10-QPeriod: Q1 FY2010

CROWN CASTLE INC. Quarterly Report for Q1 Ended Mar 31, 2010

Filed May 10, 2010For Securities:CCI

Summary

Crown Castle Inc. (CCI) reported its first quarter 2010 financial results, revealing a net loss attributable to stockholders of $119.3 million, a significant shift from the net income of $10.6 million reported in the same period last year. This loss was primarily driven by substantial non-cash charges, including a $73.3 million loss on interest rate swaps and a $66.4 million loss related to the early extinguishment of debt. Despite the reported net loss, the company's core site rental business demonstrated resilience, with net revenues increasing by 11% year-over-year to $406.9 million, driven by continued demand from wireless carriers and an increase in tenant additions. The company's liquidity position remains robust, supported by significant financing activities in late 2009 and early 2010 that extended debt maturities. Management highlighted a strategic focus on long-term stockholder value through organic growth in site rental revenues and efficient capital allocation. While the economic environment presented uncertainties, the company anticipates continued growth in the wireless communications sector, which underpins demand for its tower infrastructure. Investors should note the impact of debt refinancing and interest rate hedging activities on the current period's earnings.

Financial Statements
Beta
Revenue$444.33M
SG&A Expenses$39.47M
Operating Expenses$313.95M
Operating Income$130.37M
Interest Expense$101.91M
Net Income-$119.28M
EPS (Basic)$-0.43
EPS (Diluted)$-0.43
Shares Outstanding (Basic)288.45M
Shares Outstanding (Diluted)288.45M

Key Highlights

  • 1Net loss attributable to CCIC stockholders of $119.3 million for the quarter, compared to a net income of $10.6 million in Q1 2009.
  • 2Site rental revenues increased by 11% year-over-year to $406.9 million, driven by new tenant additions and long-term contracts.
  • 3Operating income increased by 34% to $130.4 million, indicating strong operational performance before financing and other costs.
  • 4Significant debt refinancing activities occurred, including the issuance of $1.9 billion in 2010 Tower Revenue Notes.
  • 5The company incurred $73.3 million in losses from interest rate swaps not designated as hedging instruments.
  • 6A substantial loss of $66.4 million was recorded from debt purchases and redemptions.
  • 7Cash flow from operating activities was $84.3 million, a decrease from $118.1 million in the prior year period, largely due to changes in working capital.

Frequently Asked Questions

The primary driver of the net loss attributable to CCIC stockholders in Q1 2010 was the recognition of substantial non-cash charges, specifically a $73.3 million loss on interest rate swaps and a $66.4 million loss from debt purchases and redemptions. These items significantly outweighed the positive performance in the core site rental business.

The core site rental business continues to show strength. Net revenues increased by 11% year-over-year to $406.9 million, primarily due to new tenant additions on the company's towers and the recurring nature of long-term contracts. Site rental gross margins also saw a healthy increase, reflecting the high incremental margins associated with adding new tenants.

Crown Castle has been actively managing its debt and interest rate exposure. This included issuing $1.9 billion in 2010 Tower Revenue Notes to refinance existing debt and extend maturities. The company also utilizes interest rate swaps to manage interest rate risk, although some swaps, which no longer qualify for hedge accounting, resulted in significant losses recognized in earnings during this quarter.

Despite economic uncertainties, the company anticipates continued growth in the wireless communications industry, which is expected to drive demand for its tower infrastructure. Management expects site rental revenues to grow between 7% and 8% from 2009 to 2010, supported by increased consumer use of wireless data services and rising smartphone penetration.