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CROWN CASTLE INC. - Quarter Report: 2015 March (Form 10-Q)


 

UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
____________________________________
 
FORM 10-Q
____________________________________
x
QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the quarterly period ended March 31, 2015
OR
o
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
____________________________________
CROWN CASTLE INTERNATIONAL
CORP.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
 
Delaware
76-0470458
(State or other jurisdiction
of incorporation or organization)
(I.R.S. Employer
Identification No.)
 
 
1220 Augusta Drive, Suite 600, Houston, Texas 77057-2261
(Address of principal executives office) (Zip Code)
(713) 570-3000
(Registrant's telephone number, including area code)
____________________________________
 
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  x    No  o
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted 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 and post such files).    Yes  x    No  o

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of "large accelerated filer," "accelerated filer" and "smaller reporting company" in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

 
Large accelerated filer
x
 
Accelerated filer
o
 
 
Non-accelerated filer
o
 
Smaller reporting company
o
 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act).    Yes  o    No  x

Number of shares of common stock outstanding at May 4, 2015: 333,761,118
 



CROWN CASTLE INTERNATIONAL CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES

INDEX

 
 
 
Page
 
ITEM 1.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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
 

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 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," 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" and "Part I—Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk" herein. Such forward-looking statements include (1) expectations regarding anticipated growth in the wireless communication industry, carriers' investments in their networks, new tenant additions, customer consolidation or ownership changes, or demand for our wireless infrastructure, (2) expectations regarding non-renewals of tenant leases (including the impact of Sprint decommissioning its iDEN network and the impact of the decommissioning of the former Leap Wireless, MetroPCS and Clearwire networks), (3) availability and adequacy of cash flows and liquidity for, or plans regarding, future discretionary investments including capital expenditures, (4) potential benefits of our discretionary investments, (5) anticipated growth in our future revenues, margins, Adjusted EBITDA, and operating cash flows, (6) expectations regarding our capital structure and the credit markets, our availability and cost of capital, or our ability to service our debt and comply with debt covenants and the benefits of any future refinancings, (7) expectations related to remaining qualified as a real estate investment trust ("REIT") and the advantages, benefits or impact of, or opportunities created by, our REIT status, (8) the realization and utilization of our net operating loss carryforwards ("NOLs"), (9) expectations regarding the inclusion of portions of our small cells within our REIT, (10) our dividend policy, including the timing, amount or growth of any dividends, (11) the potential sale of CCAL, (12) the anticipated closing of the Proposed Sunesys Acquisition (as defined in note 11), and (13) the anticipated closing of the 2015 Tower Revenue Notes offering, and subsequent utilization of offering proceeds.
Such forward-looking statements are subject to certain risks, uncertainties and assumptions, including prevailing market conditions, risk factors described in "Item 1A. Risk Factors" of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2014 ("2014 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. As used herein, the term "including," and any variation of thereof, means "including without limitation." The use of the word "or" herein is not exclusive.

1


PART I—FINANCIAL INFORMATION
ITEM 1.
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

CROWN CASTLE INTERNATIONAL CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET
(In thousands of dollars, except share amounts)
 
March 31,
2015
 
December 31,
2014
 
(Unaudited)
 
 
ASSETS
 
 
 
Current assets:
 
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents
$
240,153

 
$
175,620

Restricted cash
136,964

 
147,411

Receivables, net
292,565

 
329,229

Prepaid expenses
144,334

 
155,070

Deferred income tax assets
30,105

 
29,961

Other current assets
83,393

 
94,211

Total current assets
927,514

 
931,502

Deferred site rental receivables
1,292,630

 
1,260,614

Property and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation of $5,605,820 and $5,438,781, respectively
9,139,703

 
9,148,311

Goodwill
5,215,348

 
5,210,091

Other intangible assets, net
3,650,945

 
3,715,700

Deferred income tax assets
18,620

 
20,914

Long-term prepaid rent, deferred financing costs and other assets, net
860,717

 
856,144

Total assets
$
21,105,477

 
$
21,143,276

 
 
 
 
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
 
 
 
Current liabilities:
 
 
 
Accounts payable
$
146,894

 
$
167,662

Accrued interest
68,697

 
66,943

Deferred revenues
327,270

 
348,338

Other accrued liabilities
163,096

 
202,657

Current maturities of debt and other obligations
115,998

 
113,335

Total current liabilities
821,955

 
898,935

Debt and other long-term obligations
11,954,093

 
11,807,526

Deferred income tax liabilities
38,152

 
39,889

Other long-term liabilities
1,732,484

 
1,659,698

Total liabilities
14,546,684

 
14,406,048

Commitments and contingencies (note 7)

 

CCIC stockholders' equity:
 
 
 
Common stock, $.01 par value; 600,000,000 shares authorized; shares issued and outstanding: March 31, 2015—333,761,959 and December 31, 2014—333,856,632
3,339

 
3,339

4.50% Mandatory Convertible Preferred Stock, Series A, $.01 par value; 20,000,000 shares authorized; shares issued and outstanding: March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014—9,775,000; aggregate liquidation value: March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014—$977,500
98

 
98

Additional paid-in capital
9,503,335

 
9,512,396

Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)
8,304

 
15,820

Dividends/distributions in excess of earnings
(2,978,356
)
 
(2,815,428
)
Total CCIC stockholders' equity
6,536,720

 
6,716,225

Noncontrolling interest
22,073

 
21,003

Total equity
6,558,793

 
6,737,228

Total liabilities and equity
$
21,105,477

 
$
21,143,276

 
See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

2


CROWN CASTLE INTERNATIONAL CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS AND
COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) (Unaudited)
(In thousands of dollars, except per share amounts)
 
Three Months Ended
March 31,
 
2015
 
2014
Net revenues:
 
 
 
Site rental
$
767,606

 
$
747,162

Network services and other
173,395

 
128,788

Net revenues
941,001

 
875,950

Operating expenses:
 
 
 
Costs of operations(a):
 
 
 
Site rental
240,980

 
228,076

Network services and other
88,878

 
72,874

General and administrative
79,487

 
64,849

Asset write-down charges
8,623

 
2,733

Acquisition and integration costs
2,019

 
5,659

Depreciation, amortization and accretion
258,060

 
250,191

Total operating expenses
678,047

 
624,382

Operating income (loss)
262,954

 
251,568

Interest expense and amortization of deferred financing costs
(134,439
)
 
(146,400
)
Interest income
109

 
173

Other income (expense)
(230
)
 
(2,736
)
Income (loss) before income taxes
128,394

 
102,605

Benefit (provision) for income taxes
(3,282
)
 
188

Net income (loss)
125,112

 
102,793

Less: Net income (loss) attributable to the noncontrolling interest
2,325

 
1,296

Net income (loss) attributable to CCIC stockholders
122,787

 
101,497

Dividends on preferred stock
(10,997
)
 
(10,997
)
Net income (loss) attributable to CCIC common stockholders
$
111,790

 
$
90,500

Net income (loss)
$
125,112

 
$
102,793

Other comprehensive income (loss):
 
 
 
Amounts reclassified into "interest expense and amortization deferred financing costs", net of taxes (see note 3)
7,491

 
16,182

Foreign currency translation adjustments
(16,262
)
 
12,137

Total other comprehensive income (loss)
(8,771
)
 
28,319

Comprehensive income (loss)
116,341

 
131,112

Less: Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to the noncontrolling interest
1,070

 
1,944

Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to CCIC stockholders
$
115,271

 
$
129,168

Net income (loss) attributable to CCIC common stockholders, per common share:
 
 
 
Basic
$
0.34

 
$
0.27

Diluted
$
0.34

 
$
0.27

Weighted-average common shares outstanding (in thousands):
 
 
 
Basic
332,712
 
332,034

Diluted
333,485
 
333,045

 
 
 
 
Dividends/distributions declared per common share
$
0.82

 
$
0.35

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

See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

3


CROWN CASTLE INTERNATIONAL CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS (Unaudited)
(In thousands of dollars)
 
Three Months Ended
March 31,
 
2015
 
2014
Cash flows from operating activities:
 
 
 
Net income (loss)
$
125,112

 
$
102,793

Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by (used for) operating activities:
 
 
 
Depreciation, amortization and accretion
258,060

 
250,191

Amortization of deferred financing costs and other non-cash interest
11,736

 
20,881

Stock-based compensation expense
15,244

 
11,956

Asset write-down charges
8,623

 
2,733

Deferred income tax benefit (provision)
(800
)
 
(2,332
)
Other non-cash adjustments, net
(557
)
 
(774
)
Changes in assets and liabilities, excluding the effects of acquisitions:
 
 
 
Increase (decrease) in accrued interest
1,754

 
(1,021
)
Increase (decrease) in accounts payable
(7,211
)
 
(10,601
)
Increase (decrease) in deferred revenues, deferred ground lease payables, other accrued liabilities and other liabilities
22,426

 
34,900

Decrease (increase) in receivables
36,661

 
4,896

Decrease (increase) in prepaid expenses, deferred site rental receivables, long-term prepaid rent, restricted cash and other assets
(10,254
)
 
(51,339
)
Net cash provided by (used for) operating activities
460,794

 
362,283

Cash flows from investing activities:
 
 
 
Payments for acquisitions of businesses, net of cash acquired
(17,493
)
 
(62,228
)
Capital expenditures
(204,753
)
 
