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Crown Castle Reports Third Quarter 2016 Results, Provides Outlook for Full Year 2017 and Announces Increase to Common Stock Dividend
[October 20, 2016]

Crown Castle Reports Third Quarter 2016 Results, Provides Outlook for Full Year 2017 and Announces Increase to Common Stock Dividend


HOUSTON, Oct. 20, 2016 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Crown Castle International Corp. (NYSE:CCI) ("Crown Castle") today reported results for the quarter ended September 30, 2016.    

2017 Outlook for AFFO Growth
2017 Outlook for AFFO Growth


2017 Outlook for Organic Contribution to Site Rental Revenues and Growth in Site Rental Revenues
2017 Outlook for Organic Contribution to Site Rental Revenues and Growth in Site Rental Revenues


"Our business continues to grow at a healthy pace as U.S. wireless carriers further invest to enhance the consumer mobile experience," stated Jay Brown, Crown Castle’s Chief Executive Officer.  "Driven by the continued adoption and introduction of data-intensive applications and consistent with many industry forecasts, we believe over the next decade there will be tremendous growth in wireless data traffic that will necessitate further investment in wireless networks, which we expect will result in revenue and cash flow growth for Crown Castle.  Today, as a result of our investments over the last several years to acquire towers and deploy small cells, we have the leading portfolio of U.S. wireless infrastructure, which we expect will continue to generate significant incremental returns.  Consistent with the growth we are seeing in our business, we are increasing our quarterly stock dividend by 7% to $0.95 per share, commencing with our fourth quarter 2016 dividend payment."
           
RESULTS FOR THE QUARTER
The table below sets forth select financial results for the three month period ended September 30, 2016.  For further information, refer to the financial statements and non-GAAP and other calculation reconciliations included in this press release. 

(in millions)ActualMidpoint
Q3 2016 Outlook(b)
Actual
Compared to Outlook
Q3 2016Q3 2015$ Change% Change
Site rental revenues$ 812 $765 +$47  6%$808 +$4 
Site rental gross margin$ 555 $518 +$37  7%$552 +$3 
Net income (loss)$ 98 $104 -$6  -6%$101 -$3 
Adjusted EBITDA(a)$ 564 $529 +$35  7%$560 +$4 
AFFO(a)(c)$ 416 $356 +$60  17%$403 +$13 
Weighted-average common shares outstanding - diluted  338  334 4  1% 339 1 
Note: Figures may not tie due to rounding
(a) See reconciliation of this non-GAAP financial measure to net income (loss) included herein.
(b)  As issued on July 21, 2016.
(c) Attributable to CCIC common stockholders.

HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE QUARTER

  • Site rental revenues.  Site rental revenues grew approximately 6%, or $47 million, from third quarter 2015 to third quarter 2016, inclusive of approximately $47 million in Organic Contribution to Site Rental Revenues plus $19 million in contributions from acquisitions and other items, less a $19 million reduction in straight-line revenues.  The $47 million in Organic Contribution to Site Rental Revenues represents approximately 6% growth, comprised of approximately 9% growth from new leasing activity and contracted tenant escalations, net of approximately 3% from tenant non-renewals. 
  • Net income (loss).  Net income (loss) for third quarter 2016 was negatively impacted by approximately $10 million in losses on retirement of long-term obligations related to refinancing activities during the quarter.
  • AFFO.  AFFO for third quarter 2016 benefited from approximately $7 million in lower than expected sustaining capital expenditures during the quarter.  This benefit is primarily attributable to timing, as the unspent amount from third quarter 2016 is expected to be spent during fourth quarter 2016.
  • Capital expenditures. Capital expenditures during the quarter were approximately $221 million, comprised of approximately $17 million of land purchases, approximately $19 million of sustaining capital expenditures and approximately $185 million of revenue generating capital expenditures.
  • Common stock dividend.  During the quarter, Crown Castle paid common stock dividends of approximately $299 million in the aggregate, or $0.885 per common share.
  • Financing activities.  During the quarter, Crown Castle issued $700 million in aggregate principal amount of senior unsecured notes, the proceeds of which were used to refinance existing debt.

"Our excellent third quarter results allowed us to increase our full year 2016 Outlook, setting the stage for expected continued growth in 2017," stated Dan Schlanger, Crown Castle's Chief Financial Officer.  "We expect the healthy leasing environment from 2016 to continue into 2017 as the wireless carriers continue to upgrade and enhance their networks to meet increasing demand for wireless connectivity.  This leasing backdrop combined with the strength of our business model, the quality of our assets and the strength of our balance sheet give us the confidence to increase our dividend and provide us with opportunities to continue to invest in our business to drive long-term growth in AFFO and dividends."

DIVIDEND INCREASE ANNOUNCEMENT
Crown Castle's Board of Directors has declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.95 per common share, representing an increase of approximately 7% over the previous quarterly dividend of $0.885 per share. The quarterly dividend will be payable on December 30, 2016 to common stockholders of record at the close of business on December 16, 2016. Future dividends are subject to the approval of Crown Castle's Board of Directors.

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 fourth quarter 2016, full year 2016 and full year 2017:      

(in millions)Fourth Quarter 2016Full Year 2016Full Year 2017
Site rental revenues$811 to$816 $3,227 to$3,232 $3,314 to$3,344 
Site rental cost of operations$253 to$258 $1,015 to$1,020 $1,023 to$1,053 
Site rental gross margin$556 to$561 $2,210 to$2,215 $2,276 to$2,306 
Net income (loss)$90 to$110  $318 to$338 $375 to$425 
Adjusted EBITDA(a)$566 to$571 $2,219 to$2,224 $2,263 to$2,293 
Interest expense and amortization of deferred financing costs(b)$128 to$133 $514 to$519 $515 to$545 
FFO(a)(d)$383 to$388 $1,426 to$1,431 $1,566 to$1,596 
AFFO(a)(d)$403 to$408 $1,606 to$1,611 $1,739 to$1,769 
Weighted-average common shares outstanding - diluted(c) 346  340  350 
          
(a) See reconciliation of this non-GAAP financial measure to net income (loss) included herein.
(b) See the reconciliation of "components of interest expense and amortization of deferred financing costs" herein for a discussion of non-cash interest expense.
(c) The assumption for fourth quarter 2016, full year 2016 and full year 2017 diluted weighted-average common shares outstanding is based on (1) diluted common shares outstanding as of September 30, 2016 and (2) the assumed conversion of the mandatory convertible preferred stock in November 2016.
(d) Attributable to CCIC common stockholders.

