Quarterly Report Period Ending 3-31-03

UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549


FORM 10-Q


QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d)
OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the quarterly period ended March 31, 2003

Commission File Number 001-08106


mastec, inc logo

MASTEC, INC
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)


Florida   65-0829355  
State or other jurisdiction of   (I.R.S. Employer  
incorporation or organization)   Identification No.)  
         
3155 N.W. 77th Avenue, Miami, FL   33122-1205  
(Address of principal executive offices)   (Zip Code)  


Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (305) 599-1800


Former name, former address and former fiscal year, if changed since last report: Not Applicable

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

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

        As of May 9, 2003, MasTec, Inc. had 48,037,482 shares of common stock, $0.10 par value, outstanding.

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.


MASTEC, INC.
TABLE OF CONTENTS

Part I.   Financial Information      
           
Item 1.   Financial Statements (Unaudited)  
           
    Consolidated Statements of Operations for
the Three Months Ended March 31, 2003 and 2002
  3  
           
    Consolidated Balance Sheets as of March 31, 2003
and December 31, 2002 (Audited)
  4  
           
    Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Three Months Ended March 31, 2003 and 2002   5  
           
    Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements   6  
           
Item 2.   Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition
and Results of Operations
  16  
           
Item 3.   Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk   21  
           
Item 4.   Controls and Procedures   21  
           
Part II.   Other Information  
           
Item 1.   Legal Proceedings   22  
           
Item 6   Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K   22  
           
Signature       23  
           
Certifications       24  


The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.


MASTEC, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

(In thousands, except per share amounts)

(Unaudited)

For the Three Months
Ended March 31,

2003
2002
Revenue     $ 180,569   $ 203,782  
Costs of revenue, excluding depreciation    152,785    164,586  
Depreciation    8,350    9,850  
Amortization    151    128  
General and administrative expenses    17,909    22,079  
Interest expense    4,656    5,047  
Interest income    118    395  
Other income (expense), net    480    (274 )


(Loss) income before (provision) benefit for income taxes,    (2,684 )  2,213  
    minority interest and cumulative effect of accounting change  
Benefit (provision) for income taxes    1,060    (926 )
Minority interest    36    (52 )


(Loss) income before cumulative effect of accounting change    (1,588 )  1,235  
Cumulative effect of accounting change, net of tax    --    (25,671 )


Net loss   $ (1,588 ) $ (24,436 )


Basic weighted average common shares outstanding       48,018     47,908  
Basic (loss) earnings per share before cumulative          
     effect of accounting change     $ (0.03 ) $ 0.03  
Cumulative effect of accounting change       --     (0.54 )


Basic loss per share   $ (0.03 ) $ (0.51 )


             
Diluted weighted average common shares outstanding       48,018     48,054  
Diluted (loss) earnings per share before cumulative        
     effect of accounting change   $(0.03 ) $ 0.03
Cumulative effect of accounting change    --    (0.53 )


Diluted loss per share   $ (0.03 ) $ (0.51 )




The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.


MASTEC, INC.

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(In thousands)

(Unaudited)

March 31,
2003

(Audited)
December 31,
2002

Assets
Current assets:            
    Cash and cash equivalents   $ 15,119   $ 8,730  
    Accounts receivable, unbilled revenue and retainage, net    180,037    185,235  
    Inventories    24,708    23,736  
    Income tax refund receivable    1,827    24,598  
    Prepaid expenses and other current assets    38,109    32,873  


      Total current assets    259,800    275,172  
Property and equipment, net    108,781    118,475  
Goodwill    150,984    150,984  
Deferred taxes    41,325    40,271  
Other assets    41,903    38,890  


      Total assets   $ 602,793   $ 623,792  


                 Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity   
Current liabilities:  
    Current maturities of debt   $ 3,539   $ 1,207  
    Accounts payable    61,359    63,492  
    Other current liabilities    46,185    65,696  


      Total current liabilities    111,083    130,395  


Other liabilities    21,691    22,214  


Long-term debt    197,209    197,435  


Shareholders' equity:  
    Preferred stock, no par value; authorized shares - 5,000,000;  
      issued and outstanding shares - none    --    --  
    Common stock $0.10 par value; authorized shares - 10,000,000;  
      issued and outstanding shares - 48,035,674 and 48,006,234  
      shares, respectively    4,804    4,801  
    Capital surplus    348,361    348,319  
    Retained deficit    (56,398 )  (54,810 )
    Foreign currency translation adjustments    (23,957 )  (24,562 )


      Total shareholders' equity    272,810    273,748  


      Total liabilities and shareholders' equity   $ 602,793   $ 623,792  



The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.


MASTEC, INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(In thousands)

(Unaudited)

For the Three Months
Ended March 31,

2003
2002
Cash flows from operating activities:            
   Net (loss)   $ (1,588 ) $ (24,436 )
   Adjustments to reconcile net (loss) to net cash provided by  
     operating activities:  
     Depreciation and amortization    8,501    9,978  
     Minority interest    (36 )  52  
     Gain on disposal of assets    (229 )  (82 )
     Cumulative change in accounting principle, net    --    25,671  
 Changes in assets and liabilities:  
       Accounts receivable, unbilled revenue and retainage, net    5,572    23,694  
       Inventories    (926 )  (8,543 )
       Income tax refunds    22,771    44,151  
       Other assets, current and non-current portion    (6,846 )  (3,235 )
       Accounts payable    (2,286 )  (16,252 )
       Other liabilities, current and non-current portion    (19,698 )  (9,675 )


Net cash provided by operating activities    5,235    41,323  


Cash flows from investing activities:  
   Capital expenditures    (2,435 )  (5,498 )
   Cash paid for acquisitions and contingent consideration, net of  
     cash acquired    (893 )  --  
   Payments received from sub-leases       2,676     --  
   Investment in life insurance policy       (168 )   --  
   Proceeds from sale of assets    2,064    1,041  


Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities    1,244  (4,457 )


Cash flows from financing activities:  
   Borrowings (repayments) on revolving credit facilities, net    2,106    (69,965 )
   Payment on capital lease obligation       (2,600 )   --  
   Net proceeds from common stock issued    45    38  


Net cash used in financing activities    (449 )  (69,927 )


Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents    6,030    (33,061 )
Net effect of currency translation on cash    359  (731 )
Cash and cash equivalents - beginning of period    8,730    48,478  


Cash and cash equivalents - end of period   $ 15,119   $ 14,686  


Supplemental disclosure of non-cash information:

During the three months ended March 31, 2003, the Company disposed of certain assets and equipment for which it recorded a receivable of $2 million in other current assets as of March 31, 2003.



The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.


MasTec, Inc.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

Note 1 - Nature of the Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

        MasTec, Inc. (“MasTec” or “the Company”) is a leading end-to-end communication, broadband and energy infrastructure service provider for a broad range of clients in North America and Brazil. MasTec designs, builds, installs, maintains, upgrades and monitors internal and external networks and other facilities for its clients. MasTec is one of the few national, multi-disciplinary infrastructure providers that furnishes a comprehensive solution to our clients’ infrastructure needs ranging from basic installation and construction to sophisticated engineering, design and integration. The Company’s diverse and long-standing client base, experienced management and integrated value added service offering provide a stable base of repeat business that enables it to quickly and efficiently meet client demands.

        A summary of the significant accounting policies followed in the preparation of the accompanying consolidated financial statements is presented below.

        Basis for Presentation of Consolidated Financial Statements. The accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements of MasTec have been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles for interim financial information and with the instructions for Form 10-Q and Rule 10-01 of Regulation S-X. They do not include all information and notes required by generally accepted accounting principles for complete financial statements and should be read together with the audited financial statements and notes thereto included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2002. The financial information furnished reflects all adjustments, consisting only of normal recurring accruals, which are, in the opinion of Management, necessary for a fair presentation of the financial position, results of operations and cash flows for the quarterly periods presented. The results of operations for the periods presented are not necessarily indicative of future results of operations.

        Reclassifications. Certain reclassifications have been made to prior year amounts to confirm with current year presentation.

        Management estimates. The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States requires estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenue and expenses, and related disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities. Management bases its estimates on historical experience and on various other assumptions that it believes to be reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis for judgments about results and the carrying values of assets and liabilities. The more significant estimates relate to revenue recognition, allowance for doubtful accounts, intangible assets, accrued insurance, income taxes, litigation and contingencies. Actual results and values may differ from these estimates.

        Principles of consolidation. The consolidated financial statements include MasTec, Inc. and its subsidiaries. Other parties’ interests in consolidated entities are reported as “Minority interests” in the Statement of Operations. All intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated.

        Comprehensive loss. Comprehensive loss is a measure of net loss and all other changes in equity that result from transactions other than with shareholders. Comprehensive loss consists of net losses and foreign currency translation adjustments. Our comprehensive losses for the three months ended March 31, 2003 and 2002 were $1.0 million and $23.4 million, respectively.

        Foreign currency. The Company operates in Brazil, Canada and Mexico, which subjects it to greater political, monetary, economic and regulatory risks than its domestic operations. Assets and liabilities of foreign subsidiaries and equity with a functional currency other than U.S. dollars are translated into U.S. dollars at exchange rates in effect at the end of the reporting period. Foreign entity revenue and expenses are translated into U.S. dollars at the average rates that prevailed during the period. The resulting net translation gains and losses are reported as foreign currency translation adjustments in shareholders’ equity as a component of other accumulated comprehensive income. Exchange gains and losses on transactions and equity investments denominated in a currency other than their functional currency are included in results of operations as incurred.

