10-QPeriod: Q3 FY2007

CROWN CASTLE INC. Quarterly Report for Q3 Ended Sep 30, 2007

Filed November 1, 2007For Securities:CCI

Summary

Crown Castle International Corp. (CCI) reported its third quarter 2007 financial results, significantly impacted by the completion of the Global Signal merger in January 2007. The merger led to a substantial increase in net revenues, driven primarily by the acquisition of Global Signal's tower portfolio. While revenues saw a significant year-over-year increase, the company reported a net loss for the quarter. This was largely due to substantial asset write-down charges related to the Modeo business and integration costs associated with the Global Signal merger, alongside increased interest expenses from higher debt levels. The company continues to focus on its core tower leasing business and managing its expanded asset base following the merger.

Key Highlights

  • 1Net revenues increased significantly by 75.1% to $351.7 million for the three months ended September 30, 2007, compared to the prior year, primarily due to the Global Signal merger.
  • 2The company reported a net loss of $67.0 million for the three months ended September 30, 2007, a worsening from a loss of $15.6 million in the same period of 2006.
  • 3Significant asset write-down charges of $59.3 million were recorded, largely related to the Modeo business.
  • 4Integration costs of $4.8 million were incurred for the Global Signal merger.
  • 5Interest expense and amortization of deferred financing costs increased significantly by 92.5% to $89.4 million due to higher debt levels resulting from the Global Signal merger and related financing.
  • 6Total debt increased substantially, reaching $5.99 billion as of September 30, 2007.
  • 7The company owned, leased, or managed 23,767 towers as of September 30, 2007, following the Global Signal acquisition.

Frequently Asked Questions

The primary driver of the substantial increase in net revenues was the acquisition of Global Signal, which significantly expanded Crown Castle's tower portfolio and related site rental income.

The company reported a net loss primarily due to significant asset write-down charges related to the Modeo business and integration costs associated with the Global Signal merger. Increased interest expenses from higher debt levels also contributed to the net loss.

The Global Signal merger led to a substantial increase in the company's debt. The company assumed approximately $1.8 billion in debt from Global Signal, and also incurred additional debt through new credit facilities and term loans to finance the acquisition and related activities. Total debt increased to $5.99 billion as of September 30, 2007.

The company has leased its US nationwide spectrum related to the Modeo business and transferred the subsidiary holding assets for its trial network. This resulted in significant asset write-down charges of $57.7 million for the Modeo assets, other than the spectrum, and restructuring charges related to employee terminations.