Crown Castle Inc 10-Q for FY2021 Q3
Crown Castle Inc. (CCI)
10-Q
2021-11-05
For: 2021-09-30
View Original
Added on
April 08, 2026
About this 10-Q
Crown Castle Inc filed this 10-Q on November 5, 2021, covering the quarter ended September 30, 2021 (FY2021 Q3).
Headline figures
Quarter ended September 30, 2021, as reported in this filing, compared with the same period a year earlier where the filing states it.
- Revenue
- $1.62B
- up 8.9% from $1.49B a year earlier
- Net income
- $351M
- up 115.3% from net income of $163M a year earlier
- Diluted EPS
- $0.81
- up 113.2% from $0.38 a year earlier
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
____________________________________
FORM 10-Q
___________________________________
| QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 | |||||
For the quarterly period ended September 30, 2021
OR
| TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 | |||||
For the transition period to
Commission File Number 001-16441
____________________________________
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
| (State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization) | (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.) | ||||||||||
(Address of principal executives office) (Zip Code)
(713 ) 570-3000
(Registrant's telephone number, including area code)
____________________________________
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
| Title of each class | Trading Symbol(s) | Name of each exchange on which registered | |||||||||
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes ☒ No ☐
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit such files). Yes ☒ No ☐
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of "large accelerated filer," "accelerated filer," "smaller reporting company" and "emerging growth company" in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
| ☒ | Accelerated filer | ☐ | ||||||||||||||||||
| Non-accelerated filer | ☐ | Smaller reporting company | ||||||||||||||||||
| Emerging growth company | ||||||||||||||||||||
If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ☐ | ||||||||||||||||||||
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes ☐ No ☒
Number of shares of common stock outstanding at November 2, 2021: 432,203,248
CROWN CASTLE INTERNATIONAL CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES
INDEX
| Page | |||||||||||
| ITEM 1. | |||||||||||
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET (Unaudited) | |||||||||||
| ITEM 2. | |||||||||||
| ITEM 3. | |||||||||||
| ITEM 4. | |||||||||||
| ITEM 1. | LEGAL PROCEEDINGS | ||||||||||
| ITEM 1A. | |||||||||||
| ITEM 2. | UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS | ||||||||||
| ITEM 6. | |||||||||||
| EXHIBIT INDEX | |||||||||||
| SIGNATURES | |||||||||||
Cautionary Language Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
This Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q ("Form 10-Q") contains forward-looking statements that are based on our management's expectations as of the filing date of this report with the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC"). Statements that are not historical facts are hereby identified as forward-looking statements. In addition, words such as "estimate," "anticipate," "project," "plan," "intend," "believe," "expect," "likely," "predicted," "positioned," "continue," "target," "seek," "focus" and any variations of these words and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Such statements include plans, projections and estimates contained in "Part I—Item 2. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" ("MD&A"), "Part I—Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk" and "Part II—Item 1A. Risk Factors" herein. Such forward-looking statements include (1) benefits and opportunities stemming from our strategy, strategic position, business model and capabilities, (2) the strength and growth potential of the U.S. market for shared communications infrastructure investment, (3) expectations regarding anticipated growth in the wireless industry, and consumption of and demand for data, including growth in, and factors driving, consumption and demand, (4) potential benefits of our communications infrastructure (on an individual and collective basis) and expectations regarding demand therefore, including potential benefits and continuity of and factors driving such demand, (5) expectations regarding construction, including duration of our construction projects, and acquisition of communications infrastructure, (6) the utilization of our net operating loss carryforwards ("NOLs"), (7) expectations regarding wireless carriers' focus on improving network quality and expanding capacity, (8) expectations regarding continued increase in usage of high-bandwidth applications by organizations, (9) expected use of net proceeds from issuances under the commercial paper program ("CP Program"), (10) our full year 2021 and 2022 outlook and the anticipated growth in our financial results, including future revenues and operating cash flows, and the expectations regarding our capital expenditures, as well as the factors impacting expected growth in financial results and the levels of capital expenditures, (11) expectations regarding our capital structure and the credit markets, our availability and cost of capital, capital allocation, our leverage ratio and interest coverage targets, our ability to service our debt and comply with debt covenants and the plans for and the benefits of any future refinancings, (12) the utility of certain financial measures, including non-GAAP financial measures, (13) expectations related to our ability to remain qualified as a real estate investment trust ("REIT") and the advantages, benefits or impact of, or opportunities created by, our REIT status, (14) adequacy, projected sources and uses of liquidity, (15) expectations regarding non-renewals of tenant contracts, (16) our dividend policy and the timing, amount, growth or tax characterization of our dividends, (17) the potential impact of novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic and any measures taken with respect thereto and (18) the outcome of outstanding litigation. All future dividends are subject to declaration by our board of directors.
1
Such forward-looking statements should, therefore, be considered in light of various risks, uncertainties and assumptions, including prevailing market conditions, risk factors described in "Part II—Item 1A. Risk Factors" herein and "Item 1A. Risk Factors" of the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2020 ("2020 Form 10-K") and other factors. Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those expected.
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.
Interpretation
As used herein, the term "including," and any variation thereof, means "including without limitation." The use of the word "or" herein is not exclusive. Unless this Form 10-Q indicates otherwise or the context otherwise requires, the terms "we," "our," "our company," "the company" or "us" as used in this Form 10-Q refer to Crown Castle International Corp. ("CCIC") and its predecessor (organized in 1995), as applicable, each a Delaware corporation, and their subsidiaries. Additionally, unless the context suggests otherwise, references to "U.S." are to the United States of America and Puerto Rico, collectively. Capitalized terms used but not defined in this Form 10-Q have the same meaning given to them in the 2020 Form 10-K.
2
PART I—FINANCIAL INFORMATION
ITEM 1.FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
CROWN CASTLE INTERNATIONAL CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET (Unaudited)
(Amounts in millions, except par values)
| September 30, 2021 | December 31, 2020 | ||||||||||
| ASSETS | |||||||||||
| Current assets: | |||||||||||
| Cash and cash equivalents | $ | $ | |||||||||
| Restricted cash | |||||||||||
| Receivables, net | |||||||||||
| Prepaid expenses | |||||||||||
| Other current assets | |||||||||||
| Total current assets | |||||||||||
| Deferred site rental receivables | |||||||||||
Property and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation of $ | |||||||||||
| Operating lease right-of-use assets | |||||||||||
| Goodwill | |||||||||||
| Other intangible assets, net | |||||||||||
| Other assets, net | |||||||||||
| Total assets | $ | $ | |||||||||
| LIABILITIES AND EQUITY | |||||||||||
| Current liabilities: | |||||||||||
| Accounts payable | $ | $ | |||||||||
| Accrued interest | |||||||||||
| Deferred revenues | |||||||||||
| Other accrued liabilities | |||||||||||
| Current maturities of debt and other obligations | |||||||||||
| Current portion of operating lease liabilities | |||||||||||
| Total current liabilities | |||||||||||
| Debt and other long-term obligations | |||||||||||
| Operating lease liabilities | |||||||||||
| Other long-term liabilities | |||||||||||
| Total liabilities | |||||||||||
| Commitments and contingencies (note 8) | |||||||||||
| Stockholders' equity: | |||||||||||
Common stock, $ | |||||||||||
| Additional paid-in capital | |||||||||||
| Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) | ( | ( | |||||||||
| Dividends/distributions in excess of earnings | ( | ( | |||||||||
| Total equity | |||||||||||
| Total liabilities and equity | $ | $ | |||||||||
See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.
3
CROWN CASTLE INTERNATIONAL CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS AND
COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) (Unaudited)
(Amounts in millions, except per share amounts)
| Three Months Ended September 30, | Nine Months Ended September 30, | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2021 | 2020 | 2021 | 2020 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Net revenues: | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Site rental | $ | $ | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||||||
| Services and other | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net revenues | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Operating expenses: | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Costs of operations(a): | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Site rental | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Services and other | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Selling, general and administrative | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Asset write-down charges | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Acquisition and integration costs | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Depreciation, amortization and accretion | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total operating expenses | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Operating income (loss) | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Interest expense and amortization of deferred financing costs | ( | ( | ( | ( | |||||||||||||||||||
| Gains (losses) on retirement of long-term obligations | ( | ( | ( | ( | |||||||||||||||||||
| Interest income | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Other income (expense) | ( | ( | ( | ( | |||||||||||||||||||
| Income (loss) before income taxes | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Benefit (provision) for income taxes | ( | ( | ( | ( | |||||||||||||||||||
| Income (loss) from continuing operations | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Discontinued operations (see note 6): | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net gain (loss) from disposal of discontinued operations, net of tax | ( | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax | ( | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net income (loss) attributable to CCIC stockholders | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Dividends/distributions on preferred stock | ( | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Net income (loss) attributable to CCIC common stockholders | $ | $ | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||||||
| Net income (loss) | $ | $ | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||||||
| Other comprehensive income (loss): | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Foreign currency translation adjustments | ( | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total other comprehensive income (loss) | ( | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to CCIC stockholders | $ | $ | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||||||
Net income (loss) attributable to CCIC common stockholders, per common share: | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Income (loss) from continuing operations, basic | $ | $ | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||||||
| Income (loss) from discontinued operations, basic | ( | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net income (loss) attributable to CCIC common stockholders—basic | $ | $ | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||||||
| Income (loss) from continuing operations, diluted | $ | $ | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||||||
| Income (loss) from discontinued operations, diluted | ( | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net income (loss) attributable to CCIC common stockholders—diluted | $ | $ | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||||||
| Weighted-average common shares outstanding: | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Basic | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Diluted | |||||||||||||||||||||||
(a)Exclusive of depreciation, amortization and accretion shown separately.
See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.
4
CROWN CASTLE INTERNATIONAL CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS (Unaudited)
(In millions of dollars)
| Nine Months Ended September 30, | |||||||||||
| 2021 | 2020 | ||||||||||
| Cash flows from operating activities: | |||||||||||
| Income (loss) from continuing operations | $ | $ | |||||||||
| Adjustments to reconcile income (loss) from continuing operations to net cash provided by (used for) operating activities: | |||||||||||
| Depreciation, amortization and accretion | |||||||||||
| (Gains) losses on retirement of long-term obligations | |||||||||||
| Amortization of deferred financing costs and other non-cash interest, net | |||||||||||
| Stock-based compensation expense | |||||||||||
| Asset write-down charges | |||||||||||
| Deferred income tax (benefit) provision | |||||||||||
| Other non-cash adjustments, net | |||||||||||
| Changes in assets and liabilities, excluding the effects of acquisitions: | |||||||||||
| Increase (decrease) in accrued interest | ( | ( | |||||||||
| Increase (decrease) in accounts payable | ( | ||||||||||
Increase (decrease) in other liabilities | ( | ||||||||||
| Decrease (increase) in receivables | ( | ||||||||||
Decrease (increase) in other assets | ( | ( | |||||||||
| Net cash provided by (used for) operating activities | |||||||||||
| Cash flows from investing activities: | |||||||||||
| Capital expenditures | ( | ( | |||||||||
| Payments for acquisitions, net of cash acquired | ( | ( | |||||||||
| Other investing activities, net | ( | ||||||||||
| Net cash provided by (used for) investing activities | ( | ( | |||||||||
| Cash flows from financing activities: | |||||||||||
| Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt | |||||||||||
| Principal payments on debt and other long-term obligations | ( | ( | |||||||||
| Purchases and redemptions of long-term debt | ( | ( | |||||||||
| Borrowings under revolving credit facility | |||||||||||
| Payments under revolving credit facility | ( | ( | |||||||||
| Net issuances (repayments) under commercial paper program | ( | ||||||||||
| Payments for financing costs | ( | ( | |||||||||
| Purchases of common stock | ( | ( | |||||||||
| Dividends/distributions paid on common stock | ( | ( | |||||||||
| Dividends/distributions paid on preferred stock | ( | ||||||||||
| Net cash provided by (used for) financing activities | ( | ( | |||||||||
| Net increase (decrease) in cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash - continuing operations | |||||||||||
| Discontinued operations (see note 6): | |||||||||||
| Net cash provided by (used for) operating activities | ( | ||||||||||
| Net increase (decrease) in cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash - discontinued operations | ( | ||||||||||
| Effect of exchange rate changes | |||||||||||
| Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash at beginning of period | |||||||||||
| Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash at end of period | $ | $ | |||||||||
See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.
