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Crown Castle Reports Third Quarter 2018 Results, Provides Outlook for Full Year 2019 and Announces 7% Increase to Common Stock Dividend

October 17, 2018 4:15 PM

HOUSTON, Oct. 17, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Crown Castle International Corp. (NYSE: CCI) ("Crown Castle") today reported results for the quarter ended September 30, 2018.

2019 Outlook for Organic Contribution to Site Rental Revenues, Growth in Site Rental Revenues ($ in millions)
2019 Outlook for Organic Contribution to Site Rental Revenues, Growth in Site Rental Revenues ($ in millions)
2019 Outlook for AFFO growth ($ in millions)
2019 Outlook for AFFO growth ($ in millions)

"We delivered another terrific quarter of results in the third quarter and increased our annualized common stock dividend by 7% to $4.50 per share based on accelerating leasing activity," stated Jay Brown, Crown Castle's Chief Executive Officer. "Over the past two decades, we have built and acquired an unmatched portfolio of more than 40,000 towers and 65,000 route miles of dense, high capacity fiber in the top U.S. markets, where we see the greatest long-term demand from multiple customers. We believe our ability to offer towers, small cells and fiber solutions, which are all integral components of communications networks and are shared among multiple tenants, provides us the best opportunity to generate significant growth while delivering high returns for our shareholders. Further, we believe that the U.S. represents the best market in the world for communications infrastructure ownership and we are pursuing that compelling opportunity with our comprehensive offering. With the positive momentum we continue to see in our towers and fiber segments, we remain dedicated to investing in our business to generate future growth while delivering dividend per share growth of 7% to 8% per year."

RESULTS FOR THE QUARTERThe table below sets forth select financial results for the three month period ended September 30, 2018 and 2017. For further information, refer to the financial statements and non-GAAP, segment and other calculation reconciliations included in this press release.

(in millions)ActualMidpoint Q3 2018 Outlook(b)Actual Compared to Outlook
Q3 2018Q3 2017Change% Change
Site rental revenues$1,184$893+$291+33%$1,177+$7
Net income (loss)$164$115+$49+43%$139+$25
Adjusted EBITDA(a)$793$605+$188+31%$790+$3
AFFO(a)(c)$579$459+$120+26%$573+$6
Weighted-average common shares outstanding - diluted416397+19+5%416

Note: Figures may not tie due to rounding.

  1. See reconciliation of this non-GAAP financial measure to net income (loss) and definition included herein.
  2. As issued on July 18, 2018.
  3. Attributable to CCIC common stockholders.

HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE QUARTER

"The solid third quarter results reflect the strength of our business model and our ability to leverage our leadership position in the U.S. across towers, small cells and fiber solutions to generate growth," stated Dan Schlanger, Crown Castle's Chief Financial Officer. "As we focus on closing out 2018 and look towards 2019, we are excited about all of the positive trends creating increasing demand for our tower, small cell and fiber assets. We believe we are in a great position to continue to deliver on our growth targets and invest for the future while returning capital to our shareholders through a high quality and growing dividend. Since 2014, and inclusive of the dividend increase we are announcing today, we have increased our dividend by a compounded annual growth rate of approximately 8%, and we believe we are well positioned to deliver on our 7% to 8% long-term annual dividend growth target going forward."

DIVIDEND INCREASE ANNOUNCEMENTCrown Castle's Board of Directors has declared a quarterly cash dividend of $1.125 per common share, representing an increase of 7% over the previous quarterly dividend of $1.05 per share. The quarterly dividend will be payable on December 31, 2018 to common stockholders of record at the close of business on December 14, 2018. Future dividends are subject to the approval of Crown Castle's Board of Directors.

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 Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC"). Beginning in 2019, the Outlook section of Crown Castle's quarterly earnings releases will include Outlook for full year periods only.

The following table sets forth Crown Castle's current Outlook for fourth quarter 2018, full year 2018 and full year 2019:

(in millions)Fourth Quarter 2018Full Year 2018Full Year 2019
Site rental revenues$1,189to$1,199$4,696to$4,706$4,898to$4,943
Site rental cost of operations(a)$343to$353$1,400to$1,410$1,438to$1,483
Net income (loss)$201to$226$659to$684$738to$818
Adjusted EBITDA(b)$820to$830$3,144to$3,154$3,303to$3,348
Interest expense and amortization of deferred financing costs(c)$160to$170$638to$648$691to$736
FFO(b)(d)$567to$577$2,055to$2,065$2,252to$2,297
AFFO(b)(d)$591to$601$2,273to$2,283$2,413to$2,458
Weighted-average common shares outstanding - diluted(e)416415416
  1. Exclusive of depreciation, amortization and accretion.
  2. See reconciliation of this non-GAAP financial measure to net income (loss) and definition included herein.
  3. See reconciliation of "components of current outlook for interest expense and amortization of deferred financing costs" herein for a discussion of non-cash interest expense.
  4. Attributable to CCIC common stockholders.
  5. The assumption for fourth quarter 2018, full year 2018 and full year 2019 diluted weighted-average common shares outstanding is based on the diluted common shares outstanding as of September 30, 2018. For all periods presented, the diluted weighted-average common shares outstanding does not include any assumed conversion of preferred stock in the share count.

