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Crown Castle Reports Second Quarter 2017 Results and Updates Outlook for Full Year 2017

July 19, 2017 5:00 AM

HOUSTON, July 19, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Crown Castle International Corp. (NYSE: CCI) ("Crown Castle") today reported results for the quarter ended June 30, 2017.

2017 Outlook for Organic Contribution to Site Rental Revenues and Growth in Site Rental Revenues
2017 Outlook for AFFO growth

"We had another terrific quarter exceeding our previously provided Outlook for net income, Adjusted EBITDA and AFFO," stated Jay Brown, Crown Castle’s Chief Executive Officer. "We believe we are well-positioned to capitalize on the long-term positive fundamentals for mobile data demand growth with our leading portfolio of shared wireless infrastructure across towers and small cells. As the wireless carriers turn to our infrastructure to improve and enhance their networks to meet what is expected to be a four-fold increase in mobile data demand by 2021, we believe there is a sustained runway of organic growth opportunities on our existing portfolio as well as opportunities for us to make accretive investments that enhance our long-term growth profile. Towards this end, we are excited about our recently announced agreement to acquire Lightower. As a result of the Lightower acquisition, subject to approval by our board of directors, we expect to increase our annual common stock dividend rate between $0.15 and $0.20 per share after the acquisition closes to reflect the expected contribution from the acquisition. Longer-term, we believe the Lightower acquisition will improve our growth profile, allowing us to raise our 6% to 7% long-term annual dividend growth target to 7% to 8%. We believe our expected growth combined with the high-quality dividend stream that is underpinned by long-term contracts represents a compelling total return profile for our investors."

RESULTS FOR THE QUARTERThe table below sets forth select financial results for the three month period ended June 30, 2017. For further information, refer to the financial statements and non-GAAP, segment and other calculation reconciliations included in this press release.

(in millions)ActualMidpointQ2 2017Outlook(b)ActualCompared toOutlook
Q2 2017Q2 2016Change% Change
Site rental revenues$869$805+$648%$869
Net income (loss)$112$86+$2630%$100+$12
Adjusted EBITDA(a)$589$550+$397%$587+$2
AFFO(a)$440$392+$4812%$436+$4
Weighted-average common sharesoutstanding - diluted366339+278%362+4

Note: Figures may not tie due to rounding.

  1. See reconciliation of this non-GAAP financial measure to net income (loss) included herein.
  2. As issued on April 24, 2017.

HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE QUARTER

"In addition to delivering great results during the second quarter, we also continued to enhance our portfolio of assets with the closing of the Wilcon acquisition and strengthened our balance sheet with our inaugural 30-year unsecured notes offering," stated Dan Schlanger, Crown Castle's Chief Financial Officer. "Further, following completion of the Lightower acquisition, we will have assembled an industry-leading portfolio of metro fiber that positions us to build on our small cell leadership position. Given the expected growth in mobile data demand, we are seeing wireless carriers increasingly turn to small cells in scale to supplement their macro networks to improve and enhance network quality and capacity. Based on our experience to date of generating attractive initial returns and lease-up as well as our belief that we are still in the early innings of small cell deployment, we believe our investments in small cells and fiber will drive meaningful value creation over time."

LIGHTOWER ACQUISITIONAs announced yesterday, Crown Castle has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire LTS Group Holdings LLC (“Lightower”) for approximately $7.1 billion in cash (subject to certain limited adjustments). Lightower owns or has rights to approximately 32,000 route miles of fiber located primarily in top metro markets in the Northeast including Boston, New York and Philadelphia. Following the completion of the Lightower acquisition, Crown Castle will own or have rights to approximately 60,000 route miles of fiber.

Crown Castle anticipates closing the Lightower acquisition by the end of 2017. In the first full year of Crown Castle’s ownership, Lightower is expected to contribute $850 million to $870 million in site rental revenues, $163 million to $213 million in net income, $510 million to $530 million in Adjusted EBITDA and $465 million to $485 million in AFFO before financing costs. After the Lightower acquisition closes, Crown Castle anticipates that it would increase its annual common stock dividend rate, subject to approval by Crown Castle’s board of directors, between $0.15 and $0.20 per share to reflect the expected contribution from the acquisition. Crown Castle intends to finance the acquisition consistent with maintaining its current investment grade credit metrics, utilizing cash on hand and equity and debt financing, including borrowings under its revolving credit facility.

For more information regarding the Lightower acquisition please refer to the Investors section of Crown Castle's website.

OUTLOOKThis Outlook section contains forward-looking statements, and actual results may differ materially. Information regarding potential risks which could cause actual results to differ from the forward-looking statements herein is set forth below and in Crown Castle's filings with the SEC.

The following table sets forth Crown Castle's current Outlook for third quarter 2017 and full year 2017:

(in millions)Third Quarter 2017Full Year 2017
Site rental revenues$888to$893$3,504 to $3,529
Site rental cost of operations(a)$275to$280$1,071to$1,096
Net income (loss)$90to$110$426to$476
Adjusted EBITDA(b)$600to$605$2,389to$2,414
Interest expense and amortization of deferred financing costs(c)$142to$147$552to$582
FFO(b)$404to$409$1,623to$1,653
AFFO(b)$447to$452$1,813to$1,838
Weighted-average common shares outstanding - diluted(d)368366
  1. Exclusive of depreciation, amortization and accretion.
  2. See reconciliation of this non-GAAP financial measure to net income (loss) included herein.
  3. See the reconciliation of "components of interest expense and amortization of deferred financing costs" herein for a discussion of non-cash interest expense.
  4. The assumption for third quarter 2017 and full year 2017 diluted weighted-average common shares outstanding is based on diluted common shares outstanding as of June 30, 2017.