5
CROWN CASTLE INTERNATIONAL CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF EQUITY
(Amounts in millions) (Unaudited)
| Common Stock | 6.875% Mandatory Convertible Preferred Stock | Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) ("AOCI") | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Shares | ($0.01 Par) | Shares | ($0.01 Par) | Additional paid-in capital | Foreign Currency Translation Adjustments | Dividends/Distributions in Excess of Earnings | Total | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Balance, June 30, 2021 | $ | $ | $ | $ | ( | $ | ( | $ | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Stock-based compensation related activity, net of forfeitures | — | — | — | — | — | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Purchases and retirement of common stock | — | — | — | — | ( | — | — | ( | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Other comprehensive income (loss)(a) | — | — | — | — | — | ( | — | ( | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Common stock dividends/distributions(b) | — | — | — | — | — | — | ( | ( | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net income (loss) | — | — | — | — | — | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Balance, September 30, 2021 | $ | $ | $ | $ | ( | $ | ( | $ | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Common Stock | 6.875% Mandatory Convertible Preferred Stock | AOCI | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Shares | ($0.01 Par) | Shares | ($0.01 Par) | Additional paid-in capital | Foreign Currency Translation Adjustments | Dividends/Distributions in Excess of Earnings | Total | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Balance, June 30, 2020 | $ | $ | $ | $ | ( | $ | ( | $ | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Stock-based compensation related activity, net of forfeitures | — | — | — | — | — | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Purchases and retirement of common stock | — | — | — | — | ( | — | — | ( | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Other comprehensive income (loss)(a) | — | — | — | — | — | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Common stock dividends/distributions(b) | — | — | — | — | — | — | ( | ( | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Conversion of preferred stock to common stock | — | ( | — | — | — | — | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net income (loss) | — | — | — | — | — | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Balance, September 30, 2020 | $ | $ | $ | $ | ( | $ | ( | $ | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
(a)See the condensed consolidated statement of operations and other comprehensive income (loss) for the components of other comprehensive income (loss).
(b)See note 7 for information regarding common and preferred stock dividends declared per share.
6
CROWN CASTLE INTERNATIONAL CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF EQUITY
(Amounts in millions) (Unaudited)
| Common Stock | 6.875% Mandatory Convertible Preferred Stock | AOCI | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Shares | ($0.01 Par) | Shares | ($0.01 Par) | Additional paid-in capital | Foreign Currency Translation Adjustments | Dividends/Distributions in Excess of Earnings | Total | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Balance, December 31, 2020 | $ | $ | $ | $ | ( | $ | ( | $ | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Stock-based compensation related activity, net of forfeitures | — | — | — | — | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Purchases and retirement of common stock | — | — | — | — | ( | — | — | ( | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Other comprehensive income (loss)(a) | — | — | — | — | — | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Common stock dividends/distributions(b) | — | — | — | — | — | — | ( | ( | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net income (loss) | — | — | — | — | — | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Balance, September 30, 2021 | $ | $ | $ | $ | ( | $ | ( | $ | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Common Stock | 6.875% Mandatory Convertible Preferred Stock | AOCI | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Shares | ($0.01 Par) | Shares | ($0.01 Par) | Additional paid-in capital | Foreign Currency Translation Adjustments | Dividends/Distributions in Excess of Earnings | Total | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Balance, December 31, 2019 | $ | $ | $ | $ | ( | $ | ( | $ | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Stock-based compensation related activity, net of forfeitures | — | — | — | — | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Purchases and retirement of common stock | — | — | — | — | ( | — | — | ( | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Other comprehensive income (loss)(b) | — | — | — | — | — | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Common stock dividends/distributions(b) | — | — | — | — | — | — | ( | ( | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Preferred stock dividends/distributions(b) | — | — | — | — | — | — | ( | ( | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Conversion of preferred stock to common stock | — | ( | — | — | — | — | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net income (loss) | — | — | — | — | — | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Balance, September 30, 2020 | $ | $ | $ | $ | ( | $ | ( | $ | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
(a)See the condensed consolidated statement of operations and other comprehensive income (loss) for the components of other comprehensive income (loss).
(b)See note 7 for information regarding common and preferred stock dividends declared per share.
7
CROWN CASTLE INTERNATIONAL CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-Unaudited
(Tabular dollars in millions, except per share amounts)
1.General
The information contained in the following notes to the condensed consolidated financial statements is condensed from that which would appear in the annual consolidated financial statements; accordingly, the condensed consolidated financial statements included herein should be reviewed in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2020, and related notes thereto, included in the 2020 Form 10-K filed by Crown Castle International Corp. ("CCIC") with the SEC. Capitalized terms used but not defined in these notes to the condensed consolidated financial statements have the same meaning given to them in the 2020 Form 10-K. References to the "Company" refer to CCIC and its predecessor, as applicable, and their subsidiaries, unless otherwise indicated or the context indicates otherwise. As used herein, the term "including," and any variation thereof means "including without limitation." The use of the word "or" herein is not exclusive. Unless the context suggests otherwise, references to "U.S." are to the United States of America and Puerto Rico, collectively.
The Company owns, operates and leases shared communications infrastructure that is geographically dispersed throughout the U.S., including (1) towers and other structures, such as rooftops (collectively, "towers"), and (2) fiber primarily supporting small cell networks ("small cells") and fiber solutions. The Company's towers, fiber and small cells assets are collectively referred to herein as "communications infrastructure," and the Company's customers on its communications infrastructure are referred to herein as "tenants."
The Company's core business is providing access, including space or capacity, to its shared communications infrastructure via long-term contracts in various forms, including lease, license, sublease and service agreements (collectively, "tenant contracts").
The Company's operating segments consist of (1) Towers and (2) Fiber. See note 10.
As part of the Company's effort to provide comprehensive communications infrastructure solutions, as an ancillary business, the Company also offers certain services primarily relating to its Towers segment, predominately consisting of (1) site development services primarily relating to existing or new tenant equipment installations, including: site acquisition, architectural and engineering, or zoning and permitting (collectively, "site development services") and (2) tenant equipment installation or subsequent augmentations (collectively, "installation services").
The Company operates as a REIT for U.S. federal income tax purposes. In addition, the Company has certain taxable REIT subsidiaries ("TRSs"). See note 6.
Approximately 53 % of the Company's towers are leased or subleased or operated and managed under master leases, subleases, and other agreements with AT&T and T-Mobile, including agreements assumed by T-Mobile following its merger with Sprint, completed on April 1, 2020. The Company has the option to purchase these towers at the end of their respective lease terms. The Company has no obligation to exercise such purchase options.
Basis of Presentation
The condensed consolidated financial statements included herein are unaudited; however, they include all adjustments (consisting only of normal recurring adjustments) which, in the opinion of management, are necessary to state fairly the consolidated financial position of the Company at September 30, 2021, the condensed consolidated results of operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2021 and 2020, and the condensed consolidated cash flows for the nine months ended September 30, 2021 and 2020. The year-end condensed consolidated balance sheet data was derived from audited financial statements, but does not include all disclosures required by GAAP. The results of operations for the interim periods presented are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the full year.
8
2.Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements
No accounting pronouncements adopted during the nine months ended September 30, 2021 had a material impact on the Company's condensed consolidated financial statements.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements Not Yet Adopted
No new accounting pronouncements issued but not yet adopted are expected to have a material impact on the Company's condensed consolidated financial statements.
3.Revenues
Site rental revenues
The Company generates site rental revenues from its core business by providing tenants with access, including space or capacity, to its shared communications infrastructure via long-term tenant contracts in various forms, including lease, license, sublease and service agreements. Providing such access over the length of the tenant contract term represents the Company’s sole performance obligation under its tenant contracts.
Site rental revenues from the Company's tenant contracts are recognized on a straight-line, ratable basis over the fixed, non-cancelable term of the relevant tenant contract, which generally ranges from five to 15 years for wireless tenants and three to 20 years for the Company's fiber solutions tenants (including from organizations with high-bandwidth and multi-location demands), regardless of whether the payments from the tenant are received in equal monthly amounts during the life of the tenant contract. Certain of the Company's tenant contracts contain (1) fixed escalation clauses (such as fixed dollar or fixed percentage increases) or inflation-based escalation clauses (such as those tied to the CPI), (2) multiple renewal periods exercisable at the tenant's option and (3) only limited termination rights at the applicable tenant's option through the current term. If the payment terms call for fixed escalations, upfront payments, or rent-free periods, the revenue is recognized on a straight-line basis over the fixed, non-cancelable term of the agreement. When calculating straight-line rental revenues, the Company considers all fixed elements of tenant contractual escalation provisions, even if such escalation provisions contain a variable element in addition to a minimum. The Company's assets related to straight-line site rental revenues include current amounts of $125 million included in "Other current assets" and non-current amounts of $1.5 billion included in "Deferred site rental receivables" as of September 30, 2021. Amounts billed or received prior to being earned are deferred and reflected in "Deferred revenues" and "Other long-term liabilities." Amounts to which the Company has an unconditional right to payment, which are related to both satisfied or partially satisfied performance obligations, are recorded within "Receivables, net" on the Company's condensed consolidated balance sheet.
Services and other revenues
As part of the Company’s effort to provide comprehensive communications infrastructure solutions, as an ancillary business, the Company offers certain services primarily relating to its Towers segment, predominately consisting of (1) site development services and (2) installation services. Upon contract commencement, the Company assesses its services to tenants and identifies performance obligations for each promise to provide a distinct service.
The Company may have multiple performance obligations for site development services, which primarily include: structural analysis, zoning, permitting and construction drawings. For each of the above performance obligations, services revenues are recognized at completion of the applicable performance obligation, which represents the point at which the Company believes it has transferred goods or services to the tenant. The revenue recognized is based on an allocation of the transaction price among the performance obligations in a respective contract based on estimated standalone selling price. The volume and mix of site development services may vary among contracts and may include a combination of some or all of the above performance obligations. Payments generally are due within 45 to 60 days and generally do not contain variable-consideration provisions. The transaction price for the Company's tower installation services consists of amounts for (1) permanent improvements to the Company's towers that represent a lease component and (2) the performance of the service. Amounts under the Company's tower installation service agreements that represent a lease component are recognized as site rental revenues on a straight-line basis over the length of the associated estimated lease term. For the performance of the installation service, the Company has one performance obligation, which is satisfied at the time of the applicable installation or augmentation and recognized as services and other revenues. Since performance obligations are typically satisfied prior to
9
receiving payment from tenants, the unconditional right to payment is recorded within "Receivables, net" on the Company’s condensed consolidated balance sheet. The vast majority of the Company’s services generally have a duration of one year or less.
Additional information on revenues
As of January 1, 2021 and September 30, 2021, $2.8 billion and $2.7 billion of unrecognized revenue was reported in "Deferred revenues" and "Other long-term liabilities" on our condensed consolidated balance sheet, respectively. During the nine months ended September 30, 2021, approximately $455 million of the January 1, 2021 unrecognized revenue balance was recognized as revenue. During the nine months ended September 30, 2020, approximately $440 million of the January 1, 2020 unrecognized revenue balance was recognized as revenue.
The following table is a summary of the non-cancelable contracted amounts owed to the Company by tenants pursuant to tenant contracts in effect as of September 30, 2021.
| Three Months Ending December 31, | Years Ending December 31, | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 | 2025 | Thereafter | Total | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Contracted amounts(a) | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
(a)Based on the nature of the contract, tenant contracts are accounted for pursuant to relevant lease accounting (ASC 842) or revenue accounting (ASC 606) guidance. Excludes amounts related to services, as those contracts generally have a duration of one year or less.
See note 10 for further information regarding the Company's operating segments.
10
4.Debt and Other Obligations
The table below sets forth the Company's debt and other obligations as of September 30, 2021.
| Original Issue Date | Final Maturity Date(a) | Balance as of September 30, 2021 | Balance as of December 31, 2020 | Stated Interest Rate as of September 30, 2021(a) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 3.849% Secured Notes | Dec. 2012 | Apr. 2023 | $ | $ | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Secured Notes, Series 2009-1, Class A-2 | July 2009 | Aug. 2029 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Tower Revenue Notes, Series 2015-1 | May 2015 | May 2042 | (h) | N/A | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Tower Revenue Notes, Series 2018-1 | July 2018 | July 2043 | (b) | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Tower Revenue Notes, Series 2015-2 | May 2015 | May 2045 | (b) | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Tower Revenue Notes, Series 2018-2 | July 2018 | July 2048 | (b) | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Finance leases and other obligations | Various | Various | (c) | Various | (c) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Total secured debt | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2016 Revolver | Jan. 2016 | June 2026 | (i) | $ | (d) | $ | N/A | (e) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2016 Term Loan A | Jan. 2016 | June 2026 | (g)(i) | % | (e) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Commercial Paper Notes | Sep. 2021 | (f) | Oct. 2021 | (f)(g)(h) | (f) | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 5.250% Senior Notes | Oct. 2012 | Jan. 2023 | (g) | N/A | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 3.150% Senior Notes | Jan. 2018 | July 2023 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 3.200% Senior Notes | Aug. 2017 | Sept. 2024 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1.350% Senior Notes | June 2020 | July 2025 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 4.450% Senior Notes | Feb. 2016 | Feb. 2026 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 3.700% Senior Notes | May 2016 | June 2026 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1.050% Senior Notes | Feb. 2021 | July 2026 | (g) | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 4.000% Senior Notes | Feb. 2017 | Mar. 2027 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 3.650% Senior Notes | Aug. 2017 | Sept. 2027 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 3.800% Senior Notes | Jan. 2018 | Feb. 2028 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 4.300% Senior Notes | Feb. 2019 | Feb. 2029 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 3.100% Senior Notes | Aug. 2019 | Nov. 2029 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 3.300% Senior Notes | Apr. 2020 | July 2030 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2.250% Senior Notes | June 2020 | Jan. 2031 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2.100% Senior Notes | Feb. 2021 | Apr. 2031 | (g) | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2.500% Senior Notes | June 2021 | July 2031 | (h) | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2.900% Senior Notes | Feb. 2021 | Apr. 2041 | (g) | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 4.750% Senior Notes | May 2017 | May 2047 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 5.200% Senior Notes | Feb. 2019 | Feb. 2049 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 4.000% Senior Notes | Aug. 2019 | Nov. 2049 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 4.150% Senior Notes | Apr. 2020 | July 2050 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 3.250% Senior Notes | June 2020 | Jan. 2051 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Total unsecured debt | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total debt and other obligations | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Less: current maturities and short-term debt and other current obligations | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Non-current portion of long-term debt and other long-term obligations | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
(a)See the 2020 Form 10-K, including note 7, for additional information regarding the maturity and principal amortization provisions and interest rates relating to the Company's indebtedness.
