,303       (1,683,583     2,543,720       3,980,336       (1,530,257     2,450,079  

Deferred financing costs, net (3)

    N/A            51,339           47,532  
       

 

 

       

 

 

 

Other intangible assets, net

        $ 2,595,059         $ 2,497,611  
       

 

 

       

 

 

 

 

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AMERICAN TOWER CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—Unaudited

 

 

(1) December 31, 2011 balances have been revised to reflect purchase accounting measurement period adjustments.
(2) Acquired network location intangibles are amortized over periods of up to 20 years, as the Company considers these intangibles to be directly related to the tower assets.
(3) Deferred financing costs are amortized over the term of the respective debt instruments to which they relate using the effective interest method. This amortization is included in interest expense rather than in amortization expense.

The acquired network location intangibles represent the value to the Company of the incremental revenue growth, which could potentially be obtained from leasing the excess capacity on acquired communications sites. The acquired customer-related intangibles typically represent the value to the Company of customer contracts and relationships in place at the time of an acquisition, including assumptions regarding estimated renewals. The acquired licenses and other intangibles consist primarily of non-competition agreements acquired from SpectraSite, Inc. and in other tower acquisitions.

The Company amortizes these intangibles on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful lives. As of September 30, 2012, the remaining weighted average amortization period of the Company’s intangible assets, excluding the TV Azteca Economic Rights detailed in note 5 to the Company’s consolidated financial statements included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011, was approximately 12 years. Amortization of intangible assets for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012 was approximately $46.9 million and $154.3 million (excluding amortization of deferred financing costs, which is included in interest expense), respectively. Amortization of intangible assets for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2011 was approximately $43.3 million and $131.2 million (excluding amortization of deferred financing costs, which is included in interest expense), respectively. The Company expects to record amortization expense (excluding amortization of deferred financing costs) as follows over the next five years (in millions):

 

Fiscal Year

      

2012 (remaining year)

   $ 50.7  

2013

     197.0  

2014

     189.2  

2015

     176.2  

2016

     168.9  

2017

     167.3  

 

5. Financing Transactions

Revolving Credit Facility and Term Loan—On January 31, 2012, the Company repaid and terminated its $1.25 billion senior unsecured revolving credit facility and repaid $325.0 million of related term loan commitments, with proceeds from borrowings under a $1.0 billion unsecured revolving credit facility entered into on April 8, 2011 (the “2011 Credit Facility”) and a new $1.0 billion unsecured revolving credit facility entered into on January 31, 2012 (the “2012 Credit Facility”).

2011 Credit Facility—As of September 30, 2012, the Company did not have any amounts outstanding under the 2011 Credit Facility and had approximately $6.7 million of undrawn letters of credit. The Company continues to maintain the ability to draw down and repay amounts under the 2011 Credit Facility in the ordinary course. The 2011 Credit Facility has a term of five years and matures on April 8, 2016.

 

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NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—Unaudited

 

2012 Credit Facility—On January 31, 2012, the Company entered into the 2012 Credit Facility, which has a term of five years and matures on January 31, 2017. Any outstanding principal and accrued but unpaid interest will be due and payable in full at maturity. The 2012 Credit Facility may be paid prior to maturity in whole or in part at the Company’s option without penalty or premium.

The Company has the option of choosing either a defined base rate or the London Interbank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”) as the applicable base rate for borrowings under the 2012 Credit Facility. The interest rate ranges between 1.075% to 2.400% above LIBOR for LIBOR based borrowings or between 0.075% to 1.400% above the defined base rate for base rate borrowings, in each case based upon the Company’s debt ratings. A quarterly commitment fee on the undrawn portion of the 2012 Credit Facility is required, ranging from 0.125% to 0.450% per annum, based upon the Company’s debt ratings. The current margin over LIBOR that the Company would incur on borrowings is 1.625%, and the current commitment fee on the undrawn portion of the 2012 Credit Facility is 0.225%.

The loan agreement contains certain reporting, information, financial and operating covenants and other restrictions (including limitations on additional debt, guaranties, sales of assets and liens) with which the Company must comply. Any failure to comply with the financial and operating covenants of the loan agreement would not only prevent the Company from being able to borrow additional funds, 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.

As of September 30, 2012, the Company did not have any amounts outstanding under the 2012 Credit Facility and had approximately $2.7 million of undrawn letters of credit. The Company continues to maintain the ability to draw down and repay amounts under the 2012 Credit Facility in the ordinary course.

2012 Term Loan—On June 29, 2012, the Company entered into a $750.0 million unsecured term loan (“2012 Term Loan”). The Company received net proceeds of approximately $746.4 million, of which $632.0 million were used to repay certain existing indebtedness under the 2012 Credit Facility.

The 2012 Term Loan has a term of five years and matures on June 29, 2017. Any outstanding principal and accrued but unpaid interest will be due and payable in full at maturity. The 2012 Term Loan may be paid prior to maturity in whole or in part at the Company’s option without penalty or premium.

The Company has the option of choosing either a defined base rate or LIBOR as the applicable base rate. The interest rate ranges between 1.25% to 2.50% above LIBOR for LIBOR based borrowings or between 0.25% to 1.50% above the defined base rate for base rate borrowings, in each case based upon the Company’s debt ratings. As of September 30, 2012, the interest rate under the 2012 Term Loan is LIBOR plus 1.75%.

The loan agreement contains certain reporting, information, financial and operating covenants and other restrictions (including limitations on additional debt, guaranties, sales of assets and liens) with which the Company must comply. Any failure to comply with the financial and operating covenants of the loan agreement 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.

As of September 30, 2012, the Company had $750.0 million outstanding under the 2012 Term Loan.

Senior Notes Offering—On March 12, 2012, the Company completed a registered public offering of $700.0 million aggregate principal amount of its 4.70% senior notes due 2022 (the “4.70% Notes”). The net proceeds to the Company from the offering were approximately $693.0 million, after deducting commissions and expenses.

 

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AMERICAN TOWER CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—Unaudited

 

The Company used the net proceeds to repay a portion of the outstanding indebtedness incurred under its 2011 Credit Facility and 2012 Credit Facility, which had been used to fund recent acquisitions.

The 4.70% Notes mature on March 15, 2022, and interest is payable semi-annually in arrears on March 15 and September 15. The Company began making interest payments on September 15, 2012. The Company may redeem the 4.70% Notes at any time at a redemption price equal to 100% of the principal amount, plus a make-whole premium, together with accrued interest to the redemption date. Interest on the notes began to accrue on March 12, 2012 and is computed on the basis of a 360-day year comprised of twelve 30-day months.

If the Company undergoes a change of control and ratings decline, each as defined in supplemental indenture no. 5, dated March 12, 2012 (the “Supplemental Indenture”) to the base indenture dated May 13, 2010, as amended and supplemented on December 30, 2011, the Company will be required to offer to repurchase all of the 4.70% Notes at a purchase price equal to 101% of the principal amount, plus accrued and unpaid interest up to but not including the repurchase date. The 4.70% Notes rank equally with all of the Company’s other senior unsecured debt and are structurally subordinated to all existing and future indebtedness and other obligations of its subsidiaries. The Supplemental Indenture contains certain covenants that restrict the Company’s ability to merge, consolidate or sell assets and its (together with its subsidiaries’) ability to incur liens. These covenants are subject to a number of exceptions, including that the Company and its subsidiaries may incur certain liens on assets, mortgages or other liens securing indebtedness, if the aggregate amount of such liens does not exceed 3.5x Adjusted EBITDA, as defined in the Supplemental Indenture.

Colombian Short-Term Credit Facility—The 141.1 billion Colombian Peso (“COP”) denominated short-term credit facility was executed by one of the Company’s Colombian subsidiaries (“ATC Sitios”) on July 25, 2011, to refinance the credit facility entered into in connection with the purchase of the exclusive use rights for towers from Telefónica S.A.’s Colombian subsidiary, Colombia Telecomunicaciones S.A. E.S.P. As of September 30, 2012, 135.0 billion COP (approximately $75.0 million) was outstanding under this credit facility and the facility was scheduled to mature on October 25, 2012 with an interest rate of 7.95%. In October 2012, the maturity date was extended to November 25, 2012, and the facility continues to accrue interest at a rate of 7.95%.

On October 19, 2012, ATC Sitios entered into a loan agreement for a long-term credit facility, which it intends to use to refinance the Colombian short-term credit facility upon completion of certain closing conditions.

Colombian Bridge Loans—In connection with the acquisition of communications sites from Colombia Movil S.A. E.S.P. (“Colombia Movil”), another of the Company’s Colombian subsidiaries entered into five COP denominated bridge loans. As of September 30, 2012, the aggregate principal amount outstanding under these bridge loans was 94.0 billion COP (approximately $52.2 million). The bridge loans have terms ranging from 30 to 90 days, and are extended from time to time in the ordinary course. As of September 30, 2012, the interest rates of these loans ranged from 8.01% to 8.23%.

Colombian Loan—In connection with the establishment of the joint venture with Millicom International Cellular S.A. (“Millicom”) and the acquisition of communications sites in Colombia, ATC Colombia B.V., a 60% owned subsidiary of the Company, entered into a U.S. Dollar-denominated shareholder loan agreement (the “Colombian Loan”), as the borrower, with a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company (the “ATC Colombian Subsidiary”), and a wholly owned subsidiary of Millicom (the “Millicom Subsidiary”), as the lenders. The Colombian Loan accrues interest at 8.30% and matures on February 22, 2022. The portion of the Colombian Loan made by the ATC Colombian Subsidiary is eliminated in consolidation, and the portion of the Colombian Loan made by the Millicom Subsidiary is reported as outstanding debt of the Company. As of September 30, 2012, an aggregate of $16.3 million was payable to the Millicom Subsidiary.

 

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AMERICAN TOWER CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—Unaudited

 

South African Facility—The Company’s 1.2 billion South African Rand (“ZAR”) credit facility (the “South African Facility”) was executed in November 2011 to refinance the bridge loan entered into in connection with the acquisition of communications sites from Cell C (Pty) Limited (“Cell C”). On August 8, 2012 and September 14, 2012, the Company borrowed an additional 123.0 million ZAR (approximately $15.1 million) and 24.2 million ZAR (approximately $2.9 million), respectively. The South African Facility matures on March 31, 2020, and accrues interest based on a margin plus the Johannesburg Interbank Agreed Rate (“JIBAR”). As of September 30, 2012, 834.3 million ZAR (approximately $100.3 million) was outstanding under the South African Facility, and after giving effect to the interest rate swap agreements discussed in note 6, the facility accrues interest at a weighted average rate of 9.81%.

Ghana Loan—In connection with the establishment of the Company’s joint venture with MTN Group Limited (“MTN Group”) and the acquisitions of communications sites in Ghana, Ghana Tower Interco B.V., a 51% owned subsidiary of the Company, entered into a U.S. Dollar-denominated shareholder loan agreement (the “Ghana Loan”), as the borrower, with a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company (the “ATC Ghana Subsidiary”), and Mobile Telephone Networks (Netherlands) B.V., a wholly owned subsidiary of MTN Group (the “MTN Ghana Subsidiary”), as the lenders. The Ghana Loan accrues interest at 9.0% and matures on May 4, 2016. The portion of the Ghana Loan made by the ATC Ghana Subsidiary is eliminated in consolidation, and the portion of the Ghana Loan made by the MTN Ghana Subsidiary is reported as outstanding debt of the Company. As of September 30, 2012, an aggregate of $131.0 million was payable to the MTN Ghana Subsidiary.

Uganda Loan—In connection with the establishment of the Company’s joint venture with MTN Group and the acquisitions of communications sites in Uganda, Uganda Tower Interco B.V., a 51% owned subsidiary of the Company, entered into a U.S. Dollar-denominated shareholder loan agreement (the “Uganda Loan”), as the borrower, with a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company (the “ATC Uganda Subsidiary”), and a wholly owned subsidiary of MTN Group (the “MTN Uganda Subsidiary”), as the lenders. The Uganda Loan matures on June 29, 2019 and accrues interest at 5.30% above LIBOR, reset annually, which as of September 30, 2012 was 6.368%. The portion of the Uganda Loan made by the ATC Uganda Subsidiary is eliminated in consolidation, and the portion of the Uganda Loan made by the MTN Uganda Subsidiary is reported as outstanding debt of the Company. As of September 30, 2012, an aggregate of $61.0 million was payable to the MTN Uganda Subsidiary.

 

6. 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. From time to time, the Company enters into interest rate protection agreements to manage exposure to 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.

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 income (loss) 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 immediately 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 in which the change occurs.

The Company has entered into the following interest rate swap agreements to manage its exposure to variability in interest rates on debt in South Africa that accrue interest based on JIBAR: (i) on January 16, 2012, the Company entered into three interest rate swap agreements with an aggregate notional value of 350.0 million

 

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NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—Unaudited

 

ZAR (ii) on August 29, 2012, the Company entered into three additional interest rate swap agreements with an aggregate notional value of 61.5 million ZAR and (iii) on September 28, 2012, the Company entered into three additional interest rate swap agreements with an aggregate notional value of 12.1 million ZAR.

All of the Company’s interest rate swap agreements have been designated as cash flow hedges, have fixed interest rates ranging from 6.09% to 7.25% and expire on March 31, 2020. No interest rate swap agreements were outstanding at December 31, 2011. As of September 30, 2012, the carrying amounts of the Company’s derivative financial instruments, along with the estimated fair values of the related liabilities were as follows (in thousands):

 

     Balance Sheet Location    Notional Amount (1)      Carrying Amount and Fair Value (1)  

Liabilities:

        

Interest rate swap agreements

   Other long-term liabilities      ZAR 423,634         ZAR 20,407   

 

(1) The interest rate swap agreements are denominated in ZAR and have a notional amount and fair value of $51.0 million and $2.5 million, respectively, as of September 30, 2012.

There were no interest rate swap agreements held by the Company during the three months ended September 30, 2011. During the three months ended September 30, 2012, the interest rate swap agreements held by the Company had the following impact on other comprehensive income (“OCI”) included in the condensed consolidated balance sheets and in the condensed consolidated statements of operations (in thousands):

 

Three Months Ended September 30, 2012

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)

$(1,135)   Interest expense   $(181)   N/A   N/A

During the nine months ended September 30, 2011, the Company held twelve LIBOR-based interest rate swap agreements. As of September 30, 2011, none of those agreements were outstanding.

During the nine months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011, the interest rate swap agreements held by the Company had the following impact on OCI included in the consolidated balance sheets and in the condensed consolidated statements of operations (in thousands):

 

Nine Months Ended September 30, 2012

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)

$(2,985)   Interest expense   $(502)   N/A   N/A

Nine Months Ended September 30, 2011

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)

$(228)   Interest expense   $(2,205)   N/A   N/A

 

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NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—Unaudited

 

7. Fair Value Measurements

The Company determines the fair values of its financial instruments based on the fair value hierarchy, which requires an entity to maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs when measuring fair value. Below are the three levels of inputs that may be used to measure fair value:

 

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—The fair value of the Company’s financial assets and liabilities that are required to be measured on a recurring basis at fair value is as follows (in thousands):

 

     September 30, 2012  
     Fair Value Measurements Using      Assets/Liabilities
at Fair Value
 
     Level 1      Level 2      Level 3     

Liabilities:

           

Interest rate swap agreements (1)

      $ 2,454          $ 2,454   

Acquisition-related contingent consideration

         $ 27,209       $ 27,209   
     December 31, 2011  
     Fair Value Measurements Using      Assets/Liabilities
at Fair Value
 
     Level 1      Level 2      Level 3     

Assets:

           

Short-term investments and available-for-sale securities (2)

   $ 22,270             $ 22,270   

Liabilities:

           

Acquisition-related contingent consideration

         $ 25,617       $ 25,617   

 

(1) Consists of interest rate swap agreements based on JIBAR 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.
(2) Consists of certain short-term investments that are highly liquid and actively traded in over-the-counter markets as well as available-for-sale securities traded in active markets.

Cash and cash equivalents include short-term investments, including money market funds, with original maturities of three months or less whose fair value approximated cost at September 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011.

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 sheets. Fair valuations of the Company’s interest rate swap agreements reflect the value of the instrument including the values associated with

 

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counterparty risk and the Company’s own credit standing. The Company includes in the valuation of the derivative instrument the value of the net credit differential between the counterparties to the derivative contract. There were no interest rate swap agreements outstanding at December 31, 2011.

The Company may be required to pay additional consideration under certain agreements for the acquisitions of communications sites in South Africa, Ghana, Colombia and the United States if specific conditions are met or events occur, such as (i) the collocation of certain wireless carriers subsequent to acquiring the communications sites or (ii) the conversion of certain barter agreements with other wireless carriers to cash-paying master lease agreements.

Acquisition-related contingent consideration is initially measured and recorded at fair value as an element of consideration paid in connection with an acquisition with subsequent adjustments recognized in other operating expenses in the condensed consolidated statements of operations. The Company determines the fair value of acquisition-related contingent consideration, and any subsequent changes in fair value using a discounted probability-weighted approach. This approach takes into consideration Level 3 unobservable inputs including probability assessments of expected future cash flows over the period in which the obligation is expected to be settled and applies a discount factor that captures the uncertainties associated with the obligation. Changes in these unobservable inputs could significantly impact the fair value of the liabilities recorded in the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheets and operating expenses in the condensed consolidated statements of operations.

As of September 30, 2012, the Company estimates that the value of all potential acquisition-related contingent consideration required payments to be between zero and $44.7 million. During the three months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011, the fair value of the contingent consideration changed as follows (in thousands):

 

     2012     2011  

Balance as of July 1

   $ 29,897     $ 5,671  

Additions

     1,180       2,108  

Payments

     (3,951     (938

Change in fair value

     325       1,341  

Foreign currency translation adjustment

     (242     —     
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Balance as of September 30

   $ 27,209     $ 8,182  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

During the nine months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011, the fair value of the contingent consideration changed as follows (in thousands):

 

     2012     2011  

Balance as of January 1

   $ 25,617     $ 5,809  

Additions

     1,533       2,199  

Payments

     (4,397     (1,638

Change in fair value

     3,791       1,812  

Foreign currency translation adjustment

     665       —     
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Balance as of September 30

   $ 27,209     $ 8,182  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Items Measured at Fair Value on a Nonrecurring Basis—During the nine months ended September 30, 2012, certain long-lived assets held and used with a carrying value of $299.9 million were written down to their net realizable value of $289.2 million as a result of an asset impairment charge of $10.7 million, which was

 

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recorded in other operating expenses in the accompanying condensed consolidated statements of operations. These adjustments were determined by comparing the estimated proceeds from sale of assets or the projected future discounted cash flows to be provided from the long-lived assets (calculated using Level 3 inputs) to the asset’s carrying value. There were no other items measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis during the nine months ended September 30, 2012.

Fair Value of Financial Instruments—The carrying value of the Company’s financial instruments, with the exception of long-term obligations, including the current portion, reasonably approximate the related fair values as of September 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011. The Company’s estimates of fair value of its long-term obligations, including the current portion, are based primarily upon reported market values. For long-term debt not actively traded, fair values were estimated using a discounted cash flow analysis using rates for debt with similar terms and maturities. As of September 30, 2012, the carrying value and fair value of long-term obligations, including the current portion, were $7.5 billion and $8.1 billion, respectively, of which $4.8 billion was measured using Level 1 inputs and $3.3 billion was measured using Level 2 inputs. As of December 31, 2011, the carrying value and fair value of long-term obligations, including the current portion, were $7.2 billion and $7.5 billion, respectively, of which $3.8 billion was measured using Level 1 inputs and $3.7 billion was measured using Level 2 inputs.

 

8. 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 described in note 1, the Company began operating as a REIT for the taxable year commencing January 1, 2012. As a REIT, the Company will continue to be subject to income taxes on the income of its TRSs. Under the provisions of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, the Company may deduct amounts distributed to stockholders against the income generated in its QRSs. Additionally, the Company is able to offset income in both its TRSs and QRSs by utilizing its net operating losses.

The Company provides valuation allowances if, based on the available evidence, it is more likely than not that some or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. Management assesses the available positive and negative evidence to estimate if sufficient future taxable income will be generated to use the existing deferred tax assets. At September 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011, the Company has provided a valuation allowance of approximately $56.2 million and $5.8 million, respectively, which primarily relates to foreign items. During the nine months ended September 30, 2012, the Company increased amounts recorded as valuation allowances by $50.4 million due to the uncertainty as to the timing and the Company’s ability to recover net deferred tax assets in certain foreign operations in the foreseeable future. The amount of deferred tax assets considered realizable, however, could be adjusted if objective evidence in the form of cumulative losses is no longer present and additional weight may be given to subjective evidence such as our projections for growth.