(142,943
)
Other investing activities, net
(514
)
 
952

Net cash provided by (used for) investing activities
(222,760
)
 
(204,219
)
Cash flows from financing activities:
 
 
 
Principal payments on debt and other long-term obligations
(31,497
)
 
(27,739
)
Purchases of capital stock
(29,372
)
 
(21,417
)
Borrowings under revolving credit facility
230,000

 
83,000

Payments under revolving credit facility
(65,000
)
 
(89,000
)
Payments for financing costs
(1,904
)
 
(5,854
)
Net (increase) decrease in restricted cash
10,214

 
14,743

Dividends/distributions paid on common stock
(273,685
)
 
(116,829
)
Dividends paid on preferred stock
(10,997
)
 
(11,363
)
Net cash provided by (used for) financing activities
(172,241
)
 
(174,459
)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash
(1,260
)
 
(6,462
)
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
64,533

 
(22,857
)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period
175,620

 
223,394

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
$
240,153

 
$
200,537


See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

4


CROWN CASTLE INTERNATIONAL CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF EQUITY
(In thousands of dollars, except share amounts) (Unaudited)

 
CCIC Stockholders
 
 
 
 
 
Common Stock
 
4.50% Mandatory Convertible Preferred Stock
 
 
 
AOCI
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Shares
 
($.01 Par)
 
Shares
 
($.01 Par)
 
Additional
Paid-In
Capital
 
Foreign Currency Translation Adjustments
 
Derivative Instruments, net of tax
 
Dividends/Distributions in Excess of Earnings
 
Noncontrolling
Interest
 
Total
Balance, January 1, 2015
333,856,632

 
$
3,339

 
9,775,000

 
$
98

 
$
9,512,396

 
$
34,545

 
$
(18,725
)
 
$
(2,815,428
)
 
$
21,003

 
$
6,737,228

Stock-based compensation related activity, net of forfeitures
238,416

 
2

 

 

 
20,309

 

 

 

 

 
20,311

Purchases and retirement of capital stock
(333,089
)
 
(2
)
 

 

 
(29,370
)
 

 

 

 

 
(29,372
)
Other comprehensive income (loss)(a)

 

 

 

 

 
(15,007
)
 
7,491

 

 
(1,255
)
 
(8,771
)
Common stock dividends/distributions

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
(274,718
)
 

 
(274,718
)
Preferred stock dividends

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
(10,997
)
 

 
(10,997
)
Net income (loss)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
122,787

 
2,325

 
125,112

Balance, March 31, 2015
333,761,959

 
$
3,339

 
9,775,000

 
$
98

 
$
9,503,335

 
$
19,538

 
$
(11,234
)
 
$
(2,978,356
)
 
$
22,073

 
$
6,558,793

    
(a)
See the condensed statement of operations and other comprehensive income (loss) for the components of "other comprehensive income (loss)" and note 3 with respect to the reclassification adjustment.

 
CCIC Stockholders
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Common Stock
 
4.50% Mandatory Convertible Preferred Stock
 
 
 
AOCI
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Shares
 
($.01 Par)
 
Shares
 
($.01 Par)
 
Additional
Paid-In
Capital
 
Foreign Currency Translation Adjustments
 
Derivative Instruments, net of tax
 
Dividends/Distributions in Excess of Earnings
 
Noncontrolling
Interest
 
Total
Balance, January 1, 2014
334,070,016

 
$
3,341

 
9,775,000

 
$
98

 
$
9,482,769

 
$
58,261

 
$
(81,873
)
 
$
(2,535,879
)
 
$
14,458

 
$
6,941,175

Stock-based compensation related activity, net of forfeitures
14,031

 

 

 

 
11,956

 

 

 

 

 
11,956

Purchases and retirement of capital stock
(288,066
)
 
(3
)
 

 

 
(21,414
)
 

 

 

 

 
(21,417
)
Other comprehensive income (loss)(a)

 

 

 

 

 
11,489

 
16,182

 

 
648

 
28,319

Common stock dividends/distributions

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
(117,162
)
 

 
(117,162
)
Preferred stock dividends

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
(10,997
)
 

 
(10,997
)
Net income (loss)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
101,497

 
1,296

 
102,793

Balance, March 31, 2014
333,795,981

 
$
3,338

 
9,775,000

 
$
98

 
$
9,473,311

 
$
69,750

 
$
(65,691
)
 
$
(2,562,541
)
 
$
16,402

 
$
6,934,667

    
(a)
See the condensed statement of operations and other comprehensive income (loss) for the components of "other comprehensive income (loss)" and note 3 with respect to the reclassification adjustment.
 
 
See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

5


CROWN CASTLE INTERNATIONAL CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-Unaudited
(Tabular dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)


1.
General
The information contained in the following notes to the consolidated financial statements is condensed from that which would appear in the annual consolidated financial statements; accordingly, the consolidated financial statements included herein should be reviewed in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2014, and related notes thereto, included in the 2014 Form 10-K filed by Crown Castle International Corp. ("CCIC") with the SEC. References to the "Company" include CCIC and its predecessor, as applicable, and their subsidiaries unless otherwise indicated or the context indicates otherwise.
The Company owns, operates and leases shared wireless infrastructure, including: (1) towers, and to a lesser extent, (2) small cell networks, and (3) third party land interests. The Company conducts operations through subsidiaries of CCOC, including (1) certain subsidiaries which operate wireless infrastructure portfolios in the United States, including Puerto Rico ("U.S." or "CCUSA") and (2) a 77.6% owned subsidiary that operates towers in Australia (referred to as "CCAL"). The Company's core business is providing access, including space or capacity, to its wireless infrastructure via long-term contracts in various forms, including licenses, subleases and lease agreements. Our wireless infrastructure can accommodate multiple tenants for antennas or other equipment necessary for the transmission of signals for wireless communication.
As part of CCUSA's effort to provide comprehensive wireless infrastructure solutions, it offers certain network services relating to its wireless infrastructure, consisting of (1) the following site development services relating to existing or new antenna installations on its wireless infrastructure: site acquisition, architectural and engineering, or zoning and permitting and (2) tenant equipment installation or subsequent augmentations (collectively, "installation services").
Effective January 1, 2014, the Company commenced operating as a REIT for U.S. federal income tax purposes. In addition, the Company has certain taxable REIT subsidiaries ("TRSs"). See note 4.
Approximately 52% of the Company's towers are leased or subleased or operated and managed under master leases, subleases, and other agreements with Sprint, T-Mobile, and AT&T. 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 fairly state the consolidated financial position of the Company at March 31, 2015, and the consolidated results of operations and the consolidated cash flows for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014. The year-end condensed consolidated balance sheet data was derived from audited financial statements, but does not include all disclosures required by GAAP. Accounting measurements at interim dates inherently involve greater reliance on estimates than at year end. The results of operations for the interim periods presented are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the entire year.
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities as of the date of the financial statements, and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

2.
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
The significant accounting policies used in the preparation of the Company's condensed consolidated financial statements are disclosed in the 2014 Form 10-K.
Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements
No accounting pronouncements adopted during the three months ended March 31, 2015 had a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements Not Yet Adopted
In April 2015, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued new guidance on the presentation of debt issuance costs. The guidance requires debt issuance costs be presented in the balance sheet as a direct deduction from the carrying amount

6


CROWN CASTLE INTERNATIONAL CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-Unaudited (Continued)
(Tabular dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)


of the related debt liability, consistent with debt discounts and premiums. The update requires retrospective application and the guidance is effective for the Company on January 1, 2016. The Company is evaluating the guidance, including the impact on its consolidated financial statements.

3.
Debt and Other Obligations
 
Original
Issue Date
 
Contractual
Maturity
Date (a)
 
Outstanding
Balance as of
March 31, 2015
 
Outstanding
Balance as of
December 31, 2014
 
Stated Interest
Rate as of
March 31, 2015(a)(b)
Bank debt - variable rate:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2012 Revolver
Jan. 2012
 
Nov. 2018/Jan. 2019
 
$
860,000

(c) 
$
695,000

 
1.9
%
Tranche A Term Loans
Jan. 2012
 
Nov. 2018/Jan. 2019
 
641,797

 
645,938

 
1.9
%
Tranche B Term Loans
Jan. 2012
 
Jan. 2019/Jan. 2021
 
2,828,348

(e) 
2,835,509

 
3.0
%
Total bank debt
 
 
 
 
4,330,145

 
4,176,447

 
 
Securitized debt - fixed rate:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
January 2010 Tower Revenue Notes
Jan. 2010
 
2037 - 2040
(d) 
1,600,000

 
1,600,000

 
6.0
%
August 2010 Tower Revenue Notes
Aug. 2010
 
2035 - 2040
(d) 
1,550,000

 
1,550,000

 
4.5
%
2009 Securitized Notes
July 2009
 
2019/2029
 
156,014

 
160,822

 
7.5
%
WCP Securitized Notes
Jan. 2010
 
Nov. 2040
(d) 
256,913

 
262,386

 
5.7
%
Total securitized debt
 
 
 
 
3,562,927

 
3,573,208

 
 
Bonds - fixed rate:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
5.25% Senior Notes
Oct. 2012
 
Jan. 2023
 
1,649,969

 
1,649,969

 
5.3
%
2012 Secured Notes
Dec. 2012
 
Dec. 2017/Apr. 2023
 
1,500,000

 
1,500,000

 
3.4
%
4.875% Senior Notes
Apr. 2014
 
Apr. 2022
 
846,175

 
846,062

 
4.9
%
Total bonds
 
 
 