Full Year 2018 OutlookThe table below compares the results for full year 2017, midpoint of the current full year 2018 Outlook and the midpoint of the previously provided full year 2018 Outlook for select metrics.

Midpoint of FY 2018 Outlook toFY 2017 Actual Comparison
(in millions)CurrentFull Year2018 OutlookFull Year2017 ActualChange% ChangePrevious Full Year 2018 Outlook(d)Current Compared to Previous Outlook
Site rental revenues$4,701$3,669+$1,032+28%$4,688+$13
Net income (loss)$672$445+$227+51%$633+$39
Adjusted EBITDA(a)$3,149$2,482+$667+27%$3,147+$2
AFFO(a)(b)$2,278$1,860+$418+22%$2,278
Weighted-average common shares outstanding - diluted(c)415383+32+8%415
  1. See reconciliation of this non-GAAP financial measure to net income (loss) and definition included herein.
  2. Attributable to CCIC common stockholders.
  3. The assumption for full year 2018 diluted weighted-average common shares outstanding is based on diluted common shares outstanding as of September 30, 2018. For all periods presented, the diluted weighted-average common shares outstanding does not include any assumed conversion of preferred stock in the share count.
  4. As issued on July 18, 2018.

Full Year 2019 OutlookThe table below compares the midpoint of the full year 2019 Outlook and the midpoint of the currently provided full year 2018 Outlook for select metrics.

Midpoint of FY 2019 Outlook toMidpoint of FY 2018 Outlook
(in millions)CurrentFull Year2019 OutlookCurrentFull Year2018 OutlookChange% Change
Site rental revenues$4,921$4,701+$220+5%
Net income (loss)$778$672+$106+16%
Adjusted EBITDA(a)$3,326$3,149+$177+6%
AFFO(a)(b)$2,436$2,278+$158+7%
Weighted-average common shares outstanding - diluted(c)416415+1
  1. See reconciliation of this non-GAAP financial measure to net income (loss) and definition included herein.
  2. Attributable to CCIC common stockholders.
  3. The assumption for full year 2018 and full year 2019 diluted weighted-average common shares outstanding is based on diluted common shares outstanding as of September 30, 2018. For all periods presented, the diluted weighted-average common shares outstanding does not include any assumed conversion of preferred stock in the share count.

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at http://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/61274c07-b8c6-44e9-8829-10cce9da253f

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at http://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/5f742149-932c-45b8-ad87-d4a441239b28

CONFERENCE CALL DETAILSCrown Castle has scheduled a conference call for Thursday, October 18, 2018, at 10:30 a.m. Eastern time to discuss its third quarter 2018 results. The conference call may be accessed by dialing 855-719-5012 and asking for the Crown Castle call (access code 8650722) 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 1:30 p.m. Eastern time on Thursday, October 18, 2018, through 1:30 p.m. Eastern time on Wednesday, January 16, 2019, and may be accessed by dialing 888-203-1112 and using access code 8650722. 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 owns, operates and leases more than 40,000 cell towers and approximately 65,000 route miles of fiber supporting small cells and fiber solutions across every major U.S. market. This nationwide portfolio of communications infrastructure connects cities and communities to essential data, technology and wireless service - bringing information, ideas and innovations to the people and businesses that need them. 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 communications infrastructure sector or other real estate investment trusts ("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 2014.

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, (gains) losses 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 sustaining capital expenditures (comprised of 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 consolidated site rental 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 consolidated network services and other cost of operations.

Segment Operating Profit. We define Segment Operating Profit as segment site rental gross margin plus segment network services and other gross margin, less selling, general and administrative expenses attributable to the respective segment.

All of these measurements of profit or loss are exclusive of depreciation, amortization and accretion, which are shown separately.

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 expansion or development of existing communications infrastructure, construction of new communications infrastructure, and, to a lesser extent, purchases of land interests (which primarily relate to land assets under towers as we seek to manage our interests in the land beneath our towers) and other capital projects.

