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Crown Castle Reports Third Quarter 2020 Results, Updates Full Year 2020 Outlook, Provides Outlook for Full Year 2021 and Announces 11% Increase to Common Stock Dividend

October 21, 2020 4:15 PM

HOUSTON, Oct. 21, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Crown Castle International Corp. (NYSE: CCI) ("Crown Castle") today reported results for the third quarter ended September 30, 2020, updated its outlook for full year 2020 and issued its full year 2021 outlook as reflected in the table below.

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Crown Castle International Corp.
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Crown Castle International Corp.
(in millions, except per share amounts)Midpoint of CurrentFull Year2021 Outlook(c)Midpoint of CurrentFull Year2020 Outlook(c)Full Year2019 ActualFull Year 2020Outlook to Full Year2021 Outlook% ChangeFull Year 2019Actual to Full Year2020 Outlook% Change
Site rental revenues$5,555$5,317$5,093+4%+4%
Net income (loss)$997$819$860+22%-5%
Net income (loss) per share—diluted(a)$2.30$1.79$1.79+28%—%
Adjusted EBITDA(b)$3,607$3,419$3,299+5%+4%
AFFO(a)(b)$2,906$2,587$2,371+12%+9%
AFFO per share(a)(b)$6.69$6.09$5.68+10%+7%

(a) Attributable to CCIC common stockholders.(b) See "Non-GAAP Financial Measures, Segment Measures and Other Calculations" for further information and reconciliation of this non-GAAP financial measure to net income (loss).(c) As issued on October 21, 2020.

"We delivered solid results in the third quarter and remain on track to generate growth in AFFO per share for 2020 that is consistent with our long-term growth target of 7% to 8% per year," stated Jay Brown, Crown Castle’s Chief Executive Officer. "I'm so proud of how our employees navigated through a pandemic and a significant carrier consolidation in the wireless market this year. We have a long history of consistently delivering compelling growth through various market cycles and disruptions, highlighting the strength of our business model and the compelling value creation opportunity we believe our strategy provides to shareholders.

"As we look ahead, we have increased our annualized common stock dividend by 11% to $5.32 per share. With the strong demand we see for our Towers and Fiber infrastructure as our customers deploy additional cell sites and spectrum in response to the rapid growth in mobile data traffic, we expect approximately 6% growth in Organic Contribution to Site Rental Revenue across both our Towers and Fiber segments in 2021, supporting an expected acceleration in AFFO per share growth to approximately 10%. Our unique portfolio of assets positions us to benefit from what we expect will be a decade-long investment cycle as our customers deploy 5G, which we believe will start in earnest in 2021.

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. Based on the expected growth in data traffic and wireless carrier network investment, we believe 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."

RESULTS FOR THE QUARTERThe table below sets forth select financial results for the quarter ended September 30, 2020 and September 30, 2019.

(in millions, except per share amounts)Q3 2020Q3 2019Change% Change
(As Restated)(c)
Site rental revenues$1,339$1,287+$52+4%
Net income (loss)$163$242-$79-33%
Net income (loss) per share—diluted(a)$0.38$0.51-$0.13-25%
Adjusted EBITDA(b)$883$853+$30+4%
AFFO(a)(b)$668$617+$51+8%
AFFO per share(a)(b)$1.56$1.47+$0.09+6%

(a) Attributable to CCIC common stockholders.(b) See "Non-GAAP Financial Measures, Segment Measures and Other Calculations" for further information and reconciliation of this non-GAAP financial measure to net income (loss).(c) See our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2019 for further information.

HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE QUARTER

"We believe we can deliver on our long-term annual dividend growth target of 7% to 8% while at the same time making investments in our business that will support future growth," stated Dan Schlanger, Crown Castle's Chief Financial Officer. "Looking to 2021, the portion of our small cell backlog we expect to put on air has a higher proportion of collocation nodes relative to recent years, reducing the capital intensity in that business. Due to this reduced capital intensity, combined with the completion of several large fiber expansion projects in 2020, we expect our discretionary capital expenditures to be approximately $400 million lower in 2021 when compared to 2019 while delivering AFFO per share growth above our long-term target. We anticipate the combination of lower capital expenditures and higher cash flow growth will allow us to fund our discretionary capital budget next year with free cash flow and incremental debt capacity, consistent with our Investment Grade credit profile."

OUTLOOK

This 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 full year 2020 and full year 2021.