(b)If the respective series of Tower Revenue Notes are not paid in full on or prior to an applicable anticipated repayment date, then Excess Cash Flow (as defined in the indenture) of the issuers of such notes will be used to repay principal of the applicable series and class of the Tower Revenue Notes, and additional interest (of an additional approximately 5 % per annum) will accrue on the respective Tower Revenue Notes. As of September 30, 2021, the Tower Revenue Notes have principal amounts of $250 million, $700 million and $750 million, with anticipated repayment dates in 2023, 2025 and 2028, respectively.
(c)The Company's finance leases and other obligations relate to land, fiber, vehicles, and other assets and bear interest rates ranging up to 10 % and mature in periods ranging from less than one year to approximately 25 years .
(d)As of September 30, 2021, the undrawn availability under the 2016 Revolver was $5.0 billion.
11
(e)Both the 2016 Revolver and 2016 Term Loan A bear interest, at our option, at either (1) LIBOR plus a credit spread ranging from 0.875 % to 1.750 % per annum or (2) an alternate base rate plus a credit spread ranging from 0.000 % to 0.750 % per annum, in each case, with the applicable credit spread based on the Company's senior unsecured debt rating. The Company pays a commitment fee ranging from 0.080 % to 0.300 %, based on the Company's senior unsecured debt rating, per annum on the undrawn available amount under the 2016 Revolver. See note (i) for information regarding (1) potential adjustments to such percentages and (2) LIBOR transition provisions.
(f)Notes under the CP Program may be issued, repaid and re-issued from time to time, with an aggregate principal amount of Commercial Paper Notes outstanding under the CP Program at any time not to exceed $1.0 billion. The net proceeds of the Commercial Paper Notes are expected to be used for general corporate purposes. The maturities of the Commercial Paper Notes, when outstanding, may vary but may not exceed 397 days from the date of issue. The Commercial Paper Notes are issued under customary terms in the commercial paper market and are issued at a discount from par or, alternatively, can be issued at par and bear varying interest rates on a fixed or floating basis. As of September 30, 2021, the Company had net issuances of $665 million under the CP Program. At any point in time, the Company intends to maintain available commitments under its 2016 Revolver in an amount at least equal to the amount of Commercial Paper Notes outstanding. While any outstanding Commercial Paper Notes generally have short-term maturities, the Company classifies the outstanding issuances, when applicable, as long-term based on its ability and intent to refinance the outstanding issuances on a long-term basis.
(g)In February 2021, the Company issued $3.25 billion aggregate principal amount of senior unsecured notes ("February 2021 Senior Notes"), which consisted of (1) $1.0 billion aggregate principal amount of 1.050 % senior unsecured notes due July 2026, (2) $1.0 billion aggregate principal amount of 2.100 % senior unsecured notes due April 2031 and (3) $1.25 billion aggregate principal amount of 2.900 % senior unsecured notes due April 2041. The Company used the net proceeds from the February 2021 Senior Notes offering to (1) redeem all of the outstanding 5.250 % Senior Notes, (2) repay a portion of the outstanding Commercial Paper Notes and (3) repay a portion of outstanding borrowings under the 2016 Term Loan A.
(h)In June 2021, the Company issued $750 million aggregate principal amount of 2.500 % senior unsecured notes due July 2031 ("June 2021 Senior Notes"). In June 2021, the Company used a portion of the net proceeds from the June 2021 Senior Notes offering (1) to repay outstanding Commercial Paper Notes and (2) for general corporate purposes. In July 2021, the Company used a portion of the net proceeds to repay in full the previously outstanding Tower Revenue Notes, Series 2015-1.
(i)In June 2021, the Company entered into an amendment to the Credit Facility that provided for, among other things, (1) the extension of the maturity date of the Credit Facility from June 2024 to June 2026, (2) reductions to the interest rate spread and unused commitment fee percentage upon meeting specified annual sustainability targets and increases to the interest rate spread and unused commitment fee percentage upon the failure to meet specified annual sustainability thresholds and (3) the inclusion of "hardwired" LIBOR transition provisions consistent with those published by the Alternative Reference Rate Committee. With respect to the specified annual sustainability targets, the applicable interest rate spread is subject to an upward or downward adjustment of up to 0.05 % and the unused commitment fee is subject to an upward or downward revision of up to 0.01 % if the Company achieves, or fails to achieve, certain specified targets.
Scheduled Principal Payments and Final Maturities
The following are the scheduled principal payments and final maturities of the total debt and other long-term obligations of the Company outstanding as of September 30, 2021, which do not consider the principal payments that will commence following the anticipated repayment dates on the Tower Revenue Notes.
| Three Months Ending December 31, | Years Ending December 31, | Unamortized Adjustments, Net | Total Debt and Other Obligations Outstanding | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 | 2025 | Thereafter | Total Cash Obligations | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Scheduled principal payments and final maturities | $ | (a) | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | ( | $ | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
(a)Predominately consists of outstanding indebtedness under the CP Program. Such amounts may be issued, repaid or re-issued from time to time.
Purchases and Redemptions of Long-Term Debt
The following is a summary of purchases and redemptions of long-term debt during the nine months ended September 30, 2021.
| Principal Amount | Cash Paid(a) | Gains (Losses)(b) | |||||||||||||||
| 5.250% Senior Notes | $ | $ | $ | ( | |||||||||||||
| 2016 Term Loan A | ( | ||||||||||||||||
| Tower Revenue Notes - Series 2015-1 | $ | $ | $ | ( | |||||||||||||
| Total | $ | $ | $ | ( | |||||||||||||
(a)Exclusive of accrued interest.
(b)Inclusive of the write off of respective deferred financing costs.
12
Interest Expense and Amortization of Deferred Financing Costs
The components of interest expense and amortization of deferred financing costs are as follows:
| Three Months Ended September 30, | Nine Months Ended September 30, | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2021 | 2020 | 2021 | 2020 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Interest expense on debt obligations | $ | $ | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||||||
| Amortization of deferred financing costs and adjustments on long-term debt | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Capitalized interest | ( | ( | ( | ( | |||||||||||||||||||
| Total | $ | $ | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||||||
5.Fair Value Disclosures
| Level in Fair Value Hierarchy | September 30, 2021 | December 31, 2020 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Carrying Amount | Fair Value | Carrying Amount | Fair Value | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Assets: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Cash and cash equivalents | 1 | $ | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Restricted cash, current and non-current | 1 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Liabilities: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total debt and other obligations | 2 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
6.Income Taxes
The Company operates as a REIT for U.S. federal income tax purposes. As a REIT, the Company is generally entitled to a deduction for dividends that it pays and therefore is not subject to U.S. federal corporate income tax on its net taxable income that is currently distributed to its stockholders. The Company also may be subject to certain federal, state, local and foreign taxes on its income and assets, including (1) taxes on any undistributed income, (2) taxes related to the TRSs, (3) franchise taxes, (4) property taxes, and (5) transfer taxes. In addition, the Company could under certain circumstances be required to pay an excise or penalty tax, which could be significant in amount, in order to utilize one or more relief provisions under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, to maintain qualification for taxation as a REIT.
The Company's TRS assets and operations will continue to be subject, as applicable, to federal and state corporate income taxes or to foreign taxes in the jurisdictions in which such assets and operations are located. The Company's foreign assets and operations (including its tower operations in Puerto Rico) are subject to foreign income taxes in the jurisdictions in which such assets and operations are located, regardless of whether they are included in a TRS or not.
For the nine months ended September 30, 2021 and 2020, the Company's effective tax rate differed from the federal statutory rate predominately due to the Company's REIT status, including the dividends paid deduction.
On April 26, 2021, the Company entered into an agreement in principle with the ATO to pay approximately $63 million (A$83 million) to settle the previously disclosed outstanding audit of the Australian tax consequences of the Company’s 2015 sale of Crown Castle Australia Holdings Pty Ltd ("CCAL"), formerly a 77.6 % owned Australian subsidiary of the Company ("ATO Settlement"). The sale of CCAL generated approximately $1.2 billion in net proceeds to the Company, and resulted in a gain from the disposal of discontinued operations of $979 million for the year ended December 31, 2015.
The Company previously recognized the ATO Settlement as a charge within discontinued operations in its condensed consolidated statement of operations and comprehensive income (loss) for the three months ended March 31, 2021, as this
13
amount represented a reduction to the gain from the disposal of discontinued operations previously reported during the year ended December 31, 2015.
On June 16, 2021, the Company entered into a definitive settlement agreement with the ATO evidencing the ATO Settlement. On July 1, 2021, the Company paid approximately $62 million (A$83 million), based on the exchange rate in effect on that date, pursuant to the ATO Settlement, which is reflected within discontinued operations on the Company's consolidated statement of cash flows for the nine months ended September 30, 2021.
7.Per Share Information
Basic net income (loss) attributable to CCIC common stockholders, per common share, excludes dilution and is computed by dividing net income (loss) attributable to CCIC common stockholders by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding during the period. For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2021 and 2020, diluted net income (loss) attributable to CCIC common stockholders, per common share, is computed by dividing net income (loss) attributable to CCIC common stockholders by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding during the period, plus any potential dilutive common share equivalents, including shares issuable upon (1) the vesting of restricted stock units as determined under the treasury stock method and (2) conversion of the Company's previously outstanding 6.875% Mandatory Convertible Preferred Stock, as applicable, as determined under the if-converted method.
| Three Months Ended September 30, | Nine Months Ended September 30, | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2021 | 2020 | 2021 | 2020 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Income (loss) from continuing operations | $ | $ | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||||||
| Dividends on preferred stock | ( | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Income (loss) from continuing operations attributable to CCIC common stockholders for basic and diluted computations | $ | $ | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||||||
| Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax | $ | $ | $ | ( | $ | ||||||||||||||||||
| Net income (loss) attributable to CCIC common stockholders | $ | $ | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||||||
| Weighted-average number of common shares outstanding (in millions): | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Basic weighted-average number of common stock outstanding | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Effect of assumed dilution from potential issuance of common shares relating to restricted stock units | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Diluted weighted-average number of common shares outstanding | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Net income (loss) attributable to CCIC common stockholders, per common share: | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Income (loss) from continuing operations, basic | $ | $ | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||||||
| Income (loss) from discontinued operations, basic | ( | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net income (loss) attributable to CCIC common stockholders—basic | $ | $ | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||||||
| Income (loss) from continuing operations, diluted | $ | $ | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||||||
| Income (loss) from discontinued operations, diluted | ( | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net income (loss) attributable to CCIC common stockholders—diluted | $ | $ | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||||||
| Dividends/distributions declared per share of common stock | $ | $ | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||||||
| Dividends/distributions declared per share of preferred stock | $ | $ | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||||||
14
8.Commitments and Contingencies
Shareholder Litigation
As previously disclosed, securities class action suits were filed in 2020 against the Company and certain of its current officers, which suits were dismissed without prejudice in June 2021. Also in 2020, derivative lawsuits were filed in the United States District Court for the District of Delaware against the Company's then-current directors, certain of its current officers, and the Company as a nominal defendant. Each complaint alleged, among other things, breaches of fiduciary duties, waste of corporate assets, unjust enrichment, and false or misleading statements. The derivative plaintiffs sought, among other things, unspecified monetary damages, costs and expenses, restitution from the defendants, and an order requiring the Company to implement certain corporate governance reforms. As a nominal defendant, no monetary relief was sought against the Company itself. In June 2020, the derivative lawsuits were consolidated as In re Crown Castle International Corp. Derivative Litigation, C.A. No. 20-00606-MN in the United States District Court for the District of Delaware. On July 27, 2021, the plaintiffs in the consolidated case filed a notice of voluntary dismissal of the lawsuit without prejudice, and on that same day, the court entered an order effectuating that dismissal.
Durham Lawsuits
The Company has received notices of claims and has been named as one of several defendants in lawsuits stemming from an April 2019 gas leak explosion in Durham, North Carolina, which occurred near an area where the Company's subcontractors were installing fiber. The explosion resulted in two fatalities, physical injuries (some of which were serious), and property damage to surrounding buildings and businesses. Currently, the Company is unable to determine the likelihood of an outcome or estimate a range of possible losses, if any, related to these lawsuits.
New York State Department of Transportation
In 2019, the State of New York passed legislation authorizing the Department of Transportation ("NYSDOT") to enter into agreements with any fiber provider for the use and occupancy of the state right-of-way for fiber optic lines. The legislation authorizes the NYSDOT to charge a fee of up to fair market value for such use and occupancy. To date, the Company has paid fees relating to newly deployed fiber lines but has not been required to pay, and has not recognized any costs in connection with, any fees relating to previously deployed fiber lines.
The Company believes that the legislation violates both federal and state law and is evaluating its legal options regarding any use and occupancy fees that may be assessed on previously deployed fiber. Currently, the Company is unable to determine the likelihood of an outcome or reasonably estimate the amount of fees, if any, that it may be required to pay as a result of the legislation.