        Revenue recognition. Revenue and related costs for short-term construction projects (i.e., generally projects with a duration of less than one month) are recognized as the services are rendered, generally using units of output. Revenue generated by certain long-term construction contracts are accounted for by the percentage of completion method under which income is recognized based on the ratio of estimated cost incurred to total estimated contract cost. We follow this method since reasonably dependable estimates of the revenue and costs applicable to various stages of a contract can be made. Recognized revenue and profits are subject to revisions as the contract progresses to completion. Revisions in profit estimates are charged to income in the period in which the facts that give rise to the revision become known. The Company provides management, coordination, consulting and administration services for network infrastructure projects. Compensation for such services is recognized ratably over the term of the service agreement. At the time a loss on a contract becomes known, the entire amount of the estimated ultimate loss is accrued.

        Billings in excess of costs and estimated earnings on uncompleted contracts are classified as current liabilities. Any costs in excess of billings are classified as current assets. Work in process on contracts is based on work performed but not billed to clients as per individual contract terms and is included in “Accounts receivable, unbilled revenue, and retainage, net”.

        Allowance for doubtful accounts. The Company maintains allowances for doubtful accounts for estimated losses resulting from the inability of clients to make required payments. Management analyzes historical bad debt experience, client concentrations, client credit-worthiness, the availability of mechanics and other liens, the existence of payment bonds and other sources of payment, and current economic trends when evaluating the adequacy of the allowance for doubtful accounts.

        Earnings per share. Basic earnings per common share is computed by dividing income available to common shareholders by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the reporting period. Diluted earnings per common share include the dilutive effect of stock options using the treasury stock method. For the three months ended March 31, 2003, there is no difference between the weighted average common shares outstanding used to calculate basic and diluted earnings per share. For the three months ended March 31, 2002, this difference relates to stock options assumed exercised under the treasury method of accounting of approximately 146,000 shares.

        Cash and cash equivalents. The Company considers all short-term investments with maturities of three months or less when purchased to be cash equivalents. Of the total cash and cash equivalents at March 31, 2003 and December 31, 2002, the Company had cash and cash equivalents denominated in Brazilian reals that translate to approximately $1.3 million and $1.5 million, respectively.

        Inventories. Inventories (consisting principally of materials and supplies) are carried at the lower of first-in, first-out cost or market.

        Property and equipment. Property and equipment are recorded at cost. Depreciation is computed using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the respective assets. Leasehold improvements are depreciated over the shorter of the term of the lease or the estimated useful lives of the improvements. Expenditures for repairs and maintenance are charged to expense as incurred. Expenditures for betterments and major improvements are capitalized and depreciated over the remaining useful life of the asset. The carrying amounts of assets sold or retired and related accumulated depreciation are eliminated in the year of disposal and the resulting gains and losses are included in “Other income or (expense), net”.

        Deferred Financing Costs. Deferred financing costs related to our revolving credit facility and the senior subordinated notes whose short and long-term portions are included in other current and non-current assets in the consolidated balance sheets are amortized over the related terms of the debt using the effective interest method. The net deferred financing costs were $6.2 million at March 31, 2003 and December 31, 2002.

        Software Capitalization. The Company capitalizes certain costs incurred in connection with developing or obtaining internal use software in accordance with the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (“AICPA”) Statement of Position (“SOP”) 98-1, “Accounting for the Costs of Computer Software Developed or Obtained for Internal Use”. These capitalized software costs are included in “Property and equipment, net” in the consolidated balance sheets and are being amortized ratably over a period not to exceed seven years.


        Intangibles and other long-lived assets. Intangibles, long-lived assets and goodwill are recorded at estimated fair value. Intangibles are amortized on a straight-line basis over periods of up to five years. Management assesses the impairment of identifiable intangibles, long-lived assets and goodwill whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value may not be recoverable.

        Effective January 1, 2002, the Company adopted Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (“SFAS”) No. 142, “Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets”. SFAS No. 142 requires that goodwill be assessed at least annually for impairment by applying a fair-value based test. Goodwill is no longer amortized over its estimated useful life. In addition, acquired intangible assets are required to be recognized and amortized over their useful lives if the benefit of the asset is based on contractual or legal rights. Upon adoption of SFAS No. 142 a write-down of goodwill resulted, net of tax, in the amount of $25.7 million, which is reflected in the consolidated financial statements as a cumulative effect due to a change in accounting principle as discussed in Note 2. Impairment losses subsequent to adoption are performed during the fourth quarter of each year and are reflected in operating income or loss in the consolidated statement of operations.

        The Company reviews its long-lived assets, including property and equipment that are held and used in its operations for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of the asset may not be recoverable, as required by SFAS No. 144, “Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets”. If such an event or change in circumstances is present, Management estimates the undiscounted future cash flows, less the future outflows necessary to obtain those inflows, expected to result from the use of the asset and its eventual disposition. If the sum of the undiscounted future cash flows is less than the carrying amount of the related assets, an impairment loss will be recognized or a review of depreciation policies may be appropriate. Management records impairment losses resulting from such abandonment in operating income. Assets to be disposed of are reclassified as assets held for sale at the lower of their carrying amount or fair value less costs to sell. Write-downs to fair value less costs to sell are reported above the operating income line as “Other income (expense), net”. The Company adopted SFAS No. 144 effective January 1, 2002.

        Accrued insurance. The Company carries insurance for worker’s compensation, employer’s liability, auto liability, and general liability claims subject to a $1.0 million deductible per claim. Losses up to the deductible amounts are accrued based upon estimates of the ultimate liability for claims incurred and an estimate of claims incurred but not reported. The accruals are based upon known facts and historical trends and management believes such accruals to be accurate. Because the Company retains those risks, up to certain limits, a change in experience or actuarial assumptions that did not affect the rate of claims payments could nonetheless materially affect the Company’s financial condition and results of operations in a particular period.

        Income taxes. The Company records income taxes using the liability method of accounting for deferred income taxes. Under this method, deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the expected future tax consequence of temporary differences between the financial statement and income tax bases of our assets and liabilities. Management estimates the Company’s income taxes in each of the jurisdictions in which we operate. This process involves estimating our tax exposure together with assessing temporary differences resulting from differing treatment of items, such as deferred revenue, for tax and accounting purposes. These differences result in deferred tax assets and liabilities, which are included in our balance sheet. While Management has considered future taxable income and ongoing prudent and feasible tax planning strategies in assessing the need for a valuation allowance, in the event that Management determines that the Company will not be able to realize all or part of the net deferred tax asset in the future, an adjustment to the deferred tax asset would be charged to income in the period such determination is made.

        Stock Based Compensation. The Company accounts for its stock-based award plans in accordance with Accounting Principle Board (APB) Opinion No. 25, “Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees”, and related interpretations. Pursuant to APB Opinion No. 25, no compensation expense is recorded.

        Fair value of financial instruments. The Company estimates the fair market value of financial instruments through the use of public market prices, quotes from financial institutions and other available information. Judgment is required in interpreting data to develop estimates of market value and, accordingly, amounts are not necessarily indicative of the amounts that we could realize in a current market exchange. Short-term financial instruments, including cash and cash equivalents, accounts and notes receivable, accounts payable and other liabilities, consist primarily of instruments without extended maturities, the fair value of which, based on Management’s estimates, equaled their carrying values. At March 31, 2003 and December 31, 2002, the fair value of senior subordinated notes was $170.5 million based on quoted market values. Letters of credit are used to back certain insurance policies. The letters of credit reflect fair value as a condition of their underlying purpose and are subject to fees competitively determined in the marketplace.


        New Pronouncements. In June 2001, the FASB issued SFAS No. 143, Accounting for Asset Retirement Obligations. This statement requires entities to record the fair value of a liability for an asset retirement obligation in the period in which it is incurred and capitalize that amount as part of the book value of the long-lived asset. Over time, the liability is accreted to its present value each period, and the capitalized cost is depreciated over the useful life of the related asset. Upon settlement of the liability, an entity either settles the obligation for its recorded amount or incurs a gain or loss. This statement is effective for financial statements for fiscal years beginning after June 15, 2002. The Company adopted provisions of this statement effective January 1, 2003. The adoption of SFAS No. 143 did not have an effect on earnings or financial position of the Company.

        In May 2002, the FASB issued SFAS No. 145, “Rescission of FASB Statements No. 4, 44, and 64, Amendment of FASB Statement No. 13, and Technical Corrections”. SFAS No. 145 rescinds the automatic treatment of gains or losses from extinguishment of debt as extraordinary unless they meet the criteria for extraordinary items as outlined in APB Opinion No. 30, “Reporting the Results of Operations, Reporting the Effects of Disposal of a Segment of a Business, and Extraordinary, Unusual and Infrequently Occurring Events and Transactions”. SFAS No. 145 also requires sale-leaseback accounting for certain lease modifications that have economic effects that are similar to sale-leaseback transactions and makes various technical corrections to existing pronouncements. The provisions of SFAS No. 145 related to the rescission of FASB Statement 4 are effective for fiscal years beginning after May 15, 2002, with early adoption encouraged. All other provisions of SFAS No. 145 were effective for transactions occurring after May 15, 2002, with early adoption encouraged. The Company adopted SFAS No. 145 effective June 30, 2002. The adoption of SFAS No. 145 did not have an effect on earnings or financial position of the Company.

        In June 2002, the FASB issued SFAS No. 146, “Accounting for Costs Associated with Exit or Disposal Activities”. This statement requires the recording of costs associated with exit or disposal activities at their fair values only once a liability exists. Under previous guidance, certain exit costs were accrued when management committed to an exit plan, which may have been before an actual liability arose. The provisions of SFAS No. 146 are effective for exit or disposal activities that are initiated after December 31, 2002, with early application encouraged. The Company adopted SFAS No. 146 effective January 1, 2003. The adoption of SFAS No. 146 did not have a material effect on earnings or financial position of the Company.

