HOUSTON, April 17, 2019 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Crown Castle International Corp. (NYSE: CCI) ("Crown Castle") today reported results for the quarter ended March 31, 2019.
"In the first quarter, we delivered solid results that were in line with our expectations, positioning us well to generate attractive growth in cash flows and dividends per share for the full year 2019," stated Jay Brown, Crown Castle’s Chief Executive Officer. "This continued growth reflects the strong fundamentals we see across our business, including our major customers spending to improve their current networks while beginning to invest in 5G. We are excited about the opportunity we see to leverage our unmatched portfolio of more than 40,000 towers and 70,000 route miles of dense, high capacity fiber located in the top U.S. markets where we see the greatest long-term demand. We continue to believe our ability to offer towers, small cells and fiber solutions, which are all integral components of communications networks and are shared among multiple tenants, provides us the best opportunity to generate significant growth while delivering high returns for our shareholders. Further, we believe that the U.S. is the best market for communications infrastructure ownership, and we are pursuing that compelling opportunity with our comprehensive offering. With this positive momentum across our towers and fiber segments, we remain focused on investing in our business to generate future growth and delivering dividend per share growth of 7% to 8% per year."
RESULTS FOR THE QUARTER
The table below sets forth select financial results for the three month period ended March 31, 2019 and 2018. For further information, refer to the financial statements and non-GAAP, segment and other calculation reconciliations included in this press release.
(in millions) | Actual | |||||||
Q1 2019 | Q1 2018 | Change | % Change | |||||
Site rental revenues | $ | 1,219 | $ | 1,153 | +$ | 66 | +6 | % |
Net income (loss) | $ | 210 | $ | 114 | +$ | 96 | +84 | % |
Adjusted EBITDA(a) | $ | 821 | $ | 763 | +$ | 58 | +8 | % |
AFFO(a)(b) | $ | 606 | $ | 558 | +$ | 48 | +9 | % |
Weighted-average common shares outstanding - diluted | 417 | 410 | +7 | +2 | % |
Note: Figures may not tie due to rounding.
(a) See reconciliation of this non-GAAP financial measure to net income (loss) and definition included herein.
(b) Attributable to CCIC common stockholders.
HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE QUARTER
"We are excited about the positive long-term industry fundamentals that are creating significant demand for our communications infrastructure, which is translating into the higher levels of new leasing activity we are experiencing this year across our tower and fiber assets," stated Dan Schlanger, Crown Castle's Chief Financial Officer. "With our recent financing activities, we believe we are well positioned to continue to invest in our business and create significant value for our shareholders by leveraging our leading portfolio of towers and high-capacity fiber assets."
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 Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC").
The following table sets forth Crown Castle's current Outlook for full year 2019, which is unchanged from our previously provided full year 2019 Outlook:
(in millions) | Full Year 2019 | ||||
Site rental revenues | $ | 4,939 | to | $ | 4,984 |
Site rental cost of operations(a) | $ | 1,438 | to | $ | 1,483 |
Net income (loss) | $ | 781 | to | $ | 861 |
Adjusted EBITDA(b) | $ | 3,344 | to | $ | 3,389 |
Interest expense and amortization of deferred financing costs(c) | $ | 687 | to | $ | 732 |
FFO(b)(d) | $ | 2,293 | to | $ | 2,338 |
AFFO(b)(d) | $ | 2,413 | to | $ | 2,458 |
Weighted-average common shares outstanding - diluted(e) | 417 |
(a) Exclusive of depreciation, amortization and accretion.
(b) See reconciliation of this non-GAAP financial measure to net income (loss) and definition included herein.
(c) See reconciliation of "components of current outlook for interest expense and amortization of deferred financing costs" herein for a discussion of non-cash interest expense.
(d) Attributable to CCIC common stockholders.
(e) The assumption for full year 2019 diluted weighted-average common shares outstanding is based on the diluted common shares outstanding as of March 31, 2019. The diluted weighted-average common shares outstanding does not include any assumed conversion of preferred stock in the share count.
Full Year 2019 Outlook
The table below compares the results for full year 2018, midpoint of the current full year 2019 Outlook and the midpoint of the previously provided full year 2019 Outlook for select metrics.
Midpoint of FY 2019 Outlook to FY 2018 Actual Comparison | |||||||||||
(in millions) | Current Full Year 2019 Outlook | Full Year 2018 Actual | Change | % Change | Previous Full Year 2019 Outlook(d) | Current Compared to Previous Outlook | |||||
Site rental revenues | $ | 4,962 | $ | 4,716 | +$ | 246 | +5 | % | $ | 4,962 | — |
Net income (loss) | $ | 821 | $ | 671 | +$ | 150 | +22 | % | $ | 821 | — |
Adjusted EBITDA(a) | $ | 3,367 | $ | 3,141 | +$ | 226 | +7 | % | $ | 3,367 | — |
AFFO(a)(b) | $ | 2,436 | $ | 2,274 | +$ | 162 | +7 | % | $ | 2,436 | — |
Weighted-average common shares outstanding - diluted(c) | 417 | 415 | +2 | — | 417 | — |
(a) See reconciliation of this non-GAAP financial measure to net income (loss) and definition included herein.
(b) Attributable to CCIC common stockholders.
