Crown Castle Reports Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2015 Results; Raises Full Year 2016 Outlook; Announces CEO Succession Plan

HIGHLIGHTS

• Exceeded the midpoint of previously provided full year 2015 Outlook for site rental revenues, site rental gross margin, Adjusted EBITDA and AFFO, resulting in 8% growth in AFFO per share from 2014 to 2015
• Increased midpoint of full year 2016 Outlook for site rental revenues, Adjusted EBITDA and AFFO by $10 million, $12 million and $11 million, respectively; increased midpoint of full year 2016 Outlook for AFFO per share to $4.68, representing an increase of approximately 9% year-over-year
• Announced CEO succession plan; effective June 1, 2016, Jay Brown will become President and Chief Executive Officer
• Updated timing of fourth quarter 2015 earnings conference call; now scheduled earlier for Thursday, January 28, 2016, at 8:00 a.m. eastern time

HOUSTON, Jan. 27, 2016 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Crown Castle International Corp. (NYSE:CCI) ("Crown Castle") today reported results for the quarter and year ended December 31, 2015 and announced that the Board of Directors has approved a succession plan for its Chief Executive Officer.  Effective June 1, 2016, Jay Brown, currently Crown Castle’s Chief Financial Officer, will become Crown Castle’s President and Chief Executive Officer.  Ben Moreland, currently Crown Castle’s President and Chief Executive Officer, will remain in an executive position as Executive Vice-Chairman of the Board of Directors.  

"The fourth quarter 2015 results demonstrate the continuing investments being made by the wireless carriers as they seek to improve network quality and capacity in order to meet consumer demand," stated Mr. Moreland.  "In addition to delivering great results throughout the year, we accomplished a number of strategic objectives in 2015 that strengthened our portfolio of assets, expanded our growth opportunities and fortified our balance sheet.  Looking ahead to the remainder of 2016 and beyond, we believe the positive underlying fundamentals driving the increase in mobile data and the resulting need for continued network investments remain strong, as evidenced by our increased full year 2016 Outlook and our long-term goal of achieving 6% to 7% annual growth in dividend per share.  Our confidence in delivering this level of growth is underpinned by our long-term, high quality tenant leases that represent $20 billion in future contracted rent payments and the attractive value proposition that we offer to the wireless carriers.  As a shared wireless infrastructure provider, Crown Castle provides the wireless carriers with quick and cost-effective access to wireless infrastructure as they seek to upgrade and enhance their networks to meet increasing consumer demand for mobile data."

RESULTS FOR THE QUARTER

The table below sets forth select financial results for the three month period ended December 31, 2015.  For further information, refer to the financial statements and non-GAAP financial measure reconciliations and other calculations included in this press release.  Unless otherwise indicated, figures presented in this press release do not include financial results of Crown Castle’s former Australian subsidiary ("CCAL").  As previously announced, Crown Castle completed the sale of CCAL on May 28, 2015.

• Crown Castle exceeded the midpoint of its previously provided fourth quarter 2015 Outlook for site rental revenues, site rental gross margin, Adjusted EBITDA and AFFO.
  
• Site rental revenue growth of $62 million from fourth quarter 2014 to fourth quarter 2015 is comprised of $49 million in Organic Site Rental Revenue growth, less $17 million in adjustments for straight-line accounting, plus $30 million in contributions from acquisitions, including Sunesys, and other items.  The Organic Site Rental Revenue growth of $49 million represents approximately 7% year-over-year growth, comprised of 10% growth from new leasing activity and contracted tenant escalations, net of 3% of tenant non-renewals.
• During fourth quarter 2015, the Sunesys acquisition generated $26 million in site rental revenues, $19 million in site rental gross margin and $4 million in general and administrative expenses.  The Sunesys acquisition closed on August 4, 2015.

RESULTS FOR THE YEAR

The table below sets forth select financial results for the twelve month period ended December 31, 2015.

• Site rental revenue growth of $151 million from full year 2014 to full year 2015 is comprised of $166 million in Organic Site Rental Revenue growth, less $72 million in adjustments for straight-line accounting, plus $57 million in contributions from acquisitions, including Sunesys, and other items.  The Organic Site Rental Revenue growth of $166 million represents approximately 6% year-over-year growth, comprised of 10% growth from new leasing activity and contracted tenant escalations, net of 4% of tenant non-renewals.
  