Sustaining capital expenditures. We define sustaining capital expenditures as those capital expenditures made with respect to either (1) corporate capital expenditures or (2) capital improvement capital expenditures on our communications infrastructure assets that enable our customers' ongoing quiet enjoyment of the communications infrastructure.

Integration capital expenditures. We define integration capital expenditures as those capital expenditures made specifically with respect to acquisitions that are essential to integrating acquired companies into our business.

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. The Company has changed its presentation to millions and, as a result, any necessary rounding adjustments have been made to prior year disclosed amounts.

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
September 30, 2018 September 30, 2017 December 31, 2017
(in millions)
Net income (loss)$164 $115 $445
Adjustments to increase (decrease) net income (loss):
Asset write-down charges8 5 17
Acquisition and integration costs4 13 61
Depreciation, amortization and accretion385 296 1,242
Amortization of prepaid lease purchase price adjustments5 5 20
Interest expense and amortization of deferred financing costs(a)160 154 591
(Gains) losses on retirement of long-term obligations32 4
Interest income(1) (11) (19)
Other (income) expense(1) (1)
(Benefit) provision for income taxes5 3 26
Stock-based compensation expense32 25 96
Adjusted EBITDA(b)(c)$793 $605 $2,482
  1. See the reconciliation of "components of historical interest expense and amortization of deferred financing costs" herein for a discussion of non-cash interest expense.
  2. See "Non-GAAP Financial Measures, Segment Measures and Other Calculations" herein for a discussion of our definition of Adjusted EBITDA.
  3. 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:

Q4 2018 Full Year 2018 Full Year 2019
(in millions)Outlook Outlook Outlook
Net income (loss)$201to$226 $659to$684 $738to$818
Adjustments to increase (decrease) net income (loss):
Asset write-down charges$9to$11 $27to$29 $35to$45
Acquisition and integration costs$8to$12 $26to$30 $15to$25
Depreciation, amortization and accretion$381to$401 $1,519to$1,539 $1,609to$1,644
Amortization of prepaid lease purchase price adjustments$4to$6 $19to$21 $19to$21
Interest expense and amortization of deferred financing costs(a)$160to$170 $638to$648 $691to$736
(Gains) losses on retirement of long-term obligations$0to$0 $106to$106 $0to$0
Interest income$(2)to$0 $(6)to$(4) $(7)to$(3)
Other (income) expense$(1)to$3 $(1)to$3 $(1)to$1
(Benefit) provision for income taxes$3to$8 $16to$21 $16to$24
Stock-based compensation expense$23to$27 $107to$111 $111to$115
Adjusted EBITDA(b)(c)$820to$830 $3,144to$3,154 $3,303to$3,348
  1. See the reconciliation of "components of current outlook for interest expense and amortization of deferred financing costs" herein for a discussion of non-cash interest expense.
  2. See "Non-GAAP Financial Measures, Segment Measures and Other Calculations" herein for a discussion of our definition of Adjusted EBITDA.
  3. 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 Nine Months Ended For the Twelve Months Ended
(in millions)September 30, 2018 September 30, 2017 September 30, 2018 September 30, 2017 December 31, 2017
Net income (loss)$164 $115 $458 $346 $445
Real estate related depreciation, amortization and accretion371 288 1,097 857 1,211
Asset write-down charges8 5 18 10 17
Dividends on preferred stock(28) (85) (30)
FFO(a)(b)(c)(d)(e)$515 $408 $1,487 $1,214 $1,643
FFO (from above)$515 $408 $1,487 $1,214 $1,643
Adjustments to increase (decrease) FFO:
Straight-lined revenue(17) 3 (53) 3
Straight-lined expense23 24 69 70 93
Stock-based compensation expense32 25 84 67 96
Non-cash portion of tax provision2 (1) (1) (3) 9
Non-real estate related depreciation, amortization and accretion14 8 41 23 31
Amortization of non-cash interest expense2 2 5 8 9
Other (income) expense(1) (4) (2)
(Gains) losses on retirement of long-term obligations32 106 4 4
Acquisition and integration costs4 13 18 27 61
Capital improvement capital expenditures(15) (11) (47) (27) (41)
Corporate capital expenditures(12) (13) (28) (32) (44)
AFFO(a)(b)(c)(d)(e)$579 $459 $1,683 $1,349 $1,860
  1. See "Non-GAAP Financial Measures, Segment Measures and Other Calculations" herein for a discussion of our definitions of FFO and AFFO.
  2. FFO and AFFO are reduced by cash paid for preferred stock dividends during the period in which they are paid.
  3. Diluted weighted-average common shares outstanding were 416 million, 397 million, 414 million, 375 million and 383 million for the three months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017, the nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017 and the twelve months ended December 31, 2017, respectively. For all periods presented, the diluted weighted-average common shares outstanding does not include any assumed conversion of preferred stock in the share count.
  4. The above reconciliation excludes line items included in our definition which are not applicable for the periods shown.
  5. Attributable to CCIC common stockholders.