 
3,996,144

 
3,996,031

 
 
Other:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Capital leases and other obligations
Various
 
Various
 
180,875

 
175,175

 
Various

Total debt and other obligations
 
 
 
 
12,070,091

 
11,920,861

 
 
Less: current maturities and short-term debt and other current obligations
 
 
 
 
115,998

 
113,335

 
 
Non-current portion of long-term debt and other long-term obligations
 
 
 
 
$
11,954,093

 
$
11,807,526

 
 
    
(a)
See the 2014 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)
Represents the weighted-average stated interest rate.
(c)
During January and February 2015, the Company amended its 2012 Credit Facility agreement and increased the capacity of the 2012 Revolver to an aggregate revolving commitment of approximately $2.2 billion. As of March 31, 2015, the undrawn availability under the 2012 Revolver is $1.4 billion.
(d)
If the respective series of such debt is not paid in full on or prior to an applicable 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 additional interest (of an additional approximately 5% per annum) will accrue on the respective series. See the 2014 Form 10-K for additional information regarding these provisions.
(e)
As of March 31, 2015, the Company's Tranche B Term Loans, including the Incremental Tranche B Term Loans and the Incremental Tranche B-2 Term Loans, consist of $2.3 billion aggregate principal amount due January 2021 and $564.1 million aggregate principal amount due January 2019.

See note 11 to our condensed consolidated financial statements regarding our May 2015 pricing of $1.0 billion of 2015 Tower Revenue Notes.

7


CROWN CASTLE INTERNATIONAL CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-Unaudited (Continued)
(Tabular dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)



Contractual Maturities
The following are the scheduled contractual maturities of the total debt and other long-term obligations outstanding as of March 31, 2015. These maturities reflect contractual maturity dates and do not consider the principal payments that will commence following the anticipated repayment dates on the Tower Revenue Notes and the rapid amortization date on the WCP Securitized Notes.
 
Nine Months Ending
December 31,
 
Years Ending December 31,
 
 
 
 
 
Unamortized Adjustments, Net
 
Total Debt and Other Obligations Outstanding
 
2015
 
2016
 
2017
 
2018
 
2019
 
Thereafter
 
Total Cash Obligations
 
 
Scheduled contractual maturities
$
83,105

 
$
124,565

 
$
621,524

 
$
1,490,513

 
$
597,469

 
$
9,154,129

 
$
12,071,305

 
$
(1,214
)
 
$
12,070,091

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 March 31,
 
2015
 
2014
Interest expense on debt obligations
$
122,703

 
$
125,519

Amortization of deferred financing costs
5,619

 
5,641

Amortization of adjustments on long-term debt
(881
)
 
(955
)
Amortization of interest rate swaps(a)
7,491

 
16,182

Other, net of capitalized interest
(493
)
 
13

Total
$
134,439

 
$
146,400

    
(a)
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss).

4.
Income Taxes
Effective January 1, 2014, the Company commenced operating 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) alternative minimum taxes, (2) taxes on any undistributed income, (3) taxes related to the TRSs, (4) certain state, local, or foreign income taxes, (5) franchise taxes, (6) property taxes, and (7) transfer taxes. In addition, the Company could in 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 1986, as amended ("Code") to maintain qualification for taxation as a REIT.
The Company's small cells are currently included in one or more wholly owned TRSs. In August 2014, the Company received a favorable private letter ruling from the Internal Revenue Service ("IRS"), which provides that the real property portion of the Company's small cells and the related rents qualify as real property and rents from real property, respectively, under the rules governing REITs. The Company is evaluating the impact of this private letter ruling and, subject to board approval, expects to take appropriate action to include at least some part of the Company's small cells as part of the REIT during 2015. Once the Company has completed its evaluation and necessary actions to include small cells in the REIT, the Company expects to de-recognize its net deferred tax liabilities related to such part of the Company's small cells.
Additionally, the Company has included in TRSs its tower operations in Australia and certain other assets and operations. Those TRS assets and operations (along with any part of the Company's small cells that may remain in a TRS) 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 and Australia) most likely will be 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. The Company will be subject to a federal corporate level tax rate (currently 35%)

8


CROWN CASTLE INTERNATIONAL CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-Unaudited (Continued)
(Tabular dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)


on the gain recognized from the sale of assets occurring within a specified period (generally 10 years) after the REIT conversion up to the amount of the built in gain that existed on January 1, 2014, which is based upon the fair market value of those assets in excess of the Company's tax basis on January 1, 2014.  This gain can be offset by any remaining federal net operating loss carryforwards.
For the three months ended March 31, 2015 and the three months ended March 31, 2014, 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. The income tax provision for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and the three months ended March 31, 2014 primarily related to the TRSs.

5.
Fair Value Disclosures
 
Level in Fair Value Hierarchy
 
March 31, 2015
 
December 31, 2014
 
 
Carrying
 Amount
 
Fair
Value
 
Carrying
 Amount
 
Fair
Value
Assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents
1
 
$
240,153

 
$
240,153

 
$
175,620

 
$
175,620

Restricted cash, current and non-current
1
 
141,964

 
141,964

 
152,411

 
152,411

Liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Long-term debt and other obligations
2
 
12,070,091

 
12,532,541

 
11,920,861

 
12,286,161

The fair value of cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash approximate the carrying value. The Company determines the fair value of its debt securities based on indicative, non-binding quotes from brokers. Quotes from brokers require judgment and are based on the brokers' interpretation of market information, including implied credit spreads for similar borrowings on recent trades or bid/ask prices or quotes from active markets if available. There were no changes since December 31, 2014 in the Company's valuation techniques used to measure fair values.

6.
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. 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 (1) upon the vesting of restricted stock awards and restricted stock units as determined under the treasury stock method and (2) upon conversion of the Company's Convertible Preferred Stock, as determined under the if-converted method.
 
Three Months Ended
March 31,
 
2015
 
2014
Net income (loss) attributable to CCIC stockholders
$
122,787

 
$
101,497

Dividends on preferred stock
(10,997
)
 
(10,997
)
Net income (loss) attributable to CCIC common stockholders
$
111,790

 
$
90,500

Weighted-average number of common shares outstanding (in thousands):
 
 
 
Basic weighted-average number of common stock outstanding
332,712

 
332,034

Effect of assumed dilution from potential common shares relating to restricted stock units and restricted stock awards
773

 
1,011

Diluted weighted-average number of common shares outstanding
333,485

 
333,045

Net income (loss) attributable to CCIC common stockholders, per common share:
 
 
 
Basic
$
0.34

 
$
0.27

Diluted
$
0.34

 
$
0.27


9


CROWN CASTLE INTERNATIONAL CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-Unaudited (Continued)
(Tabular dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)


During the three months ended March 31, 2015, the Company granted 1.0 million restricted stock units. For the three months ended March 31, 2015, 11.5 million common share equivalents related to the Convertible Preferred Stock were excluded from the dilutive common shares because the impact of such conversion would be anti-dilutive, based on the Company's common stock price as of March 31, 2015.

7.
Commitments and Contingencies
The Company is involved in various claims, lawsuits or proceedings arising in the ordinary course of business. While there are uncertainties inherent in the ultimate outcome of such matters and it is impossible to presently determine the ultimate costs or losses that may be incurred, if any, management believes the resolution of such uncertainties and the incurrence of such costs should not have a material adverse effect on the Company's consolidated financial position or results of operations. Additionally, the Company and certain of its subsidiaries are contingently liable for commitments or performance guarantees arising in the ordinary course of business, including certain letters of credit or surety bonds. In addition, the Company has the option to purchase approximately 52% of the Company's towers at the end of their respective lease terms. The Company has no obligation to exercise such purchase options.

8.
Equity
Declaration and Payment of Dividends
During the three months ended March 31, 2015, the following dividends were declared or paid:
Equity Type
 
Declaration Date
 
Record Date
 
Payment Date
 
Dividends Per Share
 
Aggregate
Payment
Amount
(In millions)
 
Common Stock
 
February 12, 2015
 
March 20, 2015
 
March 31, 2015
 
$
0.82

 
$
274.7

(a) 
Convertible Preferred Stock
 
December 22, 2014
 
January 15, 2015
 
February 2, 2015
 
$
1.1250

 
$
11.0

 
Convertible Preferred Stock
 
March 27, 2015
 
April 15, 2015
 
May 1, 2015
 
$
1.1250

 
$
11.0

(b) 
    
(a)
Inclusive of dividends accrued for holders of unvested restricted stock units.
(b)
Represents amount paid on May 1, 2015 based on holders of record on April 15, 2015.
Purchases of the Company's Common Stock
For the three months ended March 31, 2015, the Company purchased 0.3 million shares of its common stock utilizing 29.4 million in cash.