As of September 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011, the total amount of unrecognized tax benefits that would impact the effective tax rate, if recognized, was approximately $33.3 million and $34.5 million, respectively. The decrease in the amount of unrecognized tax benefits during the nine months ended September 30, 2012 is primarily attributable to the expiration of the statute of limitations on certain existing tax positions, partially offset by the additions to the Company’s existing tax positions and fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates. 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 12 to the Company’s consolidated financial statements included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011. The impact of the amount of such changes to previously recorded uncertain tax positions could range from zero to $3.1 million.

 

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The Company recorded penalties and tax-related interest expense during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012 of $1.3 million and $3.9 million, respectively, and during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2011 of $1.2 million and $3.5 million, respectively. In addition, due to the expiration of the statute of limitations in certain jurisdictions, the Company reduced its liability for uncertain tax positions by $3.4 million. As of September 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011, the total amount of accrued income tax-related interest and penalties included in other long-term liabilities in the condensed consolidated balance sheets was $32.3 million and $31.5 million, respectively.

 

9. Stock-Based Compensation

The Company recognized stock-based compensation expense during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012 of $13.1 million and $39.7 million, respectively, and stock-based compensation expense during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2011 of $12.1 million and $36.2 million, respectively. Stock-based compensation expense for the nine months ended September 30, 2011 includes $3.0 million related to the modification of the vesting and exercise terms for certain employees’ equity awards. During the nine months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011, the Company capitalized $1.6 million and $2.4 million, respectively, of stock-based compensation expense as property and equipment.

Stock Options—The following table summarizes the Company’s option activity for the nine months ended September 30, 2012:

 

     Number of
Options
 

Outstanding as of January 1, 2012

     6,376,244  

Granted

     1,230,578  

Exercised

     (1,316,473

Forfeited

     (110,825

Expired

     (2,900
  

 

 

 

Outstanding as of September 30, 2012

     6,176,624  
  

 

 

 

The Company estimates the fair value of each option grant on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes pricing model. The following assumptions were used to determine the grant date fair value for options granted during the nine months ended September 30, 2012:

 

Range of risk-free interest rate

   0.67% - 1.03%

Weighted average risk-free interest rate

   0.92%

Expected life of option grants

   4.4 years

Range of expected volatility of underlying stock price

   37.02% - 37.86%

Weighted average expected volatility of underlying stock price

   37.85%

Expected annual dividends

   1.50%

The weighted average grant date fair value per share during the nine months ended September 30, 2012 was $17.45. As of September 30, 2012, total unrecognized compensation expense related to unvested stock options was $35.1 million and is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of approximately three years.

 

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Restricted Stock Units—The following table summarizes the Company’s restricted stock unit activity during the nine months ended September 30, 2012:

 

     Number of
Units
 

Outstanding as of January 1, 2012

     2,197,460  

Granted

     827,282  

Vested

     (867,404

Forfeited

     (104,894
  

 

 

 

Outstanding as of September 30, 2012

     2,052,444  
  

 

 

 

As of September 30, 2012, total unrecognized compensation expense related to unvested restricted stock units was $79.6 million, and is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of approximately two years. Distributions will accrue with each unvested restricted stock unit award granted subsequent to January 1, 2012.

Employee Stock Purchase Plan—The Company maintains an employee stock purchase plan (the “ESPP”) for all eligible employees as described in note 13 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011. Under the ESPP, shares of the Company’s common stock may be purchased on the last day of each bi-annual offering period at 85% of the lower of the fair market value on the first or the last day of such offering period. The offering periods run from June 1 through November 30 and from December 1 through May 31 of each year. During the nine months ended September 30, 2012, employee contributions were accumulated to purchase an estimated 71,136 shares under the ESPP and the fair value per share was $13.13.

Key assumptions used to apply the Black-Scholes pricing model for shares purchased through the ESPP during the nine months ended September 30, 2012 are as follows:

 

Approximate risk-free interest rate

   0.05%

Expected life of shares

   6 months

Expected volatility of underlying stock price

   33.86%

Expected annual dividends

   1.50%

 

10. Equity

Stock Repurchase Program—In March 2011, the Board of Directors approved a stock repurchase program, pursuant to which the Company is authorized to purchase up to $1.5 billion of its common stock (“2011 Buyback”).

During the nine months ended September 30, 2012, the Company repurchased 252,691 shares of its common stock for an aggregate of $16.7 million, including commissions and fees, pursuant to the 2011 Buyback. As of September 30, 2012, the Company had repurchased a total of approximately 3.7 million shares of its common stock under the 2011 Buyback for an aggregate of $197.9 million, including commissions and fees.

Between October 1, 2012 and October 18, 2012, the Company repurchased an additional 16,689 shares of its common stock for an aggregate of $1.2 million, including commissions and fees, pursuant to the 2011 Buyback. As of October 18, 2012, the Company had repurchased a total of approximately 3.7 million shares of its common stock under the 2011 Buyback for an aggregate of $199.1 million, including commissions and fees.

Under the 2011 Buyback, the Company is authorized to purchase shares from time to time through open market purchases or privately negotiated transactions at prevailing prices in accordance with securities laws and

 

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other legal requirements, and subject to market conditions and other factors. To facilitate repurchases, the Company makes purchases pursuant to trading plans under Rule 10b5-1 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, 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 generated by operations and borrowings under its credit facilities. Purchases under the 2011 Buyback are subject to the Company having available cash to fund repurchases.

Distributions—On March 22, 2012, the Company declared a cash distribution of $0.21 per share and on April 25, 2012 paid a total of approximately $82.9 million to stockholders of record at the close of business on April 11, 2012. On June 20, 2012, the Company declared a cash distribution of $0.22 per share and on July 18, 2012 paid a total of approximately $86.9 million to stockholders of record at the close of business on July 2, 2012. On September 19, 2012, the Company declared a cash distribution of $0.23 per share and on October 15, 2012 paid a total of approximately $90.9 million to stockholders of record at the close of business on October 1, 2012.

The Company will accrue distributions on unvested restricted stock unit awards granted subsequent to January 1, 2012, which will be payable upon vesting. As of September 30, 2012, the Company had accrued $0.5 million of distributions payable upon the vesting of restricted stock units.

To maintain its REIT status, the Company expects to continue paying regular distributions, the amount, timing and frequency of which will be determined and be subject to adjustment by the Company’s Board of Directors.

 

11. Earnings (Loss) per Common Share

Basic net income (loss) per common share represents net income (loss) attributable to American Tower Corporation divided by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted net income (loss) per common share represents net income (loss) 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 share based awards as determined under the treasury stock method. Dilutive common share equivalents also include the dilutive impact of the ALLTEL transaction (see note 12).

The following table sets forth basic and diluted income (loss) from continuing operations per common share computational data for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011 (in thousands, except per share data):

 

     Three Months Ended
September 30,
    Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 
     2012      2011     2012      2011  

Net income (loss) attributable to American Tower Corporation

   $ 232,089      $ (15,701   $ 501,604      $ 191,352  
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Basic weighted average common shares outstanding

     395,244        395,183       394,626        396,507  

Dilutive securities

     4,243        —          4,458        3,960  
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Diluted weighted average common shares outstanding

     399,487        395,183       399,084        400,467  
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Basic net income (loss) attributable to American Tower Corporation per common share

   $ 0.59      $ (0.04   $ 1.27      $ 0.48  
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Diluted net income (loss) attributable to American Tower Corporation per common share

   $ 0.58      $ (0.04   $ 1.26      $ 0.48  
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

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For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012, the diluted weighted average number of common shares outstanding excluded shares issuable upon exercise of the Company’s stock options and share based awards of 1.2 million and 1.0 million, respectively, as the effect would be anti-dilutive. For the three months ended September 30, 2011, the Company assumed common stock equivalents to be anti-dilutive, as income from continuing operations attributable to American Tower Corporation was in a loss position. For the nine months ended September 30, 2011, the diluted weighted average number of common shares outstanding excluded shares issuable upon exercise of the Company’s stock options and share based awards of 0.9 million, as the effect would be anti-dilutive.

 

12. Commitments and Contingencies

Litigation

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

SEC Subpoena—On June 2, 2011, the Company received a subpoena from the SEC requesting certain documents from 2007 through the date of the subpoena, including in particular documents related to the Company’s tax accounting and reporting. While the Company believes this investigation may in part relate to a former employee’s complaints, which the Company previously investigated with the assistance of outside counsel and a forensic accounting firm, finding no material issues, the Company cannot at this time predict the scope or the outcome of this investigation. The Company understands that its independent registered public accounting firm and one of its consultants also received subpoenas primarily related to the Company’s tax accounting and reporting during this period and its investigation into this complaint. The Company has cooperated and intends to continue to cooperate fully with the SEC with respect to its investigation.

Mexico Litigation—One of the Company’s subsidiaries, SpectraSite Communications, Inc. (“SCI”), a predecessor to SpectraSite, 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 acquisition of SCI in 2005). The lawsuit concerns a terminated tower construction contract and related agreements with a wireless carrier in Mexico. The primary issue for the 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 the necessary jurisdiction over SCI. In September 2010, following several decisions by Mexican appellate courts, including the Supreme Court of Mexico, and related appeals by both parties, an intermediate appellate court issued a new decision that would, if enforceable, reimpose liability on SCI if the primary defendant in the case is unable to satisfy the judgment. In its decision, the intermediate appellate court identified potential damages, in the form of potential statutory interest, of approximately $6.7 million as of that date. On October 14, 2010, the Company filed a new constitutional appeal to again dispute the decision, which was rejected on January 24, 2012. The case was returned to the trial court to determine whether any actual damages should be awarded to the Mexican carrier. The Mexican carrier sought damages of approximately $7.9 million in the trial court. On August 2, 2012, the trial court entered judgment against the primary defendant and SCI in the amount of approximately $6.5 million. Each of the parties appealed the trial court’s determination and on October 17, 2012, the appellate court entered judgment against the primary defendant in the amount of approximately $7.9 million with SCI responsible for any amount that cannot be recovered from the primary defendant. SCI is currently considering whether to file an additional appeal. Any judgment of the court in Mexico against SCI would need to be enforced in the United States and the Company is unable to determine whether the award of damages is enforceable in the United States.

 

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Commitments

AT&T Transaction—The Company has 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 Company’s 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. The Company has the option to purchase the sites subject to the applicable lease or sublease upon its expiration. Each tower is assigned to 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 $532.5 million as of September 30, 2012, 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 the Company prior to June 30, 2020, AT&T will continue to lease the reserved space at the then-current monthly fee which shall escalate in accordance with the standard master lease agreement for the remainder of AT&T’s tenancy. Thereafter, AT&T shall have the right to renew such lease for up to four successive five-year terms. For all such sites purchased by the Company subsequent to June 30, 2020, 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 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 each tower at the expiration of the applicable sublease, which will occur in tranches 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 applicable sublease. The aggregate purchase option price for the subleased towers was approximately $68.6 million as of September 30, 2012. At ALLTEL’s option, at the expiration of the sublease, the purchase price would be payable in cash or with 769 shares of the Company’s common stock per tower, which at September 30, 2012 would be valued at approximately $97.5 million.

Chile Remediation Plan—The Company records impairment losses on long-lived assets when events and circumstances indicate that long-lived assets might be impaired and the assets’ carrying value exceeds its undiscounted future cash flows. In June 2012, the Chilean government passed a law that imposes certain zoning restrictions on telecommunications towers located throughout Chile. The new law applies retroactively and may require the Company to modify or remove approximately 22 existing towers. The Company has developed a remediation plan, which requires approval of the Chilean government and cooperation of other impacted parties. As of September 30, 2012, the Company believes that the remediation plan, if approved by the Chilean government, will not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated balance sheet, results of operations or cash flows.

 

13. Acquisitions and Other Transactions

All of the acquisitions described below are being accounted for as business combinations and are consistent with the Company’s strategy to expand in selected geographic areas.

The allocations of purchase price are based on estimates of the fair value of the net assets acquired at the date of the particular acquisition and are subject to adjustment during the particular measurement period (up to

 

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one year from the particular acquisition date). The primary areas of the preliminary purchase price allocations that are not yet finalized relate to the fair value of certain tangible and intangible assets acquired and liabilities assumed, including contingent consideration, and residual goodwill. The fair values of these net assets acquired are based on management’s estimates and assumptions, as well as other information compiled by management, including valuations that utilize customary valuation procedures and techniques. During the measurement period, the Company will adjust assets and/or liabilities if new information is obtained about facts and circumstances that existed as of the acquisition date that, if known, would have resulted in the recognition of those assets and/or liabilities as of that date. The effect of measurement period adjustments to the allocation of the purchase price are as if the adjustments had been completed on the acquisition date. All changes that do not qualify as measurement period adjustments are included in current period earnings. If the actual results differ from the estimates and judgments used in these fair values, the amounts recorded in the condensed consolidated financial statements could result in a possible impairment of the intangible assets and/or goodwill, or require acceleration of the amortization expense of intangible assets. During the nine months ended September 30, 2012, the Company made certain purchase accounting measurement period adjustments related to several acquisitions and therefore retrospectively adjusted the fair value of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed in the condensed consolidated balance sheet for the year ended December 31, 2011.

South Africa Acquisition—On November 4, 2010, the Company entered into a definitive agreement with Cell C to purchase up to approximately 1,400 existing communications sites, and up to 1,800 additional communications sites that either are under construction or will be constructed, for an aggregate purchase price of up to approximately $430.0 million. On March 8, 2011, July 25, 2011, and December 14, 2011 the Company completed the purchase of 959, 329 and 76 existing communications sites, respectively, through its local South African subsidiary for an aggregate purchase price of $214.5 million (including contingent consideration of $2.6 million and value added tax of $12.3 million), using cash on hand, local financing and funds contributed by South African investors who currently hold an approximate 25% non-controlling interest in the Company’s South African subsidiary.

Under the terms of the purchase agreement, legal title to certain of the communications sites acquired on December 14, 2011 will be transferred upon fulfillment of certain conditions by Cell C. Prior to the fulfillment of these conditions, the Company will operate and maintain control of these communications sites, and accordingly, reflect these sites in the allocation of purchase price and the consolidated operating results.

The agreement with Cell C requires the Company to make a one-time payment based on the annualized rent for each collocation installed for a specific wireless carrier on the acquired communications sites occurring within a four-year period after the initial closing date. Based on current estimates, the Company estimates the value of the remaining potential contingent consideration payments required to be made under the agreement to be between zero and $7.0 million. The fair value of the remaining contingent consideration, which had preliminarily been estimated at $2.6 million, is estimated to be $6.7 million using a probability-weighted average of the expected outcomes at September 30, 2012. The Company has previously made payments under this arrangement of $4.0 million. During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012, the Company recorded changes in fair value of zero and $3.9 million, respectively, as other operating expenses in the condensed consolidated statement of operations.

 

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The allocation of the purchase price was finalized during the nine months ended September 30, 2012. The following table summarizes the allocation of the aggregate purchase consideration paid and the amounts of assets acquired and liabilities assumed based upon their estimated fair value at the date of acquisition (in thousands):

 

     Final Purchase Price
Allocation (1)
    Preliminary Purchase Price
Allocation (2)
 

Current assets

   $ 12,262     $ 12,262  

Property and equipment

     81,052       82,225  

Intangible assets (3)

     118,502       118,781  

Current liabilities

     (74     (74

Other long-term liabilities

     (31,418     (32,908
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Fair value of net assets acquired

   $ 180,324     $ 180,286  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Goodwill (4)

     34,159       34,197  

 

(1) Reflected in the condensed consolidated balance sheets herein.
(2) Reflected in the consolidated balance sheets in the Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011.
(3) Consists of customer-related intangibles of approximately $105.0 million and network location intangibles of approximately $13.5 million. The customer-related intangibles and network location intangibles are being amortized on a straight-line basis over periods of up to 20 years.
(4) The Company expects that the goodwill recorded will not be deductible for tax purposes. The goodwill was allocated to the Company’s international rental and management segment.

Pursuant to the agreement with Cell C entered into on November 4, 2010, the Company completed the purchase of an additional 197 and 39 communications sites on July 31, 2012 and August 31, 2012, respectively, for an aggregate purchase price of $35.0 million (including value added tax of $4.3 million). Under the terms of the agreement, legal title to certain of the communications sites acquired on July 31, 2012 and August 31, 2012 will be transferred upon fulfillment of certain conditions by Cell C. Prior to the fulfillment of these conditions, the Company will operate and maintain control of these communications sites, and accordingly, reflect these sites in the allocation of purchase price and the consolidated operating results.

The following table summarizes the preliminary allocation of the aggregate purchase price consideration paid and the amounts of assets acquired and liabilities assumed based upon their estimated fair value at the date of acquisition (in thousands):

 

     Preliminary Purchase Price
Allocation
 

Current assets

   $ 4,295  

Non-current assets

     340  

Property and equipment

     16,375  

Intangible assets (1)

     10,709  

Other long-term liabilities

     (2,552
  

 

 

 

Fair value of net assets acquired

   $ 29,167  
  

 

 

 

Goodwill (2)

     5,809  

 

(1) Consists of customer-related intangibles of approximately $8.5 million and network location intangibles of approximately $2.2 million. The customer-related intangibles and network location intangibles are being amortized on a straight-line basis over periods of up to 20 years.
(2) The Company expects that the goodwill recorded will not be deductible for tax purposes. The goodwill was allocated to the Company’s international rental and management segment.

 

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NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—Unaudited

 

Brazil Acquisition—On March 1, 2011, the Company acquired 100% of the outstanding shares of a company that owned 627 communications sites in Brazil for $553.2 million, which was subsequently increased to $585.4 million as a result of acquiring 39 additional communications sites during the year ended December 31, 2011. During the nine months ended September 30, 2012, the purchase price was reduced to $585.3 million after certain post-closing purchase price adjustments.

The allocation of the purchase price was finalized during the nine months ended September 30, 2012. The following table summarizes the allocation of the aggregate purchase consideration paid and the amounts of assets acquired and liabilities assumed based upon their estimated fair value at the date of acquisition (in thousands):

 

     Final Purchase Price
Allocation (1)
    Preliminary Purchase Price
Allocation (2)
 

Current assets (3)

   $ 9,922     $ 9,922  

Non-current assets

     71,529       98,047  

Property and equipment

     83,539       86,062  

Intangible assets (4)

     368,000       288,000  

Current liabilities

     (5,536     (5,536

Other long-term liabilities (5)

     (38,519     (38,519
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Fair value of net assets acquired

   $ 488,935     $ 437,976  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Goodwill (6)

     96,395       147,459  

 

(1) Reflected in the condensed consolidated balance sheets herein.
(2) Reflected in the consolidated balance sheets in the Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011.
(3) Includes approximately $7.7 million of accounts receivable, which approximates the value due to the Company under certain contractual arrangements.
(4) Consists of customer-related intangibles of approximately $250.0 million and network location intangibles of approximately $118.0 million. The customer-related intangibles and network location intangibles are being amortized on a straight-line basis over periods of up to 20 years.
(5) Other long-term liabilities includes contingent amounts of approximately $30.0 million primarily related to uncertain tax positions related to the acquisition and non-current assets includes $24.0 million of the related indemnification asset.
(6) The Company will receive a deduction for income tax purposes for an amount equal to the goodwill recorded. The goodwill was allocated to the Company’s international rental and management segment.

Brazil—Vivo Acquisition—On March 30, 2012, the Company entered into a definitive agreement to purchase up to 1,500 towers from Vivo S.A. (“Vivo”). Pursuant to the agreement, on March 30, 2012, the Company purchased 800 communications sites for an aggregate purchase price of $151.7 million. On June 30, 2012, the Company purchased the remaining 700 communications sites for an aggregate purchase consideration of $126.3 million, subject to post-closing adjustments. In addition, the Company and Vivo amended the asset purchase agreement to allow for the acquisition of up to an additional 300 communications sites by the Company, subject to regulatory approval. On August 31, 2012, the Company purchased an additional 192 communications sites from Vivo for an aggregate purchase consideration of $32.7 million, subject to post-closing adjustments.

 

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AMERICAN TOWER CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—Unaudited

 

The following table summarizes the preliminary allocation of the aggregate purchase price consideration paid and the amounts of assets acquired and liabilities assumed based upon their estimated fair value at the date of acquisition (in thousands):

 

     Preliminary Purchase
Price Allocation
 

Non-current assets

   $ 23,760  

Property and equipment

     129,174  

Intangible assets (1)

     129,833  

Other long-term liabilities

     (18,195
  

 

 

 

Fair value of net assets acquired

   $ 264,572  
  

 

 

 

Goodwill (2)

     46,123  

 

(1) Consists of customer-related intangibles of approximately $68.7 million and network location intangibles of approximately $61.1 million. The customer-related intangibles and network location intangibles are being amortized on a straight-line basis over periods of up to 20 years.
(2) The Company will receive a deduction for income tax purposes for an amount equal to the goodwill recorded. The goodwill was allocated to the Company’s international rental and management segment.