Reconciliation of Current Outlook for FFO and AFFO:

Q4 2018 Full Year 2018 Full Year 2019
(in millions)Outlook Outlook Outlook
Net income (loss)$201to$226 $659to$684 $738to$818
Real estate related depreciation, amortization and accretion$372to$382 $1,469to$1,479 $1,560to$1,580
Asset write-down charges$9to$11 $27to$29 $35to$45
Dividends on preferred stock$(28)to$(28) $(113)to$(113) $(113)to$(113)
FFO(a)(b)(c)(d)(e)$567to$577 $2,055to$2,065 $2,252to$2,297
FFO (from above)$567to$577 $2,055to$2,065 $2,252to$2,297
Adjustments to increase (decrease) FFO:
Straight-lined revenue$(15)to$(5) $(67)to$(57) $(9)to$11
Straight-lined expense$16to$26 $85to$95 $68to$88
Stock-based compensation expense$23to$27 $107to$111 $111to$115
Non-cash portion of tax provision$(2)to$3 $(4)to$1 $(7)to$8
Non-real estate related depreciation, amortization and accretion$9to$19 $50to$60 $49to$64
Amortization of non-cash interest expense$0to$4 $5to$9 $2to$12
Other (income) expense$(1)to$3 $(1)to$3 $(1)to$1
(Gains) losses on retirement of long-term obligations$0to$0 $106to$106 $0to$0
Acquisition and integration costs$8to$12 $26to$30 $15to$25
Capital improvement capital expenditures$(20)to$(10) $(66)to$(56) $(85)to$(75)
Corporate capital expenditures$(30)to$(20) $(59)to$(49) $(40)to$(30)
AFFO(a)(b)(c)(d)(e)$591to$601 $2,273to$2,283 $2,413to$2,458
  1. The assumption for fourth quarter 2018, full year 2018 and full year 2019 diluted weighted-average common shares outstanding is 416 million, 415 million and 416 million, respectively, based on diluted common shares outstanding as of September 30, 2018. For all periods presented, the diluted weighted-average common shares outstanding does not include any assumed conversion of preferred stock in the share count.
  2. See "Non-GAAP Financial Measures, Segment Measures and Other Calculations" herein for a discussion for our definitions of FFO and AFFO.
  3. FFO and AFFO are reduced by cash paid for preferred stock dividends during the period in which they are paid.
  4. The above reconciliation excludes line items included in our definition which are not applicable for the periods shown.
  5. Attributable to CCIC common stockholders.

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

Previously Issued Previously Issued
Q3 2018 Full Year 2018
(in millions)Outlook Outlook
Net income (loss)$126to$151 $603to$663
Adjustments to increase (decrease) net income (loss):
Asset write-down charges$9to$11 $25to$35
Acquisition and integration costs$16to$20 $45to$55
Depreciation, amortization and accretion$378to$398 $1,513to$1,548
Amortization of prepaid lease purchase price adjustments$4to$6 $19to$21
Interest expense and amortization of deferred financing costs$156to$166 $627to$657
(Gains) losses on retirement of long-term obligations$33to$33 $107to$107
Interest income$(1)to$1 $(4)to$0
Other (income) expense$(1)to$3 $2to$4
(Benefit) provision for income taxes$7to$11 $24to$32
Stock-based compensation expense$25to$29 $101to$109
Adjusted EBITDA(a)(b)$785to$795 $3,132to$3,162
  1. See "Non-GAAP Financial Measures, Segment Measures and Other Calculations" herein for a discussion of our definition of Adjusted EBITDA.
  2. 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
Q3 2018 Full Year 2018
(in millions)Outlook Outlook
Net income (loss)$126to$151 $603to$663
Real estate related depreciation, amortization and accretion$370to$380 $1,469to$1,489
Asset write-down charges$9to$11 $25to$35
Dividends on preferred stock$(28)to$(28) $(113)to$(113)
FFO(a)(b)(c)(d)$490to$500 $2,014to$2,044
FFO (from above)$490to$500 $2,014to$2,044
Adjustments to increase (decrease) FFO:
Straight-lined revenue$(18)to$(8) $(65)to$(45)
Straight-lined expense$16to$26 $79to$99
Stock-based compensation expense$25to$29 $101to$109
Non-cash portion of tax provision$1to$11 $0to$15
Non-real estate related depreciation, amortization and accretion$8to$18 $44to$59
Amortization of non-cash interest expense$(1)to$4 $2to$12
Other (income) expense$(1)to$3 $2to$4
(Gains) losses on retirement of long-term obligations$33to$33 $107to$107
Acquisition and integration costs$16to$20 $45to$55
Capital improvement capital expenditures$(14)to$(4) $(71)to$(56)
Corporate capital expenditures$(26)to$(16) $(59)to$(44)
AFFO(a)(b)(c)(d)$568to$578 $2,263to$2,293
  1. Previously issued third quarter 2018 and full year 2018 Outlook assumes diluted weighted-average common shares outstanding as of June 30, 2018 of 416 million and 415 million, respectively. For all periods presented, the diluted weighted-average common shares outstanding does not include any assumed conversion of preferred stock in the share count.
  2. See "Non-GAAP Financial Measures, Segment Measures and Other Calculations" herein for a discussion for our definitions of FFO and AFFO.
  3. The above reconciliation excludes line items included in our definition which are not applicable for the periods shown.
  4. Attributable to CCIC common stockholders.