        In December 2002, the FASB issued SFAS No. 148, “Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation—Transition and Disclosure,” which amends SFAS No. 123, “Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation”. The provisions of SFAS No. 148 provide alternative methods of transition for a voluntary change to the fair value based method of accounting for stock-based employee compensation. The provisions also amend the disclosure requirements of SFAS No. 123 for both annual and interim financial statements regarding the method of accounting for stock-based employee compensation and the effect of the method used on reporting results. The transitional provisions of SFAS No. 148 are effective for financial statements for fiscal years ending after December 15, 2002 and the disclosure provisions are effective for financial reports containing condensed financial statements for interim periods beginning after December 15, 2002, with early adoption encouraged. The Company adopted the disclosure requirements of SFAS No. 148 in the last quarter of fiscal 2002. The adoption of this statement did not have an impact on historical financial position or results of operation of the Company.

Note 2 - Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets

        In January 2002, the Company adopted SFAS No. 142, which requires companies to stop amortizing goodwill and certain intangible assets with an indefinite useful life. Instead, SFAS No. 142 requires that goodwill and intangible assets deemed to have an indefinite useful life be reviewed for impairment upon adoption of SFAS No. 142 and annually thereafter.


        Under SFAS No. 142, goodwill impairment is deemed to exist if the net book value of a reporting unit exceeds its estimated fair value as determined using a discounted cash flow methodology applied to the particular unit. This methodology differs from previous policy, in accordance with accounting standards existing at that time, of using undiscounted cash flows on an enterprise-wide basis to determine recoverability. Upon adoption of SFAS No. 142 in the first quarter of 2002, a one-time, non-cash charge was recorded of approximately $25.7 million, net of $13.8 million tax benefit, to reduce the carrying value of goodwill. This charge is reflected as a cumulative effect of an accounting change in the accompanying consolidated statement of operations. The SFAS No. 142 goodwill impairment recorded in the first quarter of fiscal 2002 is associated with goodwill resulting from the acquisition of various inside plant infrastructure businesses and is based on discounting our projected future cash flows for these companies. During 2001 and 2002, the Company’s inside plant infrastructure businesses experienced losses due to a decrease in demand for services from telecommunications equipment manufacturers, competitive local exchange carriers and corporate clients. Based on that trend, earnings forecasts were revised, resulting in an impairment of the goodwill associated with acquisitions of businesses that provide these services.

        Impairment adjustments recognized after adoption are required to be recognized as operating expense. Management performs impairment reviews annually during the fourth quarter of each year, commencing in the fourth quarter of 2002.

Note 3 - Other Assets and Liabilities

        Other current assets as of March 31, 2003 and December 31, 2002 were $38.1 million and $32.9 million, respectively, primarily consists of miscellaneous short-term receivables, assets held for sale, security deposits, and prepaids.

        Other non-current assets consist of the following as of March 31, 2003 and December 31, 2002 (in thousands):

2003 2002
Long-term receivables, including retainage     $ 13,235   $ 9,340  
Non-core investments    11,415    12,122  
Real estate held for sale    1,683    1,683  
Deferred financing costs    4,686    4,834  
Life insurance policies    5,597    5,374  
Non-compete agreement    660    810  
Other    4,627    4,727  


Total   $ 41,903   $ 38,890  


        Other current and non-current liabilities consist of the following as of March 31, 2003 and December 31, 2002 (in thousands):

Current liabilities 2003 2002
Obligations related to prior acquisitions $ 2,651 $ 3,549  
Accrued compensation  18,096   21,302  
Accrued insurance  10,220   11,354  
Accrued interest  2,583   6,480  
Restructuring accruals  2,047   2,735  
Other  10,588   20,276  


Total $ 46,185 $ 65,696  



Non-current liabilities 2003 2002
Accrued insurance $ 16,496 $ 18,521  
Minority interest   1,803   1,797  
Other  3,392   1,896  


Total $ 21,691 $ 22,214  



Note 4 - Debt

        Debt is comprised of the following (in thousands):

March 31,
2003

December 31,
2002

Notes payable for equipment, at interest rates from      
    7.5% to 8.5% due in installments through the year 2004 $ 1,832 $ 1,955  
Other revolving debt   3,049   827  
7.75% senior subordinated notes due February 2008  195,867   195,860  


Total debt   200,748   198,642  
Less current maturities  (3,539 ) (1,207 )


Long-term debt $ 197,209 $ 197,435  


Revolving Credit Facility

        The Company has a revolving credit facility for U.S. operations that provides for borrowings up to an aggregate of $125.0 million, based on a percentage of eligible accounts receivable and unbilled receivables as well as a fixed amount of equipment that decreases quarterly. Although the credit facility provides for borrowings of up to $125.0 million, the amount that the Company can borrow at any given time is based upon a formula that takes into account, among other things, the Company’s eligible billed and unbilled accounts receivable, which can result in borrowing availability of less than the full amount of the facility. As of March 31, 2003 and December 31, 2002, availability under the credit facility totaled $17.1 and $39 million net of outstanding standby letters of credit aggregating $46.8 and $47 million, respectively. Substantially all of the outstanding letters of credit are issued to insurance providers as part of the Company’s insurance program. The Company had no outstanding draws under the credit facility as of March 31, 2003 and December 31, 2002. Amounts outstanding under the revolving credit facility mature on January 22, 2007. The credit facility is collateralized by a first priority security interest in substantially all of the Company’s U.S. assets and a pledge of the stock of certain of the Company’s operating subsidiaries. Interest under the facility accrues at rates based, at the Company’s option, on the agent bank’s base rate plus a margin of between 0.50% and 1.50% or its LIBOR rate (as defined in the credit facility) plus a margin of between 2.0% and 3.0% each depending on certain financial thresholds. The credit facility includes an unused facility fee of 0.50%, which may be adjusted to as low as 0.375% or as high as 0.625% depending on the achievement of certain financial thresholds.

        The credit facility, as amended in March 2003, contains customary events of default (including cross-default) provisions and covenants related to the Company’s North American operations that prohibit, among other things, making investments and acquisitions in excess of a specified amount, incurring additional indebtedness in excess of a specified amount, paying cash dividends, making other distributions in excess of a specified amount, making capital expenditures in excess of a specified amount, creating liens, prepaying other indebtedness, including the Company’s 7.75% senior subordinated notes, and engaging in certain mergers or combinations without the prior written consent of the lenders. In addition, deterioration in the quality of billed and unbilled receivables reduces availability under the credit facility.

        The credit facility contains certain financial covenants that require us to maintain specified tangible net worth values and a minimum fixed charge coverage ratio (all as defined in the credit facility).

        As of March 31, 2003 and December 31, 2002 the Company was in compliance with all of the covenants under the credit facility as amended in March 2003. During 2002, the credit facility was amended to provide a sub-facility for the issuance of letters of credit to secure potential obligations under casualty insurance programs, to exclude a portion of the cost of implementing the new management information system, and to modify certain financial covenants. Failure to achieve certain results could cause us not to meet these covenants in the future.

        The Company’s variable rate credit facility exposes it to interest rate risk. However, Management believes that changes in interest rates should not materially affect their financial position, results of operations or cash flows since at March 31, 2003 and December 31, 2002, the Company had no borrowings under the credit facility.


Senior Subordinated Notes

        The Company has $200.0 million, 7.75% senior subordinated notes due in February 2008, with interest due semi-annually, of which $195.9 million, net of discount, is outstanding as of March 31, 2003 and December 31, 2002. The notes also contain default (including cross-default) provisions and covenants restricting many of the same transactions as under the credit facility.

        The Company did not hold any derivative financial or commodity instruments at March 31, 2003 or December 31, 2002.

Note 5 - Restructuring Charges

        During the second quarter of 2002, the Company initiated a study to determine the proper balance of downsizing and cost cutting in relation to its ability to respond to current and future work opportunities in each of its service offerings. The review evaluated current operations, the growth and opportunity potential of each service offering and the consolidation of back-office processes. As a result of this review, a restructuring program was implemented that included four categories to accomplish:

  o Elimination of service offerings that no longer fit into the Company’s core business strategy. This process includes reducing or eliminating service offerings that do not fit the long-term business plan.
  o Reduction or elimination of services that do not produce adequate revenue or margins to support the level of profitability, return on investment or investments in capital resources. This includes exiting contracts that do not meet the minimum rate on return requirements and aggressively seeking to improve margins and reduce costs.
  o Analyses of businesses that provide adequate profit contributions but still need margin improvements that include aggressive cost reductions and efficiencies.
  o Review new business opportunities in similar business lines that can utilize existing human and physical resources.

        The elements of the restructuring program included involuntary terminations of employees in affected service offerings and the consolidation of facilities. The involuntary terminations impacted both the salaried and hourly employee groups. Approximately 1,025 employees were impacted during 2002. During the three months ended March 31, 2003, the net employee headcount reduction was approximately 400. Management also closed approximately 25 facilities during 2002 as part of the program and anticipates further office closures in 2003, subsequent to March 31st. A balance of $.2 million and $.6 million severance and benefit costs remained to be paid as of March 31, 2003 and December 31, 2002, respectively. In addition, as of March 31, 2003 and December 31, 2002, the Company had remaining obligations under existing lease agreements for closed facilities of approximately $1.8 million and $2.1 million, respectively.