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. 

 Midpoint of FY 2016 Outlook to
FY 2015 Actual Comparison
Previous
Full Year
2016 Outlook(b)
Current
Compared
to Previous Outlook
($ in millions)Current
Full Year
2016 Outlook
Full Year
2015 Actual
$ Change% Change
Site rental revenues$3,230 $3,018 +$212  +7%$3,223 +$7 
Site rental gross margin$2,213 $2,055 +$158  +8%$2,207 +$6 
Net income (loss)$328 $1,524 -$1,196  -78%$338 -$10 
Adjusted EBITDA(a)$2,222 $2,119 +$103  +5%$2,215 +$7 
AFFO(a)(d)$1,609 $1,437 +$172  +12%$1,605 +$4 
Weighted-average common shares outstanding - diluted(c) 340  334 +6  +2% 341 -1 
 
(a) See reconciliation of this non-GAAP financial measure to net income (loss) included herein.
(b) As issued on July 21, 2016.  Represents midpoint of Outlook.
(c) The assumption for full year 2016 diluted weighted-average common shares outstanding is based on (1) diluted common shares outstanding as of September 30, 2016 and (2) the assumed conversion of the mandatory convertible preferred stock in November 2016. 
(d) Attributable to CCIC common stockholders.


  • The increase in full year 2016 Outlook primarily reflects the higher than expected results from the third quarter and the expected timing benefit from tenant non-renewals occurring later than previously expected, partially offset by an expected increase in sustaining capital expenditures for the full year.

Full Year 2017 Outlook
The table below compares the midpoint of the current full year 2016 Outlook and the midpoint of the full year 2017 Outlook for select metrics:

  Midpoint  
($ in millions)Full Year
2016 Outlook
Full Year
2017 Outlook
$ Change% Change
Site rental revenues$3,230 $3,329 +$99  +3%
Site rental gross margin$2,213 $2,291 +$78  +4%
Net income (loss)$328 $400 +$72  +22%
Adjusted EBITDA(a)$2,222 $2,278 +$56  +3%
AFFO(a)(c)$1,609 $1,754 +$145  +9%
Weighted-average common shares outstanding - diluted(b) 340  350 10  +3%
 
(a) See reconciliation of this non-GAAP financial measure to net income (loss) included herein.
(b) The assumption for full year 2016 and 2017 diluted weighted-average common shares outstanding is based on (1) diluted common shares outstanding as of September 30, 2016 and (2) the assumed conversion of the mandatory convertible preferred stock in November 2016. 
(c) Attributable to CCIC common stockholders.


  • The chart below reconciles the components of expected growth from 2016 to 2017 in site rental revenues of $85 million to $115 million, including expected Organic Contribution to Site Rental Revenues of approximately $140 million to $170 million.

An infographic accompanying this announcement is available at //www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/34f28cca-3c9c-49b9-bfec-567ddf46f869

  • At the midpoint, growth from new leasing activity for full year 2017 is approximately $10 million lower than full year 2016. This lower growth reflects similar growth from towers and approximately $15 million higher growth from small cells, offset by approximately $25 million in lower growth from amortization of deferred credits (commonly referred to as prepaid rent). Further, full year 2017 Outlook assumes prepaid rent to be received during the year to be similar to full year 2016.
  • The chart below reconciles the components of expected growth in AFFO from 2016 to 2017 of approximately $145 million at the midpoint.

An infographic accompanying this announcement is available at //www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/9c5c9a31-2760-496d-bfe0-f624bad7f7ac

  • Network services gross margin contribution for full year 2017 is expected to be approximately $235 million to $255 million compared to full year 2016 expectation of $255 million to $260 million.
  • The conversion of the 4.5% Mandatory Convertible Preferred Stock ("Preferred Stock") on November 1, 2016 will eliminate $44 million in annual preferred dividend payments, which are deducted to arrive at AFFO.  As a result of the anticipated conversion of the Preferred Stock, 11.6 million common shares are expected to be issued on November 1, 2016.  The amount of common shares to be issued is subject to change depending on the average common share price for the 20 business days preceding November 1, 2016.
  • Additional information 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 Friday, October 21, 2016, at 10:30 a.m. Eastern time.  The conference call may be accessed by dialing 888-811-5441 and asking for the Crown Castle call (access code 6156887) at least 30 minutes prior to the start time.  The conference call may also be accessed live over the Internet at http://investor.crowncastle.com.  Supplemental materials for the call have been posted on the Crown Castle website at http://investor.crowncastle.com.

A telephonic replay of the conference call will be available from 1:30 p.m. Eastern time on Friday, October 21, 2016, through 1:30 p.m. Eastern time on Thursday, January 19, 2017 and may be accessed by dialing 888-203-1112 and using access code 6156887.  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 miles of fiber supporting small cells, 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, 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, Organic Contribution to Site Rental Revenues, Segment Site Rental Gross Margin, Segment Network Services and Other Gross Margin and Segment Operating Profit may not be comparable to similarly titled measures of other companies, including other companies in the tower sector or other 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.

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:

• Adjusted EBITDA is useful to investors or other interested parties in evaluating our financial performance.  Adjusted EBITDA is the primary measure used by management (1) to evaluate the economic productivity of our operations and (2) for purposes of making decisions about allocating resources to, and assessing the performance of, our operations.  Management believes that Adjusted EBITDA helps investors or other interested parties meaningfully evaluate and compare the results of our operations (1) from period to period and (2) to our competitors, by excluding the impact of our capital structure (primarily interest charges from our outstanding debt) and asset base (primarily depreciation, amortization and accretion) from our financial results.  Management also believes Adjusted EBITDA is frequently used by investors or other interested parties in the evaluation of REITs.  In addition, Adjusted EBITDA is similar to the measure of current financial performance generally used in our debt covenant calculations.  Adjusted EBITDA should be considered only as a supplement to net income computed in accordance with GAAP as a measure of our performance.

