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Crown Castle Reports First Quarter 2021 Results and Raises Outlook for Full Year 2021

April 21, 2021 4:15 PM

HOUSTON, April 21, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Crown Castle International Corp. (NYSE: CCI) ("Crown Castle") today reported results for the first quarter ended March 31, 2021 and increased its full year 2021 Outlook.

Full Year 2021
(in millions, except per share amounts)Current Outlook Midpoint Change to Midpoint from Prior Outlook(a) Midpoint Growth Rate Compared to Prior Year Actual(b)
As Reported As Adjusted(c)
Site rental revenues$5,695 +$140 7% 7%
Net income (loss)(d)$1,084 +$87 3% 30%
Net income (loss) per share—diluted(d)(e)$2.50 +$0.20 6% 37%
Adjusted EBITDA(d)$3,757 +$150 1% 10%
AFFO(d)(e)$2,946 +$40 2% 14%
AFFO per share(d)(e)$6.79 +$0.10 —% 11%

(a) As issued on January 27, 2021. See "Full Year 2021 Outlook" below for our previous full year 2021 Outlook.(b) See "Full Year 2021 Outlook" below for our full year 2020 actual results.(c) As Adjusted growth rates exclude the impact of the cancellation of certain small cells previously contracted with Sprint Corporation and a reduction in staffing that occurred in fourth quarter 2020 (collectively "Nontypical Items"), as further described in our press release dated January 27, 2021 and reconciled in "Non-GAAP Financial Measures, Segment Measures and Other Calculations" herein.(d) See "Non-GAAP Financial Measures, Segment Measures and Other Calculations" for further information and reconciliation of non-GAAP financial measures to net income (loss), as computed in accordance with GAAP.(e) Attributable to CCIC common stockholders.

"In the first quarter, we delivered solid results that exceeded our expectations and reflect a robust 5G leasing environment, positioning us to generate an expected double-digit growth in both AFFO per share and dividends per share for full year 2021," stated Jay Brown, Crown Castle’s Chief Executive Officer. "We are excited to continue to support our customers' wireless infrastructure needs as they deploy nationwide 5G in the U.S., and we expect to once again generate industry leading domestic tower revenue growth in 2021. We believe our unique portfolio of tower, small cell and fiber assets positions us to benefit from what we expect will be a decade-long investment cycle as our customers develop next-generation wireless networks. As a result, we expect the deployment of 5G in the U.S. to extend our opportunity to create long-term value for our shareholders while delivering dividend per share long-term growth of 7% to 8% per year.

"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 highest growth and lowest risk market in the world for communications infrastructure ownership, and we are pursuing that opportunity with our comprehensive offering."

RESULTS FOR THE QUARTERThe table below sets forth select financial results for the quarter ended March 31, 2021 and March 31, 2020.

(in millions, except per share amounts)Q1 2021Q1 2020Change% Change
Site rental revenues$1,369$1,310 +$59+5%
Net income (loss)$121$185 -$64-35%
Net income (loss) per share—diluted(a)$0.28$0.38 -$0.10-26%
Adjusted EBITDA(b)$897$814 +$83+10%
AFFO(a)(b)$738$593 +$145+24%
AFFO per share(a)(b)$1.71$1.42 +$0.29+20%

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

HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE QUARTER

"We are excited about the increasing level of activity we see in our business as our customers have begun to deploy 5G at scale," stated Dan Schlanger, Crown Castle's Chief Financial Officer. "We believe we are well positioned to support our growing number of customers by providing a comprehensive set of solutions across towers, small cells and fiber solutions, which are all necessary to build out 5G wireless networks. Looking forward, we believe we are in a great position to deliver on our long-term annual dividend growth target of 7% to 8% while at the same time making significant investments in our business that we believe will generate attractive long-term returns and support future growth. To help fund that growth, we were able to opportunistically access the bond market during the first quarter to refinance upcoming maturities, extending our maturity profile and reducing our overall cost of capital. We continue to take steps to complement our compelling total return opportunity with a lower risk profile, and we expect to have sufficient capacity to once again fund our discretionary investments this year with free cash flow and incremental borrowings."