(c) The assumption for full year 2019 diluted weighted-average common shares outstanding is based on the diluted common shares outstanding as of March 31, 2019. For all periods presented, the diluted weighted-average common shares outstanding does not include any assumed conversion of preferred stock in the share count.
(d) As issued on January 23, 2019.
CONFERENCE CALL DETAILS
Crown Castle has scheduled a conference call for Thursday, April 18, 2019, at 10:30 a.m. Eastern time to discuss its first quarter 2019 results. The conference call may be accessed by dialing 888-254-3590 and asking for the Crown Castle call (access code 2519856) 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 18, 2019, through 1:30 p.m. Eastern time on Wednesday, July 17, 2019, and may be accessed by dialing 888-203-1112 and using access code 2519856. An audio archive will also be available on the company's website at investor.crowncastle.com shortly after the call and will be accessible for approximately 90 days.
ABOUT CROWN CASTLE
Crown Castle owns, operates and leases more than 40,000 cell towers and approximately 70,000 route miles of fiber supporting small cells and fiber solutions across every major U.S. market. This nationwide portfolio of communications infrastructure connects cities and communities to essential data, technology and wireless service - bringing information, ideas and innovations to the people and businesses that need them. For more information on Crown Castle, please visit www.crowncastle.com.
Non-GAAP Financial Measures, Segment Measures and Other Calculations
This press release includes presentations of Adjusted EBITDA, Adjusted Funds from Operations ("AFFO"), Funds from Operations ("FFO") and Organic Contribution to Site Rental Revenues, which are non-GAAP financial measures. These non-GAAP financial measures are not intended as alternative measures of operating results or cash flow from operations (as determined in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles ("GAAP")).
Our measures of Adjusted EBITDA, AFFO, FFO and Organic Contribution to Site Rental Revenues may not be comparable to similarly titled measures of other companies, including other companies in the communications infrastructure sector or other real estate investment trusts ("REITs"). Our definition of FFO is consistent with guidelines from the National Association of Real Estate Investment Trusts with the exception of the impact of income taxes in periods prior to our REIT conversion in 2014.
In addition to the non-GAAP financial measures used herein, we also provide Segment Site Rental Gross Margin, Segment Services and Other Gross Margin and Segment Operating Profit, which are key measures used by management to evaluate our operating segments for purposes of making decisions about allocating capital and assessing performance. These segment measures are provided pursuant to GAAP requirements related to segment reporting. In addition, we provide the components of certain GAAP measures, such as capital expenditures.
Adjusted EBITDA, AFFO, FFO and Organic Contribution to Site Rental Revenues are presented as additional information because management believes these measures are useful indicators of the financial performance of our business. Among other things, management believes that:
We define our non-GAAP financial measures, segment measures and other calculations as follows:
Non-GAAP Financial Measures
Adjusted EBITDA. We define Adjusted EBITDA as net income (loss) plus restructuring charges (credits), asset write-down charges, acquisition and integration costs, depreciation, amortization and accretion, amortization of prepaid lease purchase price adjustments, interest expense and amortization of deferred financing costs, (gains) losses on retirement of long-term obligations, net (gain) loss on interest rate swaps, (gains) losses on foreign currency swaps, impairment of available-for-sale securities, interest income, other (income) expense, (benefit) provision for income taxes, cumulative effect of a change in accounting principle, (income) loss from discontinued operations and stock-based compensation expense.
Adjusted Funds from Operations. We define Adjusted Funds from Operations as FFO before straight-lined revenue, straight-lined expense, stock-based compensation expense, non-cash portion of tax provision, non-real estate related depreciation, amortization and accretion, amortization of non-cash interest expense, other (income) expense, (gains) losses on retirement of long-term obligations, net (gain) loss on interest rate swaps, (gains) losses on foreign currency swaps, acquisition and integration costs, and adjustments for noncontrolling interests, and less sustaining capital expenditures (comprised of maintenance capital expenditures and corporate capital expenditures).
Funds from Operations. We define Funds from Operations as net income plus real estate related depreciation, amortization and accretion and asset write-down charges, less noncontrolling interest and cash paid for preferred stock dividends, and is a measure of funds from operations attributable to CCIC common stockholders.
Organic Contribution to Site Rental Revenues. We define the Organic Contribution to Site Rental Revenues as the sum of the change in GAAP site rental revenues related to (1) new leasing activity, including revenues from the construction of small cells and the impact of prepaid rent, (2) escalators and less (3) non-renewals of 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 consistently applied allocations using the rates at which management has estimated the relative burden to each segment.
Other Calculations
Discretionary capital expenditures. We define discretionary capital expenditures as those capital expenditures made with respect to activities which we believe exhibit sufficient potential to enhance long-term stockholder value. They consist of expansion or development of existing communications infrastructure (including capital expenditures related to (1) enhancing communications infrastructure assets 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), construction of new communications infrastructure, and, to a lesser extent, purchases of land interests (which primarily relate to land assets under towers as we seek to manage our interests in the land beneath our towers) and other capital projects.
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) corporate capital expenditures.
The tables set forth below reconcile the non-GAAP financial measures used herein to comparable GAAP financial measures. The components in these tables may not sum to the total due to rounding.