• For full year 2015, the Sunesys acquisition generated $42 million in site rental revenues, $30 million in site rental gross margin and $6 million in general and administrative expenses.

INVESTING AND FINANCING ACTIVITIES

During fourth quarter 2015, Crown Castle invested approximately $251 million in capital expenditures, comprised of $23 million of land purchases, $29 million of sustaining capital expenditures and $199 million of revenue generating capital expenditures.  Revenue generating capital expenditures consisted of $90 million on existing sites and $109 million on the construction of new sites, primarily small cell construction activity.

On December 31, 2015, Crown Castle paid a quarterly common stock dividend of $0.885 per common share, or approximately $295 million in the aggregate.  During the twelve month period ended December 31, 2015, Crown Castle paid quarterly common stock dividends, in the aggregate, of $3.345 per common share, of which $2.419 per common share has been characterized as capital gains distributions.  For further information regarding the tax characterization of Crown Castle's 2015 common stock and preferred stock distributions, please refer to Crown Castle's press release issued on January 20, 2016.

As of December 31, 2015, Crown Castle had approximately $179 million in cash and cash equivalents (excluding restricted cash).  Further, on January 21, 2016, Crown Castle International Corp. announced it completed a new $5.5 billion Senior Unsecured Credit Facility ("New Facility") consisting of a $2.5 billion five-year Senior Unsecured Revolving Credit Facility ("Revolver") maturing on January 21, 2021, a $2.0 billion Senior Unsecured Term Loan A Facility maturing on January 21, 2021 and a $1.0 billion Senior Unsecured 364-Day Revolving Facility maturing on January 19, 2017.  The proceeds from the New Facility, together with cash on hand, were used to repay all outstanding borrowings under the existing Senior Secured Credit Facility of Crown Castle Operating Company.  As of January 26, 2016, Crown Castle had approximately $1.6 billion of availability under its Revolver.

"We delivered great results throughout 2015 and accomplished several significant milestones that I believe position us to continue our track record of creating value for our shareholders," stated Mr. Brown.  "During 2015, we achieved an investment grade credit rating from each of S&P and Fitch Ratings.  Further, in 2015, we redeployed capital from the divestiture of our Australian business to further grow and strengthen our leadership position in wireless infrastructure in the U.S., which we believe is the most attractive market for wireless investment.   We believe the quality of our U.S.-focused portfolio of approximately 40,000 towers and 16,000 miles of fiber supporting small cell deployments, together with the strength of our balance sheet, illustrates the importance we place on generating a high-quality, growing dividend stream and attractive total returns for our shareholders."

SUCCESSION PLAN FOR CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

As approved by Crown Castle’s Board of Directors, effective June 1, 2016, Mr. Brown will become Crown Castle’s President and Chief Executive Officer.  Crown Castle currently expects that Mr. Brown will be nominated to stand for election to its Board of Directors at the 2016 annual meeting of stockholders.  Mr. Moreland will remain in an executive position as Executive Vice-Chairman of the Board of Directors with principal responsibility for overseeing Crown Castle’s strategy and ensuring leadership continuity.

"The Board of Directors is extremely pleased to put in place a succession plan that we believe ensures continuity of the Company’s strategy and vision," stated J. Landis Martin, Crown Castle’s Chairman of the Board of Directors.  "Over the last eight years, Mr. Moreland, Mr. Brown and Crown Castle’s leadership team have positioned Crown Castle as the leading wireless infrastructure provider in the U.S. by focusing on execution and disciplined capital allocation. With the appointment of Mr. Brown as Chief Executive Officer, the Board of Directors is confident that this focus remains unchanged as we continue to deliver value for our shareholders, customers and employees."

"It has truly been an honor to work with the most talented employees and leadership team in the industry, and I am proud of what we have accomplished," stated Mr. Moreland.  "It has been a privilege to lead Crown Castle, and I would like to thank our leadership team and employees for their support and dedication.  Having worked closely with Jay for nearly 17 years, I am confident that he is the right leader for Crown Castle as we continue to take the company to new heights.  In my new role, I look forward to working with Jay, the leadership team and the Board to help guide the overall strategy at Crown Castle as we continue to capitalize on the strong wireless industry fundamentals."