Full Year 2017 Outlook The table below compares the results for full year 2016, the midpoint of the current full year 2017 Outlook and the midpoint of the previously provided full year 2017 Outlook for select metrics.

Midpoint of FY 2017 Outlook toFY 2016 Actual ComparisonPreviousFull Year2017Outlook(b)CurrentComparedto PreviousOutlook
($ in millions)CurrentFull Year2017OutlookFull Year2016ActualChange%Change
Site rental revenues$3,517$3,233+$284+9%$3,488+$29
Net income (loss)$451$357+$94+26%$452-$1
Adjusted EBITDA(a)$2,402$2,228+$174+8%$2,387+$15
AFFO(a)$1,826$1,610+$216+13%$1,820+$6
Weighted-average common shares outstanding - diluted(c)366341+25+7%362+4
  1. See reconciliation of this non-GAAP financial measure to net income (loss) included herein.
  2. As issued on April 24, 2017. Represents midpoint of Outlook.
  3. The assumption for full year 2017 diluted weighted-average common shares outstanding is based on diluted common shares outstanding as of June 30, 2017.

CONFERENCE CALL DETAILSCrown Castle has scheduled a conference call for Wednesday, July 19, 2017, at 7:30 a.m. Eastern time to discuss its second quarter 2017 results and the Lightower acquisition. The conference call may be accessed by dialing 800-967-7185 and asking for the Crown Castle call (access code 7235918) at least 30 minutes prior to the start time. The conference call may also be accessed live over the Internet at http://investor.crowncastle.com. Supplemental materials for the call have been posted on the Crown Castle website at http://investor.crowncastle.com.

A telephonic replay of the conference call will be available from 10:30 a.m. Eastern time on Wednesday, July 19, 2017, through 10:30 a.m. Eastern time on Tuesday, October 17, 2017, and may be accessed by dialing 888-203-1112 and using access code 7235918. An audio archive will also be available on the company's website at http://investor.crowncastle.com shortly after the call and will be accessible for approximately 90 days.

ABOUT CROWN CASTLECrown Castle provides wireless carriers with the infrastructure they need to keep people connected and businesses running. With approximately 40,000 towers and 60,000 route miles of fiber supporting small cells following the completion of the Lightower acquisition, Crown Castle is the nation's largest provider of shared wireless infrastructure with a significant presence in the top 100 U.S. markets. For more information on Crown Castle, please visit www.crowncastle.com.

Non-GAAP Financial Measures, Segment Measures and Other Calculations

This press release includes presentations of Adjusted EBITDA, Adjusted Funds from Operations ("AFFO"), Funds from Operations ("FFO") and Organic Contribution to Site Rental Revenues, which are non-GAAP financial measures. These non-GAAP financial measures are not intended as alternative measures of operating results or cash flow from operations (as determined in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles ("GAAP")).

Our measures of Adjusted EBITDA, AFFO, FFO and Organic Contribution to Site Rental Revenues may not be comparable to similarly titled measures of other companies, including other companies in the wireless infrastructure sector or other REITs. Our definition of FFO is consistent with guidelines from the National Association of Real Estate Investment Trusts with the exception of the impact of income taxes in periods prior to our REIT conversion.

In addition to the non-GAAP financial measures used herein, we also provide Segment Site Rental Gross Margin, Segment Network Services and Other Gross Margin and Segment Operating Profit, which are key measures used by management to evaluate our operating segments for purposes of making decisions about allocating capital and assessing performance. These segment measures are provided pursuant to GAAP requirements related to segment reporting. In addition, we provide the components of certain GAAP measures, such as capital expenditures.

Adjusted EBITDA, AFFO, FFO and Organic Contribution to Site Rental Revenues are presented as additional information because management believes these measures are useful indicators of the financial performance of our business. Among other things, management believes that:

We define our non-GAAP financial measures, segment measures and other calculations as follows:

Non-GAAP Financial Measures

Adjusted EBITDA. We define Adjusted EBITDA as net income (loss) plus restructuring charges (credits), asset write-down charges, acquisition and integration costs, depreciation, amortization and accretion, amortization of prepaid lease purchase price adjustments, interest expense and amortization of deferred financing costs, gains (losses) on retirement of long-term obligations, net gain (loss) on interest rate swaps, gains (losses) on foreign currency swaps, impairment of available-for-sale securities, interest income, other income (expense), benefit (provision) for income taxes, cumulative effect of a change in accounting principle, income (loss) from discontinued operations and stock-based compensation expense.

Adjusted Funds from Operations. We define Adjusted Funds from Operations as FFO before straight-lined revenue, straight-lined expense, stock-based compensation expense, non-cash portion of tax provision, non-real estate related depreciation, amortization and accretion, amortization of non-cash interest expense, other (income) expense, gain (loss) on retirement of long-term obligations, net gain (loss) on interest rate swaps, gains (losses) on foreign currency swaps, acquisition and integration costs, and adjustments for noncontrolling interests, and less capital improvement capital expenditures and corporate capital expenditures.

Funds from Operations. We define Funds from Operations as net income plus real estate related depreciation, amortization and accretion and asset write-down charges, less noncontrolling interest and cash paid for preferred stock dividends, and is a measure of funds from operations attributable to CCIC common stockholders.

Organic Contribution to Site Rental Revenues. We define the Organic Contribution to Site Rental Revenues as the sum of the change in GAAP site rental revenues related to (1) new leasing activity including revenues from the construction of small cells and the impact of prepaid rent, (2) escalators and less (3) non-renewals of customer contracts.

Segment Measures

Segment Site Rental Gross Margin. We define Segment Site Rental Gross Margin as segment site rental revenues less segment site rental cost of operations, excluding stock-based compensation expense and prepaid lease purchase price adjustments recorded in cost of operations.