(in millions)Full Year 2020Full Year 2021
Site rental revenues$5,307to$5,327$5,532to$5,577
Site rental cost of operations(a)$1,485to$1,505$1,538to$1,583
Net income (loss)$799to$839$957to$1,037
Adjusted EBITDA(b)$3,409to$3,429$3,584to$3,629
Interest expense and amortization of deferred financing costs(c)$683to$693$663to$708
FFO(b)(d)$2,300to$2,320$2,603to$2,648
AFFO(b)(d)$2,577to$2,597$2,883to$2,928
AFFO per share(b)(d)$6.07to$6.11$6.64to$6.74

(a) Exclusive of depreciation, amortization and accretion.(b) See "Non-GAAP Financial Measures, Segment Measures and Other Calculations" for further information and reconciliation of this non-GAAP financial measure to net income (loss).(c) See reconciliation of "components of current outlook for interest expense and amortization of deferred financing costs" for a discussion of non-cash interest expense.(d) Attributable to CCIC common stockholders.

Full Year 2020 and 2021 OutlookThe table below compares the current full year 2020 Outlook to both the prior full year 2020 Outlook issued on July 29, 2020 and the current 2021 Outlook for select metrics at the midpoints.

Midpoint of FY 2021 Outlook and FY 2020 Outlook Comparisons
(in millions, except per share amounts)CurrentFull Year2021 OutlookCurrentFull Year2020 OutlookChange% ChangePreviousFull Year2020 OutlookCurrent 2020Compared to Previous2020 Outlook
Site rental revenues$5,555$5,317+$238+4%$5,360-$43
Net income (loss)$997$819+$178+22%$943-$124
Net income (loss) per share—diluted(a)$2.30$1.79+$0.51+28%$2.09-$0.30
Adjusted EBITDA(b)$3,607$3,419+$188+5%$3,502-$83
AFFO(a)(b)$2,906$2,587+$319+12%$2,595-$8
AFFO per share(a)(b)$6.69$6.09+$0.60+10%$6.12-$0.03

(a) Attributable to CCIC common stockholders.(b) See "Non-GAAP Financial Measures, Segment Measures and Other Calculations" for further information and reconciliation of this non-GAAP financial measure to net income (loss).

DIVIDEND INCREASE ANNOUNCEMENTCrown Castle's Board of Directors has declared a quarterly cash dividend of $1.33 per common share, representing an increase of approximately 11% over the previous quarterly dividend of $1.20 per share. The quarterly dividend will be payable on December 31, 2020 to common stockholders of record at the close of business on December 15, 2020. Future dividends are subject to the approval of Crown Castle's Board of Directors.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS APPOINTMENTSIn a separate press release today, Crown Castle announced that, as part of its previously announced Board refreshment plan, its Board of Directors has appointed Tammy K. Jones and Matthew Thornton, III as directors, effective November 6, 2020.

CONFERENCE CALL DETAILSCrown Castle has scheduled a conference call for Thursday, October 22, 2020, at 10:30 a.m. Eastern time to discuss its third quarter 2020 results. The conference call may be accessed by dialing 800-458-4148 and asking for the Crown Castle call (access code 3114175) at least 30 minutes prior to the start time. The conference call may also be accessed live over the Internet at investor.crowncastle.com. Supplemental materials for the call have been posted on the Crown Castle website at investor.crowncastle.com.

A telephonic replay of the conference call will be available from 1:30 p.m. Eastern time on Thursday, October 22, 2020, through 1:30 p.m. Eastern time on Wednesday, January 20, 2021, and may be accessed by dialing 888-203-1112 and using access code 3114175. An audio archive will also be available on Crown Castle's website at 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 80,000 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"), including per share amounts, Funds from Operations ("FFO"), including per share amounts, 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 non-GAAP financial measures 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 Services and Other Gross Margin and Segment Operating Profit, which are key measures used by management to evaluate our operating segments. 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.

Our non-GAAP financial measures 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.

AFFO per share. We define AFFO per share as AFFO divided by diluted weighted-average common shares outstanding.

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 (in periods where applicable), and is a measure of funds from operations attributable to CCIC common stockholders.

FFO per share. We define FFO per share as FFO divided by the diluted weighted-average common shares outstanding.

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

Segment Operating Profit. We define Segment Operating Profit as segment site rental gross margin plus segment 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. Additionally, certain costs are shared across segments and are reflected in our segment measures through allocations that management believes to be reasonable.

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 primarily consist of expansion or development of communications infrastructure (including capital expenditures related to (1) enhancing communications infrastructure in order to add new tenants for the first time or support subsequent tenant equipment augmentations or (2) modifying the structure of a communications infrastructure asset to accommodate additional tenants) and construction of new communications infrastructure. Discretionary capital expenditures also include purchases of land interests (which primarily relates to land assets under towers as we seek to manage our interests in the land beneath our towers), certain technology-related investments necessary to support and scale future customer demand for our communications infrastructure, and other capital projects.

Integration capital expenditures. We define integration capital expenditures as those capital expenditures made as a result of integrating acquired companies into our business.