9.
Operating Segments
The Company's reportable operating segments are (1) CCUSA, primarily consisting of the Company's U.S. operations and (2) CCAL, the Company's Australian operations. Financial results for the Company are reported to management and the board of directors in this manner.
The measurement of profit or loss currently used by management to evaluate the results of operations for the Company and its operating segments is earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, amortization and accretion, as adjusted ("Adjusted EBITDA"). The Company defines Adjusted EBITDA as net income (loss) plus restructuring charges (credits), asset write-down charges, acquisition and integration costs, depreciation, amortization and accretion, amortization of prepaid lease purchase price adjustments, interest expense and amortization of deferred financing costs, gains (losses) on retirement of long-term obligations, net gain (loss) on interest rate swaps, impairment of available-for-sale securities, interest income, other income (expense), benefit (provision) for income taxes, cumulative effect of change in accounting principle, income (loss) from discontinued operations and stock-based compensation expense. Adjusted EBITDA is not intended as an alternative measure of operating results or cash flow from operations (as determined in accordance with GAAP), and the Company's measure of Adjusted EBITDA may not be comparable to similarly titled measures of other companies. There are no significant revenues resulting from transactions between the Company's operating segments. Inter-company borrowings and related interest between segments are eliminated to reconcile segment results and assets to the consolidated basis.

10


CROWN CASTLE INTERNATIONAL CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-Unaudited (Continued)
(Tabular dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)


 
Three Months Ended March 31, 2015
 
Three Months Ended March 31, 2014
 
CCUSA
 
CCAL
 
Elim(a)
 
Consolidated
Total
 
CCUSA
 
CCAL
 
Elim(a)
 
Consolidated
Total
Net revenues:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Site rental
$
731,380

 
$
36,226

 
$

 
$
767,606

 
$
714,792

 
$
32,370

 
$

 
$
747,162

Network services and other
169,091

 
4,304

 

 
173,395

 
126,971

 
1,817

 

 
128,788

Net revenues
900,471

 
40,530

 

 
941,001

 
841,763

 
34,187

 

 
875,950

Operating expenses:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Costs of operations(b):
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Site rental
232,213

 
8,767

 

 
240,980

 
218,644

 
9,432

 

 
228,076

Network services and other
86,918

 
1,960

 

 
88,878

 
71,799

 
1,075

 

 
72,874

General and administrative
74,056

 
5,431

 

 
79,487

 
58,641

 
6,208

 

 
64,849

Asset write-down charges
8,555

 
68

 

 
8,623

 
2,636

 
97

 

 
2,733

Acquisition and integration costs
2,016

 
3

 

 
2,019

 
5,659

 

 

 
5,659

Depreciation, amortization and accretion
251,806

 
6,254

 

 
258,060

 
245,176

 
5,015

 

 
250,191

Total operating expenses
655,564

 
22,483

 

 
678,047

 
602,555

 
21,827

 

 
624,382

Operating income (loss)
244,907

 
18,047

 

 
262,954

 
239,208

 
12,360

 

 
251,568

Interest expense and amortization of deferred financing costs
(134,439
)
 
(3,051
)
 
3,051

 
(134,439
)
 
(146,400
)
 
(3,683
)
 
3,683

 
(146,400
)
Interest income
56

 
53

 

 
109

 
114

 
59

 

 
173

Other income (expense)
2,827

 
(6
)
 
(3,051
)
 
(230
)
 
947

 

 
(3,683
)
 
(2,736
)
Benefit (provision) for income taxes
1,434

 
(4,716
)
 

 
(3,282
)
 
3,040

 
(2,852
)
 

 
188

Net income (loss)
114,785

 
10,327

 

 
125,112

 
96,909

 
5,884

 

 
102,793

Less: net income (loss) attributable to the noncontrolling interest

 
2,325

 

 
2,325

 

 
1,296

 

 
1,296

Net income (loss) attributable to CCIC stockholders
$
114,785

 
$
8,002

 
$

 
$
122,787

 
$
96,909

 
$
4,588

 
$

 
$
101,497

Capital expenditures
$
201,653

 
$
3,100

 
$

 
$
204,753

 
$
138,838

 
$
4,105

 
$

 
$
142,943

________________
(a)
Elimination of inter-company borrowings and related interest expense.
(b)
Exclusive of depreciation, amortization and accretions shown separately.
 

11


CROWN CASTLE INTERNATIONAL CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-Unaudited (Continued)
(Tabular dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)


The following is a reconciliation of net income (loss) to Adjusted EBITDA for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014.
 
Three Months Ended March 31, 2015
 
Three Months Ended March 31, 2014
 
CCUSA
 
CCAL
 
Elim(a)
 
Consolidated
Total
 
CCUSA
 
CCAL
 
Elim(a)
 
Consolidated
Total
Net income (loss)
$
114,785

 
$
10,327

 
$

 
$
125,112

 
$
96,909

 
$
5,884

 
$

 
$
102,793

Adjustments to increase (decrease) net income (loss):
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Asset write-down charges
8,555

 
68

 

 
8,623

 
2,636

 
97

 

 
2,733

Acquisition and integration costs
2,016

 
3

 

 
2,019

 
5,659

 

 

 
5,659

Depreciation, amortization and accretion
251,806

 
6,254

 

 
258,060

 
245,176

 
5,015

 

 
250,191

Amortization of prepaid lease purchase price adjustments
5,174

 

 

 
5,174

 
3,895

 

 

 
3,895

Interest expense and amortization of deferred financing costs
134,439

 
3,051

 
(3,051
)
 
134,439

 
146,400

 
3,683

 
(3,683
)
 
146,400

Interest income
(56
)
 
(53
)
 

 
(109
)
 
(114
)
 
(59
)
 

 
(173
)
Other income (expense)
(2,827
)
 
6

 
3,051

 
230

 
(947
)
 

 
3,683

 
2,736

Benefit (provision) for income taxes
(1,434
)
 
4,716

 

 
3,282

 
(3,040
)
 
2,852

 

 
(188
)
Stock-based compensation expense
16,842

 
582

 

 
17,424

 
11,956

 
981

 

 
12,937

Adjusted EBITDA(b)
$
529,300

 
$
24,954

 
$

 
$
554,254

 
$
508,530

 
$
18,453

 
$

 
$
526,983

________________
(a)
Elimination of inter-company borrowings and related interest expense.
(b)
The above reconciliation excludes line items included in the Company's Adjusted EBITDA definition for which there is no activity for the periods shown.
 

10.
Supplemental Cash Flow Information
 
Three Months Ended March 31,
 
2015
 
2014
Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information:
 
 
 
Interest paid
$
120,949

 
$
126,540

Income taxes paid
2,498

 
7,400

Supplemental disclosure of non-cash financing activities:
 
 
 
Increase (decrease) in accounts payable for purchases of property and equipment
(13,557
)
 
(7,582
)
Purchase of property and equipment under capital leases and installment purchases
12,407

 
8,012


11.
Subsequent Events

Proposed Sunesys Acquisition

On April 30, 2015, the Company announced a definitive agreement to acquire Quanta Fiber Networks, Inc. ("Sunesys") for approximately $1.0 billion in cash, subject to certain limited adjustments ("Proposed Sunesys Acquisition"). Sunesys, a wholly owned subsidiary of Quanta Services, Inc., is a fiber services provider that owns or has rights to nearly 10,000 miles of fiber in major metropolitan markets across the U.S. Approximately 60% of Sunesys' fiber miles are located in the top 10 basic trading areas in the U.S. The Proposed Sunesys Acquisition is expected to close by the end of 2015.

2015 Tower Revenue Notes Offering

On May 1, 2015, the Company announced that it had priced $1.0 billion of Senior Secured Tower Revenue Notes ("2015 Tower Revenue Notes") which will be issued by certain of its indirect subsidiaries. The 2015 Tower Revenue Notes consist of (1) $300 million of 3.222% Notes with an expected life of seven years and a final maturity date of May 2042, and (2) $700 million of 3.663% Notes with an expected life of ten years and a final maturity date of May 2045.


12


CROWN CASTLE INTERNATIONAL CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-Unaudited (Continued)
(Tabular dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)


The Company expects to use the net proceeds received from this offering (1) to repay $250.0 million of August 2010 Tower Revenue Notes with an anticipated repayment date of August 2015, (2) to pay fees and expenses related to the offering of the 2015 Tower Revenue Notes and repayment of the August 2010 Tower Revenue Notes, and (3) for general corporate purposes. The Company expects the offering of the 2015 Tower Revenue Notes to close on or about May 15, 2015.


13


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 our 2014 Form 10-K. Capitalized terms used but not defined in this Item have the same meaning given to them in our 2014 Form 10-K. Unless this Form 10-Q indicates otherwise or the context requires, the terms "we," "our," "our company," "the company," or "us" as used in this Form 10-Q refer to Crown Castle International Corp., and its predecessor, as applicable, and their subsidiaries unless otherwise indicated or the context suggests otherwise.