Segment Network Services and Other Gross Margin. We define Segment Network Services and Other Gross Margin as segment network services and other revenues less segment network services and other cost of operations, excluding stock-based compensation expense recorded in cost of operations.

Segment Operating Profit. We define Segment Operating Profit as segment revenues less segment cost of operations and segment general and administrative expenses, excluding stock-based compensation expense and prepaid lease purchase price adjustments recorded in cost of operations.

Other Calculations

Discretionary capital expenditures. We define discretionary capital expenditures as those capital expenditures made with respect to activities which we believe exhibit sufficient potential to enhance long-term stockholder value. They consist of (1) improvements to existing wireless infrastructure and construction of new wireless infrastructure (collectively referred to as "revenue generating") and (2) purchases of land assets under towers as we seek to manage our interests in the land beneath our towers.

Sustaining capital expenditures. We define sustaining capital expenditures as either (1) corporate related capital improvements, such as buildings, information technology equipment and office equipment or (2) capital improvements to tower sites that enable our customers' ongoing quiet enjoyment of the tower.

The tables set forth below reconcile the non-GAAP financial measures used herein to comparable GAAP financial measures. The components in these tables may not sum to the total due to rounding.

Reconciliations of Non-GAAP Financial Measures, Segment Measures and Other Calculations to Comparable GAAP Financial Measures:

Reconciliation of Historical Adjusted EBITDA:

For the Three Months Ended For the Twelve Months Ended
June 30, 2017 June 30, 2016 December 31, 2016
(in millions)
Net income (loss)$112.1 $86.1 $357.0
Adjustments to increase (decrease) net income (loss):
Asset write-down charges4.3 12.0 34.5
Acquisition and integration costs8.3 3.1 17.5
Depreciation, amortization and accretion295.6 276.0 1,108.6
Amortization of prepaid lease purchase price adjustments5.0 5.4 21.3
Interest expense and amortization of deferred financing costs(a)141.8 129.4 515.0
Gains (losses) on retirement of long-term obligations 11.5 52.3
Interest income(1.0) (0.1) (0.8)
Other income (expense)1.1 0.5 8.8
Benefit (provision) for income taxes4.5 3.9 16.9
Stock-based compensation expense16.8 22.0 96.5
Adjusted EBITDA(b)(c)$588.5 $549.7 $2,227.5

(a) See the reconciliation of "components of interest expense and amortization of deferred financing costs" herein for a discussion of non-cash interest expense.(b) See "Non-GAAP Financial Measures, Segment Measures and Other Calculations" herein for a discussion of our definition of Adjusted EBITDA.(c) The above reconciliation excludes line items included in our definition which are not applicable for the periods shown.

Reconciliation of Current Outlook for Adjusted EBITDA:

Q3 2017 Full Year 2017
(in millions)Outlook Outlook
Net income (loss)$90 to$110 $426 to$476
Adjustments to increase (decrease) net income (loss):
Asset write-down charges$9 to$11 $20 to$30
Acquisition and integration costs$8 to$12 $28 to$38
Depreciation, amortization and accretion$296 to$310 $1,178 to$1,208
Amortization of prepaid lease purchase price adjustments$4 to$6 $19 to$21
Interest expense and amortization of deferred financing costs(a)$142 to$147 $552 to$582
Gains (losses) on retirement of long-term obligations$0 to$0 $4 to$4
Interest income$(1) to$1 $(3) to$1
Other income (expense)$(1) to$3 $(2) to$0
Benefit (provision) for income taxes$3 to$7 $14 to$22
Stock-based compensation expense$24 to$26 $89 to$94
Adjusted EBITDA(b)(c)$600 to$605 $2,389 to$2,414

(a) See the reconciliation of "components of interest expense and amortization of deferred financing costs" herein for a discussion of non-cash interest expense.(b) See "Non-GAAP Financial Measures, Segment Measures and Other Calculations" herein for a discussion of our definition of Adjusted EBITDA.(c) The above reconciliation excludes line items included in our definition which are not applicable for the periods shown.

Reconciliation of Historical FFO and AFFO:

For the Three Months Ended For the Six Months Ended For the Twelve Months Ended
(in millions)June 30, 2017 June 30, 2016 June 30, 2017 June 30, 2016 December 31, 2016
Net income (loss)$112.1 $86.1 $231.3 $133.9 $357.0
Real estate related depreciation, amortization and accretion288.2 269.4 569.3 540.9 1,082.1
Asset write-down charges4.3 12.0 5.0 19.9 34.5
Dividends on preferred stock (11.0) (22.0) (44.0)
FFO(a)(b)(c)(d)$404.6 $356.4 $805.6 $672.7 $1,429.5
FFO (from above)$404.6 $356.4 $805.6 $672.7 $1,429.5
Adjustments to increase (decrease) FFO:
Straight-lined revenue0.8 (16.2) (0.5) (33.5) (47.4)
Straight-lined expense22.7 23.9 45.9 47.6 94.2
Stock-based compensation expense16.8 22.0 41.8 52.7 96.5
Non-cash portion of tax provision(4.8) (1.2) 1.7 7.3
Non-real estate related depreciation, amortization and accretion7.4 6.6 14.8 13.0 26.5
Amortization of non-cash interest expense2.4 3.8 5.3 8.0 14.3
Other (income) expense1.1 0.5 (3.5) 3.8 8.8
Gains (losses) on retirement of long-term obligations 11.5 3.5 42.0 52.3
Acquisition and integration costs8.3 3.1 13.9 8.8 17.5
Capital improvement capital expenditures(9.6) (8.9) (16.5) (15.3) (42.8)
Corporate capital expenditures(9.9) (10.2) (19.0) (13.9) (46.9)
AFFO(a)(b)(c)(d)$439.9 $392.5 $890.1 $787.6 $1,609.9

(a) See "Non-GAAP Financial Measures, Segment Measures and Other Calculations" herein for a discussion of our definitions of FFO and AFFO. (b) FFO and AFFO are reduced by cash paid for preferred stock dividends. (c) Diluted weighted-average common shares outstanding were 365.8 million, 338.6 million, 363.9 million, 336.7 million and 340.9 million for the three months ended June 30, 2017 and 2016, the six months ended June 30, 2017 and 2016 and the twelve months ended December 31, 2016, respectively. (d) The above reconciliation excludes line items included in our definition which are not applicable for the periods shown.