        The following is a reconciliation of the restructuring accruals as of March 31, 2003 (in thousands):

Accrued costs at December 31, 2002    
    Severance costs $ 571  
    Lease cancellation costs   2,164  

   2,735  
     Cash payments  (688)  

Accrued costs at March 31, 2003 $ 2,047  

Note 6 - Stock Option Plans

        The Company accounts for stock-based award plans in accordance with APB Opinion No. 25, and related interpretations. Pursuant to APB Opinion No. 25, compensation related to stock options is the difference between the grant price and the fair market value of the underlying common shares at the grant date. Generally, the Company issues options to employees with a grant price equal to the market value of its common stock on the grant date. Accordingly, no compensation expense has been recognized. During the fourth quarter of fiscal 2002, we adopted the disclosure provisions of SFAS No. 148.


        The following table illustrates the effect on net results and earnings per share had the Company adopted the fair value based method of accounting for stock-based employee compensation for all periods presented (in thousands):

Three Months Ended
March 31,
2003 2002
Net loss:              
As reported   $ (1,588 ) $ (24,436 )


Pro forma   $ (2,535 ) $ (26,510 )


Basic loss per share:  
As reported   $ (0.03 ) $ (0.51 )
Pro forma   $ (0.05 ) $ (0.55 )
Diluted loss per share:  
As reported   $ (0.03 ) $ (0.51 )
Pro forma   $ (0.05 ) $ (0.55 )

Note 7 - Operations by Segments and Geographic Areas

        The Company operates in one reportable segment as a specialty contractor. It provides engineering, placement and maintenance of aerial, underground, and buried fiber-optic, coaxial and copper cable systems owned by local and long distance communications carriers and cable television multiple system operators. Additionally, the Company provides similar services related to the installation of integrated voice, data and video local and wide area networks within office buildings and similar structures and also provide construction and maintenance services to electrical and other utilities. All operating units have been aggregated into one reporting segment due to their similar customer bases, products and production and distribution methods. The Company also operates in Brazil through an 87.5% joint venture which consolidates net of a 12.5% minority interest after tax. The Brazilian operations perform similar services and for the three months ended March 31, 2003 and 2002 had revenue of $5.1 million and $15.5 million, respectively. Total assets for Brazil aggregated $34.1 million and $35.2 million as of March 31, 2003 and December 31, 2002, respectively.

Note 8 - Commitments and Contingencies

        In November of 1997, the Company filed two suits in the 11th Judicial Circuit Court of Florida against Miami-Dade County seeking unpaid amounts due under several contracts with the county for road repair, paving, sidewalk construction and road striping. Miami-Dade County filed counterclaims seeking recovery of amounts paid by the county to the Company for work that was not actually performed by one of its subcontractors. Following a mediation that occurred in December of 2002, the Company settled all claims arising out of the litigation and paid Miami-Dade County $2.25 million in February 2003. Following the settlement, the litigation has been dismissed.

        The labor union representing the workers of Sistemas e Instalaciones de Telecomunicacion S.A. (“Sintel”), a former MasTec subsidiary, has instigated an investigative action with a Spanish federal court that commenced in July 2001 alleging that five former members of the board of directors of Sintel, including Jorge Mas, the Chairman of the Board of MasTec, and his brother Juan Carlos Mas, approved a series of allegedly unlawful transactions that led to the bankruptcy of Sintel. The Company is also named as a potentially liable party. The union alleges Sintel and its creditors were damaged in the approximate amount of 13 billion pesetas ($84.4 million and $81.9 million at March 31, 2003 and December 31, 2002 exchange rates, respectively). As discussed in prior filings, the Spanish judge has taken no action to enforce a bond order pending since July 2001 for the amount of alleged damages. A Spanish judge has met with certain of the Company’s executives, but neither the executives nor the Company has been served in the action.


        On January 9, 2002, Harry Schipper, a shareholder of the Company, filed a shareholder derivative lawsuit in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida against the Company as nominal defendant and against certain current and former members of the Board of Directors and senior management, including Jorge Mas, Chairman of the Board, and Austin J. Shanfelter, President and Chief Executive Officer. The lawsuit alleges mismanagement, misrepresentation and breach of fiduciary duty as a result of a series of allegedly fraudulent and criminal transactions, including both the matters described above, the severance paid to the former Chief Executive Officer, and the Company’s investment in and financing of a client that subsequently filed for bankruptcy protection, as well as certain other matters. The lawsuit seeks damages and injunctive relief against the individual defendants on MasTec’s behalf. The Board of Directors has formed a special committee, as contemplated by Florida law, to investigate the allegations of the complaint and to determine whether it is in the best interests of MasTec to pursue the lawsuit. The lawsuit has been administratively dismissed without prejudice by agreement of the parties to permit the committee to complete its investigation. On July 16, 2002, Mr. Schipper made a supplemental demand on the Company’s Board of Directors by letter to investigate allegations that (a) the Company reported greater revenue in an unspecified amount on certain contracts than permitted under the contract terms and (b) the Company recognized between $3 to $5 million in income for certain projects on the books of two separate subsidiaries. These additional allegations have also been referred to the special committee for investigation. Management believes it has meritorious defenses to the actions described above.

        The Company is also a party to other pending legal proceedings arising in the normal course of business. While complete assurance cannot be given as to the outcome of any legal claims, Management believes that any financial impact would not be material to the Company’s results of operations, financial position or cash flows.

        The Company has commitments to pay life insurance premiums on policies on the life of the Chairman of the Board and the Chief Executive Officer totaling $22.7 million over the next nineteen years, obligations related to prior year acquisitions of $2.7 million, capital leases totaling $4.5 million, operating lease commitments of $33.1 million and revolving debt of $3.1 million as of March 31, 2003.

        The Company’s operations in Brazil are subject to the risks of political, currency, economic or social instability, including the possibility of expropriation, confiscatory taxation, hyper-inflation or other adverse regulatory or legislative developments, or limitations on the repatriation of investment income, capital and other assets. Management cannot predict whether any of these factors will occur in the future or the extent to which such factors would have a material adverse effect on the Company’s Brazilian operations.

        In certain circumstances, the Company is required to provide performance bonds in connection with contractual commitments.

        From time to time, the Company enters into agreements with certain vendors under which the Company commits to lease a fixed number of vehicles or equipment at a predetermined price. During the first quarter of 2003, the Company entered into one such agreement with a vendor to lease up to $7.5 million of machinery and equipment. As of March 31, 2003, the Company has utilized $1.1 million of this commitment. The machinery and equipment under this lease is recorded as an operating lease.

Note 9 - Concentrations of Risk

        In the course of operations, the Company is subject to certain risk factors, including but not limited to, risks related to rapid technological and structural changes in the industries it serves, the volume of work received from clients, contract cancellations on short notice, operating strategies, economic downturn, collectibility of receivables, significant fluctuations in quarterly results, effect of continued efforts to streamline operations, management of growth, dependence on key personnel, availability of qualified employees, competition, recoverability of goodwill, and potential exposures to environmental liabilities and political and economic instability in foreign operations. For information about additional risks, see the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2002.

        The Company has more than 200 clients throughout the United States, Canada and Brazil, which include some of the largest and most prominent companies in the communications, broadband and energy fields, as well as government agencies such as departments of transportation. Clients include incumbent local exchange carriers, broadband and satellite operators, public and private energy providers, long distance carriers, financial institutions and wireless service providers. The Company grants credit, generally without collateral to its customers. Consequently, the Company is subject to potential credit risk related to changes in business and economic factors. However, the Company has certain lien rights on work performed and concentrations of credit risk are limited due to the diversity of the customer base. Management believes billing and collection policies are adequate to minimize potential credit risk. No customer accounted for more than 10% of revenues during the three months ended March 31, 2003 and the three months ended March 31, 2002.


        The Company maintains allowances for doubtful accounts for estimated losses resulting from the inability of clients to make required payments. Management analyzes historical bad debt experience, client concentrations, client credit-worthiness, the availability of mechanics and other liens, the existence of payment bonds and other sources of payment, and current economic trends when evaluating the adequacy of the allowance for doubtful accounts. If judgments regarding the collectibility of accounts receivables were incorrect, adjustments to the allowance may be required, which would reduce profitability. Prior to 2001, the allowance for doubtful accounts averaged approximately $3.0 to $6.0 million annually, as the Company had not incurred significant bad debts or experienced significant client bankruptcies. However, during 2001 and 2002, the Company recorded bad debt provisions of $15.4 million and $185.5 million, respectively, primarily due to the unprecedented number of clients that filed for bankruptcy protection during the year 2001 and general economic climate of 2002. As of March 31, 2003 and December 31, 2002, the Company had remaining receivables from clients undergoing bankruptcy reorganization totaling $10.0 and $10.6 million net of $6.3 and $7.0 million, respectively, in specific reserves. Based on the analytical process described above, Management believes that the Company will recover the net amounts recorded. The Company maintains an allowance for doubtful accounts of $25.2 and $25.8 million as of March 31, 2003 and December 31, 2002 for both specific customers and as a general reserve. There can be no assurance that the Company will collect the amounts reflected on its records for these clients as well as other clients. Should additional clients file for bankruptcy or experience difficulties, or should anticipated recoveries in existing bankruptcies and other workout situations fail to materialize, the Company could experience reduced cash flows and losses in excess of the current allowance.