Sustaining capital expenditures. We define sustaining capital expenditures as those capital expenditures not otherwise categorized as either discretionary or integration capital expenditures, such as (1) maintenance capital expenditures on our communications infrastructure assets that enable our tenants' ongoing quiet enjoyment of the communications infrastructure and (2) ordinary corporate capital expenditures.

The tables set forth on the following pages 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 Nine Months Ended For the Twelve Months Ended
September 30, 2020 September 30, 2019 September 30, 2020 September 30, 2019 December 31, 2019
(in millions) (As Restated)(d) (As Restated)(d)
Net income (loss)$163 $242 $548 $652 $860
Adjustments to increase (decrease) net income (loss):
Asset write-down charges3 2 10 13 19
Acquisition and integration costs2 4 9 10 13
Depreciation, amortization and accretion406 388 1,207 1,175 1,572
Amortization of prepaid lease purchase price adjustments5 5 14 15 20
Interest expense and amortization of deferred financing costs(a)168 173 521 510 683
(Gains) losses on retirement of long-term obligations95 95 2 2
Interest income (2) (2) (5) (6)
Other (income) expense3 5 3 6 (1)
(Benefit) provision for income taxes5 5 16 15 21
Stock-based compensation expense33 29 106 90 116
Adjusted EBITDA(b)(c)$883 $853 $2,527 $2,483 $3,299

Reconciliation of Current Outlook for Adjusted EBITDA:

Full Year 2020 Full Year 2021
(in millions)Outlook Outlook
Net income (loss)$799to$839 $957to$1,037
Adjustments to increase (decrease) net income (loss):
Asset write-down charges$10to$20 $15to$25
Acquisition and integration costs$7to$17 $0to$8
Depreciation, amortization and accretion$1,589to$1,639 $1,615to$1,710
Amortization of prepaid lease purchase price adjustments$18to$20 $17to$19
Interest expense and amortization of deferred financing costs(a)$683to$693 $663to$708
(Gains) losses on retirement of long-term obligations$95to$95 $0to$100
Interest income$(4)to$0 $(3)to$0
Other (income) expense$2to$4 $(1)to$1
(Benefit) provision for income taxes$17to$25 $18to$26
Stock-based compensation expense$134to$138 $145to$149
Adjusted EBITDA(b)(c)$3,409to$3,429 $3,584to$3,629

(a) See reconciliation of "components of current outlook for interest expense and amortization of deferred financing costs" for a discussion of non-cash interest expense.(b) See "Non-GAAP Financial Measures, Segment Measures and Other Calculations" 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.(d) See our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2019 for further information.

Reconciliation of Historical FFO and AFFO:

For the Three Months Ended For the Nine Months Ended For the Twelve Months Ended
September 30, 2020 September 30, 2019 September 30, 2020 September 30, 2019 December 31, 2019
(in millions, except per share amounts) (As Restated)(f) (As Restated)(f)
Net income (loss)$163 $242 $548 $652 $860
Real estate related depreciation, amortization and accretion393 374 1,167 1,133 1,517
Asset write-down charges3 2 10 13 19
Dividends/distributions on preferred stock(28) (28) (85) (85) (113)
FFO(a)(b)(c)(d)$531 $593 $1,640 $1,714 $2,284
Weighted-average common shares outstanding—diluted(e)429 418 422 418 418
FFO per share(a)(b)(c)(d)(e)$1.24 $1.42 $3.89 $4.11 $5.47
FFO (from above)$531 $593 $1,640 $1,714 $2,284
Adjustments to increase (decrease) FFO:
Straight-lined revenue(4) (22) (27) (62) (80)
Straight-lined expense21 24 61 70 93
Stock-based compensation expense33 29 106 90 116
Non-cash portion of tax provision(7) 1 3 2 5
Non-real estate related depreciation, amortization and accretion13 14 40 42 55
Amortization of non-cash interest expense1 4 1 1
Other (income) expense3 5 3 6 (1)
(Gains) losses on retirement of long-term obligations95 95 2 2
Acquisition and integration costs2 4 9 10 13
Sustaining capital expenditures(20) (29) (64) (80) (117)
AFFO(a)(b)(c)(d)$668 $617 $1,870 $1,794 $2,371
Weighted-average common shares outstanding—diluted(e)429 418 422 418 418
AFFO per share(a)(b)(c)(d)(e)$1.56 $1.47 $4.43 $4.29 $5.68

(a) See "Non-GAAP Financial Measures, Segment Measures and Other Calculations" for a discussion of our definitions of FFO, including per share amounts, and AFFO, including per share amounts.(b) FFO and AFFO are reduced by cash paid for preferred stock dividends during the period in which they are paid.(c) Attributable to CCIC common stockholders.(d) The above reconciliation excludes line items included in our definition which are not applicable for the periods shown.(e) For all periods prior to those ended September 30, 2020, the diluted weighted-average common shares outstanding does not include any assumed conversions of preferred stock in the share count.(f) See our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2019 for further information.