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 2021.

(in millions, except per share amounts)Full Year 2021
Site rental revenues$5,672to$5,717
Site rental cost of operations(a)$1,538to$1,583
Net income (loss)$1,044to$1,124
Adjusted EBITDA(b)$3,734to$3,779
Interest expense and amortization of deferred financing costs(c)$633to$678
FFO(b)(d)$2,690to$2,735
AFFO(b)(d)$2,923to$2,968
AFFO per share(b)(d)$6.74to$6.85

(a) Exclusive of depreciation, amortization and accretion. (b) See "Non-GAAP Financial Measures, Segment Measures and Other Calculations" for further information and reconciliation of non-GAAP financial measures to net income (loss), as computed in accordance with GAAP.(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 2021 OutlookThe table below compares the results for full year 2020, the midpoint of the current full year 2021 Outlook and the midpoint of our previous full year 2021 Outlook for select metrics.

Midpoint of Full Year 2021 Outlook 2020
(in millions, except per share amounts) Current Previous(c) Full Year Actual Impact from Nontypical Items
Site rental revenues $5,695 $5,555 $5,320 $—
Net income (loss) $1,084 $997 $1,056 $223
Net income (loss) per share—diluted(a) $2.50 $2.30 $2.35 $0.52
Adjusted EBITDA(b) $3,757 $3,607 $3,706 $286
AFFO(a)(b) $2,946 $2,906 $2,878 $286
AFFO per share(a)(b) $6.79 $6.69 $6.78 $0.68

(a) Attributable to CCIC common stockholders.(b) See "Non-GAAP Financial Measures, Segment Measures and Other Calculations" for further information and reconciliation of non-GAAP financial measures to net income (loss), as computed in accordance with GAAP.(c) As issued on January 27, 2021.

CONFERENCE CALL DETAILS Crown Castle has scheduled a conference call for Thursday, April 22, 2021, at 10:30 a.m. Eastern time to discuss its first quarter 2021 results. The conference call may be accessed by dialing 800-347-6311 and asking for the Crown Castle call (access code 7566143) 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, April 22, 2021, through 1:30 p.m. Eastern time on Wednesday, July 21, 2021, and may be accessed by dialing 888-203-1112 and using access code 7566143. 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 Net income (as adjusted), including per share—diluted amounts, 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.

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

Net Income (as adjusted). We define Net Income (as adjusted) as net income (loss) less other operating income resulting from the Nontypical Items, plus incremental operating expenses and asset write-downs as a result of the Nontypical Items.

Net Income (as adjusted) per share—diluted. We define net income (as adjusted) per sharediluted as Net Income (as adjusted), divided by diluted weighted-average common shares outstanding.

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. Separately, Adjusted EBITDA, as adjusted to exclude the impact of Nontypical Items, reflects Adjusted EBITDA, less other operating income resulting from the Nontypical Items, plus incremental operating expenses as a result of the Nontypical Items.

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, impairment of available-for-sale securities, acquisition and integration costs, restructuring charges (credits), cumulative effect of a change in accounting principle, (income) loss from discontinued operations and adjustments for noncontrolling interests, less sustaining capital expenditures. Separately, Adjusted Funds from Operations, as adjusted to exclude the impact of Nontypical Items, reflects Adjusted Funds from Operations, less other operating income resulting from the Nontypical Items, plus incremental operating expenses as a result of the Nontypical Items.

AFFO per share. We define AFFO per share as AFFO, including as adjusted to exclude the impact of Nontypical Items, 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, and segment other operating (income) expense, 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.