•AFFO is useful to investors or other interested parties in evaluating our financial performance.  Management believes that AFFO helps investors or other interested parties meaningfully evaluate our financial performance as they include (1) the impact of our capital structure (primarily interest expense on our outstanding debt and dividends on our preferred stock) and (2) sustaining capital expenditures, and exclude the impact of our (1) asset base (primarily depreciation, amortization and accretion) and (2) certain non-cash items, including straight-lined revenues and expenses related to fixed escalations and rent free periods.  GAAP requires rental revenues and expenses related to leases that contain specified rental increases over the life of the lease to be recognized evenly over the life of the lease.  In accordance with GAAP, if payment terms call for fixed escalations, or rent free periods, the revenue or expense is recognized on a straight-lined basis over the fixed, non-cancelable term of the contract.  Management notes that the Company uses AFFO only as a performance measure.  AFFO should be considered only as a supplement to net income computed in accordance with GAAP as a measure of our performance and should not be considered as an alternative to cash flows from operations or as residual cash flow available for discretionary investment.

•FFO is useful to investors or other interested parties in evaluating our financial performance.  Management believes that FFO may be used by investors or other interested parties as a basis to compare our financial performance with that of other REITs.  FFO helps investors or other interested parties meaningfully evaluate financial performance by excluding the impact of our asset base (primarily depreciation, amortization and accretion). FFO is not a key performance indicator used by the Company.  FFO should be considered only as a supplement to net income computed in accordance with GAAP as a measure of our performance and should not be considered as an alternative to cash flow from operations.

•Organic Contribution to Site Rental Revenues is useful to investors or other interested parties in understanding the components of the year-over year changes in our site rental revenues computed in accordance with GAAP.  Management uses the Organic Contribution to Site Rental Revenues to assess year-over-year growth rates for our rental activities, to evaluate current performance, to capture trends in rental rates, new leasing activities and customer non-renewals in our core business, as well to forecast future results. Organic Contribution to Site Rental Revenues is not meant as an alternative measure of revenue and should be considered only as a supplement in understanding and assessing the performance of our site rental revenues computed in accordance with GAAP.

In addition to the non-GAAP financial measures used herein, we also provide Segment Site Rental Gross Margin, Segment Network Services and Other Gross Margin and Segment Operating Profit, which are key measures used by management to evaluate our operating segments for purposes of making decisions about allocating capital and assessing performance.  These segment measures are provided pursuant to GAAP requirements related to segment reporting.  In addition, we provide the components of certain GAAP measures, such as capital expenditures.

We define our non-GAAP financial measures and other measures as follows:

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-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, gains (losses) on foreign currency swaps, acquisition and integration costs, and adjustments for noncontrolling interests, and less capital improvement capital expenditures and corporate capital expenditures.

Funds from Operations. We define Funds from Operations as net income plus real estate related depreciation, amortization and accretion and asset write-down charges, less noncontrolling interest and cash paid for preferred stock dividends, and is a measure of funds from operations attributable to CCIC common stockholders.

Organic Contribution to Site Rental Revenues. We define the Organic Contribution to Site Rental Revenues as the sum of the change in GAAP site rental revenues related to (1) new leasing activity including revenues from the construction of small cells and the impact of prepaid rent, (2) escalators and less (3) non-renewals of customer contracts.

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 (1) improvements to existing wireless infrastructure and construction of new wireless infrastructure (collectively referred to as "revenue generating") and (2) purchases of land assets under towers as we seek to manage our interests in the land beneath our towers.

Sustaining capital expenditures.  We define 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.

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 cost of operations.

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

Segment Operating Profit.  We define Segment Operating Profit as segment revenues less segment cost of operations and segment general and administrative expenses, excluding stock-based compensation expense and prepaid lease purchase price adjustments recorded in cost of operations.

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 to Comparable GAAP Financial Measures and Other Calculations:

Reconciliation of Historical Adjusted EBITDA:

 For the Three Months Ended For the Twelve
Months Ended
 September 30, 2016 September 30, 2015 December 31, 2015
(in millions)     
Net income (loss)$98.4  $103.8  $1,524.3 
Adjustments to increase (decrease) net income (loss):     
Income (loss) from discontinued operations  0.5  (999.0)
Asset write-down charges8.3  7.5  33.5 
Acquisition and integration costs2.7  7.6  15.7 
Depreciation, amortization and accretion280.8  261.7  1,036.2 
Amortization of prepaid lease purchase price adjustments5.4  5.1  20.5 
Interest expense and amortization of deferred financing costs(a)129.9  129.9  527.1 
Gains (losses) on retirement of long-term obligations10.3    4.2 
Interest income(0.2) (0.8) (1.9)
Other income (expense)0.8  1.2  (57.0)
Benefit (provision) for income taxes5.0  (3.8) (51.5)
Stock-based compensation expense22.6  16.5  67.1 
Adjusted EBITDA(b)$564.1  $529.2  $2,119.2 
            
(a) See the reconciliation of "components of interest expense and amortization of deferred financing costs" herein for a discussion of non-cash interest expense.
(b)  The above reconciliation excludes line items included in our definition which are not applicable for the periods shown. 