Reconciliation of Current Outlook for FFO and AFFO:

Full Year 2020 Full Year 2021
(in millions except per share amounts)Outlook Outlook
Net income (loss)$799to$839 $957to$1,037
Real estate related depreciation, amortization and accretion$1,541to$1,581 $1,569to$1,649
Asset write-down charges$10to$20 $15to$25
Dividends/distributions on preferred stock$(85)to$(85) $0to$0
FFO(a)(b)(c)(d)$2,300to$2,320 $2,603to$2,648
Weighted-average common shares outstanding—diluted(e) 425 434
FFO per share(a)(b)(c)(d)(e)$5.41to$5.46 $6.00to$6.10
FFO (from above)$2,300to$2,320 $2,603to$2,648
Adjustments to increase (decrease) FFO:
Straight-lined revenue$(27)to$(17) $38to$58
Straight-lined expense$76to$86 $58to$78
Stock-based compensation expense$134to$138 $145to$149
Non-cash portion of tax provision$(3)to$7 $(7)to$8
Non-real estate related depreciation, amortization and accretion$48to$58 $46to$61
Amortization of non-cash interest expense$1to$11 $4to$14
Other (income) expense$2to$4 $(1)to$1
(Gains) losses on retirement of long-term obligations$95to$95 $0to$100
Acquisition and integration costs$7to$17 $0to$8
Sustaining capital expenditures$(93)to$(83) $(104)to$(94)
AFFO(a)(b)(c)(d)$2,577to$2,597 $2,883to$2,928
Weighted-average common shares outstanding—diluted(e) 425 434
AFFO per share(a)(b)(c)(d)(e)$6.07to$6.11 $6.64to$6.74

(a) See "Non-GAAP Financial Measures, Segment Measures and Other Calculations" for a discussion of our definitions of FFO, including per share amounts, and AFFO, including per share amounts.(b) FFO and AFFO are reduced by cash paid for preferred stock dividends during the period in which they are paid.(c) Attributable to CCIC common stockholders.(d) The above reconciliation excludes line items included in our definition which are not applicable for the periods shown.(e) The assumption for diluted weighted-average common shares outstanding for full year 2020 Outlook is based on the diluted common shares outstanding as of September 30, 2020 and is inclusive of the conversions of preferred stock that occurred in the third quarter of 2020, which resulted in (1) an increase in the diluted weighted-average common shares outstanding by approximately 6 million shares and (2) a reduction in the amount of annual preferred stock dividends paid by approximately $28 million when compared to full year 2019 actual results.

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

Previously Issued
Full Year 2020
(in millions)Outlook
Net income (loss)$903to$983
Adjustments to increase (decrease) net income (loss):
Asset write-down charges$20to$30
Acquisition and integration costs$7to$17
Depreciation, amortization and accretion$1,503to$1,598
Amortization of prepaid lease purchase price adjustments$18to$20
Interest expense and amortization of deferred financing costs$691to$736
(Gains) losses on retirement of long-term obligations$95to$95
Interest income$(7)to$(3)
Other (income) expense$(1)to$1
(Benefit) provision for income taxes$16to$24
Stock-based compensation expense$126to$130
Adjusted EBITDA(a)(b)$3,479to$3,524

(a) See "Non-GAAP Financial Measures, Segment Measures and Other Calculations" 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
Full Year 2020
(in millions, except per share amounts)Outlook
Net income (loss)$903to$983
Real estate related depreciation, amortization and accretion$1,454to$1,534
Asset write-down charges$20to$30
Dividends/distributions on preferred stock$(85)to$(85)
FFO(a)(b)(c)(d)$2,354to$2,399
Weighted-average common shares outstanding—diluted(e) 424
FFO per share(a)(b)(c)(d)(e)$5.55to$5.65
FFO (from above)$2,354to$2,399
Adjustments to increase (decrease) FFO:
Straight-lined revenue$(53)to$(33)
Straight-lined expense$70to$90
Stock-based compensation expense$126to$130
Non-cash portion of tax provision$(6)to$9
Non-real estate related depreciation, amortization and accretion$49to$64
Amortization of non-cash interest expense$(4)to$6
Other (income) expense$(1)to$1
(Gains) losses on retirement of long-term obligations$95to$95
Acquisition and integration costs$7to$17
Sustaining capital expenditures$(123)to$(103)
AFFO(a)(b)(c)(d)$2,572to$2,617
Weighted-average common shares outstanding—diluted(e) 424
AFFO per share(a)(b)(c)(d)(e)$6.06to$6.17