General Overview
Overview
We own, operate and lease shared wireless infrastructure. Site rental revenues represented 82% of our first quarter 2015 consolidated net revenues. CCUSA, our largest operating segment, accounted for 95% of our first quarter 2015 site rental revenues. The vast majority of our site rental revenues is of a recurring nature and has been contracted for in a prior year.
Strategy
Our strategy is to create long-term stockholder value via a combination of (1) growing cash flows generated from our portfolio of wireless infrastructure, (2) returning a meaningful portion of our cash provided by operating activities to our stockholders in the form of dividends and (3) investing capital efficiently to grow long-term dividends per share. 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 wireless infrastructure. We seek to maximize the site rental cash flows derived from our wireless infrastructure by adding tenants on our wireless infrastructure through long-term leases as our customers deploy and improve their wireless networks. We seek to maximize new tenant additions or modifications of existing tenant installations (collectively, "new tenant additions") through our focus on customer service and deployment speed. Due to the relatively fixed nature of the costs to operate our wireless infrastructure (which tend to increase at approximately the rate of inflation), we expect increases in our site rental cash flows from new tenant additions and the related subsequent impact from contracted escalations to result in growth in our operating cash flows. We believe there is considerable additional future demand for our existing wireless infrastructure based on their location and the anticipated growth in the wireless communication services industry. Substantially all of our wireless infrastructure can accommodate additional tenancy, either as currently constructed or with appropriate modifications to the structure, which we expect to have high incremental returns.
Return cash provided by operating activities to stockholders in the form of dividends. We believe that distributing a meaningful portion of our cash provided by operating activities appropriately provides stockholders with increased certainty for a portion of expected long-term stockholder value while still retaining 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 stockholders.
Invest capital efficiently to grow long-term dividends per share. We seek to invest our capital available, including the net cash provided by our operating activities and external financing sources, in a manner that will increase long-term stockholder value on a risk-adjusted basis. Our historical investments have included the following (in no particular order):
purchase shares of our common stock from time to time;
acquire or construct wireless infrastructure;
acquire land interests under towers;
make improvements and structural enhancements to our existing wireless infrastructure; or
purchase, repay or redeem our debt.
Our strategy to create long-term stockholder value is based on our belief that additional demand for our wireless infrastructure will be created by the expected continued growth in the wireless communication services industry, which is predominately driven by the demand for wireless data services by consumers. We believe that such demand for our wireless infrastructure will continue, will result in growth of our cash flows due to new tenant additions on our existing wireless infrastructure, and will create other growth opportunities for us, such as demand for new wireless infrastructure.

14


Business Fundamentals and Results
The following are certain highlights of our business fundamentals and results as of and for the three months ended March 31, 2015.
Effective January 1, 2014, we commenced operating 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 qualify and be taxed as a REIT, we will generally be required to distribute 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) each year to our stockholders.
See note 4 to our condensed consolidated financial statements for further discussion of our REIT status.
Potential growth resulting from wireless network expansion and new entrants
We expect wireless carriers will continue their focus on improving network quality and expanding capacity by adding additional antennas or other equipment on our wireless infrastructure.
We expect existing and potential new wireless carrier demand for our wireless infrastructure will result from (1) new technologies, (2) increased usage of wireless data applications (including mobile entertainment, mobile internet usage, and machine-to-machine applications), (3) adoption of other emerging and embedded wireless devices (including laptops, tablets, and other devices), (4) increasing smartphone penetration, (5) wireless carrier focus on expanding quality and capacity, or (6) the availability of additional spectrum.
Substantially all of our wireless infrastructure can accommodate additional tenancy, either as currently constructed or with appropriate modifications to the structure.
U.S. wireless carriers continue to invest in their networks.
Our site rental revenues grew $20.4 million, or 3%, from the three months ended March 31, 2014 to the three months ended March 31, 2015. This growth was predominately comprised of the following, exclusive of the impact of straight-line accounting:
An approximate 6% increase from new leasing activity.
An approximate 3% increase from cash escalations.
An approximate 4% decrease in site rental revenues caused by the non-renewal of tenant leases.
Site rental revenues under long-term tenant leases with contractual escalations
Initial terms of five to 15 years with multiple renewal periods at the option of the tenant of five to ten years each.
Weighted-average remaining term of approximately seven years, exclusive of renewals at the tenant's option, currently representing approximately $22 billion of expected future cash inflows.
Revenues predominately from large wireless carriers
Approximately 87% of our consolidated site rental revenues were derived from AT&T, Sprint, T-Mobile, and Verizon Wireless. See also "Item 2. MD&A—General Overview—Outlook Highlights" presented below.
Majority of land interests under our towers under long-term control
Nearly 90% and 75% of our site rental gross margin is derived from towers that reside on land that we own or control for greater than ten and 20 years, respectively. The aforementioned amounts include towers that reside on land interests that are owned, including fee interests and perpetual easements, which represent approximately one-third of our site rental gross margin.
Relatively fixed wireless infrastructure operating costs
Our wireless infrastructure operating costs tend to increase at approximately the rate of inflation and are not typically influenced by new tenant additions.
Minimal sustaining capital expenditure requirements
Sustaining capital expenditures represented less than 2% of net revenues.
Debt portfolio with long-dated maturities extended over multiple years, with the majority of such debt having a fixed rate (see "Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk" for a further discussion of our debt)
64% of our debt has fixed rate coupons.
Our debt service coverage and leverage ratios were comfortably within their respective financial maintenance covenants.
During January and February 2015, we amended our 2012 Credit Facility agreement and increased the capacity of the 2012 Revolver to an aggregate revolving commitment of approximately $2.2 billion.
In May 2015, we priced $1.0 billion of 2015 Tower Revenue Notes and expect the offering to close on or about May 15, 2015. See note 11 to our condensed consolidated financial statements.
Significant cash flows from operations
Net cash provided by operating activities was $460.8 million.
We expect to grow our core business of providing access to our wireless infrastructure as a result of contractual escalators and future anticipated demand for our wireless infrastructure.

15


Returning cash flows provided by operations to stockholders in the form of dividends
During March 2015, we paid a common stock cash dividend of $0.82 per share, totaling approximately $273.7 million. We currently expect our anticipated quarterly dividends to result in aggregate annual cash payments of approximately $1.1 billion during 2015, or an annual amount of $3.28 per share. Over time, we expect to increase our dividend per share generally commensurate with our realized growth in cash flows. Future dividends are subject to the approval of our board of directors.
Investing capital efficiently to grow long-term dividends per share
Discretionary capital expenditures were $187.8 million, including wireless infrastructure improvements in order to support additional site rentals, construction of wireless infrastructure and land purchases.
In April 2015, we entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Sunesys for approximately $1.0 billion in cash, subject to certain limited adjustments. See note 11 to our condensed consolidated financial statements.
Outlook Highlights
The following are certain highlights of our full year 2015 outlook that impact our business fundamentals described above.

We expect that our full year 2015 site rental revenue growth will be benefited by similar levels of tenant additions as in 2014, as large U.S. wireless carriers upgrade their networks, partially offset by an increase in non-renewals of tenant leases. During 2015, we expect non-renewals of tenant leases to result from (1) Sprint's decommissioning of its legacy Nextel iDEN network and (2) the decommissioning of the former Leap Wireless, MetroPCS and Clearwire networks ("Acquired Networks"), at least in part, which we expect to occur predominately from 2015 through 2018. See "Item 1A—Risk Factors" in our 2014 Form 10-K.
We expect sustaining capital expenditures of approximately 2% of net revenues for full year 2015.


16


Consolidated Results of Operations
The following discussion of our results of operations should be read in conjunction with our condensed consolidated financial statements and our 2014 Form 10-K. 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 on our 2014 Form 10-K).
Comparison of Consolidated Results
The following information is derived from our historical consolidated statements of operations for the periods indicated.
 
Three Months Ended March 31,
 
Percent
Change(b)
 
2015
 
2014
 
 
(Dollars in thousands)
 
 
Net revenues:
 
 
 
 
 
Site rental
$
767,606

 
$
747,162

 
3
 %
Network services and other
173,395

 
128,788

 
35
 %
Net revenues
941,001

 
875,950

 
7
 %
Operating expenses:
 
 
 
 
 
Costs of operations(a):
 
 
 
 
 
Site rental
240,980

 
228,076

 
6
 %
Network services and other
88,878

 
72,874

 
22
 %
Total costs of operations
329,858

 
300,950

 
10
 %
General and administrative
79,487

 
64,849

 
23
 %
Asset write-down charges
8,623

 
2,733

 
*

Acquisition and integration costs
2,019

 
5,659

 
*

Depreciation, amortization and accretion
258,060

 
250,191

 
3
 %
Total operating expenses
678,047

 
624,382

 
9
 %
Operating income (loss)
262,954

 
251,568

 
5
 %
Interest expense and amortization of deferred financing costs
(134,439
)
 
(146,400
)
 
(8
)%
Interest income
109

 
173

 
 
Other income (expense)
(230
)
 
(2,736
)
 
 
Income (loss) before income taxes
128,394

 
102,605

 
 
Benefit (provision) for income taxes
(3,282
)
 
188

 
 
Net income (loss)
125,112

 
102,793

 
 
Less: net income (loss) attributable to the noncontrolling interest
2,325

 
1,296

 
 
Net income (loss) attributable to CCIC stockholders
122,787

 
101,497

 
 
Dividends on preferred stock
(10,997
)
 
(10,997
)
 
 
Net income (loss) attributable to CCIC common stockholders
$
111,790

 
$
90,500

 
 
________________
*
Percentage is not meaningful
(a)
Exclusive of depreciation, amortization and accretion shown separately.
(b)
Inclusive of the impact of foreign exchange rate fluctuations. See "Item 2. MD&A—Comparison of Operating Segments—CCAL."
 
First Quarter 2015 and 2014. Our consolidated results of operations for the first quarter of 2015 and 2014, respectively, consist predominately of our CCUSA segment, which accounted for (1) 96% and 96% of consolidated net revenues, (2) 95% and 96% of consolidated gross margins, and (3) 93% and 95% of net income (loss) attributable to CCIC stockholders. Our operating segment results, including CCUSA, are discussed below (see "Item 2. MD&A—Comparison of Operating Segments").