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

        Except for historical information, the matters discussed below may contain forward-looking statements, such as statements regarding our future growth and profitability, growth strategy and anticipated trends in the industries and economies in which we operate. These forward-looking statements are based on our current expectations and are subject to a number of risks, uncertainties and assumptions, including that our revenue or profit may differ from that projected, that we may be further impacted by slowdowns in our clients’ businesses or deterioration in our clients’ financial condition, that our reserves may be inadequate or our equity investments may be impaired, that the outcome of pending litigation may be adverse to us and that we may experience increased costs associated with realigning our business or may be unsuccessful in those efforts. Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or should the underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may differ significantly from results expressed or implied in any forward-looking statements made by us. These and other risks are detailed in this quarterly report on Form 10-Q and in other documents filed by us with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”), including our Annual Report filed on Form 10-K. We do not undertake any obligation to revise these forward-looking statements to reflect future events or circumstances.

General

        We are a leading end-to-end infrastructure service provider offering services in telecommunications, broadband, intelligent road traffic systems, and energy markets to a broad range of clients in North America and Brazil.

        We design, build, install, maintain and upgrade external networks and other facilities for our clients. We are one of the few national, multi-disciplinary infrastructure providers that furnishes a comprehensive solution to our clients’ infrastructure needs ranging from basic installation and construction to sophisticated engineering, design and integration. Our diverse and long-standing client base, experienced management and integrated value added service offering provide a stable base of repeat business and enable us to quickly and efficiently meet client demands.

        Our strategy is to use these competitive strengths to increase market share in the fragmented network infrastructure industry by expanding relationships across multiple service offerings with long-time clients and selected new clients who have both financial liquidity and end-user customers. We target predictable recurring maintenance and upgrade work under exclusive, multiple year master service and other agreements. We are also focused on leveraging our administrative base and achieving other cost savings and efficiencies through better utilization of our equipment, facilities and personnel and through economies of scale.

        During the second quarter of 2002, we initiated an organizational efficiency plan designed to improve gross margins and reduce general and administrative costs. The majority of the expenses associated with this plan were incurred in the fourth quarter of 2002. There can be no assurance that we will be able to effect the plan or that the plan will result in the expected benefits.

Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

        Our discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations is based upon our consolidated financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States. The preparation of these financial statements requires us to make estimates and judgments that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenue and expenses, and related disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities. On an on-going basis, we evaluate our estimates, including those related to revenue recognition, allowance for doubtful accounts, intangible assets, reserves and accruals, impairment of assets, income taxes, insurance reserves and litigation and contingencies. We base our estimates on historical experience and on various other assumptions that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis of 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 believe the following critical accounting policies involve our more significant judgments and estimates used in the preparation of our consolidated financial statements.


Revenue Recognition

        Revenue and related costs for short-term construction projects (i.e., generally projects with a duration of less than one month) are recognized as the services are rendered, generally using units of output. We recognize revenue and related costs as work progresses on long-term, fixed price contracts using the percentage-of-completion method, which relies on estimates of total expected contract revenue and costs. We follow this method since reasonably dependable estimates of the revenue and costs applicable to various stages of a contract can be made. Recognized revenue is subject to revisions as the contract progresses to completion. Revisions in estimates are charged to income in the period in which the facts that give rise to the revision become known. If we do not accurately estimate revenue and costs, the profitability of such contracts can be affected adversely. At the time a loss on a contract becomes known, the entire amount of the estimated ultimate loss is accrued.

Allowance for Doubtful Accounts

        We maintain allowances for doubtful accounts for estimated losses resulting from the inability of our clients to make required payments. Management analyzes historical bad debt experience, client concentrations, client credit-worthiness, analysis of client financial condition and credit reports, the availability of mechanic’s and other liens, the existence of payment bonds and other sources of payment, and current economic trends when evaluating the adequacy of the allowance for doubtful accounts. We review the adequacy of reserves on a monthly basis. If our estimates of the collectibility of accounts receivable are incorrect, adjustments to the allowance for doubtful accounts may be required, which could reduce our profitability.

Depreciation

        We depreciate our property and equipment over estimated useful lives using the straight-line method. We periodically review changes in technology and industry conditions, asset retirement activity and salvage to determine adjustments to estimated remaining useful lives and depreciation rates.

Valuation of Long-Lived Assets

        We review long-lived assets, consisting primarily of property and equipment and intangible assets with finite lives, for impairment in accordance with SFAS No. 144, “Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets”. In analyzing potential impairment, we use projections of future cash flows from the assets. These projections are based on our views of growth rates for the related business and anticipated future economic conditions and the appropriate discount rates relative to risk and estimates of residual values. We believe that our estimates are consistent with assumptions that marketplace participants would use in their estimates of fair value. If changes in growth rates, future economic conditions or discount rates and estimates of terminal values were to occur, long-lived assets may become impaired.

Valuation of Intangible Assets and Investments

        We adopted SFAS No. 142, “Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets” effective January 1, 2002. In accordance with that statement, we conduct, on at least an annual basis, a review of our reporting units to determine whether their carrying value exceeds fair market value. Should this be the case, the value of our goodwill may be impaired and written down. The valuations employ a combination of present value techniques to measure fair value corroborated by comparisons to estimated market multiples. When necessary, we engage third party specialists to assist us with our valuations. Impairment losses are reflected in operating income or loss in the consolidated statements of operations.

Insurance Reserves

        We maintain insurance policies subject to a $1.0 million deductible per claim for certain auto, property and casualty and workers’ compensation claims. We are required to post letters of credit to secure our obligation to reimburse the insurance carrier for amounts that could potentially be advanced by the carrier that are not covered by insurance. Our estimated liability for claims and the associated expenses is reflected in other current and non-current liabilities. The determination of such claims and expenses and the appropriateness of the related liability is reviewed and updated semi-annually. If we do not accurately estimate the losses resulting from these claims, we may experience losses in excess of our estimated liability, which may reduce our profitability. We also may be required to post additional collateral with the insurance carrier, which may affect our liquidity.


Income Taxes

        We record income taxes using the liability method of accounting for deferred income taxes. Under this method, deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the expected future tax consequence of temporary differences between the financial statement and income tax bases of our assets and liabilities. We estimate our income taxes in each of the jurisdictions in which we operate. This process involves estimating our tax exposure together with assessing temporary differences resulting from differing treatment of items, such as deferred revenue, for tax and accounting purposes. These differences result in deferred tax assets and liabilities, which are included within our consolidated balance sheet. While the Company has considered future taxable income and ongoing prudent and feasible tax planning strategies in assessing the need for a valuation allowance, in the event that we determine that we will not be able to realize all or part of the net deferred tax asset in the future, an adjustment to the deferred tax asset would be charged to income in the period such determination is made.

Results of Operations

        The following table reflects our consolidated results of operations in dollar and percentage of revenue terms for the periods indicated (dollars in thousands):

Three Months Ended March 31,
2003
2002
Revenue     $ 180,569     100.0 % $ 203,782     100.0 %
Costs of revenue    152,785    84.6 %  164,586    80.8 %
Depreciation    8,350    4.6 %  9,850    4.8 %
Amortization    151    0.1 %  128    0.1 %
General and administrative expenses    17,909    9.9 %  22,079    10.8 %
Interest expense, net of interest income    4,538    2.5 %  4,652    2.3 %
Other income (expense), net    480    0.3 %  (274 )  (0.1) %


(Loss) income before provision for income taxes,  
    minority interest and cumulative effect of  
    accounting change    (2,684 )  (1.4) %  2,213    1.1 %
Benefit (provision) for income taxes    1,060    0.6 %  (926 )  0.5 %
Minority interest    36    --    (52 )  --  


(Loss) income before cumulative effect of accounting  
change    (1,588 )  (0.8) %  1,235    0.6 %
Cumulative effect of accounting change, net of tax    --    --    (25,671 )  (12.6) %


Net (loss)   $ (1,588 )  (0.8) % $ (24,436 )  (12.0) %





Three Months Ended March 31, 2003
Compared to Three Months Ended March 31, 2002

        Our revenue was $180.6 million for the three months ended March 31, 2003, compared to $203.8 million for the same period in 2002, representing a decrease of $23.2 million or 11.4%. This decrease was due primarily to a continued reduction in capital expenditures by incumbent communications and broadband clients and our decision to reduce services to certain competitive telecommunications carriers as well as severe weather during the three months ended March 31, 2003.

        Our costs of revenue were $152.8 million or 84.6% of revenue for the three months ended March 31, 2003, compared to $164.6 million or 80.8% of revenue for the same period in 2002 reflecting that we did not reduce costs as rapidly as revenues decreased. In the three months ended March 31, 2003, margins were negatively impacted by severe weather, resulting in under-utilization of personnel and equipment and demobilization and redeployment costs as we continue to adjust to reduced capital spending by our client base.


        Depreciation was $8.4 million or 4.6% of revenue for the three months ended March 31, 2003, compared to $9.9 million or 4.8% of revenue for the same period in 2002. We reduced depreciation expense in the three months ended March 31, 2003 by reducing capital expenditures and disposing of excess equipment.

        Amortization of intangibles remained consistent at 0.1% of revenues for the three months ended March 31, 2003, and the same period in 2002.

        General and administrative expenses were $17.9 million or 9.9% of revenue for the three months ended March 31, 2003, compared to $22.1 million or 10.8% of revenue for the same period in 2002. The decrease in general and administrative expenses is related to the overall decline in revenues experienced during the three months ended March 31, 2003. The decrease is also due in part to our restructuring plan whose implementation started in the fourth quarter 2002. The plan resulted in the termination of employees, the consolidation of facilities and office closures. We continue to implement additional measures to streamline our cost structure consistent with our reduced revenue.