Reconciliation of Current Outlook for Adjusted EBITDA:

 Q4 2016 Full Year 2016 Full Year 2017
(in millions)Outlook Outlook Outlook
Net income (loss)$90 to$110  $318 to$338  $375 to$425 
Adjustments to increase (decrease) net income (loss):           
Asset write-down charges$9 to$11  $37 to$39  $35 to$45 
Acquisition and integration costs$3 to$6  $14 to$17  $3 to$8 
Depreciation, amortization and accretion$283 to$298  $1,123 to$1,138  $1,151 to$1,177 
Amortization of prepaid lease purchase price adjustments$4 to$6  $20 to$22  $20 to$22 
Interest expense and amortization of deferred financing costs(a)$128 to$133  $514 to$519  $515 to$545 
Gains (losses) on retirement of long-term obligations$0 to$0  $52 to$52  $0 to$0 
Interest income$(1)to$0  $(2)to$(1) $(1)to$1 
Other income (expense)$(1)to$2  $3 to$6  $2 to$4 
Benefit (provision) for income taxes$4 to$8  $18 to$22  $14 to$22 
Stock-based compensation expense$21 to$23  $97 to$99  $94 to$99 
Adjusted EBITDA(b)$566 to$571  $2,219 to$2,224  $2,263 to$2,293 
                        
(a) See the reconciliation of "components of interest expense and amortization of deferred financing costs" herein for a discussion of non-cash interest expense.
(b) The above reconciliation excludes line items included in our definition which are not applicable for the periods shown.



Reconciliation of Historical FFO and AFFO:

 For the Three Months Ended For the Nine Months Ended For the Twelve Months Ended
(in millions)September 30, 2016 September 30, 2015 September 30, 2016 September 30, 2015 December 31, 2015
Net income (loss)(a)$98.4  $104.3  $232.3  $382.6  $525.3 
Real estate related depreciation, amortization and accretion274.2  257.0  815.1  753.6  1,018.3 
Asset write-down charges8.3  7.5  28.3  19.7  33.5 
Dividends on preferred stock(11.0) (11.0) (33.0) (33.0) (44.0)
FFO(b)(c)(d)(e)(f)$369.9  $357.8  $1,042.6  $1,122.8  $1,533.1 
          
FFO (from above)$369.9  $357.8  $1,042.6  $1,122.8  $1,533.1 
Adjustments to increase (decrease) FFO:         
Straight-lined revenue(8.8) (27.1) (42.4) (89.0) (111.3)
Straight-lined expense23.5  24.4  71.1  74.0  98.7 
Stock-based compensation expense22.6  16.5  75.3  49.3  67.1 
Non-cash portion of tax provision3.5  (5.9) 5.2  (20.3) (63.9)
Non-real estate related depreciation, amortization and accretion6.6  4.6  19.6  13.0  17.9 
Amortization of non-cash interest expense3.3  8.6  11.3  32.4  37.1 
Other (income) expense0.8  1.2  4.6  (58.5) (57.0)
Gains (losses) on retirement of long-term obligations10.3    52.3  4.2  4.2 
Acquisition and integration costs2.7  7.6  11.5  12.0  15.7 
Capital improvement capital expenditures(10.0) (14.4) (25.4) (32.5) (46.8)
Corporate capital expenditures(8.5) (17.0) (22.4) (42.9) (58.1)
AFFO(b)(c)(d)(e)(f)$415.8  $356.4  $1,203.5  $1,064.4  $1,436.6 
 
(a) Exclusive of income (loss) from discontinued operations and related noncontrolling interest of $(0.5 million), $1.0 billion and $1.0 billion for the three months ended September 30, 2015, nine months ended September 30, 2015 and twelve months ended December 31, 2015, respectively.
(b) See "Non-GAAP Financial Measures and Other Calculations" herein for a discussion of our definitions of FFO and AFFO.
(c) FFO and AFFO are reduced by cash paid for preferred stock dividends. 
(d) Diluted weighted-average common shares outstanding were 338.4 million, 333.7 million, 337.1 million, 333.7 million and 334.1 million for the three months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015, the nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015 and the twelve months ended December 31, 2015.  The diluted weighted-average common shares outstanding assumes no conversion of preferred stock in the share count.
(e) The above reconciliation excludes line items included in our definition which are not applicable for the periods shown.
(f) Attributable to CCIC common stockholders.



Reconciliation of Current Outlook for FFO and AFFO:

 Q4 2016 Full Year 2016 Full Year 2017
(in millions)Outlook Outlook Outlook
Net income (loss)$90 to$110  $318 to$338  $375 to$425 
Real estate related depreciation, amortization and accretion$277 to$290  $1,097 to$1,110  $1,127 to$1,148 
Asset write-down charges$9 to$11  $37 to$39  $35 to$45 
Dividends on preferred stock$(11)to$(11) $(44)to$(44) $0 to$0 
FFO(a)(b)(c)(d)(e)$383 to$388  $1,426 to$1,431  $1,566 to$1,596 
            
FFO (from above)$383 to$388  $1,426 to$1,431  $1,566 to$1,596 
Adjustments to increase (decrease) FFO:           
Straight-lined revenue$(8)to$(3) $(50)to$(45) $13 to$28 
Straight-lined expense$20 to$25  $90 to$95  $78 to$93 
Stock-based compensation expense$21 to$23  $97 to$99  $94 to$99 
Non-cash portion of tax provision$2 to$7  $9 to$14  $(3)to$12 
Non-real estate related depreciation, amortization and accretion$6 to$8  $26 to$28  $24 to$29 
Amortization of non-cash interest expense$3 to$6  $12 to$15  $11 to$17 
Other (income) expense$(1)to$2  $3 to$6  $2 to$4 
Gains (losses) on retirement of long-term obligations$0 to$0  $52 to$52  $0 to$0 
Acquisition and integration costs$3 to$6  $14 to$17  $3 to$8 
Capital improvement capital expenditures$(20)to$(15) $(46)to$(41) $(45)to$(40)
Corporate capital expenditures$(20)to$(15) $(43)to$(38) $(37)to$(32)
AFFO(a)(b)(c)(d)(e)$403 to$408  $1,606 to$1,611  $1,739 to$1,769 
 