Ghana Acquisition—On December 6, 2010, the Company entered into a definitive agreement with MTN Group to establish a joint venture in Ghana. The joint venture is controlled by a holding company of which the ATC Ghana Subsidiary holds a 51% interest and the MTN Ghana Subsidiary holds a 49% interest. The joint venture is managed and controlled by the Company and owns a tower operations company in Ghana.

Pursuant to the agreement, on May 6, 2011, August 11, 2011 and December 23, 2011, the joint venture acquired 400, 770 and 686 communications sites, respectively, from MTN Group’s operating subsidiary in Ghana for an aggregate purchase price of $515.6 million (including contingent consideration of $2.3 million and value added tax of $65.6 million). The aggregate purchase price was subsequently increased to $517.7 million (including contingent consideration of $2.3 million and value added tax of $65.6 million) after certain post-closing adjustments.

Under the terms of the purchase agreement, legal title to certain of the communications sites acquired on December 23, 2011 will be transferred upon fulfillment of certain conditions by MTN Group. Prior to the fulfillment of these conditions, the Company will operate and maintain control of these communications sites, and accordingly, reflect these sites in the allocation of purchase price and the consolidated operating results.

In December 2011, the Company signed an amendment to its agreement with MTN Group, which requires the Company to make additional payments upon the conversion of certain barter agreements with other wireless carriers to cash-paying master lease agreements. The Company currently estimates the value of potential contingent consideration payments required to be made under the amended agreement to be between zero and $4.0 million. The fair value of the contingent consideration payable is estimated to be $3.7 million using a probability weighted average of the expected outcomes at September 30, 2012. During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012, the Company recorded a reduction in fair value of $0.1 million and an increase in fair value of $0.6 million, respectively, which are included in other operating expenses in the condensed consolidated statements of operations.

 

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NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—Unaudited

 

The allocation of the purchase price was finalized during the nine months ended September 30, 2012. The following table summarizes the allocation of the aggregate purchase price consideration paid and the amounts of assets acquired and liabilities assumed based upon their estimated fair value at the date of acquisition (in thousands):

 

     Final Purchase Price
Allocation (1)
    Preliminary Purchase
Price Allocation (2)
 

Current assets

   $ 6,969     $ 69,147  

Non-current assets

     69,145       5,405  

Property and equipment

     319,641       304,478  

Intangible assets (3)

     112,025       82,217  

Other long-term liabilities

     (11,477     (13,356
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Fair value of net assets acquired

   $ 496,303     $ 447,891  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Goodwill (4)

     21,375       67,755  

 

(1) Reflected in the condensed consolidated balance sheets herein.
(2) Reflected in the consolidated balance sheets in the Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011.
(3) Consists of customer-related intangibles of approximately $58.0 million and network location intangibles of approximately $54.0 million. The customer-related intangibles and network location intangibles are being amortized on a straight-line basis over periods of up to 20 years.
(4) The Company will receive a deduction for income tax purposes for an amount equal to the goodwill recorded. The goodwill was allocated to the Company’s international rental and management segment.

Mexico Acquisition—On November 3, 2011, the Company entered into a definitive agreement to purchase up to approximately 730 communications sites from Telefónica’s Mexican subsidiary, Pegaso PCS, S.A. de C.V. (“Telefónica Mexico”). On December 15, 2011, the Company completed the purchase of 584 communications sites, for an aggregate purchase price of $121.9 million (including value added tax of $16.7 million). On December 7, 2011, the Company entered into a definitive agreement to purchase up to approximately 1,778 additional communications sites from Telefónica Mexico. On December 28, 2011, April 3, 2012, June 29, 2012 and July 10, 2012, the Company completed the purchase of 1,422, 55, 74 and 3 communications sites, respectively, for an aggregate purchase price of $323.3 million (including value added tax of $44.7 million).

The following table summarizes the allocation of the aggregate purchase consideration paid and the amounts of assets acquired and liabilities assumed based upon their estimated fair value at the date of acquisition (in thousands):

 

     Updated Purchase Price
Allocation (1)
    Preliminary Purchase
Price Allocation (2)
 

Current assets

   $ 61,402     $ 57,414  

Non-current assets

     16,350       26,845  

Property and equipment

     187,275       174,767  

Intangible assets (3)

     147,692       97,182  

Current liabilities

     (148     (148

Other long-term liabilities

     (9,449     (8,836
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Fair value of net assets acquired

   $ 403,122     $ 347,224  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Goodwill (4)

     42,044       69,030  

 

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NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—Unaudited

 

 

(1) Reflected in the condensed consolidated balance sheets herein.
(2) Reflected in the consolidated balance sheets in the Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011.
(3) Consists of customer-related intangibles of approximately $75.0 million and network location intangibles of approximately $72.7 million. The customer-related intangibles and network location intangibles are being amortized on a straight-line basis over periods of up to 20 years.
(4) The Company will receive a deduction for income tax purposes for an amount equal to the goodwill recorded. The goodwill was allocated to the Company’s international rental and management segment.

On September 12, 2012, the Company entered into a definitive agreement to purchase up to approximately 348 additional communications sites from Telefónica Mexico. On September 27, 2012, the Company completed the purchase of 279 communications sites, for an aggregate purchase price of $63.1 million (including value added tax of $8.7 million).

The following table summarizes the preliminary allocation of the aggregate purchase consideration paid and the amounts of assets acquired and liabilities assumed based upon their estimated fair value at the date of acquisition (in thousands):

 

     Preliminary Purchase
Price Allocation
 

Current assets

   $ 8,700  

Non-current assets

     2,316  

Property and equipment

     26,520  

Intangible assets (1)

     20,928  

Other long-term liabilities

     (1,339
  

 

 

 

Fair value of net assets acquired

   $ 57,125  
  

 

 

 

Goodwill (2)

     5,955  

 

(1) Consists of customer-related intangibles of approximately $10.6 million and network location intangibles of approximately $10.3 million. The customer-related intangibles and network location intangibles are being amortized on a straight-line basis over periods of up to 20 years.
(2) The Company will receive a deduction for income tax purposes for an amount equal to the goodwill recorded. The goodwill was allocated to the Company’s international rental and management segment.

Colombia—Telefónica Moviles Acquisition—During the year ended December 31, 2011, the Company acquired 125 communications sites from Telefónica Moviles Colombia S.A. (“Telefónica Colombia”) for an aggregate purchase price of $17.5 million.

The allocation of the purchase price was finalized during the nine months ended September 30, 2012. The following table summarizes the allocation of the aggregate purchase consideration paid and the amounts of assets acquired and liabilities assumed based upon their estimated fair value at the date of acquisition (in thousands):

 

     Final Purchase Price
Allocation (1)
    Preliminary Purchase
Price Allocation (2)
 

Non-current assets

   $ 110     $ 217  

Property and equipment

     13,526       12,456  

Intangible assets (3)

     4,008       4,675  

Other long-term liabilities

     (341     (341
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Fair value of net assets acquired

   $ 17,303     $ 17,007  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Goodwill (4)

     227       523  

 

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NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—Unaudited

 

 

(1) Reflected in the condensed consolidated balance sheets herein.
(2) Reflected in the consolidated balance sheets in the Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011.
(3) Consists of customer-related intangibles of approximately $1.5 million and network location intangibles of approximately $2.5 million. The customer-related intangibles and network location intangibles are being amortized on a straight-line basis over periods of up to 20 years.
(4) The Company will receive a deduction for income tax purposes for an amount equal to the goodwill recorded. The goodwill was allocated to the Company’s international rental and management segment.

During the three months ended September 30, 2012, the Company acquired an additional 31 communications sites from Telefónica Colombia for an aggregate purchase price of $4.7 million.

The following table summarizes the preliminary allocation of the aggregate purchase consideration paid and the amounts of assets acquired and liabilities assumed based upon their estimated fair value at the date of acquisition (in thousands):

 

     Preliminary Purchase
Price Allocation
 

Non-current assets

   $ 2  

Property and equipment

     3,590  

Intangible assets (1)

     1,062  

Other long-term liabilities

     (91
  

 

 

 

Fair value of net assets acquired

   $ 4,563  
  

 

 

 

Goodwill (2)

     89  

 

(1) Consists of customer-related intangibles of approximately $0.4 million and network location intangibles of approximately $0.7 million. The customer-related intangibles and network location intangibles are being amortized on a straight-line basis over periods of up to 20 years.
(2) The Company will receive a deduction for income tax purposes for an amount equal to the goodwill recorded. The goodwill was allocated to the Company’s international rental and management segment.

Colombia—Colombia Movil Acquisition—On July 17, 2011, the Company entered into a definitive agreement with Colombia Movil, whereby ATC Sitios Infraco, S.A.S., a Colombian subsidiary of the Company (“ATC Infraco”), would purchase up to 2,126 communications sites from Colombia Movil for an aggregate purchase price of approximately $182.0 million.

From December 21, 2011 through the nine months ended September 30, 2012, ATC Infraco completed the purchase of 1,484 communications sites for an aggregate purchase price of $132.3 million (including contingent consideration of $16.8 million), subject to post-closing adjustments. Through a Millicom subsidiary, Millicom exercised its option to acquire an indirect, substantial non-controlling interest in ATC Infraco.

Under the terms of the agreement, the Company is required to make additional payments upon the conversion of certain barter agreements with other wireless carriers to cash paying lease agreements. Based on the Company’s current estimates, the value of potential contingent consideration payments required to be made under the amended agreement is expected to be between zero and $31.6 million. The fair value of the contingent consideration is estimated to be $16.1 million using a probability weighted average of the expected outcomes at September 30, 2012. During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012, the Company recorded an

 

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NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—Unaudited

 

increase in fair value of $0.4 million and a reduction in fair value of $1.8 million, respectively, which are included in other operating expenses in the condensed consolidated statements of operations.

The following table summarizes the allocation of the aggregate purchase consideration paid and the amounts of assets acquired and liabilities assumed based upon their estimated fair value at the date of acquisition (in thousands):

 

     Updated Purchase Price
Allocation (1)
    Preliminary Purchase
Price Allocation (2)
 

Non-current assets

   $ 1,125     $ 1,126  

Property and equipment

     100,346       95,052  

Intangible assets (3)

     28,835       26,132  

Current liabilities

     (708     (639

Other long-term liabilities

     (3,817     (3,416
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Fair value of net assets acquired

   $ 125,781     $ 118,255  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Goodwill (4)

     6,469       1,067  

 

(1) Reflected in the condensed consolidated balance sheets herein.
(2) Reflected in the consolidated balance sheets in the Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011.
(3) Consists of customer-related intangibles of approximately $9.5 million and network location intangibles of approximately $19.3 million. The customer-related intangibles and network location intangibles are being amortized on a straight-line basis over periods of up to 20 years.
(4) The Company will receive a deduction for income tax purposes for an amount equal to the goodwill recorded. The goodwill was allocated to the Company’s international rental and management segment.

Chile—Telefónica Moviles Acquisition—On December 30, 2011, the Company purchased 100% of the outstanding shares of a subsidiary of Telefónica Moviles Chile S.A. that owned 558 communications sites, for an aggregate purchase price of $94.9 million. The purchase price is subject to additional post-closing adjustments, following completion of the Company’s post-closing due diligence of the communications sites acquired.

The following table summarizes the allocation of the aggregate purchase price consideration paid and the amounts of assets acquired and liabilities assumed based upon their estimated fair value at the date of acquisition (in thousands):

 

     Updated Purchase Price
Allocation (1)
    Preliminary Purchase
Price Allocation (2)
 

Non-current assets

   $ 1,892     $ 2,772  

Property and equipment

     55,100       43,140  

Intangible assets (3)

     35,300       39,916  

Other long-term liabilities

     (4,505     (4,505
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Fair value of net assets acquired

   $ 87,787     $ 81,323  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Goodwill (4)

     7,073       13,537  

 

(1) Reflected in the condensed consolidated balance sheets herein.
(2) Reflected in the consolidated balance sheets in the Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011.
(3) Consists of customer-related intangibles of approximately $15.5 million and network location intangibles of approximately $19.8 million. The customer-related intangibles and network location intangibles are being amortized on a straight-line basis over periods of up to 20 years.
(4) The Company will receive a deduction for income tax purposes for an amount equal to the goodwill recorded. The goodwill was allocated to the Company’s international rental and management segment.

 

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NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—Unaudited

 

Uganda Acquisition—On December 8, 2011, the Company entered into a definitive agreement with MTN Group to establish a joint venture in Uganda. The joint venture is controlled by a holding company of which the ATC Uganda Subsidiary holds a 51% interest and the MTN Uganda Subsidiary holds a 49% interest. The joint venture is managed and controlled by the Company and owns a tower operations company in Uganda.

Pursuant to the agreement, the joint venture agreed to purchase a total of up to 1,000 existing communications sites from MTN Group’s operating subsidiary in Uganda, subject to customary closing conditions. On June 29, 2012, the joint venture acquired 962 communications sites for an aggregate purchase price of $171.5 million, subject to post-closing adjustments. The aggregate purchase price was subsequently increased to $173.2 million, subject to future post-closing adjustments.

Under the terms of the purchase agreement, legal title to certain of these communications sites will be transferred upon fulfillment of certain conditions by MTN Group. Prior to the fulfillment of these conditions, the Company will operate and maintain control of these communications sites, and accordingly, reflect these sites in the allocation of purchase price and the consolidated operating results.

The following table summarizes the preliminary allocation of the aggregate purchase price consideration paid and the amounts of assets acquired and liabilities assumed based upon their estimated fair value at the date of acquisition (in thousands):

 

     Preliminary Purchase
Price Allocation
 

Non-current assets

   $ 2,258  

Property and equipment

     102,366  

Intangible assets (1)

     64,000  

Other long-term liabilities

     (7,528
  

 

 

 

Fair value of net assets acquired

   $ 161,096  
  

 

 

 

Goodwill (2)

     12,064  

 

(1) Consists of customer-related intangibles of approximately $43.0 million and network location intangibles of approximately $21.0 million. The customer-related intangibles and network location intangibles are being amortized on a straight-line basis over periods of up to 20 years.
(2) The Company expects that the goodwill will not be deductible for tax purposes. The goodwill was allocated to the Company’s international rental and management segment.

U.S. Acquisitions—During the nine months ended September 30, 2012, the Company acquired a total of 86 communications sites in the United States for an aggregate purchase price of $39.4 million.

 

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NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—Unaudited

 

The following table summarizes the preliminary allocation of the aggregate purchase consideration paid for acquisitions that closed during the nine months ended September 30, 2012 and the amounts of assets acquired and liabilities assumed based on the estimated fair value at the date of acquisition (in thousands):

 

     Preliminary Purchase
Price Allocation
 

Non-current assets

   $ 153  

Property and equipment

     13,825  

Intangible assets (1)

     24,694  

Other long-term liabilities

     (686
  

 

 

 

Fair value of net assets acquired

   $ 37,986  
  

 

 

 

Goodwill (2)

     1,420  

 

(1) Consists of customer relationships of approximately $14.1 million and network location intangibles of approximately $10.6 million. The customer relationships and network location are being amortized on a straight-line basis over periods of up to 20 years.
(2) The Company will receive a deduction for income tax purposes for an amount equal to the goodwill recorded. The goodwill was allocated to the Company’s domestic rental and management segment.

The following table summarizes the allocation of the aggregate purchase consideration paid and the amounts of assets acquired and liabilities assumed based upon the estimated fair value at the acquisition date for acquisitions which closed during the year ended December 31, 2011 (in thousands):

 

     Updated Purchase Price
Allocation (1)
    Preliminary Purchase
Price Allocation (2)
 

Non-current assets

   $ 289     $ —     

Property and equipment

     21,088       23,270  

Intangible assets (3)

     61,107       61,626  

Other long-term liabilities

     (4,288     (4,118
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Fair value of net assets acquired

   $ 78,196     $ 80,778  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Goodwill (4)

     4,604       2,022  

 

(1) Reflected in the condensed consolidated balance sheets herein.
(2) Reflected in the consolidated balance sheets in the Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011.
(3) Consists of customer relationships of approximately $46.4 million and network location intangibles of approximately $14.7 million as of September 30, 2012. The customer relationships and network location intangibles are being amortized on a straight-line basis over periods of up to 20 years.
(4) The Company will receive a deduction for income tax purposes for an amount equal to the goodwill recorded. The goodwill was allocated to the Company’s domestic rental and management segment.

U.S. Property Interests—Unison Acquisition—On October 14, 2011, the Company acquired from Unison Holdings, LLC and Unison Site Management II, L.L.C. (collectively, “Unison”) various limited liability companies holding a portfolio of approximately 12 communications sites and 1,910 property interests, including property interests that the Company leases to communications service providers and other third-party tower operators under 1,810 communications sites for an aggregate purchase price of $312.0 million and assumed $196.0 million in existing indebtedness (the fair value of which was $209.3 million at the acquisition date). The acquisition includes property interests (easements, prepaid operating ground leases, term easements and managed sites) under the Company’s existing communications sites, as well as property interests under carrier tenant and other third-party communications sites, providing recurring cash flow and complementary leasing arrangements.

 

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NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—Unaudited

 

The deferred rent liability associated with the underlying ground leases for existing communications sites of the Company was approximately $2.6 million on the date of acquisition. As a result of the Company’s acquisition of these property interests from Unison, the preexisting land leases were considered to be effectively settled. The terms of these land leases were determined to represent fair value at the acquisition date. As such, the Company did not record any gain or loss separately from the acquisition and the $2.6 million unamortized deferred rent liability was included as part of the acquisition-date fair value of consideration transferred.

The fair value of the consideration transferred consists of the following (in thousands):

 

Cash consideration

   $ 312,002  

Settlement of preexisting arrangement

     (2,584
  

 

 

 

Total consideration

   $ 309,418  
  

 

 

 

The following table summarizes the allocation of the aggregate purchase price consideration paid and the amounts of assets acquired and liabilities assumed based upon their estimated fair value at the date of acquisition (in thousands):

 

     Updated Purchase Price
Allocation (1)
    Preliminary Purchase
Price Allocation (2)
 

Current assets (3)(4)

   $ 15,985     $ 16,203  

Non-current assets (4)

     154,769       154,817  

Property and equipment (5)

     340,474       340,602  

Intangible assets

     4,200       3,297  

Current liabilities

     (7,093     (7,703

Long-term obligations

     (209,321     (209,321

Other long-term liabilities

     (773     (1,508
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Fair value of net assets acquired

   $ 298,241     $ 296,387  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Goodwill (6)

     11,177       13,031  

 

(1) Reflected in the condensed consolidated balance sheets herein.
(2) Reflected in the consolidated balance sheets in the Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011.
(3) Includes approximately $0.2 million of accounts receivable which approximates the value due to the Company under certain contractual arrangements.
(4) Includes prepaid operating leases, term easements and managed sites.
(5) Includes perpetual easements.
(6) With the exception of interests in land and perpetual easements, the Company will receive a deduction for income tax purposes for an amount equal to the goodwill recorded. The goodwill was allocated to the Company’s domestic rental and management segment.

U.S. Property Interests-Other—On October 21, 2011, the Company acquired property interests under approximately 240 communications sites in the United States for an aggregate purchase price of $72.6 million.

The property interests acquired are located underneath existing communications sites owned or subleased by the Company. The deferred rent liability associated with the underlying ground leases was approximately $4.3 million on the date of acquisition. As a result of the Company’s acquisition of these property interests, the preexisting land leases were considered to be effectively settled. The terms of these land leases were determined to represent fair value at the acquisition date. As such, the Company did not record any gain or loss separately from the acquisition and the $4.3 million unamortized deferred rent liability was included as part of the fair value of consideration transferred.

 

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NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—Unaudited

 

The fair value of the consideration transferred consists of the following (in thousands):

 

Cash consideration

   $ 72,595  

Settlement of preexisting arrangement

     (4,256
  

 

 

 

Total consideration

   $ 68,339  
  

 

 

 

The property interests acquired included perpetual easements, prepaid operating ground leases and term easements for land located under the Company’s communications sites and sites owned by communications service providers and third-party tower operators.