(a) See "Non-GAAP Financial Measures, Segment Measures and Other Calculations" for a discussion of our definitions of FFO, including per share amounts, and AFFO, including per share amounts.(b) FFO and AFFO are reduced by cash paid for preferred stock dividends during the period in which they are paid.(c) Attributable to CCIC common stockholders.(d) The above reconciliation excludes line items included in our definition which are not applicable for the periods shown.(e) The assumption for diluted weighted-average common shares outstanding for full year 2020 Outlook is based on the diluted common shares outstanding as of September 30, 2020 and is inclusive of the conversions of preferred stock that occurred in the third quarter of 2020, which resulted in (1) an increase in the diluted weighted-average common shares outstanding by approximately 6 million shares and (2) a reduction in the amount of annual preferred stock dividends paid by approximately $28 million when compared to full year 2019 actual results.The components of changes in site rental revenues for the quarters ended September 30, 2020 and 2019 are as follows:

Three Months Ended September 30,
2020 2019
(dollars in millions) (As Restated)(g)
Components of changes in site rental revenues(a):
Prior year site rental revenues exclusive of straight-lined revenues associated with fixed escalators(b)(c)$ 1,265 $1,188
New leasing activity(b)(c)93 99
Escalators23 22
Non-renewals(46) (44)
Organic Contribution to Site Rental Revenues(d)70 77
Impact from straight-lined revenues associated with fixed escalators4 22
Acquisitions(e)
Other
Total GAAP site rental revenues$1,339 $1,287
Year-over-year changes in revenue:
Reported GAAP site rental revenues4.0%
Organic Contribution to Site Rental Revenues(d)(f)5.5%

The components of the changes in site rental revenues for the years ending December 31, 2020 and 2021 are forecasted as follows:

(dollars in millions)Previously Issued Full Year 2020 Outlook Current Full Year 2020 Outlook Current Full Year 2021 Outlook(j)
Components of changes in site rental revenues(a):
Prior year site rental revenues exclusive of straight-lined revenues associated with fixed escalators(b)(c)$5,012 $5,012 $5,295
New leasing activity(b)(c)395-425 375-385 375-405
Escalators90-100 90-100 90-100
Non-renewals(195)-(175) (185)-(175) (180)-(160)
Organic Contribution to Site Rental Revenues(d)295-335 285-295 295-335
Impact from full year straight-lined revenues associated with fixed escalators33-53 17-27 (38)-(58)
Acquisitions(e) <5 <5
Other
Total GAAP site rental revenues$5,337-$5,382 $5,307-$5,327 $5,532-$5,577
Year-over-year changes in revenue:
Reported GAAP site rental revenues(h) 5.1% 4.4% 4.5%
Organic Contribution to Site Rental Revenues(d)(h)(i) 6.3% 5.8% 5.9%

(a) Additional information regarding Crown Castle's site rental revenues, including projected revenue from tenant licenses, straight-lined revenues and prepaid rent is available in Crown Castle's quarterly Supplemental Information Package posted in the Investors section of its website.(b) Includes revenues from amortization of prepaid rent in accordance with GAAP.(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) 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.(f) 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.(g) See our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2019 for further information.(h) Calculated based on midpoint of respective full year Outlook.(i) 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.(j) Prior year site rental revenues exclusive of straight-lined revenues associated with fixed escalators is calculated based on midpoint of current full year 2020 Outlook.

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

For the Three Months Ended
(in millions)September 30, 2020 September 30, 2019
Interest expense on debt obligations$167 $173
Amortization of deferred financing costs and adjustments on long-term debt, net 6 5
Capitalized interest (5) (5)
Interest expense and amortization of deferred financing costs$168 $173

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

Full Year 2020 Full Year 2021
(in millions)Outlook Outlook
Interest expense on debt obligations$678to$688 $668to$688
Amortization of deferred financing costs and adjustments on long-term debt, net$21to$26 $21to$26
Capitalized interest$(20)to$(15) $(17)to$(12)
Interest expense and amortization of deferred financing costs$683to$693 $663to$708

Debt balances and maturity dates as of September 30, 2020 are as follows:

(in millions)Face Value Final Maturity
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash$421
3.849% Secured Notes 1,000 Apr. 2023
Secured Notes, Series 2009-1, Class A-2(a) 62 Aug. 2029
Tower Revenue Notes, Series 2015-1(b) 300 May 2042
Tower Revenue Notes, Series 2018-1(b) 250 July 2043
Tower Revenue Notes, Series 2015-2(b) 700 May 2045
Tower Revenue Notes, Series 2018-2(b) 750 July 2048
Finance leases and other obligations 228 Various
Total secured debt$3,290
2016 Revolver 520 June 2024
2016 Term Loan A 2,268 June 2024
Commercial Paper Notes(c) 75 Oct. 2020
5.250% Senior Notes 1,650 Jan. 2023
3.150% Senior Notes 750 July 2023
3.200% Senior Notes 750 Sept. 2024
1.350% Senior Notes 500 July 2025
4.450% Senior Notes 900 Feb. 2026
3.700% Senior Notes 750 June 2026
4.000% Senior Notes 500 Mar. 2027
3.650% Senior Notes 1,000 Sept. 2027
3.800% Senior Notes 1,000 Feb. 2028
4.300% Senior Notes 600 Feb. 2029
3.100% Senior Notes 550 Nov. 2029
3.300% Senior Notes 750 July 2030
2.250% Senior Notes 1,100 Jan. 2031
4.750% Senior Notes 350 May 2047
5.200% Senior Notes 400 Feb. 2049
4.000% Senior Notes 350 Nov. 2049
4.150% Senior Notes 500 July 2050
3.250% Senior Notes 900 Jan. 2051
Total unsecured debt$16,163
Total net debt$19,032

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

(dollars in millions)For the Three Months Ended September 30, 2020
Total face value of debt$19,453
Less: Ending cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash 421
Total Net Debt$ 19,032
Adjusted EBITDA for the three months ended September 30, 2020$ 883
Last quarter annualized Adjusted EBITDA 3,532
Net Debt to Last Quarter Annualized Adjusted EBITDA 5.4x

(a) The Senior Secured Notes, 2009-1, Class A-2 principal amortizes over a period ending in August 2029.(b) 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 2018-2 have anticipated repayment dates in 2023 and 2028, respectively.(c) The maturities of the Commercial Paper Notes, when outstanding, may vary but may not exceed 397 days from the date of issue.

Components of Capital Expenditures:

For the Three Months Ended
(in millions)September 30, 2020 September 30, 2019
TowersFiberOtherTotal TowersFiberOtherTotal
Discretionary:
Purchases of land interests$12 $ $ $12 $18 $ $ $18
Communications infrastructure improvements and other capital projects61 274 10 345 119 371 490
Sustaining3 13 4 20 8 11 10 29
Integration 2 2
Total$76 $287 $14 $377 $145 $382 $12 $539

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

Cautionary Language Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

This news release contains forward-looking statements and information that are based on our management's current expectations as of the date of this news release. Statements that are not historical facts are hereby identified as forward-looking statements. In addition, words such as "estimate," "see," "anticipate," "project," "plan," "intend," "believe," "expect," "likely," "predicted," "positioned," "continue," "target," and any variations of these words and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Such statements include our full year 2020 and 2021 Outlook and plans, projections, and estimates regarding (1) potential benefits, growth, returns, capabilities, opportunities and shareholder value which may be derived from our business, assets, investments, acquisitions and dividends, (2) our business, strategy, strategic position, business model and capabilities and the strength thereof, (3) industry fundamentals and driving factors for improvements in such fundamentals, (4) our customers' investment, including investment cycles and the timing thereof, in network improvements (including 5G), the trends driving such improvements and opportunities and demand for our assets created thereby, (5) our long-and short-term prospects and the trends, events and industry activities impacting our business, (6) opportunities we see to deliver value to our shareholders, (7) our dividends (including timing of payment thereof) and our dividend (including on a per share basis) growth rate, including its driving factors, and targets, (8) expected completion of fiber expansion projects, (9) small cell backlog, (10) debt maturities, (11) strategic position of our portfolio of assets, (12) cash flows, including growth thereof, (13) leasing activity and the timing thereof, (14) tenant non-renewals, including the impact and timing thereof, (15) capital expenditures, including sustaining and discretionary capital expenditures, the timing thereof and any efficiencies that may result therefrom, and the discretionary capital budget and the funding thereof, (16) straight-line adjustments, (17) revenues and growth thereof and benefits derived therefrom, (18) net income (loss) (including on a per share basis), (19) Adjusted EBITDA, including components thereof and growth thereof, (20) expenses, including interest expense and amortization of deferred financing costs, (21) FFO (including on a per share basis) and growth thereof, (22) AFFO (including on a per share basis) and its components and growth thereof and corresponding driving factors, (23) Organic Contribution to Site Rental Revenues and its components, including growth thereof and contributions therefrom, (24) our weighted-average common shares outstanding (including on a diluted basis) and growth thereof, (25) services contribution, (26) pre-paid rent, (27) appointment of directors, including the effective date thereof, and (28) the utility of certain financial measures, including non-GAAP financial measures. Such forward-looking statements are subject to certain risks, uncertainties and assumptions, including 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. Our filings with the SEC are available through the SEC website at www.sec.gov or through our investor relations website at investor.crowncastle.com. We use our investor relations website to disclose information about us that may be deemed to be material. We encourage investors, the media and others interested in us to visit our investor relations website from time to time to review up-to-date information or to sign up for e-mail alerts to be notified when new or updated information is posted on the site.