Other Matters
15
9.Equity
Declaration and Payment of Dividends
During the nine months ended September 30, 2021, the following dividends/distributions were declared or paid:
| Equity Type | Declaration Date | Record Date | Payment Date | Dividends Per Share | Aggregate Payment Amount(a) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Common Stock | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Common Stock | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Common Stock | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
(a)Inclusive of dividends accrued for holders of unvested restricted stock units, which will be paid when and if the restricted stock units vest.
See also note 12 for a discussion of the Company's common stock dividend declared in October 2021.
Purchases of the Company's Common Stock
For the nine months ended September 30, 2021, the Company purchased 0.4 million shares of its common stock utilizing $69 million in cash. The shares of common stock purchased relate to shares withheld in connection with the payment of withholding taxes upon vesting of restricted stock units.
2018 "At-the-Market" Stock Offering Program
The Company previously maintained an "at-the-market" stock offering program through which it had the right to issue and sell shares of its common stock having an aggregate gross sales price of up to $750 million ("2018 ATM Program"). The Company terminated its previously outstanding 2018 ATM Program in March 2021 with the entire gross sales price of $750 million remaining unsold.
2021 "At-the-Market" Stock Offering Program
In March 2021, the Company established a new "at-the-market" stock offering program through which it may issue and sell shares of its common stock having an aggregate gross sales price of up to $750 million ("2021 ATM Program"). Sales under the 2021 ATM Program may be made by means of ordinary brokers' transactions on the NYSE or otherwise at market prices prevailing at the time of sale, at prices related to prevailing market prices or, subject to the Company's specific instructions, at negotiated prices. The Company intends to use the net proceeds from any sales under the 2021 ATM Program for general corporate purposes, which may include (1) the funding of future acquisitions or investments or (2) the repayment or repurchase of any outstanding indebtedness. The Company has not sold any shares of common stock under the 2021 ATM Program.
10.Operating Segments
The Company's operating segments consist of (1) Towers and (2) Fiber. The Towers segment provides access, including space or capacity, to the Company's approximately 40,000 towers geographically dispersed throughout the U.S. The Towers segment also reflects certain ancillary services relating to the Company's towers, predominately consisting of site development services and installation services. The Fiber segment provides access, including space or capacity, to the Company's approximately 80,000 route miles of fiber primarily supporting small cell networks and fiber solutions geographically dispersed throughout the U.S.
The measurements of profit or loss used by the Company's chief operating decision maker ("CODM") to evaluate the performance of its operating segments are (1) segment site rental gross margin, (2) segment services and other gross margin and (3) segment operating profit. The Company defines segment site rental gross margin as segment site rental revenues less segment site rental cost of operations, which excludes stock-based compensation expense and prepaid lease purchase price adjustments recorded in consolidated cost of operations. The Company defines segment services and other gross margin as segment services and other revenues less segment services and other cost of operations, which excludes stock-based compensation expense recorded in consolidated cost of operations. The Company defines segment operating profit as segment site rental gross margin plus segment services and other gross margin, and segment other operating (income) expense, less
16
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.
The following tables set forth the Company's segment operating results for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2021 and 2020. Costs that are directly attributable to Towers and Fiber are assigned to those respective segments. Additionally, certain costs are shared across segments and are reflected in the Company's segment measures through allocations that management believes to be reasonable. The "Other" column (1) represents amounts excluded from specific segments, such as 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, interest income, other income (expense), income (loss) from discontinued operations, and stock-based compensation expense, and (2) reconciles segment operating profit to income (loss) before income taxes, as the amounts are not utilized in assessing each segment’s performance. The "Other" total assets balance includes corporate assets such as cash and cash equivalents which have not been allocated to specific segments. There are no significant revenues resulting from transactions between the Company's operating segments.
17
| Three Months Ended September 30, 2021 | Three Months Ended September 30, 2020 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Towers | Fiber | Other | Consolidated Total | Towers | Fiber | Other | Consolidated Total | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Segment site rental revenues | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Segment services and other revenues | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Segment revenues | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Segment site rental cost of operations | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Segment services and other cost of operations | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Segment cost of operations(a)(b) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Segment site rental gross margin | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Segment services and other gross margin | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Segment selling, general and administrative expenses(b) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Segment operating profit (loss) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Other selling, general and administrative expenses | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Stock-based compensation expense | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Depreciation, amortization and accretion | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Interest expense and amortization of deferred financing costs | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Other (income) expenses to reconcile to income (loss) before income taxes(c) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Income (loss) before income taxes | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Capital expenditures | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total assets (at period end) | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
(a)Exclusive of depreciation, amortization and accretion shown separately.
(b)Segment cost of operations excludes (1) stock-based compensation of $6 4 million and $5 million for the three months ended September 30, 2021 and 2020, respectively. Selling, general and administrative expenses exclude stock-based compensation expense of $27
(c)See condensed consolidated statement of operations for further information.
18
| Nine Months Ended September 30, 2021 | Nine Months Ended September 30, 2020 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Towers | Fiber | Other | Consolidated Total | Towers | Fiber | Other | Consolidated Total | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Segment site rental revenues | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Segment services and other revenues | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Segment revenues | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Segment site rental cost of operations | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Segment services and other cost of operations | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Segment cost of operations(a)(b) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Segment site rental gross margin | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Segment services and other gross margin | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Segment selling, general and administrative expenses(b) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Segment operating profit (loss) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Other selling, general and administrative expenses | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Stock-based compensation expense | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Depreciation, amortization and accretion | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Interest expense and amortization of deferred financing costs | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Other (income) expenses to reconcile to income (loss) before income taxes(c) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Income (loss) before income taxes | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Capital expenditures | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
(a)Exclusive of depreciation, amortization and accretion shown separately.
(b)Segment cost of operations excludes (1) stock-based compensation expense of $16 million and $19 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2021 and 2020, respectively, and (2) prepaid lease purchase price adjustments of $14 84 million and $87 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2021 and 2020, respectively.
19
11.Supplemental Cash Flow Information
The following table is a summary of the Company's supplemental cash flow information:
| Nine Months Ended September 30, | |||||||||||
| 2021 | 2020 | ||||||||||
| Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information: | |||||||||||
Cash payments related to operating lease liabilities(a) | $ | $ | |||||||||
| Interest paid | |||||||||||
| Income taxes paid | |||||||||||
| Supplemental disclosure of non-cash operating, investing and financing activities: | |||||||||||
| New ROU assets obtained in exchange for operating lease liabilities | |||||||||||
| Increase (decrease) in accounts payable for purchases of property and equipment | ( | ||||||||||
| Purchase of property and equipment under finance leases and installment purchases | |||||||||||
(a)Excludes the Company's contingent payments pursuant to operating leases, which are recorded as expense in the period such contingencies are resolved.
The reconciliation of cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash reported within various lines on the condensed consolidated balance sheet to amounts reported in the condensed consolidated statement of cash flows is shown below.
| September 30, 2021 | December 31, 2020 | ||||||||||
| Cash and cash equivalents | $ | $ | |||||||||
| Restricted cash, current | |||||||||||
| Restricted cash reported within other assets, net | |||||||||||
| Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash | $ | $ | |||||||||
12.Subsequent Events
Common Stock Dividend
On October 18, 2021, the Company's board of directors declared a quarterly cash dividend of $1.47 per common share. The quarterly dividend will be payable on December 31, 2021 to common stockholders of record as of December 15, 2021.
20
ITEM 2.MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
The following discussion should be read in conjunction with the response to Part I, Item 1 of this report and the consolidated financial statements of the Company including the related notes and "Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" ("MD&A") included in the 2020 Form 10-K.
General Overview
Overview
We own, operate and lease shared communications infrastructure that is geographically dispersed throughout the U.S., including approximately (1) 40,000 towers and (2) 80,000 route miles of fiber primarily supporting small cells and fiber solutions.
Our towers have a significant presence in the top 100 basic trading areas ("BTAs"), and the majority of our small cells and fiber is located in major metropolitan areas. Site rental revenues represented 90% of our third quarter 2021 consolidated net revenues. Our Towers segment and Fiber segment accounted for 67% and 33%, respectively, of our third quarter 2021 site rental revenues. Within our Fiber segment, 68% and 32% of our third quarter 2021 Fiber site rental revenues related to fiber solutions and small cells, respectively. See note 10 to our condensed consolidated financial statements. The vast majority of our site rental revenues is of a recurring nature and is subject to long-term tenant contracts with our tenants.
Strategy
As a leading provider of shared communications infrastructure in the U.S., our strategy is to create long-term stockholder value via a combination of (1) growing cash flows generated from our existing portfolio of communications infrastructure, (2) returning a meaningful portion of our cash generated by operating activities to our common stockholders in the form of dividends and (3) investing capital efficiently to grow cash flows and long-term dividends per share. Our strategy is based, in part, on our belief that the U.S. is the most attractive market for shared communications infrastructure investment with the greatest long-term growth potential. We measure our efforts to create "long-term stockholder value" by the combined payment of dividends to stockholders and growth in our per-share results. The key elements of our strategy are to:
•Grow cash flows from our existing communications infrastructure. We are focused on maximizing the recurring site rental cash flows generated from providing our tenants with long-term access to our shared infrastructure assets, which we believe is the core driver of value for our stockholders. Tenant additions or modifications of existing tenant equipment (collectively, "tenant additions") enable our tenants to expand coverage and capacity in order to meet increasing demand for data while generating high incremental returns for our business. We believe our product offerings of towers and small cells provide a comprehensive solution to our wireless tenants' growing network needs through our shared communications infrastructure model, which is an efficient and cost-effective way to serve our tenants. Additionally, we believe our ability to share our fiber assets across multiple tenants to deploy both small cells and offer fiber solutions allows us to generate cash flows and increase stockholder return.
•Return cash generated by operating activities to common stockholders in the form of dividends. We believe that distributing a meaningful portion of our cash generated by operating activities appropriately provides common stockholders with increased certainty for a portion of expected long-term stockholder value while still allowing us to retain sufficient flexibility to invest in our business and deliver growth. We believe this decision reflects the translation of the high-quality, long-term contractual cash flows of our business into stable capital returns to common stockholders.
•Invest capital efficiently to grow cash flows and long-term dividends per share. In addition to adding tenants to existing communications infrastructure, we seek to invest our available capital, including the net cash generated by our operating activities and external financing sources, in a manner that will increase long-term stockholder value on a risk-adjusted basis. These investments include constructing and acquiring new communications infrastructure that we expect will generate future cash flow growth and attractive long-term returns by adding tenants to those assets over time. Our historical investments have included the following (in no particular order):
◦construction of towers, fiber and small cells;
◦acquisitions of towers, fiber and small cells;
◦acquisitions of land interests (which primarily relate to land assets under towers);
21
◦improvements and structural enhancements to our existing communications infrastructure;
◦purchases of shares of our common stock from time to time; and
◦purchases, repayments or redemptions of our debt.
Our strategy to create long-term stockholder value is based on our belief that there will be considerable future demand for our communications infrastructure based on the location of our assets and the rapid growth in the demand for data. We believe that such demand for our communications infrastructure will continue, will result in growth of our cash flows due to tenant additions on our existing communications infrastructure, and will create other growth opportunities for us, such as demand for newly constructed or acquired communications infrastructure, as described above. Further, we seek to augment the long-term value creation associated with growing our recurring site rental cash flows by offering certain ancillary site development and installation services within our Towers segment.
Highlights of Business Fundamentals and Results
•We operate as a REIT for U.S. federal income tax purposes
◦As a REIT, we are generally entitled to a deduction for dividends that we pay and therefore are not subject to U.S. federal corporate income tax on our taxable income that is distributed to our stockholders.
◦To remain qualified and taxed as a REIT, we will generally be required to annually distribute to our stockholders at least 90% of our REIT taxable income, after the utilization of our NOLs (determined without regard to the dividends paid deduction and excluding net capital gain).
◦See note 6 to our condensed consolidated financial statements for further discussion of our REIT status.
•Potential growth resulting from the increasing demand for data
◦We expect existing and potential new tenant demand for our communications infrastructure will result from (1) new technologies, (2) increased usage of mobile entertainment, mobile internet, and machine-to-machine applications, (3) adoption of other emerging and embedded wireless devices (including smartphones, laptops, tablets, wearables and other devices), (4) increasing smartphone penetration, (5) wireless carrier focus on expanding both network quality and capacity, including the use of both towers and small cells, (6) the adoption of other bandwidth-intensive applications (such as cloud services and video communications), (7) the availability of additional spectrum and (8) increased government initiatives to support connectivity throughout the U.S.
◦We expect U.S. wireless carriers will continue to focus on improving network quality and expanding capacity (including through 5G initiatives) by utilizing a combination of towers and small cells. We believe our product offerings of towers and small cells provide a comprehensive solution to our wireless tenants' growing communications infrastructure needs.
◦We expect organizations will continue to increase the usage of high-bandwidth applications that will require the utilization of more fiber infrastructure and fiber solutions, such as those we provide.
◦Within our Fiber segment, we are able to generate growth and returns for our stockholders by deploying our fiber for both small cells and fiber solutions tenants.
◦Tenant additions on our existing communications infrastructure are achieved at a low incremental operating cost, delivering high incremental returns.
•Substantially all of our communications infrastructure can accommodate additional tenancy, either as currently constructed or with appropriate modifications.