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 Twelve Months Ended
(in millions)March 31, 2021 March 31, 2020 December 31, 2020
Net income (loss)$121 $185 $1,056
Adjustments to increase (decrease) net income (loss):
Asset write-down charges3 4 74
Acquisition and integration costs 5 10
Depreciation, amortization and accretion408 399 1,608
Amortization of prepaid lease purchase price adjustments5 5 18
Interest expense and amortization of deferred financing costs(a)170 175 689
(Gains) losses on retirement of long-term obligations143 95
Interest income(1) (1) (2)
Other (income) expense8 5
(Benefit) provision for income taxes7 5 20
Stock-based compensation expense33 36 133
Adjusted EBITDA(b)(c)$897 $814 $3,706

Reconciliation of Current Outlook for Adjusted EBITDA:

Full Year 2021
(in millions)Outlook
Net income (loss)$1,044 to$1,124
Adjustments to increase (decrease) net income (loss):
Asset write-down charges$15 to$25
Acquisition and integration costs$0 to$8
Depreciation, amortization and accretion$1,615 to$1,710
Amortization of prepaid lease purchase price adjustments$17 to$19
Interest expense and amortization of deferred financing costs(a)$633 to$678
(Gains) losses on retirement of long-term obligations$143 to$143
Interest income$(3)to$0
Other (income) expense$1 to$8
(Benefit) provision for income taxes$18 to$26
Stock-based compensation expense$134 to$149
Adjusted EBITDA(b)(c)$3,734 to$3,779

(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.

Reconciliation of Historical FFO and AFFO:

For the Three Months Ended For the Twelve Months Ended
(in millions, except per share amounts)March 31, 2021 March 31, 2020 December 31, 2020
Net income (loss)$121 $185 $1,056
Real estate related depreciation, amortization and accretion395 386 1,555
Asset write-down charges3 4 74
Dividends/distributions on preferred stock (28) (85)
FFO(a)(b)(c)(d)$519 $547 $2,600
Weighted-average common shares outstanding—diluted433 418 (e)425
FFO per share(a)(b)(c)(d)$1.20 $1.31 (e)$6.12
FFO (from above)$519 $547 $2,600
Adjustments to increase (decrease) FFO:
Straight-lined revenue10 (14) (22)
Straight-lined expense19 20 83
Stock-based compensation expense33 36 133
Non-cash portion of tax provision7 4 1
Non-real estate related depreciation, amortization and accretion13 13 53
Amortization of non-cash interest expense3 1 6
Other (income) expense8 5
(Gains) losses on retirement of long-term obligations143 95
Acquisition and integration costs 5 10
Sustaining capital expenditures(17) (21) (86)
AFFO(a)(b)(c)(d)$738 $593 $2,878
Weighted-average common shares outstanding—diluted433 418 (e)425
AFFO per share(a)(b)(c)(d)$1.71 $1.42 (e)$6.78

(a) See "Non-GAAP Financial Measures, Segment Measures and Other Calculations" for a discussion of our definitions of FFO 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 the period ended March 31, 2020, the diluted weighted-average common shares outstanding does not include any assumed conversions of preferred stock in the share count.

Reconciliation of Current Outlook for FFO and AFFO:

Full Year 2021
(in millions except per share amounts)Outlook
Net income (loss)$1,044 to$1,124
Real estate related depreciation, amortization and accretion$1,569 to$1,649
Asset write-down charges$15 to$25
FFO(a)(b)(c)$2,690 to$2,735
Weighted-average common shares outstanding—diluted(d) 434
FFO per share(a)(b)(c)(d)$6.21 to$6.31
FFO (from above)$2,690 to$2,735
Adjustments to increase (decrease) FFO:
Straight-lined revenue$(102)to$(82)
Straight-lined expense$58 to$78
Stock-based compensation expense$134 to$149
Non-cash portion of tax provision$(7)to$8
Non-real estate related depreciation, amortization and accretion$46 to$61
Amortization of non-cash interest expense$4 to$14
Other (income) expense$1 to$8
(Gains) losses on retirement of long-term obligations$143 to$143
Acquisition and integration costs$0 to$8
Sustaining capital expenditures$(104)to$(94)
AFFO(a)(b)(c)$2,923 to$2,968
Weighted-average common shares outstanding—diluted(d) 434
AFFO per share(a)(b)(c)(d)$6.74 to$6.85