The components of changes in site rental revenues for the quarters ended September 30, 2018 and 2017 are as follows:

Three Months Ended September 30,
(in millions)2018 2017
Components of changes in site rental revenues(a):
Prior year site rental revenues exclusive of straight-lined revenues associated with fixed escalators(b)(c)$896 $803
New leasing activity(b)(c)54 40
Escalators21 21
Non-renewals(23) (20)
Organic Contribution to Site Rental Revenues(d)52 41
Straight-lined revenues associated with fixed escalators17 (3)
Acquisitions(e)219 52
Other
Total GAAP site rental revenues$1,184 $893
Year-over-year changes in revenue:
Reported GAAP site rental revenues32.6%
Organic Contribution to Site Rental Revenues(d)(f)5.8%
  1. 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.
  2. Includes revenues from amortization of prepaid rent in accordance with GAAP.
  3. Includes revenues from the construction of new small cell nodes, exclusive of straight-lined revenues related to fixed escalators.
  4. See "Non-GAAP Financial Measures, Segment Measures and Other Calculations" herein.
  5. Represents the initial contribution of recent acquisitions. The financial impact of recent acquisitions is excluded from Organic Contribution to Site Rental Revenues until the one-year anniversary of the acquisition.
  6. 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.

The components of the changes in site rental revenues for the years ending December 31, 2018 and December 31, 2019 are forecasted as follows:

(dollars in millions)Full Year 2018 Outlook Full Year 2019 Outlook
Components of changes in site rental revenues(a):
Prior year site rental revenues exclusive of straight-lined revenues associated with fixed escalators(b)(c)$3,670 $4,639
New leasing activity(b)(c)200-210 350-380
Escalators80-90 85-95
Non-renewals(90)-(80) (185)-(165)
Organic Contribution to Site Rental Revenues(d)200-210 260-300
Straight-lined revenues associated with fixed escalators60-70 (9)-11
Acquisitions(e)755-765
Other
Total GAAP site rental revenues$4,696-$4,706 $4,898-$4,943
Year-over-year changes in revenue:
Reported GAAP site rental revenues(f)28.1% 4.7%
Organic Contribution to Site Rental Revenues(d)(f)(g)5.6% 6.0%
  1. 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.
  2. Includes revenues from amortization of prepaid rent in accordance with GAAP.
  3. Includes revenues from the construction of new small cell nodes, exclusive of straight-lined revenues related to fixed escalators.
  4. See "Non-GAAP Financial Measures, Segment Measures and Other Calculations" herein.
  5. Represents the contribution from recent acquisitions. The financial impact of recent acquisitions is excluded from Organic Contribution to Site Rental Revenues until the one-year anniversary of the acquisition, with the exception of the impact of Lightower, which has been reflected as a contribution from acquisitions for the full year 2018 Outlook.
  6. Calculated based on midpoint of full year 2018 Outlook and full year 2019 Outlook.
  7. 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.