Reconciliations of Non-GAAP Financial Measures, Segment Measures and Other Calculations to Comparable GAAP Financial Measures:
Reconciliation of Historical Adjusted EBITDA:
For the Three Months Ended | For the Twelve Months Ended | ||||||||||
March 31, 2019 | March 31, 2018 | December 31, 2018 | |||||||||
(in millions) | |||||||||||
Net income (loss) | $ | 210 | $ | 114 | $ | 671 | |||||
Adjustments to increase (decrease) net income (loss): | |||||||||||
Asset write-down charges | 6 | 3 | 26 | ||||||||
Acquisition and integration costs | 4 | 6 | 27 | ||||||||
Depreciation, amortization and accretion | 394 | 374 | 1,528 | ||||||||
Amortization of prepaid lease purchase price adjustments | 5 | 5 | 20 | ||||||||
Interest expense and amortization of deferred financing costs(a) | 168 | 160 | 642 | ||||||||
(Gains) losses on retirement of long-term obligations | 1 | 71 | 106 | ||||||||
Interest income | (2 | ) | (1 | ) | (5 | ) | |||||
Other (income) expense | 1 | 1 | (1 | ) | |||||||
(Benefit) provision for income taxes | 6 | 4 | 19 | ||||||||
Stock-based compensation expense | 29 | 26 | 108 | ||||||||
Adjusted EBITDA(b)(c) | $ | 821 | $ | 763 | $ | 3,141 |
(a) See the reconciliation of "components of historical interest expense and amortization of deferred financing costs" herein for a discussion of non-cash interest expense.
(b) See "Non-GAAP Financial Measures, Segment Measures and Other Calculations" herein for a discussion of our definition of Adjusted EBITDA.
(c) The above reconciliation excludes line items included in our definition which are not applicable for the periods shown.
Reconciliation of Current Outlook for Adjusted EBITDA:
Full Year 2019 | |||||||
(in millions) | Outlook | ||||||
Net income (loss) | $ | 781 | to | $ | 861 | ||
Adjustments to increase (decrease) net income (loss): | |||||||
Asset write-down charges | $ | 35 | to | $ | 45 | ||
Acquisition and integration costs | $ | 15 | to | $ | 25 | ||
Depreciation, amortization and accretion | $ | 1,606 | to | $ | 1,646 | ||
Amortization of prepaid lease purchase price adjustments | $ | 19 | to | $ | 21 | ||
Interest expense and amortization of deferred financing costs(a) | $ | 687 | to | $ | 732 | ||
(Gains) losses on retirement of long-term obligations | $ | (1 | ) | to | $ | 1 | |
Interest income | $ | (7 | ) | to | $ | (3 | ) |
Other (income) expense | $ | (1 | ) | to | $ | 1 | |
(Benefit) provision for income taxes | $ | 17 | to | $ | 25 | ||
Stock-based compensation expense | $ | 111 | to | $ | 116 | ||
Adjusted EBITDA(b)(c) | $ | 3,344 | to | $ | 3,389 |
(a) See the reconciliation of "components of current outlook for interest expense and amortization of deferred financing costs" herein for a discussion of non-cash interest expense.
(b) See "Non-GAAP Financial Measures, Segment Measures and Other Calculations" herein for a discussion of our definition of Adjusted EBITDA.
(c) The above reconciliation excludes line items included in our definition which are not applicable for the periods shown.
Reconciliation of Historical FFO and AFFO:
For the Three Months Ended | For the Twelve Months Ended | ||||||||||
(in millions) | March 31, 2019 | March 31, 2018 | December 31, 2018 | ||||||||
Net income (loss) | $ | 210 | $ | 114 | $ | 671 | |||||
Real estate related depreciation, amortization and accretion | 380 | 359 | 1,472 | ||||||||
Asset write-down charges | 6 | 3 | 26 | ||||||||
Dividends on preferred stock | (28 | ) | (28 | ) | (113 | ) | |||||
FFO(a)(b)(c)(d)(e) | $ | 567 | $ | 447 | $ | 2,055 | |||||
FFO (from above) | $ | 567 | $ | 447 | $ | 2,055 | |||||
Adjustments to increase (decrease) FFO: | |||||||||||
Straight-lined revenue | (17 | ) | (16 | ) | (72 | ) | |||||
Straight-lined expense | 22 | 23 | 90 | ||||||||
Stock-based compensation expense | 29 | 26 | 108 | ||||||||
Non-cash portion of tax provision | 5 | 4 | 2 | ||||||||
Non-real estate related depreciation, amortization and accretion | 14 | 15 | 56 | ||||||||
Amortization of non-cash interest expense | 1 | 2 | 7 | ||||||||
Other (income) expense | 1 | 1 | (1 | ) | |||||||
(Gains) losses on retirement of long-term obligations | 1 | 71 | 106 | ||||||||
Acquisition and integration costs | 4 | 6 | 27 | ||||||||
Maintenance capital expenditures | (16 | ) | (13 | ) | (64 | ) | |||||
Corporate capital expenditures | (5 | ) | (9 | ) | (41 | ) | |||||
AFFO(a)(b)(c)(d)(e) | $ | 606 | $ | 558 | $ | 2,274 |
(a) See "Non-GAAP Financial Measures, Segment Measures and Other Calculations" herein for a discussion of our definitions of FFO and AFFO.
(b) FFO and AFFO are reduced by cash paid for preferred stock dividends during the period in which they are paid.