(a) The assumption for fourth quarter 2016, full year 2016 and full year 2017 diluted weighted-average common shares outstanding is 346 million, 340 million and 350 million, respectively, based on (1) diluted common shares outstanding as of September 30, 2016 and (2) the assumed conversion of the mandatory convertible preferred stock in November 2016.
(b) See "Non-GAAP Financial 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.
(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 Previously Issued
 Q3 2016 Full Year 2016
(in millions)Outlook Outlook
Net income (loss)$91 to$111  $318 to$358 
Adjustments to increase (decrease) net income (loss):       
Asset write-down charges$9 to$11  $35 to$45 
Acquisition and integration costs$3 to$6  $14 to$19 
Depreciation, amortization and accretion$275 to$290  $1,107 to$1,133 
Amortization of prepaid lease purchase price adjustments$4 to$6  $20 to$22 
Interest expense and amortization of deferred financing costs$127 to$132  $508 to$528 
Gains (losses) on retirement of long-term obligations$0 to$0  $42 to$42 
Interest income$(1)to$0  $(1)to$0 
Other income (expense)$(1)to$2  $4 to$6 
Benefit (provision) for income taxes$3 to$7  $15 to$23 
Stock-based compensation expense$21 to$23  $93 to$98 
Adjusted EBITDA(a)$557 to$562  $2,205 to$2,225 
                
(a) The above reconciliation excludes line items included in our definition which are not applicable for the periods shown.



For Comparative Purposes - Reconciliation of Previous Outlook for FFO and AFFO:

 Previously Issued Previously Issued
 Q3 2016 Full Year 2016
(in millions)Outlook Outlook
Net income (loss)$91 to$111  $318 to$358 
Real estate related depreciation, amortization and accretion$269 to$282  $1,083 to$1,104 
Asset write-down charges$9 to$11  $35 to$45 
Dividends on preferred stock$(11)to$(11) $(44)to$(44)
FFO(a)(b)(c)(e)$375 to$380  $1,421 to$1,441 
        
FFO (from above)$375 to$380  $1,421 to$1,441 
Adjustments to increase (decrease) FFO:       
Straight-line revenue$(13)to$(8) $(56)to$(41)
Straight-line expense$21 to$26  $85 to$100 
Stock-based compensation expense$21 to$23  $93 to$98 
Non-cash portion of tax provision$1 to$6  $3 to$18 
Non-real estate related depreciation, amortization and accretion$6 to$8  $24 to$29 
Amortization of non-cash interest expense$3 to$6  $12 to$18 
Other (income) expense$(1)to$2  $4 to$6 
Gains (losses) on retirement of long-term obligations$0 to$0  $42 to$42 
Acquisition and integration costs$3 to$6  $14 to$19 
Capital improvement capital expenditures$(13)to$(11) $(41)to$(36)
Corporate capital expenditures$(14)to$(12) $(43)to$(38)
AFFO(a)(b)(c)(e)$400 to$405  $1,595 to$1,615 
                
(a) Previously issued third quarter 2016 outlook assumes diluted common shares outstanding as of June 30, 2016 of approximately 339 million shares. Previously issued full year 2016 outlook assumes diluted common shares outstanding of approximately 341 million shares, inclusive of the assumed conversion of the mandatory convertible preferred stock in November 2016.
(b) See "Non-GAAP Financial 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.
(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.



The components of changes in site rental revenues for the quarters ended September 30, 2016 and 2015 are as follows:

 Three Months Ended September 30,
(in millions)2016 2015
Components of changes in site rental revenues(f):   
Prior year site rental revenues exclusive of straight-line associated with fixed escalators(a)(c)$737  $672 
    
New leasing activity(a)(c)45  44 
Escalators22  23 
Non-renewals(20) (24)
Organic Contribution to Site Rental Revenues(d)47  43 
Straight-lined revenues associated with fixed escalators9  27 
Acquisitions and builds(b)19  23 
Other   
Total GAAP site rental revenues$812  $765 
    
Year-over-year changes in revenue:   
Reported GAAP site rental revenues6.1%  
Organic Contribution to Site Rental Revenues(d)(e)6.4%  
     
(a) Includes revenues from amortization of prepaid rent in accordance with GAAP.
(b) The financial impact of acquisitions, as measured by the initial contribution, and tower builds is excluded from Organic Contribution to Site Rental Revenues until the one-year anniversary of the acquisition or build.
(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 and Other Calculations" herein.
(e) Calculated as the percentage change from prior year site rental revenues exclusive of straight-line associated with fixed escalations compared to Organic Contribution to Site Rental Revenues for the current period.
(f) Additional information regarding Crown Castle's site rental revenues including projected revenue from customer licenses, tenant non-renewals, straight-lined revenues and prepaid rent is available in Crown Castle's quarterly Supplemental Information Package posted in the Investors section of its website.

The components of the changes in site rental revenues for the years ending December 31, 2016 and 2017 are forecasted as follows:

     
(in millions)Midpoint of
Full Year
2016 Outlook
 Full Year
2017 Outlook
 
Components of changes in site rental revenues(g):    
Prior year site rental revenues exclusive of straight-line associated with fixed escalators(a)(c)$2,907  $3,184  
     
New leasing activity(a)(c) 171  150 to 170 
Escalators 89  80 to 85 
Non-renewals (74) (95) to (75) 
Organic Contribution to Site Rental Revenues(d) 186  140 to 170 
Straight-lined revenues associated with fixed escalators 48  (28) to (13) 
Acquisitions and builds(b) 89   11  
Other  
Total GAAP site rental revenues$3,230  $3,314 to $3,344 
     
Year-over-year changes in revenue:    
Reported GAAP site rental revenues 7.0%  3.1% 
Organic Contribution to Site Rental Revenues(d)(e) 6.4%  4.9%(f)
 
(a) Includes revenues from amortization of prepaid rent in accordance with GAAP.
(b) The financial impact of acquisitions, as measured by the initial contribution, and tower builds is excluded from Organic Contribution to Site Rental Revenues until the one-year anniversary of the acquisition or build.
(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 and Other Calculations" herein.
(e) Calculated as the percentage change from prior year site rental revenues exclusive of straight-lined associated with fixed escalations compared to Organic Contribution to Site Rental Revenues for the current period.
(f) Calculated based on midpoint of Full Year 2017 Outlook.
(g) Additional information regarding Crown Castle's site rental revenues including projected revenue from customer licenses, tenant non-renewals, straight-lined revenues and prepaid rent is available in Crown Castle's quarterly Supplemental Information Package posted in the Investors section of its website.