The following table summarizes the allocation of the aggregate purchase price consideration paid and the amounts of assets acquired and liabilities assumed based upon their estimated fair value at the date of acquisition (in thousands):

 

     Updated Purchase Price
Allocation (1)
     Preliminary Purchase
Price Allocation (2)
 

Current assets (3)

   $ 359      $ 363  

Non-current assets (3)

     13,357        13,394  

Property and equipment (4)

     47,898        47,898  

Intangible assets

     490        383  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Fair value of net assets acquired

   $ 62,104      $ 62,038  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Goodwill (5)

     6,235        6,301  

 

(1) Reflected in the condensed consolidated balance sheets herein.
(2) Reflected in the consolidated balance sheets in the Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011.
(3) Includes prepaid operating leases, term easements and managed sites.
(4) Includes perpetual easements.
(5) With the exception of interests in land and perpetual easements, the Company will receive a deduction for income tax purposes for an amount equal to the goodwill recorded. The goodwill was allocated to the Company’s domestic rental and management segment.

 

14. Business Segments

The Company operates in three business segments: domestic rental and management, international rental and management and network development services. The domestic rental and management segment provides for the leasing of antenna space on multi-tenant communications sites primarily to wireless service providers and radio and television broadcast companies in the United States. The international rental and management segment provides for the leasing of antenna space on multi-tenant communications sites to wireless service providers and radio and television broadcast companies in Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Ghana, India, Mexico, Peru, South Africa and Uganda. Through its network development services segment, the Company offers tower-related services in the United States, including site acquisition, zoning and permitting services and structural analysis services, which primarily support the Company’s site leasing business and the addition of new tenants and equipment on its sites.

The accounting policies applied in compiling segment information below are similar to those described in note 1 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011. Among other factors, in evaluating financial performance in each business segment, management uses segment gross margin and segment operating profit. The Company defines segment gross margin as segment revenue less segment

 

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AMERICAN TOWER CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—Unaudited

 

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 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 international 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 income (expense), net income (loss) attributable to non-controlling interest, income (loss) on equity method investments, income taxes and discontinued operations.

Summarized financial information concerning the Company’s reportable segments for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011 is shown in the tables below. The Other column represents amounts excluded from specific segments, such as business development operations, stock-based compensation expense and corporate expenses included in selling, general, administrative and development expense; other operating expense; interest income; interest expense; loss on retirement of long-term obligations; and other income (expense), as well as reconciles segment operating profit to income from continuing operations before income taxes and income on equity method investments, as these amounts are not utilized in assessing each segment’s performance.

 

     Rental and Management     Total Rental and
Management
    Network
Development
Services
    Other     Total  

Three months ended September 30, 2012

  Domestic     International          
    (in thousands)  

Segment revenues

  $ 480,351     $ 217,203     $ 697,554     $ 15,781       $ 713,335  

Segment operating expenses (1)

    92,072       85,069       177,141       7,323         184,464  

Interest income, TV Azteca, net

    —          3,586       3,586       —            3,586  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

 

Segment gross margin

    388,279       135,720       523,999       8,458         532,457  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

 

Segment selling, general, administrative and development expense (1)

    20,141       25,057       45,198       2,127         47,325  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

 

Segment operating profit

  $ 368,138     $ 110,663     $ 478,801     $ 6,331       $ 485,132  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

 

Stock-based compensation expense

          $ 13,058       13,058  

Other selling, general, administrative and development expense

            21,516       21,516  

Depreciation, amortization and accretion

            144,061       144,061  

Other expense (principally interest expense and other (expense) income)

            61,620       61,620  
           

 

 

 

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

            $ 244,877  
           

 

 

 

 

(1) Segment operating expenses and segment selling, general, administrative and development expenses exclude stock-based compensation expense of $0.4 million and $12.6 million, respectively.

 

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AMERICAN TOWER CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—Unaudited

 

     Rental and Management     Total Rental and
Management
    Network
Development
Services
    Other     Total  

Three months ended September 30, 2011

  Domestic     International          
    (in thousands)  

Segment revenues

  $ 436,783     $ 178,025     $ 614,808     $ 15,595       $ 630,403  

Segment operating expenses (1)

    91,076       68,336       159,412       7,758         167,170  

Interest income, TV Azteca, net

    —          3,498       3,498       —            3,498  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

 

Segment gross margin

    345,707       113,187       458,894       7,837         466,731  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

 

Segment selling, general, administrative and development expense (1)

    20,516       21,641       42,157       1,918         44,075  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

 

Segment operating profit

  $ 325,191     $ 91,546     $ 416,737     $ 5,919       $ 422,656  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

 

Stock-based compensation expense

          $ 12,140       12,140  

Other selling, general, administrative and development expense

            22,024       22,024  

Depreciation, amortization and accretion

            142,113       142,113  

Other expense (principally interest expense and other (expense) income)

            241,426       241,426  
           

 

 

 

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

            $ 4,953  
           

 

 

 

 

(1) Segment operating expenses and segment selling, general, administrative and development expenses exclude stock-based compensation expense of $1.8 million and $10.4 million, respectively.

 

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AMERICAN TOWER CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—Unaudited

 

     Rental and Management     Total Rental and
Management
    Network
Development
Services
    Other     Total  

Nine months ended September 30, 2012

  Domestic     International          
    (in thousands)  

Segment revenues

  $ 1,440,824     $ 622,982     $ 2,063,806     $ 43,780       $ 2,107,586  

Segment operating expenses (1)

    273,188       232,338       505,526       21,404         526,930  

Interest income, TV Azteca, net

    —          10,715       10,715       —            10,715  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

 

Segment gross margin

    1,167,636       401,359       1,568,995       22,376         1,591,371  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

 

Segment selling, general, administrative and development expense (1)

    60,638       68,433       129,071       4,410         133,481  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

 

Segment operating profit

  $ 1,106,998     $ 332,926     $ 1,439,924     $ 17,966       $ 1,457,890  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

 

Stock-based compensation expense

          $ 39,654       39,654  

Other selling, general, administrative and development expense

            66,099       66,099  

Depreciation, amortization and accretion

            465,788       465,788  

Other expense (principally interest expense and other (expense) income)

            346,385       346,385  
           

 

 

 

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

            $ 539,964  
           

 

 

 

 

(1) Segment operating expenses and segment selling, general, administrative and development expenses exclude stock-based compensation expense of $1.3 million and $38.3 million, respectively.

 

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AMERICAN TOWER CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—Unaudited

 

     Rental and Management     Total Rental and
Management
    Network
Development
Services
    Other     Total  

Nine months ended September 30, 2011

  Domestic     International          
    (in thousands)  

Segment revenues

  $ 1,279,315     $ 465,987     $ 1,745,302     $ 45,031       $ 1,790,333  

Segment operating expenses (1)

    261,856       169,745       431,601       21,974         453,575  

Interest income, TV Azteca, net

    —          10,587       10,587       —            10,587  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

 

Segment gross margin

    1,017,459       306,829       1,324,288       23,057         1,347,345  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

 

Segment selling, general, administrative and development expense (1)

    56,528       60,619       117,147       5,130         122,277  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

 

Segment operating profit

  $ 960,931     $ 246,210     $ 1,207,141     $ 17,927         1,225,068  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

 

Stock-based compensation expense

          $ 36,185       36,185  

Other selling, general, administrative and development expense

            58,230       58,230  

Depreciation, amortization and accretion

            411,902       411,902  

Other expense (principally interest expense and other (expense) income)

            371,378       371,378  
           

 

 

 

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

            $ 347,373  
           

 

 

 

 

(1) Segment operating expenses and segment selling, general, administrative and development expenses exclude stock-based compensation expense of $1.8 million and $34.4 million, respectively.

 

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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 follow 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 54 of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011, and 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 that owns, operates and develops communications sites. Our primary business is leasing antenna space on multi-tenant communications sites to wireless service providers, radio and television broadcast companies, wireless data providers, government agencies and municipalities and tenants in a number of other industries. In addition to the communications sites in our portfolio, we manage rooftop and tower sites for property owners under various contractual arrangements. We also hold property interests that we lease to communications service providers and third-party tower operators under approximately 1,810 communications sites. We refer to this business as our rental and management operations, which accounted for approximately 98% of our total revenues for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 and includes our domestic rental and management segment and our international rental and management segment. We began operating as a real estate investment trust (“REIT”) for federal income tax purposes effective January 1, 2012.

Our communications site portfolio of 50,966 sites, as of September 30, 2012, includes wireless and broadcast communications towers and distributed antenna system (“DAS”) networks, which provide seamless coverage solutions in certain in-building and outdoor wireless applications. Our portfolio consists of towers that we own and towers that we operate pursuant to long-term lease arrangements, including, as of September 30, 2012, approximately 21,668 towers domestically and approximately 29,031 towers internationally. In addition, our portfolio includes approximately 267 DAS networks that we operate in malls, casinos and other in-building applications, and select outdoor environments.

 

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The following table details the number of communications sites we own or operate in the countries in which we operate as of September 30, 2012:

 

Country

   Number of
Owned  Sites
     Number of
Operated Sites (1)
 

United States

     15,508         6,421   

International:

     

Brazil

     4,159        155  

Chile

     1,180        —     

Colombia

     2,141        706  

Ghana

     1,908        —     

India

     10,116        —     

Mexico

     5,366        199  

Peru

     475        —     

South Africa

     1,601        —     

Uganda

     1,031        —     

 

(1) All of the sites we operate are held pursuant to long-term capital leases, including those subject to purchase options.

Our continuing operations are reported in three segments, domestic rental and management, international rental and management and network development services. Among other factors, management uses segment gross margin and segment operating profit in its assessment of operating performance in each business segment. We define segment gross margin as segment revenue less segment 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 expense. 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 international rental and management segment also include interest income, TV Azteca, net (see note 14 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), net income (loss) attributable to non-controlling interest, income (loss) on equity method investments, income taxes and discontinued operations.

In the section that follows, we provide information regarding management’s expectations of long-term drivers of demand for our communications sites, as well as our current quarter-to-date and year-to-date results of operations, financial position and sources and uses of liquidity. In addition, we highlight key trends, which management believes provide valuable insight into our operating and financial resource allocation decisions.

Revenue Growth.    Our rental and management segments operate over 50,000 communications sites. Due to our diversified communications site portfolio, our tenant lease rates vary considerably depending upon various factors, including but not limited to, tower location, amount of tenant equipment on the tower, ground space required by the tenant and remaining tower capacity. We measure the remaining tower capacity by assessing several factors, including tower height, tower type, environmental conditions, existing equipment on the tower and zoning and permitting regulations in effect in the jurisdiction where the tower is located. In many instances, tower capacity can be increased through tower augmentation.

The primary sources of revenue growth for our domestic and international rental and management segments are:

 

   

Recurring revenues from tenant leases generated from sites which existed in our portfolio as of the beginning of the prior year period (“legacy sites”);

 

   

Contractual rent escalations on existing tenant leases, net of cancellations;

 

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New revenue generated from leasing additional space on our legacy sites; and

 

   

New revenue generated from new sites acquired or constructed since the beginning of the prior year period (“new sites”).

The majority of our tenant leases with wireless carriers are typically for an initial non-cancellable term of five to ten years, with multiple five-year renewal terms thereafter. Accordingly, nearly all of the revenue generated by our rental and management operations during the nine months ended September 30, 2012 is recurring revenue that we should continue to receive in future periods. Based upon foreign currency exchange rates and the tenant leases in place as of September 30, 2012, we expect to generate approximately $19 billion of non-cancellable tenant lease revenue over future periods, absent the impact of straight-line lease accounting. In addition, most of our tenant leases have provisions that periodically increase the rent due under the lease, typically annually based on a fixed percentage (on average approximately 3.5% in the U.S.), inflation or a fixed percentage plus inflation. Revenue lost from either cancellations of leases at the end of their terms or rent negotiations historically have not had a material adverse effect on the revenues generated by our rental and management operations. During the nine months ended September 30, 2012, loss of revenue from tenant lease cancellations or renegotiations represented approximately 1.3% of the total revenue of our rental and management segments.

Demand Drivers.    We continue to believe that our site leasing revenue is likely to increase due to the growing use of wireless communications services and our ability to meet that demand by adding new tenants and new equipment for existing tenants on our legacy sites, which increases the utilization and profitability of our sites. In addition, we believe the majority of our site leasing activity will continue to come from wireless service providers as they seek to increase the coverage and capacity of their networks as well as roll out next generation technologies. In addition, we intend to continue to supplement the organic growth on our legacy sites by selectively developing or acquiring new sites in our existing and new markets where we can achieve our return on investment criteria.

According to industry data, we believe the following key trends will provide opportunities for organic growth in our domestic rental and management segment:

 

   

Wireless subscribers continue to upgrade their traditional handsets to smartphones while also acquiring incremental connected devices such as tablets and wireless data cards.

 

   

Wireless service providers continue to invest in their third generation (3G) networks by adding new cell sites as well as additional equipment to their existing cell sites.

 

   

Wireless service providers continue to pursue new avenues for growth, such as deploying fourth generation (4G) technology based wireless networks to provide higher speed data services and enable fixed broadband substitution.

According to industry data, we believe the following key trends will provide opportunities for organic growth in our international rental and management segment:

 

   

In India, nationwide voice networks continue to be deployed as wireless service providers are beginning their initial investments in wireless data networks.

 

   

In Ghana and Uganda, wireless service providers continue to build their voice and data networks to satisfy increasing demand for wireless service.

 

   

In South Africa, carriers are beginning to deploy wireless data networks across spectrum made available through recent spectrum auctions.

 

   

In Mexico and Brazil, nationwide voice networks have been initially deployed and certain incumbent wireless service providers continue to invest in their wireless data networks. Recent spectrum auctions in both markets have enabled other incumbent wireless service providers and new market entrants to begin their initial investments in wireless data networks.

 

   

In markets such as Chile, Colombia and Peru, recent or anticipated spectrum auctions are expected to drive investment in nationwide voice and wireless data networks.

 

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Direct Operating Expenses.    Direct operating expenses incurred by our domestic and international rental and management segments include direct site level expenses and consist primarily of ground rent, property taxes, repairs and maintenance and power and fuel costs, some of which may be passed through to our tenants. These segment direct operating expenses exclude all segment and corporate selling, general, administrative and development expenses, which are aggregated into one line item entitled selling, general, administrative and development expense in our condensed consolidated statements of operations. In general, our domestic and international rental and management segments selling, general, administrative and development expenses do not significantly increase as a result of adding incremental tenants to our legacy sites and typically increase only modestly year-over-year. As a result, leasing additional space to new tenants on our legacy sites provides significant incremental cash flow. We may incur additional segment selling, general, administrative and development expenses as we increase our presence in geographic areas where we have recently launched operations or are focused on expanding our communications site footprint. Our profit margin growth is therefore positively impacted by the addition of new tenants to our legacy sites and can be temporarily diluted by our development activities.

As we continue to focus on growing our rental and management operations, we anticipate that our network development services revenue will continue to represent a small percentage of our total revenues. Through our network development services segment, we offer tower-related services, including site acquisition, zoning and permitting services and structural analysis services, which primarily support our site leasing business and the addition of new tenants and equipment on our sites.

REIT Conversion.    Effective January 1, 2012, we reorganized our operations to qualify as a REIT for federal income tax purposes (the “REIT Conversion”). The REIT tax rules require that we derive most of our income, other than income generated by a taxable REIT subsidiary (“TRS”), from investments in real estate, which for us will primarily consist of income from the leasing of our communications sites. Under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended ( the “Code”), maintaining REIT status generally requires that no more than 25% of the value of the REIT’s assets be represented by securities of one or more TRSs and other non-qualifying assets.

A REIT must annually distribute to its stockholders an amount equal to at least 90% of its REIT taxable income (determined before the deduction for dividends paid and excluding any net capital gain). On October 15, 2012, we made our third regular distribution of $0.23 per share of common stock, or a total of approximately $90.9 million, to stockholders of record at the close of business on October 1, 2012. The amount, timing and frequency of future distributions will be at the sole discretion of our Board of Directors and will be declared based upon various factors, a number of which may be beyond our control, including, our financial condition and operating cash flows, the amount required to maintain REIT status and reduce any income and excise taxes that we otherwise would be required to pay, limitations on distributions in our existing and future debt instruments, our ability to utilize net operating losses (“NOLs”) to offset, in whole or in part, our distribution requirements, limitations on our ability to fund distributions using cash generated through our TRSs and other factors that our Board of Directors may deem relevant.

For more information on the requirements to qualify as a REIT, see Item 1 of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011 under the caption “Business—Overview,” and Item 1A of this Quarterly Report under the caption “Risk Factors.”

Non-GAAP Financial Measures

Included in our analysis of our results of operations are discussions regarding earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, amortization and accretion, as adjusted (“Adjusted EBITDA”). We define Adjusted EBITDA as net income before: income (loss) on discontinued operations, net; income (loss) from equity method investments; income tax provision (benefit); other income (expense); loss on retirement of long-term obligations; interest expense; interest income; other operating expenses; depreciation, amortization and accretion; and stock-based compensation expense.

 

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Adjusted EBITDA is not intended to replace net income or any other performance measures determined in accordance with GAAP. Rather, Adjusted EBITDA is presented as we believe it is a useful indicator of our current operating performance. We believe that Adjusted EBITDA is useful to an investor in evaluating our operating performance because (1) it is the primary measure used by our management team for purposes of decision making and for evaluating the performance of our operating segments; (2) it is a component of the calculation used by our lenders to determine compliance with certain debt covenants; (3) it is widely used in the tower leasing business to measure operating performance as depreciation, amortization and accretion may vary significantly among companies depending upon accounting methods and useful lives, particularly where acquisitions and non-operating factors are involved; (4) it provides investors with a meaningful measure for evaluating our period to period operating performance by eliminating items which are not operational in nature; and (5) it provides investors with a measure for comparing our results of operations to those of different companies by excluding the impact of long-term strategic decisions which can differ significantly from company to company, such as decisions with respect to capital structure, capital investments and the tax jurisdictions in which companies operate.

Our measurement of Adjusted EBITDA may not be comparable to similarly titled measures used by other companies. A reconciliation of Adjusted EBITDA to net income, the most directly comparable GAAP measure, has been included below.

Results of Operations

Three Months Ended September 30, 2012 and 2011 (in thousands, except percentages)

Revenue

 

     Three Months Ended
September 30,
     Amount of
Increase
(Decrease)
     Percent
Increase
(Decrease)
 
     2012      2011        

Rental and management

           

Domestic

   $ 480,351       $ 436,783       $ 43,568         10

International

     217,203        178,025        39,178        22  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total rental and management

     697,554        614,808        82,746        13  

Network development services

     15,781        15,595        186        1  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total revenues

   $ 713,335       $ 630,403       $ 82,932         13

Total revenues for the three months ended September 30, 2012, increased 13% to $713.3 million. The increase was primarily attributable to an increase in both of our rental and management segments, including organic revenue growth attributable to our legacy sites, and revenue growth attributable to the approximately 12,860 new sites that we have constructed or acquired since July 1, 2011.

Domestic rental and management segment revenue for the three months ended September 30, 2012 increased 10% to $480.4 million, which was comprised of:

 

   

Revenue growth from legacy sites of approximately 6%, which includes approximately 4% due to incremental revenue primarily generated from new tenant leases and amendments to existing tenant leases on our legacy sites and approximately 2% attributable to contractual rent escalations, net of tenant lease cancellations;

 

   

Revenue growth from new sites of approximately 3%, resulting from the construction or acquisition of approximately 480 new sites, as well as land interests under third-party sites, since July 1, 2011; and

 

   

An increase of over 1% from the impact of straight-line lease accounting.

 

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International rental and management segment revenue for the three months ended September 30, 2012 increased 22% to $217.2 million, which was comprised of:

 

   

Revenue growth from new sites of approximately 32%, resulting from the construction or acquisition of approximately 12,380 new sites since July 1, 2011;

 

   

Revenue growth from legacy sites of over 7%, which includes over 5% due to incremental revenue primarily generated from new tenant leases and amendments to existing tenant leases on our legacy sites and approximately 2% attributable to contractual rent escalations, net of tenant lease cancellations;

 

   

An increase of approximately 1% from the impact of straight-line lease accounting; and

 

   

A decline of approximately 18% attributable to the negative impact from foreign currency translation.

Network development services segment revenue for the three months ended September 30, 2012 increased 1% to $15.8 million. The increase was primarily attributable to an increase in structural engineering services provided to our tenants during the three months ended September 30, 2012.