(a) See "Non-GAAP Financial Measures, Segment Measures and Other Calculations" for a discussion of our definitions of FFO and AFFO, including per share amounts.(b) Attributable to CCIC common stockholders.(c) The above reconciliation excludes line items included in our definition which are not applicable for the periods shown.(d) The assumption for diluted weighted-average common shares outstanding for full year 2021 Outlook is based on the diluted common shares outstanding as of March 31, 2021.

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

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

(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 2021
(in millions, except per share amounts)Outlook
Net income (loss)$957 to$1,037
Real estate related depreciation, amortization and accretion$1,569 to$1,649
Asset write-down charges$15 to$25
FFO(a)(b)(c)$2,603 to$2,648
Weighted-average common shares outstanding—diluted(d) 434
FFO per share(a)(b)(c)(d)$6.00 to$6.10
FFO (from above)$2,603 to$2,648
Adjustments to increase (decrease) FFO:
Straight-lined revenue$38 to$58
Straight-lined expense$58 to$78
Stock-based compensation expense$145 to$149
Non-cash portion of tax provision$(7)to$8
Non-real estate related depreciation, amortization and accretion$46 to$61
Amortization of non-cash interest expense$4 to$14
Other (income) expense$(1)to$1
(Gains) losses on retirement of long-term obligations$0 to$100
Acquisition and integration costs$0 to$8
Sustaining capital expenditures$(104)to$(94)
AFFO(a)(b)(c)$2,883 to$2,928
Weighted-average common shares outstanding—diluted(d) 434
AFFO per share(a)(b)(c)(d)$6.64 to$6.74

(a) See "Non-GAAP Financial Measures, Segment Measures and Other Calculations" for a discussion of our definitions of FFO and AFFO, including per share amounts.(b) Attributable to CCIC common stockholders.(c) The above reconciliation excludes line items included in our definition which are not applicable for the periods shown.(d) The assumption for diluted weighted-average common shares outstanding for full year 2021 Outlook is based on the diluted common shares outstanding as of March 31, 2021.

Reconciliation of Results Adjusted for Nontypical Items to As Reported Results:

Midpoint of Current Full Year 2021(e) Full Year 2020 Full Year 2021 Growth Rates (Outlook at the Midpoint)
(dollars in millions, except per share amounts)Outlook As Reported Less: Impact from Nontypical Items Exclusive of Impact from Nontypical Items As Reported Less: Impact from Nontypical Items Exclusive of Impact from Nontypical Items
Site rental revenues$5,695 $5,320 $ $5,320 7% % 7%
Net income (loss)(a)1,084 1,056 (223)(c) 833 3% 27%(c) 30%
Net income (loss) per share—diluted(a)(b)2.50 2.35 (0.52)(c) 1.83 6% 31%(c) 37%
Adjusted EBITDA(a)3,757 3,706 (286)(d) 3,420 1% 9%(d) 10%
AFFO(a)(b)2,946 2,878 (286)(d) 2,592 2% 12%(d) 14%
AFFO per share(a)(b)$6.79 $6.78 $(0.68)(d) $6.10 % 11%(d) 11%

(a) See reconciliations herein for further information and reconciliation of non-GAAP financial measures to net income (loss), as computed in accordance with GAAP.(b) Attributable to CCIC common stockholders.(c) Impact from Nontypical Items on net income (loss) and net income (loss) per share—diluted included in the 2020 fourth quarter operating results is comprised of other operating income of $362 million, offset by incremental operating expenses of $76 million and associated asset write-downs of $63 million.(d) Impact from Nontypical Items on Adjusted EBITDA, AFFO and AFFO per share included in the 2020 fourth quarter operating results is comprised of other operating income of $362 million, offset by incremental operating expenses of $76 million.(e) The Nontypical Items do not have a material impact on the full year 2021 Outlook, which previously contemplated the deployment of approximately 1,000 Sprint Corporation small cells, which were among the small cells that were cancelled by T-Mobile US, Inc. in the fourth quarter 2020, as described further in our press release dated January 27, 2021.