•Investing capital efficiently to grow long-term dividends per share (see also "Item 2. MD&A—General Overview—Strategy")
◦Discretionary capital expenditures of $836 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2021, predominately resulting from the construction of new communications infrastructure and improvements to existing communications infrastructure in order to support additional tenants.
◦We expect to continue to construct and acquire new communications infrastructure based on our tenants' needs and generate attractive long-term returns by adding additional tenants over time.
•Site rental revenues under long-term tenant contracts
◦Initial terms of five to 15 years for site rental revenues derived from wireless tenants, with contractual escalations and multiple renewal periods, exercisable at the option of the tenant, of five to 10 years each.
◦Initial terms that generally vary between three to 20 years for site rental revenues derived from our fiber solutions tenants (including from organizations with high-bandwidth and multi-location demands).
◦Weighted-average remaining term of approximately five years, exclusive of renewals exercisable at the tenants' option, currently representing approximately $32 billion of expected future cash inflows.
22
•Majority of our revenues from large wireless carriers
◦Approximately 74% of our site rental revenues were derived from T-Mobile, AT&T and Verizon Wireless for the nine months ended September 30, 2021.
•Majority of land under our towers under long-term control
◦Approximately 90% of our Towers site rental gross margin and approximately 80% of our Towers site rental gross margin is derived from towers located on land that we own or control for greater than 10 and 20 years, respectively. The aforementioned percentages include towers located on land that is owned, including through fee interests and perpetual easements, which represent approximately 40% of our Towers site rental gross margin.
•Majority of our fiber assets are located in major metropolitan areas and are on public rights-of-way.
•Minimal sustaining capital expenditure requirements
◦Sustaining capital expenditures represented approximately 1% of net revenues.
•Debt portfolio with long-dated maturities extended over multiple years, with the vast majority of such debt having a fixed rate (see note 4 to our condensed consolidated financial statements and "Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk" for a further discussion of our debt)
◦As of September 30, 2021, our outstanding debt has a weighted-average interest rate of 3.1% and weighted-average maturity of approximately nine years (assuming anticipated repayment dates on our outstanding Tower Revenue Notes).
◦91% of our debt has fixed rate coupons.
◦Our debt service coverage and leverage ratios are within their respective financial maintenance covenants.
•During 2021, we have completed the following financing activities (see notes 4 and 9 to our condensed consolidated financial statements)
◦In February 2021, we issued $3.25 billion aggregate principal amount of senior unsecured notes ("February 2021 Senior Notes"), which consisted of (1) $1.0 billion aggregate principal amount of 1.050% senior unsecured notes due July 2026, (2) $1.0 billion aggregate principal amount of 2.100% senior unsecured notes due April 2031 and (3) $1.25 billion aggregate principal amount of 2.900% senior unsecured notes due April 2041. We used the net proceeds from the February 2021 Senior Notes offering to (1) redeem all of the outstanding 5.250% Senior Notes, (2) repay the outstanding Commercial Paper Notes and (3) repay a portion of outstanding borrowings under the 2016 Term Loan A.
◦In March 2021, we terminated the previously outstanding 2018 ATM Program and established the 2021 ATM Program through which we may issue and sell shares of our common stock having an aggregate gross sales price of up to $750 million.
◦In June 2021, we issued $750 million aggregate principal amount of 2.500% senior unsecured notes due July 2031 ("June 2021 Senior Notes"). In June 2021, we used a portion of the net proceeds of the June 2021 Senior Notes offering (1) to repay outstanding Commercial Paper Notes and (2) for general corporate purposes. In July 2021, we used a portion of the net proceeds to repay in full the previously outstanding Tower Revenue Notes, Series 2015-1.
◦In June 2021, we entered into an amendment to the Credit Facility that provided for, among other things, (1) the extension of the maturity date of the Credit Facility from June 2024 to June 2026, (2) reductions to the interest rate spread and unused commitment fee percentage upon meeting specified annual sustainability targets and increases to the interest rate spread and unused commitment fee percentage upon the failure to meet specified annual sustainability thresholds and (3) the inclusion of "hardwired" LIBOR transition provisions consistent with those published by the Alternative Reference Rate Committee.
•Significant cash flows from operations
◦Net cash provided by operating activities was $2.1 billion for the nine months ended September 30, 2021.
◦In addition to the positive impact of contractual escalators, we expect to grow our core business of providing access to our communications infrastructure as a result of future anticipated additional demand for our communications infrastructure.
•Returning cash flows provided by operations to stockholders in the form of dividends
◦During each of the first three quarters of 2021, we paid a common stock dividend of $1.33 per share, totaling approximately $1.7 billion.
◦In October 2021, our board of directors declared a quarterly common stock dividend of $1.47 per share, which represents an increase of approximately 11% from the quarterly stock dividend declared during each of the first three quarters of 2021.
◦We currently expect our common stock dividends over the next 12 months to be a cumulative amount of at least $5.88 per share, or an aggregate amount of approximately $2.5 billion.
23
◦Over time, we expect to increase our dividend per share generally commensurate with our growth in cash flows. Any future common stock dividends are subject to declaration by our board of directors. See notes 9 and 12 to our condensed consolidated financial statements for further information regarding our common stock and dividends.
Outlook Highlights
The following are certain highlights of our full year 2021 and 2022 outlook that impact our business fundamentals described above.
•We expect that, when compared to full year 2020, our full year 2021 and 2022 site rental revenue will be positively impacted by tenant additions, as large wireless carriers and fiber solutions tenants continue to focus on meeting the increasing demand for data.
•We expect to continue to invest a meaningful amount of our available capital in the form of discretionary capital expenditures for 2021 and 2022 based on the anticipated returns on such discretionary investments.
◦In both 2021 and 2022, we expect that our discretionary capital expenditures will decrease when compared to 2020. These expected decreases are primarily driven from lower small cell annual deployment levels in 2021 and 2022 compared to 2020.
•We also expect sustaining capital expenditures to remain approximately 2% of net revenues for both full year 2021 and 2022, consistent with historical annual levels.
Coronavirus (COVID-19)
In accordance with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security guidance issued in March 2020 designating telecommunications infrastructure and networks as critical infrastructure, we have continued our operations to ensure the viability of communications networks, which are essential to public health and safety. In response to the pandemic, we have taken a variety of measures to ensure the availability of our critical infrastructure, promote the health and safety of our employees, and support the communities in which we operate. These measures included requiring work-from-home arrangements for a large portion of our workforce, imposing travel restrictions for our employees where practicable, canceling physical participation in certain meetings, events and conferences, forming an internal committee to monitor and implement procedures for the return of our workforce to an office setting, and other modifications to our business practices.
In accordance with the President’s executive order issued on September 9, 2021, executive departments and agencies have been directed to require federal contractors, and their subcontractors, to comply with guidance published by the Safer Federal Workforce Task Force ("Guidance") regarding COVID-19 workplace safeguards. The Guidance, issued September 24, 2021, requires federal contractors and their subcontractors to mandate COVID-19 vaccinations of covered employees (as defined in the Guidance), subject to medical and religious exemptions. As a federal contractor, we are subject to the Guidance, and as a result have required our employees to be fully vaccinated, subject to qualifying exemptions. To date, over 96% of our workforce has been fully vaccinated (or qualified for an exemption).
The Guidance also sets forth certain other requirements applicable to the federal contractors’ workplaces. To ensure compliance with the Guidance, we have postponed our previously-scheduled date for return to the office setting; however, we are allowing employees to return to the office environment on a voluntary basis, subject to applicable safety protocols. Additionally, we have begun permitting some business travel and in-person meetings in compliance with applicable public health guidance.
We will continue to actively monitor the situation and may take further actions as may be required by governmental authorities, as advised by public health officials or that we determine are in the best interests of our employees, tenants, business partners and stockholders. See "Part II—Item 1A. Risk Factors" for further information.
We do not believe that COVID-19 had a material impact on our financial position, results of operations and cash flows during the nine months ended September 30, 2021. Given the Company’s access to various sources of liquidity and no near term debt maturities other than Commercial Paper Notes and principal payments on amortizing debt, we currently anticipate that we will be able to maintain sufficient liquidity as we manage through the current environment. See also "Item 2. MD&A—Liquidity and Capital Resources—Liquidity Position."
Results of Operations
The following discussion of our results of operations should be read in conjunction with our condensed consolidated financial statements and the 2020 Form 10-K.
24
The following discussion of our results of operations is based on our condensed consolidated financial statements prepared in accordance with GAAP, which requires us to make estimates and judgments that affect the reported amounts (see "Item 2. MD&A—Accounting and Reporting Matters—Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates" and note 2 to our consolidated financial statements in the 2020 Form 10-K). See "Item 2. MD&A—Accounting and Reporting Matters—Non-GAAP and Segment Financial Measures" for a discussion of our use of (1) segment site rental gross margin, (2) segment services and other gross margin, (3) segment operating profit, including their respective definitions, and (4) Adjusted EBITDA, including its definition, and a reconciliation to net income.
Our operating segments consist of (1) Towers and (2) Fiber. See note 10 to our condensed consolidated financial statements for further discussion of our operating segments.
Highlights of our results of operations for the three months ended September 30, 2021 and 2020 are depicted below.
| (In millions of dollars) | Three Months Ended September 30, | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2021 | 2020 | $ Change | % Change | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Site rental revenues: | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Towers site rental revenues | $972 | $877 | +$95 | +11% | |||||||||||||||||||
| Fiber site rental revenues | $479 | $462 | +$17 | +4% | |||||||||||||||||||
| Total site rental revenues | $1,451 | $1,339 | +$112 | +8% | |||||||||||||||||||
| Segment site rental gross margin: | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Towers site rental gross margin(a) | $745 | $661 | +$84 | +13% | |||||||||||||||||||
Fiber site rental gross margin(a) | $316 | $317 | $(1) | — | |||||||||||||||||||
| Segment services and other gross margin: | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Towers services and other gross margin(a) | $54 | $31 | +$23 | +74% | |||||||||||||||||||
Fiber services and other gross margin(a) | $1 | $1 | — | — | |||||||||||||||||||
| Segment operating profit: | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Towers operating profit(a) | $772 | $670 | +$102 | +15% | |||||||||||||||||||
Fiber operating profit(a) | $273 | $276 | $(3) | (1)% | |||||||||||||||||||
| Income from continuing operations | $351 | $163 | +$188 | +115% | |||||||||||||||||||
| Net income attributable to CCIC stockholders | $351 | $163 | +$188 | +115% | |||||||||||||||||||
Adjusted EBITDA(b) | $976 | $883 | +$93 | +11% | |||||||||||||||||||
(a)See note 10 to our condensed consolidated financial statements and "Item 2. MD&A—Accounting and Reporting Matters—Non-GAAP and Segment Financial Measures" for further discussion of our definitions of segment site rental gross margin, segment services and other gross margin and segment operating profit.
(b)See reconciliation of this non-GAAP financial measure to net income (loss) and definition included in "Item 2. MD&A—Accounting and Reporting Matters—Non-GAAP and Segment Financial Measures."
25
Site rental revenues grew $112 million, or 8%, for the three months ended September 30, 2021 compared to the three months ended September 30, 2020. This growth was predominately comprised of the factors depicted in the chart below:
(In millions of dollars)
(a)Includes amortization of up-front payments received from long-term tenant contracts and other deferred credits (commonly referred to as prepaid rent).
(b)Represents the contribution from recent acquisitions until the one-year anniversary of the acquisition.
Towers site rental revenues for the third quarter of 2021 were $972 million and increased by $95 million, or 11%, from $877 million during the same period in the prior year. The increase in Towers site rental revenues was impacted by the following items, inclusive of straight-line accounting: tenant additions across our entire portfolio, renewals or extensions of tenant contracts, escalations and non-renewals of tenants contracts. Tenant additions were influenced by our tenants' ongoing efforts to improve network quality and capacity.
Fiber site rental revenues for the third quarter of 2021 were $479 million and increased by $17 million, or 4%, from $462 million during the same period in the prior year. The increase in Fiber site rental revenues was predominately impacted by the increased demand for small cells and fiber solutions. Increased demand for small cells was driven by our tenants' network strategy in an effort to provide capacity and relieve network congestion, and increased demand for fiber solutions was driven by increasing demand for data.
The increase in Towers site rental gross margin from the third quarter of 2020 to the third quarter of 2021 was related to the previously-mentioned 11% increase in Towers site rental revenues and relatively fixed costs to operate our towers.
Towers services and other gross margin was $54 million for the third quarter of 2021 and increased by $23 million from $31 million during the same period in the prior year, which is a reflection of the volume of activity from carriers' network enhancements and the volume and mix of services and other work. Our services and other offerings are of a variable nature as these revenues are not under long-term contracts.
Selling, general and administrative expenses for the third quarter of 2021 were $167 million and increased by $13 million, or 8%, from $154 million during the same period in the prior year. The increase in selling, general and administrative expenses was primarily related to the growth in our business, partially offset by a decrease due to, among other factors, our fourth quarter 2020 reduction in force (as discussed in our 2020 Form 10-K).
Towers operating profit for the third quarter of 2021 increased by $102 million, or 15%, from the same period in the prior year. The increase in Towers operating profit was primarily related to the growth in our Towers site rental revenues and relatively fixed costs to operate our towers as well as the previously-mentioned increase in Towers services and other gross margin.