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 30,2020 December 31, 2019
ASSETS
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents$242 $196
Restricted cash174 137
Receivables, net455 596
Prepaid expenses112 107
Other current assets201 168
Total current assets1,184 1,204
Deferred site rental receivables1,420 1,424
Property and equipment, net15,092 14,666
Operating lease right-of-use assets6,357 6,133
Goodwill10,078 10,078
Other intangible assets, net4,535 4,836
Other assets, net120 116
Total assets$38,786 $38,457
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable$264 $334
Accrued interest122 169
Deferred revenues787 657
Other accrued liabilities322 361
Current maturities of debt and other obligations114 100
Current portion of operating lease liabilities316 299
Total current liabilities1,925 1,920
Debt and other long-term obligations19,190 18,021
Operating lease liabilities5,713 5,511
Other long-term liabilities2,456 2,516
Total liabilities29,284 27,968
Commitments and contingencies
CCIC stockholders' equity:
Common stock, $0.01 par value; 600 shares authorized; shares issued and outstanding: September 30, 2020—431 and December 31, 2019—4164 4
6.875% Mandatory Convertible Preferred Stock, Series A, $0.01 par value; 20 shares authorized; shares issued and outstanding: September 30, 2020—0 and December 31, 2019—2; aggregate liquidation value: September 30, 2020—$0 and December 31, 2019—$1,650
Additional paid-in capital17,904 17,855
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)(4) (5)
Dividends/distributions in excess of earnings(8,402) (7,365)
Total equity9,502 10,489
Total liabilities and equity$38,786 $38,457

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,
2020 2019 2020 2019
(As Restated)(a) (As Restated)(a)
Net revenues:
Site rental$1,339 $1,287 $3,968 $3,793
Services and other147 195 379 544
Net revenues1,486 1,482 4,347 4,337
Operating expenses:
Costs of operations(b):
Site rental370 369 1,123 1,095
Services and other117 146 324 407
Selling, general and administrative154 150 493 457
Asset write-down charges3 2 10 13
Acquisition and integration costs2 4 9 10
Depreciation, amortization and accretion406 388 1,207 1,175
Total operating expenses1,052 1,059 3,166 3,157
Operating income (loss)434 423 1,181 1,180
Interest expense and amortization of deferred financing costs(168) (173) (521) (510)
Gains (losses) on retirement of long-term obligations(95) (95) (2)
Interest income 2 2 5
Other income (expense)(3) (5) (3) (6)
Income (loss) before income taxes168 247 564 667
Benefit (provision) for income taxes(5) (5) (16) (15)
Net income (loss)163 242 548 652
Dividends/distributions on preferred stock (28) (57) (85)
Net income (loss) attributable to CCIC common stockholders$163 $214 $491 $567
Net income (loss) attributable to CCIC common stockholders, per common share:
Net income (loss) attributable to CCIC common stockholders, basic$0.38 $0.51 $1.17 $1.36
Net income (loss) attributable to CCIC common stockholders, diluted$0.38 $0.51 $1.17 $1.36
Weighted-average common shares outstanding:
Basic427 416 420 416
Diluted429 418 422 418

(a) See our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2019 for further information.(b) Exclusive of depreciation, amortization and accretion shown separately.

CROWN CASTLE INTERNATIONAL CORP.CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS (UNAUDITED)(In millions of dollars)

Nine Months Ended September 30,
2020 2019
(As Restated)(a)
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income (loss)$548 $652
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by (used for) operating activities:
Depreciation, amortization and accretion1,207 1,175
(Gains) losses on retirement of long-term obligations95 2
Amortization of deferred financing costs and other non-cash interest, net4 1
Stock-based compensation expense108 91
Asset write-down charges10 13
Deferred income tax (benefit) provision2 2
Other non-cash adjustments, net4 4
Changes in assets and liabilities, excluding the effects of acquisitions:
Increase (decrease) in liabilities(29) 178
Decrease (increase) in assets121 (228)
Net cash provided by (used for) operating activities2,070 1,890
Cash flows from investing activities:
Capital expenditures(1,238) (1,537)
Payments for acquisitions, net of cash acquired(86) (15)
Other investing activities, net(12) 3
Net cash provided by (used for) investing activities(1,336) (1,549)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt3,733 1,895
Principal payments on debt and other long-term obligations(80) (59)
Purchases and redemptions of long-term debt(2,490) (12)
Borrowings under revolving credit facility2,140 1,585
Payments under revolving credit facility(2,145) (2,270)
Net borrowings (repayments) under commercial paper program(80)
Payments for financing costs(38) (24)
Purchases of common stock(75) (44)
Dividends/distributions paid on common stock(1,531) (1,415)
Dividends/distributions paid on preferred stock(85) (85)
Net cash provided by (used for) financing activities(651) (429)
Net increase (decrease) in cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash83 (88)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash
Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash at beginning of period338 413
Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash at end of period$421 $325
Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information:
Interest paid564 547
Income taxes paid13 13

(a) See our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2019 for further information.