Reconciliation of Current Outlook for FFO and AFFO:

Q3 2017 Full Year 2017
(in millions)Outlook Outlook
Net income (loss)$90 to$110 $426 to$476
Real estate related depreciation, amortization and accretion$291 to$301 $1,154 to$1,174
Asset write-down charges$9 to$11 $20 to$30
FFO(a)(b)(c)$404 to$409 $1,623 to$1,653
FFO (from above)$404 to$409 $1,623 to$1,653
Adjustments to increase (decrease) FFO:
Straight-lined revenue$0 to$5 $4 to$19
Straight-lined expense$20 to$25 $81 to$96
Stock-based compensation expense$24 to$26 $89 to$94
Non-cash portion of tax provision$(2) to$3 $(6) to$4
Non-real estate related depreciation, amortization and accretion$5 to$9 $24 to$34
Amortization of non-cash interest expense$2 to$5 $9 to$15
Other (income) expense$(1) to$3 $(2) to$0
Gains (losses) on retirement of long-term obligations$0 to$0 $4 to$4
Acquisition and integration costs$8 to$12 $28 to$38
Capital improvement capital expenditures$(15) to$(10) $(41) to$(31)
Corporate capital expenditures$(19) to$(14) $(53) to$(43)
AFFO(a)(b)(c)$447 to$452 $1,813 to$1,838

(a) The assumption for third quarter 2017 and full year 2017 diluted weighted-average common shares outstanding is 367.5 million and 365.7 million, respectively, based on diluted common shares outstanding as of June 30, 2017. (b) See "Non-GAAP Financial Measures, Segment Measures and Other Calculations" herein for a discussion for our definitions of FFO and AFFO.(c) The above reconciliation excludes line items included in our definition which are not applicable for the periods shown.

Reconciliation of Expected Contribution from Lightower Acquisition to Full Year 2018 for Adjusted EBITDA:

Full Year 2018
(in millions)ExpectedContribution
Net income (loss)$163to$213
Adjustments to increase (decrease) net income (loss):
Asset write-down charges$0to$0
Acquisition and integration costs$20to$40
Depreciation, amortization and accretion$250to$300
Amortization of prepaid lease purchase price adjustments$0to$0
Interest expense and amortization of deferred financing costs(a)(b)$0to$0
Gains (losses) on retirement of long-term obligations$0to$0
Interest income$0to$0
Other income (expense)$0to$0
Benefit (provision) for income taxes$15to$20
Stock-based compensation expense$5to$15
Adjusted EBITDA(c)$510to$530

(a) See the reconciliation of "components of interest expense and amortization of deferred financing costs" herein for a discussion of non-cash interest expense.(b) Excludes the impact of expected financing relating to the Lightower acquisition. Assumes the Lightower acquisition closes on December 31, 2017.(c) See "Non-GAAP Financial Measures, Segment Measures and Other Calculations" herein for a discussion of our definition of Adjusted EBITDA.

Reconciliation of Expected Contribution from Lightower Acquisition to Full Year 2018 for FFO and AFFO:

Full Year 2018
(in millions)ExpectedContribution
Net income (loss)$163 to$213
Real estate related depreciation, amortization and accretion$209 to$259
Asset write-down charges$0 to$0
FFO(a)$396 to$446
FFO (from above)$396 to$446
Adjustments to increase (decrease) FFO:
Straight-lined revenue$(2) to$0
Straight-lined expense$0 to$0
Stock-based compensation expense$5 to$15
Non-cash portion of tax provision$0 to$0
Non-real estate related depreciation, amortization and accretion$16 to$66
Amortization of non-cash interest expense(b)$0 to$0
Other (income) expense$0 to$0
Gains (losses) on retirement of long-term obligations$0 to$0
Acquisition and integration costs$20 to$40
Capital improvement capital expenditures$(29) to$(24)
Corporate capital expenditures$0 to$0
AFFO(a)$465 to$485

(a) See "Non-GAAP Financial Measures, Segment Measures and Other Calculations" herein for a discussion for our definitions of FFO and AFFO.(b) Excludes the impact of expected financing relating to the Lightower acquisition. Assumes the Lightower acquisition closes on December 31, 2017.

For Comparative Purposes - Reconciliation of Previous Outlook for Adjusted EBITDA:

Previously Issued Previously Issued
Q2 2017 Full Year 2017
(in millions)Outlook Outlook
Net income (loss)$90 to$110 $427 to$477
Adjustments to increase (decrease) net income (loss):
Asset write-down charges$9 to$11 $26 to$36
Acquisition and integration costs$4 to$8 $15 to$25
Depreciation, amortization and accretion$288 to$302 $1,170 to$1,200
Amortization of prepaid lease purchase price adjustments$4 to$6 $19 to$21
Interest expense and amortization of deferred financing costs$137 to$142 $542 to$572
Gains (losses) on retirement of long-term obligations$0 to$0 $4 to$4
Interest income$(1) to$1 $(2) to$2
Other income (expense)$(1) to$3 $(3) to$(1)
Benefit (provision) for income taxes$3 to$7 $15 to$23
Stock-based compensation expense$25 to$27 $97 to$102
Adjusted EBITDA(a)(b)$584 to$589 $2,372 to$2,402

(a) See "Non-GAAP Financial Measures, Segment Measures and Other Calculations" herein for a discussion of our definition of Adjusted EBITDA.(b) The above reconciliation excludes line items included in our definition which are not applicable for the periods shown.