26
Fiber operating profit remained relatively consistent for the third quarter of 2021 from the same period in the prior year, decreasing by $3 million, or 1%.
Interest expense and amortization of deferred financing costs were $163 million for the third quarter of 2021 and decreased by $5 million, or 3%, from $168 million during the same period in the prior year. The decrease predominately resulted from a reduction in the weighted-average interest rate on our debt as a result of our refinancing activities. See note 4 to our condensed consolidated financial statements and "Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk" for a further discussion of our debt.
For the third quarter of 2021 and 2020, the effective tax rate differs from the federal statutory rate predominately due to our REIT status, including the dividends paid deduction. See note 6 to our condensed consolidated financial statements and also note 9 to our consolidated financial statements in the 2020 Form 10-K.
Income from continuing operations was $351 million during the third quarter of 2021 compared to $163 million during the third quarter of 2020. The increase was predominately related to growth in our site rental activities in both our Towers and Fiber segments as well as the previously-mentioned increase in Towers services activity.
Net income attributable to CCIC stockholders was $351 million during the third quarter of 2021 compared to $163 million during the third quarter of 2020. The increase was due to the previously-mentioned increase in income from continuing operations.
Adjusted EBITDA increased $93 million, or 11%, from the third quarter of 2020 to the third quarter of 2021, reflecting the growth in our site rental activities in both our Towers and Fiber segments as well as the previously-mentioned increase in Towers services activity.
Highlights of our results of operations for the nine months ended September 30, 2021 and 2020 are depicted below.
| (In millions of dollars) | Nine Months Ended September 30, | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2021 | 2020 | $ Change | % Change | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Site rental revenues: | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Towers site rental revenues | $2,819 | $2,612 | +$207 | +8% | |||||||||||||||||||
| Fiber site rental revenues | $1,426 | $1,356 | +$70 | +5% | |||||||||||||||||||
| Total site rental revenues | $4,245 | $3,968 | +$277 | +7% | |||||||||||||||||||
| Segment site rental gross margin: | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Towers site rental gross margin(a) | $2,160 | $1,964 | +$196 | +10% | |||||||||||||||||||
Fiber site rental gross margin(a) | $941 | $909 | +$32 | +4% | |||||||||||||||||||
| Segment services and other gross margin: | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Towers services and other gross margin(a) | $142 | $56 | +$86 | +154% | |||||||||||||||||||
Fiber services and other gross margin(a) | $4 | $4 | — | — | |||||||||||||||||||
| Segment operating profit: | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Towers operating profit(a) | $2,224 | $1,949 | +$275 | +14 | |||||||||||||||||||
Fiber operating profit(a) | $812 | $776 | +$36 | +5% | |||||||||||||||||||
| Income from continuing operations | $805 | $548 | +$257 | +47% | |||||||||||||||||||
| Net income attributable to CCIC stockholders | $743 | $548 | +$195 | +36% | |||||||||||||||||||
Adjusted EBITDA(b) | $2,831 | $2,527 | +$304 | +12% | |||||||||||||||||||
(a)See note 10 to our condensed consolidated financial statements for further discussion of our definitions of segment site rental gross margin, segment services and other gross margin and segment operating profit.
(b)See reconciliation of Adjusted EBITDA in "Item 2. MD&A—Accounting and Reporting Matters—Non-GAAP and Segment Financial Measures."
27
Site rental revenues grew $277 million, or 7%, for the nine months ended September 30, 2021 compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2020. This growth was predominately comprised of the factors depicted in the chart below:
(In millions of dollars)
(a)Includes amortization of up-front payments received from long-term tenant contracts and other deferred credits (commonly referred to as prepaid rent).
(b)Represents the contribution from recent acquisitions until the one-year anniversary of the acquisition.
Towers site rental revenues for the first nine months of 2021 were $2.8 billion and increased by $207 million, or 8%, from the same period in the prior year. The increase in Towers site rental revenues was impacted by the following items, inclusive of straight-line accounting: tenant additions across our entire portfolio, renewals or extensions of tenant contracts, escalations and non-renewals of tenant contracts. Tenant additions were influenced by our tenants' ongoing efforts to improve network quality and capacity.
Fiber site rental revenues for the first nine months of 2021 were $1.4 billion and increased by $70 million, or 5%, from $1.4 billion during the same period in the prior year. The increase in Fiber site rental revenues was predominately impacted by the increased demand for small cells and fiber solutions. Increased demand for small cells was driven by our tenants' network strategy in an effort to provide capacity and relieve network congestion, and increased demand for fiber solutions was driven by increasing demand for data.
The increase in Towers site rental gross margin was related to the previously-mentioned 8% increase in Towers site rental revenues and relatively fixed costs to operate our towers. The increase in Fiber site rental gross margin was predominately related to the previously-mentioned 5% increase in Fiber site rental revenues.
Towers services and other gross margin was $142 million for the first nine months of 2021 and increased by $86 million from $56 million during the same period in the prior year, which is a reflection of the volume of activity from carriers' network enhancements and the volume and mix of services and other work. Our services and other offerings are of a variable nature as these revenues are not under long-term contracts.
Selling, general and administrative expenses for the first nine months of 2021 were $500 million and increased by $7 million, or 1%, from $493 million during the same period in the prior year. The increase in selling, general and administrative expenses was primarily due to the growth in our business, partially offset by a decrease due to, among other factors, our fourth quarter 2020 reduction in force (as discussed in our 2020 Form 10-K)..
Towers operating profit for the first nine months of 2021 increased by$275 million, or 14%, from the prior year as a result of the previously-mentioned increase in Towers site rental gross margin as well as the previously-mentioned increase in Towers services and other gross margin.
28
Fiber operating profit for the first nine months of 2021 increased by $36 million, or 5%, from the same period in the prior year. The increase in Fiber operating profit was primarily related to the the previously-mentioned growth in our Fiber site rental gross margin.
Depreciation, amortization and accretion was $1.2 billion for the first nine months of 2021 and increased by $22 million, or 2%, from the same period in the prior year. This increase predominately resulted from a corresponding increase in our gross property and equipment due to capital expenditures.
Interest expense and amortization of deferred financing costs were $493 million for the first nine months of 2021 and decreased $28 million, or 5%, from $521 million during the same period in the prior year. The decrease predominately resulted from a reduction in the weighted-average interest rate on our debt as a result of our refinancing activities. See note 4 to our condensed consolidated financial statements and "Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk" for a further discussion of our debt.
As a result of repaying certain of our indebtedness in conjunction with our refinancing activities, we incurred losses on retirement of long-term obligations of $145 million during the first nine months of 2021. See note 4 to our condensed consolidated financial statements.
For the first nine months of 2021 and 2020, the effective tax rate differs from the federal statutory rate predominately due to our REIT status, including the dividends paid deduction. See note 6 to our condensed consolidated financial statements and also note 9 to our consolidated financial statements in our 2020 Form 10-K.
Income from continuing operations was $805 million for the first nine months of 2021 compared to $548 million during the first nine months of 2020. The increase was related to (1) growth in our site rental activities in both our Towers and Fiber segments, (2) the previously-mentioned increase in Towers services activity and (3) the previously-mentioned decrease in interest expense and amortization of deferred financing costs, partially offset by (1) the previously-mentioned losses on retirement of long-term obligations and (2) increase in depreciation, amortization and accretion.
Loss from discontinued operations, net of tax, was $62 million for the first nine months of 2021 due to the ATO Settlement. See note 6 to our condensed consolidated financial statements.
Net income attributable to CCIC stockholders was $743 million for the first nine months of 2021 compared to $548 million during the first nine months of 2020. The increase was due to the previously-mentioned increase in income from continuing operations, partially offset by the previously-mentioned loss from discontinued operations, net of tax.
Adjusted EBITDA increased $304 million, or 12%, from the first nine months of 2020 to the first nine months of 2021, reflecting the growth in our site rental activities in both our Towers and Fiber segments as well as the previously-mentioned increase in Towers service activity.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
Overview
General. Our core business generates revenues under long-term tenant contracts (see "Item 2. MD&A—General Overview—Overview") from (1) the largest U.S. wireless carriers and (2) fiber solutions tenants. As a leading provider of shared communications infrastructure in the U.S., our strategy is to create long-term stockholder value via a combination of (1) growing cash flows generated from our portfolio of communications infrastructure, (2) returning a meaningful portion of our cash generated by operating activities to our stockholders in the form of dividends, and (3) investing capital efficiently to grow cash flows and long-term dividends per share. Our strategy is based, in part, on our belief that the U.S. is the most attractive market for shared communications infrastructure investment with the greatest long-term growth potential. We measure our efforts to create "long-term stockholder value" by the combined payment of dividends to stockholders and growth in our per share results.
We have engaged, and expect to continue to engage, in discretionary investments that we believe will maximize long-term stockholder value. Our historical discretionary investments include (in no particular order): constructing communications infrastructure, acquiring communications infrastructure, acquiring land interests (which primarily relate to land assets under towers), improving and structurally enhancing our existing communications infrastructure, purchasing shares of our common stock, and purchasing, repaying, or redeeming our debt. We have recently spent, and expect to continue to spend, a significant percentage of our discretionary investments on the construction of small cells and fiber. We seek to fund our discretionary
29
investments with both net cash generated by operating activities and cash available from financing capacity, such as the use of our undrawn availability from the 2016 Revolver, issuances under our CP Program, debt financings and issuances of equity or equity-related securities, including under our 2021 ATM Program.
We seek to maintain a capital structure that we believe drives long-term stockholder value and optimizes our weighted-average cost of capital. We target a leverage ratio of approximately five times Adjusted EBITDA and interest coverage of Adjusted EBITDA to interest expense of approximately three times, subject to various factors, such as the availability and cost of capital and the potential long-term return on our discretionary investments. We may choose to increase or decrease our leverage or coverage from these targets for various periods of time. We have no significant contractual debt maturities until 2023 (other than Commercial Paper Notes that may be outstanding from time to time and principal payments on certain outstanding debt).
We operate as a REIT for U.S. federal income tax purposes. We expect to continue to pay minimal cash income taxes as a result of our REIT status and our NOLs. See note 6 to our condensed consolidated financial statements and also our 2020 Form 10-K.
Liquidity Position. The following is a summary of our capitalization and liquidity position as of September 30, 2021. See "Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk" and note 4 to our condensed consolidated financial statements for additional information regarding our debt, as well as note 9 to our condensed consolidated financial statements for additional information regarding our 2021 ATM Program.
| (In millions of dollars) | |||||
Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash(a) | $ | 542 | |||
Undrawn 2016 Revolver availability(b) | 4,966 | ||||
Debt and other long-term obligations (current and non-current)(c) | 20,365 | ||||
| Total equity | 8,516 | ||||
(a)Inclusive of $5 million included within "Other assets, net" on our condensed consolidated balance sheet.
(b)Availability at any point in time is subject to certain restrictions based on the maintenance of financial covenants contained in the 2016 Credit Facility. See the 2020 Form 10-K. At any point in time, we intend to maintain available commitments under our 2016 Revolver in an amount at least equal to the amount of outstanding Commercial Paper Notes.
(c)See "Item 2. MD&A—General Overview—Overview" and note 4 to our condensed consolidated financial statements for further information regarding the CP Program.
Over the next 12 months:
•Our liquidity sources may include (1) cash on hand, (2) net cash generated by our operating activities, (3) undrawn availability under our 2016 Revolver, (4) issuances under our CP Program, and (5) issuances of equity pursuant to our 2021 ATM Program. Our liquidity uses over the next 12 months are expected to include (1) debt obligations of $737 million (consisting of Commercial Paper Notes and principal payments), (2) cumulative common stock dividend payments expected to be at least $5.88 per share, or an aggregate amount of approximately $2.5 billion (see "Item 2. MD&A—Business Fundamentals and Results") and (3) capital expenditures. We may also purchase shares of our common stock. Additionally, amounts available under the CP Program may be repaid and re-issued from time to time. During the next 12 months, while our liquidity uses are expected to exceed our net cash provided by operating activities, we expect that our liquidity sources described above should be sufficient to cover our expected uses. Historically, from time to time, we have accessed the capital markets to issue debt and equity.
•See "Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk" and note 4 to our consolidated financial statements for a tabular presentation of our debt maturities and a discussion of anticipated repayment dates.
30
Summary Cash Flow Information
| Nine Months Ended September 30, | |||||||||||||||||
| (In millions of dollars) | 2021 | 2020 | Change | ||||||||||||||
| Net increase (decrease) in cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash: | |||||||||||||||||
| Operating activities | $ | 2,055 | $ | 2,070 | $ | (15) | |||||||||||
| Investing activities | (911) | (1,336) | 425 | ||||||||||||||
| Financing activities | (921) | (651) | (270) | ||||||||||||||
| Net increase (decrease) in cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash - continuing operations | 223 | 83 | 140 | ||||||||||||||
| Effect of exchange rate changes on cash | — | — | — | ||||||||||||||
| Net increase (decrease) in cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash - continuing operations | 223 | 83 | 140 | ||||||||||||||
| Net increase (decrease) in cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash - discontinued operations | (62) | — | (62) | ||||||||||||||
| Net increase (decrease) in cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash | $ | 161 | $ | 83 | $ | 78 | |||||||||||
Operating Activities
Net cash provided by operating activities of $2.1 billion for the first nine months of 2021 decreased by $15 million, or 1%, compared to the first nine months of 2020, due primarily to the growth in our core business, which was fully offset by a net decrease from changes in working capital. Changes in working capital contribute to variability in net cash provided by operating activities, largely due to the timing of advanced payments by us and advanced receipts from tenants. We expect to grow our net cash provided by operating activities in the future (exclusive of changes in working capital) if we realize expected growth in our core business.