        Interest expense, net of interest income, was $4.5 million or 2.5% of revenue for the three months ended March 31, 2003, compared to $4.7 million or 2.3% of revenue for the same period in 2002. Although we continue to incur interest expense from our long-term debt and periodic credit line borrowing to meet working capital needs and support various letters of credit, we have reduced interest expense by $0.4 million during the three months ended March 31, 2003. This reduction was partially offset by a $0.3 million reduction in interest income from notes receivable.

        For the three months ended March 31, 2003, our effective tax rate was approximately 39.5%, compared to 41.8% in 2002. The decrease in effective rate was primarily due to the non deductibility of certain expenses which reduced the overall tax benefit in 2002.

Financial Condition, Liquidity and Capital Resources

        We derive a significant amount of our revenue from communications providers. During the last two years, the communications industry suffered a severe downturn that resulted in a number of our clients filing for bankruptcy protection or experiencing financial difficulties. The downturn has adversely affected capital expenditures for infrastructure projects even among clients that did not experience financial difficulties. Capital expenditures by telecommunications and other clients in 2003 are expected to remain at low levels similar to the prior two years. Furthermore, there can be no assurance that additional clients will not file for bankruptcy protection or otherwise experience financial difficulties in 2003. Although we have refocused our business on established, stable communications, energy, government entities and other clients, there can be no assurance that these clients will continue to fund capital expenditures for infrastructure projects at current levels or that we will be able to increase our market share with these stronger clients. Further decreases in our client’s capital expenditures could reduce our cash flows and adversely impact our liquidity.

        Our primary liquidity needs are for working capital, capital expenditures, letters of credit and debt service. Our primary sources of liquidity are cash flows from operations, borrowings under revolving lines of credit, tax refunds and sale of property and assets. During the fourth quarter of 2002, we recorded certain restructuring charges aggregating $8.2 million, including consulting fees, of which $2.0 million remains outstanding as of March 31, 2003. We anticipate payment of the remaining amounts through 2004.

        Net cash provided by operating activities was $5.2 million for the three months ended March 31, 2003. The net cash provided by operating activities in 2003, in part resulted from collection of receivables, changes in other working capital components, and receipt of a $22.8 million income tax refund resulting from losses incurred in 2002, net of an interest payment on our Senior Subordinated Debentures of approximately $7.8 million. Proceeds from the income tax refund were used to repay all borrowings under our credit facility at the time of receipt.

        During the three months ended March 31, 2003, we paid approximately $0.9 million related to contingent consideration from earlier acquisitions that was reflected as a reduction in other current liabilities. During the three months ended March 31, 2003, we invested $1.2 million in our domestic fleet and $0.3 million in our international fleet to replace or upgrade equipment and $0.9 million in technology enhancements. Also, we received proceeds and notes receivable of approximately $4.1 million on the sale of assets and disposal of assets held for sale. The receivable from the disposal aggregated $3.6 million as of March 31, 2003 of which $1.6 million related to disposal of assets held for sale and $2.0 million related to equipment. The balance of this receivable was collected during April 2003.


        During the three months ended March 31, 2003, our financing activities primarily consisted of borrowings under our international credit facilities to support international operations. Additionally, $2.6 million of payments were made on our capital leases.

        We have a credit facility for U.S. operations that provides for borrowings up to an aggregate of $125.0 million, based on a percentage of eligible accounts receivable and unbilled receivables as well as a fixed amount of equipment that decreases quarterly. Although the credit facility provides for borrowings of up to $125.0 million, the amount that we can borrow at any given time is based upon a formula that takes into account, among other things, our eligible billed and unbilled accounts receivable, which can result in borrowing availability of less than the full amount of the facility. As of March 31, 2003 and December 31, 2002, availability under the credit facility totaled $17.1 and $39.0 million net of outstanding standby letters of credit aggregating $46.8 million and $47.0 million, respectively. Substantially all of the outstanding letters of credit are issued to our insurance providers as part of our insurance program. We had no outstanding draws under the credit facility as of March 31, 2003 and December 31, 2002. Amounts outstanding under the revolving credit facility mature on January 22, 2007. The credit facility is collateralized by a first priority security interest in substantially all of our U.S. assets and a pledge of the stock of certain of our operating subsidiaries. Interest under the facility accrues at rates based, at our option, on the agent bank’s base rate plus a margin of between 0.50% and 1.50% or its LIBOR rate (as defined in the credit facility) plus a margin of between 2.0% and 3.0% each depending on certain financial thresholds. The facility includes an unused facility fee of 0.50%, which may be adjusted to as low as 0.375% or as high as 0.625% depending on the achievement of certain financial thresholds.

        The credit facility, as amended in March 2003, contains customary events of default (including cross-default) provisions and covenants related to our North American operations that prohibit, among other things, making investments and acquisitions in excess of a specified amount, incurring additional indebtedness in excess of a specified amount, paying cash dividends, making other distributions in excess of a specified amount, making capital expenditures in excess of a specified amount, creating liens, prepaying other indebtedness, including our 7.75% senior subordinated notes, and engaging in certain mergers or combinations without the prior written consent of the lenders. In addition, deterioration in the quality of our billed and unbilled receivables will reduce availability under our credit facility.

        The credit facility contains certain financial covenants that require us to maintain specified tangible net worth values and a minimum fixed charge coverage ratio (all as defined in the credit facility).

        As of March 31, 2003 and December 31, 2002 we were in compliance with all of the covenants under the credit facility as amended in March 2003. During 2002, we amended the credit facility to provide a sub-facility for the issuance of letters of credit to secure our potential obligations under casualty insurance programs, to exclude a portion of the cost of implementing our new management information system, and to modify certain financial covenants. Failure to achieve certain results could cause us not to meet these covenants in the future.

        We have $200.0 million, 7.75% senior subordinated notes due in February 2008, with interest due semi-annually, of which $195.9 million, net of discount, is outstanding as of March 31, 2003 and December 31, 2002. The notes also contain default (including cross-default) provisions and covenants restricting many of the same transactions as under our credit facility.

        The following table sets forth our contractual commitments as of March 31, 2003 (in thousands) and our anticipated payment obligations (in thousands) during the periods indicated below:


Contractual
Obligations

As of
March 31, 2003

April 1, 2003
to
December 31, 2004

January 1, 2005
to
December 31, 2005

January 1, 2006
to
December 31, 2006

January 1, 2007
to
December 31, 2007

Thereafter
Senior                            
subordinated  
notes (1)   $ 195,867   $-   $-   $-   $-   $ 195,867  
Notes payable for  
equipment (1)    1,832    490    1,342    -    -    -  
Other revolving  
debt (1)    3,049    3,049    -    -    -    -  
Obligations  
related to  
acquisitions (2)    2,651    2,651    -    -    -    -  
Capital leases (3)    4,532    2,361    919    518    468    266  
Severance    220    220    -    -    -    -  
Operating leases    30,736    21,997    4,599    2,273    1,712    155  






Total   $ 238,887   $ 30,768   $ 6,860   $ 2,791   $ 2,180   $ 196,288  







(1)                 See Note 4 to the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
(2)                Primarily related to contingent consideration for acquisitions.
(3)                Included in other liabilities in Consolidated Balance Sheets.


Other
Commercial
Commitments

As of
March 31,
2003

April 1, 2003
to
December 31,
2004

January 1,
2005 to
December 31,
2005

January 1,
2006 to
December 31
2006

January 1,
2007 to
December 31
2007

Thereafter
Standby letters     $ 46,837   $ 46,837   $ -   $ -   $ -   $ -  
of credit  
Executive life  
insurance    22,688    3,080    1,624    1,124    1,124    15,736  






Total   $ 69,525   $ 49,917   $ 1,624   $ 1,124   $ 1,124   $ 15,736  







Seasonality

        Our North American operations are historically seasonally slower in the first and fourth quarters of the year. This seasonality is primarily the result of client budgetary constraints and preferences and the effect of winter weather on network activities. Some of our clients, particularly the incumbent local exchange carriers, tend to complete budgeted capital expenditures before the end of the year and defer additional expenditures until the following budget year. Revenue in local currency from our Brazilian operations is not expected to fluctuate seasonally.

Impact of Inflation

        The primary inflationary factor affecting our operations is increased labor costs. We have not experienced significant increases in labor costs to date. Our Brazilian and Mexican operations may be exposed to risks associated with high inflation.

ITEM 3.     QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

        See Notes 7 and 8 to Consolidated Financial Statements for disclosure about market risk.

ITEM 4.     CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES


  a. Evaluation of disclosure controls and procedures. Our chief executive officer and chief financial officer are responsible for establishing and maintaining “disclosure controls and procedures” (as defined in the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 Rules 13a-14(c) and 15d-14(c)) for MasTec. Our disclosure controls and procedures include “internal controls,” as that term is used in Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 and described in the Securities and Exchange Commission’s Release No. 34-46427 (August 29, 2002). Our chief executive officer and chief financial officer, after evaluating the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures as of March 31, 2003, have concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective in timely alerting them to material information relating to MasTec (including its consolidated subsidiaries) required to be included in our periodic SEC filings. We have undertaken software upgrades at our numerous back office locations to improve the speed of our information gathering.

  b. Changes in internal controls. There were no significant changes in MasTec’s internal controls or in other factors that could significantly affect those internal controls subsequent to the date of the evaluation. As a result, no corrective actions were taken. However, as mentioned above, MasTec is attempting to streamline its back office operations to enhance its information, financial and operational systems, which should improve its internal controls.


PART II.     OTHER INFORMATION


ITEM 1.     LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

        See Note 8 to the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

ITEM 6.     EXHIBITS AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K

(a)     Exhibits


Exhibit No.             Description

  10.1     Employment Agreement dated as of January 1, 2002, between MasTec, Inc. and Carmen Sabater.

  99.1     Certifications of the Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer of MasTec, Inc. required by Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

(b)     Reports on Form 8-K


None


SIGNATURE

        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.