(c) Diluted weighted-average common shares outstanding were 417 million, 410 million and 415 million for the three months ended March 31, 2019 and 2018, and the twelve months ended December 31, 2018, respectively. For all periods presented, the diluted weighted-average common shares outstanding does not include any assumed conversion of preferred stock in the share count.
(d) The above reconciliation excludes line items included in our definition which are not applicable for the periods shown.
(e) Attributable to CCIC common stockholders.
Reconciliation of Current Outlook for FFO and AFFO:
Full Year 2019 | |||||||
(in millions) | Outlook | ||||||
Net income (loss) | $ | 781 | to | $ | 861 | ||
Real estate related depreciation, amortization and accretion | $ | 1,557 | to | $ | 1,577 | ||
Asset write-down charges | $ | 35 | to | $ | 45 | ||
Dividends on preferred stock | $ | (113 | ) | to | $ | (113 | ) |
FFO(a)(b)(c)(d)(e) | $ | 2,293 | to | $ | 2,338 | ||
FFO (from above) | $ | 2,293 | to | $ | 2,338 | ||
Adjustments to increase (decrease) FFO: | |||||||
Straight-lined revenue | $ | (50 | ) | to | $ | (30 | ) |
Straight-lined expense | $ | 70 | to | $ | 90 | ||
Stock-based compensation expense | $ | 111 | to | $ | 116 | ||
Non-cash portion of tax provision | $ | (4 | ) | to | $ | 6 | |
Non-real estate related depreciation, amortization and accretion | $ | 49 | to | $ | 69 | ||
Amortization of non-cash interest expense | $ | (2 | ) | to | $ | 8 | |
Other (income) expense | $ | (1 | ) | to | $ | 1 | |
(Gains) losses on retirement of long-term obligations | $ | (1 | ) | to | $ | 1 | |
Acquisition and integration costs | $ | 15 | to | $ | 25 | ||
Maintenance capital expenditures | $ | (80 | ) | to | $ | (70 | ) |
Corporate capital expenditures | $ | (45 | ) | to | $ | (35 | ) |
AFFO(a)(b)(c)(d)(e) | $ | 2,413 | to | $ | 2,458 |
(a) The assumption for full year 2019 diluted weighted-average common shares outstanding is 417 million based on the diluted common shares outstanding as of March 31, 2019. The diluted weighted-average common shares outstanding does not include any assumed conversion of preferred stock in the share count.
(b) See "Non-GAAP Financial Measures, Segment Measures and Other Calculations" herein for a discussion for our definitions of FFO and AFFO.
(c) FFO and AFFO are reduced by cash paid for preferred stock dividends during the period in which they are paid.
(d) The above reconciliation excludes line items included in our definition which are not applicable for the periods shown.
(e) Attributable to CCIC common stockholders.
For Comparative Purposes - Reconciliation of Previous Outlook for Adjusted EBITDA:
Previously Issued | |||||||
Full Year 2019 | |||||||
(in millions) | Outlook | ||||||
Net income (loss) | $ | 781 | to | $ | 861 | ||
Adjustments to increase (decrease) net income (loss): | |||||||
Asset write-down charges | $ | 35 | to | $ | 45 | ||
Acquisition and integration costs | $ | 15 | to | $ | 25 | ||
Depreciation, amortization and accretion | $ | 1,606 | to | $ | 1,646 | ||
Amortization of prepaid lease purchase price adjustments | $ | 19 | to | $ | 21 | ||
Interest expense and amortization of deferred financing costs | $ | 687 | to | $ | 732 | ||
(Gains) losses on retirement of long-term obligations | $ | 0 | to | $ | 0 | ||
Interest income | $ | (7 | ) | to | $ | (3 | ) |
Other (income) expense | $ | (1 | ) | to | $ | 1 | |
(Benefit) provision for income taxes | $ | 17 | to | $ | 25 | ||
Stock-based compensation expense | $ | 111 | to | $ | 116 | ||
Adjusted EBITDA(a)(b) | $ | 3,344 | to | $ | 3,389 |
(a) See "Non-GAAP Financial Measures, Segment Measures and Other Calculations" herein for a discussion of our definition of Adjusted EBITDA.
(b) The above reconciliation excludes line items included in our definition which are not applicable for the periods shown.
For Comparative Purposes - Reconciliation of Previous Outlook for FFO and AFFO:
Previously Issued | |||||||
Full Year 2019 | |||||||
(in millions) | Outlook | ||||||
Net income (loss) | $ | 781 | to | $ | 861 | ||
Real estate related depreciation, amortization and accretion | $ | 1,557 | to | $ | 1,577 | ||
Asset write-down charges | $ | 35 | to | $ | 45 | ||
Dividends on preferred stock | $ | (113 | ) | to | $ | (113 | ) |
FFO(a)(b)(c)(d) | $ | 2,293 | to | $ | 2,338 | ||
FFO (from above) | $ | 2,293 | to | $ | 2,338 | ||
Adjustments to increase (decrease) FFO: | |||||||
Straight-lined revenue | $ | (50 | ) | to | $ | (30 | ) |
Straight-lined expense | $ | 70 | to | $ | 90 | ||
Stock-based compensation expense | $ | 111 | to | $ | 116 | ||
Non-cash portion of tax provision | $ | (4 | ) | to | $ | 6 | |
Non-real estate related depreciation, amortization and accretion | $ | 49 | to | $ | 69 | ||
Amortization of non-cash interest expense | $ | (2 | ) | to | $ | 8 | |
Other (income) expense | $ | (1 | ) | to | $ | 1 | |
(Gains) losses on retirement of long-term obligations | $ | 0 | to | $ | 0 | ||
Acquisition and integration costs | $ | 15 | to | $ | 25 | ||
Maintenance capital expenditures | $ | (80 | ) | to | $ | (70 | ) |
Corporate capital expenditures | $ | (45 | ) | to | $ | (35 | ) |
AFFO(a)(b)(c)(d) | $ | 2,413 | to | $ | 2,458 |
(a) Previously issued full year 2019 Outlook assumes diluted weighted-average common shares outstanding as of December 31, 2018 of approximately 417 million. The diluted weighted-average common shares outstanding does not include any assumed conversion of preferred stock in the share count.