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

For the Three Months Ended
(in millions)September 30, 2018 September 30, 2017
Interest expense on debt obligations$158 $152
Amortization of deferred financing costs and adjustments on long-term debt, net5 5
Other, net(3) (3)
Interest expense and amortization of deferred financing costs$160 $154

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

Q4 2018 Full Year 2018 Full Year 2019
(in millions)Outlook Outlook Outlook
Interest expense on debt obligations$161to$166 $634to$639 $696to$716
Amortization of deferred financing costs and adjustments on long-term debt, net$4to$6 $20to$22 $18to$23
Other, net$(4)to$(2) $(15)to$(13) $(16)to$(11)
Interest expense and amortization of deferred financing costs$160to$170 $638to$648 $691to$736

Debt balances and maturity dates as of September 30, 2018 are as follows:

(in millions)Face Value Final Maturity
Bank debt - variable rate:
2016 Revolver$805 June 2023
2016 Term Loan A2,371 June 2023
Total bank debt3,176
Securitized debt - fixed rate:
Secured Notes, Series 2009-1, Class A-1(a)18 Aug. 2019
Secured Notes, Series 2009-1, Class A-2(a)70 Aug. 2029
Tower Revenue Notes, Series 2015-1(b)300 May 2042
Tower Revenue Notes, Series 2015-2(b)700 May 2045
Tower Revenue Notes, Series 2018-1(b)250 July 2043
Tower Revenue Notes, Series 2018-2(b)750 July 2048
Total securitized debt2,088
Bonds - fixed rate:
5.250% Senior Notes1,650 Jan. 2023
3.849% Secured Notes1,000 Apr. 2023
4.875% Senior Notes850 Apr. 2022
3.400% Senior Notes850 Feb. 2021
4.450% Senior Notes900 Feb. 2026
3.700% Senior Notes750 June 2026
2.250% Senior Notes700 Sept. 2021
4.000% Senior Notes500 Mar. 2027
4.750% Senior Notes350 May 2047
3.200% Senior Notes750 Sept. 2024
3.650% Senior Notes1,000 Sept. 2027
3.150% Senior Notes750 July 2023
3.800% Senior Notes1,000 Feb. 2028
Total bonds11,050
Capital leases and other obligations224 Various
Total Debt$16,538
Less: Cash and Cash Equivalents(c)$323
Net Debt$16,215
  1. The Senior Secured Notes, Series 2009-1, Class A-1 principal amortizes during the period beginning in 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.
  2. The Senior Secured Tower Revenue Notes, Series 2015-1 and 2015-2 have anticipated repayment dates in 2022 and 2025, respectively. The Senior Secured Tower Revenue Notes, Series 2018-1 and Series 2018-2 have anticipated repayment dates in 2023 and 2028, respectively.
  3. Excludes restricted cash.

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

(dollars in millions)For the Three Months Ended September 30, 2018
Total face value of debt$16,538
Ending cash and cash equivalents(a)323
Total Net Debt$16,215
Adjusted EBITDA for the three months ended September 30, 2018$793
Last quarter annualized Adjusted EBITDA3,172
Net Debt to Last Quarter Annualized Adjusted EBITDA5.1x
  1. Excludes restricted cash.

Components of Capital Expenditures:

For the Three Months Ended
(in millions)September 30, 2018 September 30, 2017
TowersFiberOtherTotal TowersFiberOtherTotal
Discretionary:
Purchases of land interests$14 $ $ $14 $24 $ $ $24
Communications infrastructure construction and improvements100 336 436 73 168 240
Sustaining:
Capital improvement and corporate9 12 5 27 12 4 8 24
Integration 1 1
Total$123 $348 $7 $478 $109 $172 $8 $288

Note: See "Non-GAAP Financial Measures, Segment Measures and Other Calculations" herein for further discussion of our components of capital expenditures.