Gross Margin

 

     Three Months Ended
September 30,
     Amount of
Increase
(Decrease)
     Percent
Increase
(Decrease)
 
     2012      2011        

Rental and management

           

Domestic

   $ 388,279       $ 345,707       $ 42,572         12

International

     135,720        113,187        22,533        20  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total rental and management

     523,999        458,894        65,105        14  

Network development services

     8,458        7,837        621        8

Domestic rental and management segment gross margin for the three months ended September 30, 2012 increased 12% to $388.3 million, which was comprised of:

 

   

Gross margin growth from legacy sites of over 9%, primarily associated with the increase in revenue, as described above, as well as a 1% decrease in expenses as a result of cost management initiatives; and

 

   

Gross margin growth from new sites of approximately 3%, resulting from the construction or acquisition of approximately 480 new sites, as well as land interests under third-party sites since July 1, 2011.

International rental and management segment gross margin for the three months ended September 30, 2012 increased 20% to $135.7 million, which was comprised of:

 

   

Gross margin growth from new sites of approximately 28%, resulting from the construction or acquisition of approximately 12,380 new sites since July 1, 2011;

 

   

Gross margin growth from legacy sites of approximately 10%, primarily associated with the increase in revenue, as described above; and

 

   

A decline of approximately 18% attributable to the negative impact from foreign currency translation.

Network development services segment gross margin for the three months ended September 30, 2012 increased 8% to $8.5 million. The increase was primarily attributable to an increase in structural engineering services provided to our tenants, as described above, as well as a reduction in direct labor and certain third-party costs.

 

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Selling, General, Administrative and Development Expense

 

     Three Months Ended
September 30,
     Amount of
Increase
(Decrease)
    Percent
Increase
(Decrease)
 
     2012      2011       

Rental and management

          

Domestic

   $ 20,141       $ 20,516       $ (375     (2 )% 

International

     25,057        21,641        3,416       16  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total rental and management

     45,198        42,157        3,041       7  

Network development services

     2,127        1,918        209       11  

Other

     34,134        32,401        1,733       5  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total selling, general, administrative and development expense

   $ 81,459       $ 76,476       $ 4,983        7

Total selling, general, administrative and development expense (“SG&A”) for the three months ended September 30, 2012 increased 7% to $81.5 million. The increase was primarily attributable to an increase in our international rental and management segment, as well as an increase in our Other SG&A.

Domestic rental and management segment SG&A for the three months ended September 30, 2012 decreased 2% to $20.1 million. The decrease was primarily attributable to a non-recurring charge recorded during the three months ended September 30, 2011 associated with employee related costs.

International rental and management segment SG&A for the three months ended September 30, 2012 increased 16% to $25.1 million. The increase was primarily attributable to our continued expansion initiatives in foreign operations.

Network development services segment SG&A for the three months ended September 30, 2012 increased 11% to $2.1 million. The increase was primarily attributable to higher personnel related costs.

Other SG&A for the three months ended September 30, 2012 increased 5% to $34.1 million. The increase was primarily due to a $2.2 million increase in SG&A related stock-based compensation expense, partially offset by a $0.5 million decrease in corporate expenses.

Operating Profit

 

     Three Months Ended
September 30,
     Amount of
Increase
(Decrease)
     Percent
Increase
(Decrease)
 
     2012      2011        

Rental and management

           

Domestic

   $ 368,138       $ 325,191       $ 42,947         13

International

     110,663        91,546        19,117        21  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total rental and management

     478,801        416,737        62,064        15  

Network development services

     6,331        5,919        412        7

Domestic rental and management segment operating profit for the three months ended September 30, 2012 increased 13% to $368.1 million. The growth was primarily attributable to the increase in our domestic rental and management segment gross margin (12%), as described above, and a decrease in our domestic rental and management segment SG&A (2%), as described above.

 

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International rental and management segment operating profit for the three months ended September 30, 2012 increased 21% to $110.7 million. The growth was primarily attributable to the increase in our international rental and management segment gross margin (20%), as described above, and was partially offset by an increase in our international rental and management segment SG&A (16%), as described above.

Network development services segment operating profit for the three months ended September 30, 2012 increased 7% to $6.3 million. The increase was primarily attributable to the increase in network development services segment gross margin (8%), as described above, and was partially offset by an increase in our network development services segment SG&A (11%), as described above.

Depreciation, Amortization and Accretion

 

     Three Months Ended
September 30,
     Amount of
Increase
(Decrease)
     Percent
Increase
(Decrease)
 
         2012              2011            

Depreciation, amortization and accretion

   $ 144,061       $ 142,113       $ 1,948         1

Depreciation, amortization and accretion for the three months ended September 30, 2012 increased 1% to $144.1 million. The increase was primarily attributable to the depreciation, amortization and accretion associated with the acquisition or construction of approximately 12,860 sites since July 1, 2011, which resulted in an increase in property and equipment.

Other Operating Expenses

 

     Three Months Ended
September 30,
     Amount of
Increase
(Decrease)
    Percent
Increase
(Decrease)
 
         2012              2011           

Other operating expenses

   $ 7,359       $ 14,576       $ (7,217     (50 )% 

Other operating expenses for the three months ended September 30, 2012 decreased 50% to $7.4 million. This decrease was primarily attributable to a decrease of approximately $4.5 million in acquisition related costs and non-recurring consulting and legal costs incurred in 2011 associated with our REIT Conversion as well as a decrease of approximately $2.7 million in losses recognized upon the disposal of assets.

Interest Expense

 

     Three Months Ended
September 30,
     Amount of
Increase
(Decrease)
     Percent
Increase
(Decrease)
 
         2012              2011            

Interest expense

   $ 102,272       $ 77,796       $ 24,476         31

Interest expense for the three months ended September 30, 2012 increased 31% to $102.3 million. The increase was attributable to an increase in our average debt outstanding of approximately $1.7 billion, primarily used to fund our recent acquisitions.

Other Income (Expense)

 

     Three Months Ended
September 30,
    Amount of
Increase
(Decrease)
     Percent
Increase
(Decrease)
 
         2012              2011           

Other income (expense)

   $ 46,294       $ (150,876   $ 197,170         131

 

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During the three months ended September 30, 2012, we recorded unrealized foreign currency gains resulting primarily from fluctuations in the foreign currency exchange rates associated with our intercompany notes and similar unaffiliated balances denominated in a currency other than the subsidiaries’ functional currencies of approximately $46.2 million and other income of approximately $0.1 million. During the three months ended September 30, 2011, we recorded unrealized foreign currency losses of approximately $145.1 million and miscellaneous expenses of approximately $6.0 million.

Income Tax Provision

 

     Three Months Ended
September 30,
    Amount of
Increase
(Decrease)
    Percent
Increase
(Decrease)
 
     2012     2011      

Income tax provision

   $ 13,054      $ 24,681      $ (11,627     (47 )% 

Effective tax rate

     5.3     498.3    

The income tax provision for the three months ended September 30, 2012 decreased 47% to $13.1 million. The effective tax rate (“ETR”) for the three months ended September 30, 2012 decreased to 5.3% from 498.3%. The decrease in ETR was primarily attributable to our REIT Conversion and recording of certain favorable adjustments during the three months ended September 30, 2012. The ETR for the three months ended September 30, 2011 reflected unrealized foreign currency losses, which had an impact of reducing income from continuing operations before income taxes and income from equity method investments by approximately $145.1 million.

As a REIT, while we will continue to be subject to income taxes on the income of our TRSs, under the provisions of the Code, we may deduct amounts distributed to stockholders against the income generated in our qualified REIT subsidiaries or other REIT disregarded entities (“QRSs”). Additionally, we are able to offset income in both our TRSs and QRSs by utilizing our NOLs. In addition, our international assets and operations continue to be subject to taxation in the foreign jurisdictions where those assets are held or those operations are conducted.

The ETR on income from continuing operations for the three months ended September 30, 2012 differs from the federal statutory rate primarily due to our expected election to be taxed as a REIT commencing January 1, 2012 and to adjustments for foreign items. The ETR on income from continuing operations for the three months ended September 30, 2011 differs from the federal statutory rate due primarily to adjustments for foreign items, non-deductible stock-based compensation expense, tax reserves and state taxes. The adjustments for foreign items during the three months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011 primarily relate to the difference in the U.S. statutory tax rate of 35% and ETR in our international markets.

Net Income (Loss)/Adjusted EBITDA

 

     Three Months Ended
September 30,
    Amount of
Increase
(Decrease)
    Percent
Increase
(Decrease)
 
     2012     2011      

Net income (loss)

   $ 231,825      $ (19,726   $ 251,551        1,275

Income from equity method investments

     (2     (2     —          —     

Income tax provision

     13,054       24,681       (11,627     (47

Other (income) expense

     (46,294     150,876       197,170       131  

Interest expense

     102,272       77,796       24,476       31  

Interest income

     (1,717     (1,822     (105     (6

Other operating expenses

     7,359       14,576       (7,217     (50

Depreciation, amortization and accretion

     144,061       142,113       1,948       1  

Stock-based compensation expense

     13,058       12,140       918       8  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Adjusted EBITDA

   $ 463,616      $ 400,632      $ 62,984        16

 

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Net income for the three months ended September 30, 2012 was $231.8 million as compared to a net loss of $19.7 million for the three months ended September 30, 2011. The increase was primarily attributable to an increase in our rental and management segments operating profit, as described above, as well as an increase in unrealized foreign currency gains.

Adjusted EBITDA for the three months ended September 30, 2012 increased 16% to $463.6 million. Adjusted EBITDA growth was primarily attributable to the increase in our rental and management segments gross margin, and was partially offset by an increase in SG&A.

Results of Operations

Nine Months Ended September 30, 2012 and 2011 (in thousands, except percentages)

Revenue

 

     Nine Months Ended
September 30,
     Amount of
Increase
(Decrease)
    Percent
Increase
(Decrease)
 
     2012      2011       

Rental and management

          

Domestic

   $ 1,440,824       $ 1,279,315       $ 161,509        13

International

     622,982        465,987        156,995       34  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total rental and management

     2,063,806        1,745,302        318,504       18  

Network development services

     43,780        45,031        (1,251     (3
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total revenues

   $ 2,107,586       $ 1,790,333       $ 317,253        18

Total revenues for the nine months ended September 30, 2012, increased 18% to $2,107.6 million. The increase was primarily attributable to an increase in both of our rental and management segments, including organic revenue growth attributable to our legacy sites and revenue growth attributable to the approximately 15,860 new sites that we have constructed or acquired since January 1, 2011.

Domestic rental and management segment revenue for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 increased 13% to $1,440.8 million, which was comprised of:

 

   

Revenue growth from legacy sites of approximately 8%, which includes approximately 2% attributable to contractual rent escalations, net of tenant lease cancellations and approximately 6% due to incremental revenue primarily generated from new tenant leases and amendments to existing tenant leases on our legacy sites, which includes the impact of approximately 1% due to a customer billing settlement during the first quarter of 2012;

 

   

Revenue growth from new sites of approximately 3%, resulting from the construction or acquisition of approximately 710 new sites, as well as land interests under third-party sites since January 1, 2011; and

 

   

An increase of over 2% from the impact of straight-line lease accounting.

International rental and management segment revenue for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 increased 34% to $623.0 million, which was comprised of:

 

   

Revenue growth from new sites of over 41%, resulting from the construction or acquisition of approximately 15,150 new sites since January 1, 2011;

 

   

Revenue growth from legacy sites of approximately 10%, which includes over 6% due to incremental revenue primarily generated from new tenant leases and amendments to existing tenant leases on our legacy sites, approximately 3% attributable to contractual rent escalations, net of tenant lease cancellations and approximately 1% for the reversal of revenue reserves;

 

   

An increase of approximately 1% from the impact of straight-line lease accounting; and

 

   

A decline of approximately 18% attributable to the negative impact from foreign currency translation.

 

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Network development services segment revenue for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 decreased 3% to $43.8 million. The decrease was primarily attributable to a favorable one-time item recognized during the nine months ended September 30, 2011, partially offset by an increase in structural engineering services provided to our tenants during the nine months ended September 30, 2012.

Gross Margin

 

     Nine Months Ended
September 30,
     Amount of
Increase
(Decrease)
    Percent
Increase
(Decrease)
 
     2012      2011       

Rental and management

          

Domestic

   $ 1,167,636       $ 1,017,459       $ 150,177        15

International

     401,359        306,829        94,530       31  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total rental and management

     1,568,995        1,324,288        244,707       18  

Network development services

     22,376        23,057        (681     (3

Domestic rental and management segment gross margin for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 increased 15% to $1,167.6 million, which was comprised of:

 

   

Gross margin growth from legacy sites of approximately 12%, primarily associated with the increase in revenue, as described above, and was partially offset by an increase in direct operating costs primarily from increased straight-line rent expense and higher than normal repairs and maintenance activity; and

 

   

Gross margin growth from new sites of over 3%, resulting from the construction or acquisition of approximately 710 new sites, as well as land interests under third-party sites since January 1, 2011.

International rental and management segment gross margin for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 increased 31% to $401.4 million, which was comprised of:

 

   

Gross margin growth from new sites of 37%, resulting from the construction or acquisition of approximately 15,150 new sites since January 1, 2011;

 

   

Gross margin growth from legacy sites of approximately 11%, primarily associated with the increase in revenue, as described above; and

 

   

A decline of approximately 17% attributable to the negative impact from foreign currency translation.

Network development services segment gross margin for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 decreased 3% to $22.4 million. The decrease was primarily attributable to the favorable one-time item recognized during the nine months ended September 30, 2011, partially offset by an increase in structural engineering services provided to our tenants, as described above.

Selling, General, Administrative and Development Expense

 

     Nine Months Ended
September 30,
     Amount of
Increase
(Decrease)
    Percent
Increase
(Decrease)
 
     2012      2011       

Rental and management

          

Domestic

   $ 60,638       $ 56,528       $ 4,110        7

International

     68,433        60,619        7,814       13  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total rental and management

     129,071        117,147        11,924       10  

Network development services

     4,410        5,130        (720     (14

Other

     104,410        92,652        11,758       13  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total selling, general, administrative and development expense

   $ 237,891       $ 214,929       $ 22,962        11

 

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Table of Contents

Total SG&A for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 increased 11% to $237.9 million. The increase was attributable to an increase in our Other SG&A, as well as an increase in both of our rental and management segments.

Domestic rental and management segment SG&A for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 increased 7% to $60.6 million. The increase was primarily attributable to the impact of initiatives, which we launched in 2011, designed to drive growth and to support a growing portfolio, including increased staffing in field operations, sales and finance and other functions supporting the expansion of our business.

International rental and management segment SG&A for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 increased 13% to $68.4 million. The increase was primarily attributable to our new markets as well as continued international expansion initiatives in foreign operations, partially offset by the reversal of approximately $3.8 million of bad debt expense in Mexico for amounts previously reserved.

Network development services segment SG&A for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 decreased 14% to $4.4 million. The decrease was primarily attributable to the reversal of bad debt expense upon the receipt of a customer payment for amounts previously reserved, partially offset by higher personnel related costs.

Other SG&A for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 increased 13% to $104.4 million. The increase was primarily due to a $7.9 million increase in corporate expenses and a $3.9 million increase in SG&A related stock-based compensation expense. The increase in corporate expenses was primarily attributable to a $3.7 million non-recurring state tax expense and incremental employee costs of approximately $3.3 million associated with supporting a growing global organization.

Operating Profit

 

     Nine Months Ended
September 30,
     Amount of
Increase
(Decrease)
     Percent
Increase
(Decrease)
 
     2012      2011        

Rental and management

           

Domestic

   $ 1,106,998       $ 960,931       $ 146,067         15

International

     332,926        246,210        86,716        35  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total rental and management

     1,439,924        1,207,141        232,783        19  

Network development services

     17,966        17,927        39        —     

Domestic rental and management segment operating profit for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 increased 15% to $1,107.0 million. The growth was primarily attributable to the increase in our domestic rental and management segment gross margin (15%) as described above, and was partially offset by an increase in our domestic rental and management segment SG&A (7%), as described above.

International rental and management segment operating profit for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 increased 35% to $332.9 million. The growth was primarily attributable to the increase in our international rental and management segment gross margin (31%) as described above, and was partially offset by an increase in our international rental and management segment SG&A (13%), as described above.

Network development services segment operating profit for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011 remained constant at approximately $18.0 million.

 

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Table of Contents

Depreciation, Amortization and Accretion

 

     Nine Months Ended
September 30,
     Amount of
Increase
(Decrease)
     Percent
Increase
(Decrease)
 
     2012      2011        

Depreciation, amortization and accretion

   $ 465,788       $ 411,902       $ 53,886         13

Depreciation, amortization and accretion for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 increased 13% to $465.8 million. The increase was primarily attributable to the depreciation, amortization and accretion associated with the acquisition or construction of approximately 15,860 sites since January 1, 2011, which resulted in an increase in property and equipment.

Other Operating Expenses

 

     Nine Months Ended
September 30,
     Amount of
Increase
(Decrease)
    Percent
Increase
(Decrease)
 
     2012      2011       

Other operating expenses

   $ 35,150       $ 35,770       $ (620     (2 )% 

Other operating expenses for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 decreased 2% to $35.2 million. This decrease was primarily attributable to a decrease of approximately $13.3 million in acquisition related costs and non-recurring consulting and legal costs incurred in 2011 associated with our REIT Conversion. This decrease was partially offset by an increase of approximately $12.7 million in impairment charges and loss on disposal of assets, which included the impairment of one of our outdoor DAS networks upon the termination of a tenant lease during the nine months ended September 30, 2012.

Interest Expense

 

     Nine Months Ended
September 30,
     Amount of
Increase
(Decrease)
     Percent
Increase
(Decrease)
 
     2012      2011        

Interest expense

   $ 297,622       $ 226,735       $ 70,887         31

Interest expense for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 increased 31% to $297.6 million. The increase was primarily attributable to an increase in our average debt outstanding of approximately $1.7 billion, primarily used to fund our recent acquisitions, and an increase in our annualized weighted average cost of borrowing from 5.34% to 5.45%.

Other Expense

 

     Nine Months Ended
September 30,
    Amount of
Increase
(Decrease)
    Percent
Increase
(Decrease)
 
     2012     2011      

Other expense

   $ (19,468   $ (115,710   $ (96,242     (83 )% 

During the nine months ended September 30, 2012, we recorded unrealized foreign currency losses of approximately $12.9 million resulting primarily from fluctuations in the foreign currency exchange rates associated with our intercompany notes and similar unaffiliated balances denominated in a currency other than the subsidiaries’ functional currencies and other expenses of approximately $6.6 million. During the nine months ended September 30, 2011, we recorded unrealized foreign currency losses of approximately $101.5 million and miscellaneous expenses of $14.5 million.

 

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Income Tax Provision

 

     Nine Months Ended
September 30,
    Amount of
Increase
(Decrease)
    Percent
Increase
(Decrease)
 
     2012     2011      

Income tax provision

   $ 64,117      $ 161,981      $ (97,864     (60 )% 

Effective tax rate

     11.9     46.6    

The income tax provision for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 decreased 60% to $64.1 million. The ETR for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 decreased to 11.9% from 46.6%. This decrease was primarily attributable to our REIT Conversion, as well as a favorable item recorded during the nine months ended September 30, 2012, partially offset by an increase in valuation allowance on certain deferred tax assets. The deferred tax assets arose primarily as a result of purchase accounting and existing NOLs, which were generated partly from interest on intercompany debt.

As a REIT, we may deduct amounts distributed to stockholders against the income generated in our QRSs and we are able to offset income in both our TRSs and QRSs by utilizing our NOLs.

The ETR on income from continuing operations for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 differs from the federal statutory rate primarily due to our expected election to be taxed as a REIT commencing January 1, 2012 and to adjustments for foreign items. The ETR on income from continuing operations for the nine months ended September 30, 2011 differs from the federal statutory rate due primarily to adjustments for foreign items, non-deductible stock-based compensation expense, tax reserves and state taxes.

Net Income/Adjusted EBITDA

 

     Nine Months Ended
September 30,
    Amount of
Increase
(Decrease)
    Percent
Increase
(Decrease)
 
     2012     2011      

Net income

   $ 475,872      $ 185,406      $ 290,466        157

Income from equity method investments

     (25     (14     11       79  

Income tax provision

     64,117       161,981       (97,864     (60

Other expense

     19,468       115,710       (96,242     (83

Loss on retirement of long-term obligations

     398       —          398       N/A   

Interest expense

     297,622       226,735       70,887       31  

Interest income

     (6,253     (6,837     (584     (9

Other operating expenses

     35,150       35,770       (620     (2

Depreciation, amortization and accretion

     465,788       411,902       53,886       13  

Stock-based compensation expense

     39,654       36,185       3,469       10  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Adjusted EBITDA

   $ 1,391,791      $ 1,166,838      $ 224,953        19

Net income for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 increased 157% to $475.9 million. The increase was primarily attributable to an increase in our rental and management segments operating profit, as described above, as well as decreases in unrealized foreign currency losses and income tax provision.