(b) See "Non-GAAP Financial Measures, Segment Measures and Other Calculations" herein for a discussion for our definitions of FFO and AFFO.
(c) The above reconciliation excludes line items included in our definition which are not applicable for the periods shown.
(d) Attributable to CCIC common stockholders.
The components of changes in site rental revenues for the quarters ended March 31, 2019 and 2018 are as follows:
Three Months Ended March 31, | |||||||
(dollars in millions) | 2019 | 2018 | |||||
Components of changes in site rental revenues(a): | |||||||
Prior year site rental revenues exclusive of straight-lined revenues associated with fixed escalators(b)(c) | $ | 1,137 | $ | 856 | |||
New leasing activity(b)(c) | 87 | 49 | |||||
Escalators | 21 | 20 | |||||
Non-renewals | (43 | ) | (22 | ) | |||
Organic Contribution to Site Rental Revenues(d) | 65 | 47 | |||||
Straight-lined revenues associated with fixed escalators | 17 | 16 | |||||
Acquisitions(e) | — | 234 | |||||
Other | — | — | |||||
Total GAAP site rental revenues | $ | 1,219 | $ | 1,153 | |||
Year-over-year changes in revenue: | |||||||
Reported GAAP site rental revenues | 5.7 | % | |||||
Organic Contribution to Site Rental Revenues(d)(f) | 5.7 | % |
(a) Additional information regarding Crown Castle's site rental revenues, including projected revenue from tenant licenses, tenant non-renewals, straight-lined revenues and prepaid rent is available in Crown Castle's quarterly Supplemental Information Package posted in the Investors section of its website.
(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 initial contribution of recent acquisitions. The financial impact of recent acquisitions is excluded from Organic Contribution to Site Rental Revenues until the one-year anniversary of the acquisition.
(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.
The components of the changes in site rental revenues for the year ending December 31, 2019 are forecasted as follows:
(dollars in millions) | Full Year 2018 | Full Year 2019 Outlook | ||||
Components of changes in site rental revenues(a): | ||||||
Prior year site rental revenues exclusive of straight-lined revenues associated with fixed escalators(b)(c) | $ | 3,670 | $ | 4,643 | ||
New leasing activity(b)(c) | 213 | 350-380 | ||||
Escalators | 83 | 85-95 | ||||
Non-renewals | (89 | ) | (185)-(165) | |||
Organic Contribution to Site Rental Revenues(d) | 207 | 260-300 | ||||
Straight-lined revenues associated with fixed escalators | 72 | 30-50 | ||||
Acquisitions(e) | 767 | — | ||||
Other | — | — | ||||
Total GAAP site rental revenues | $ | 4,716 | $4,939-$4,984 | |||
Year-over-year changes in revenue: | ||||||
Reported GAAP site rental revenues | 5.2%(f) | |||||
Organic Contribution to Site Rental Revenues(d)(g) | 6.0%(f) |
(a) Additional information regarding Crown Castle's site rental revenues, including projected revenue from tenant licenses, tenant non-renewals, straight-lined revenues and prepaid rent is available in Crown Castle's quarterly Supplemental Information Package posted in the Investors section of its website.
(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, with the exception of the impact of Lightower. To be consistent with prior presentations of the 2018 Outlook for Organic Contributions to Site Rental Revenues, the entire contribution to growth in site rental revenues in 2018 attributable to Lightower is included within acquisitions.
(f) Calculated based on midpoint of full year 2019 Outlook.
(g) Calculated as the percentage change from prior year site rental revenues, exclusive of straight-lined revenues associated with fixed escalations, compared to Organic Contribution to Site Rental Revenues for the current period.