"Crown Castle is well-positioned for the tremendous opportunities that lie ahead in the U.S. as the wireless carriers continue to enhance their networks for consumers," stated Mr. Brown.  "As such, our strategy remains unchanged.  As Crown Castle has been for a long time, we will remain focused on driving long-term shareholder returns through disciplined capital allocation and delivering for our customers.  I am excited about the new role and the opportunity to lead the Crown Castle team, which our customers rank as the best in the industry.  Since 1999, Ben and I have worked closely together and he has been a great friend and mentor.  I look forward to continuing to work together as we lead Crown Castle to the next chapter of growth."

Mr. Brown was appointed Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer effective July 2008. Mr. Brown was appointed Treasurer in May 2004 and served as Vice President of Finance from August 2001 until his appointment as Chief Financial Officer.  Prior to that time and since joining Crown Castle in August of 1999, Mr. Brown served in a number of positions in corporate development and corporate finance. Mr. Brown is a certified public accountant.

The Company is conducting an executive search for the Chief Financial Officer to succeed Mr. Brown.

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 first quarter 2016 and full year 2016:

Full Year 2016 Outlook

The table below compares the results for full year 2015, the midpoint of the current full year 2016 Outlook and the midpoint of the previously provided full year 2016 Outlook for select metrics:

• The chart below reconciles the components of expected growth, at the midpoint, in site rental revenues and Organic Site Rental Revenue from 2015 to 2016 of approximately $157 million and $165 million, respectively.  Organic Site Rental Revenue growth is expected be approximately 6%, at the midpoint, from 2015 to 2016.
  

An infographic accompanying this release is available at
http://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/82bb62e6-ea01-429a-8428-aedd2c1f268f

• The chart below reconciles the components of expected growth in AFFO from 2015 to 2016 of approximately $137 million at the midpoint.

An infographic accompanying this release is available at
http://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/347d5eb1-f0a0-4dc3-9dc6-3d71626c0059

• Expected network services gross margin contribution for full year 2016 remains $230 million to $250 million, which is unchanged from the previously provided full year 2016 Outlook, compared to full year 2015 contribution of $288 million.  The year-over-year decline is primarily driven by equipment decommissioning fees generated during 2015 which are not expected to recur in 2016.   Network services gross margin contribution for first quarter 2016 is expected to be $50 million to $60 million compared to fourth quarter 2015 contribution of $66 million.
• Sunesys is expected to generate approximately $105 million in site rental revenues, $75 million in site rental gross margin and $15 million in general and administrative expenses during full year 2016.
• Additional information regarding Crown Castle's expectations for site rental revenue growth, including tenant non-renewals, is available in Crown Castle's quarterly Supplemental Information Package posted in the Investors section of its website.

CONFERENCE CALL DETAILS

Crown Castle has scheduled a conference call for Thursday, January 28, 2016, at 8:00 a.m. eastern time.  The conference call may be accessed by dialing 877-857-6173 and asking for the Crown Castle call (access code 331503) at least 30 minutes prior to the start time.  The conference call may also be accessed live over the Internet at http://investor.crowncastle.com.  Supplemental materials for the call have been posted on the Crown Castle website at http://investor.crowncastle.com.

A telephonic replay of the conference call will be available from 11:00 a.m. eastern time on Thursday, January 28, 2016, through 11:00 a.m. eastern time on Wednesday, April 27, 2016, and may be accessed by dialing 888-203-1112 and using access code 331503.  An audio archive will also be available on the company's website at http://investor.crowncastle.com shortly after the call and will be accessible for approximately 90 days.

ABOUT CROWN CASTLE

Crown Castle provides wireless carriers with the infrastructure they need to keep people connected and businesses running. With approximately 40,000 towers and 17,000 small cell nodes supported by approximately 16,000 miles of fiber, Crown Castle is the nation's largest provider of shared wireless infrastructure with a significant presence in the top 100 US markets.  For more information on Crown Castle, please visit www.crowncastle.com.

Non-GAAP Financial Measures and Other Calculations

This press release includes presentations of Adjusted EBITDA, Funds from Operations, Adjusted Funds from Operations, Organic Site Rental Revenues, and Site Rental Revenues, as Adjusted, 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")).  Each of the amounts included in the calculation of Adjusted EBITDA, FFO, AFFO, Organic Site Rental Revenues, and Site Rental Revenues, as Adjusted, are computed in accordance with GAAP, with the exception of: (1) sustaining capital expenditures, which is not defined under GAAP and (2) our adjustment to the income tax provision in calculations of AFFO for periods prior to our REIT conversion.