Adjusted EBITDA for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 increased 19% to $1,391.8 million. Adjusted EBITDA growth was primarily attributable to the increase in our rental and management segments gross margin, and was partially offset by an increase in SG&A.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

The information in this section updates as of September 30, 2012 the “Liquidity and Capital Resources” section of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011 and should be read in conjunction with that report.

 

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Table of Contents

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 offerings. As of September 30, 2012, we had approximately $2,372.9 million of total liquidity, comprised of approximately $382.3 million in cash and cash equivalents and the ability to borrow up to $1,990.6 million, net of any outstanding letters of credit, under our unsecured revolving credit facilities. Summary cash flow information for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011 is set forth below (in thousands).

 

     Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 
     2012     2011  

Net cash provided by (used for):

    

Operating activities

   $ 1,116,547     $ 849,998  

Investing activities

     (1,174,266     (1,559,631

Financing activities

     112,095       4,265  

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

     (2,255     (1,089
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents

   $ 52,121     $ (706,457
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

We use our cash flows to fund our operations and investments in our business, including tower maintenance and improvements, communications site construction and installation, and tower and land acquisitions. Additionally, we use our cash flows to make distributions of our REIT taxable income in order to maintain our REIT qualification under the Code, as well as fund refinancings and repurchases of our outstanding indebtedness and our stock repurchase program.

As of September 30, 2012, we had total outstanding indebtedness of approximately $7.5 billion. During the nine months ended September 30, 2012 and the year ended December 31, 2011, 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 12 months will be sufficient to fund our capital expenditures and our cash debt service (interest and principal repayments) obligations for the next 12 months. If our acquisitions, capital expenditures or debt repayments exceed the cash generated by our operations, we have sufficient borrowing capacity under our credit facilities. As of September 30, 2012, we had approximately $157.4 million of cash and cash equivalents held by our foreign subsidiaries, of which $78.4 million was held by our joint ventures. Historically, it has not been our practice to repatriate cash from our foreign subsidiaries primarily due to our ongoing expansion efforts and related capital needs. However, in the event that we do repatriate any funds, we may be required to accrue and pay taxes.

As a REIT, we are subject to a number of organizational and operational requirements, including a requirement that we distribute to our stockholders an amount equal to at least 90% of our REIT taxable income (determined before the deduction for dividends paid and excluding any net capital gain). Generally, we expect to distribute all or substantially all of our REIT taxable income so as not to be subject to the income or excise tax on undistributed REIT taxable income. On October 15, 2012, we made our third regular distribution of $0.23 per share of common stock, or a total of approximately $90.9 million, to stockholders of record at the close of business on October 1, 2012. The amount, timing and frequency of future distributions will be at the sole discretion of our Board of Directors and will be based upon various factors. See Item 5 of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011 under the caption “Dividends.”

Cash Flows from Operating Activities

For the nine months ended September 30, 2012, cash provided by operating activities was $1,116.5 million, an increase of $266.5 million as compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2011. This increase was primarily due to an increase in the operating profit of our rental and management segments and an increase in cash provided by working capital. This increase was partially offset by an increase in cash paid for interest during the nine months ended September 30, 2012.

 

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Our domestic and international rental and management segments and network development services segment are expected to generate sufficient cash flows from operations during 2012 to meet their cash needs for operations and expenditures for tower construction and improvements.

Cash Flows from Investing Activities

For the nine months ended September 30, 2012, cash used for investing activities was $1,174.3 million, a decrease of $385.4 million as compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2011. This decrease was primarily attributable to a decrease in acquisition-related activity during the nine months ended September 30, 2012.

During the nine months ended September 30, 2012, we spent $39.4 million to acquire approximately 86 communications sites in the United States, $624.7 million to acquire 3,470 communications sites in Brazil, Colombia, Mexico, South Africa and Uganda and $158.6 million for the payment of amounts previously recognized in accounts payable or accrued expenses in the condensed consolidated balance sheets for communications sites we acquired in Chile, Colombia, Ghana and South Africa during the year ended December 31, 2011.

During the nine months ended September 30, 2012, payments for purchases of property and equipment and construction activities totaled $377.0 million, including $192.2 million of capital expenditures for discretionary capital projects, such as completion of the construction of 157 communications sites, including nine DAS networks, domestically and 1,677 communications sites internationally and the installation of 299 shared generators domestically, $48.5 million spent to acquire land under our communications sites that was subject to ground agreements (including leases), $77.7 million of capital expenditures related to capital improvements and corporate capital expenditures primarily attributable to information technology improvements and $58.6 million for the redevelopment of existing communications sites to accommodate new tenant equipment.

We plan to continue to allocate our available capital after our REIT distribution requirements 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 2012 total capital expenditures will be between approximately $500 million and $550 million, including between $101 million and $115 million for capital improvements and corporate capital expenditures, between $75 million and $85 million for the redevelopment of existing communications sites, between $70 million and $80 million for ground lease purchases and between $254 million and $270 million for other discretionary capital projects, including the construction of approximately 2,000 to 2,200 new communications sites.

Cash Flows from Financing Activities

For the nine months ended September 30, 2012, cash provided by financing activities was $112.1 million, as compared to $4.3 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2011.

Cash provided by financing activities during the nine months ended September 30, 2012 is primarily due to (i) borrowings under our $1.0 billion unsecured credit facility entered into in April 2011 (the “2011 Credit Facility”) and our $1.0 billion unsecured credit facility entered into in January 2012 (the “2012 Credit Facility”) of $1.3 billion, (ii) net proceeds from our $750.0 million unsecured term loan (the “2012 Term Loan”) of $746.4 million, (iii) net proceeds from our registered offering of $700.0 million aggregate principle amount of our 4.70% senior notes due 2022 (the “4.70% Notes”) of $693.0 million, (iv) proceeds from other long-term borrowings of $99.1 million, (v) net contributions from non-controlling interest holders of $48.5 million, (vi) proceeds from stock options of $42.8 million and (vii) proceeds from short-term borrowings of $20.1 million.

 

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These borrowings were partially offset by repayment of (i) $1.0 billion under our $1.25 billion senior unsecured revolving credit facility (the “Revolving Credit Facility”), (ii) $325.0 million of term loan commitments (the “2008 Term Loan”), (iii) $625.0 million under the 2011 Credit Facility and (iv) $700.0 million under the 2012 Credit Facility. In addition, we made distributions to our stockholders of an aggregate of $169.8 million and we paid $33.4 million for the repurchase of our common stock, which consisted of $16.7 million of amounts surrendered for the satisfaction of employee tax obligations in connection with the vesting of restricted stock units and $16.7 million of repurchases under our stock repurchase program.

Revolving Credit Facility and 2008 Term Loan.    On January 31, 2012, we repaid and terminated our Revolving Credit Facility and repaid our 2008 Term Loan with proceeds from borrowings under the 2011 Credit Facility and 2012 Credit Facility.

2011 Credit Facility.    As of September 30, 2012, we did not have any amounts outstanding under the 2011 Credit Facility and had approximately $6.7 million of undrawn letters of credit. We continue to maintain the ability to draw down and repay amounts under the 2011 Credit Facility in the ordinary course. The 2011 Credit Facility has a term of five years and matures on April 8, 2016.

2012 Credit Facility.    On January 31, 2012, we entered into the 2012 Credit Facility. The 2012 Credit Facility has a term of five years and matures on January 31, 2017. Any outstanding principal and accrued but unpaid interest will be due and payable in full at maturity. The 2012 Credit Facility may be paid prior to maturity in whole or in part at our option without penalty or premium.

We have the option of choosing either a defined base rate or the London Interbank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”) as the applicable base rate for borrowings under the 2012 Credit Facility. The interest rate ranges between 1.075% to 2.400% above LIBOR for LIBOR based borrowings or between 0.075% to 1.400% above the defined base rate for base rate borrowings, in each case based upon our debt ratings. A quarterly commitment fee on the undrawn portion of the 2012 Credit Facility is required, ranging from 0.125% to 0.450% per annum, based upon our debt ratings. The current margin over LIBOR that we would incur on borrowings is 1.625% and the current commitment fee on the undrawn portion of the 2012 Credit Facility is 0.225%.

The loan agreement contains certain reporting, information, financial and operating covenants and other restrictions (including limitations on additional debt, guaranties, sales of assets and liens) with which we must comply. Any failure to comply with the financial and operating covenants of the loan agreement would not only prevent us from being able to borrow additional funds, 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.

As of September 30, 2012, we did not have any amounts outstanding under the 2012 Credit Facility and had approximately $2.7 million of undrawn letters of credit. We continue to maintain the ability to draw down and repay amounts under our 2012 Credit Facility in the ordinary course.

2012 Term Loan.    On June 29, 2012, we entered into the 2012 Term Loan. We received net proceeds of approximately $746.4 million, of which $632.0 million were used to repay certain existing indebtedness under the 2012 Credit Facility.

The 2012 Term Loan has a term of five years and matures on June 29, 2017. Any outstanding principal and accrued but unpaid interest will be due and payable in full at maturity. The 2012 Term Loan may be paid prior to maturity in whole or in part at our option without penalty or premium.

We have the option of choosing either a defined base rate or LIBOR as the applicable base rate. The interest rate ranges between 1.25% to 2.50% above LIBOR for LIBOR based borrowings or between 0.25% to 1.50% above the defined base rate for base rate borrowings, in each case based upon our debt ratings. As of September 30, 2012, the interest rate under the 2012 Term Loan is LIBOR plus 1.75%.

 

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The loan agreement contains certain reporting, information, financial and operating covenants and other restrictions (including limitations on additional debt, guaranties, sales of assets and liens) with which we must comply. Any failure to comply with the financial and operating covenants of the loan agreement 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.

As of September 30, 2012, we had $750.0 million outstanding under the 2012 Term Loan.

Senior Notes Offering.    On March 12, 2012, we completed a registered public offering of $700.0 million aggregate principal amount of our 4.70% Notes. The net proceeds to us from the offering were approximately $693.0 million, after deducting commissions and expenses. We used the net proceeds to repay a portion of the outstanding indebtedness incurred under our 2011 Credit Facility and 2012 Credit Facility which had been used to fund recent acquisitions.

The 4.70% Notes mature on March 15, 2022, and interest is payable semi-annually in arrears on March 15 and September 15. We began making interest payments on September 15, 2012. We may redeem the 4.70% Notes at any time at a redemption price equal to 100% of the principal amount, plus a make-whole premium, together with accrued interest to the redemption date. Interest on the notes began to accrue on March 12, 2012 and is computed on the basis of a 360-day year comprised of twelve 30-day months.

If we undergo a change of control and ratings decline, each as defined in supplemental indenture no. 5, dated March 12, 2012 (the “Supplemental Indenture”) to the base indenture dated May 13, 2010, as amended and supplemented on December 30, 2011, we will be required to offer to repurchase all of the 4.70% Notes at a purchase price equal to 101% of the principal amount, plus accrued and unpaid interest up to but not including the repurchase date. The 4.70% Notes rank equally with all of our other senior unsecured debt and are structurally subordinated to all existing and future indebtedness and other obligations of our subsidiaries. The Supplemental Indenture contains certain covenants that restrict our ability to merge, consolidate or sell assets and our (together with our subsidiaries’) ability to incur liens. These covenants are subject to a number of exceptions, including that we and our subsidiaries may incur certain liens on assets, mortgages or other liens securing indebtedness, if the aggregate amount of such liens does not exceed 3.5x Adjusted EBITDA, as defined in the Supplemental Indenture.

Colombian Short-Term Credit Facility.    The 141.1 billion Colombian Peso (“COP”) denominated short-term credit facility was executed by one of our Colombian subsidiaries (“ATC Sitios”), on July 25, 2011, to refinance the credit facility entered into in connection with the purchase of the exclusive use rights for towers from Telefónica S.A.’s Colombian subsidiary, Colombia Telecomunicaciones S.A. E.S.P. As of September 30, 2012, 135.0 billion COP (approximately $75.0 million) was outstanding under this credit facility and the facility was scheduled to mature on October 25, 2012 with an interest rate of 7.95%. In October 2012, the maturity date was extended to November 25, 2012, and the facility continues to accrue interest at a rate of 7.95%.

On October 19, 2012, ATC Sitios entered into a loan agreement for a long-term credit facility, which it intends to use to refinance the Colombian short-term credit facility upon completion of certain closing conditions.

Colombian Bridge Loans.    In connection with the acquisition of communications sites from Colombia Movil S.A. E.S.P. (“Colombia Movil”), another of our Colombian subsidiaries entered into five COP denominated bridge loans. As of September 30, 2012, the aggregate principal amount outstanding under these bridge loans was 94.0 billion COP (approximately $52.2 million). The bridge loans have terms ranging from 30 to 90 days, and are extended from time to time in the ordinary course. As of September 30, 2012, the interest rates of these loans ranged from 8.01% to 8.23%.

 

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Colombian Loan.    In connection with the establishment of our joint venture with Millicom International Cellular S.A. (“Millicom”) and the acquisition of communications sites in Colombia, ATC Colombia B.V., a 60% owned subsidiary of American Tower, entered into a U.S. Dollar-denominated shareholder loan agreement (the “Colombian Loan”), as the borrower, with our wholly owned subsidiary (the “ATC Colombian Subsidiary”), and a wholly owned subsidiary of Millicom (the “Millicom Subsidiary”), as the lenders. The Colombian Loan accrues interest at 8.30% and matures on February 22, 2022. The portion of the Colombian Loan made by the ATC Colombian Subsidiary is eliminated in consolidation, and the portion of the Colombian Loan made by the Millicom Subsidiary is reported as outstanding debt of American Tower. As of September 30, 2012, an aggregate of $16.3 million was payable to the Millicom Subsidiary.

South African Facility.    Our 1.2 billion South African Rand (“ZAR”) credit facility (“South African Facility”) was executed in November 2011 to refinance the bridge loan entered into in connection with the acquisition of communications sites from Cell C (Pty) Limited by our local South African subsidiary. On August 8, 2012 and September 14, 2012, the Company borrowed an additional 123.0 million ZAR (approximately $15.1 million) and 24.2 million ZAR (approximately $2.9 million), respectively. The South African Facility matures on March 31, 2020 and accrues interest based on a margin plus Johannesburg Interbank Agreed Rate (“JIBAR”). We entered into interest rate swap agreements to manage our exposure to variability in interest rates and, as of September 30, 2012, 834.3 million ZAR (approximately $100.3 million) was outstanding under the South African Facility, and after giving effect to the interest rate swap agreements, the facility accrues interest at a weighted average rate of 9.81%.

Ghana Loan.    In connection with the establishment of our joint venture with MTN Group Limited (“MTN Group”) and the acquisitions of communications sites in Ghana, Ghana Tower Interco B.V., a 51% owned subsidiary of American Tower, entered into a U.S. Dollar-denominated shareholder loan agreement (the “Ghana Loan”), as the borrower, with our wholly owned subsidiary (the “ATC Ghana Subsidiary”), and Mobile Telephone Networks (Netherlands) B.V., a wholly owned subsidiary of MTN Group (the “MTN Ghana Subsidiary”), as the lenders. The Ghana Loan accrues interest at 9.0% and matures on May 4, 2016. The portion of the Ghana Loan made by the ATC Ghana Subsidiary is eliminated in consolidation, and the portion of the Ghana Loan made by the MTN Ghana Subsidiary is reported as outstanding debt of American Tower. As of September 30, 2012, an aggregate of $131.0 million was payable to the MTN Ghana Subsidiary.

Uganda Loan.    In connection with the establishment of our joint venture with MTN Group and the acquisitions of communications sites in Uganda, Uganda Tower Interco B.V., a 51% owned subsidiary of American Tower, entered into a U.S. Dollar-denominated shareholder loan agreement (the “Uganda Loan”), as the borrower, with our wholly owned subsidiary (the “ATC Uganda Subsidiary”), and a wholly owned subsidiary of MTN Group (the “MTN Uganda Subsidiary”), as the lenders. The Uganda Loan matures on June 29, 2019 and accrues interest at 5.30% above LIBOR, reset annually, which as of September 30, 2012 was 6.368%. The portion of the Uganda Loan made by the ATC Uganda Subsidiary is eliminated in consolidation, and the portion of the Uganda Loan made by the MTN Uganda Subsidiary is reported as outstanding debt of American Tower. As of September 30, 2012, an aggregate of $61.0 million was payable to the MTN Uganda Subsidiary.

Stock Repurchase Program.    In March 2011, the Board of Directors approved a stock repurchase program, pursuant to which we are authorized to purchase up to $1.5 billion of our common stock (the “2011 Buyback”).

During the nine months ended September 30, 2012, we repurchased 252,691 shares of our common stock for an aggregate of $16.7 million, including commissions and fees, pursuant to the 2011 Buyback. As of September 30, 2012, we had repurchased a total of approximately 3.7 million shares of our common stock under the 2011 Buyback for an aggregate of $197.9 million, including commissions and fees.

Between October 1, 2012 and October 18, 2012, we repurchased an additional 16,689 shares of our common stock for an aggregate of $1.2 million, including commissions and fees, pursuant to the 2011 Buyback. As of October 18, 2012, we had repurchased a total of approximately 3.7 million shares of our common stock under the 2011 Buyback for an aggregate of $199.1 million, including commissions and fees.

 

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Under the 2011 Buyback, we are authorized to purchase shares from time to time through open market purchases or privately negotiated transactions at prevailing prices in accordance with securities laws and other legal requirements, and subject to market conditions and other factors. To facilitate repurchases, we make purchases pursuant to trading plans under Rule 10b5-1 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, which allows us 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.

We expect to continue managing the pacing of the remaining $1.3 billion under the 2011 Buyback in response to general market conditions and other relevant factors. 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 credit facilities. Purchases under the 2011 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 the exercise of stock options granted under our equity incentive plans and upon the exercise of warrants to purchase our equity securities. For the nine months ended September 30, 2012, we received an aggregate of approximately $42.8 million in proceeds upon exercises of stock options.

Distributions.    As a REIT, we must annually distribute to our stockholders an amount equal to at least 90% of our REIT taxable income (determined before the deduction for distributions paid and excluding any net capital gain). Generally, we expect to distribute all or substantially all of our REIT taxable income so as to not be subject to income tax or excise tax on undistributed REIT taxable income. The amount, timing and frequency of future distributions, however, will be at the sole discretion of our Board of Directors and will be declared based upon various factors, a number of which may be beyond our control, including, our financial condition and operating cash flows, the amount required to maintain REIT status and reduce any income and excise taxes that we otherwise would be required to pay, limitations on distributions in our existing and future debt instruments, our ability to utilize NOLs to offset our distribution requirements, limitations on our ability to fund distributions using cash generated through our TRSs and other factors that our Board of Directors may deem relevant.

On March 22, 2012, we declared a cash distribution of $0.21 per share and on April 25, 2012 paid a total of approximately $82.9 million to stockholders of record at the close of business on April 11, 2012. On June 20, 2012, we declared a cash distribution of $0.22 per share and on July 18, 2012 paid a total of approximately $86.9 million to stockholders of record at the close of business on July 2, 2012. On September 19, 2012, the Company declared a cash distribution of $0.23 per share and on October 15, 2012, paid a total of approximately $90.9 million to stockholders of record at the close of business on October 1, 2012.

We will accrue distributions on unvested restricted stock unit awards granted subsequent to January 1, 2012, which will be payable upon vesting. As of September 30, 2012, we had accrued $0.5 million of distributions payable upon the vesting of restricted stock units.

Contractual Obligations.    Our contractual obligations relate primarily to the Commercial Mortgage Pass-Through Certificates, Series 2007-1 issued in our May 2007 securitization transaction (the “Securitization”), borrowings under our 2011 Credit Facility, 2012 Credit Facility, 2012 Term Loan and our outstanding notes.