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 customer and shareholder value which may be derived from our business, assets, investments, acquisitions and dividends, including on a long-and short-term basis, (2) our strategy, strategic position, business model and capabilities and the strength of our business, (3) our growth, including growth in our cash flows and dividends per share, long-term prospects and the trends impacting our business, (4) the potential benefits and contributions which may be derived from our recent acquisitions, including the contribution to or impact on our financial or operating results, (5) leasing environment and activity, including the contribution to our financial or operating results therefrom, (6) our investments in our business and communications infrastructure assets and the potential growth, returns and benefits therefrom, (7) our dividends and our dividend growth rate, including its driving factors, and targets, (8) our portfolio of assets, including demand therefor, strategic position thereof and opportunities created thereby, (9) financing costs and the impact of the anticipated increase in average floating interest rates thereon, (10) cash flows, (11) tenant non-renewals, including the impact thereof, (12) capital expenditures, including sustaining and discretionary capital expenditures, (13) straight-line adjustments, (14) site rental revenues and estimated growth thereof, (15) site rental cost of operations, (16) net income (loss), (17) Adjusted EBITDA, including the impact thereon of timing items, (18) expenses, including repair and maintenance expense and interest expense and amortization of deferred financing costs, (19) FFO, (20) AFFO and estimated growth thereof, (21) Organic Contribution to Site Rental Revenues, (22) our weighted-average common shares outstanding, including on a diluted basis, (23) network services contribution and (24) 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)
(Amounts in millions, except par values)
September 30, 2018 December 31, 2017
ASSETS
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents$323 $314
Restricted cash125 121
Receivables, net471 398
Prepaid expenses182 162
Other current assets148 139
Total current assets1,249 1,134
Deferred site rental receivables1,357 1,300
Property and equipment, net13,433 12,933
Goodwill10,074 10,021
Other intangible assets, net5,620 5,962
Long-term prepaid rent and other assets, net911 879
Total assets$32,644 $32,229
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable$302 $249
Accrued interest101 132
Deferred revenues484 457
Other accrued liabilities306 339
Current maturities of debt and other obligations111 115
Total current liabilities1,304 1,292
Debt and other long-term obligations16,313 16,044
Other long-term liabilities2,732 2,554
Total liabilities20,349 19,890
Commitments and contingencies
CCIC stockholders' equity:
Common stock, $0.01 par value; 600 shares authorized; shares issued and outstanding: September 30, 2018—415 and December 31, 2017—4064 4
6.875% Mandatory Convertible Preferred Stock, Series A, $0.01 par value; 20 shares authorized; shares issued and outstanding: September 30, 2018—2 and December 31, 2017—2; aggregate liquidation value: September 30, 2018—$1,650 and December 31, 2017—$1,650
Additional paid-in capital17,743 16,844
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)(5) (4)
Dividends/distributions in excess of earnings(5,447) (4,505)
Total equity12,295 12,339
Total liabilities and equity$32,644 $32,229

CROWN CASTLE INTERNATIONAL CORP.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS (UNAUDITED)
(Amounts in millions, except per share amounts)
Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30,
2018 2017 2018 2017
Net revenues:
Site rental$1,184 $893 $3,507 $2,619
Network services and other191 170 497 499
Net revenues1,375 1,063 4,004 3,118
Operating expenses:
Costs of operations (exclusive of depreciation, amortization and accretion):
Site rental355 281 1,057 815
Network services and other119 107 304 310
Selling, general and administrative145 100 418 300
Asset write-down charges8 5 18 10
Acquisition and integration costs4 13 18 27
Depreciation, amortization and accretion385 296 1,138 880
Total operating expenses1,016 802 2,953 2,342
Operating income (loss)359 261 1,051 776
Interest expense and amortization of deferred financing costs(160) (154) (478) (430)
Gains (losses) on retirement of long-term obligations(32) (106) (4)
Interest income1 11 4 13
Other income (expense)1 3
Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes169 118 471 358
Benefit (provision) for income taxes(5) (3) (13) (12)
Net income (loss)164 115 458 346
Dividends on preferred stock(28) (30) (85) (30)
Net income (loss) attributable to CCIC common stockholders$136 $85 $373 $316
Net income (loss) attributable to CCIC common stockholders, per common share:
Net income (loss) attributable to CCIC common stockholders, basic$0.33 $0.22 $0.90 $0.85
Net income (loss) attributable to CCIC common stockholders, diluted$0.33 $0.21 $0.90 $0.84
Weighted-average common shares outstanding:
Basic415 395 413 374
Diluted416 397 414 375

CROWN CASTLE INTERNATIONAL CORP.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS (UNAUDITED)(a)
(In millions of dollars)
Nine Months Ended September 30,
2018 2017
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income (loss)$458 $346
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by (used for) operating activities:
Depreciation, amortization and accretion1,138 880
(Gains) losses on retirement of long-term obligations106 4
Amortization of deferred financing costs and other non-cash interest5 8
Stock-based compensation expense79 67
Asset write-down charges18 10
Deferred income tax (benefit) provision2
Other non-cash adjustments, net2 (3)
Changes in assets and liabilities, excluding the effects of acquisitions:
Increase (decrease) in liabilities144 62
Decrease (increase) in assets(177) 39
Net cash provided by (used for) operating activities1,775 1,413
Cash flows from investing activities:
Payments for acquisitions, net of cash acquired(26) (2,113)
Capital expenditures(1,241) (852)
Other investing activities, net(14) (6)
Net cash provided by (used for) investing activities(1,281) (2,971)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt2,743 3,092
Principal payments on debt and other long-term obligations(76) (90)
Purchases and redemptions of long-term debt(2,346)
Borrowings under revolving credit facility1,290 1,755
Payments under revolving credit facility(1,465) (1,755)
Payments for financing costs(33) (27)
Net proceeds from issuance of common stock841 4,221
Net proceeds from issuance of preferred stock 1,608
Purchases of common stock(34) (23)
Dividends/distributions paid on common stock(1,315) (1,082)
Dividends paid on preferred stock(85)
Net cash provided by (used for) financing activities(480) 7,699
Net increase (decrease) in cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash14 6,141
Effect of exchange rate changes(1) 1
Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash at beginning of period(a)440 697
Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash at end of period(a)$453 $6,839
Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information:
Interest paid503 420
Income taxes paid15 14
  1. Effective January 1, 2018, the Company is required to explain the change in restricted cash in addition to the change in cash and cash equivalents in its condensed consolidated statement of cash flows. The Company has applied this approach for all periods presented.