Investing Activities
Net cash used for investing activities of $911 million for the first nine months of 2021 decreased by $425 million, or 32%, from the first nine months of 2020 primarily as a result of decreased discretionary capital expenditures in both our Towers and Fiber segments.
Capital Expenditures
Our capital expenditures are categorized as discretionary, integration or sustaining as described below.
•Discretionary capital expenditures are made with respect to activities which we believe exhibit sufficient potential to enhance long-term stockholder value. They primarily consist of expansion or development of communications infrastructure (including capital expenditures related to (1) enhancing communications infrastructure in order to add new tenants for the first time or support subsequent tenant equipment augmentations or (2) modifying the structure of a communications infrastructure asset to accommodate additional tenants) and construction of new communications infrastructure. Discretionary capital expenditures also include purchases of land interests (which primarily relate to land assets under towers as we seek to manage our interests in the land beneath our towers), certain technology-related investments necessary to support and scale future customer demand for our communications infrastructure, and other capital projects. The expansion or development of existing communications infrastructure to accommodate new leasing typically varies based on, among other factors: (1) the type of communications infrastructure, (2) the scope, volume, and mix of work performed on the communications infrastructure, (3) existing capacity prior to installation, or (4) changes in structural engineering regulations and standards. Currently, construction of new communications infrastructure is predominately comprised of the construction of small cells and fiber (including certain construction projects that may take 18 to 36 months to complete). Our decisions regarding discretionary capital expenditures are influenced by the availability and cost of capital and expected returns on alternative uses of cash, such as payments of dividends and investments.
•Sustaining capital expenditures consist of those capital expenditures not otherwise categorized as discretionary capital expenditures, such as (1) maintenance capital expenditures on our communications infrastructure assets that enable our tenants' ongoing quiet enjoyment of the communications infrastructure and (2) ordinary corporate capital expenditures.
31
Capital expenditures for the nine months ended September 30, 2021 and 2020 were as follows:
| For the Nine Months Ended | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| (In millions of dollars) | September 30, 2021 | September 30, 2020 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Towers | Fiber | Other | Total | Towers | Fiber | Other | Total | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Discretionary: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Purchases of land interests | $ | 46 | $ | — | $ | — | $ | 46 | $ | 42 | $ | — | $ | — | $ | 42 | |||||||||||||
Communications infrastructure improvements and other capital projects(a) | 104 | 666 | 20 | 790 | 218 | 889 | 25 | 1,132 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Sustaining | 10 | 35 | 11 | 56 | 12 | 37 | 15 | 64 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Total | $ | 160 | $ | 701 | $ | 31 | $ | 892 | $ | 272 | $ | 926 | $ | 40 | $ | 1,238 | |||||||||||||
(a)Towers segment includes $47 million and $106 million of capital expenditures incurred during the nine months ended September 30, 2021 and 2020, respectively, in connection with tenant installations and upgrades on our towers.
Discretionary capital expenditures were primarily impacted by the completion of certain large fiber expansion projects during 2020 as well as the timing of Towers and Fiber tenant activity during the first nine months of 2021 compared to the same period in 2020. See also "Item 2. MD&A—General Overview—Outlook Highlights" for our expectations surrounding 2021 capital expenditures.
Financing Activities. We seek to allocate cash generated by our operations in a manner that will enhance long-term stockholder value, which may include various financing activities such as (in no particular order): (1) paying dividends on our common stock (currently expected to total at least $5.88 per share over the next 12 months, or an aggregate amount of approximately $2.5 billion); (2) purchasing our common stock; or (3) purchasing, repaying, or redeeming our debt. See notes 4, 9 and 12 to our condensed consolidated financial statements.
Net cash used for financing activities of $921 million for the first nine months of 2021 increased by $270 million from the first nine months of 2020 as a result of the net impact from our issuances, purchases and repayments of debt (including with respect to our 2016 Credit Facility and CP Program), common and preferred stock dividend payments and purchases of common stock. See Item 2. MD&A—General Overview—Business Fundamentals and Results and notes 4 and 9 to our condensed consolidated financial statements for further information.
In February 2021, we issued $3.25 billion aggregate principal amount of senior unsecured notes, the net proceeds of which were used to (1) redeem all of the outstanding 5.250% Senior Notes, (2) repay a portion of the outstanding Commercial Paper Notes and (3) repay a portion of outstanding borrowings under the 2016 Term Loan A. See note 4 to our condensed consolidated financial statements.
In June 2021, we issued the June 2021 Senior Notes. In June 2021, we used a portion of the net proceeds of the June 2021 Senior Notes offering (1) to repay outstanding Commercial Paper Notes and (2) for general corporate purposes. In July 2021, we used a portion of the net proceeds to repay in full the previously outstanding Tower Revenue Notes, Series 2015-1. See note 4 to our condensed consolidated financial statements.
Credit Facility. In June 2021, we entered into an amendment to the Credit Facility that provided for, among other things, (1) the extension of the maturity date of the Credit Facility from June 2024 to June 2026, (2) reductions to the interest rate spread and unused commitment fee percentage upon meeting specified annual sustainability targets and increases to the interest rate spread and unused commitment fee percentage upon the failure to meet specified annual sustainability thresholds and (3) the inclusion of "hardwired" LIBOR transition provisions consistent with those published by the Alternative Reference Rate Committee.
The proceeds of our 2016 Revolver may be used for general corporate purposes, which may include the financing of capital expenditures, acquisitions and purchases of our common stock. As of November 2, 2021, there were no amounts outstanding and $5.0 billion in undrawn availability under our 2016 Revolver. See note 4 to our condensed consolidated financial statements for additional information regarding our Credit Facility.
Commercial Paper Program. See "Item 2. MD&A—General Overview—Overview" and note 4 to our condensed consolidated financial statements for further information regarding our CP Program. The proceeds from our Commercial Paper Notes may be used for general corporate purposes, which may include the financing of capital expenditures, acquisitions and purchases of our common stock. As of November 2, 2021, there was $455 million outstanding under our CP Program.
32
Incurrence, Purchases, and Repayments of Debt. See "Item 2. MD&A—General Overview—Highlights of Business Fundamentals and Results" for further discussion of our recent issuances, purchases, redemption and repayments of debt.
Common Stock Activity. See notes 9 and 12 to our condensed consolidated financial statements for further information regarding our common stock and dividends.
ATM Program. We previously maintained a 2018 ATM Program through which we had the right to issue and sell shares of our common stock having an aggregate gross sales price of up to $750 million to or through sales agents. In March 2021, we terminated the formerly outstanding 2018 ATM Program.
In March 2021, we established the 2021 ATM Program through which we may issue and sell shares of our common stock having an aggregate gross sales price of up to $750 million. Sales under the 2021 ATM Program may be made by means of ordinary brokers' transactions on the NYSE or otherwise at market prices prevailing at the time of sale, at prices related to prevailing market prices or, subject to our specific instructions, at negotiated prices. We intend to use the net proceeds from any sales under the 2021 ATM Program for general corporate purposes, which may include (1) the funding of future acquisitions or investments or (2) the repayment or repurchase of any outstanding indebtedness. We have not sold any shares of common stock under the 2021 ATM Program. See note 9 to our condensed consolidated financial statements for further information regarding our 2021 ATM Program.
Debt Covenants. Our Credit Agreement contains financial maintenance covenants. We are currently in compliance with these financial maintenance covenants and, based upon our current expectations, we believe we will continue to comply with our financial maintenance covenants. In addition, certain of our debt agreements contain restrictive covenants that place restrictions on us and may limit our ability to, among other things, incur additional debt and liens, purchase our securities, make capital expenditures, dispose of assets, undertake transactions with affiliates, make other investments, pay dividends or distribute excess cash flow. See the 2020 Form 10-K for a further discussion of our debt covenants, certain restrictive covenants and factors that are likely to determine our subsidiaries' ability to comply with current and future debt covenants.
Accounting and Reporting Matters
Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates
Our critical accounting policies and estimates are those that we believe (1) are most important to the portrayal of our financial condition and results of operations or (2) require our most difficult, subjective or complex judgments, often as a result of the need to make estimates about the effect of matters that are inherently uncertain. In many cases, the accounting treatment of a particular transaction is specifically prescribed by GAAP. In other cases, management is required to exercise judgment in the application of accounting principles with respect to particular transactions. The critical accounting policies and estimates for 2021 are not intended to be a comprehensive list of our accounting policies and estimates. Our critical accounting policies and estimates as of December 31, 2020 are described in "Item 7. MD&A—Accounting and Reporting Matters" and in note 2 of our consolidated financial statements in the 2020 Form 10-K.
Accounting Pronouncements
Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements.
See note 2 to our condensed consolidated financial statements.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements Not Yet Adopted.
See note 2 to our condensed consolidated financial statements.
Non-GAAP and Segment Financial Measures
We use earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, amortization and accretion, as adjusted ("Adjusted EBITDA"), which is a non-GAAP financial measure, as an indicator of consolidated financial performance. Our measure of Adjusted EBITDA may not be comparable to similarly titled measures of other companies, including companies in the communications infrastructure sector or other REITs, and is not a measure of performance calculated in accordance with GAAP. Adjusted EBITDA should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for operating income (loss), income (loss) from continuing operations, net income (loss), net cash provided by (used for) operating, investing and financing activities or other income statement or cash flow statement data prepared in accordance with GAAP and should be considered only as a supplement to income (loss) from continuing operations computed in accordance with GAAP as a measure of our performance. There are
33
material limitations to using a measure such as Adjusted EBITDA, including the difficulty associated with comparing results among more than one company, including our competitors, and the inability to analyze certain significant items, including depreciation and interest expense, that directly affect our net income or loss. Management compensates for these limitations by considering the economic effect of the excluded expense items independently as well as in connection with their analysis of income (loss) from continuing operations.
We define Adjusted EBITDA as income (loss) from continuing operations 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 and stock-based compensation expense. The reconciliation of Adjusted EBITDA to our income (loss) from continuing operations.
| (In millions of dollars) | Three Months Ended September 30, | Nine Months Ended September 30, | |||||||||||||||||||||
| 2021 | 2020 | 2021 | 2020 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Income (loss) from continuing operations | $ | 351 | $ | 163 | $ | 805 | $ | 548 | |||||||||||||||
| Adjustments to increase (decrease) income (loss) from continuing operations: | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Asset write-down charges | — | 3 | 9 | 10 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Acquisition and integration costs | — | 2 | 1 | 9 | |||||||||||||||||||
Depreciation, amortization and accretion | 413 | 406 | 1,229 | 1,207 | |||||||||||||||||||
Amortization of prepaid lease purchase price adjustments | 4 | 5 | 14 | 14 | |||||||||||||||||||
Interest expense and amortization of deferred financing costs | 163 | 168 | 493 | 521 | |||||||||||||||||||
(Gains) losses on retirement of long-term obligations | 1 | 95 | 145 | 95 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Interest income | — | — | (1) | (2) | |||||||||||||||||||
| Other (income) expense | 4 | 3 | 16 | 3 | |||||||||||||||||||
| (Benefit) provision for income taxes | 7 | 5 | 20 | 16 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Stock-based compensation expense | 33 | 33 | 100 | 106 | |||||||||||||||||||
Adjusted EBITDA(a) | $ | 976 | $ | 883 | $ | 2,831 | $ | 2,527 | |||||||||||||||
(a)The above reconciliation excludes the items included in our Adjusted EBITDA definition which are not applicable to the periods shown.
We believe Adjusted EBITDA is useful to investors or other interested parties in evaluating our financial performance because:
•it is the primary measure used by our 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;
•although specific definitions may vary, it is widely used by investors or other interested parties in evaluation of the communications infrastructure sector and other REITs to measure financial performance without regard to items such as depreciation, amortization and accretion, which can vary depending upon accounting methods and the book value of assets;
•we believe it helps investors and other interested parties meaningfully evaluate and compare the results of our operations (1) from period to period and (2) to our competitors by removing 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; and
•it is similar to the measure of current financial performance generally used in our debt covenant calculations.
Our management uses Adjusted EBITDA:
•as a performance goal in employee annual incentive compensation;
•as a measurement of financial performance because it assists us in comparing our financial performance on a consistent basis as it removes the impact of our capital structure (primarily interest charges from our outstanding debt) and asset base (primarily depreciation, amortization and accretion) from our operating results;
34
•in presentations to our board of directors to enable it to have the same measurement of financial performance used by management;
•for planning purposes, including preparation of our annual operating budget;
•as a valuation measure in strategic analyses in connection with the purchase and sale of assets;
•in determining self-imposed limits on our debt levels, including the evaluation of our leverage ratio and interest coverage ratio; and
•with respect to compliance with our debt covenants, which require us to maintain certain financial ratios that incorporate concepts such as, or similar to, Adjusted EBITDA.
In addition to the non-GAAP measures used herein and as discussed in note 10 to our condensed consolidated financial statements, we also provide (1) segment site rental gross margin, (2) segment services and other gross margin, and (3) segment operating profit, which are key measures used by management to evaluate the performance of our operating segments. These segment measures are provided pursuant to GAAP requirements related to segment reporting.