 

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The following table summarizes our borrowings under our 2011 Credit Facility, 2012 Credit Facility, 2012 Term Loan and the balance outstanding under our notes and the certificates issued in the Securitization and certain other debt, as of September 30, 2012 (in thousands):

 

Indebtedness

   Balance Outstanding     

Maturity Date

 

Commercial Mortgage Pass-Through Certificates, Series 2007-1

   $ 1,750,000        April 15, 2014 (1) 

2011 Credit Facility

     —           April 8, 2016   

2012 Credit Facility

     —           January 31, 2017   

2012 Term Loan

     750,000        June 29, 2017   

Unison Notes, Series 2010-1 Class C, Series 2010-2 Class C and Series 2010-2 Class F notes (2)

     207,627        April 15, 2017   

4.70% senior notes

     698,732        March 15, 2022   

5.90% senior notes

     499,343        November 1, 2021   

4.50% senior notes

     999,389        January 15, 2018   

5.05% senior notes

     699,314        September 1, 2020   

4.625% senior notes

     599,600        April 1, 2015   

7.00% senior notes

     500,000        October 15, 2017   

7.25% senior notes

     296,159        May 15, 2019   

Ghana Loan (3)

     130,951        May 4, 2016   

Uganda Loan (4)

     61,023        June 29, 2019   

South African Facility (5)

     100,338        March 31, 2020   

Colombian Short-Term Credit Facility (6)

     74,978        October 25, 2012   

Colombian Bridge Loans (7)

     52,215        December 22, 2012   

Colombian Loan (8)

     16,336        February 22, 2022   

Other debt, including capital leases

     53,559     
  

 

 

    

Total

   $ 7,489,564     
  

 

 

    

 

(1) Anticipated repayment date; final legal maturity date is April 2037.
(2) The Unison Notes, Series 2010-1 Class C, Series 2010-2 Class C and Series 2010-2 Class F notes were assumed by us as in connection with the acquisition of certain legal entities holding a portfolio of property interests from Unison Holdings, LLC and Unison Site Management II, L.L.C. (the “Unison Acquisition”), and have anticipated repayment dates of April 15, 2017, April 15, 2020 and April 15, 2020, respectively, and a final maturity date of April 15, 2040.
(3) The Ghana Loan is denominated in U.S. Dollars.
(4) The Uganda Loan is denominated in U.S. Dollars.
(5) The South African Facility is denominated in South African Rand and amortizes through March 31, 2020.
(6) The Colombian Short-Term Credit Facility is denominated in Colombian Pesos. In October 2012, the maturity date was extended to November 25, 2012.
(7) The Colombian Bridge Loans are denominated in Colombian Pesos. These loans have maturity dates through December 22, 2012, which may be extended from time to time.
(8) The Colombian Loan is denominated in U.S. Dollars.

A description of our contractual debt obligations is set forth under the caption “Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk” in Part I, Item 3 of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q. We classify uncertain tax positions as non-current income tax liabilities. We expect the unrecognized tax benefits to change over the next 12 months if certain tax matters ultimately settle with the applicable taxing jurisdiction during this

 

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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 $33.3 million as other long-term liabilities in the condensed consolidated balance sheet as of September 30, 2012. We also classified approximately $32.3 million of accrued income tax related interest and penalties as other long-term liabilities in the condensed consolidated balance sheet as of September 30, 2012.

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, 2011, our liquidity is dependent on our ability to generate cash flow from operating activities, borrow funds under our credit facilities and maintain compliance with the contractual agreements governing our indebtedness. As discussed below, the loan agreements relating to the Securitization and to the 2011 Credit Facility, 2012 Credit Facility and 2012 Term Loan contain certain financial and operating covenants and other restrictions 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 Agreements Relating to the 2011 Credit Facility, the 2012 Credit Facility and the 2012 Term Loan.    The loan agreements for the 2011 Credit Facility, the 2012 Credit Facility and the 2012 Term Loan contain certain financial 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 agreements also contain covenants that establish three financial tests with which we and our restricted subsidiaries must comply related to total leverage, senior secured leverage and interest coverage, as set forth below. Where we designate certain of our subsidiaries as unrestricted subsidiaries in accordance with the respective agreements, those subsidiaries are excluded for purposes of the covenant calculations. As of September 30, 2012, we were in compliance with each of these covenants.

 

   

Consolidated Total Leverage Ratio: This ratio requires that we not exceed a ratio of Total Debt to Adjusted EBITDA (each as defined in the loan agreements) of 6.00 to 1.00. Based on our financial performance for the 12 months ended September 30, 2012, we could incur approximately $3.4 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 $567 million and we would still remain in compliance with this ratio.

 

   

Consolidated Senior Secured Leverage Ratio: This ratio requires that we not exceed a ratio of Senior Secured Debt (as defined in the loan agreements) to Adjusted EBITDA of 3.00 to 1.00. Based on our financial performance for the 12 months ended September 30, 2012, we could incur approximately $3.4 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 $1.1 billion and we would still remain in compliance with this ratio.

 

   

Interest Coverage Ratio: This ratio requires that we maintain a ratio of Adjusted EBITDA to Interest Expense (as defined in the loan agreements) of not less than 2.50 to 1.00. Based on our financial performance for the 12 months ended September 30, 2012, our interest expense, which was $372 million for that period, could increase by approximately $353 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 $882 million and we would still remain in compliance with this ratio.

 

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The loan agreements also contain 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 agreements for our credit facilities would not only prevent us from being able to borrow additional funds under the 2011 Credit Facility and the 2012 Credit Facility, but would constitute a default under the 2011 Credit Facility, the 2012 Credit Facility and the 2012 Term Loan, 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 agreements for the 2011 Credit Facility, the 2012 Credit Facility and the 2012 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.    The loan agreement for the Securitization involves 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”). As of September 30, 2012, 5,280 broadcast and wireless communications towers are owned by the two special purpose subsidiaries.

The Securitization loan agreement includes certain financial ratios and 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 Securitization 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 Securitization 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.

Under the terms of the Securitization 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 nine months ended September 30, 2012, the Borrowers distributed excess cash to us of approximately $420.2 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 12 months on the Securitization loan. Pursuant to one such test, if the DSCR as of the end of any calendar quarter were 1.75x or less (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.

 

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Additionally, while the anticipated repayment date is not 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 1.45x (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.

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, pay REIT distribution requirements and fund our stock repurchase program. 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.

As of September 30, 2012, the Borrowers’ DSCR was 3.69x. Based on the Borrowers’ net cash flow for the calendar quarter ended September 30, 2012 and the amount of interest, servicing fees and trustee fees payable over the succeeding 12 months on the Securitization loan, the Borrowers could endure a reduction of approximately $191.1 million in net cash flow before triggering a Cash Trap DSCR, and approximately $220.7 million in net cash flow before triggering an Amortization Period.

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 capital expenditures, future growth and expansion initiatives, satisfy our REIT distribution requirements and fund our stock repurchase program, we may need to raise additional capital through financing activities. If we determine that it is 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 capital expenditures, future growth and expansion initiatives, satisfy our REIT distribution requirements, refinance our existing indebtedness or fund our stock repurchase program.

In addition, our liquidity depends on our ability to generate cash flow from operating activities. As set forth under the caption “Risk Factors” in Part II, Item 1A. of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, we derive a substantial portion of our revenues from a small number of tenants and, consequently, a failure by a significant tenant to perform its contractual obligations to us could adversely affect our cash flow and liquidity.

For more information regarding the terms of our outstanding indebtedness, please see note 7 to our consolidated financial statements included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011.

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 impairment of assets, asset retirement obligations, accounting for acquisitions, revenue recognition, rent expense, stock-based compensation and income taxes, which we discussed in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended

 

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December 31, 2011. 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 nine months ended September 30, 2012. 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, 2011.

Recently Adopted Accounting Standards

In May 2011, the FASB amended its guidance related to fair value measurement and disclosure. This guidance clarifies existing measurement and disclosure requirements and results in greater consistency between GAAP and International Financial Reporting Standards. This guidance became effective prospectively for interim and annual periods beginning on or after December 15, 2011. The implementation of this guidance did not have a material impact on our condensed consolidated results of operations or financial position.

In September 2011, the FASB issued guidance on testing goodwill for impairment that became effective for the interim and annual periods beginning on or after December 15, 2011 (with early adoption permitted). Under the new guidance, an entity has the option to first assess qualitative factors to determine whether the existence of events or circumstances leads to a determination that it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying value. If the entity determines that it is more likely than not that the carrying value of a reporting unit is less than its fair value, then performing the two-step impairment test is unnecessary. The implementation of this guidance had no impact on our condensed consolidated results of operations or financial position.

 

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ITEM 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

The following tables provide information as of September 30, 2012 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.

As of September 30, 2012

Principal Payments and Interest Rate Detail by Contractual Maturity Dates

(In thousands, except percentages)

 

Long-Term Debt

  2012     2013     2014     2015     2016     Thereafter     Total     Fair Value  

Fixed Rate Debt (a)

  $ 130,209      $ 2,342      $ 1,751,710      $ 601,030      $ 131,824      $ 3,956,926      $ 6,574,041      $ 7,178,812   

Average Interest Rate (a)

    7.91     5.43     5.61     4.63     9.00     5.51    

Variable Rate Debt (a)

    —        $ 2,508      $ 6,070      $ 11,539      $ 16,054      $ 875,189        911,360     $ 911,629   

Aggregate Notional Amounts Associated with Interest Rate Swaps in Place

As of September 30, 2012 and Interest Rate Detail by Contractual Maturity Dates

(In thousands, except percentages)

 

Interest Rate SWAPS

  2012   2013    2014   2015   2016   Thereafter     Total     Fair Value  

Notional Amount (b)

               ZAR 423,634        ZAR 423,634        ZAR 20,407   

 

(a) As of September 30, 2012, variable rate debt consisted of our 2012 Term Loan ($750.0 million), which matures on June 29, 2017, $100.3 million of indebtedness outstanding under our South African Facility, which amortizes through March 31, 2020 and $61.0 of indebtedness under our Uganda Loan, which matures on June 29, 2019. As of September 30, 2012, fixed rate debt consisted of: the Certificates issued in the Securitization ($1.75 billion); Unison Notes, acquired in connection with the Unison Acquisition ($196.0 principal amount due at maturity, the balance as of September 30, 2012 was $207.6 million); the 7.25% senior notes due 2019 ($300.0 million principal amount due at maturity, the balance as of September 30, 2012 was $296.2 million); the 7.00% senior notes due 2017 ($500.0 million principal due at maturity); the 4.625% senior notes due 2015 ($600.0 million principal amount due at maturity, the balance as of September 30, 2012 was $599.6 million); the 5.05% senior notes due 2020 ($700.0 million principal amount due at maturity, the balance as of September 30, 2012 was $699.3 million); the 4.50% Notes due 2018 ($1.0 billion principal amount due at maturity, the balance as of September 30, 2012 was $999.4 million); the 5.90% senior notes due 2021 ($500.0 million principal amount due at maturity, the balance as of September 30, 2012 was $499.3 million); the 4.70% Notes due 2022 ($700.0 million principal amount due at maturity, the balance as of September 30, 2012 was $698.7 million); and other debt of $328.0 million (including the Colombian Bridge Loans, Colombian Short-Term Credit Facility, Colombian Loan, Ghana Loan and other debt including capital leases). Interest on the 2011 Credit Facility, the 2012 Credit Facility and the 2012 Term Loan is payable in accordance with the applicable 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 September 30, 2012 for the 2011 Credit Facility, the 2012 Credit Facility and the 2012 Term Loan was 1.81%. For the nine months ended September 30, 2012, the weighted average interest rate under the 2011 Credit Facility, the 2012 Credit Facility and the 2012 Term Loan was 1.97%. Interest on the South African Facility is payable in accordance with the applicable JIBAR agreement and accrues at JIBAR plus margin (as defined). The weighted average interest rate at September 30, 2012, after giving effect to our interest rate swap agreements in South Africa, was 9.81%. Interest on the Uganda Loan is payable in accordance with the applicable LIBOR plus margin (as defined). The Uganda Loan accrued interest at 6.368% at September 30, 2012.

 

(b) The interest rate swaps are denominated in ZAR. On September 30, 2012, the notional amount and the fair value were $51.0 million and $2.5 million, respectively.

Changes in interest rates can cause interest charges to fluctuate on our variable rate debt. Variable rate debt as of September 30, 2012, was comprised of $750.0 million under the 2012 Term Loan, $61.0 million under the Uganda Loan and $49.4 million under the South African Facility after giving effect to our interest rate swap agreements in South Africa. A 10% increase in current interest rates would have caused an immaterial additional pre-tax charge to our net income and an immaterial increase in our cash outflows for the nine months ended September 30, 2012.

 

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We are exposed to market risk from changes in foreign currency exchange rates primarily in connection with our foreign subsidiaries and joint ventures internationally. Any transaction denominated in a currency other than the U.S. Dollar is reported in U.S. Dollars at the applicable exchange rate. All assets and liabilities are translated into U.S. Dollars at exchange rates in effect at the end of the applicable fiscal reporting period and all revenues and expenses are translated at average rates for the period. The cumulative translation effect is included in equity and as a component of comprehensive income (loss).

For the nine months ended September 30, 2012, approximately 30% of our revenues and approximately 38% of our total operating expenses were denominated in foreign currencies, as compared to 26% and 33%, respectively, during the same period in 2011.

We have performed a sensitivity analysis assuming a hypothetical 10% adverse movement in foreign currency exchange rates from the quoted foreign currency exchange rates at September 30, 2012 used to translate our financial results to U.S. Dollars. As of September 30, 2012, the analysis indicated that such an adverse movement would cause our revenues, operating results and cash flows to fluctuate by less than 4%.

Since January 1, 2011, we have incurred a substantial amount of additional intercompany debt, which is not considered to be permanently reinvested, and similar unaffiliated balances that are denominated in a currency other than the functional currency of the subsidiary in which it is recorded. As this debt has not been designated as being of long-term investment in nature, any changes in the foreign currency exchange rates will result in unrealized gains or losses, which will be included in our determination of net income. An adverse change of 10% in the underlying exchange rates of our unsettled intercompany debt and similar unaffiliated balances would result in approximately $125 million of unrealized gains or losses that would be included in other income in our condensed consolidated statement of operations for the nine months ended September 30, 2012.

 

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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 specified in the applicable rules and forms, and that it is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our principal executive officer and principal financial officer, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting

There have not been any changes in our internal control over financial reporting during the three months ended September 30, 2012 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

Mexico Litigation—One of our subsidiaries, SpectraSite Communications, Inc. (“SCI”), a predecessor to SpectraSite Communications, LLC, 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 acquisition of SCI 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 the necessary jurisdiction over SCI. In September 2010, following several decisions by Mexican appellate courts, including the Supreme Court of Mexico, and related appeals by both parties, an intermediate appellate court issued a new decision that would, if enforceable, reimpose liability on SCI if the primary defendant in the case is unable to satisfy the judgment. In its decision, the intermediate appellate court identified potential damages, in the form of potential statutory interest, of approximately $6.7 million as of that date. On October 14, 2010, we filed a new constitutional appeal to again dispute the decision, which was rejected on January 24, 2012. The case was returned to the trial court to determine whether any actual damages should be awarded to the Mexican carrier. The Mexican carrier sought damages of approximately $7.9 million in the trial court. On August 2, 2012, the trial court entered judgment against the primary defendant and SCI in the amount of approximately $6.5 million. Each of the parties appealed the trial court’s determination and on October 17, 2012, the appellate court entered judgment against the primary defendant in the amount of approximately $7.9 million with SCI responsible for any amount that cannot be recovered from the primary defendant. SCI is currently considering whether to file an additional appeal. Any judgment of the court in Mexico against SCI would need to be enforced in the United States and we are unable to determine whether the award of damages is enforceable in the United States.

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, 2011, we reported our material legal proceedings. Since the filing of our Annual Report, other than the legal proceedings discussed above and in our Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q for the quarters ended March 31, 2012 and June 30, 2012, there have been no material developments with respect to any material legal proceedings to which we are a party.

 

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.

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

 

   

mergers or consolidations among wireless service providers;

 

   

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

 

   

technological changes;

 

   

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

 

   

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 on network infrastructure;

 

   

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

 

   

governmental licensing of spectrum or restricting or revoking spectrum licenses;

 

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the imposition by local governments of significant license surcharges; and

 

   

zoning, environmental, health or other government regulations or changes in the application and enforcement thereof.

Any downturn in the economy or disruption in the financial and credit markets could impact 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 service provider tenants could 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 materially and adversely affect leasing demand for our communications sites and our network development services business, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations or financial condition.

Furthermore, the demand for broadcast space in the United States and Mexico depends 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, any significant increase in attrition rate or decrease in overall demand for broadcast space could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations or financial condition.

If our tenants consolidate, merge or share site infrastructure with each other to a significant degree, our growth, revenue and ability to generate positive cash flows could be materially and adversely affected.

Significant consolidation among our tenants may result in the decommissioning of certain existing communications sites, because certain portions of these tenants’ networks may be redundant. For example, in the U.S., recently combined companies have either rationalized or announced plans to rationalize duplicative parts of their networks, which may result in the decommissioning of certain equipment on our communications sites. We would expect a similar outcome in India if the anticipated consolidation of certain tenants occurs. In addition, certain combined companies have undergone or are currently undergoing a modernization of their networks, and these and other tenants could determine not to renew leases with us as a result. Our ongoing contractual revenues and our future results may be negatively impacted if a significant number of these leases are not renewed. Similar consequences might occur if wireless service providers engage in extensive sharing of site infrastructure, roaming or resale arrangements as an alternative to leasing our communications sites.

New technologies or changes in a tenant’s business model could make our tower leasing business less desirable and result in decreasing revenues.

The development and implementation of new technologies designed to enhance the efficiency of wireless networks or changes in a tenant’s business model could reduce the need for tower-based wireless services, decrease demand for tower space or reduce obtainable lease rates. Examples of these technologies include spectrally efficient technologies which could relieve a portion of our tenants’ network capacity needs and as a result, could reduce the demand for tower-based antenna space. Additionally, certain small cell complementary network technologies, such as picocells, femtocells and WiFi, could offload a portion of our tenants’ network traffic away from the traditional tower-based networks, which could also 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 wireless communication, radio and video services by direct broadcast satellites could materially and adversely affect demand for our tower space. In addition, a tenant may decide to no longer outsource tower infrastructure or otherwise change its business model which would result in a decrease in our revenue. The development and implementation of any of these and similar technologies to any significant degree or changes in a tenant’s business model could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations or financial condition.

 

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Our expansion initiatives may disrupt our operations or expose us to additional risk if we are not able to successfully integrate operations, assets and personnel.

As we continue to acquire communications sites in our existing markets and expand into new markets, we are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, including not meeting our return on investment criteria and financial objectives, increased costs, assumed liabilities and the diversion of managerial attention due to acquisitions. Achieving the benefits of acquisitions depends in part on integrating operations, communications tower portfolios and personnel in a timely and efficient manner. Integration may be difficult and unpredictable for many reasons, including, among other things, differing systems and processes, potential cultural differences, customary business practices and conflicting policies, procedures and operations. In addition, the integration of businesses may significantly burden management and internal resources, including the potential loss or unavailability of key personnel.

Furthermore, our international expansion initiatives are subject to additional risks such as complex laws, regulations and business practices that may require additional resources and personnel, and the other risks described below in “—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.” As a result, our foreign operations and expansion initiatives may not succeed and may materially and adversely affect our business, results of operations or financial condition.

If we fail to qualify as a REIT or fail to remain qualified as a REIT, we would be subject to tax at corporate income tax rates, which would substantially reduce funds available.

We began operating as a REIT for federal income tax purposes, effective for the taxable year beginning January 1, 2012. If we fail to qualify as a REIT, we will be taxed at corporate income tax rates unless certain relief provisions apply. We believe that we are organized and will qualify as a REIT upon timely filing our federal income tax return for 2012, and we intend to operate in a manner that will allow us to continue to qualify as a REIT. However, we cannot guarantee that we will qualify or remain so qualified, including if our Board of Directors determines it is no longer in our interests to be a REIT. This is because REIT qualification involves the application of highly technical and complex provisions of the Code, which provisions may change from time to time, to our operations as well as various factual determinations concerning matters and circumstances not entirely within our control. There are limited judicial or administrative interpretations of the Code provisions.

If, in any taxable year, we fail to qualify for taxation as a REIT, and are not entitled to relief under the Code:

 

   

we will not be allowed a deduction for distributions to stockholders in computing our taxable income;

 

   

we will be subject to federal and state income tax, including any applicable alternative minimum tax, on our taxable income at regular corporate tax rates; and

 

   

we would be disqualified from REIT tax treatment for the four taxable years following the year during which we were so disqualified.

Any corporate tax liability could be substantial and would reduce the amount of cash available for other purposes. If we fail to qualify for taxation as a REIT, we may need to borrow additional funds or liquidate some investments to pay any additional tax liability. Accordingly, funds available for investment would be reduced.

We could suffer adverse tax or other financial consequences if taxing authorities do not agree with our tax positions.