CROWN CASTLE INTERNATIONAL CORP.
SEGMENT OPERATING RESULTS (UNAUDITED)
(In millions of dollars)
SEGMENT OPERATING RESULTS
Three Months Ended September 30, 2018 Three Months Ended September 30, 2017
Towers Fiber Other Consolidated Total Towers Fiber Other Consolidated Total
Segment site rental revenues$782 $402 $1,184 $725 $168 $893
Segment network services and other revenue189 2 191 153 17 170
Segment revenues971 404 1,375 878 185 1,063
Segment site rental cost of operations215 131 346 212 60 272
Segment network services and other cost of operations115 1 116 91 14 105
Segment cost of operations(a)(b)330 132 462 303 74 377
Segment site rental gross margin(c)567 271 838 513 108 621
Segment network services and other gross margin(c)74 1 75 62 3 65
Segment selling, general and administrative expenses(b)28 45 73 22 18 40
Segment operating profit(c)613 227 840 553 93 646
Other selling, general and administrative expenses(b) $47 47 $41 41
Stock-based compensation expense 32 32 25 25
Depreciation, amortization and accretion 385 385 296 296
Interest expense and amortization of deferred financing costs 160 160 154 154
Other income (expenses) to reconcile to income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes(d) 47 47 12 12
Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes $169 $118
  1. Exclusive of depreciation, amortization and accretion shown separately.
  2. Segment cost of operations excludes (1) stock-based compensation expense of $7 million and $6 million for the three months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively, and (2) prepaid lease purchase price adjustments of $5 million for both of the three months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017. Selling, general and administrative expenses exclude stock-based compensation expense of $25 million and $19 million for the three months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively.
  3. 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 services and other gross margin and segment operating profit.
  4. See condensed consolidated statement of operations for further information.

SEGMENT OPERATING RESULTS
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2018 Nine Months Ended September 30, 2017
Towers Fiber Other Consolidated Total Towers Fiber Other Consolidated Total
Segment site rental revenues$2,318 $1,189 $3,507 $2,159 $460 $2,619
Segment network services and other revenue489 8 497 461 38 499
Segment revenues2,807 1,197 4,004 2,620 498 3,118
Segment site rental cost of operations641 388 1,029 632 158 790
Segment network services and other cost of operations292 6 298 277 31 308
Segment cost of operations(a)(b)933 394 1,327 909 189 1,098
Segment site rental gross margin(c)1,677 801 2,478 1,527 302 1,829
Segment network services and other gross margin(c)197 2 199 184 7 191
Segment selling, general and administrative expenses(b)81 131 212 69 55 124
Segment operating profit(c)1,793 672 2,465 1,642 254 1,896
Other selling, general and administrative expenses(b) $141 141 $121 121
Stock-based compensation expense 84 84 67 67
Depreciation, amortization and accretion 1,138 1,138 880 880
Interest expense and amortization of deferred financing costs 478 478 430 430
Other income (expenses) to reconcile to income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes(d) 153 153 40 40
Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes $471 $358
  1. Exclusive of depreciation, amortization and accretion shown separately.
  2. Segment cost of operations excludes (1) stock-based compensation expense of $19 million and $12 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively, and (2) prepaid lease purchase price adjustments of $15 million for both of the nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017. Selling, general and administrative expenses exclude stock-based compensation expense of $65 million and $55 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively.
  3. 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 services and other gross margin and segment operating profit.
  4. See condensed consolidated statement of operations for further information.
Contacts: Dan Schlanger, CFO and Treasurer
Ben Lowe, VP Corporate Finance
Crown Castle International Corp.
713-570-3050

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Source: Crown Castle International Corporation

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