17


Comparison of Operating Segments
Our reportable operating segments for the first quarter of 2015 are (1) CCUSA, consisting of our U.S. operations, and (2) CCAL, our Australian operations. Our financial results are reported to management and the board of directors in this manner. See "Item 1. Business—The Company" of our 2014 Form 10-K for a discussion of our plans to explore a potential sale of CCAL. There can be no assurances that the exploration of a potential sale will result in a transaction.
See note 9 to our condensed consolidated financial statements for segment results and a reconciliation of net income (loss) to Adjusted EBITDA (defined below).
Our measurement of profit or loss currently used to evaluate our operating performance and operating segments is earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, amortization and accretion, as adjusted ("Adjusted EBITDA"). Our measure of Adjusted EBITDA may not be comparable to similarly titled measures of other companies, including companies in the tower sector or other similar providers of wireless infrastructure, and is not a measure of performance calculated in accordance with GAAP. Adjusted EBITDA is discussed further under "Item 2. MD&A—Accounting and Reporting Matters—Non-GAAP Financial Measures."
We define Adjusted EBITDA as net income (loss) plus restructuring charges (credits), asset write-down charges, acquisition and integration costs, depreciation, amortization and accretion, amortization of prepaid lease purchase price adjustments, interest expense and amortization of deferred financing costs, gains (losses) on retirement of long-term obligations, net gain (loss) on interest rate swaps, impairment of available-for-sale securities, interest income, other income (expense), benefit (provision) for income taxes, cumulative effect of a change in accounting principle, income (loss) from discontinued operations and stock-based compensation expense (see note 9 to our condensed consolidated financial statements). The reconciliation of Adjusted EBITDA to our net income (loss) is set forth in note 9 to our condensed consolidated financial statements. Adjusted EBITDA is not intended as an alternative measure of operating results or cash flows from operations as determined in accordance with GAAP, and our definition of Adjusted EBITDA may not be comparable to similarly titled measures of other companies. Adjusted EBITDA is discussed further under "Item 2. MD&A—Accounting and Reporting Matters—Non-GAAP Financial Measures."
CCUSA—First Quarter 2015 and 2014
Net revenues for the first quarter of 2015 increased by $58.7 million, or 7%, from the same period in the prior year. This increase in net revenues resulted from an increase from the same period in the prior year in (1) site rental revenues of $16.6 million, or 2%, and (2) network services and other revenues of $42.1 million, or 33%.
The increase in site rental revenues was impacted by the following items, inclusive of straight-line accounting, in no particular order: new tenant additions across our entire portfolio, renewals or extensions of tenant leases, escalations, acquisitions, construction of wireless infrastructure, and non-renewals of tenant leases. Tenant additions were influenced by our customers' upgrading to LTE and their ongoing efforts to improve network quality and capacity. See "Item 2. MD&A—Business Fundamentals and Results."
Site rental gross margins for the first quarter of 2015 increased by $3.0 million, or 1%, from the same period in the prior year. The increase in the site rental gross margins was related to the previously mentioned 2% increase in site rental revenues.
Network services and other gross margin increased by $27.0 million, or 49%, from the same period in the prior year. The increase in our gross margin from our network services and other revenues is a reflection of (1) the volume of activity from carrier network enhancements such as LTE upgrades, (2) the volume and mix of network services and other work, and (3) the expansion in the size of our wireless infrastructure portfolio due to the T-Mobile Acquisition and the AT&T Acquisition. Our network services and other offerings are of a variable nature as these revenues are not under long-term contracts.
General and administrative expenses for the first quarter of 2015 increased by $15.4 million, or approximately 26%, from the same period in the prior year. General and administrative expenses were 8% of net revenues for the first quarter of 2015 and 7% of net revenues for the first quarter of 2014. General and administrative expenses are inclusive of stock-based compensation charges. The increase in general and administrative expenses in nominal dollars was related to (1) the expansion in the size of our wireless infrastructure portfolio primarily due to the AT&T Acquisition and small cell network activities and (2) growth in network services. Typically, our general and administrative expenses do not significantly increase as a result of new tenant additions on our existing wireless infrastructure.
Adjusted EBITDA for the first quarter of 2015 increased by $20.8 million, or 4%, from the same period in the prior year. Adjusted EBITDA was positively impacted by the growth in our site rental and network services activities.
Depreciation, amortization and accretion for the first quarter of 2015 increased by $6.6 million, or 3%, from the same period in the prior year. This increase predominately resulted from a corresponding increase in our gross property and equipment.

18


Interest expense and amortization of deferred financing costs decreased $12.0 million, or 8%, from the first quarter of 2014 to the first quarter of 2015 as a result of (1) an $8.7 million decrease in the amortization of interest rate swaps and (2) our refinancing activities. For a further discussion of our debt, see note 3 to our condensed consolidated financial statements and see note 7 to our consolidated financial statements in our 2014 Form 10-K.
For the first quarter of 2015 and 2014, the effective tax rate differed from the federal statutory rate predominately due to our REIT status including the dividends paid deduction.  See note 4 to our condensed consolidated financial statements and also note 10 to our consolidated financial statements in our 2014 Form 10-K.
Net income (loss) attributable to CCIC stockholders for the first quarter of 2015 was income of $114.8 million compared to income of $96.9 million for the first quarter of 2014. The increase in net income attributable to CCIC stockholders was primarily due to (1) an increase in our operating income and (2) the previously mentioned decrease in our interest expense and amortization of deferred financing costs.
CCAL—First Quarter 2015 and 2014
The increases and decreases between the first quarter of 2015 and the first quarter of 2014 were inclusive of exchange rate fluctuations. The average exchange rate of one Australian dollar expressed in U.S. dollars for the first quarter of 2015 was approximately 0.79, a decrease of 12% from approximately 0.90 for the same period in the prior year. See "Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk."
Net revenues increased by 19%, inclusive of the aforementioned decrease in exchange rates. Site rental revenues, site rental gross margins and Adjusted EBITDA increased from the first quarter of 2014 to the first quarter of 2015 by 12%, 20% and 35%, inclusive of the negative impact from the aforementioned change in exchange rates. This increase in site rental revenues exclusive of the negative exchange rates was driven by various other factors, inclusive of straight-line accounting, including in no particular order: tenant additions on our wireless infrastructure, renewals of tenant leases, acquisitions, escalations, and non-renewals of tenant leases. The change in site rental gross margin and Adjusted EBITDA was primarily due to the same factors that drove the changes in site rental revenues. Net income (loss) attributable to CCIC stockholders for the first quarter of 2015 was net income of $8.0 million, compared to net income of $4.6 million for the first quarter of 2014.

Liquidity and Capital Resources
Overview
General. Our core business generates revenues under long-term leases (see "Item 2. MD&A—General Overview—Overview") predominately from the largest U.S. wireless carriers. Our strategy is to create long-term stockholder value via a combination of (1) growing cash flows generated from our portfolio of wireless infrastructure, (2) returning a meaningful portion of our cash provided by operating activities to our stockholders in the form of dividends and (3) investing capital efficiently to grow long-term dividends per share. 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 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): purchasing our common stock, acquiring or constructing wireless infrastructure, acquiring land interests under towers, improving and structurally enhancing our existing wireless infrastructure, and purchasing, repaying, or redeeming our debt. Based on the growth in small cell activity, we expect to increase our capital spending on the construction of small cell networks from 2014 to 2015. We seek to fund our discretionary investments with both net cash provided by operating activities and, cash available from financing capacity, such as the use of our undrawn availability from the 2012 Revolver, debt financings and issuances of equity or equity related securities.
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 four to five times Adjusted EBITDA and interest coverage of approximately three times Adjusted EBITDA, 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. 
Effective January 1, 2014, we commenced operating 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 recent REIT conversion and our NOLs. See note 4 to our condensed consolidated financial statements and our 2014 Form 10-K.

19


Liquidity Position. The following is a summary of our capitalization and liquidity position. See "Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk" and note 3 to our condensed consolidated financial statements for additional information regarding our debt.
 