We define segment site rental gross margin as segment site rental revenues less segment site rental cost of operations, which excludes stock-based compensation expense and prepaid lease purchase price adjustments recorded in consolidated site rental cost of operations. We define segment services and other gross margin as segment services and other revenues less segment services and other cost of operations, which excludes stock-based compensation expense recorded in consolidated services and other cost of operations. We define segment operating profit as segment site rental gross margin plus segment services and other gross margin, and segment other operating (income) expense, less selling, general and administrative expenses attributable to the respective segment. All of these measurements of profit or loss are exclusive of depreciation, amortization and accretion, which are shown separately. Additionally, certain costs are shared across segments and are reflected in our segment measures through allocations that management believes to be reasonable.
35
ITEM 3.QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
The following section updates "Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk" in the 2020 Form 10-K and should be read in conjunction with that report as well as our condensed consolidated financial statements included in Part 1, Item 1 of this Form 10-Q.
Interest Rate Risk
Our interest rate risk as of September 30, 2021 relates primarily to the impact of interest rate movements on the following:
•the potential refinancing of our existing debt ($20.5 billion outstanding at September 30, 2021 and $19.4 billion at December 31, 2020);
•our $1.9 billion and $2.8 billion of floating rate debt at September 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020, respectively, which represented approximately 9% and 15% of our total debt, as of September 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020, respectively; and
•potential future borrowings of incremental debt, including borrowings under our 2016 Credit Facility and issuances under the CP Program.
We currently have no interest rate swaps.
Sensitivity Analysis
We manage our exposure to market interest rates on our existing debt by controlling the mix of fixed and floating rate debt. As of September 30, 2021, we had $1.9 billion of floating rate debt, none of which had LIBOR floors. As a result, a hypothetical unfavorable fluctuation in market interest rates on our existing debt of 1/8 of a percent point over a 12 month period would increase our interest expense by approximately $2 million.
Tabular Information
The following table provides information about our market risk related to changes in interest rates. The future principal payments and weighted-average interest rates are presented as of September 30, 2021. These debt maturities reflect final maturity dates and do not consider the impact of the principal payments that commence following the anticipated repayment dates of certain debt (see footnotes (b) and (d)). The information presented below regarding the variable rate debt is supplementary to our sensitivity analysis regarding the impact of changes in the interest rates. See notes 4 and 5 to our condensed consolidated financial statements and the 2020 Form 10-K for additional information regarding our debt.
| Future Principal Payments and Interest Rates by the Debt Instruments' Contractual Year of Maturity | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| (In millions of dollars) | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 | 2025 | Thereafter | Total | Fair Value(a) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Debt: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Fixed rate(b) | $ | 14 | $ | 40 | $ | 1,785 | $ | 781 | $ | 528 | $ | 15,496 | $ | 18,644 | $ | 19,625 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Average interest rate(b)(c)(d) | 4.3 | % | 4.3 | % | 3.6 | % | 3.3 | % | 1.5 | % | 3.9 | % | 3.8 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Variable rate(e) | $ | 673 | (f) | $ | 31 | $ | 54 | $ | 62 | $ | 108 | $ | 968 | $ | 1,896 | $ | 1,896 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Average interest rate(e) | 0.3 | % | 1.3 | % | 1.7 | % | 2.2 | % | 2.4 | % | 2.6 | % | 1.7 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
(a)The fair value of our debt is based on indicative quotes (that is, non-binding quotes) from brokers that require judgment to interpret market information, including implied credit spreads for similar borrowings on recent trades or bid/ask offers. These fair values are not necessarily indicative of the amount which could be realized in a current market exchange.
(b)The impact of principal payments that will commence following the anticipated repayment dates is not considered. The Tower Revenue Notes have principal amounts of $250 million, $700 million and $750 million, with anticipated repayment dates in 2023, 2025 and 2028, respectively.
(c)The average interest rate represents the weighted-average stated coupon rate (see footnote (d)).
(d)If the Tower Revenue Notes are not repaid in full by the applicable anticipated repayment dates, the applicable interest rate increases by approximately 5% per annum and monthly principal payments commence using the Excess Cash Flow (as defined in the indenture governing the applicable Tower Revenue Notes) of the issuers of the Tower Revenue Notes. The Tower Revenue Notes are presented based on their contractual maturity dates ranging from 2043 to 2048 and include the impact of an assumed 5% increase in interest rate that would occur following the anticipated repayment dates but exclude the impact of monthly principal payments that would commence using Excess Cash Flow of the issuers of the Tower Revenue Notes. The full year 2020 Excess Cash Flow of the issuers of the Tower Revenue Notes was approximately $815 million. We currently expect to refinance these notes on or prior to the respective anticipated repayment dates.
(e)Predominately relates to our 2016 Term Loan A and 2016 Revolver borrowings, each of which matures in 2026.
(f)Predominately consists of outstanding indebtedness under our CP Program. Such amounts may be issued, repaid or re-issued from time to time.
36
ITEM 4.CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
Disclosure Controls and Procedures
The Company conducted an evaluation, under the supervision and with the participation of the Company's management, including the Company's Chief Executive Officer ("CEO") and Chief Financial Officer ("CFO"), of the effectiveness of the Company's disclosure controls and procedures as of the end of the period covered by this report. Based upon their evaluation, the CEO and CFO concluded that as of September 30, 2021, the Company's disclosure controls and procedures were effective in alerting them in a timely manner to material information relating to the Company required to be included in the Company's periodic reports under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.
Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
There have been no changes in the Company's internal control over financial reporting during the fiscal quarter covered by this Form 10-Q that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company's internal control over financial reporting.
PART II—OTHER INFORMATION
ITEM 1. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
See the disclosure in note 8 to our condensed consolidated financial statements set forth in Part I, Item 1 of this Form 10-Q.
ITEM 1A.RISK FACTORS
The following risk factor is provided to update the risk factors previously discussed in "Item 1A. Risk Factors" in our 2020 Form 10-K.
The impact of coronavirus (COVID-19) and related risks could materially affect our operations, financial position, results of operations and cash flows.
The global outbreak of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) was declared a pandemic by the World Health Organization and a national emergency by the U.S. government in March 2020 and has adversely affected the U.S. In response, both the public and private sectors have introduced certain policies and initiatives in an effort to reduce the transmission of COVID-19 ("Initiatives"), including the imposition of travel restrictions; the Guidance; mandates from federal, state and local authorities to close non-essential businesses and avoid large gatherings of people; quarantine or "shelter-in-place;" the promotion of social distancing, vaccination requirements and the adoption of work-from-home and online learning by companies and institutions. In addition, the continued spread of COVID-19 and the resulting Initiatives have led to, and may continue to lead to, business and global supply chain disruptions and volatility in the global capital markets.
We have modified, and might further modify, our business practices as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, the economic and social ramifications of the disease, and the societal and governmental responses in the communities in which we operate. In accordance with the President’s executive order issued on September 9, 2021, executive departments and agencies have been directed to require federal contractors, and their subcontractors, to comply with the Guidance regarding COVID-19 workplace safeguards. The Guidance, issued September 24, 2021, requires federal contractors and their subcontractors to mandate COVID-19 vaccinations of covered employees (as defined in the Guidance), subject to medical and religious exemptions. As a federal contractor, we are subject to the Guidance, and as a result have required our employees to be fully vaccinated, subject to qualifying exemptions. The Guidance also sets forth certain other requirements applicable to the federal contractors’ workplaces.
We do not believe that COVID-19 had a material impact on our financial position, results of operations and cash flows for the year ended December 31, 2020 or for the nine months ended September 30, 2021. The extent to which the COVID-19 pandemic will affect our business, financial position, results of operations and cash flows in the future is difficult to predict with certainty and depends on numerous evolving factors, including: the duration, scope and severity of the pandemic; the effectiveness of the COVID-19 vaccine in curbing the spread of the virus, the vaccination rates and the impact of the vaccine and testing mandates; government, social, business and other actions that have been and will be taken in response to the
37
pandemic, including with respect to mandatory vaccinations; and the effect of the pandemic on short- and long-term general economic conditions. Among other things, COVID-19 and the Initiatives could (1) adversely affect the availability of our suppliers and vendors or their ability to provide products and services to us; (2) result in decreased demand for our communications infrastructure; (3) make it more difficult for us to serve our tenants, including as a result of delays or suspensions in the issuance of permits or other authorizations needed to conduct our business; (4) increase our cost of capital and adversely impact our access to capital; and (5) result in difficulty fulfilling our labor needs. Due to factors beyond our knowledge or control, including the duration and severity of COVID-19, as well as third-party actions taken to contain its spread and mitigate its public health effects, at this time we cannot estimate or predict with certainty the impact of COVID-19, the Initiatives or the measures we or others take in response thereto on our business, financial position, results of operations and cash flows, particularly over the near- to medium-term, but the impact could be material. See "Part I - Item 2. MD&A—General Overview—Coronavirus (COVID-19)" for further information.
ITEM 2. UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS
The following table summarizes information with respect to purchase of our equity securities during the third quarter of 2021:
| Period | Total Number of Shares Purchased | Average Price Paid per Share | Total Number of Shares Purchased as Part of Publicly Announced Plans or Programs | Maximum Number (or Approximate Dollar Value) of Shares that May Yet Be Purchased Under the Plans or Programs | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| (In thousands) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| July 1 - July 31, 2021 | — | $ | — | — | — | |||||||||||||||||||||
| August 1 - August 31, 2021 | 1 | 194.22 | — | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| September 1 - September 30, 2021 | 1 | 192.46 | — | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total | 2 | $ | 195.11 | — | — | |||||||||||||||||||||
We paid $0.5 million in cash to effect these purchases. The shares purchased relate to shares withheld in connection with the payment of withholding taxes upon vesting of restricted stock units.
38
ITEM 6.EXHIBITS
Exhibit Index
| Incorporated by Reference | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Exhibit Number | Exhibit Description | Form | File Number | Date of Filing | Exhibit Number | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 3.1 | 8-K | 001-16441 | July 26, 2017 | 3.1 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 3.2 | 10-Q | 001-16441 | August 6, 2021 | 3.2 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 31.1* | — | — | — | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 31.2* | — | — | — | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 32.1† | — | — | — | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 101* | The following financial statements from Crown Castle International Corp.'s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2021, formatted in Inline XBRL: (i) Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet, (ii) Condensed Consolidated Statement of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss), (iii) Condensed Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows, (iv) Condensed Consolidated Statement of Equity, and (v) Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements, tagged as blocks of text and including detailed tags | — | — | — | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 104* | The cover page from Crown Castle International Corp.'s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2021, formatted in Inline XBRL | — | — | — | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
* Filed herewith.
† Furnished herewith.
39
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.
| CROWN CASTLE INTERNATIONAL CORP. | ||||||||||||||
| Date: | November 5, 2021 | By: | /s/ DANIEL K. SCHLANGER | |||||||||||
| Daniel K. Schlanger | ||||||||||||||
| Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer | ||||||||||||||
| (Principal Financial Officer) | ||||||||||||||
| Date: | November 5, 2021 | By: | /s/ ROBERT S. COLLINS | |||||||||||
| Robert S. Collins | ||||||||||||||
| Vice President and Controller | ||||||||||||||
| (Principal Accounting Officer) | ||||||||||||||
40
Exhibit 31.1
Certification
For the Quarterly Period Ended September 30, 2021
I, Jay A. Brown, certify that:
1.I have reviewed this report on Form 10-Q of Crown Castle International Corp. ("registrant");
2.Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;
3.Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;
4.The registrant's other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:
a)Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;
b)Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;
c)Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant's disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and
d)Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant's most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant's fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant's internal control over financial reporting; and
5.The registrant's other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant's auditors and the audit committee of the registrant's board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):
a)All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant's ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and
b)Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting.
Date: November 5, 2021
| /s/ Jay A. Brown | ||||||||
| Jay A. Brown President and Chief Executive Officer | ||||||||
Exhibit 31.2
Certification
For the Quarterly Period Ended September 30, 2021
I, Daniel K. Schlanger, certify that:
1.I have reviewed this report on Form 10-Q of Crown Castle International Corp. ("registrant");
2.Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;
3.Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;
4.The registrant's other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:
a)Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;
b)Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;
c)Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant's disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and
d)Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant's most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant's fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant's internal control over financial reporting; and
5.The registrant's other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant's auditors and the audit committee of the registrant's board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):
a)All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant's ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and
b)Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting.
Date: November 5, 2021
| /s/ Daniel K. Schlanger | ||||||||
| Daniel K. Schlanger Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer | ||||||||
Exhibit 32.1
Certification Pursuant to
18 U.S.C. Section 1350
As Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
In connection with the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of Crown Castle International Corp., a Delaware Corporation ("Company"), for the period ended September 30, 2021 as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof ("Report"), each of the undersigned officers of the Company hereby certifies pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that to the best of such officer's knowledge:
1)the Report complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and
2)the information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company as of September 30, 2021 (the last date of the period covered by the Report).
| /s/ Jay A. Brown | ||||||||
| Jay A. Brown President and Chief Executive Officer | ||||||||
| November 5, 2021 | ||||||||
| /s/ Daniel K. Schlanger | ||||||||
| Daniel K. Schlanger Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer | ||||||||
| November 5, 2021 | ||||||||