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

 For the Three Months Ended
(in millions)September 30,
2016
 September 30,
2015
Interest expense on debt obligations$126.6  $121.3 
Amortization of deferred financing costs and adjustments on long-term debt, net4.6  5.6 
Amortization of interest rate swaps(a)  3.7 
Other, net(1.3) (0.7)
Interest expense and amortization of deferred financing costs$129.9  $129.9 
        
(a) Relates to the amortization of interest rate swaps; the swaps were cash settled in prior periods.



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

 Q4 2016 Full Year 2016 Full Year 2017
(in millions)Outlook Outlook Outlook
Interest expense on debt obligations$126 to$128  $501 to$503  $509 to$524 
Amortization of deferred financing costs and adjustments on long-term debt, net$4 to$7  $17 to$21  $17 to$21 
Other, net$(1)to$(1) $(5)to$(5) $(6)to$(4)
Interest expense and amortization of deferred financing costs$128 to$133  $514 to$519  $515 to$545 



Debt balances and maturity dates as of September 30, 2016 are as follows:

(in millions)Face Value Final Maturity
Bank debt - variable rate:   
2016 Revolver$410.0 Jan. 2021
2016 Term Loan A1,975.0 Jan. 2021
Total bank debt2,385.0  
Securitized debt - fixed rate:   
Secured Notes, Series 2009-1, Class A-1(a)57.2 Aug. 2019
Secured Notes, Series 2009-1, Class A-2(a)70.0 Aug. 2029
Tower Revenue Notes, Series 2010-3(b)1,250.0 Jan. 2040
Tower Revenue Notes, Series 2010-6(b)1,000.0 Aug. 2040
Tower Revenue Notes, Series 2015-1(b)300.0 May 2042
Tower Revenue Notes, Series 2015-2(b)700.0 May 2045
Total securitized debt3,377.2  
Bonds - fixed rate:   
5.250% Senior Notes1,650.0 Jan. 2023
3.849% Secured Notes1,000.0 Apr. 2023
4.875% Senior Notes850.0 Apr. 2022
3.400% Senior Notes850.0 Feb. 2021
4.450% Senior Notes900.0 Feb. 2026
3.700% Senior Notes750.0 June 2026
2.250% Senior Notes700.0 Sept. 2021
Total bonds6,700.0  
Capital leases and other obligations225.5  Various
Total Debt$12,687.7   
Less: Cash and Cash Equivalents(c)$156.2   
Net Debt$12,531.5   
 
(a) The Senior Secured Notes, Series 2009-1, Class A-1 principal amortizes during the period beginning January 2010 and ending in 2019 and the Senior Secured Notes, 2009-1, Class A-2 principal amortizes during the period beginning in 2019 and ending in 2029.
(b) The Senior Secured Tower Revenue Notes, Series 2010-3 and 2010-6 have anticipated repayment dates in 2020.  The Senior Secured Tower Revenue Notes, Series 2015-1 and 2015-2 have anticipated repayment dates in 2022 and 2025, respectively.
(c) Excludes restricted cash.



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

(in millions)For the Three Months Ended
September 30, 2016
Total face value of debt$12,687.7 
Ending cash and cash equivalents(a)156.2 
Total Net Debt$12,531.5 
  
Adjusted EBITDA for the three months ended September 30, 2016$564.1 
Last quarter annualized adjusted EBITDA2,256.5 
Net Debt to Last Quarter Annualized Adjusted EBITDA5.6x
 
(a) Excludes restricted cash.



Components of Capital Expenditures:

 For the Three Months Ended
(in millions)September 30, 2016 September 30, 2015
 TowersSmall CellsOtherTotal TowersSmall CellsOtherTotal
Discretionary:         
Purchases of land interests$17.4 $ $ $17.4  $16.0 $ $ $16.0 
Wireless infrastructure construction and improvements76.6 108.6  185.2  98.0 92.1  190.1 
Sustaining:         
Capital improvement and corporate9.7 3.2 5.6 18.5  22.4 3.0 5.9 31.3 
Total$103.7 $111.8 $5.6 $221.1  $136.4 $95.1 $5.9 $237.4 


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, strategic position and strength of our business, (3) carrier network investments and upgrades, and the benefits which may be derived therefrom, (4) demand for wireless connectivity and the benefits which may be derived therefrom, (5) our dividends, including our dividend plans and the amount and growth of our dividends, (6) leasing activity,  (7) our investments, including in towers and small cells, and the potential growth, returns and benefits therefrom, (8) demand for our wireless infrastructure and services, (9) our growth and long-term prospects, (10) tenant non-renewals, including the impact and timing thereof, (11) capital expenditures, including sustaining capital expenditures, (12) straight-line adjustments, (13) expenses, (14) site rental revenues, (15) site rental cost of operations, (16) site rental gross margin and network services gross margin, (17) net income (loss), (18) Adjusted EBITDA, (19) interest expense and amortization of deferred financing costs, (20) FFO, (21) AFFO, (22) Organic Contribution to Site Rental Revenues and Organic Contribution to Site Rental Revenue growth, (23) our common shares outstanding, including on a diluted basis, and the conversion of our Preferred Stock, and (24) the utility of certain financial measures, including non-GAAP financial measures.  Such forward-looking statements are subject to certain risks, uncertainties and assumptions prevailing market conditions and the following:

• Our business depends on the demand for our wireless infrastructure, driven primarily by demand for wireless connectivity, 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.
• 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.
• 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 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, we may find it more difficult to achieve favorable rental rates on our new or renewing tenant leases.
• New technologies may reduce demand for our wireless infrastructure or negatively impact our revenues.
• 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 retain rights to our wireless infrastructure, including the land interests under our towers, our business may be adversely affected.
• Our network services business has historically experienced significant volatility in demand, which reduces the predictability of our results.
• New wireless technologies may not deploy or be adopted by customers as rapidly or in the manner projected.
• 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 restated certificate of incorporation, amended and restated by-laws 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.
• We may be vulnerable to security breaches that could adversely affect our business, operations, and reputation.
• 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 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 related 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)