March 31, 2015
 
(In thousands of dollars)
Cash and cash equivalents(a)
$
240,153

Undrawn 2012 Revolver availability(b)
1,370,000

Total debt and other long-term obligations
12,070,091

Total equity
6,558,793

    
(a)
Exclusive of restricted cash.
(b)
Availability at any point in time is subject to certain restrictions based on the maintenance of financial covenants contained in the 2012 Credit Facility. See our 2014 Form 10-K.
Over the next 12 months:
We expect that our cash on hand, undrawn availability from our 2012 Revolver and net cash provided by operating activities (net of cash interest payments) should be sufficient to cover our expected (1) debt service obligations of $116.0 million (principal payments), (2) common stock dividend payments expected to be $3.28 per share, or an aggregate of approximately $1.1 billion during 2015, subject to future approval by our board of directors (see "Item 2. MD&A—Business Fundamentals and Results"), (3) Convertible Preferred Stock dividend payments of approximately $45 million, and (4) sustaining and discretionary capital expenditures (expect to be equal to or greater than current levels). As CCIC and CCOC are holding companies, this cash flow from operations is generated by our operating subsidiaries.
We have no scheduled contractual debt maturities other than principal payments on amortizing debt. We have $504.3 million of debt that has anticipated repayment dates during the year. Although these anticipated repayment dates are not contractual maturity dates, we expect to refinance this debt prior to the respective anticipated repayment dates. See note 11 regarding the pricing of $1.0 billion of 2015 Tower Revenue Notes in May 2015, a portion of the proceeds of which we expect to utilize to repay the August 2010 Tower Revenue Notes with an anticipated repayment date of August 2015. See "Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk" for a tabular presentation as of March 31, 2015 of our scheduled contractual debt maturities and a discussion of anticipated repayment dates.
Summary Cash Flow Information
 
Three Months Ended March 31,
 
2015
 
2014
 
Change
 
(In thousands of dollars)
Net cash provided by (used for):
 
 
 
 
 
Operating activities
$
460,794

 
$
362,283

 
$
98,511

Investing activities
(222,760
)
 
(204,219
)
 
(18,541
)
Financing activities
(172,241
)
 
(174,459
)
 
2,218

Effect of exchange rate changes on cash
(1,260
)
 
(6,462
)
 
5,202

Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
$
64,533

 
$
(22,857
)
 
$
87,390

Operating Activities
The increase in net cash provided by operating activities for the first three months of 2015 of $98.5 million, or 27%, from the first three months of 2014, was due primarily to (1) a net benefit from changes in working capital, and (2) growth in our network services. Changes in working capital (including changes in accounts receivable, deferred site rental receivables, deferred rental revenues, prepaid ground leases, restricted cash, and accrued interest) can have a significant impact on net cash provided by operating activities, largely due to the timing of prepayments and receipts. We expect to grow our net cash provided by operating activities in the future (exclusive of movements in working capital) if we realize expected growth in our core business.

20


Investing Activities
Capital Expenditures
 
Three Months Ended March 31,
 
2015
 
2014
 
Change
 
(In thousands of dollars)
Discretionary:
 
 
 
 
 
Purchases of land interests
$
23,817

 
$
20,396

 
$
3,421

Wireless infrastructure construction and improvements
163,995

 
111,116

 
52,879

Sustaining
16,941

 
11,431

 
5,510

Total
$
204,753

 
$
142,943

 
$
61,810

Our sustaining capital expenditures have historically been less than 2% of net revenues annually and are expected to be slightly higher in 2015 due to expansion of our office facilities. Our discretionary capital expenditures are made with respect to activities which we believe exhibit sufficient potential to enhance long-term stockholder value. We expect to continue to invest in capital expenditures (sustaining and discretionary) over the next 12 months at levels equal to or greater than current levels. Our decisions regarding 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.
Capital expenditures for wireless infrastructure construction and improvements increased from the first three months of 2014 to 2015 primarily as a result of improvements to towers to accommodate new tenant additions and small cell network builds. Capital expenditures for wireless infrastructure improvements typically vary based on (1) the type of work performed on the wireless infrastructure, with the installation of a new antenna typically requiring greater capital expenditures than a modification to an existing installation, (2) the existing capacity of the wireless structure prior to installation, or (3) changes in structural engineering regulations and our internal structural standards.
Acquisitions. See note 11 for a discussion of our definitive agreement to acquire Sunesys.
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) paying dividends on our common stock (currently expected to total an aggregate of approximately $1.1 billion during 2015), paying dividends on our Convertible Preferred Stock (expected to be approximately $45 million during 2015), purchasing our common stock, or purchasing, repaying, or redeeming our debt. See also note 11 for a discussion of the pricing of the 2015 Tower Revenue Notes.
Credit Facility. The proceeds of our 2012 Revolver may be used for general corporate purposes, which may include the financing of capital expenditures, acquisitions and purchases of our common stock. During January and February 2015, we increased the aggregate revolving commitment under the 2012 Revolver by $730 million to approximately $2.2 billion. As of May 4, 2015, there was $785.0 million outstanding and $1.4 billion in undrawn availability under our revolving credit facility. See also note 3 of our condensed consolidated financial statements.
Common Stock Activity. As of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, we had 333.8 million and 333.9 million common shares outstanding, respectively. See notes 8 and 11 to our condensed consolidated financial statements for further discussion of the common stock dividends.
Convertible Preferred Stock Activity. As of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, we had approximately 9.8 million shares of preferred stock outstanding. Unless converted earlier, each outstanding share of the Convertible Preferred Stock will automatically convert on November 1, 2016. Currently, each share of Convertible Preferred Stock will convert into between 1.1188 shares (based on the current maximum conversion price of $89.38) and 1.3984 shares (based on the current minimum conversion price of $71.51) of common stock, depending on the applicable market value of the common stock and subject to certain anti-dilution adjustments. At any time prior to November 1, 2016, holders of the Convertible Preferred Stock may elect to convert all or a portion of their shares into common stock at the minimum conversion rate of 1.1188, subject to certain anti-dilution adjustments. See note 8 to our condensed consolidated financial statements for further discussion of the Convertible Preferred Stock dividends declared and paid during 2015.

21


Debt Covenants
The credit agreement governing the 2012 Credit Facility 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 also 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 our 2014 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. The critical accounting policies and estimates for 2015 are not intended to be a comprehensive list of our accounting policies and estimates. In many cases, the accounting treatment of a particular transaction is specifically dictated by GAAP, with no need for management's judgment. In other cases, management is required to exercise judgment in the application of accounting principles with respect to particular transactions. Our critical accounting policies and estimates as of December 31, 2014 are described in "Item 7. MD&A" and in note 2 of our consolidated financial statements in our 2014 Form 10-K. The critical accounting policies and estimates for the first three months of 2015 have not changed from the critical accounting policies for the year ended December 31, 2014.
Accounting Pronouncements
Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements. No accounting pronouncements adopted during the three months ended March 31, 2015 had a material impact on our condensed consolidated financial statements.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements Not Yet Adopted. See note 2 to our condensed consolidated financial statements.
Non-GAAP Financial Measures
Our measurement of profit or loss currently used to evaluate the operating performance of our operating segments is earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, amortization, and accretion, as adjusted, or Adjusted EBITDA. Our definition of Adjusted EBITDA is set forth in "Item 2. MD&A—Results of Operations—Comparison of Operating Segments." Our measure of Adjusted EBITDA may not be comparable to similarly titled measures of other companies, including companies in the tower sector and other similar providers of wireless infrastructure, 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 or loss, net income or 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.
We believe Adjusted EBITDA is useful to an investor in evaluating our operating performance because:
it is the primary measure used by our management to evaluate the economic productivity of our operations, including the efficiency of our employees and the profitability associated with their performance, the realization of lease revenues under our long-term leases, our ability to obtain and maintain our tenants, and our ability to operate our wireless infrastructure effectively;
it is the primary measure of profit and loss used by management for purposes of making decisions about allocating resources to, and assessing the performance of, our operating segments;
it is similar to the measure of current financial performance generally used in our debt covenant calculations;
although specific definitions may vary, it is widely used in the tower sector and other similar providers of wireless infrastructure to measure operating performance without regard to items such as depreciation, amortization and accretion which can vary depending upon accounting methods and the book value of assets; and
we believe it helps investors 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 operating results.
Our management uses Adjusted EBITDA:

22


with respect to compliance with our debt covenants, which require us to maintain certain financial ratios including, or similar to, Adjusted EBITDA;
as the primary measure of profit and loss for purposes of making decisions about allocating resources to, and assessing the performance of, our operating segments;
as a performance goal in employee annual incentive compensation;
as a measurement of operating performance because it assists us in comparing our operating 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;
in presentations to our board of directors to enable it to have the same measurement of operating 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; and
in determining self-imposed limits on our debt levels, including the evaluation of our leverage ratio and interest coverage ratio.
There are 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 net income (loss).

ITEM 3.
QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
The following section updates "Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk" in our 2014 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 report.
Interest Rate Risk
Our interest rate risk relates primarily to the impact of interest rate movements on the following:
the potential refinancing of our existing debt ($12.1 billion outstanding at March 31, 2015 and $11.9 billion at December 31, 2014);
our $4.3 billion and $4.2 billion of floating rate debt at March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively; which represented approximately 36% and 35% of our total debt, as of March 31, 2015 and as of December 31, 2014, respectively; and
potential future borrowings of incremental debt.
Over the next 12 months, we have no debt maturities other than principal payments on amortizing debt. We have $504.3 million of debt that has anticipated repayment dates during 2015. While these anticipated repayment dates are not contractual maturity dates, we expect to refinance this debt prior to the respective anticipated repayment dates. We currently have no interest rate swaps hedging any refinancings.
See note 11 regarding the pricing of $1.0 billion of 2015 Tower Revenue Notes in May 2015, a portion of the proceeds of which we expect to utilize to repay the August 2010 Tower Revenue Notes with an anticipated repayment date of August 2015.
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 March 31, 2015, we had $4.3 billion of floating rate debt, which included $2.8 billion of debt with a LIBOR floor of 75 basis points per annum. 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 when giving effect to our LIBOR floor and would increase our interest expense by approximately $5 million exclusive of the impact of the LIBOR floor.

23


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 March 31, 2015. These debt maturities reflect contractual maturity dates and do not consider the impact of the principal payments that commence if the applicable debt is not repaid or refinanced on or prior to the anticipated repayment dates on the tower revenue notes and the WCP Securitized Notes (see footnote (c)). The information presented below regarding the variable rate debt is supplementary to our sensitivity analysis regarding the impact of changes in the LIBOR rates. See note 3 and 11 to our condensed consolidated financial statements for additional information regarding our debt and our 2014 Form 10-K.
 