For Comparative Purposes - Reconciliation of Previous Outlook for FFO and AFFO:

Previously Issued Previously Issued
Q2 2017 Full Year 2017
(in millions)Outlook Outlook
Net income (loss)$90 to$110 $427 to$477
Real estate related depreciation, amortization and accretion$283 to$293 $1,146 to$1,166
Asset write-down charges$9 to$11 $26 to$36
FFO(a)(b)(c)$394 to$399 $1,623 to$1,653
FFO (from above)$394 to$399 $1,623 to$1,653
Adjustments to increase (decrease) FFO:
Straight-lined revenue$(2) to$3 $6 to$21
Straight-lined expense$21 to$26 $81 to$96
Stock-based compensation expense$25 to$27 $97 to$102
Non-cash portion of tax provision$(7) to$(2) $(4) to$6
Non-real estate related depreciation, amortization and accretion$5 to$9 $24 to$34
Amortization of non-cash interest expense$2 to$5 $8 to$14
Other (income) expense$(1) to$2 $(3) to$(1)
Gains (losses) on retirement of long-term obligations$0 to$0 $4 to$4
Acquisition and integration costs$4 to$8 $15 to$25
Capital improvement capital expenditures$(14) to$(9) $(41) to$(31)
Corporate capital expenditures$(15) to$(10) $(54) to$(44)
AFFO(a)(b)(c)$433 to$438 $1,805 to$1,835

(a) Previously issued second quarter 2017 and full year 2017 outlook assumes diluted common shares outstanding as of March 31, 2017 of approximately 362 million shares.(b) See "Non-GAAP Financial Measures, Segment Measures and Other Calculations" herein for a discussion for our definitions of FFO and AFFO.(c) The above reconciliation excludes line items included in our definition which are not applicable for the periods shown.

The components of changes in site rental revenues for the quarters ended June 30, 2017 and 2016 are as follows:

Three Months Ended June 30,
(in millions)2017 2016
Components of changes in site rental revenues(f):
Prior year site rental revenues exclusive of straight-line associated with fixed escalators(a)(c)$788 $706
New leasing activity(a)(c)45 44
Escalators21 23
Non-renewals(24) (18)
Organic Contribution to Site Rental Revenues(d)42 49
Straight-lined revenues associated with fixed escalators(1) 16
Acquisitions and builds(b)40 34
Other
Total GAAP site rental revenues$869 $805
Year-over-year changes in revenue:
Reported GAAP site rental revenues8.0%
Organic Contribution to Site Rental Revenues(d)(e)5.3%

(a) Includes revenues from amortization of prepaid rent in accordance with GAAP. (b) The financial impact of acquisitions, as measured by the initial contribution, and tower builds is excluded from Organic Contribution to Site Rental Revenues until the one-year anniversary of the acquisition or build. (c) Includes revenues from the construction of new small cell nodes, exclusive of straight-lined revenues related to fixed escalators. (d) See "Non-GAAP Financial Measures, Segment Measures and Other Calculations" herein. (e) Calculated as the percentage change from prior year site rental revenues exclusive of straight-lined revenues associated with fixed escalations compared to Organic Contribution to Site Rental Revenues for the current period. (f) Additional information regarding Crown Castle's site rental revenues including projected revenue from customer licenses, tenant non-renewals, straight-lined revenues and prepaid rent is available in Crown Castle's quarterly Supplemental Information Package posted in the Investors section of its website.

The components of the changes in site rental revenues for the year ending December 31, 2017 are forecasted as follows:

(in millions)Full Year 2017 Outlook Full Year 2016
Components of changes in site rental revenues(g):
Prior year site rental revenues exclusive of straight-line associated with fixed escalators(a)(c)$3,186 $2,907
New leasing activity(a)(c)155 - 175 174
Escalators80 - 85 89
Non-renewals(95) - (90) (74)
Organic Contribution to Site Rental Revenues(d)140 - 170 189
Straight-lined revenues associated with fixed escalators(20) - (10) 47
Acquisitions and builds(b) 185 90
Other
Total GAAP site rental revenues$3,504 - $3,529 $3,233
Year-over-year changes in revenue:(f)
Reported GAAP site rental revenues 8.7%
Organic Contribution to Site Rental Revenues(d)(e) 4.9%

(a) Includes revenues from amortization of prepaid rent in accordance with GAAP. (b) The financial impact of acquisitions, as measured by the initial contribution, and tower builds is excluded from Organic Contribution to Site Rental Revenues until the one-year anniversary of the acquisition or build. (c) Includes revenues from the construction of new small cell nodes, exclusive of straight-lined revenues related to fixed escalators. (d) See "Non-GAAP Financial Measures, Segment Measures and Other Calculations" herein. (e) Calculated as the percentage change from prior year site rental revenues exclusive of straight-lined revenues associated with fixed escalations compared to Organic Contribution to Site Rental Revenues for the current period. (f) Calculated based on midpoint of Full Year 2017 Outlook. (g) Additional information regarding Crown Castle's site rental revenues including projected revenue from customer licenses, tenant non-renewals, straight-lined revenues and prepaid rent is available in Crown Castle's quarterly Supplemental Information Package posted in the Investors section of its website.