The components of changes in site rental revenues for the quarters ended March 31, 2021 and 2020 are as follows:

Three Months Ended March 31,
(dollars in millions)2021 2020
Components of changes in site rental revenues(a):
Prior year site rental revenues exclusive of straight-lined revenues associated with fixed escalators(b)(c)$1,296 $1,225
New leasing activity(b)(c)99 99
Escalators23 22
Non-renewals(40) (51)
Organic Contribution to Site Rental Revenues(d)82 71
Impact from straight-lined revenues associated with fixed escalators(10) 14
Acquisitions(e)1
Other
Total GAAP site rental revenues$1,369 $1,310
Year-over-year changes in revenue:
Reported GAAP site rental revenues4.5%
Organic Contribution to Site Rental Revenues(d)(f)6.3%

The components of the changes in site rental revenues for full year 2021 Outlook:

(dollars in millions)Full Year 2021 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)$5,298
New leasing activity(b)(c)375-405
Escalators90-100
Non-renewals(180)-(160)
Organic Contribution to Site Rental Revenues(d)295-335
Impact from full year straight-lined revenues associated with fixed escalators60-80
Acquisitions(e)<5
Other
Total GAAP site rental revenues$5,672-$5,717
Year-over-year changes in revenue:
Reported GAAP site rental revenues(g)7.0%
Organic Contribution to Site Rental Revenues(d)(f)(g)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) Calculated based on midpoint of full year 2021 Outlook, issued on April 21, 2021.

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

For the Three Months Ended
(in millions)March 31, 2021 March 31, 2020
Interest expense on debt obligations$167 $174
Amortization of deferred financing costs and adjustments on long-term debt, net6 5
Capitalized interest(3) (4)
Interest expense and amortization of deferred financing costs$170 $175

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

Full Year 2021
(in millions)Outlook
Interest expense on debt obligations$638 to$658
Amortization of deferred financing costs and adjustments on long-term debt, net 21 to 26
Capitalized interest (17)to (12)
Interest expense and amortization of deferred financing costs $633 to$678

Debt balances and maturity dates as of March 31, 2021 are as follows:

(in millions)Face Value Final Maturity
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash$438
3.849% Secured Notes1,000 Apr. 2023
Secured Notes, Series 2009-1, Class A-2(a)59 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 obligations231 Various
Total secured debt$3,290
2016 Revolver580 June 2024
2016 Term Loan A1,238 June 2024
Commercial Paper Notes(c)40 Apr. 2021
3.150% Senior Notes750 July 2023
3.200% Senior Notes750 Sept. 2024
1.350% Senior Notes500 July 2025
4.450% Senior Notes900 Feb. 2026
3.700% Senior Notes750 June 2026
1.050% Senior Notes1,000 July 2026
4.000% Senior Notes500 Mar. 2027
3.650% Senior Notes1,000 Sept. 2027
3.800% Senior Notes1,000 Feb. 2028
4.300% Senior Notes600 Feb. 2029
3.100% Senior Notes550 Nov. 2029
3.300% Senior Notes750 July 2030
2.250% Senior Notes1,100 Jan. 2031
2.100% Senior Notes1,000 Apr. 2031
4.750% Senior Notes350 May 2047
2.900% Senior Notes1,250 Apr. 2041
5.200% Senior Notes400 Feb. 2049
4.000% Senior Notes350 Nov. 2049
4.150% Senior Notes500 July 2050
3.250% Senior Notes900 Jan. 2051
Total unsecured debt$16,758
Total net debt$19,610