Our measures of Adjusted EBITDA, FFO, AFFO, Organic Site Rental Revenues and Site Rental Revenues, as Adjusted, may not be comparable to similarly titled measures of other companies, including other companies in the tower sector or those reported by other REITs.  Our FFO and AFFO may not be comparable to those reported in accordance with National Association of Real Estate Investment Trusts, including with respect to the impact of income taxes for periods prior to our REIT conversion.

Adjusted EBITDA, FFO, AFFO, Organic Site Rental Revenues and Site Rental Revenues, as Adjusted, are presented as additional information because management believes these measures are useful indicators of the financial performance of our core businesses.  In addition, Adjusted EBITDA is a measure of current financial performance used in our debt covenant calculations.

Adjusted EBITDA. Crown Castle defines 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.

Funds from Operations ("FFO"). Crown Castle defines 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.

FFO per share. Crown Castle defines FFO per share as FFO divided by the diluted weighted average common shares outstanding.

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

AFFO per share. Crown Castle defines AFFO per share as AFFO divided by diluted weighted average common shares outstanding.

Site Rental Revenues, as Adjusted. Crown Castle defines Site Rental Revenues, as Adjusted, as site rental revenues, as reported, less straight-line revenues.

Organic Site Rental Revenues. Crown Castle defines Organic Site Rental Revenues as site rental revenues, as reported, less straight-line revenues, the impact of tower acquisitions and construction, foreign currency adjustments and certain non recurring items.

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

The tables set forth below reconcile these non-GAAP financial measures 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 to Comparable GAAP Financial Measures and Other Calculations:

Adjusted EBITDA for the three and twelve months ended December 31, 2015 and 2014 is computed as follows:

Adjusted EBITDA for the quarter ending March 31, 2016 and the year ending December 31, 2016 is forecasted as follows:

FFO and AFFO for the quarter ending March 31, 2016 and the year ending December 31, 2016 are forecasted as follows:

Organic Site Rental Revenue growth for the year ending December 31, 2016 is forecasted as follows:

Organic Site Rental Revenue growth for the quarter and year ended December 31, 2015 is as follows:

FFO and AFFO for the three and twelve months ended December 31, 2015 and 2014 are computed as follows:

The components of interest expense and amortization of deferred financing costs for the three months ended December 31, 2015 and 2014 are as follows:

The components of interest expense and amortization of deferred financing costs for the quarter ending March 31, 2016 and the year ending December 31, 2016 are forecasted as follows:

Debt balances and maturity dates as of December 31, 2015 are as follows:

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

Sustaining capital expenditures for the three months ended December 31, 2015 and 2014 is computed as follows:

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 and shareholder value which may be derived from our business, assets, investments, dividends and acquisitions, including on a long-term basis, (2) our strategy and strategic position and strength of our business, (3) wireless consumer demand, (4) demand for our wireless infrastructure and services, (5) the executive management succession plan, (6) carrier network investments and upgrades, and the benefits which may be derived therefrom, (7) our growth and long-term prospects, (8) our dividends, including our dividend plans, the amount and growth of our dividends, the potential benefits therefrom and the tax characterization thereof, (9) the U.S. wireless market, (10) leasing activity, including the impact of such leasing activity on our results and Outlook, (11) the Sunesys acquisition, including potential benefits and impact therefrom and growth related thereto, (12) our investments, including in small cells, and the potential benefits therefrom, (13) non-renewal of leases and decommissioning of networks, including timing, the impact thereof and decommissioning fees, (14) capital expenditures, including sustaining capital expenditures, (15) timing items, (16) straight-line adjustments, (17) tower acquisitions and builds, (18) expenses, including general and administrative expense, (19) site rental revenues and Site Rental Revenues, as Adjusted, (20) site rental cost of operations, (21) site rental gross margin and network services gross margin, (22) Adjusted EBITDA, (23) interest expense and amortization of deferred financing costs, (24) FFO, including on a per share basis, (25) AFFO, including on a per share basis, (26) Organic Site Rental Revenues and Organic Site Rental Revenue growth, (27) net income (loss), (28) our common shares outstanding, including on a diluted basis, and (29) 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:

• Our business depends on the demand for wireless communications and wireless infrastructure, and we may be adversely affected by any slowdown in such demand.  Additionally, a reduction in carrier network investment may materially and adversely affect our business (including reducing demand for new tenant additions and network services).
  