Components of Historical Interest Expense and Amortization of Deferred Financing Costs:

For the Three Months Ended
(in millions)June 30, 2017 June 30, 2016
Interest expense on debt obligations$139.3 $125.6
Amortization of deferred financing costs and adjustments on long-term debt, net4.5 4.8
Other, net(2.1) (1.0)
Interest expense and amortization of deferred financing costs$141.8 $129.4

Components of Current Outlook for Interest Expense and Amortization of Deferred Financing Costs:

Q3 2017 Full Year 2017
(in millions)Outlook Outlook
Interest expense on debt obligations$140 to$142 $546 to$561
Amortization of deferred financing costs and adjustments on long-term debt, net$4 to$7 $17 to$21
Other, net$(2) to$(2) $(8) to$(6)
Interest expense and amortization of deferred financing costs$142 to$147 $552 to$582

Debt balances and maturity dates as of June 30, 2017 are as follows:

(in millions)Face Value Final Maturity
Bank debt - variable rate:
2016 Revolver$350.0 Jan. 2022
2016 Term Loan A2,431.7 Jan. 2022
Total bank debt2,781.7
Securitized debt - fixed rate:
Secured Notes, Series 2009-1, Class A-1(a)42.7 Aug. 2019
Secured Notes, Series 2009-1, Class A-2(a)70.0 Aug. 2029
Tower Revenue Notes, Series 2010-3(b)1,250.0 Jan. 2040
Tower Revenue Notes, Series 2010-6(b)1,000.0 Aug. 2040
Tower Revenue Notes, Series 2015-1(b)300.0 May 2042
Tower Revenue Notes, Series 2015-2(b)700.0 May 2045
Total securitized debt3,362.7
Bonds - fixed rate:
5.250% Senior Notes1,650.0 Jan. 2023
3.849% Secured Notes1,000.0 Apr. 2023
4.875% Senior Notes850.0 Apr. 2022
3.400% Senior Notes850.0 Feb. 2021
4.450% Senior Notes900.0 Feb. 2026
3.700% Senior Notes750.0 June 2026
2.250% Senior Notes700.0 Sept. 2021
4.000% Senior Notes500.0 Mar. 2027
4.750% Senior Notes350.0 May 2047
Total bonds7,550.0
Capital leases and other obligations240.7 Various
Total Debt$13,935.1
Less: Cash and Cash Equivalents(c)$199.7
Net Debt$13,735.4

(a) The Senior Secured Notes, Series 2009-1, Class A-1 principal amortizes during the period beginning January 2010 and ending in 2019 and the Senior Secured Notes, 2009-1, Class A-2 principal amortizes during the period beginning in 2019 and ending in 2029. (b) The Senior Secured Tower Revenue Notes, Series 2010-3 and 2010-6 have anticipated repayment dates in 2020. The Senior Secured Tower Revenue Notes, Series 2015-1 and 2015-2 have anticipated repayment dates in 2022 and 2025, respectively. (c) Excludes restricted cash.

Net Debt to Last Quarter Annualized Adjusted EBITDA is computed as follows:

(in millions)For the Three Months Ended June 30, 2017
Total face value of debt$13,935.1
Ending cash and cash equivalents(a)199.7
Total Net Debt$13,735.5
Adjusted EBITDA for the three months ended June 30, 2017$588.5
Last quarter annualized adjusted EBITDA2,354.1
Net Debt to Last Quarter Annualized Adjusted EBITDA5.8x(b)

(a) Excludes restricted cash. (b) The Net Debt to Last Quarter Annualized Adjusted EBITDA calculation does not give effect to a full quarter of ownership of Wilcon, as this acquisition closed on June 26, 2017.

Components of Capital Expenditures:

For the Three Months Ended
(in millions)June 30, 2017 June 30, 2016
TowersSmall CellsOtherTotal TowersSmall CellsOtherTotal
Discretionary:
Purchases of land interests$21.2 $ $ $21.2 $19.1 $ $ $19.1
Wireless infrastructure construction and improvements76.3 184.0 260.3 75.9 85.4 161.3
Sustaining:
Capital improvement and corporate9.5 4.1 5.9 19.4 9.1 2.1 7.9 19.1
Total$107.0 $188.1 $5.9 $300.9 $104.2 $87.5 $7.9 $199.5

Cautionary Language Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements and information that are based on our management's current expectations. Such statements include our Outlook and plans, projections, and estimates regarding (1) potential benefits, returns, opportunities and shareholder value which may be derived from our business, assets, investments, acquisitions (including the pending acquisition of Lightower) and dividends, including on a long-term basis, (2) our strategy and strategic position and strength of our business, (3) carrier network investments and upgrades, and the benefits which may be derived therefrom, (4) growth in demand for mobile data and wireless connectivity and the benefits which may be derived therefrom, (5) our growth and long-term prospects, (6) the pending acquisition of Lightower, including financing and timing thereof, quality of Lightower's assets, services and customer mix, and the potential benefits and contributions which may be derived from such acquisition, including (a) improvements to or enhancements of Crown Castle's asset portfolio, growth and industry position and (b) contribution to or impact on Crown Castle's financial or operating results, including site rental revenues, growth profile, net income and AFFO, (7) leasing activity (8) our investments, including in towers, small cells, fiber and other assets, and the potential growth, returns and benefits therefrom, (9) our dividends, including our dividend plans and the amount of and any increase to our dividends and dividend growth targets, (10) demand for our wireless infrastructure (including fiber and small cells) and services, (11) our credit metrics, (12) tenant non-renewals, including the impact and timing thereof, (13) capital expenditures, including sustaining capital expenditures, (14) straight-line adjustments, (15) site rental revenues, (16) site rental cost of operations, (17) net income (loss), (18) Adjusted EBITDA, (19) expenses, including interest expense and amortization of deferred financing costs, (20) FFO, (21) AFFO and estimated growth thereof, (22) Organic Contribution to Site Rental Revenues, (23) our common shares outstanding, including on a diluted basis and (24) network services contribution, (25) the utility of certain financial measures, including non-GAAP financial measures. Such forward-looking statements are subject to certain risks, uncertainties and assumptions prevailing market conditions and the following:

Should one or more of these or other risks or uncertainties materialize, or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those expected. More information about potential risk factors which could affect our results is included in our filings with the SEC. As used in this release, the term "including," and any variation thereof, means "including without limitation."