Future Principal Payments and Interest Rates by the Debt Instruments' Contractual Year of Maturity
 
2015
 
2016
 
2017
 
2018
 
2019
 
Thereafter
 
Total
 
Fair Value(a)
 
(Dollars in thousands)
Debt:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Fixed rate(c)
$
49,202

 
$
62,798

 
$
559,758

(f) 
$
38,747

 
$
31,827

 
$
6,998,827

(c)(d) 
$
7,741,159

(c)(d) 
$
8,214,096

Average interest rate(b)(c)(d)
4.6
%
 
6.0
%
 
2.8
%
 
5.1
%
 
5.3
%
 
7.4
%
(c)(d) 
7.1
%
(c)(d) 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Variable rate
$
33,903

 
$
61,767

 
$
61,767

 
$
1,451,767

(g) 
$
565,642

 
$
2,155,300

 
$
4,330,146

 
$
4,318,445

Average interest rate(e)
2.7
%
 
2.9
%
 
3.4
%
 
3.7
%
 
4.2
%
 
4.5
%
 
4.1
%
 
 
________________
(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 average interest rate represents the weighted-average stated coupon rate (see footnotes (c) and (d)).
(c)
The impact of principal payments that will commence following the anticipated repayment dates is not considered. The January 2010 Tower Revenue Notes consist of two series of notes with principal amounts of $350.0 million and $1.3 billion, having anticipated repayment dates in 2017 and 2020, respectively. See note 3 to our condensed consolidated financial statements for a discussion of the 2014 Refinancings, which includes discussion on the April 2014 repayment of our January 2010 Tower Revenue Notes with an anticipated repayment date in 2015. The August 2010 Tower Revenue Notes consist of three series of notes with principal amounts of $250.0 million, $300.0 million and $1.0 billion, having anticipated repayment dates in 2015, 2017, and 2020, respectively. 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 of the issuers of the tower revenue notes. The tower revenue notes are presented based on their contractual maturity dates ranging from 2035 to 2040 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 2014 Excess Cash Flow of the issuers of the tower revenue notes was approximately $502.9 million. We currently expect to refinance these notes on or prior to the respective anticipated repayment dates. See note 11 regarding the pricing of $1.0 billion of 2015 Tower Revenue Notes in May 2015, a portion of the proceeds of which we expect to utilize to repay the August 2010 Tower Revenue Notes with an anticipated repayment date of August 2015.
(d)
If the WCP securitized notes with a current face value of $254.3 million are not repaid in full by their anticipated repayment dates in 2015, the applicable interest rate increases by an additional approximately 5% per annum. If the WCP securitized notes are not repaid in full by their rapid amortization date of 2017, monthly principal payments commence using the Excess Cash Flow of the issuers of the WCP securitized notes. The WCP securitized notes are presented based on their contractual maturity dates in 2040. The full year 2014 Excess Cash Flow of issuers of the WCP securitized notes was approximately $8 million. We currently expect to refinance these notes on or prior to the respective anticipated repayment dates.
(e)
The average variable interest rate is based on the currently observable forward rates. The 2012 Revolver and the Tranche A Term Loans bear interest at a per annum rate equal to LIBOR plus 1.5% to 2.25%, based on CCOC's total net leverage ratio. The Tranche B Term Loans bear interest at a per annum rate equal to LIBOR (with LIBOR subject to a floor of 75 basis points per annum) plus 2.25% to 2.5%, based on CCOC's total net leverage ratio.
(f)
Predominantly consists of $500 million in aggregate principal of 2.381% secured notes due 2017.
(g)
Predominantly consists of the 2012 Revolver and Tranche A Term Loans. See note 3 to our condensed consolidated financial statements.
Foreign Currency Risk
Foreign exchange markets have recently been volatile, and we expect foreign exchange markets to continue to be volatile over the near term. The vast majority of our foreign currency risk is related to the Australian dollar which is the functional currency of CCAL. CCAL represented 4% of our consolidated net revenues and 7% of our operating income for the three months ended March 31, 2015. See "Item 2. MD&A—Comparison of Operating Segments" for a discussion of the change in the Australian dollar to U.S. dollar exchange rate. We believe the risk related to our financial instruments (exclusive of inter-company financing deemed a long-term investment) denominated in Australian dollars should not be material to our financial condition. A hypothetical increase or decrease of 25% in the Australian dollar to U.S. dollar exchange rate would increase or decrease the fair value of our Australian dollar denominated financial instruments by approximately $6 million.


24


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 and Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of the Company's disclosure controls and procedures as of the end of the period covered by this report. Based on this evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that 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.
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 report that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company's internal control over financial reporting.


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PART II—OTHER INFORMATION

ITEM 1.
LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
See the disclosure in note 7 to our condensed consolidated financial statements set forth in Part I, Item 1 of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, which disclosure is hereby incorporated herein by reference.

ITEM 1A.
RISK FACTORS
There are no material changes to the risk factors discussed in "Item 1A—Risk Factors" in our 2014 Form 10-K.

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 first quarter of 2015:
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)
 
 
 
 
 
 
January 1 - January 31, 2015
 

 
$

 

 

February 1 - February 28, 2015
 
333

 
88.18

 

 

March 1, 2015 - March 31, 2015
 

 

 

 

Total
 
333

 
$
88.18

 

 

We paid $29.4 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.

ITEM 6.
EXHIBITS
The list of exhibits set forth in the accompanying Exhibit Index is incorporated by reference into this Item 6.


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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:
May 8, 2015
 
By:
/s/ Jay A. Brown
 
 
 
 
Jay A. Brown
 
 
 
 
Senior Vice President,
 
 
 
 
Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer
 
 
 
 
(Principal Financial Officer)
 
 
 
 
Date:
May 8, 2015
 
By:
/s/ Rob A. Fisher
 
 
 
 
Rob A. Fisher
 
 
 
 
Vice President and Controller
 
 
 
 
(Principal Accounting Officer)
 

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Exhibit Index

Exhibit No.
 
Description
 
 
 
 
(a)
3.1
 
Restated Certificate of Incorporation of Crown Castle International Corp. (including the Certificate of Designations of 4.50% Mandatory Convertible Preferred Stock, Series A, incorporated therein as Exhibit I)

 
 
 
 
(d)
3.2
 
Amended and Restated By-Laws of Crown Castle International Corp., dated February 12, 2015


 
 
 
 
(e)
4.1
 
Form of Indenture between Crown Castle International Corp. and The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A., as trustee
 
 
 
 
(b)
10.1
 
Incremental Facility Amendment No. 4 dated as of January 21, 2015, among Crown Castle International Corp., Crown Castle Operating Company, certain subsidiaries of Crown Castle Operating Company, the lenders party thereto and The Royal Bank of Scotland plc, as administrative agent, issuing bank and swingline lender, to the Credit Agreement dated as of January 31, 2012, among Crown Castle International Corp., Crown Castle Operating Company, the lenders and issuing banks from time to time party thereto, The Royal Bank of Scotland plc, as administrative agent, Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated, as syndication agent, and Morgan Stanley Senior Funding, Inc., as co-documentation agent
 
 
 
 
(c)
10.2
 
Incremental Facility Amendment No. 5 dated as of February 3, 2015, among Crown Castle International Corp., Crown Castle Operating Company, certain subsidiaries of Crown Castle Operating Company, the lenders party thereto, and The Royal Bank of Scotland plc, as administrative agent, to the Credit Agreement dated as of January 31, 2012, among Crown Castle International Corp., Crown Castle Operating Company, the lenders and issuing banks from time to time party thereto, The Royal Bank of Scotland plc, as administrative agent, Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated, as syndication agent, and Morgan Stanley Senior Funding, Inc., as co-documentation agent
 
 
 
 
(d)
10.3
 
Crown Castle International Corp. 2015 Executive Management Team Annual Incentive Plan
 
 
 
 
(d)
10.4
 
Summary of Non-Employee Director Compensation
 
 
 
 
*
10.5
 
Stock Purchase Agreement, dated as of April 29, 2015, by and among Quanta Services, Inc., Crown Castle International Corp. and CC SCN Fiber LLC
 
 
 
 
*
31.1
 
Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 302 of Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
 
 
 
 
*
31.2
 
Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 302 of Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
 
 
 
 
*
32.1
 
Certification of Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 906 of Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
 
 
 
 
*
101.INS
 
XBRL Instance Document
 
 
 
 
*
101.SCH
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document
 
 
 
 
*
101.DEF
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document
 
 
 
 
*
101.CAL
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document
 
 
 
 
*
101.LAB
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document
 
 
 
 
*
101.PRE
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document
________________
*
Filed herewith.
(a)
Incorporated by reference to the exhibit previously filed by the Registrant on Form 8-K (File No. 001-16441) on December 16, 2014.
(b)
Incorporated by reference to the exhibit previously filed by the Registrant on Form 8-K (File No. 001-16441) on January 22, 2015.
(c)
Incorporated by reference to the exhibit previously filed by the Registrant on Form 8-K (File No. 001-16441) on February 3, 2015.
(d)
Incorporated by reference to the exhibit previously filed by the Registrant on Form 8-K (File No. 001-16441) on February 19, 2015.
(e)
Incorporated by reference to the exhibit in the Registration Statement previously filed by the Registrant on Form S-3 (File No. 333-203074) on March 27, 2015.



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