• A substantial portion of our revenues is derived from a small number of customers, and the loss, consolidation or financial instability of any of our limited number of customers may materially decrease revenues or reduce demand for our wireless infrastructure and network services.
  
• Our substantial level of indebtedness could adversely affect our ability to react to changes in our business, and the terms of our debt instruments and 4.50% Mandatory Convertible Preferred Stock limit our ability to take a number of actions that our management might otherwise believe to be in our best interests.  In addition, if we fail to comply with our covenants, our debt could be accelerated. 
  
• We have a substantial amount of indebtedness.  In the event we do not repay or refinance such indebtedness, we could face substantial liquidity issues and might be required to issue equity securities or securities convertible into equity securities, or sell some of our assets to meet our debt payment obligations.
  
• Sales or issuances of a substantial number of shares of our common stock may adversely affect the market price of our common stock.
  
• As a result of competition in our industry, including from some competitors with significantly more resources or less debt than we have, we may find it more difficult to achieve favorable rental rates on our new or renewing customer contracts.
  
• The business model for our small cell operations contains differences from our traditional site rental business, resulting in different operational risks.  If we do not successfully operate that business model or identify or manage those operational risks, such operations may produce results that are less than anticipated.
  
• New technologies may significantly reduce demand for our wireless infrastructure and negatively impact our revenues.
  
• New wireless technologies may not deploy or be adopted by customers as rapidly or in the manner projected.
  
• If we fail to retain rights to our wireless infrastructure, including the land under our sites, our business may be adversely affected.
  
• Our network services business has historically experienced significant volatility in demand, which reduces the predictability of our results.
  
• The expansion and development of our business, including through acquisitions, increased product offerings, or other strategic growth opportunities, may cause disruptions in our business, which may have an adverse effect on our business, operations or financial results.
  
• If we fail to comply with laws and regulations which regulate our business and which may change at any time, we may be fined or even lose our right to conduct some of our business.
  
• If radio frequency emissions from wireless handsets or equipment on our wireless infrastructure are demonstrated to cause negative health effects, potential future claims could adversely affect our operations, costs or revenues.
  
• Certain provisions of our certificate of incorporation, bylaws and operative agreements, and domestic and international competition laws may make it more difficult for a third party to acquire control of us or for us to acquire control of a third party, even if such a change in control would be beneficial to our stockholders.
  
• Future dividend payments to our stockholders will reduce the availability of our cash on hand available to fund future discretionary investments, and may result in a need to incur indebtedness or issue equity securities to fund growth opportunities.  In such event, the then current economic, credit market or equity market conditions will impact the availability or cost of such financing, which may hinder our ability to grow our per share results of operations.
  
• Remaining qualified to be taxed as a REIT involves highly technical and complex provisions of the US Internal Revenue Code.  Failure to remain qualified as a REIT would result in our inability to deduct dividends to stockholders when computing our taxable income, which would reduce our available cash.
  
• Complying with REIT requirements, including the 90% distribution requirement, may limit our flexibility or cause us to forgo otherwise attractive opportunities, including certain discretionary investments and potential financing alternatives.
  
• If we fail to pay scheduled dividends on the 4.50% Mandatory Convertible Preferred Stock, in cash, common stock or any combination of cash and common stock, we will be prohibited from paying dividends on our common stock, which may jeopardize our status as a REIT.
  
• We have limited experience operating as a REIT. Our failure to successfully operate as a REIT may adversely affect our financial condition, cash flow, the per share trading price of our common stock, or our ability to satisfy debt service obligations.
  
• REIT ownership limitations and transfer restrictions may prevent or restrict certain transfers of our capital stock.
  

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

CROWN CASTLE INTERNATIONAL CORP.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET (UNAUDITED)
(in thousands, except share amounts)

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

CROWN CASTLE INTERNATIONAL CORP.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS (UNAUDITED)
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Contacts: 
Jay Brown, CFO
Son Nguyen, VP - Corporate Finance
Crown Castle International Corp.
713-570-3050