CROWN CASTLE INTERNATIONAL CORP.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET (UNAUDITED)
(in thousands, except share amounts)
June 30, 2017 December 31, 2016
ASSETS
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents$199,663 $567,599
Restricted cash117,913 124,547
Receivables, net305,982 373,532
Prepaid expenses175,976 128,721
Other current assets151,801 130,362
Total current assets951,335 1,324,761
Deferred site rental receivables1,299,440 1,317,658
Property and equipment, net10,507,736 9,805,315
Goodwill6,919,358 5,757,676
Other intangible assets, net3,953,812 3,650,072
Long-term prepaid rent and other assets, net851,943 819,610
Total assets$24,483,624 $22,675,092
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable$178,927 $188,516
Accrued interest107,764 97,019
Deferred revenues387,065 353,005
Other accrued liabilities209,224 221,066
Current maturities of debt and other obligations114,932 101,749
Total current liabilities997,912 961,355
Debt and other long-term obligations13,726,333 12,069,393
Other long-term liabilities2,169,070 2,087,229
Total liabilities16,893,315 15,117,977
Commitments and contingencies
CCIC stockholders' equity:
Common stock, $.01 par value; 600,000,000 shares authorized; shares issued and outstanding: June 30, 2017—366,115,800 and December 31, 2016—360,536,6593,661 3,605
Additional paid-in capital11,433,018 10,938,236
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)(5,183) (5,888)
Dividends/distributions in excess of earnings(3,841,187) (3,378,838)
Total equity7,590,309 7,557,115
Total liabilities and equity$24,483,624 $22,675,092

CROWN CASTLE INTERNATIONAL CORP.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS (UNAUDITED)
(in thousands, except share and per share amounts)
Three Months Ended June 30, Six Months Ended June 30,
2017 2016 2017 2016
Net revenues:
Site rental$868,806 $804,600 $1,725,742 $1,603,893
Network services and other169,529 157,809 328,535 292,899
Net revenues1,038,335 962,409 2,054,277 1,896,792
Operating expenses:
Costs of operations (exclusive of depreciation, amortization and accretion):
Site rental269,285 252,852 534,302 505,472
Network services and other104,622 95,867 203,430 176,838
General and administrative97,736 91,386 198,460 188,967
Asset write-down charges4,327 11,952 4,972 19,912
Acquisition and integration costs8,250 3,141 13,900 8,779
Depreciation, amortization and accretion295,615 276,026 584,164 553,901
Total operating expenses779,835 731,224 1,539,228 1,453,869
Operating income (loss)258,500 231,185 515,049 442,923
Interest expense and amortization of deferred financing costs(141,769) (129,362) (276,256) (255,740)
Gains (losses) on retirement of long-term obligations (11,468) (3,525) (42,017)
Interest income1,027 105 1,397 279
Other income (expense)(1,106) (518) 3,494 (3,791)
Income (loss) before income taxes116,652 89,942 240,159 141,654
Benefit (provision) for income taxes(4,538) (3,884) (8,907) (7,756)
Net income (loss)112,114 86,058 231,252 133,898
Dividends on preferred stock (10,997) (21,994)
Net income (loss) attributable to CCIC common stockholders$112,114 $75,061 $231,252 $111,904
Net income (loss) attributable to CCIC common stockholders, per common share:
Net income (loss) attributable to CCIC common stockholders, basic$0.31 $0.22 $0.64 $0.33
Net income (loss) attributable to CCIC common stockholders, diluted$0.31 $0.22 $0.64 $0.33
Weighted-average common shares outstanding (in thousands):
Basic364,493 337,560 362,662 335,857
Diluted365,832 338,609 363,892 336,658

CROWN CASTLE INTERNATIONAL CORP.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS (UNAUDITED)
(in thousands)
Six Months Ended June 30,
2017 2016
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income (loss)$231,252 $133,898
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by (used for) operating activities:
Depreciation, amortization and accretion584,164 553,901
Gains (losses) on retirement of long-term obligations3,525 42,017
Amortization of deferred financing costs and other non-cash interest5,256 7,993
Stock-based compensation expense45,232 40,135
Asset write-down charges4,972 19,912
Deferred income tax benefit (provision)261 3,947
Other non-cash adjustments, net(3,486) 1,672
Changes in assets and liabilities, excluding the effects of acquisitions:
Increase (decrease) in liabilities16,963 84,145
Decrease (increase) in assets45,970 30,561
Net cash provided by (used for) operating activities934,109 918,181
Cash flows from investing activities:
Payments for acquisition of businesses, net of cash acquired(2,103,503) (493,932)
Capital expenditures(563,361) (392,997)
Net (payments) receipts from settled swaps(328) 8,141
Other investing activities, net(7,032) 1,854
Net cash provided by (used for) investing activities(2,674,224) (876,934)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt1,345,115 4,501,206
Principal payments on debt and other long-term obligations(59,947) (43,838)
Purchases and redemptions of long-term debt (3,536,362)
Borrowings under revolving credit facility1,755,000 3,030,000
Payments under revolving credit facility(1,405,000) (3,720,000)
Payments for financing costs(11,446) (35,604)
Net proceeds from issuance of capital stock464,023 323,798
Purchases of capital stock(22,594) (24,460)
Dividends/distributions paid on common stock(696,025) (597,846)
Dividends paid on preferred stock (21,994)
Net (increase) decrease in restricted cash2,351 (6,089)
Net cash provided by (used for) financing activities1,371,477 (131,189)
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents - continuing operations(368,638) (89,942)
Discontinued operations:
Net cash provided by (used for) investing activities 113,150
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents - discontinued operations 113,150
Effect of exchange rate changes702 320
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period567,599 178,810
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period$199,663 $202,338
Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information:
Interest paid260,255 217,783
Income taxes paid10,372 10,186