 September 30,
 2016
 December 31,
 2015
    
ASSETS   
Current assets:   
Cash and cash equivalents$156,219  $178,810 
Restricted cash116,932  130,731 
Receivables, net276,259  313,296 
Prepaid expenses157,102  133,194 
Other current assets133,163  225,214 
Total current assets839,675  981,245 
Deferred site rental receivables1,321,777  1,306,408 
Property and equipment, net9,714,149  9,580,057 
Goodwill5,750,033  5,513,551 
Other intangible assets, net3,737,448  3,779,915 
Long-term prepaid rent and other assets, net808,641  775,790 
Total assets$22,171,723  $21,936,966 
    
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY   
Current liabilities:   
Accounts payable$148,916  $159,629 
Accrued interest84,244  66,975 
Deferred revenues358,683  322,623 
Other accrued liabilities204,533  199,923 
Current maturities of debt and other obligations101,362  106,219 
Total current liabilities897,738  855,369 
Debt and other long-term obligations12,491,596  12,043,740 
Other long-term liabilities2,028,672  1,948,636 
Total liabilities15,418,006  14,847,745 
Commitments and contingencies   
CCIC stockholders' equity:   
Common stock, $.01 par value; 600,000,000 shares authorized; shares issued and outstanding: September 30, 2016—337,569,931 and December 31, 2015—333,771,6603,375  3,338 
4.50% Mandatory Convertible Preferred Stock, Series A, $.01 par value; 20,000,000 shares authorized; shares issued and outstanding: September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015—9,775,000; aggregate liquidation value: September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015—$977,50098  98 
Additional paid-in capital9,914,844  9,548,580 
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)(5,541) (4,398)
Dividends/distributions in excess of earnings(3,159,059) (2,458,397)
Total equity6,753,717  7,089,221 
Total liabilities and equity$22,171,723  $21,936,966 


                     CROWN CASTLE INTERNATIONAL CORP.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS (UNAUDITED)
(in thousands, except share and per share amounts)
 Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30,
 2016 2015 2016 2015
Net revenues:       
Site rental$812,032  $764,606  $2,415,926  $2,233,077 
Network services and other179,984  153,501  472,883  484,938 
Net revenues992,016  918,107  2,888,809  2,718,015 
Operating expenses:       
Costs of operations (exclusive of depreciation, amortization and accretion):       
Site rental256,750  247,000  762,223  716,244 
Network services and other109,228  86,859  286,066  263,177 
General and administrative89,941  76,699  278,909  223,880 
Asset write-down charges8,339  7,477  28,251  19,652 
Acquisition and integration costs2,680  7,608  11,459  12,001 
Depreciation, amortization and accretion280,824  261,662  834,725  766,621 
Total operating expenses747,762  687,305  2,201,633  2,001,575 
Operating income (loss)244,254  230,802  687,176  716,440 
Interest expense and amortization of deferred financing costs(129,916) (129,877) (385,656) (398,782)
Gains (losses) on retirement of long-term obligations(10,274)   (52,291) (4,157)
Interest income175  789  454  1,170 
Other income (expense)(832) (1,214) (4,623) 58,510 
Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes103,407  100,500  245,060  373,181 
Benefit (provision) for income taxes(5,041) 3,801  (12,797) 9,380 
Income (loss) from continuing operations98,366  104,301  232,263  382,561 
Discontinued operations:       
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax  (522)   1,000,708 
Net income (loss)98,366  103,779  232,263  1,383,269 
Less: Net income (loss) attributable to the noncontrolling interest      3,343 
Net income (loss) attributable to CCIC stockholders98,366  103,779  232,263  1,379,926 
Dividends on preferred stock(10,997) (10,997) (32,991) (32,991)
Net income (loss) attributable to CCIC common stockholders$87,369  $92,782  $199,272  $1,346,935 
        
Net income (loss) attributable to CCIC common stockholders, per common share:       
Income (loss) from continuing operations, basic$0.26  $0.28  $0.59  $1.05 
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, basic$  $  $  $3.00 
Net income (loss) attributable to CCIC common stockholders, basic$0.26  $0.28  $0.59  $4.05 
Income (loss) from continuing operations, diluted$0.26  $0.28  $0.59  $1.05 
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, diluted$  $  $  $2.99 
Net income (loss) attributable to CCIC common stockholders, diluted$0.26  $0.28  $0.59  $4.04 
        
Weighted-average common shares outstanding (in thousands):       
Basic337,564  333,049  336,426  332,951 
Diluted338,409  333,711  337,076  333,735 


CROWN CASTLE INTERNATIONAL CORP.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS (UNAUDITED)
(in thousands)
 
 Nine Months Ended September 30, 
 2016 2015 
Cash flows from operating activities:    
Net income (loss) from continuing operations$232,263  $382,561  
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) from continuing operations to net cash provided by (used for) operating activities:    
Depreciation, amortization and accretion834,725  766,621  
Gains (losses) on retirement of long-term obligations52,291  4,157  
Gains (losses) on settled swaps2,608  (54,475) 
Amortization of deferred financing costs and other non-cash interest11,293  32,394  
Stock-based compensation expense60,402  44,711  
Asset write-down charges28,251  19,652  
Deferred income tax benefit (provision)6,626  (16,199) 
Other adjustments, net(1,060) (7,240) 
Changes in assets and liabilities, excluding the effects of acquisitions:    
Increase (decrease) in liabilities122,944  208,538  
Decrease (increase) in assets(45,628) (89,844) 
Net cash provided by (used for) operating activities1,304,715  1,290,876  
Cash flows from investing activities:    
Payments for acquisition of businesses, net of cash acquired(545,162) (1,083,319) 
Capital expenditures(614,178) (658,240) 
Net receipts from settled swaps8,141  54,475  
Other investing activities, net11,616  (1,561) 
Net cash provided by (used for) investing activities(1,139,583) (1,688,645) 
Cash flows from financing activities:    
Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt5,201,010  1,000,000  
Principal payments on debt and other long-term obligations(69,717) (78,049) 
Purchases and redemptions of long-term debt(4,044,834) (1,069,337) 
Borrowings under revolving credit facility3,440,000  1,560,000  
Payments under revolving credit facility(4,155,000) (1,240,000) 
Payments for financing costs(41,471) (17,415) 
Net proceeds from issuance of capital stock323,798    
Purchases of capital stock(24,759) (29,576) 
Dividends/distributions paid on common stock(896,628) (821,056) 
Dividends paid on preferred stock(32,991) (32,991) 
Net (increase) decrease in restricted cash40  28,435  
Net cash provided by (used for) financing activities(300,552) (699,989) 
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents - continuing operations(135,420) (1,097,758) 
Discontinued operations:    
Net cash provided by (used for) operating activities  4,359  
Net cash provided by (used for) investing activities113,150  1,103,577  
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents - discontinued operations113,150  1,107,936  
Effect of exchange rate changes(321) (1,682) 
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period178,810  175,620 (a)
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period$156,219  $184,116  
Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information:    
Interest paid357,094  364,147  
Income taxes paid11,740  23,865  
       