Components of Historical Interest Expense and Amortization of Deferred Financing Costs:
For the Three Months Ended | |||||||
(in millions) | March 31, 2019 | March 31, 2018 | |||||
Interest expense on debt obligations | $ | 167 | $ | 158 | |||
Amortization of deferred financing costs and adjustments on long-term debt, net | 5 | 5 | |||||
Other, net | (4 | ) | (3 | ) | |||
Interest expense and amortization of deferred financing costs | $ | 168 | $ | 160 |
Components of Current Outlook for Interest Expense and Amortization of Deferred Financing Costs:
Full Year 2019 | |||||||
(in millions) | Outlook | ||||||
Interest expense on debt obligations | $ | 696 | to | $ | 716 | ||
Amortization of deferred financing costs and adjustments on long-term debt, net | $ | 17 | to | $ | 22 | ||
Other, net | $ | (19 | ) | to | $ | (14 | ) |
Interest expense and amortization of deferred financing costs | $ | 687 | to | $ | 732 |
Debt balances and maturity dates as of March 31, 2019 are as follows:
(in millions) | Face Value | Final Maturity | |||
Cash and cash equivalents(a) | $ | 245 | |||
Tower Revenue Notes, Series 2015-1(b) | 300 | May 2042 | |||
Tower Revenue Notes, Series 2015-2(b) | 700 | May 2045 | |||
Tower Revenue Notes, Series 2018-1(b) | 250 | July 2043 | |||
Tower Revenue Notes, Series 2018-2(b) | 750 | July 2048 | |||
3.849% Secured Notes | 1,000 | Apr. 2023 | |||
Secured Notes, Series 2009-1, Class A-2(c) | 70 | Aug. 2029 | |||
Finance leases and other obligations | 227 | Various | |||
Total secured debt | $ | 3,297 | |||
2016 Revolver | 645 | June 2023 | |||
2016 Term Loan A | 2,341 | June 2023 | |||
5.250% Senior Notes | 1,650 | Jan. 2023 | |||
4.875% Senior Notes | 850 | Apr. 2022 | |||
3.400% Senior Notes | 850 | Feb. 2021 | |||
4.450% Senior Notes | 900 | Feb. 2026 | |||
3.700% Senior Notes | 750 | June 2026 | |||
2.250% Senior Notes | 700 | Sept. 2021 | |||
4.000% Senior Notes | 500 | Mar. 2027 | |||
4.750% Senior Notes | 350 | May 2047 | |||
3.200% Senior Notes | 750 | Sept. 2024 | |||
3.650% Senior Notes | 1,000 | Sept. 2027 | |||
3.150% Senior Notes | 750 | July 2023 | |||
3.800% Senior Notes | 1,000 | Feb. 2028 | |||
4.300% Senior Notes | 600 | Feb. 2029 | |||
5.200% Senior Notes | 400 | Feb. 2049 | |||
Total unsecured debt | $ | 14,036 | |||
Total net debt | $ | 17,088 |
(a) Excludes restricted cash.
(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 Senior Secured Notes, 2009-1, Class A-2 principal amortizes during the period beginning in September 2019 and ending in August 2029.
Net Debt to Last Quarter Annualized Adjusted EBITDA is computed as follows:
(dollars in millions) | For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2019 | ||
Total face value of debt | $ | 17,333 | |
Ending cash and cash equivalents(a) | 245 | ||
Total Net Debt | $ | 17,088 | |
Adjusted EBITDA for the three months ended March 31, 2019 | $ | 821 | |
Last quarter annualized Adjusted EBITDA | 3,284 | ||
Net Debt to Last Quarter Annualized Adjusted EBITDA | 5.2 | x |
(a) Excludes restricted cash.
Components of Capital Expenditures:
For the Three Months Ended | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
(in millions) | March 31, 2019 | March 31, 2018 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Towers | Fiber | Other | Total | Towers | Fiber | Other | Total | ||||||||||||||||||
Discretionary: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Purchases of land interests | $ | 15 | $ | — | $ | — | $ | 15 | $ | 14 | $ | — | $ | — | $ | 14 | |||||||||
Communications infrastructure construction and improvements | 98 | 344 | — | 442 | 75 | 253 | — | 328 | |||||||||||||||||
Sustaining: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Maintenance and corporate | 6 | 11 | 4 | 21 | 7 | 9 | 6 | 22 | |||||||||||||||||
Integration | — | — | 2 | 2 | — | — | 6 | 6 | |||||||||||||||||
Total | $ | 119 | $ | 355 | $ | 6 | $ | 480 | $ | 96 | $ | 262 | $ | 12 | $ | 370 |
Note: See "Non-GAAP Financial Measures, Segment Measures and Other Calculations" herein for further discussion of our components of capital expenditures.