Date:  May 14, 2003 MASTEC, INC.


BY: /S/ DONALD P. WEINSTEIN
——————————————
Donald P. Weinstein
Executive Vice President - Chief Financial Officer
(Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)


CERTIFICATIONS REQUIRED BY SECTION
302(a) OF SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

I, Austin J. Shanfelter, President and Chief Executive Officer of MasTec, Inc., certify that:

1. I have reviewed this quarterly report on Form 10-Q of MasTec, Inc. for the quarter ended March 31, 2003;

2. Based on my knowledge, this quarterly report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this quarterly report;

3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements and other financial information included in this quarterly report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this quarterly report;

4. The registrant’s other certifying officers and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-14 and 15d-14) for the registrant and we have:

  a) designed such disclosure controls and procedures to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this quarterly report is being prepared;

  b) evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures as of a date within 90 days prior to the filing date of this quarterly report (the “Evaluation Date”); and

  c) presented in this quarterly report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures based on our evaluation as of the Evaluation Date;

5. The registrant’s other certifying officers and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent function):

  a) all significant deficiencies in the design or operation of internal controls which could adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial data and have identified for the registrant’s auditors any material weaknesses in internal controls; and

  b) any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal controls; and

6. The registrant’s other certifying officers and I have indicated in this quarterly report whether or not there were significant changes in internal controls or in other factors that could significantly affect internal controls subsequent to the date of our most recent evaluation, including any corrective actions with regard to significant deficiencies and material weaknesses.

Date:  May 14, 2003 BY: /S/ Austin J. Shanfelter
——————————————
Austin J. Shanfelter, President
and Chief Executive Officer


I, Donald P. Weinstein, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of MasTec, Inc., certify that:

1. I have reviewed this quarterly report on Form 10-Q of MasTec, Inc. for the quarter ended March 31, 2003;

2. Based on my knowledge, this quarterly report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this quarterly report;

3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements and other financial information included in this quarterly report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this quarterly report;

4. The registrant’s other certifying officers and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-14 and 15d-14) for the registrant and we have:

  a) designed such disclosure controls and procedures to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this quarterly report is being prepared;

  b) evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures as of a date within 90 days prior to the filing date of this quarterly report (the “Evaluation Date”); and

  c) presented in this quarterly report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures based on our evaluation as of the Evaluation Date;

5. The registrant’s other certifying officers and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent function):

  a) all significant deficiencies in the design or operation of internal controls which could adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial data and have identified for the registrant’s auditors any material weaknesses in internal controls; and

  b) any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal controls; and

6. The registrant’s other certifying officers and I have indicated in this quarterly report whether or not there were significant changes in internal controls or in other factors that could significantly affect internal controls subsequent to the date of our most recent evaluation, including any corrective actions with regard to significant deficiencies and material weaknesses.

Date:  May 14, 2003


BY: /S/ Donald P. Weinstein,
——————————————
Executive Vice President
and Chief Financial Officer

Exhibit 99.1 Certifications

CERTIFICATIONS PURSUANT TO
18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350,
AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO
SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002


        In connection with the Annual Report of MasTec, Inc. (the “Company”) on Form 10-Q for the period ending March 31, 2003 as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the “Report”), I, Austin J. Shanfelter, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company, certify, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that, to the best of my knowledge:

    (1)               The Report fully complies with the requirements of section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and


    (2)               The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company.




Date: May 14, 2003 /s/ Austin J. Shanfelter
——————————————
Name:   Austin J. Shanfelter
Title:     President and Chief Executive Officer



        In connection with the Annual Report of MasTec, Inc. (the “Company”) on Form 10-Q for the period ending March 31, 2003 as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the “Report”), I, Donald P. Weinstein, Executive Vice President — Chief Financial Officer of the Company, certify, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that, to the best of my knowledge:

    (1)               The Report fully complies with the requirements of section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and


    (2)               The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company.




Date: May 14, 2003 /s/ Donald P. Weinstein
——————————————
Name:   Donald P. Weinstein
Title:     Executive Vice President - Chief Financial Officer



A signed original of this written statement required by Section 906 has been provided to MasTec, Inc. and will be retained by MasTec, Inc. and furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission or its staff upon request.

Exhibit 10.1 Employment Agreement

AMENDMENT AGREEMENT

AMENDMENT dated as of January 1, 2002 between CARMEN SABATER (“Executive”) and MASTEC, INC., a Florida corporation (the “Company”).

Executive and the Company have entered into that certain Employment Agreement dated as of January 1, 2001 (the “Employment Agreement”). The parties to the Employment Agreement desire to amend the Employment Agreement and to enter into certain new agreements, all as further described in this Amendment.

ACCORDINGLY, in consideration of the mutual promises contained in this Amendment and other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which is acknowledged by the parties, Executive and the Company agree as follows:

1. All capitalized terms used in this Amendment will have the same meaning as the same capitalized terms in the Employment Agreement.

2. The Company and Executive mutually agree to terminate the Employment Agreement as of January 1, 2002 (the “Termination Date”), except for Sections 10, 11, 13, 14, the last paragraph of 15 (only to the extent it refers to Section 14), 16, 17, 18 and 19 thereof, which will continue in full force and effect.

3. Notwithstanding the termination of the Employment Agreement as described in Section 2 of this Amendment, Executive’s services to the Company will continue until December 31, 2002 (the “Separation Date”), subject to the terms and conditions of this Amendment. Until March 31, 2002, Executive will be available to the Company on an as needed basis, up to a maximum of 20 hours a week, for specific projects existing as of the Termination Date (the “Existing Projects”) at the Company’s headquarters in Miami, Florida or telephonically, as reasonably requested by the Company. Commencing April 1, 2002 and until September 30, 2002, Executive will be available to the Company on an as needed basis up to a maximum of 10 hours a week forthe Existing Projects at the Company’s headquarters in Miami, Florida or telephonically, as reasonably requested by the Company. The Company will provide reasonable notice to Executive that it requires Executive’s services, which services will be subject to Executive’s other previously arranged commitments or schedule. The Executive’s weekly obligation to the Company will not cumulate. The Company understands and agrees that Executive may seek employment and become employed elsewhere at any time during 2002. The Company agrees that Executive’s obligations under this Amendment will not unreasonably interfere with the time requirements of her new employment. Executive will only communicate with the following individuals at the Company with respect to Company business during the term of Executive’s obligations under this Amendment: Austin Shanfelter, President and CEO; Jose Ramon Mas, Executive Vice President — Business Development; Donald P. Weinstein, Executive Vice President — Chief Financial Officer; Jose Sariego, General Counsel; Arlene Vargas, Controller; and Hilary Candela, Director — Business Development.

4. Before and after the Separation Date, Executive will reasonably cooperate and reasonably assist the Company, without further compensation other than customary witness fees, in connection with any legal, quasi-legal, administrative or other similar proceeding, including any external or internal investigation, involving the Company or any of its subsidiaries or affiliates, by furnishing such information and appropriate services (including, if required, testimony) and by making herself available to the Company as may be reasonably requested by the Company from time to time. Prior to the Separation Date any time spent on matters covered by this Section 4 will count against Executive a weekly obligation described in Section 3

 

5. Employee and the Company agree to the following (the “Consideration”)

  a. The Company will pay Executive $230,000.00 In bi-weekly installments commencing January 4, 2002 through December 31, 2002. The amounts payable under this Section 5 a. will be paid to Executive or Executlve s estate even if Executive dies or becomes disabled and is not able to provide the services described in Section 3

  b. The Company will pay Execubve $270,000.00 by wire transfer on or before January 4, 2002

  c. The Company forgives as of the date of this Agreement the $125,000.00 that Executive owes the Company under that certain Promissory Note dated November 2000.

  d. All of Executive s outstanding unexercised stock options will vest as of January 1. 2002. Executive may exercise Executive’s outstanding unexercised stock options (whether or not previously vested) until June 30. 2003, after which date all of Executive’s unexercised stock options will terminate

  e. Amounts due to Executive under the Company’s 401(k) retirement plan, deferred compensation plan, and split-dollar life insurance program in which Executive currently participates will be paid to Executive promptly after the Termination Date in accordance with those plans and programs

Executive acknowledges that the portion of the Consideration described in Sections 5.a and 5 b are subject to tax withholding and other deductions required by law or for participation in a Company benefit plan

6. Payment of the Consideration is subject to the following.

  Executive waives any compensation or consideration the Executive may be or would be entitled to under the Employment Agreement, including without limitation any amounts described in Sections 4, 5 or 7 of the Employment Agreement.

  o Executive will not be entitled to and waives any bonus or other comeensation for 2001 or any other period.

  o Executive waives the right to any vacation, holiday, sick and personal days, or pay in lieu thereof, that have or will have accrued on or before the Separation Date.

  o Executive must comply with all of Executives obligations under this Amendment and under the Employment Agreement as amended by this Amendment

7. Executive agrees that the Consideration conslitutes suffcient consideration for this Amendment Executive acknowledges and agrees that no compensation or consideration other than the Consideration as provided for by this Amendment has been or will be paid or furnished by the Company Executive acknowledges that except as set forth in this Amendment the Consideration includes compensation for any right Executive may have had or may have in the future to (a) vacation, holiday, sick or personal days or pay in lieu thereof, (b) bonus, profit sharing or other incentive compensation, or (c) stock options or restricted stock, all of which Executive specifically waives. Executive’s eligibility (i) to purchase stock under the Company, Inc.‘s Non-Qualified Executive Stock Purchase Plan, (ii) to participate in the Company incentive compensation or other compensation plans and (iii) to participate in any other benefit plan of the Company or its subsidiaries or affiliates is terminated as of January 1, 2002, except that Executive will be entitled to continue participating in the Company’s health, life insurance, disability insurance and accidental death and dismemberment insurance plans until the Separation Date to the extent the Company offers such plans to its employees generally. With respect to the Company’s 401(k)retirement savings plan, Executive will not continue participation in the plan after December 31, 2001.