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

(dollars in millions)For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2021
Total face value of debt$20,048
Less: Ending cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash438
Total Net Debt$19,610
Adjusted EBITDA for the three months ended March 31, 2021$897
Last quarter annualized Adjusted EBITDA3,588
Net Debt to Last Quarter Annualized Adjusted EBITDA5.5x

(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)March 31, 2021 March 31, 2020
TowersFiberOtherTotal TowersFiberOtherTotal
Discretionary:
Purchases of land interests$14 $ $ $14 $13 $ $ $13
Communications infrastructure improvements and other capital projects35 225 11 271 87 319 7 413
Sustaining2 12 3 17 5 9 7 21
Total$51 $237 $14 $302 $105 $328 $14 $447

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 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, strategy, risk profile, 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 investment 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 long- and short-term dividend (including on a per share basis) growth rate, including its driving factors, and targets, (8) revenue growth in the Towers segment, (9) debt maturities, (10) strategic position of our portfolio of assets, (11) cash flows, including growth thereof, (12) leasing environment and the activity we see in our business, (13) tenant non-renewals, including the impact and timing thereof, (14) 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 (including capacity to fund) thereof, (15) straight-line adjustments, (16) revenues and growth thereof and benefits derived therefrom, (17) the recurrence of Nontypical Items, (18) net income (loss) (including on a per share basis and as adjusted for Nontypical Items), (19) Adjusted EBITDA (including as adjusted for Nontypical Items), 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 as adjusted for Nontypical Items) 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 and labor related costs, (26) our growing number of customers, (27) benefits stemming from our recent tower leasing agreement with Verizon, (28) the utility of certain financial measures, including non-GAAP financial measures and (29) the strength of the U.S. market for communications infrastructure ownership. All future dividends are subject to declaration by our board of directors.

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)

March 31,2021 December 31,2020
ASSETS
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents$254 $232
Restricted cash179 144
Receivables, net412 431
Prepaid expenses115 95
Other current assets216 202
Total current assets1,176 1,104
Deferred site rental receivables1,389 1,408
Property and equipment, net15,149 15,162
Operating lease right-of-use assets6,514 6,464
Goodwill10,078 10,078
Other intangible assets, net4,324 4,433
Other assets, net122 119
Total assets$38,752 $38,768
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable$187 $230
Accrued interest107 199
Deferred revenues814 704
Other accrued liabilities271 378
Current maturities of debt and other obligations159 129
Current portion of operating lease liabilities332 329
Total current liabilities1,870 1,969
Debt and other long-term obligations19,713 19,151
Operating lease liabilities5,856 5,808
Other long-term liabilities2,327 2,379
Total liabilities29,766 29,307
Commitments and contingencies
CCIC stockholders' equity:
Common stock, $0.01 par value; 600 shares authorized; shares issued and outstanding: March 31, 2021—432 and December 31, 2020—4314 4
Additional paid-in capital17,917 17,933
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)(3) (4)
Dividends/distributions in excess of earnings(8,932) (8,472)
Total equity8,986 9,461
Total liabilities and equity$38,752 $38,768

CROWN CASTLE INTERNATIONAL CORP.CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS (UNAUDITED)(Amounts in millions, except per share amounts)

Three Months Ended March 31,
2021 2020
Net revenues:
Site rental$1,369 $1,310
Services and other116 111
Net revenues1,485 1,421
Operating expenses:
Costs of operations(a):
Site rental381 375
Services and other81 99
Selling, general and administrative164 175
Asset write-down charges3 4
Acquisition and integration costs 5
Depreciation, amortization and accretion408 399
Total operating expenses1,037 1,057
Operating income (loss)448 364
Interest expense and amortization of deferred financing costs(170) (175)
Gains (losses) on retirement of long-term obligations(143)
Interest income1 1
Other income (expense)(8)
Income (loss) before income taxes128 190
Benefit (provision) for income taxes(7) (5)
Net income (loss)121 185
Dividends/distributions on preferred stock (28)
Net income (loss) attributable to CCIC common stockholders$121 $157
Net income (loss) attributable to CCIC common stockholders, per common share:
Net income (loss) attributable to CCIC common stockholders, basic$0.28 $0.38
Net income (loss) attributable to CCIC common stockholders, diluted$0.28 $0.38
Weighted-average common shares outstanding:
Basic432 416
Diluted433 418

(a) Exclusive of depreciation, amortization and accretion shown separately.