We periodically are subject to examinations by taxing authorities in the states and countries where we do business, and we expect that we will continue to be subject to tax examinations in the future. Moreover, the Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) and any state or local tax authority may successfully assert liabilities against us for corporate income taxes for taxable years prior to the time we qualified as a REIT, or with respect to our TRSs, in which case either we will owe these taxes plus applicable interest and penalties, if any, or we will offset

 

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additional income as determined by a tax authority with our NOLs. If we offset such additional income with our NOLs, our required distributions to maintain our qualification and taxation as a REIT will increase and we may be required to pay deficiency dividends and an associated interest charge if our prior REIT distributions were insufficient in light of the reduced available NOLs.

In addition, domestic and international tax laws and regulations are extremely complex and subject to varying interpretations. We recognize tax benefits of uncertain tax positions when we believe the positions are more likely than not to be 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 our tax positions will not be challenged by relevant tax authorities or that we would be successful in any such challenge. If there are tax benefits that are challenged successfully by a taxing authority, we may be required to pay additional taxes or use our NOLs or we may seek to enter into settlements with the taxing authorities, all of which could require significant payments or otherwise have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations or financial condition.

Failure to make required distributions would subject us to additional federal corporate income tax, and we may be limited in our ability to fund these distributions using cash generated through our TRSs.

We began declaring regular distributions in the first quarter of 2012, the amounts of which will be determined, and are subject to adjustment, by our Board of Directors. If our cash available for distribution falls short of our estimates, we may be unable to maintain distributions that approximate our REIT taxable income, and may fail to qualify for taxation as a REIT, which generally requires distribution of an amount equal to at least 90% of REIT taxable income (determined before the deduction for dividends paid and excluding any net capital gain). In addition, our cash flows from operations may be insufficient to fund required distributions as a result of differences in timing between the actual receipt of income and the recognition of income for federal income tax purposes, or the effect of nondeductible expenditures, such as capital expenditures, payments of compensation for which Section 162(m) of the Code denies a deduction, the creation of reserves or required debt service or amortization payments.

To the extent that we satisfy the 90% distribution requirement, but distribute less than 100% of our REIT taxable income, we will be subject to federal corporate income tax on our undistributed taxable income. In addition, we will be subject to a 4% nondeductible excise tax if the actual amount that we distribute to our stockholders for a calendar year is less than the minimum amount specified under the Code.

Our ability to receive distributions from our TRSs is limited by the rules with which we must comply to maintain our status as a REIT. In particular, at least 75% of our gross income for each taxable year as a REIT must be derived from real estate, which principally includes gross income from the leasing of our communications sites and rental-related services. Consequently, no more than 25% of our gross income may consist of dividend income from our TRSs and other non-qualifying types of income. Thus, our ability to receive distributions from our TRSs may be limited, and may impact our ability to fund distributions to our stockholders. Specifically, if our TRSs become highly profitable, we might become limited in our ability to receive net income from our TRSs in an amount required to fund distributions to our stockholders commensurate with that profitability.

In addition, the majority of our income and cash flows from our TRSs are generated from our international operations. In many cases, there are local withholding taxes and currency controls that may impact our ability or willingness to repatriate funds to the United States to help satisfy REIT distribution requirements.

Certain of our business activities may be subject to corporate level income tax and foreign taxes, which reduce our cash flows, and will have potential deferred and contingent tax liabilities.

We may be subject to certain federal, state, local and foreign taxes on our income and assets, including alternative minimum taxes, taxes on any undistributed income and state, local or foreign income, franchise, property and transfer taxes. In addition, we could, in certain circumstances, be required to pay an excise or

 

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penalty tax, which could be significant in amount, in order to utilize one or more relief provisions under the Code to maintain qualification for taxation as a REIT. Any of these taxes would decrease our earnings and our available cash.

Our TRS assets and operations will continue to be subject, as applicable, to federal and state corporate income taxes and to foreign taxes in the jurisdictions in which those assets and operations are located.

We will also be subject to a federal corporate level tax at the highest regular corporate rate (currently 35%) on the gain recognized from a sale of assets occurring within a specified period (generally, ten years) after the REIT Conversion, up to the amount of the built-in gain that existed on January 1, 2012, which is based on the fair market value of those assets in excess of our tax basis as of January 1, 2012. Gain from a sale of an asset occurring after the specified period ends will not be subject to this corporate level tax. We currently do not expect to sell any asset if the sale would result in the imposition of a material tax liability. We cannot, however, assure you that we will not change our plans in this regard.

Complying with REIT requirements may limit our flexibility or cause us to forego otherwise attractive opportunities.

To qualify as a REIT for federal income tax purposes, we must continually satisfy tests concerning, among other things, the sources of our income, the nature and diversification of our assets, the amounts we distribute to our stockholders and the concentration of ownership of our stock. Compliance with these tests will require us to refrain from certain activities and may hinder our ability to make certain attractive investments, including the purchase of non-qualifying assets, the expansion of non-real estate activities, and investments in the businesses to be conducted by our TRSs, and to that extent limit our opportunities and our flexibility to change our business strategy. We could also be required to liquidate otherwise attractive investments, and could be limited in our ability to hedge liabilities and risks. Furthermore, acquisition opportunities in domestic and international markets may be adversely affected if we need or require the target company to comply with some REIT requirements prior to closing. In addition, we may receive pressure from investors not to pursue growth opportunities that are not immediately accretive.

Under the Code, no more than 25% of the value of the assets of a REIT may be represented by securities of one or more TRSs and other non-qualifying assets. This limitation may affect our ability to make additional investments in our DAS networks business or network development services segment as currently structured and operated, in other non-REIT qualifying operations or assets, or in international operations through TRSs. To meet our annual distribution requirements, we may be required to distribute amounts that may otherwise be used for our operations, including amounts that may otherwise be invested in future acquisitions, capital expenditures or repayment of debt, and it is possible that we might be required to borrow funds, sell assets or raise equity to fund these distributions, even if the then-prevailing market conditions are not favorable for these borrowings, sales or offerings.

Our extensive use of TRSs, in particular for our international operations, may cause us to fail to qualify as a REIT.

The net income of our TRSs is not required to be distributed to us, and such undistributed TRS income is generally not subject to our REIT distribution requirements. However, if the accumulation of cash or reinvestment of significant earnings in our TRSs causes the fair market value of our securities in those entities, taken together with other non-qualifying assets, to exceed 25% of the fair market value of our assets, in each case as determined for REIT asset testing purposes, we would, absent timely responsive action, fail to qualify as a REIT.

 

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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.

Our international business operations and our expansion into new markets in the future could result in adverse financial consequences and operational problems not typically experienced in the United States. For the nine months ended September 30, 2012 approximately 30% of our consolidated revenue was generated by our international operations, compared to 26% for the nine months ended September 30, 2011. We anticipate that our revenues from our international operations will 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;

 

   

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 or fees directed specifically at the ownership and operation of communications sites or our international acquisitions, which may be applied and enforced retroactively;

 

   

changes to zoning regulations or construction laws, which could retroactively be applied to our existing communications sites;

 

   

expropriation or governmental regulation restricting foreign ownership or requiring divestiture;

 

   

restricting or revoking spectrum licenses or suspending business under prior licenses;

 

   

imposing significant license surcharges;

 

   

possible failure to comply with anti-bribery laws such as the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act and similar local anti-bribery laws; and

 

   

uncertainties regarding legal or judicial systems, including inconsistencies between and within laws, regulations and decrees, and judicial application thereof, which may be enforced retroactively, and delays in the judicial process.

In our international operations, many of our tenants are subsidiaries of global telecommunications companies. These subsidiaries may not have the explicit or implied financial support of their parent entities.

In addition, as we continue to invest in joint venture opportunities internationally, our partners may have business or economic goals that are inconsistent with ours, be in positions to take action contrary to our requests, policies or objectives, withhold consents contrary to our requests or become unable or unwilling to fulfill their commitments, which could expose us to additional liabilities or costs, including requiring us to assume and fulfill the obligations of that joint venture.

We also 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. Our revenues earned from our international operations are primarily denominated in their respective 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 reported revenues, operating profits and income.

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 tenants are subject to federal, state, local and foreign regulations. In certain jurisdictions, these regulations could be applied or enforced retroactively. Local zoning authorities and community organizations are often opposed to construction of communications sites in their communities and

 

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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 tenant demands and requirements. In addition, in certain foreign jurisdictions, we are required to pay annual license fees, and these fees may be subject to substantial increases by the government. Foreign jurisdictions in which we operate and currently are not required to pay license fees may enact license fees, which may apply retroactively. In certain foreign jurisdictions, there may be changes to zoning regulations or construction laws based on site location which may result in increased costs to modify certain of our existing towers or decreased revenue due to the removal of certain towers to ensure compliance with such changes. Existing regulatory policies may materially and adversely affect the associated timing or cost of such projects and additional regulations may be adopted that increase delays or result in additional costs to us, or that prevent such projects in certain locations. Furthermore, the tax laws, regulations and interpretations governing REITs may change at any time. These factors could materially and adversely affect our business, results of operations or financial condition.

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

A substantial portion of our total operating revenues is derived from a small number of tenants. For the nine months ended September 30, 2012, four tenants accounted for approximately 74% of our domestic rental and management segment revenue; and five tenants accounted for approximately 55% of our international rental and management segment revenue. If any of these tenants is unwilling or unable to perform their obligations under our agreements with them, our revenues, results of operations, financial condition and liquidity could be materially and adversely affected. In the ordinary course of our business, we do occasionally experience disputes with our tenants, generally regarding the interpretation of terms in our leases. We have historically resolved these disputes in a manner that did not have a material adverse effect on us or our tenant relationships. However, it is possible that such disputes could lead to a termination of our leases with tenants or a material modification of the terms of those leases, either of which could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations or financial condition. If we are forced to resolve any of these disputes through litigation, our relationship with the applicable tenant 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 or financial condition.

Due to the long-term expectations of revenue growth from tenant leases, we are sensitive to changes in the creditworthiness and financial strength of our tenants.

Due to the long-term nature of our tenant leases, we depend on the continued financial strength of our tenants. Many wireless service providers operate with substantial leverage. In the past, we have had tenants that have filed for bankruptcy. In addition, many of our tenants and potential tenants rely on capital raising activities to fund their operations and capital expenditures. Downturns in the economy and disruptions in the financial and credit markets have periodically made it more difficult and more expensive to raise capital. If our tenants or potential tenants are unable to raise adequate capital to fund their business plans, they may reduce their spending, which could materially and adversely affect demand for our communications sites and our network development services business. If, as a result of a prolonged economic downturn or otherwise, one or more of our significant tenants experienced financial difficulties or filed for bankruptcy, it could result in uncollectable accounts receivable and an impairment of our deferred rent asset, tower asset, network location intangible asset or customer-related intangible asset. In addition, it could result in the loss of significant tenants and all or a portion of our anticipated lease revenues from certain tenants, all of which could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations or financial condition.

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 87% of the communications sites in our portfolio as of September 30, 2012 are located on land we lease pursuant to operating leases. Approximately 77% of the ground leases for these sites have a final expiration date of 2022 and beyond. Further, for various reasons, title to property interests in some of the foreign jurisdictions in which we operate may not be as certain as title to our property interests in the United States. Our inability to protect our rights to the land under our towers may have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations or financial condition.

We may need additional financing to fund capital expenditures, future growth and expansion initiatives and to satisfy our REIT distribution requirements.

To fund capital expenditures, future growth and expansion initiatives and to satisfy our REIT distribution requirements, we may need to raise additional capital through financing activities, sell assets or raise equity. We believe our cash provided by operations for the year ending December 31, 2012 will sufficiently fund our cash needs for operations, capital expenditures, required distribution payments and cash debt service (interest and principal repayments) obligations through 2012. However, we anticipate that we may need to obtain additional sources of capital in the future to fund capital expenditures, future growth and expansion initiatives and satisfy our REIT distribution requirements. Depending on market conditions, we may seek to raise capital through credit facilities or debt or equity offerings. Additionally, a downgrade of our credit rating below investment grade could negatively impact our ability to access credit markets or preclude us from obtaining funds on investment grade terms and conditions. Further, certain of our current debt instruments limit the amount of indebtedness we and our subsidiaries may incur. Additional financing, therefore, may be unavailable, more 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 capital expenditures, future growth and expansion initiatives or satisfy our REIT distribution requirements.

Our leverage and debt service obligations may materially and adversely affect us.

In order to meet the REIT distribution requirements and maintain our qualification and taxation as a REIT, we may need to borrow funds, sell assets or raise equity, even if the then-prevailing market conditions are not favorable for these borrowings, sales or offerings. Any insufficiency of our cash flows to cover our REIT distribution requirements could adversely impact our ability to raise short- and long-term debt, to sell assets or to offer equity securities. Furthermore, the REIT distribution requirements may increase the financing we need to fund capital expenditures, future growth and expansion initiatives. This would increase our total leverage.

As of September 30, 2012, we had approximately $7.5 billion of consolidated debt and the ability to borrow additional amounts of approximately $2.0 billion under our credit facilities. Our leverage could render us unable to generate cash sufficient to pay when due the principal of, interest on, or other amounts due with respect to our indebtedness. We are also permitted, subject to certain restrictions under our existing indebtedness, to draw down on our credit facilities and obtain additional long-term debt and working capital lines of credit to meet future financing needs.

Our leverage could have significant negative consequences on our business, results of operations or financial condition, 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 due under those agreements, which could result in an acceleration of some or all of our outstanding debt and the loss of towers subject to our Securitization if an uncured default occurs;

 

   

increasing our vulnerability to general adverse economic and industry conditions;

 

   

limiting our ability to obtain additional debt or equity financing;

 

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increasing our borrowing costs if our current investment grade debt ratings decline;

 

   

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 or REIT distributions;

 

   

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 markets in which we compete;

 

   

limiting our ability to repurchase our common stock or make distributions to our stockholders; and

 

   

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

Restrictive covenants in the loan agreements related to our Securitization, the loan agreements for our credit facilities and the indentures governing our debt securities could materially and adversely affect our business by limiting flexibility.

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 excess cash flow associated with such towers.

The loan agreements for our credit facilities contain restrictive covenants, as well as requirements to comply with certain leverage and other financial maintenance tests, and could thus limit our ability to take various actions, including incurring additional debt, guaranteeing indebtedness or making distributions to stockholders, and engaging in various types of transactions, including mergers, acquisitions and sales of assets. Additionally, our indentures restrict our and our subsidiaries’ ability to incur liens securing our or their indebtedness. 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. Further, if these limits prevent us from satisfying our REIT distribution requirements, we could fail to qualify for taxation as a REIT. If these limits do not jeopardize our qualification for taxation as a REIT but nevertheless prevent us from distributing 100% of our REIT taxable income, we would be subject to federal corporate income tax, and potentially a nondeductible excise tax, on the retained amounts.

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 for the year ended December 31, 2011 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 7 to our consolidated financial statements included in our Annual Report.

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

Our industry is highly competitive and our tenants have numerous alternatives in leasing antenna space. Some of our competitors, such as wireless carriers that allow collocation on their towers, are larger and may have greater financial resources than we do, while other competitors may have lower return on investment criteria than we do.

 

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Competitive pricing for tenants on towers from these competitors could materially and adversely affect our lease rates and services income. In addition, we may not be able to renew existing tenant leases or enter into new tenant 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. Any of these factors could materially and adversely affect our business, results of operations or financial condition.

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. We may not have the required available capital to exercise our right to purchase 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 would lose the cash flows derived from such towers. In the event that we decide to exercise these purchase rights, the benefits of the acquisitions of a significant number of towers may not exceed the associated acquisition, compliance and integration costs, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations or financial condition.

We may incur goodwill and other intangible impairment charges which may require us to record a significant charge to earnings.

In accordance with GAAP, we are required to assess our goodwill and indefinite-lived intangibles annually to determine if they are impaired or more frequently in the event of circumstances indicating potential impairment. These circumstances could include a decline in our actual or expected future cash flows or income, a significant adverse change in the business climate, a decline in market capitalization, or slower growth rates in our industry, among others. If the testing performed indicates that impairment has occurred, we are required to record a non-cash impairment charge for the difference between the carrying value of the goodwill or other intangible assets and the implied fair value of the goodwill or other intangible assets in the period the determination is made.

While we did not record any impairment charges during the nine months ended September 30, 2012, it is possible that in the future, we may be required to record impairment charges for our goodwill for our reporting units or for other intangible assets. These charges could be significant, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations or financial condition.

We have limited experience operating as a REIT, which may adversely affect our financial condition, results of operations, cash flow, per share trading price of our common stock and ability to satisfy debt service obligations.

We have only been operating as a REIT since January 1, 2012. Accordingly, the experience of our senior management operating a REIT is limited. Our pre-REIT operating experience may not be sufficient to operate successfully as a REIT. Failure to maintain REIT status could adversely affect our financial condition, results of operations, cash flow, per share trading price of our common stock and ability to satisfy debt service obligations.

Distributions payable by REITs generally do not qualify for reduced tax rates.

Certain distributions payable by corporations to individuals, trusts and estates that are U.S. stockholders are currently eligible for federal income tax at a minimum rate of 15% and are scheduled to be taxed at ordinary income rates for taxable years beginning after December 31, 2012. Distributions payable by REITs, in contrast,

 

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generally are not eligible for the current reduced rates. The more favorable rates applicable to regular corporate distributions could cause investors who are individuals, trusts and estates to perceive investments in REITs to be relatively less attractive than investments in the stock of non-REIT corporations that pay distributions, which could reduce the demand and market price of shares of our common stock.

We could have liability under environmental and occupational safety and health laws.

Our operations, like those of other companies engaged in similar businesses, are subject to the requirements of various federal, state, 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 real property and facilities, we may be liable for substantial costs of investigation, removal or remediation of 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. We may also be liable for certain costs of remediating contamination at third-party sites to which we sent waste for disposal, even if the original disposal may have complied with all legal requirements at the time. Many of these laws and regulations contain information reporting and record keeping requirements. We cannot assure you that we are at all times in complete compliance with all environmental requirements. We may be subject to potentially significant fines or penalties if we fail to comply with any of these requirements. The requirements of these laws and regulations are complex, change frequently and could become more stringent in the future. In certain jurisdictions these laws and regulations could be applied or enforced retroactively. 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 or financial condition.

Our towers or data centers may be affected by natural disasters and other unforeseen events 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 events. Any damage or destruction to our towers or data centers, or certain unforeseen events, may impact our ability to provide services to our tenants. While we maintain insurance coverage for natural disasters, we may not have adequate insurance to cover the associated costs of repair or reconstruction for a major future 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 tenants, it could lead to tenant loss, resulting in a corresponding material adverse effect on our business, results of operations or financial condition.

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 technology 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 or environmental 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 pose health risks to consumers, it could negatively impact our tenants and the market for wireless services, which could materially and adversely affect our business, results of operations or financial condition. We do not maintain any significant insurance with respect to these matters.

 

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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 September 30, 2012, we repurchased a total of 83,164 shares of our common stock for an aggregate of $5.9 million, including commissions and fees, pursuant to our publicly announced stock repurchase program, as follows:

 

Period

   Total Number
of Shares
Purchased (1)
     Average
Price Paid
per Share (2)
     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)  

July 2012

     24,900      $ 70.48        24,900      $ 1,306.2  

August 2012

     31,579        70.99        31,579        1,303.9  

September 2012

     26,685        71.08        26,685        1,302.1  
  

 

 

       

 

 

    

Total Third Quarter

     83,164      $ 70.86        83,164      $ 1,302.1  
  

 

 

       

 

 

    

 

(1) Repurchases made pursuant to the 2011 Buyback. 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.
(2) Average price paid per share is calculated using the aggregate price, excluding commissions and fees.

Since September 30, 2012, we have continued to repurchase shares of our common stock pursuant to our 2011 Buyback, originally announced on March 10, 2011. Between October 1, 2012 and October 18, 2012, we repurchased an additional 16,689 shares of our common stock for an aggregate of $1.2 million, including commissions and fees, pursuant to the 2011 Buyback. As a result, as of October 18, 2012, we had repurchased a total of 3.7 million shares of our common stock under the 2011 Buyback for an aggregate of $199.1 million, including commissions and fees. We expect to continue to manage the pacing of the remaining $1.3 billion under the 2011 Buyback in response to general market conditions and other relevant factors.

 

ITEM 6. EXHIBITS

See the Exhibit Index on Page EX-1 of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, which 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: October 31, 2012     By:   /S/    THOMAS A. BARTLETT        
     

 

     

Thomas A. Bartlett

Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer

(Duly Authorized Officer and Principal

Financial Officer)

 

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EXHIBIT INDEX

 

Exhibit No.

  

Description

12    Computation of Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges
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 as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
101.INS    XBRL Instance Document
101.SCH    XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document
101.CAL    XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document
101.LAB    XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document
101.PRE    XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document
101.DEF    XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition

 

Ex-1