8. Executive agrees, as a condition precedent to receipt of the Consideration pursuant to this Amendment, that Executive will deliver or cause to be delivered to the Company not later than January 4, 2002, (a) all keys, ID cards, company automobile or other vehicle, corporate credit card, laptop computer or other hardware, computer software of any kind, electronic address book, portable telephone, radio, electronic beeper or other electronic devices, equipment and all other property belonging to the Company and (b) all originals and copies of any drawings, books, manuals, letters, notes, notebooks, reports, financial statements, business plans, projections, data base, or documents, materials or information in Executive’s possession or control containing or describing any Confidential Information (as defined in the Employment Agreement) or otherwise relating to the Company or any of its subsidiaries or affiliates. To the extent required for the performance of Executive’s duties under this Amendment, the Company will provide Executive with a computer and other equipment and facilities and staff as needed.

9. Executive and her heirs, beneficiaries, executors and other representatives (collectively, the “Executive Releasors”), acquit, release and forever discharge the Company and its agents, servants, officers, directors, shareholders, employees, predecessors, subsidiaries, affiliates, successors, assigns and other representatives (collectively, the “Company Released Parties”) from all claims, demands, debts, damages, liabilities, obligations, actions or causes of action, whether known or unknown, foreseen and unforeseen, fixed, accrued or contingent, liquidated or unliquidated, matured or unmatured, direct or derivative or consequential, arising from contract, tort, statute, regulation or otherwise (collectively, “Claims”), including, without limitation (a) Claims for fraud, intentional misconduct, simple or gross negligence, criminal conduct, slander or libel, (b) Claims in connection with Executive’s employment (including wrongful termination, breach of express or implied contract, unpaid wages, unemployment compensation, accrued vacation, holidays or sick days, employee benefits, or under any federal, state, or local employment laws, regulations, or executive orders prohibiting discrimination of any kind, including discrimination on the basis of age, race, sex, sexual preference, marital status, national origin, religion, handicap, and disability discrimination, such as the Age Discrimination in Employment Act, Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Civil Rights Act of 1866, the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, the Family and Medical Leave Act, and Florida’s Civil Rights Act, and (c) any other Claim of any kind whatsoever, arising out of, resulting from or in any-way connected with any act, omission, fact, event, occurrence, matter, agreement, happening, representation, warranty, promise or transaction of any kind that the Executive Releasors ever had or may now have against the Company Released Parties, from the beginning of time to the date of this Amendment, other than (i) the Company’s obligations under the Employment Agreement to the extent not terminated by this Amendment, (ii) the Company’s obligations under this Amendment and (iii) the Company’s obligations under benefit plans in which Executive participated prior to the date of this Amendment


10. The Company and its successors and assigns (collectively, the “Company Releasers”), acquit, release and forever discharge Executive and her heirs, beneficiaries, executors and other representatives (collectively, the “Executive Released Parties”) from all Claims of any kind whatsoever, ansing out of, resulting from or in any way connected with any act, omission, fact, event, occurrence, matter agreement. happening, representalion, warranty, promise or transaction of any kind that the Company Releasers ever had or may now have against the Executive Released Parties, from the beginning of time to the date of this Amendment, other than (i) Executive’s obligations under the Employment Agreement to the extent not terminated by this Amendment, (ii) Executive’s obligations under this Amendment, and (iii) Claims for fraud, intentional misconduct or criminal conduct by Executive.

11. Executive permanently, unequivocally, and unconditionally waives any and all rights Executive may have, may have had in the past, or may have in the future to obtain or resume employment with the Company. Executive agrees that the Company is under no obligation, presently or at anytime in the future, to accept Executive as an employee

12. The parties agree that all matters relating to this Amendment are strictly confidential and no party or its representatives will not disclose or disseminate any information concerning any term or terms hereof to any third person or persons, except as required by applicable law

13. Executive agrees that she will not make any statements about or relating to the Company or its subsidiaries. affiliates officers, directors, shareholders, employees. agents or independent contractors which are disparaging, critical or likely to cause embarrassment, are contrary to the provisions of this Amendment The Company will not make any statements abortion relating to Executive that are disparaging, critical or likely to cause embarrassment, or contrary to the provisions of this Amendment

14. Pursuant to the provisions of the OWBPA, which may apply to Executive’s waiverof rights under the ADEA, Executive has had a period of at least twenty-one(21)days within which to consider whether to execute this Amendment. Also pursuant to the OWBPA, Executive may revoke the Amendment within seven (7) days of its execution It is specifically understood that this Amendment will not become effective or enforceable until the seven-day revocation period has expired. Consideration for this Amendment will not be paid until the end of the seven-day revocation period or, if paid before the expiration of the seven day revocation period, must be refunded in full to revoke this Amendment. Executive acknowledges that, pursuant to the OWBPA, the Company advised Executive, in writing to consutt with an attorney prior to executing this Amendment. The Company will reimburse Executive up to $500.00 for actual out-of-pocket fees and expenses to have an attorney review this Amendment.


15. This Amendment does not constitute an admission of a violation of any law, order, rule, regulation or enactment, or of any wrongdoing or misconduct of any kind by Executive or the Company.

16. THE COMPANY AND EXECUTIVE KNOWINGLY, VOLUNTARILY, IRREVOCABLY, UNCONDITIONALLY AND INTENTIONALLY WAIVE THE RIGHT TO A TRIAL BY JURY IN RESPECT OF ANY LITIGATION BASED ON THIS AMENDMENT OR THE EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT AS AMENDED BY THIS AMENDMENT, ARISING OUT OF, UNDER OR IN CONNECTION WITH THIS AMENDMENT OR THE EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT, OR ANY COURSE OF CONDUCT, COURSE OF DEALINGS, STATEMENTS (WHETHER VERBAL OR WRITTEN) OR ACTIONS OF ANY PERSON OR PARTY AND RELATED TO THIS AMENDMENT OR THE EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT; THIS IRREVOCABLE WAIVER OF THE RIGHT TO A JURY TRIAL BEING A MATERIAL INDUCEMENT FOR THE COMPANY AND EXECUTIVE TO ENTER INTO THIS AMENDMENT.

17. Any notice, demand, consent, agreement, request, or other communication required or permitted under this Amendment must be in writing and must be, (i) mailed by first-class United States mail, registered or certified, return receipt requested, proper postage prepaid, or (ii) delivered personally by independent courier (such as FedEx, DHL or similar nationally-recognized courier), to the parties at the addresses as follows (or at such other addresses as shall be specified by the parties by like notice):

  if to the Company, to:

  MasTec, Inc.
3155 N.W. 77th Avenue
Miami, FL 33122-1205
Attention: Legal Department

  if to Executive, to:

  Carmen Sabater
5762 SW 100 Street
Miami, Florida 33156

Each party may on five (5) days’ prior notice in the manner set forth in this Section designate by notice in writing a new address to which any notice, demand, consent, agreement, request or communication may thereafter be given, served or sent. Each notice, demand, consent, agreement, request or communication which is mailed or hand delivered in the manner described above will be deemed received for all purposes at such time as it is delivered to the addressee (with the return receipt or the courier delivery receipt being deemed conclusive evidence of such delivery) or at such time as delivery is refused by the addressee upon presentation.

18. This Amendment: (a) may be executed in counterparts, and all counterparts will collectively constitute a single agreement, (b) may not be amended or modified or any provision waived except in writing, (c) constitutes the entire agreement of the not be assigned or the duties delegated without the consent of all parties except as expressly set forth in this Amendment.


19. This Amendment, the rights and obligations of the parties, and any claims or disputes relating in any way thereto will be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Florida, without giving effect to any choice or conflict of law provision or rule (whether in the State of Florida or any other jurisdiction) that would cause the application of the laws of any jurisdiction other than the State of Florida. Each of the Executive and the Company, by executing this Agreement, (a) irrevocably submits to the exclusive jurisdiction of any federal or Florida state court sitting in Miami-Dade County, Florida in respect of any suit, action or proceeding arising out of or relating in any way to this Amendment, and irrevocably accepts for itself and in respect of its property, generally and unconditionally, the jurisdiction of such courts and to be found by any judgment rendered in such courts; (b) waives, to the fullest extent it may do so effectively under applicable law, any objection it may have to the laying of the venue of any such suit, action or proceeding brought in any such court and any claim that any such suit, action or proceeding brought in any such court has been brought in an inconvenient forum; and (c) irrevocably consents, to the fullest extent it may do so effectively under applicable law, to the service of process of any of the aforementioned courts in any such suit, action or proceeding by the mailing of copies thereof by first-class United States mail, registered or certified, return receipt requested, proper postage prepaid, to Executive or the Company at the address set forth in this Amendment, such service to become effective five (5) business days (or such other period of time provided by applicable law) after such mailing.

EXECUTED: as of January 1, 2002  
   
EXECUTIVE:
   

CARMEN SABATER
   
THE COMPANY:
   
By: /s/ Austin Shanfelter
——————————————
Austin Shanfelter, President and CEO