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

Three Months Ended March 31,
2021 2020
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income (loss)$121 $185
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by (used for) operating activities:
Depreciation, amortization and accretion408 399
(Gains) losses on retirement of long-term obligations143
Amortization of deferred financing costs and other non-cash interest, net3 1
Stock-based compensation expense33 37
Asset write-down charges3 4
Deferred income tax (benefit) provision1 1
Other non-cash adjustments, net10
Changes in assets and liabilities, excluding the effects of acquisitions:
Increase (decrease) in liabilities(146) (68)
Decrease (increase) in assets8 94
Net cash provided by (used for) operating activities584 653
Cash flows from investing activities:
Capital expenditures(302) (447)
Payments for acquisitions, net of cash acquired(4) (13)
Other investing activities, net(5) (8)
Net cash provided by (used for) investing activities(311) (468)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt3,237
Principal payments on debt and other long-term obligations(1,026) (26)
Purchases and redemptions of long-term debt(1,789)
Borrowings under revolving credit facility580 1,340
Payments under revolving credit facility(290) (595)
Net borrowings (repayments) under commercial paper program(245) (155)
Payments for financing costs(29)
Purchases of common stock(67) (73)
Dividends/distributions paid on common stock(588) (513)
Dividends/distributions paid on preferred stock (28)
Net cash provided by (used for) financing activities(217) (50)
Net increase (decrease) in cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash56 135
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash1 (1)
Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash at beginning of period381 338
Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash at end of period$438 $472
Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information:
Interest paid259 223
Income taxes paid 1

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

SEGMENT OPERATING RESULTS
Three Months Ended March 31, 2021 Three Months Ended March 31, 2020
Towers Fiber Other Consolidated Total Towers Fiber Other Consolidated Total
Segment site rental revenues$895 $474 $1,369 $867 $443 $1,310
Segment services and other revenues111 5 116 108 3 111
Segment revenues1,006 479 1,485 975 446 1,421
Segment site rental cost of operations212 161 373 214 152 366
Segment services and other cost of operations76 3 79 95 2 97
Segment cost of operations(a)(b)288 164 452 309 154 463
Segment site rental gross margin(c)683 313 996 653 291 944
Segment services and other gross margin(c)35 2 37 13 1 14
Segment selling, general and administrative expenses(b)25 45 70 24 51 75
Segment operating profit(c)693 270 963 642 241 883
Other selling, general and administrative expenses(b) $66 66 $70 70
Stock-based compensation expense 33 33 36 36
Depreciation, amortization and accretion 408 408 399 399
Interest expense and amortization of deferred financing costs 170 170 175 175
Other (income) expenses to reconcile to income (loss) before income taxes(d) 158 158 13 13
Income (loss) before income taxes $128 $190

FIBER SEGMENT SITE RENTAL REVENUES SUMMARY
Three Months Ended March 31,
2021 2020
Fiber Solutions Small Cells Total Fiber Solutions Small Cells Total
Site rental revenues$331 $143 $474 $312 $131 $443

(a) Exclusive of depreciation, amortization and accretion shown separately.(b) Segment cost of operations excludes (1) stock-based compensation expense of $5 million and $6 million for the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively and (2) prepaid lease purchase price adjustments of $5 million in each of the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020. Selling, general and administrative expenses exclude stock-based compensation expense of $28 million and $30 million for the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020, 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.

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

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