CROWN CASTLE INTERNATIONAL CORP.SEGMENT OPERATING RESULTS (UNAUDITED)(In millions of dollars)

SEGMENT OPERATING RESULTS
Three Months Ended September 30, 2020 Three Months Ended September 30, 2019
(As Restated)(e)
Towers Fiber Other Consolidated Total Towers Fiber Other Consolidated Total
Segment site rental revenues$877 $462 $1,339 $856 $431 $1,287
Segment services and other revenues142 5 147 191 4 195
Segment revenues1,019 467 1,486 1,047 435 1,482
Segment site rental cost of operations216 145 361 218 141 359
Segment services and other cost of operations111 4 115 142 2 144
Segment cost of operations(a)(b)327 149 476 360 143 503
Segment site rental gross margin(c)661 317 978 638 290 928
Segment services and other gross margin(c)31 1 32 49 2 51
Segment selling, general and administrative expenses(b)22 42 64 23 49 72
Segment operating profit(c)670 276 946 664 243 907
Other selling, general and administrative expenses(b) $63 63 $56 56
Stock-based compensation expense 33 33 29 29
Depreciation, amortization and accretion 406 406 388 388
Interest expense and amortization of deferred financing costs 168 168 173 173
Other (income) expenses to reconcile to income (loss) before income taxes(d) 108 108 14 14
Income (loss) before income taxes $168 $247

FIBER SEGMENT SITE RENTAL REVENUES SUMMARY
Three Months Ended September 30,
2020 2019
Fiber Solutions Small Cells Total Fiber Solutions Small Cells Total
Site rental revenues$323 $139 $462 $311 $120 $431

(a) Exclusive of depreciation, amortization and accretion shown separately.(b) Segment cost of operations excludes (1) stock-based compensation expense of $6 million and $7 million for the three months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively and (2) prepaid lease purchase price adjustments of $5 million in each of the three months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019. Selling, general and administrative expenses exclude stock-based compensation expense of $27 million and $22 million for the three months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively.(c) See "Non-GAAP Financial Measures, Segment Measures and Other Calculations" for a discussion of our definitions of segment site rental gross margin, segment services and other gross margin and segment operating profit.(d) See condensed consolidated statement of operations for further information.(e) See our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2019 for further information.

SEGMENT OPERATING RESULTS
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2020 Nine Months Ended September 30, 2019
(As Restated)(e)
Towers Fiber Other Consolidated Total Towers Fiber Other Consolidated Total
Segment site rental revenues$2,612 $1,356 $3,968 $2,526 $1,267 $3,793
Segment services and other revenues367 12 379 533 11 544
Segment revenues2,979 1,368 4,347 3,059 1,278 4,337
Segment site rental cost of operations648 447 1,095 647 418 1,065
Segment services and other cost of operations311 8 319 395 6 401
Segment cost of operations(a)(b)959 455 1,414 1,042 424 1,466
Segment site rental gross margin(c)1,964 909 2,873 1,879 849 2,728
Segment services and other gross margin(c)56 4 60 138 5 143
Segment selling, general and administrative expenses(b)71 137 208 73 147 220
Segment operating profit(c)1,949 776 2,725 1,944 707 2,651
Other selling, general and administrative expenses(b) $198 198 $168 168
Stock-based compensation expense 106 106 90 90
Depreciation, amortization and accretion 1,207 1,207 1,175 1,175
Interest expense and amortization of deferred financing costs 521 521 510 510
Other (income) expenses to reconcile to income (loss) before income taxes(d) 129 129 41 41
Income (loss) before income taxes $564 $667

FIBER SEGMENT SITE RENTAL REVENUES SUMMARY
Nine Months Ended September 30,
2020 2019
Fiber Solutions Small Cells Total Fiber Solutions Small Cells Total
Site rental revenues$950 $406 $1,356 $921 $346 $1,267

(a) Exclusive of depreciation, amortization and accretion shown separately.(b) Segment cost of operations excludes (1) stock-based compensation expense of $19 million and $21 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively and (2) prepaid lease purchase price adjustments of $14 million and $15 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively. Selling, general and administrative expenses exclude stock-based compensation expense of $87 million and $69 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively.(c) See "Non-GAAP Financial Measures, Segment Measures and Other Calculations" for a discussion of our definitions of segment site rental gross margin, segment services and other gross margin and segment operating profit.(d) See condensed consolidated statement of operations for further information.(e) See our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2019 for further information.

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

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Source: Crown Castle International Corporation

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