CROWN CASTLE INTERNATIONAL CORP.
SEGMENT OPERATING RESULTS (UNAUDITED)
(in thousands)
SEGMENT OPERATING RESULTS
Three Months Ended June 30, 2017 Three Months Ended June 30, 2016
Towers Small Cells Other Consolidated Total Towers Small Cells Other Consolidated Total
Segment site rental revenues$717,645 $151,161 $868,806 $705,716 $98,884 $804,600
Segment network services and other revenue157,977 11,552 169,529 142,053 15,756 157,809
Segment revenues875,622 162,713 1,038,335 847,769 114,640 962,409
Segment site rental cost of operations211,204 51,861 263,065 210,444 34,165 244,609
Segment network services and other cost of operations95,837 8,604 104,441 81,922 12,423 94,345
Segment cost of operations(a)307,041 60,465 367,506 292,366 46,588 338,954
Segment site rental gross margin(b)506,441 99,300 605,741 495,272 64,719 559,991
Segment network services and other gross margin(b)62,140 2,948 65,088 60,131 3,333 63,464
Segment general and administrative expenses(a)22,875 18,666 40,754 82,295 22,505 15,718 35,563 73,786
Segment operating profit(b)545,706 83,582 (40,754) 588,534 532,898 52,334 (35,563) 549,669
Stock-based compensation expense 16,835 16,835 21,998 21,998
Depreciation, amortization and accretion 295,615 295,615 276,026 276,026
Interest expense and amortization of deferred financing costs 141,769 141,769 129,362 129,362
Other (income) expenses to reconcile to income (loss) before income taxes(c) 17,663 17,663 32,341 32,341
Income (loss) before income taxes $116,652 $89,942

(a) Segment cost of operations exclude (1) stock-based compensation expense of $1.4 million and $4.4 million for the three months ended June 30, 2017 and 2016, respectively and (2) prepaid lease purchase price adjustments of $5.0 million and $5.4 million for the three months ended June 30, 2017 and 2016, respectively. Segment general and administrative expenses exclude stock-based compensation expense of $15.4 million and $17.6 million for the three months ended June 30, 2017 and 2016, respectively. (b) See "Non-GAAP Financial Measures, Segment Measures and Other Calculations" herein for a discussion of our definitions of segment site rental gross margin, segment network service and other gross margin and segment operating profit.(c) See condensed consolidated statement of operations for further information.

SEGMENT OPERATING RESULTS
Six Months Ended June 30, 2017 Six Months Ended June 30, 2016
Towers Small Cells Other Consolidated Total Towers Small Cells Other Consolidated Total
Segment site rental revenues$1,434,181 $291,561 $1,725,742 $1,408,555 $195,338 $1,603,893
Segment network services and other revenue307,592 20,943 328,535 267,063 25,836 292,899
Segment revenues1,741,773 312,504 2,054,277 1,675,618 221,174 1,896,792
Segment site rental cost of operations420,668 99,107 519,775 415,009 71,648 486,657
Segment network services and other cost of operations184,773 16,833 201,606 151,911 20,458 172,369
Segment cost of operations(a)605,441 115,940 721,381 566,920 92,106 659,026
Segment site rental gross margin(b)1,013,513 192,454 1,205,967 993,546 123,690 1,117,236
Segment network services and other gross margin(b)122,819 4,110 126,929 115,152 5,378 120,530
Segment general and administrative expenses(a)46,635 36,355 79,960 162,950 46,104 31,240 71,635 148,979
Segment operating profit(b)1,089,697 160,209 (79,960) 1,169,946 1,062,594 97,828 (71,635) 1,088,787
Stock-based compensation expense 41,777 41,777 52,703 52,703
Depreciation, amortization and accretion 584,164 584,164 553,901 553,901
Interest expense and amortization of deferred financing costs 276,256 276,256 255,740 255,740
Other income (expenses) to reconcile to income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes(c) 27,590 27,590 84,789 84,789
Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes $240,159 $141,654

(a) Segment cost of operations exclude (1) stock-based compensation expense of $6.3 million and $12.7 million for the six months ended June 30, 2017 and 2016, respectively and (2) prepaid lease purchase price adjustments of $10.1 million and $10.6 million for the six months ended June 30, 2017 and 2016, respectively. Segment general and administrative expenses exclude stock-based compensation expense of $35.5 million and $40.0 million for the six months ended June 30, 2017 and 2016, respectively. (b) See "Non-GAAP Financial Measures, Segment Measures and Other Calculations" herein for a discussion of our definitions of segment site rental gross margin, segment network service and other gross margin and segment operating profit.(c) See condensed consolidated statement of operations for further information.

Contacts:
Dan Schlanger, CFO
Son Nguyen, VP & Treasurer
Crown Castle International Corp.
713-570-3050

Source: Crown Castle International Corp.

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