Cautionary Language Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains forward-looking statements and information that are based on our management's current expectations. Such statements include our Outlook and plans, projections, and estimates regarding (1) potential benefits, returns, opportunities and tenant and shareholder value which may be derived from our business, assets, investments, acquisitions and dividends, including on a long-term basis, (2) our strategy, strategic position, business model and capabilities, the strength of our business and fundamentals of our business and industry, including spending by our major customers on network improvements and investments in 5G, (3) our growth, including growth in our cash flows and dividends per share, long-term prospects and the trends impacting our business, (4) the potential benefits and contributions which may be derived from our acquisitions, including the contribution to or impact on our financial or operating results, (5) leasing environment and activity, including the contribution to our financial or operating results therefrom, (6) our investments in our business and the potential growth, returns and benefits therefrom, (7) our dividends and our dividend growth rate, including its driving factors, and targets, (8) the strength of the U.S. market for communications infrastructure ownership, (9) our portfolio of assets, including demand therefor, strategic position thereof and opportunities created thereby, (10) benefits which may be derived from our financing activities, (11) cash flows, (12) tenant non-renewals, including the impact thereof, (13) capital expenditures, including sustaining and discretionary capital expenditures, and the timing thereof, (14) straight-line adjustments, (15) site rental revenues and estimated growth thereof, (16) site rental cost of operations, (17) net income (loss), (18) Adjusted EBITDA, including the impact of the timing of certain components thereof, (19) expenses, including interest expense and amortization of deferred financing costs, (20) FFO, (21) AFFO and estimated growth thereof, (22) Organic Contribution to Site Rental Revenues, (23) our weighted-average common shares outstanding, including on a diluted basis, (24) services contribution, including the timing thereof, and (25) the utility of certain financial measures, including non-GAAP financial measures. Such forward-looking statements are subject to certain risks, uncertainties and assumptions prevailing market conditions and the following:
Should one or more of these or other risks or uncertainties materialize, or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those expected. More information about potential risk factors which could affect our results is included in our filings with the SEC. 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, 2019 | December 31, 2018 | ||||||
ASSETS | |||||||
Current assets: | |||||||
Cash and cash equivalents | $ | 245 | $ | 277 | |||
Restricted cash | 158 | 131 | |||||
Receivables, net | 545 | 501 | |||||
Prepaid expenses(a) | 85 | 172 | |||||
Other current assets | 160 | 148 | |||||
Total current assets | 1,193 | 1,229 | |||||
Deferred site rental receivables | 1,373 | 1,366 | |||||
Property and equipment, net | 13,883 | 13,676 | |||||
Operating lease right-of-use assets(a) | 5,969 | — | |||||
Goodwill | 10,078 | 10,078 | |||||
Other intangible assets, net(a) | 5,178 | 5,516 | |||||
Long-term prepaid rent and other assets, net(a) | 104 | 920 | |||||
Total assets | $ | 37,778 | $ | 32,785 | |||
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY | |||||||
Current liabilities: | |||||||
Accounts payable | $ | 311 | $ | 313 | |||
Accrued interest | 107 | 148 | |||||
Deferred revenues | 502 | 498 | |||||
Other accrued liabilities(a) | 262 | 351 | |||||
Current maturities of debt and other obligations | 96 | 107 | |||||
Current portion of operating lease liabilities(a) | 287 | — | |||||
Total current liabilities | 1,565 | 1,417 | |||||
Debt and other long-term obligations | 17,120 | 16,575 | |||||
Operating lease liabilities(a) | 5,338 | — | |||||
Other long-term liabilities(a) | 2,009 | 2,759 | |||||
Total liabilities | 26,032 | 20,751 | |||||
Commitments and contingencies | |||||||
CCIC stockholders' equity: | |||||||
Common stock, $0.01 par value; 600 shares authorized; shares issued and outstanding: March 31, 2019—416 and December 31, 2018—415 | 4 | 4 | |||||
6.875% Mandatory Convertible Preferred Stock, Series A, $0.01 par value; 20 shares authorized; shares issued and outstanding: March 31, 2019—2 and December 31, 2018—2; aggregate liquidation value: March 31, 2019— $1,650 and December 31, 2018—$1,650 | — | — | |||||
Additional paid-in capital | 17,769 | 17,767 | |||||
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) | (5 | ) | (5 | ) | |||
Dividends/distributions in excess of earnings | (6,022 | ) | (5,732 | ) | |||
Total equity | 11,746 | 12,034 | |||||
Total liabilities and equity | $ | 37,778 | $ | 32,785 |
(a) Effective January 1, 2019, we adopted new guidance on the recognition, measurement, presentation and disclosure of leases. The new guidance requires lessees to recognize a right-of-use asset and a lease liability, initially measured at the present value of the lease payments for all leases. The accounting for lessors remained largely unchanged from previous guidance. As a result of the new guidance for leases, certain amounts related to our lessee arrangements that were previously reported separately have been de-recognized and reclassified into "operating lease right-of-use assets" on the condensed consolidated balance sheet as of March 31, 2019.