(a) Inclusive of cash and cash equivalents included in discontinued operations.      


CROWN CASTLE INTERNATIONAL CORP.
SEGMENT OPERATING RESULTS (UNAUDITED)
(in thousands)
 
SEGMENT OPERATING RESULTS
 Three Months Ended September 30, 2016 Three Months Ended September 30, 2015
 Towers Small Cells Other Consolidated Total Towers Small Cells Other Consolidated Total
Segment site rental revenues$709,603  $102,429    $812,032  $686,934  $77,672    $764,606 
Segment network services and other revenue166,979  13,005    179,984  138,566  14,935    153,501 
Segment revenues876,582  115,434    992,016  825,500  92,607    918,107 
Segment site rental cost of operations210,322  37,754    248,076  209,056  30,449    239,505 
Segment network services and other cost of operations97,395  10,194    107,589  75,302  10,213    85,515 
Segment cost of operations(a)307,717  47,948    355,665  284,358  40,662    325,020 
Segment site rental gross margin(b)499,281  64,675    563,956  477,878  47,223    525,101 
Segment network services and other gross margin(b)69,584  2,811    72,395  63,264  4,722    67,986 
Segment general and administrative expenses(a)22,225  14,480  35,526  72,231  22,994  10,194  30,741  63,929 
Segment operating profit(b)546,640  53,006  (35,526) 564,120  518,148  41,751  (30,741) 529,158 
Stock-based compensation expense    22,594  22,594      16,466  16,466 
Depreciation, amortization and accretion    280,824  280,824      261,662  261,662 
Interest expense and amortization of deferred financing costs    129,916  129,916      129,877  129,877 
Other (income) expenses to reconcile to income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes(c)    27,379  27,379      20,653  20,653 
Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes      $103,407        $100,500 
                    
(a) Segment cost of operations exclude (1) stock-based compensation expense of $4.9 million and $3.7 million for the three months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015, respectively and (2) prepaid lease purchase price adjustments of $5.4 million and $5.1 million for the three months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015, respectively.  Segment general and administrative expenses exclude stock-based compensation expense of $17.7 million and $12.8 million for the three months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015, respectively. 
(b) See "Non-GAAP Financial Measures and Other Calculations" herein for a discussion of our definitions of segment site rental gross margin, segment network service and other gross margin and segment operating profit.
(c) Other (income) expenses to reconcile to income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes includes (1) losses on retirement of long-term obligations of approximately $10.3 million and $0 for the three months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015, respectively and (2) gains (losses) on swaps of approximately $0 and $10.2 million for the three months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015, respectively.

 

 

SEGMENT OPERATING RESULTS
 Nine Months Ended September 30, 2016 Nine Months Ended September 30, 2015
 Towers Small Cells Other Consolidated Total Towers Small Cells Other Consolidated Total
Segment site rental revenues$2,118,159  $297,767    $2,415,926  $2,040,147  $192,930    $2,233,077 
Segment network services and other revenue434,042  38,841    472,883  445,683  39,255    484,938 
Segment revenues2,552,201  336,608    2,888,809  2,485,830  232,185    2,718,015 
Segment site rental cost of operations625,331  109,402    734,733  620,726  73,818    694,544 
Segment network services and other cost of operations249,306  30,652    279,958  229,164  30,034    259,198 
Segment cost of operations(a)874,637  140,054    1,014,691  849,890  103,852    953,742 
Segment site rental gross margin(b)1,492,828  188,365    1,681,193  1,419,421  119,112    1,538,533 
Segment network services and other gross margin(b)184,736  8,189    192,925  216,519  9,221    225,740 
Segment general and administrative expenses(a)68,329  45,720  107,161  221,210  68,245  25,664  90,981  184,890 
Segment operating profit(b)1,609,235  150,834  (107,161) 1,652,908  1,567,695  102,669  (90,981) 1,579,383 
Stock-based compensation expense    75,297  75,297      49,282  49,282 
Depreciation, amortization and accretion    834,725  834,725      766,621  766,621 
Interest expense and amortization of deferred financing costs    385,656  385,656      398,782  398,782 
Other income (expenses) to reconcile to income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes(c)    112,170  112,170      (8,483) (8,483)
Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes      $245,060        $373,181 
                    
 
(a)  Segment cost of operations exclude (1) stock-based compensation expense of $17.6 million and $10.3 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015, respectively and (2) prepaid lease purchase price adjustments of $16.0 million and $15.4 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015, respectively. Segment general and administrative expenses exclude stock-based compensation expense of $57.7 million and $39.0 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015, respectively. 
(b)  See "Non-GAAP Financial Measures and Other Calculations" herein for a discussion of our definitions of segment site rental gross margin, segment network service and other gross margin and segment operating profit.
(c)  Other income (expenses) to reconcile to income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes includes (1) losses on retirement of long-term obligations of approximately $52.3 million and $4.2 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015, respectively and (2) gains (losses) on swaps of approximately $(2.6 million) and $70.0 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015, respectively.

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

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