CROWN CASTLE INTERNATIONAL CORP. CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS (UNAUDITED) (Amounts in millions, except per share amounts) |
Three Months Ended March 31, | |||||||
2019 | 2018 | ||||||
Net revenues: | |||||||
Site rental | $ | 1,219 | $ | 1,153 | |||
Services and other | 207 | 146 | |||||
Net revenues | 1,426 | 1,299 | |||||
Operating expenses: | |||||||
Costs of operations (exclusive of depreciation, amortization and accretion): | |||||||
Site rental | 361 | 347 | |||||
Services and other | 125 | 86 | |||||
Selling, general and administrative | 152 | 134 | |||||
Asset write-down charges | 6 | 3 | |||||
Acquisition and integration costs | 4 | 6 | |||||
Depreciation, amortization and accretion | 394 | 374 | |||||
Total operating expenses | 1,042 | 950 | |||||
Operating income (loss) | 384 | 349 | |||||
Interest expense and amortization of deferred financing costs | (168 | ) | (160 | ) | |||
Gains (losses) on retirement of long-term obligations | (1 | ) | (71 | ) | |||
Interest income | 2 | 1 | |||||
Other income (expense) | (1 | ) | (1 | ) | |||
Income (loss) before income taxes | 216 | 118 | |||||
Benefit (provision) for income taxes | (6 | ) | (4 | ) | |||
Net income (loss) | 210 | 114 | |||||
Dividends on preferred stock | (28 | ) | (28 | ) | |||
Net income (loss) attributable to CCIC common stockholders | $ | 182 | $ | 86 | |||
Net income (loss) attributable to CCIC common stockholders, per common share: | |||||||
Net income (loss) attributable to CCIC common stockholders, basic | $ | 0.44 | $ | 0.21 | |||
Net income (loss) attributable to CCIC common stockholders, diluted | $ | 0.44 | $ | 0.21 | |||
Weighted-average common shares outstanding: | |||||||
Basic | 415 | 409 | |||||
Diluted | 417 | 410 |
CROWN CASTLE INTERNATIONAL CORP. CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS (UNAUDITED) (In millions of dollars) |
Three Months Ended March 31, | |||||||
2019 | 2018 | ||||||
Cash flows from operating activities: | |||||||
Net income (loss) | $ | 210 | $ | 114 | |||
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by (used for) operating activities: | |||||||
Depreciation, amortization and accretion | 394 | 374 | |||||
(Gains) losses on retirement of long-term obligations | 1 | 71 | |||||
Amortization of deferred financing costs and other non-cash interest | 1 | 2 | |||||
Stock-based compensation expense | 29 | 23 | |||||
Asset write-down charges | 6 | 3 | |||||
Deferred income tax (benefit) provision | 1 | 1 | |||||
Other non-cash adjustments, net | 2 | 2 | |||||
Changes in assets and liabilities, excluding the effects of acquisitions: | |||||||
Increase (decrease) in liabilities | (70 | ) | (90 | ) | |||
Decrease (increase) in assets | (62 | ) | (48 | ) | |||
Net cash provided by (used for) operating activities | 512 | 452 | |||||
Cash flows from investing activities: | |||||||
Payments for acquisitions, net of cash acquired | (10 | ) | (14 | ) | |||
Capital expenditures | (480 | ) | (370 | ) | |||
Other investing activities, net | 1 | — | |||||
Net cash provided by (used for) investing activities | (489 | ) | (384 | ) | |||
Cash flows from financing activities: | |||||||
Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt | 996 | 1,743 | |||||
Principal payments on debt and other long-term obligations | (25 | ) | (32 | ) | |||
Purchases and redemptions of long-term debt | (12 | ) | (1,318 | ) | |||
Borrowings under revolving credit facility | 710 | 170 | |||||
Payments under revolving credit facility | (1,140 | ) | (1,050 | ) | |||
Payments for financing costs | (10 | ) | (15 | ) | |||
Net proceeds from issuance of common stock | — | 843 | |||||
Purchases of common stock | (42 | ) | (33 | ) | |||
Dividends/distributions paid on common stock | (477 | ) | (443 | ) | |||
Dividends paid on preferred stock | (28 | ) | (28 | ) | |||
Net cash provided by (used for) financing activities | (28 | ) | (163 | ) | |||
Net increase (decrease) in cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash | (5 | ) | (95 | ) | |||
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash | — | — | |||||
Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash at beginning of period | 413 | 440 | |||||
Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash at end of period | $ | 408 | $ | 345 | |||
Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information: | |||||||
Interest paid | 208 | 185 | |||||
Income taxes paid | — | — |
CROWN CASTLE INTERNATIONAL CORP. SEGMENT OPERATING RESULTS (UNAUDITED) (In millions of dollars) |
SEGMENT OPERATING RESULTS | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Three Months Ended March 31, 2019 | Three Months Ended March 31, 2018 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Towers | Fiber | Other | Consolidated Total | Towers | Fiber | Other | Consolidated Total | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Segment site rental revenues | $ | 805 | $ | 414 | $ | 1,219 | $ | 764 | $ | 389 | $ | 1,153 | |||||||||||||||||||
Segment services and other revenues | 203 | 4 | 207 | 142 | 4 | 146 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Segment revenues | 1,008 | 418 | 1,426 | 906 | 393 | 1,299 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Segment site rental cost of operations | 211 | 140 | 351 | 211 | 126 | 337 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Segment services and other cost of operations | 121 | 3 | 124 | 82 | 2 | 84 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Segment cost of operations(a)(b) | 332 | 143 | 475 | 293 | 128 | 421 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Segment site rental gross margin(c) | 594 | 274 | 868 | 553 | 263 | 816 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Segment services and other gross margin(c) | 82 | 1 | 83 | 60 | 2 | 62 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Segment selling, general and administrative expenses(b) | 26 | 48 | 74 | 26 | 43 | 69 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Segment operating profit(c) | 650 | 227 | 877 | 587 | 222 | 809 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Other selling, general and administrative expenses(b) | $ | 55 | 55 | $ | 46 | 46 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Stock-based compensation expense | 29 | 29 | 26 | 26 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Depreciation, amortization and accretion | 394 | 394 | 374 | 374 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Interest expense and amortization of deferred financing costs | 168 | 168 | 160 | 160 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Other (income) expenses to reconcile to income (loss) before income taxes(d) | 15 | 15 | 85 | 85 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Income (loss) before income taxes | $ | 216 | $ | 118 |
(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 March 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively, and (2) prepaid lease purchase price adjustments of $5 million for both of the three months ended March 31, 2019 and 2018. Selling, general and administrative expenses exclude stock-based compensation expense of $23 million and $19 million for the three months ended March 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively.
(c) See "Non-GAAP Financial Measures, Segment Measures and Other Calculations" herein 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 |